Possibly selling my RS-S, and buying an ST or RT in November, and my thoughts ...

[Greg H.]

Hi everyone!
Having first owned a 2008 GS since Sept. 2008, and now a 2011 RS-S since May 2011, I have logged over 61,000 miles. I am planning on selling or trading my RS-S in November, and buying either one of the STs or RT-S. I am even thinking about going with the SE5 transmission this next time.

A few weeks ago, I rode a new ST-S for the first time w/SE5 tranny. It was interesting. Funny thing, though, it felt skittish to me. I know they have a new suspension, larger tires, and the different seating position. I’m sure I could get used to it. But; it felt somewhat uncertain tracking. Does that make sense?

Anyway; when I brought it back to the dealer, and got back on my RS-S, I felt like I was on a sport bike! Lol! I guess, I’m just so used to what I have that anything might feel a bit strange, I suppose. I don’t know.

I am considering an RT-S (or Limited). Main reason: added comfort for the wife, and extra storage. She loves to ride about as much as I do. And, we have been to the east coast, Asheville, Branson, and other places. She’s says she’s fine now. But; she has sat on the RT, and likes the added comfort. She tells me to get what I want most, however. So; the RT is for the first time, under some consideration. I need to ride one. I have a feeling it won’t satisfy me in the acceleration or handling department the way my RS-S does. But; we’ll see. Maybe; it will be quick enough to make me grin.

Another thing I was thinking about was going with an ST model, and getting the Comfort Seat. Has anyone here purchased that seat? And, how is it?
Lots to think about in the upcoming months. I’ll get over to the dealer, and do some more test riding, too.

Thanks!!

 

[Firefly]

If I were you, I would seek out a deal on a 2012 RT..... plenty of new ones available and dealers making deals. That way you get a 3rd year model that has most of the kinks worked out instead of a 2013-- which has been redesigned so much I would consider it a first year model... and first year models are prone to new problems.

So a 2012 is a win-win in my opinion... saves you a ton of money... and gives you the security of it being on the market for 3 years.

Just my .02

 

[bullant12]

Greg, you know we've met before (at Whiteville over the Amish Market). I recently got an RT-S 2013 so if you are in the Memphis area give me a holler and you can check mine. As many of the 2 uppers have tried the passanger seat on the RT say: "It feels like a Cadillac!"

 

[Some Guy]

If I were you, I would seek out a deal on a 2012 RT..... plenty of new ones available and dealers making deals. That way you get a 3rd year model that has most of the kinks worked out instead of a 2013-- which has been redesigned so much I would consider it a first year model... and first year models are prone to new problems.

So a 2012 is a win-win in my opinion... saves you a ton of money... and gives you the security of it being on the market for 3 years.

Just my .02

:agree: Seems like I know some guy who just did that....

 

[ARtraveler]

For two up riding I also recommend the RT. I started with a 2008 just like you did. I traded at 23,000 miles when the first RT-S became available. It was like going from sport bike to Caddy. There are others who have differing opinions though. Your idea to test ride is a good one--that way you will be able to determine what you like best.

RE: Comfort seat--I replaced the OEM with the comfort seat on our 2011 :spyder2:. It is a large improvement over the OEM. I have put Comfort seats on two of my :ani29:'s with the same results. I have a Corbin on the 2010--but that is another story, another thread. :roflblack:

 

[wis2013rtltd]

If your thinking RT Ltd. ride both the

12' and 13' there is in my opinion a notable difference. My .02

 

[Greg H.]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!
I spoke with my dealer yesterday, and they are excited to assist me with my next trade/purchase. I do imagine, I'll be trading, rather than selling - more pain-free. We discussed options, and we both pretty much came to the same conclusion; that I am probably more suited to an ST rather than an RT. But; until I ride an RT once or twice, I'm not making any decision. I also want to spend a bit more time with an ST.
My Wife and I talked more last night on this, as well. She doesn't think she's quite ready for the full luxury of an RT, either. That did kind of surprise me. Having ridden over 1,800 miles in 8 days on both the '08 GS, & the '11 RS-S, we have been fine. Storage can be a bit tight. But; we have always shipped a box ahead with extra clothes. So; it's worked. On trips where we are out 1 or 2 nights, the Givi cases have been enough.
Plus; with the ST, a trailer is an option for the long hauls, too!
Shopping is always fun! We'll see where this leads. Coming home from work yesterday, riding 28+ miles each way, gives me a lot of time to think, and roll the throttle.
Hitting 4,500 rpm, and getting that surge of acceleration with my RS-S, I think I would miss with an RT. But; I might be wrong.
The Wife and I are going to the dealer soon, and take out both the ST & RT. That will certainly be a good test. As far as her having her own Spyder, she isn't interested. She just wants to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Erick has also offered to let me check out his RT. Hopefully; in the next couple of weeks or so, we can hook up.

 

[bullant12]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!
I spoke with my dealer yesterday, and they are excited to assist me with my next trade/purchase. I do imagine, I'll be trading, rather than selling - more pain-free. We discussed options, and we both pretty much came to the same conclusion; that I am probably more suited to an ST rather than an RT. But; until I ride an RT once or twice, I'm not making any decision. I also want to spend a bit more time with an ST.
My Wife and I talked more last night on this, as well. She doesn't think she's quite ready for the full luxury of an RT, either. That did kind of surprise me. Having ridden over 1,800 miles in 8 days on both the '08 GS, & the '11 RS-S, we have been fine. Storage can be a bit tight. But; we have always shipped a box ahead with extra clothes. So; it's worked. On trips where we are out 1 or 2 nights, the Givi cases have been enough.
Plus; with the ST, a trailer is an option for the long hauls, too!
Shopping is always fun! We'll see where this leads. Coming home from work yesterday, riding 28+ miles each way, gives me a lot of time to think, and roll the throttle.
Hitting 4,500 rpm, and getting that surge of acceleration with my RS-S, I think I would miss with an RT. But; I might be wrong.
The Wife and I are going to the dealer soon, and take out both the ST & RT. That will certainly be a good test. As far as her having her own Spyder, she isn't interested. She just wants to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Erick has also offered to let me check out his RT. Hopefully; in the next couple of weeks or so, we can hook up.

Good luck! And I am only down the road from ya!

 

[Sarge707]

You can Rev the RT out to 8,000 RPM in 2 Gears and be over 70 MPH in a hurry Toooo!! Try It!!!nojoke

 

[Dekky]

Agree with your assessment

Hi everyone!
Having first owned a 2008 GS since Sept. 2008, and now a 2011 RS-S since May 2011, I have logged over 61,000 miles. I am planning on selling or trading my RS-S in November, and buying either one of the STs or RT-S. I am even thinking about going with the SE5 transmission this next time.

A few weeks ago, I rode a new ST-S for the first time w/SE5 tranny. It was interesting. Funny thing, though, it felt skittish to me. I know they have a new suspension, larger tires, and the different seating position. I’m sure I could get used to it. But; it felt somewhat uncertain tracking. Does that make sense?

Anyway; when I brought it back to the dealer, and got back on my RS-S, I felt like I was on a sport bike! Lol! I guess, I’m just so used to what I have that anything might feel a bit strange, I suppose. I don’t know.

I am considering an RT-S (or Limited). Main reason: added comfort for the wife, and extra storage. She loves to ride about as much as I do. And, we have been to the east coast, Asheville, Branson, and other places. She’s says she’s fine now. But; she has sat on the RT, and likes the added comfort. She tells me to get what I want most, however. So; the RT is for the first time, under some consideration. I need to ride one. I have a feeling it won’t satisfy me in the acceleration or handling department the way my RS-S does. But; we’ll see. Maybe; it will be quick enough to make me grin.

Another thing I was thinking about was going with an ST model, and getting the Comfort Seat. Has anyone here purchased that seat? And, how is it?
Lots to think about in the upcoming months. I’ll get over to the dealer, and do some more test riding, too.

Thanks!!

Having had the chance to ride the '12 and the '13 RT, we went with the '12 because of the handling difference. The price deal didn't hurt either:shocked:

 

[bullant12]

Having had the chance to ride the '12 and the '13 RT, we went with the '12 because of the handling difference. The price deal didn't hurt either:shocked:

As I stated in your thread, apperantly the dealer did not read the Service Bullentin on the 2013's in stock (replace ball joints and align if necessary) because after owning a 2010 RT for 2.5 years, I LOVE MY 2013 RT:yes:

 

[jerpinoy]

Love my 2012 RT SE5 like others do. Happy spyding, side safe and God Bless us all.

 

[Saluda]

Love our STS

Until the Spyder, we never bought anything "first year". Our first one was a first year. No dissapointments, no issues.
Love the ride on our new Spyder, throttle took more getting used to than anything.
Saving the money on a left over is a valid point.

 

[ARtraveler]

Until the Spyder, we never bought anything "first year". Our first one was a first year. No dissapointments, no issues.
Love the ride on our new Spyder, throttle took more getting used to than anything.
Saving the money on a left over is a valid point.

Similar results here. 2008 SM5 and 2010 RT-S premier edition. No disappointments no issues.
Also did the leftover thing. New 2011 RT in July 2012. Still happy--no buyers remorse. Saving a couple grand did not hurt either.

 

[Greg H.]

Hi All!
I went to the dealer today, and rode a pre-owned (2011, I think) RT-S w/SE5. It was nice! And, I think, I can be happy with the power, as well. Anyway; leaning more toward a '13 RT-S now. But, I haven't taken the wife out on one yet.
I did a little highway, and some backroad riding.

A couple of things re; the test ride today. Of course; it would have been nice if they had a 2013 model to ride. But; they didn’t. They also did have an RT-S w/SM5. I need to ride that, as well. I certainly don’t have to have the SE5 tranny. I don’t have one now. Getting the SM5 would also save around $1700 that could be used for some other stuff, like the soft bags for side cases, performance exhaust, vented windshield, etc,,,.

I noticed looking at a new RT-L on the showroom that it had the semi-hard side cases included for the side cases. And, they are not very big. It looks like that if one purchased the soft side case inserts, they could store more for trips in the side cases. Does anyone have experience with the soft side case inserts?

If it wasn’t for all the chrome, I might be willing to just go ahead with an RT-L when the time comes. They are nice! I like the rolling trunk luggage, too, and the case for the rear trunk. Those are items that I might get anyway. But; I prefer the black/gray accents of the RT-S line. That’s just me.

Also; I did not know that I could just keep the throttle on, and blip the paddles to shift. So; being used to a manual transmission, I was always rolling back on the throttle between shifts. I’m a goof! L

The RT-S felt good on the highway – very planted, I thought. This one did not have the floorboards up front. But; it was fine. With the windshield lowered all the way, I found that to my liking, and would probably keep it that way most of the time. At 6’4”, it allowed me to look right above the top of the screen. Nice! I could see raising it in high winds, and rain. But; it’s all new to me. So; I was fiddling with it some. At 98 degrees today, getting the new vented windshield would be a plus, for sure!

After reading about the ‘Comfort Seat’ option that brings the rider back 2” more, that was on my mind during my test ride today. This RT-S had the stock seat. But, overall, it was a pretty comfortable ride. The more upright position was nice. I thought I had read that the RT-L came with the Comfort Seat option. But, apparently not. That is another option, I would want. It was funny sitting on a 2013 RT-L on the showroom with the rider floorboards. It allowed me to stretch out more. I initially thought it was because of the Comfort Seat. Then; the salesman told me that was an option even on the RT-L. The floorboards do make a nice difference!

Handling-wise; after exiting the interstate, I found a big open parking lot, and did a little quick maneuvering. Not too bad. I can adapt. J Then; I did some acceleration runs from a dead stop to around 50mph, or so. I can live with what the RT-S offers, I think. On one twisty road getting back to the highway, I found the RT-S to be relatively comfortable. Overall; I think I could be very happy with an RT-S. I just need more seat time.

Next; My wife and I will get back over to the dealer so I can take her out on one to get her input, and it will give me a better idea of how 2 up riding is. If it’s anything like my RS-S, not much degradation in power is noticed with a passenger, and full cases.
Those are my thoughts on today’s RT-S ride. And, as always, feel free to let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[Dan McNally]

You Already Know What I Think!

Greg, you already know what I think . . . I love the 2013 RT-Limited, but, since it is my first Spyder, I have nothing to compare it to, other than a two-wheeler. I'll be interested to see which way you go, and enjoyed reading your thoughts. Dan Mc

 

[Sarge707]

I have 25,000 on my GS and 5,000 on my RT SM5 and I can do the 10 Miles of Snake like backroads in my area Just as fast on the RT BUT in 1 Gear lower than the GS. The RT needs to be at 4,500 or higher to be Happy and have the power you need- where the GS can be at 3,800 rpms doing 43 mph in 4th gear- The RT stays in 3rd Gear for me ALL the way till 50 MPH. The RT needs the extra 500-700 rpm,s per gear to carry its big butt around?:roflblack:

I admire your planning to wait till November to get the best deal possible!

 

[Greg H.]

Greg, you already know what I think . . . I love the 2013 RT-Limited, but, since it is my first Spyder, I have nothing to compare it to, other than a two-wheeler. I'll be interested to see which way you go, and enjoyed reading your thoughts. Dan Mc

Hey Dan! Yeah! I'm getting pretty excited over all of this!
Obviously; I'm quite happy that you are enjoying your new RT Limited.
You know, I'll be keeping you posted.

 

[Rayelljay]

Another ELP fan...?....I have an '11 RS SM with just 12k trouble free miles on it and I've been thinkin' 'bout goin' fer a '12. My concern is with the potential change to an SE. When backing into the Spyderhaus I can control the speed with the clutch and have no throttle so I can control the turns properly but with the SE I would have to have some throttle on and that physical position would not allow adequate directional control. Bugger really but I do take great pride in my pretty downshifts.

 

[Greg H.]

Another ELP fan...?....I have an '11 RS SM with just 12k trouble free miles on it and I've been thinkin' 'bout goin' fer a '12. My concern is with the potential change to an SE. When backing into the Spyderhaus I can control the speed with the clutch and have no throttle so I can control the turns properly but with the SE I would have to have some throttle on and that physical position would not allow adequate directional control. Bugger really but I do take great pride in my pretty downshifts.

ELP fan, for sure! I saw them in Tucson in Feb. 1974 during the BSS tour. Great show!

I'm pretty much decided I'm getting an SE5 RT-S. I'll get used to it. I want those floorboards. And, once I figure out that I don't have to roll out of the throttle while shifting, I should be fine! Lol! Guess, that just takes some getting used to after riding with a full manual transmission all this time.

Now; I'm even considering going ahead and getting the trailer when I get the new RT. My wife and I discussed this some yesterday. To match the Circuit Yellow RT-S best, however, it would have to be the black trailer. There really isn't another option. I don't see a yellow trailer available. And, that's just as well. That might be a bit much for my liking.
Although, the trailer might only be used a few times a year, it would sure be handy on any trip a few days away.