I came down from Nevada to buy my RT from Elk Grove Power Sports.Take a ride up to Elk Grove Power Sports and test Ryde all of the models, then make a decision. From what you have described that you like to do. It might be an RT, but they will all be a little different. EGPS is the best dealer in Northern California with a great service department and great honest sales staff. You can't g wrong. Tell them Larry and Annette sent you and ask for Allen in the sales department. They will fit you into the right motorcycle. Then come on out on a Ryde with the Spyder Ryders of America Sacramento Chapter (srasacramento.com) then register for the Nor-Cal Spyder Ralley. You will have a blast. https://sites.google.com/site/norcalspyderrally/
Well as you might expect there is no correct answer to your question. First, most people will tell you whichever Spyder they have is the best one. That's fine, we all bought the one that we liked best. It just depends on what your main purpose for the bike is. If you like taking trips, you want an RT. If you want to cruise around town with a sporty attitude, probably an F-3. If you want to feel the road beneath you and the wind in your face, probably an RS. They all have their place.
I've had an RS and now have an RT. For my personal preference I like the creature comforts and storage of an RT. Your going to have to take some test drives to see what suits you, and how much money you want to spend. I'm sure you'll find the right one in short order after that. Good luck, have fun.![]()
:welcome:
:shocked: We can't tell you what to buy...
But most of us will offer an opinion anyway!
It all comes down to comfort: what do you need, to make you and your Better-Half feel the best after a day in the saddle.
The RT is the mileage-gobbler" of the bunch. It offers the best two-up long distance comfort.
The RS is at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's the sportiest, but the seating position might be too aggressive for a long day in the saddle.
The ST is a compromise. It gives a more relaxed seating position in the sportier bike.
The F3 offers cruiser seating. It is the latest design, and sits you down into the bike much lower.
The vee-twin is a "revver"; let it climb up into the rev range that it likes, and it'll SING!
The triple is a "torque", and offers about a 20% increase in fuel economy...
Your choice... Happy Shopping!!![]()
I'm surprised there hasn't been more mention of the transmission option. I suppose you've been hand-clutching and foot-shifting for years now, but what about that problem you mentioned with your left knee?:welcome:...
Another choice you didn't mention is manual (SM) or semi-automatic (SE) transmissions...
If you have leg problems like some of us, get one that you can move your legs around. Floorboars with pegs are what I like. if I cant move to different positions, my hips start to cramp.
I'm surprised there hasn't been more mention of the transmission option. I suppose you've been hand-clutching and foot-shifting for years now, but what about that problem you mentioned with your left knee?
With the SE transmission choice, there is absolutely nothing for your left leg & foot to do. Plus your left hand never has to squeeze that clutch any more. Those two things are a huge relief for older joints & muscles & bones, especially the arthritic type like mine. :doorag: You'll get a callous on your thumb from the paddle-shifter, but that's OK. The upshifting under your control is still FUN, and you're relieved of ever downshifting, unless you just want to.
Then, for the right hand, there is also the *real* cruise-control that comes only on some upper models. For my right hand's achy bones, the cruise control is a must... I wouldn't be able to last an hour without it.
Just some more factors to consider here... :gaah:
I thought about the semi auto for a few moment but realized I have no issue with clutching (good repair i guess;-) and I really do enjoy the entire shifting thing.
What I like the most at this point is the F3-S. I still get the excellent ergo's and the 1330.
Pretty easy to add bags and foot rests id imagine.
I do have a question. Does it have cruise? couldn't seem to find that on the can am site.
Thanks for all the info, I'm getting close and looking forward to the norcal ride in sept.
Ive actually heard a few state that now. Also heard a few say the clutches will go away on the standard kind of quick.I have ridden two wheelers for over 50 years, I also thought changing gears manually was a "must have" and my first RT, a 2010 model, was a manual. I put over 25,000 miles on that one and traded for a 2014 RTS, I tried out the semi auto and found it to be awesome! You should at give it a good chance and try and get to know it a little. The shifting is fast, it is like speed shifting. I really like the fact that it downshifts automatically, It really is much more than I expected.
Stan
[/QUOTE]I am sorta local not far from you with just about all the replaced body parts as you
I may be of some help in the info dept. Give me a call. 209-887-3283
Dave
QUOTE=Ph2ocraft;1114889]I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al
Pros on a semi auto: No clutch to deal with, and no foot shifter. The semi-automatic transmission uses paddle shifting like the sport cars do, for quicker, smoother shifts. Simply apply pressure with your left thumb to shift up and use your fore finger to downshift. It will down downshift for you. The transmission does if for you.Well I went to a local gathering and rode a couple more Spyders today.
Im definitely drawn to the F3-S or the F3-T. I'm still undecided between the semi auto and standard clutch
Can anybody tell me the mechanical pros and cons?
Longevity
Type of issues
etc.
Thanks!!
Pros on a semi auto: No clutch to deal with, and no foot shifter. The semi-automatic transmission uses paddle shifting like the sport cars do, for quicker, smoother shifts. Simply apply pressure with your left thumb to shift up and use your fore finger to downshift. It will down downshift for you. The transmission does if for you.
Cons: You are not shifting all the time, ( up or down, reverse etc. in gears).
Deanna
There have been some failures of the gear position sensors on the SE6 and some hydraulic leaks on the SM6. Less problems or failures probably go with manual (SM), but it's close. The transmissions are the same with the SE needing a filter change at 28,000 miles.