Looking into the future of the RT

[Mr. White]

I would like to see an external XM radio antenna. My antenna, installed by my dealer, is somewhat directional and cuts out at times. I have a factory installation in my truck with an external antenna and it never cuts out. It could be mounted on top of the trunk lid vs. inside the lid.

:spyder2:

 

[prmurat]

I'd like a bigger engine ( old or new Vmax ), maybe leaning, more power, bigger gas tank, more readable dashboard, more power, 1/4 turn throttle, more power and if I really want dream.... Front wheel drive or better AWD! And: more power!
By the way who is making this smaller windshield shown earlier ?
Philippe

 

[cyclekat]

This thread ROCKS!! I am so happy I found these Spyder forums because reading everyone's posts has been way more informative than reading the manual; just like "real life experience" counts for more in the end than "book smarts". Thank you, everyone!! :2thumbs:

 

[IWN2RYD]

I may be off my rocker. But I would like to suggest a few changes to the RS models, or at least the RS-S model...

1. An axillary 12v fuse panel under the front cover (Right under the Headlights and Frunk lid). This way we can tap in without causing VSS or what have you issues. Even if they will only have 15amps per fuse max (Corrected)... At least we can plug in our aftermarket toys/jackets/gloves/etc.
2. A bit larger or redesigned E-Brake pedal. I literally have to stand up on the bike to engage the E-Brake. I have size 12 boots, and gear on (Winter time) and I fumble around or cannot get enough boot on it to engage/disengage it effectively and consistently in the seated position.
3. The top most Tupperware that goes from the seat to underneath the handlebars... either has to much flexibility or something else does. Because I am consistently having to work the tabs in the center top sides off my beautiful paint job, and back behind the two side panels where it belongs... I cannot get but 20 miles down the road and the tabs (One on each side) have worked their way back to the outside and on my paint :gaah:.
4. Color LCD screen and selectable option of what I want to have on it (oil/voltage/miles/trip/etc... I mean... Do I need to go any father on this one? Really?
5. Shocks need a bit of re-valving or the Anti-Sway bar needs to be stronger. I love the comfortable straight-line bump absorbing setup, but hate the "Rolling" in turns of any distance. Then once we crank up the spring rate... the straight-line comfort goes away. This bike is a lot more fun when it "feels" like it is cutting into a turn than it does feeling like it wants to roll out of it. Yes countless aftermarket items are available. I am just saying it would be a good idea to look into it like you did the RT. In fact... Just put the 2010 RT shocks under the RS-S's and we can call it good :clap::yes::bowdown:.

And now for some off the wall thoughts with no merit, just like to see...

1. The Nose design is long on the tooth... Time for a change.
2. HID's should be standard...
3. More handlebar position options that include mounting points for toys.
4. RS-S should include Frunk liner, Radio, and Hand Warmers like the RT-S does.
5. New sexy colors like you have the past two years are fantastic :2thumbs:... How about Candy Apple Red, or Black Cherry, or even Gold flaked Metallic Brown? :firstplace:

Anyway.. just wanted to get that out of my head as it has been bouncing around for a while now... :roflblack:

 

[IWN2RYD]

For the RT I do have a few ideas now as well...

• Adjustable front pegs (Adjustable similar to the passenger type adjustment).
• Better Hot Air management from the Radiator.
• Better Exhaust Donuts (Gaskets)
• The left side trunk to have the same depth as the Right so a full sized full face helmet (Small to XL) will fit like it does on the right side
• LED Lighting with an on off switch for the trunk
• A rear Rack option mounted on the trunk.
• Stronger duty Sway Bar.
• Fuse block/panel pre-wired and mounted up front under the little black plastic cover under the front lid, for accessories

Very pleased with our RT-S.. Just some thoughts on a few inexpensive potential improvements... hyea::thumbup::doorag::spyder2:

 

[Tonga]

Options

Wow. there are lots of great ideas out there!! I went from a GS to a RT and love my RT but would only think of trading it for a Spyder that is different then mine, meaning a better Engine and some form of adjustable front end to help keep it up in the turns. My Elkas are a Godsend !!!!! They have transformed my RT into a much better ride !!. I know they have improved the 2011 shocks but they are no match for the Elkas. Did I say a BIGGER multi cylinder ENGINE ?? !!!! Well just incase I didn't.

 

[JoeSpyder]

Squealing brakes!!!!

AUX Input Jack in the front dash area.

Fuel Economy is much less than it should be. My brother's '08 Goldwing with CSC Trike kit gets about 10 mpg better than my RT.

Intercom as Standard Equipment. The installation requirements for these is beyond belief. A harness should already be in place to add the CB & XM without having to pull the rear saddlebag & trunk assembly off.

AND BRAKES THAT DON'T SQUEAL! I hate sounding like a junk truck when I step on the brakes.

Plus everything Lamont said already...

You know when I bought my Outlander 400 XT ATV from Bombardier the brakes started squealing the very first day on the trail. I trailered it all the way back to dealer and they told me all Bombs squealed on and off, nothing could be done. Well, I changed to a different brake material that Bombardier does not offer and the noise stopped. Four years later here we are dealing with Can-am and they STILL have done nothing about it....that is shameful because they know they have this problem with their brakes, it is not anything new to them.
They also knew about the heat on the legs and feet back then also. :dontknow:
Joe

 

[NancysToy]

Add one more to my list...faster response rate for the cruise control. It varies far too much on anything but dead level ground.

 

[t64507]

ive only had my bike 5 weeks and love it
but had trouble when i 1st got it with the foot pedal shaking
i could fill it all the way up after the sevice at 600 miles its gone
and im getting 6 more mpg
what id like to see is the bike have better lights and be set up at the start like it is after the sevice:2thumbs:

 

[jgwoods]

Add E-brake beep when engaging first or reverse

Make it so when you put the bike in first or reverse with the e brake engaged it beeps, just like it beeps when you shut it off without engaging it. I think all of the necessary elements are there- beeper, gear indicator, engine on/off power to the beeper, so all they have to do is wire it to beep if you try to drive off with the brake on.

 

[SpyderBen]

Oil change designed to allow owner easier access.

Hi Lamont,

It would be nice if it were easier to change the oil and filter by the owner. Instead of having to remove panels.

SpyderBen

 

[murlaw703]

Great review Lamont and others.

• I would like to see a standard bluetooth option for all audio components. The GPS just doesn't cut it. Without a bluetooth system, you might as well just use a smartphone for everything. There are apps out there that do a lot more than what $2K plus in audio equipment does. It is the 21st Century.
• I would improve the mounting brackets on the windshield so it doesn't rattle so much
• Put an outlet on the side by seat for a Battery Tender Jr. or the like to keep you battery fresh without having to leave your seat up. But, make sure the yike won't start if the tender is connected...tends to fry the electronics.
• With all the customizations being done with colored lights, make the dash and handlebar lights adjustable for color.
• AGREE VERY MUCH WITH HID LIGHTS for safety !
• Instead of moving the front pegs forward, make them adjustable. I am disabled and it currently works fine with my short legs. Or floorboard would be nice.
• Second the motion on heel-toe shifter. I added one and it makes a huge difference, especially when driving in traffic.
• Did I mention bluetooth ?

 

[Lamonster]

Just an update to this post. I have thousands of miles on the RS and now the RT and I pretty much feel the same as I did on the original post. I think a cruiser style Spyder would be a big hit and I would be first in line for something like that. I really hope BRP takes a long hard look at doing this. I know it's not for everyone but I think it will target a huge crowd that their not reaching now. :doorag:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: A cruiser?? How could they package that?

 

[Marker]

Just an update to this post. I have thousands of miles on the RS and now the RT and I pretty much feel the same as I did on the original post. I think a cruiser style Spyder would be a big hit and I would be first in line for something like that. I really hope BRP takes a long hard look at doing this. I know it's not for everyone but I think it will target a huge crowd that their not reaching now. :doorag:

:agree: A cruiser style spyder would be awesome!!

 

[Bob Denman]

Well it might help our image with the public...

 

[FrankPa]

Captain America & Billy !!

Don't Bogart that Spyder, my Friend...

 

[dslim]

I would like to see better headlights, horn and reliability. Also can they come up with a way to disable that silly startup screen? I hate watching my friends all ride away after stopping to look at a map, and I'm still waiting to start my bike.

 

[cearley]

1)I would like to have an adjustable lumbar pad like the one I had on my Burgman 650 adjustable from under the seat. Slid back and forth about 2-1/2 to 3 inches.

2) Maybe an air bladder adjustable seat cushion that could be adjusted on the fly.

3) Standard power port in the frunk.

4) standard highway foot pegs from the factory, strong enough to support shifting weight in the seat. Not the flimsy plastic mounted kind you can only gently lay your feet on.

5) redesigned directional switch similar to one on Suzuki bikes. Very positive off action with a light touch.

6) larger gas tank Minimum of 7.5 Gal.

7) Total redesign of radiator heat flow away from rider, better yet adjustable to redirect the heat back to rider for winter riding.

8) Factory driver backrest option.

Misc. Options--- Air conditioning, Ice maker and Drink dispenser , Kitchen sink, Expresso maker, Wide screen TV

 

[TimmieTheGeek]

The Spyder RT is a beautiful bike and some of the subtleties really amaze me. But you have compiled a great list of improvements and we would all like to see some changes in these areas. Hopefully BRP is monitoring this forum and taking notes. I intend to be a Spyder customer for the rest of my riding life.

Thanks for all you do for this site and the Spyder. I look forward to meeting you someday. Your mods are great.