New purchase questions on 2016 RT Limited

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Alignment

• • I have also read about the benefits of laser alignment. Has anyone bought new and still had this done at time of delivery? Do you think its necessary?

Absolutely necessary.

The Spyder handling is unbelievably sensitive to the alignment. I had my 2014 RTS laser aligned at Spyderfest. The next day I complained to Joe and Ann, Squared Away, that it was pulling to the right. Joe insisted the alignment was within the specs they use and suggested I swap the front tires to see if the problem wasn't related to the tires or wheels. This past week I finally had a chance to do that. Now it was pulling to the left. Joe and Ann were in Boise today so I had them check the alignment. Joe said it was off slightly from being dead on but within the limits they use. Had I brought the bike in without having had an alignment done by them, they would have said an adjustment was not needed. But because of the pulling issue he tweaked the alignment to bring it dead on. Guess what? The slight correction, within their normal tolerance range, made a noticeable difference. Very, very, little pulling and more sensitivity to road crowning. I think it corners better also.

Based on my experience today a laser alignment is an absolute must in order to get as near to perfection as possible with steering.

 

[Bfromla]

Hello all, I am new to this forum and well I think this week we will be purchasing a new 2016 Limited RT. It will be our first trike after 45 years of touring on 2 wheels. We love the many bike trips but want to try the trike experience and look forward to the benefits we think it brings for us (ability to pull off just about anywhere, easy on/off, more luggage space, can switch drivers if necessary, etc).

We went for a demo ride this past week and did not feel as comfortable on the trike as on the bike in terms of vehicle control, but I know that is just a matter of time so I am not worried about that. I do have some general questions though about some of the accessories we are looking at.
We are seriously considering going with as part of the out-the-door purchase:

• • Adjustable vented windshield – 25”
  • Adjustable side wind deflectors
  • Soft side side cargo bags
  • Semi rigid front travel bag (included with Limited)
  • Heated comfort seat
  • Tri-axis handlebars
  • Half size travel cover

If anyone can help with the following questions, I sure would appreciate any info. Also, if you have any comments on any of the above, any input is welcome,


Bluetooth

• • We already have Sena 20S sets on our helmets paired to a Sena SM10 on our current bike. Can I just move the SM10 to the RT and get the bluetooth for the audio instead of buying the dongle (which looks like a SM10) for the RT? Or – will I need some type of custom harness to plug the dongle into the RT that only comes with that BT option?

Handling

• • After riding touring and sport touring bikes for so long, I do expect an adjustment period to get used to the riding difference between 2 wheels and 3 wheels. However, since we mostly travel 2-up with luggage, I have read good things about changing out the sway bar to a Bajaron for better handling and less wander. Does anyone have any comments regarding this option and what they think of it? If you have that option, did the dealer install it for you?

Alignment

• • I have also read about the benefits of laser alignment. Has anyone bought new and still had this done at time of delivery? Do you think its necessary?

Again – thanks for any help. I have perused this forum for a few days already and have found a lot of great information.



Denno

Suggest you talk with Motorcycle Dave http://www.motorcycledave.com/ site sponsor about the Bluetooth he has all you need, fact you already have units, he knows what you need to complete transfer properly. :thumbup:
The others have filled you in on the Ron's sway-bar is :firstplace:
& for some reason :dontknow:most dont mention,
but if the spyder alinement is within spec, there is no charge
So new from dealer should be no problem but just to confirm they got it right. opcorn:
(Per info learned from Squared away at spyderfest) :congrats::clap: On your plans & :nopic:

 

[Denno]

Thanks you all for the great information and advice

Thanks again to all the great suggestions and info. I have altered my accessory list for the new RT Limited as a result of the feedback I received.

Instead of getting my original list of accessories at purchase from the dealer, I will cut that down to only the Tri-axis bars and the soft-side luggage for the side bags.
The heated comfort seat I will forego and I will wait and see how the stock seat works out. Maybe I will check out the "Ultimate" seat brand at one of the upcoming rallies - they look really nice.
Also, based on feedback, I will wait on the factory windshield up-size and most likely go with the F4 windshield (tall+wide with vent) rather than the factory option.

The baharon swaybar, bumpskid, belt gaurd, and foam grips I will get from one of the site sponsors and do a self install.
The bluetooth cable I will get from Dave Stephens (thank you Dave for your quick reply!) which will allow me to use my current SM10.

I also may look at the Rivco luggage rack and some type of holder for my thermos bottles - have to think on how I will do that yet.

If all goes well I should be able to complete the purchase of the spyder this week. I will post a message when I do.

Thanks again

 

[rwc]

comfort seat

I changed to comfort seat for leg room I am 6' 3". My wife is only 5" and she feels crowded with loss of the two inches. You will not be comfortable in the back seat at all if you change to comfort seat especially if you go with back rest. The seat gives the operator more room at the expense of the passenger and it is not more comfortable on long ride than the standard seat. The heat is okay on really cold days.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

Thanks again to all the great suggestions and info. I have altered my accessory list for the new RT Limited as a result of the feedback I received.

Instead of getting my original list of accessories at purchase from the dealer, I will cut that down to only the Tri-axis bars and the soft-side luggage for the side bags.
The heated comfort seat I will forego and I will wait and see how the stock seat works out. Maybe I will check out the "Ultimate" seat brand at one of the upcoming rallies - they look really nice.
Also, based on feedback, I will wait on the factory windshield up-size and most likely go with the F4 windshield (tall+wide with vent) rather than the factory option.

The baharon swaybar, bumpskid, belt gaurd, and foam grips I will get from one of the site sponsors and do a self install.
The bluetooth cable I will get from Dave Stephens (thank you Dave for your quick reply!) which will allow me to use my current SM10.

I also may look at the Rivco luggage rack and some type of holder for my thermos bottles - have to think on how I will do that yet.

If all goes well I should be able to complete the purchase of the spyder this week. I will post a message when I do.

Thanks again

Check with Spyderpops for most of these farkles .................. He includes Free Shipping

Cruzr Joe

 

[murphybrown]

My opinions for what it is worth!!!!

First I sent you a PM in regards to the Can-Am Soft side Bags...
now my opinion on other stuff...

Windshield: I went with vented after many miles and definitely liked especially on hot travel days
Side deflectors: Baker Bilt....had on both my RT's and found them super beneficial..
Soft Side Bags: A must have..definitely increased and organized stuff that I carry
Semi Rigid: Had one used once...took up to much room as I travel for weeks at a time...
Heated Seat: Saw no reason as if really cold 25-30' I wear my heated pants/jacket
Tri Axis: Made a huge difference...after about 50k added them and yep noticed an increase in comfort
Half travel cover: A must have....I used every night and like stated before I travel alot...about 20K annual...all kinds of weather. Can Am cover is very well made..worth the price

All of these are my opinions and I have personal use of all items you listed. Happy Shopping...:clap:

Hello all, I am new to this forum and well I think this week we will be purchasing a new 2016 Limited RT. It will be our first trike after 45 years of touring on 2 wheels. We love the many bike trips but want to try the trike experience and look forward to the benefits we think it brings for us (ability to pull off just about anywhere, easy on/off, more luggage space, can switch drivers if necessary, etc).

We went for a demo ride this past week and did not feel as comfortable on the trike as on the bike in terms of vehicle control, but I know that is just a matter of time so I am not worried about that. I do have some general questions though about some of the accessories we are looking at.
We are seriously considering going with as part of the out-the-door purchase:

• • Adjustable vented windshield – 25”
  • Adjustable side wind deflectors
  • Soft side side cargo bags
  • Semi rigid front travel bag (included with Limited)
  • Heated comfort seat
  • Tri-axis handlebars
  • Half size travel cover

If anyone can help with the following questions, I sure would appreciate any info. Also, if you have any comments on any of the above, any input is welcome,


Seating:

• • According to the description, this moves the driver back about 2 inches more than the stock seat. Has anyone switched from stock seat to this seat, and if so, why? Did you do so because of your height? I am 6 ft exactly and though the stock seat on the demo ride felt ok, I think I want to get the heated comfort option – but since we ride 2-up 90+ percent of time, I don't want to cheat my wife out of any room on her part of the seat. Any one have experience with long rides in this seat?
  • In terms of arm rests, I think we also want to go with that option also – any opinions on the best type – I see several out there but no strong opinions either way.

Handlebars:

• • I am planning this option also – as it won't be long and the wife will also want to drive. Plus I envision also just changing the position on long trips once in a while, just to alleviate any stiffness that may develop. Does anyone have this option – and if so, were you glad you got it? Did it interfere with the GPS at all? I see in the catalog they have a special mount for the tri-axis for the 590 GPS – but do not see one for the 660 that comes with the RT Limited.

Bluetooth

• • We already have Sena 20S sets on our helmets paired to a Sena SM10 on our current bike. Can I just move the SM10 to the RT and get the bluetooth for the audio instead of buying the dongle (which looks like a SM10) for the RT? Or – will I need some type of custom harness to plug the dongle into the RT that only comes with that BT option?

Handling

• • After riding touring and sport touring bikes for so long, I do expect an adjustment period to get used to the riding difference between 2 wheels and 3 wheels. However, since we mostly travel 2-up with luggage, I have read good things about changing out the sway bar to a Bajaron for better handling and less wander. Does anyone have any comments regarding this option and what they think of it? If you have that option, did the dealer install it for you?

Alignment

• • I have also read about the benefits of laser alignment. Has anyone bought new and still had this done at time of delivery? Do you think its necessary?

Again – thanks for any help. I have perused this forum for a few days already and have found a lot of great information.



Denno

 

[murphybrown]

The absolute most stable trike out there.

Just some food for thought here. I own a 2014 RTS SE6 and I have had the unit back to the dealership now for 7 1/2 weeks now for a bad head gasket. Between BRP lag in getting parts shipped, the dealership being busy and will get to it as soon as they can, you might want to consider another trike. If your going to be travelling long distance, and the fact that spyder dealerships can be a few hundred miles away , and the fact that some have poor customer service as other post have mentioned you need to atleast think about extended down time for repairs when travelling. Don't get me wrong, I love my spyder, but not having it for two months while being repaired, and the thought of this happening on a cross country trip has me seriously rethinking if a spyder is the right choice for me. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

I was at almost 120k miles on my two RT's...all over Canada and US including a month in Alaska. Had a couple major issues while on road, but always able to find a dealer that jumped right on getting me back on the road. Fortunately my road side assistance (again check what you have all roadsides are definitely not created equal)..hauled me to my dealer of choice.. I have never, ever had "extended down time" while traveling. Becuase I am sooo not mechanical I also always purchase the extended warranty. Fortunately never used...sooooo many Spyders are sold and I am sorry that you have a dealer that doesn't make you and your spyder a priority. But all I can say is I encourage everyone to own a Spyder and be willing to change dealers if you are not getting service in a reasonable amount of time. :yikes:

 

[Jucenbrulie]

Seating

We had a 2012 RT Limited. After 2 years I ordered the comfort seat (non heated) with backrest. It did not provide enough room for my wife with the back rest installed. Riding by myself it was fine. But riding 2 up did not work----had to ride without driver backrest.