Rss and ST

[wolfeman220940]

The dealer just got a sweet 2013 ST limited on their floor. I am wanting to pull the trigger and get it. But then I started thinking about my current bike. With my current bike I do not do a lot of touring. Would I be better off getting the RSS model and save some money?

I would like to hear from people who upgraded from a RS to a ST model. To see what they like about it.

 

[spyder-dude]

I upgraded from a 2011 RSS to the 2013 STS. It was a major improvement over the RSS but I am waiting for my new 2014 RTS. I do a lot of longer trips and looking forward to the more comfortable ride with the RTS along with the 6th gear and bigger engine.

 

[billybovine]

The dealer just got a sweet 2013 ST limited on their floor. I am wanting to pull the trigger and get it. But then I started thinking about my current bike. With my current bike I do not do a lot of touring. Would I be better off getting the RSS model and save some money?

I would like to hear from people who upgraded from a RS to a ST model. To see what they like about it.

There are a bunch of small differences, extra features, but the big difference for me is the riding position. You ride more upright on an ST then a RS.
Only you can decide what works for you.

 

[wolfeman220940]

I need to find a dealer that has both models for demo and them out.

 

[GMAN9]

Same Dilemma

I am having the same dilemma. I hope to be purchasing a Spyder in early spring. I've wanted a 2013 ST ever since they came out, but I have real concerns after reading about all the heat problems here on this site. I've been leaning towards getting a 2011 or 2012 RS and then make the modifications (adding handle bar risers up/back and floor boards) to help make the riding position mimic the ST. Keep us informed of what you find out once you've sat on both, would like to see what your opinion is and also if you think that making modifications to a RS would be a viable option.

 

[Chupaca]

choices, choices..!!

we have an RS and love it. We do some traveling and made some mods for that but mostly ryde the back roads and hill country. You really need to test ryde both to feel the different seating though you can change that. Then see if the added bells and whistles on the ST are worth it to you. The RS is the base model and many who started with them have moved up to RT's for many reasons. In the end it will be your choice, I like the simple base less problems more old fashion ryding..when and if I move up it will be borderline luxury roadster or old English sports car...:thumbup: You will make the right choice and be out there with us soon...

 

[ARtraveler]

I have had the pleasure of ryding both the RS and the RT. The big difference is the riding position as well as the comfort level of ameneties for the driver and passenger. The ST gives you an in-between set up with a different driving position. I have not ridden an ST so cannot say how it handles specifically in comparison to the RS.

Others have mentioned that a side by side test ryde would be a good idea. Only you know what will work best for your likes and dislikes.

Attached is a picture of my 2008 GS that had the looks--but even with the handlebar risers, special seat, etc.--just did not have the touring "feel" that I like now. This picture was from 2009 and long before BRP came out with the ST configuration.

 

[Colin]

I have upgraded to ST SM5 from a 2011 RSS and my partner still has a 2011 RSS. The biggest difference for me is ride position, as I am not small and have had knee replacement surgery, so less bend over long periods helps a lot. It really comes down to personal preference. The ST is as nimble as RS/RSS and is heaps of fun, and you have the added bonus of the riding position for longer rides.
I really enjoy my ST as much as I did my RSS.

You may not do a lot of touring yet!!! But with an ST-S Ltd you can!!!:2thumbs:

 

[Sarge707]

First You have to sit on Both Models and Preferably do a demo ride on each model!
Depending on your age and body build and use and $$$ Deal and Possibility of the heat problem (They are NOT giving people much help and I would not want to be a statistic).

I have both and rode the GS (Yellow) the Last 2 (40 degree days) with the thermal suit. With the Ultimate seat and raised handlebars its Almost as comfortable as my RT IF you don,t mind OR are in shape so the bent legs (Sport Position) doesn,t turn you off.

If I were a New Comer (I,m 6' 200 Pounds and 65 Years old) I would Want to buy an ST BUT would NOT because of the fear of a Heat Related Problem?


So if I were buying my First Spyder TODAY I would buy a 2012 leftover RS-S at a Great deal and put the 3 inch riser of some sort and the Ultimate seat!


I love MY RT but It makes me feel a Little like an Older Gentleman? (Sorry)

 

[zmracing]

We had an RS and traded it for an ST. My wife is the main one that rides it and there is no way that either one of us would go back to a RS. My son rides it a little bit and he actually likes the RS better. I enjoyed riding the RS if we were going for a short ride or just riding around town. When we would go 50 miles or more I definitely would not be as comfortable on the RS. I think a short test ride would not be enough for you to know what you like better. It would be nice if you could rent one and go for a longer ride before you decide. I really liked the power that our RS had and I am disappointed with the power of the ST but my wife doesn't notice the difference.

 

[Petah50]

I am having the same dilemma. I hope to be purchasing a Spyder in early spring. I've wanted a 2013 ST ever since they came out, but I have real concerns after reading about all the heat problems here on this site. I've been leaning towards getting a 2011 or 2012 RS and then make the modifications (adding handle bar risers up/back and floor boards) to help make the riding position mimic the ST. Keep us informed of what you find out once you've sat on both, would like to see what your opinion is and also if you think that making modifications to a RS would be a viable option.

I have a 2013 ST and have had no issues at all with heat. It's a great ryde!

 

[Spyder Tony]

I own both...

I have a GS and an ST-L. They are really different rydes but much of the differences are preference. Although the ST is an upright seating position, I find that because I am a tall man with long arms, I am not hugging the GS when I ryde it. I prefer ryding the GS (mostly because of the setup of the elkas, etc.) but really miss the amenities of the ST (Heated hand grips, integrated GPS/Bluetooth, etc). I am a daily ryder with weekend road trips of 300 to 500 miles each weekend (and often one each day of the weekend), so rack up a fair amount of ryding miles, and the GS feels fine to me. I did not relocate the pegs or use handlebar risers, but I am still comfortable after several hundred miles. In the end, I have a sport bike driving style, so the GS works for me...but i still love the ST-L. These days, it belongs to my girlfriend, and the extra storage comes in handy on our long road trips.

The only way you're going to really know which is right for you, is to sit your butt in the seat of both for as long a test ryde as you can get. Be careful though, or you will be cast to the same fate as me. I could not decide between the models...so i got BOTH!!!

 

[mcaccamise]

Hi i have ridden both and prefer the RSS its more nimble and much quicker no heat problems mine is a 2012 with Heli Bar Risors and floorboards.I have decked it out and prefer it over the stl with the right seat and some comfort addons i would say its as comfortable as the ST only you can decide good luck.

 

[Benggolf]

Started off with a 2011 RT-L and enjoyed the comfort and amenities when going on trips and/or longer rides.
When I took a test ride on a 2013 STS, I was sold immediately! I liked the riding position and the well designed OEM
floorboards. It had more pep than the RT-L and I loved the handling. Had the dealer install heat grips, fog lights, Akrapovic exhaust and battery tender leads prior to delivery.

The bike was more responsive than the RT and the riding position is definitely comfortable enough to take on longer rides too. I now find myself riding the STS most of the time. To me it is a very enjoyable machine. I am only 5'4" and weight 160 lbs. It is such an enjoyable ride that I keep on adding stuff to improve the performance; adjustable Fox front shocks, BajaRon swaybar & heim links, SpyderPops bumpskid plate, LED center tail lamp and by tomorrow 2014 side panels!

However, if I should go on a long trip (more than 7 days), the RT-L will be my pick because it has so much storage space to carry
the additional stuff needed.

I suggest you go for the STS or ST-L; you won't regret it.

 

[chuck gross]

nice mods Benggolf

Started off with a 2011 RT-L and enjoyed the comfort and amenities when going on trips and/or longer rides.
When I took a test ride on a 2013 STS, I was sold immediately! I liked the riding position and the well designed OEM
floorboards. It had more pep than the RT-L and I loved the handling. Had the dealer install heat grips, fog lights, Akrapovic exhaust and battery tender leads prior to delivery.

The bike was more responsive than the RT and the riding position is definitely comfortable enough to take on longer rides too. I now find myself riding the STS most of the time. To me it is a very enjoyable machine. I am only 5'4" and weight 160 lbs. It is such an enjoyable ride that I keep on adding stuff to improve the performance; adjustable Fox front shocks, BajaRon swaybar & heim links, SpyderPops bumpskid plate, LED center tail lamp and by tomorrow 2014 side panels!

However, if I should go on a long trip (more than 7 days), the RT-L will be my pick because it has so much storage space to carry
the additional stuff needed.

I suggest you go for the STS or ST-L; you won't regret it.

Nice choice on the mods did you do the Ron bar first and then the fox shocks? Just wondering as it seems like the stock shocks on my STL are a little mushy and have been thinking about upgrading to the Fox shocks it seems like BRP only sells the Fox shocks with their sway bar as a package deal although I haven't done a lot of research on this yet or talked to my dealer to see if they can get them separately. And everybody raves about the Ron bar so I will have to get one of those for sure
Are you happy with the Fox shocks and how much do they cost?

 

[Benggolf]

Nice choice on the mods did you do the Ron bar first and then the fox shocks? Just wondering as it seems like the stock shocks on my STL are a little mushy and have been thinking about upgrading to the Fox shocks it seems like BRP only sells the Fox shocks with their sway bar as a package deal although I haven't done a lot of research on this yet or talked to my dealer to see if they can get them separately. And everybody raves about the Ron bar so I will have to get one of those for sure
Are you happy with the Fox shocks and how much do they cost?

Chuck, yes I did the Ron bar mod first then the Fox shocks. If you find the stock shocks mushy, you will definitely like the "feel" of the
"gas-charged" Fox shocks. The transformation in directional stability, ride and handling after replacing the OEM shocks and sway bar is amazing.

Our Canadian dealer sold me the Fox shocks and the BRP sway bar together under part #219400409 for C$459.99. Since I have already the Ron bar, I posted and eventually sold the BRP sway bar to a forum member. Funny thing, BRP now lists in their 2014 Riding Gear/Accessories/Genuine Parts catalog the Fox Adjustable Shock Kit (part #219400470) for C$459.99, but no mention of the sway bar being included.

Snoopy posted he was able to bid for the same Fox shocks on eBay or Amazon for much less. Maybe he can direct you to his post.

 

[SNOOPY]

My kit I bought off eBay had the sway bar in it. Got the Fox shocks and swaybar for $375 delivered.

Still have the BRP sway bar I should list for sale.

 

[spydaman60]

we have an RS and love it. We do some traveling and made some mods for that but mostly ryde the back roads and hill country. You really need to test ryde both to feel the different seating though you can change that. Then see if the added bells and whistles on the ST are worth it to you. The RS is the base model and many who started with them have moved up to RT's for many reasons. In the end it will be your choice, I like the simple base less problems more old fashion ryding..when and if I move up it will be borderline luxury roadster or old English sports car...:thumbup: You will make the right choice and be out there with us soon...

well said! :agree: I resemble all those remarks! :thumbup::thumbup: good luck with your decision!!! and an early welcome to the spyder ryde!!!

 

[chuck gross]

ST MODS

My kit I bought off eBay had the sway bar in it. Got the Fox shocks and swaybar for $375 delivered.

Still have the BRP sway bar I should list for sale.

Great deal on the Fox Shocks and sway bar Snoopy glad to hear that they are an awesome addition for the ST.

 

[SNOOPY]

:thumbup:


I was skeptical at first.