quieter muffler than stock?

[tigerknight]

I got to test drive an RT lately down at the dealer. Outside of the base weirdness in comparison to riding a motorcycle (it's a highway speed ATV, to be brief), the main thing I noticed is that it SOUNDS like my grandpa's old Honda ATV as well. Especially for a touring vehicle, I'd much prefer the quieter mellow rumble of my ST1100 or a Goldwing than the fairly loud staccato default exhaust of the Spyder.

Are there any after market (or even optional stock) parts to address this?

 

[NancysToy]

None that I know of.

 

[cjackg]

It may not be the exhaust you are hearing but the Rotax engine working out. If you dont care for that sound you may be looking at the wrong bike! Adding an exhaust that lets some of the sounds out the tail pipe will cover it up but will never have the deep rumble of a big block motor. So, better get used to it now, or move on !

 

[harrypottar]

I found a pretty cheap mod, easier to install and works great, makes the spyder sound really quite.





harry

 

[harrypottar]

On a serious note, my last ride was a Goldwing which has stated by Mr Orange is a silky smooth, lots of torque 6 cylinder engine. The spyder is a v-twin and needs to ran at higher revs, at least above 4000 rpm. The sound is typical IMHO of a v-twin and I do mis the Goldwing engine, but love my spyder and really glad I traded. The spyder stock is more comfortable than the wing stock.

If your unsure then may I suggest you see if you can rent one in your area for a weekend, most people say they take at least 300-400 miles to get used too. I took to mine on the test ride, but I do ride ATV's with my sons as well so I was already used to the steering.

Buying bikes is all down to personal preference, I love my Spyder only work prevents me from ridding it all the time. But I do know people that hate them.

good luck with your choice.

harry

 

[tigerknight]

You are comparing a V4 and a flat 6 to a high revving V-twin. They are all going to have their own unique signature. At speed out on a trip you aren't even going to hear the engine especially if your wearing some sort of hearing protection, which you should be. I'm not sensing a lot of enthusiasm for the Spyder. It might not be your cup of tea and there's nothing wrong with that. Better to find out before rather than later. Take a few more test rides. See if you can get an extended test ride too.

I've heard numerous V-twin machines that had more subdued engine noise (high RPM isn't the issue - noise was, like someone put on a two-brothers short cannister or glasspack muffler), which is why I was curious about an option to tone it down on this one.

As for enthusiasm, perhaps my tone did come across out of key for the forums here. I love the styling of the RT, the cargo capacity, and more, it's just the handling that's going to take getting used to. Considering that there are two people in my household (myself and housemate) that are both seriously considering getting one, I'd say there's plenty of enthusiasm. This is the kind of vehicle we'd take on a week long road trip vacation pulling a trailer - just not on a tail of the dragon ride where I'd keep to my two wheels for it.

I'm trying to get a test ride on a manual transmission soon - the semi-auto was neat with the paddle shifter, but I prefer the control of a foot clutch and handle grip lever. As always, communication and familiarity will be the best way to get max comfort and enjoyment for a two-up configuration.

 

[HDKorp]

LOL @ harrypottar

Does that mod take long to install?

 

[harrypottar]

LOL @ harrypottar

Does that mod take long to install?

LOL , but I always carry a box of ear plugs in my front trunk. I sometimes ride with friends who have HD's if I'm following I wear them. nojoke

Funny enough the spyder sounds louder when you on it than when your watching from the side lines.

harry