PLEASE BRP! It's time for an RT refresh!

[donnellpj]

Has anyone heard anything about a refresh for the design of the RT? Anything at all?

In my opinion its time, if not way overdue at this point. 10 years without a significant redesign of the body is too long. I'm still ryding my 2014 (which has been rock solid) and I have no intention of trading in for what I perceive to be a down grade in feature set. That new Infotainment system is not a reasonable justification to purchase a new $30K machine. My wife has it on her 18' F3, and we both wish we could swap out for the old system. I'm beginning to feel a little neglected here. :banghead:

 

[CopperSpyder]

Been some small / big changes over the years. Wow you just have to think about it a little. the biggest change I think from 2014 to the 2018 would be the steering and com once all the updates are complete. Body style has not changed to much over 10 years but a little: fenders, fins in the front. BRP has changed the engine the frame, wheel size just to mention a few things. So as the song goes, getting better all the time OR don't worry be happy hyea:

 

[ARtraveler]

I was the proud owner of the first year 2010 RT. I had Premier Edition #474.

Also the owner of a 2011 and a 2014. 2014 was the big year for engines (1330/3) and gears (6 speed). There have been some small "teasers" but nothing to get me to go for another $25K to $30K machine. Both are paid for. Both have low 30K miles and still run good.

Don't count on BRP spending a lot for a re-hash of the design. I believe the F3 was their attempt. It would not surprise me to see the RT's discontinued in the near future.

They still have all the expenditures for the Ryker to cover. Happily, Ryker sales seem good at the moment.

The only problem I see for BRP is that if any major manufacturer (Honda, Yamaha, etc.) comes up with a viable three wheeler (2 in front), they will have a LOT of customers real quick. I have had three RT's and feel they are a bit "old in the tooth."

For me, at 73, I am running out of time to be willing to spend another $30K.

 

[CopperSpyder]

Has anyone heard anything about a refresh for the design of the RT? Anything at all?

In my opinion its time, if not way overdue at this point. 10 years without a significant redesign of the body is too long. I'm still ryding my 2014 (which has been rock solid) and I have no intention of trading in for what I perceive to be a down grade in feature set. That new Infotainment system is not a reasonable justification to purchase a new $30K machine. My wife has it on her 18' F3, and we both wish we could swap out for the old system. I'm beginning to feel a little neglected here. :banghead:

Let me be first to start a rumor "RTR" RT Rally with CVT (Shaft Drive) 22" Knobie tires that will sit full 6 inches higher than the RT Limited it will have the Rally mode from the Ryker. Coming to a dealer near you soon. (2020) :roflblack:

 

[JayBros]

I'm in your boat regarding no intention of trading my '14 RT-S that will break 50K tomorrow. I don't give a hoot about BRP not changing the design as it suits both my local and touring needs just fine.

 

[dpetrick]

Many touring bikes seem to evolve over the years. Thinking about the Honda Goldwing. When Honda did a change owners came down on both sides of loving and hating it. So b careful what you wish for.

 

[ARtraveler]

All good opinions so far. :bowdown:

 

[cptjam]

Honda did not redo the wing for 17 years!

 

[canamjhb]

Many touring bikes seem to evolve over the years. Thinking about the Honda Goldwing. When Honda did a change owners came down on both sides of loving and hating it. So b careful what you wish for.

I was one of those hating and loving changes. I owned goldwings. 1200, 1500, and 1800 CCs. Still own an 1800. Each move was a different bike. The new 1800s are not my cup of tea. But I have been known to adjust. Times and markets change..... Are there things I would like to see changed in the RT.....? You bet. But I think it fills a nitch for touring trikes that is otherwise void..... Jim

 

[ozarkryder]

I have a 28 year old Harley FLHS that most folks that aren't HD aficionados can't easily tell from a new Road King. Heck, at a quick look Harleys haven't changed much in half a century. Same with our GL1800 trike. Same basic style for 17 years, and 13 years for the 1500 before it. Touring machines in the motorcycle world seem to change evolutionary for long periods before a revolutionary change. For most folks not familiar with Spyders, (and that is most folks in general) most all Can Am trikes are interesting, new and different. Though repeat business is important, I would venture a guess that most of the Spyder sales are to those new to the brand, so a major redesign to look more up to date to long time owners is not a priority.

 

[johnsimion]

Trying to put a positive spin on it -- when they don't change much, it helps resale value.

There's little on my Spyder that "needs" to change. I can think of things I'd do differently but nothing really significant. It's a very enjoyable micro-sportscar "as is."

akspyderman said that if Yamaha, etc.) comes up with a viable three wheeler (2 in front), they'll have a lot of customers real quick. I would dispute that. The Yamaha Niken has two up front and has been on the market at least as long as the Ryker, but I've never seen one yet. I kind of doubt that ANY three-wheeler company is ever going to have a LOT of customers. Motorcycle sales in general are down and the attitude of youth is that if you're cool, you have a two-wheeler, and that three-wheelers are "uncool" and mainly for old fogies and people with disabilities. That's not true but that's the perception.

 

[PMK]

In the past, and not sure if this is currently true, the RT series was the greater quantity of Spyders sold each year. If true, it seems unlikely the RT will go away.

Can Am has made several variations of the RT besides color. The SS was one, the aniversary was another, going along with the three primary setups of RT base model, RTS, and RT Limited.

Not everyone enjoys the F3 style, ergonomics, or wants a cruiser. Time will tell if Can Am holds onto the RT platform.

 

[PMK]

Trying to put a positive spin on it -- when they don't change much, it helps resale value.

There's little on my Spyder that "needs" to change. I can think of things I'd do differently but nothing really significant. It's a very enjoyable micro-sportscar "as is."

akspyderman said that if Yamaha, etc.) comes up with a viable three wheeler (2 in front), they'll have a lot of customers real quick. I would dispute that. The Yamaha Niken has two up front and has been on the market at least as long as the Ryker, but I've never seen one yet. I kind of doubt that ANY three-wheeler company is ever going to have a LOT of customers. Motorcycle sales in general are down and the attitude of youth is that if you're cool, you have a two-wheeler, and that three-wheelers are "uncool" and mainly for old fogies and people with disabilities. That's not true but that's the perception.

The Yamaha is kind of neat, and no doubt an expensive lesson for all manufacturers on what the consumer and industry like. As Yamaha states, the Niken still must be supported similar to a two wheel motorcycle. That alone could deter riders from purchasing the bike.

 

[blacklightning]

Trying to put a positive spin on it -- when they don't change much, it helps resale value.

There's little on my Spyder that "needs" to change. I can think of things I'd do differently but nothing really significant. It's a very enjoyable micro-sportscar "as is."

akspyderman said that if Yamaha, etc.) comes up with a viable three wheeler (2 in front), they'll have a lot of customers real quick. I would dispute that. The Yamaha Niken has two up front and has been on the market at least as long as the Ryker, but I've never seen one yet. I kind of doubt that ANY three-wheeler company is ever going to have a LOT of customers. Motorcycle sales in general are down and the attitude of youth is that if you're cool, you have a two-wheeler, and that three-wheelers are "uncool" and mainly for old fogies and people with disabilities. That's not true but that's the perception.

I enjoy my spyder and am in no rush to see them make any changes. One of my favorite bikes is the Suzuki Boulevard M109 (I have owned 4 of them). They came out in 2006, and have only made one minor change in all that time. The same thing can be said for the hayabusa, gold wing, and so many other bikes.
As for as the yamaha niken is concerned, I think it is a mater of availability. We are not seeing any on the streets because they made a limited number, and have all of them presold already. They have even had very few to allow people to even sit on. Once they get production up, I think there will be more of them on the road. I do feel like it will not be taking the place of a spyder or a ryker (due to it's height and such), but there will be a place for it.

 

[SPYD3R]

still waiting on an 1800cc engine & fully-automatic tranny... until then, i'll hold onto my 2015 F3....
Dan P
SPYD3R

 

[robhowen]

I hear you as I get the itch from time to time. I have a 2015 RTL with over $8K in mods/improvements ranging from Elka shocks to Sheepskins to everything in between. I never intended to invest at this level; it just happened over time. What I've ended up with is an absolute treat to ride. I was riding yesterday and just smiled at how much I enjoyed the ride and the bike. I'll continue to get the itch, but I hope I just keep this, keep smiling, and see 100K and beyond on my ODO.

Rob

 

[Chupaca]

Remember the Beetle...?

They do make subtle changes which are loved and hated. I remember one ad for the VW bug that stated 64 changes for the year and you could spot maybe 4...:roflblack: they sold well for a really long time. We may be the larger part of the market but one needs to remember they sell all over the world. would be tough to re-tool and still keep the price within reach...:thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

Trying to put a positive spin on it -- when they don't change much, it helps resale value.

There's little on my Spyder that "needs" to change. I can think of things I'd do differently but nothing really significant. It's a very enjoyable micro-sportscar "as is."

akspyderman said that if Yamaha, etc.) comes up with a viable three wheeler (2 in front), they'll have a lot of customers real quick. I would dispute that. The Yamaha Niken has two up front and has been on the market at least as long as the Ryker, but I've never seen one yet. I kind of doubt that ANY three-wheeler company is ever going to have a LOT of customers. Motorcycle sales in general are down and the attitude of youth is that if you're cool, you have a two-wheeler, and that three-wheelers are "uncool" and mainly for old fogies and people with disabilities. That's not true but that's the perception.

Agree with what you say above. :bowdown: My reference to a viable three wheeler with two in the front...referred to a Gold Wing/HD type trike with all the ameneties. IMO...the Yamaha Niken is a joke. An attempt at an upline Piaggio....which is also not on my plate.

We have seen teasers of GW trikes (spyder style) some kit versions from trike builders, etc. Those are what I am referring to. So if Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, came up with a factory, touring, deluxe, trike (two in front)...that is what I am talking about.

So far, the kit presentations are just not there for me. The one with the coffin front is a good example. The other issue is "factory" versions. They would include warranties. Most brands, once triked, lose their warranties.

 

[ARtraveler]

They do make subtle changes which are loved and hated. I remember one ad for the VW bug that stated 64 changes for the year and you could spot maybe 4...:roflblack: they sold well for a really long time. We may be the larger part of the market but one needs to remember they sell all over the world. would be tough to re-tool and still keep the price within reach...:thumbup:

The beetle changes were very subtle. I bought a new 1968. The biggies, the front seats had built in headrests and were offered in "leatherette." A slightly bigger engine. I think that year was the first gas gauge too. Not bad for $1688.00

Now...back to the program.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

I'm very happy with our 2016 RT, and we were happy with our first Spyder, a 2010 RT. I wouldn't change much....having to remove a mirror to change the oil is a bit out of line...but whadaya gonna do?