RS vs RT

[major911]

Seems from all I've read on here about the mods you can make an RS almost as comfortable as an RT ie.. windshields, seats, floorboards, risers and handlebars. Not to mention the huge price difference between the two and doesn't seem to be as many issues surrounding the RS. Still trying to decide which way to go, RS and customize to my needs or RT which pretty much has everything out of the box including a hefty price and few more bugs.... wracking my brain over this decision.

 

[Bob Denman]

Gee... My biggest decision is whether to actually work, or kick around in here for a while...
Guess which choice I made?? :roflblack:

 

[zrc]

My personal opinion is that you should just test drive both, and pick the one you like. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I hope to have one of each someday soon.

 

[mxz600]

Just my opinion but I don't think all of the mods available will ever make an RS as comfortable as an RT.

If you plan on doing long trips and or a lot of two up riding, it's an RT all the way.

I discovered that for myself this past Saturday. Thank you Firefly for the test ride, Connie loved your RT.

 

[bullant12]

My personal opinion is that you should just test drive both, and pick the one you like. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I hope to have one of each someday soon.

:agree: Although they have the same engine, they both ryde VERY differently. Best thing is to test drive both.

IMO: If you are looking to buy low and mod high as far as seating postion, you are better off buying an RT. In the RT, you are sitting straighter up and not leaing like you would do in a RS (think crotch rocket position in a RS). Also, the RT gives you more storage space and outter sounds, which is something you would spend big bucks to add into an RS. My wife has an RS and she like's the leaning down, no radio but listening to her tunes on a bluetooth connection to her iPhone, and not much cargo room. Meanwhile I like the sitting up, having music coming out of external speakers and the cargo room to carry the necessities.

 

[major911]

My personal opinion is that you should just test drive both, and pick the one you like. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I hope to have one of each someday soon.

I have ridden both, thats the probem...LOL I have ridden the RS extensively and wasn't crazy about the seating position. I recently rode an RT and immediately loved the comfort but not the quirks that I've been reading about or the price. Just wondering if i could make the RS as comfortable with a few mods or if I really need to spring for the RT.

 

[arntufun]

Some of us buy an RS to keep it an RS, just sayin........... :doorag:

 

[bullant12]

I have ridden both, thats the probem...LOL I have ridden the RS extensively and wasn't crazy about the seating position. I recently rode an RT and immediately loved the comfort but not the quirks that I've been reading about or the price. Just wondering if i could make the RS as comfortable with a few mods or if I really need to spring for the RT.

That is probably what the rumored ST is going to be... or a urban legend...:dontknow:

 

[ARtraveler]

Had two RS's versions--pre RT. Put over $6000.00 in accessories on each to make them into touring machines. It did not work. The RT is still better for touring.

Now I have two RT's.

As mentioned above--think "sport bike" for RS and "touring bike" for RT. Below is $24K worth of RS and accessories.

 

[zrc]

I have ridden both, thats the probem...LOL I have ridden the RS extensively and wasn't crazy about the seating position. I recently rode an RT and immediately loved the comfort but not the quirks that I've been reading about or the price. Just wondering if i could make the RS as comfortable with a few mods or if I really need to spring for the RT.

As for pricing, I would just look around for used / other around the board, ebay, with various dealers. Pending the September announcement, things might change a bit (supposedly we are in for something big this year). But overall if you like the RT more for its comfort, then you have the answer your looking for. The price is something you can find at your happy level if you watch / wait enough. The quirks are the quirks, its a 2 year old bike gonna be some pains, but LOTS of trouble free people out there.

 

[mxz600]

My personal opinion is that you should just test drive both, and pick the one you like. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I hope to have one of each someday soon.

Me too! And when I do I'll have some stuff for sale that I have added to my RS.

 

[Firefly]

Seems from all I've read on here about the mods you can make an RS almost as comfortable as an RT ie.. windshields, seats, floorboards, risers and handlebars. Not to mention the huge price difference between the two and doesn't seem to be as many issues surrounding the RS. Still trying to decide which way to go, RS and customize to my needs or RT which pretty much has everything out of the box including a hefty price and few more bugs.... wracking my brain over this decision.

I recently had to make this decision myself.

After having my RS for 4 years and 56,000 miles..... and tons of mods to make it a great touring bike... I wrecked it and had to make a choice on a new Spyder.

By the time you add all the mods to an RS to make it as RT-like as possible... you're going to spend just as much if not more... but it doesn't seem as bad because you do it a little bit at a time.. but it will nickle and dime you to death trying to achieve RT-like comfort.

So I bought an RT this time... and I have to say I'm thrilled with it.

The looks have grown on me..... but the comfort, smoothness and features are what really sold me.

I've had the RT for a few weeks now and just hit 2,500 miles. No problems at all.

Ride both and see which you like better. If you are going to do much long touring or 2-up riding.....the RT is hands down the better choice. If you ride solo and just around town... the RS may be better.

Another option would be to wait until September 23rd when BRP announces the new 2013 lineup. They have said to expect a major announcement and many rumors abound. Once the 2013's come out... you'll also be able to get a better deal on a 2012 Spyder.

For what it's worth... they are selling FAR more RT Spyders than they are RS ones......

I'll be starting another thread soon of my experiences switching from RS to RT..... what I like and what I don't...... hopefully within the next few days...

 

[chris56]

had an GS/RS and now an RT (each more than 20.000 kms) - I want for the futur an RS with the front of the RT (thats the ST ??) but with the RT engine (= Stronger for my rydes) - or a new engine ?..

for touring the electrical shield is the most urgent part of a bike - it brings the noise of your helmet away and allowes you to ryde optimal in the rain and also in the heat.. rest is just optical

price-wise I woulf buy the cheapest GS/RS (no risk) and built up a dream-spyder over the winter !!

 

[spydaman60]

My personal opinion is that you should just test drive both, and pick the one you like. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I hope to have one of each someday soon.

the wife and i have an rss sm5 ($17,000.00) and bought it only two months ago. have taken it on vacation and already put 4650 miles on it. no it's not an rt and you'll never get the amount of storage with it as you do on an rt, but, with the ultimate seat conversion,($600.00) and nelson riggs bags ($90.00) brp passenger extendended footrests (($300.00 plus) and a couple of little extra, like the hindle exhaust,(used and on spyderlovers forum board @ $250.00) and 1" risers on the handlebars ($50.00) and passenger backrest and sport rack ($350.00) for a total of about $1640.00 you get a nice entry level machine at under $19,000.00. yea, we'd like to have an rt someday too for the longer journeys that we hope to take, but for now, the rss is doing just fine!!! and did i mention, it's got a lot more "giddy up and go" than most of the rt's out there! hyea:

 

[CyncySpyder]

IMHO- It ALL depends on what you plan on using your Spyder for

If you are going to do much long touring or 2-up riding.....the RT is hands down the better choice. If you ride solo and just around town... the RS may be better.

Another option would be to wait until September 23rd when BRP announces the new 2013 lineup. They have said to expect a major announcement and many rumors abound. Once the 2013's come out... you'll also be able to get a better deal on a 2012 Spyder

:agree::agree:

 

[Dragonrider]

No one mentions the height issue. If you are NOT vertically impaired, you will never be comfortable touring on the RS. I don't know where the "break point" is, but after putting thousands into a nice RS, and now miles onto my RT, I can state that I would never own a RS again, nor recommend it to a tall person.

I'm getting ready to start the process of converting a K12 to a trike, and will compare the comfort between the K12T and RT when done. I'm sure the RT will handle twisties much better, but the overall performance and milage of the K12 will be tough to beat.

 

[JoshTheCake]

Hybrid

In 2011 BRP already had a working, driving prototype of their new, 2013, hybrid RS.

You can expect an RS looking Spyder with white/teal color combo so everyone knows. You're on a hybrid. Thanks!!

You can view a video of the new Spyder on YouTube

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HC-ZwbdlB8Y

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: I don't know what to say... Thanks for a post that finally isn't trying to start up a ruckus? :thumbup: Is that okay??

 

[Daisyjoe]

Some of us buy an RS to keep it an RS, just sayin........... :doorag:

hyea::agree:

 

[bullant12]

:shocked: I don't know what to say... Thanks for a post that finally isn't trying to start up a ruckus? :thumbup: Is that okay??

Waaaaaaait for iiiiiiit...