New rider with GPS Mount, Seating, Lighting, & accessory questions?

[FROGMAN]

Just bought a 2024 Ryder RT Limited, but this is not my first ride - 2004 HD Road King (138K) and a 2021 BMW 1600 GTL (32K).

Now it's time to buy the required accessories; GPS and mount, battery tickler and outlet, heated clothing outlet, etc...

1. I've been a Garmin Zumo user since purchasing the Zumo 550 for the RK, so I bought the Zumo XT2. Now a mount, I prefer the center of the handlebar. I like the 12V Phone/GPS Docking Station w/ Dual USB Charger Ports. Besides a center mounting position, the 12V allows for battery tending and heated clothing outlet with a splitter cable. The USB's allows for power to my Go Pro and external power to a phone mount if I choose.





2. Saddle/seat, has anyone bought a custom seat? I have a Russell Day-Long saddle on my BMW, it's night and day difference in the long rides. Is there a need for a different saddle on 300-500 mile days? If not, which back rest do you have?

3. Lighting, I have Clearwater Lights-Darla's and Erica's on my BMW. Have any of you added lighting to your front or rear?



4. What other accessories have you added to the basic Spyder?

 

[CloverHillCrawler]

Just look at my signature and you will see a list of what I have added to mine.

 

[racoon]

I have a 2024 Spyder RT Sea to Sky, so very similar to your RT Limited.
Mine came with a driver's backrest and mounting hardware in a box. I don't know if the RTLs included that.

But, if you're looking to replace the seat then do that first to see what backrest options are available for the seat you choose.

As for GPS, I originally bought a Garmin Zumo XT GPS and mounted it to my handlebars with an Arkon mount.
But CAN-AM recently released a software update that enables Apple CarPlay, which includes GPS.
I've downloaded the update to my Spyder and it does work, although there are a couple of caveats.

It requires an Apple iPhone connected to the USB cable in the glove box in front of the handlebars, and to have an audio system in your helmet that is bluetooth paired to your Spyder.
I bought a Sena 3S Plus Boom Microphone Kit for my helmet because I liked that it's installed completely inside the helmet, but there are other bluetooth helmet headsets available.

Look at the following pages in your Operators Guide:

Page 34 - for the USB cable information
Page 50-51 - for the CarPlay information

When everything is connected correctly you'll be able to see this on your display:




And this is what it looked like when I asked it to take me to my local WalMart:




I downloaded a PDF copy of the Operators Guide, which makes it easier to find information about my Spyder:

https://operatorsguides.brp.com/


Welcome, and thank you for your service.

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: and :congrats: on your new ride. :yes:

 

[Deanna777]

:welcome:



:congrats:



Deanna

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

Let the Farkling begin ;-)>
For me the BRP rider backrest is a real back saver. Of course my back is wrecked.

 

[Peteoz]

I have that centre mount setup for power and XT and it works a treat, FROGMAN.

With regard to seats, you won’t know till you try the OEM, as some love it, and some, like me, couldn’t get more than 20 minutes of comfort out of it or the BRP “Comfort” seat. Some have switched to an Ultimate seat, but the same responses as above apply, as it is a “one-size-fits-all” seat. I have a Daylong for all day comfort. It’s the only way to guarantee comfort. I factor the cost into every new cycle I buy.

You should get some responses re additional lighting here, but you can also do a search as this is discussed fairly frequently. Just be careful in your choice of keywords. Probably a “Denali” search in “thread content” would be a good one, as they are mentioned in nearly every lighting thread.

My best add-ons have been Daylong seat (with backrest), Helibars handlebars for fully adjustable hand/shoulder comfort, Pedal Commander to improve throttle response and remove lag at take off (might not be an issue for you), stiffer swaybar for less sway while cornering (once again this is a personal thing - some like stock just fine), and aftermarket shocks (pretty much mandatory for me at 6’7” and 310 lbs:thumbup: )

Pete

 

[FROGMAN]

Regards to the seat, I have a Russel Day-Long on my BMW 1600. It's a game changer, but I will ride the RT for a while to determine if it's needed. I bought the Garmin XT2 for the GPS, Spyder's attempted at a GPS is a joke. The dual power mount is what I'm looking at, but with a mounting plate for the GPS. Looking at bags for the different compartments. I need to look into Clearwater running lights. I have two sets on the BMW along with taillights. Will look into the handlebar risers.

 

[EdMat]

:welcome:

For forward lighting, Lamonster has a nice set that mounts to the lower air deflectors on each side. Another version mounts to the front fender bracket and turn with steering input. Both will increase the forward lighting tremendously. You already have LED headlights that are not too bad so you have a good starting point.

 

[FROGMAN]

Looking for running lights, set of two LED lights. Seen some where they attach to front arms and turn with front tires.
Also looking for bags for the different compartments, not heavy duty, but simple bags.

 

[PDXRTL]

I have a Russell Day Long on my 2009 V-Strom and have long sung its praises. Total game changer for me on that bike.

A bit over 9600 miles on my 2024 RTL and I'm amazingly happy with the stock seat. Just had to add a Harley Davidson Air Circulator pad for when it is hot. Very happy I don't have to spend money on a custom seat (at least not yet).

There are some conversations about using that 12v outlet in the docking station for your intended purposes with concerns due to the fuse for the aux power if you connected it to that per the instructions. I connected a separate line for my heated gear.

For lighting, I added the low center aux light to the front and the rear brake light modulator, both from SlingMods.

 

[Dutchy]

:welcome: and :congrats:

 

[Chasdog]

I find the seat on the 23 RTL quite comfortable. I’m not a night rider so not very concerned with adding lights.

 

[FROGMAN]

.... <snip> .... There are some conversations about using that 12v outlet in the docking station for your intended purposes with concerns due to the fuse for the aux power if you connected it to that per the instructions. I connected a separate line for my heated gear. .... <snip> ....

Question - The 12V outlet or the bikes system may have issues using/feeding the Battery Tender or Heated clothing requirement? Where did you read this?

This is no different than Deanna777 using the Dual Power Plate (12 V & USB ports)?

 

[PDXRTL]

I think this is the thread I had in mind with regards to the heated gear.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...Connect-heated-gear-to-acc-outlets-on-2022-F3

I haven't found a thread referencing using the 12v outlet for connecting a battery tender. And I probably won't because I may have been remembering this one asking about using the USB port. Sorry I didn't double check my info before posting. Thank you for asking.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...a-Battery-Tender-Adapter-that-fits-a-USB-port