My first 600 miles on a 2014 RS-S

[trekguy]

I'm taking my matte yellow RS-S in for its first service in a few days and would like to express my thoughts on the Can-Am Spyder.

The bike seems to have more vibration than I had thought it should. Sometimes through the handlebars, sometimes through the foot pegs, sometimes through the seat. I don't think its defective or anyhing like that, just natural to the Rotax engine. Perhaps its still too new and not fully "broken in".

The sequential transmission is awesome! The shifts are dual clutch automatic quick, and I like that a lot. Plus the sound it makes when shifting reminds me of an exotic sportscar.

Seat comfort is great. Ride absorbent. I can see myself taking this bike on some long overnight trips next year.

Power seems good, but I have not exceeded 5500 rpm yet. I can't say it feels overwhelmingly quick; too heavy for 100 hp?

Fuel economy is fair at best. And filling up the tank is a chore; after the pump clicks off automatically, there are still 2 bars on the fuel gauge not filled. And its difficult to peek inside the small tank opening to see just how full it really is. I hate to have gas spilling on the delicate paint finish.

Not happy with the frequent service intervals, and I'm sure they will be Mercedes-Benz priced.

Thanks for hearing me out, and I wish it were spring here in NE Ohio rather than fall.

 

[ARtraveler]

Thanks for posting your impressions on your RSS.

RE: Vibration--I noticed this on both my GS and RS versions. Installed the handlebar weights and problem was solved. Not sure if they are still offering the weights on the 2014. Grip Puppies or similar will also help with the vibration.

RE: Gas fill--Once the automatic shuts off, I would coax a little more in. I usually fill to just below the ring at the top of the tank opening. Overfilling is not recommended as you can get gas in your evap canister. Once you get near the ring, and shut off, the gas will go down about a half inch. This should give you a full indication on the gas gauge. Most of the time, I can drive about 50 miles before the first bar disappears. Not an indication of good mpg, just the way the gas gauge works. The bars will disappear faster after the first. Just like on a car gas gauge. Seems to take forever the first half tank, then the gauge goes fast.

RE: Cost of maintenance. This will vary from dealer to dealer. Expect ball park $250 - $300 for an oil change service. Recommend avoiding the valve check service at 14K miles. Cost $600 - $800 extra. In most cases no adjustment needed. See other threads about valve checks for more complete information.

RE: Mileage. This should improve to about 31 mpg once your machine is broken in (5000 miles or so). The Rotax likes high revs and in most cases, the mileage will improve if you drive it that way. Recommended shift points are 4500 - 5500 rpms. Keep the machine in the 5000 + rpms numbers at all times. You will find you drive through town in 2nd or 3rd and will not use 5th until you are at 60 mph or above. Takes a bit of getting used to--but your RSS will like you much better.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Learn how to do your own oil changes and you will save a lot. Oil change intervals after the 600 mile service are 4,600 miles. Keep your RPMs around 5,000 and the engine will be smoother. The 998 is NOT known for fuel economy, last time I checked I got 29mpg on my RT. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Chupaca]

Great..!!

your doing great...belt adjustment should be done (at service) and clear up some of the vibrations. First service, I feel, should be done at the dealer after that you can do most of it yourself. Oil change kits are available online and the task is quite painless. Mileage improves as does oil consumption. I average 33 mpg but overall you are enjoying it...:2thumbs: