RT-S 2010-2012 // 2013 // 2014+

[spacetiger]

With the heat related issues on the 2013's I used to wonder about that model year as there are several similarities to the 2014 model. I find this a bit unusual and wonder if the new engine development was targeted for the 2013 model but was running behind in its development. Once this was understood, they adjusted the 2013 model to accept the first gen engine but using the body components as much in place to use the 2014 layout.

That might explain a number of things to include the limited factory checkout before release of the 2013 model. They didn't run it long enough to find the issues the current 2013 riders are finding.

It also makes you wonder about the 2014 model too. I am sure it is a well thought out design, but it is a first year release (perhaps a bit late), so I wonder how well sorted out it may be. I would like the new changes, but wonder how many "should have found this" issues are going to come out. I bet the the 2015 or 2016 model might be a better bike to get. So, to you 2014 riders, please do a good job and wring out the bike for us - and seriously consider getting the extended warranty...

Does anyone else wonder about this?

Jerry

 

[bobnaquin]

It is a certainty that the new 2014's will have issues. The question is how many and how critical. The 2008's had a serious power steering issue but only a few people actually experienced it. Some didn't have any power steering at all and never knew it. So a lot of it is perception or what you care about. When it finally got fixed, about 3 months after I got rid of mine for that issue, the fix made perfect sense

Heat 'issues' are very subjective thing. But if your 2013 is melting parts that would indicate that there is something wrong there. But not all of them do melt parts so why is there a difference. Some could just be assembled wrong at the factory. The answer will eventually come forth but I doubt that it is understood at this point. All Spyders run 'hot'. But I dress properly and the bike never goes into limp mode so it is never so hot that I can't ride it. My ambient riding temp can be in the 100's btw.

Like you I am going to wait for someone else to buy a 2014 and sort out the problems. I had my round with the 2008's and that was enough of being a crash test dummy for BRP for this boy. Once I hear how they are I am going to buy one or wait for the 2015's. I drive a 2008 right now and now that the power steering unit has been fixed, it is the best model that BRP has produced to date IMHO. But that 2014 has all of the things that I thought were lacking on the 2008 with the exception of a shaft drive.

 

[Chupaca]

Good observation..!!

that frame change and component locations may have been designed for the new exhaust system on the triple and the forward mounted radiators also moved consentrated heat away from engine compartment. Will be interesting to see how the 2014's turn out once that frame has the corresponding engine in it. Joe public will find out...keeping fingers crossed.....:dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

Nothing ever remains "static" :shocked:.
The '15s will be better... the '16s even more so... and the '17s...
You buy what you want; when you want it... You upgrade when the opportunity is presented under the proper circumstances... :thumbup:

 

[spyderdmb1621]

We'll said bob


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[OWISE1]

2013 Heat Issue

My dealer tech told on Friday that BRP is waiting on Canadian EPA to approve the "FIX", as soon as that happens it will moved out to the dealers. I hear Canada has one of the strictest EPA standards. :dontknow:

 

[ARtraveler]

I am thinking that waiting an extra year in hopes of a better machine is about the same gamble as getting the :spyder2: you want now.

I jumped in on both the early 2008 and the first batch of RT's when they were available in 2010. I have #474 of the RT. For me, it has been a great experience. Other than the DPS on the 2008 and a couple factory things on the 2010, I have enjoyed the ryde. Still driving the 2010 and have 36,000 miles now. For me, the 2014 RT is the next "adventure" in the ryde. At my age, I can't wait to many years for everything to be just so.

 

[spyderdmb1621]

For those all saying they will wait for 2015 then wait !!!!! I'll be riding a 2014 and will let you know how it goes!!! Jeepers!!!


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[Bob Ledford]

Aging fast

Just last week I was 21 this week I am 73. Time does have a vicious habit of sneaking by when your having fun or not paying attention.

Dad always said, "never buy a new model!" But when he was living he was a GM mechanic and he loved new ideas because they were always breaking something.

The main thing is that any changes be good productive progressive changes or I will continue to ride the 2011 until the wheels fall off it.

 

[billybovine]

With the heat related issues on the 2013's I used to wonder about that model year as there are several similarities to the 2014 model. I find this a bit unusual and wonder if the new engine development was targeted for the 2013 model but was running behind in its development. Once this was understood, they adjusted the 2013 model to accept the first gen engine but using the body components as much in place to use the 2014 layout.

That might explain a number of things to include the limited factory checkout before release of the 2013 model. They didn't run it long enough to find the issues the current 2013 riders are finding.

It also makes you wonder about the 2014 model too. I am sure it is a well thought out design, but it is a first year release (perhaps a bit late), so I wonder how well sorted out it may be. I would like the new changes, but wonder how many "should have found this" issues are going to come out. I bet the the 2015 or 2016 model might be a better bike to get. So, to you 2014 riders, please do a good job and wring out the bike for us - and seriously consider getting the extended warranty...

Does anyone else wonder about this?

Jerry

With respect, I disagree with your premise that the 991 series engine was not intended for the new frame. All 2013 models (RS, ST and RT) use the identical new frame. Even if you were correct and the 2013 RT was going to get the new 1330 engine I am reasonably certain that RS and ST were not. That is reinforced by the 2014 RS and ST are still going to use the 991 series engine.

 

[Bob Denman]

Billy,
It may just be that they haven't got the RS/ST bodywork configured for the 1330... :dontknow:

 

[spacetiger]

I was not suggesting to not buy the 2014 and wait for the 2015 model.

I was only commenting on the cross mix of 2014 RT-S model features also found on the 2013 RT-S model; then noted the unusual heating issues that affected the 2013 model. These heating issues appear to be more severe than the 2010-2012 RT-S. I also think it a bit odd to only have a 1 year model (2013) that has the configuration of the 1st gen engine and 2nd gen body/frame. This makes it tough to stock all the different parts if there are unique parts. I think it is palatable if the parts are all common to either the older RT-S or the newer models. That only reinforces the thought that the 2nd gen engine may have been timed to be in the 2013 model.

As for the RS/ST models, I think they may one day get the newer engine but I don't think they needed it as bad as the RT-S. I say this because the weight of the RT-S is more than the other models and the RT-S has to compete with the other touring bikes from other manufactures.

I was wondering if others were thinking this...

Jerry

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

My dealer tech told on Friday that BRP is waiting on Canadian EPA to approve the "FIX", as soon as that happens it will moved out to the dealers. I hear Canada has one of the strictest EPA standards. :dontknow:

Well if it requires EPA approval then it must be a computer/mapping issue. That's good news as it will be a "easy" fix.

 

[Bob Denman]

Do you think that it's easy to satisfy the EPA?? :shocked:

 

[JkRbbt]

Nothing ever remains "static" :shocked:.
The '15s will be better... the '16s even more so... and the '17s...
You buy what you want; when you want it... You upgrade when the opportunity is presented under the proper circumstances... :thumbup:

Bob, I noticed that you started with the 2015, '16, '17…! Why didn't you start with, " The 2011 was better than the '12, and the 2012 was better than the '11 and the 2013 WAS BETTER THAN THE '12…?"

I do hope BRP gets it right this year because I would like to eventually have the same enthusiasm, looking forward to a new Triple, as I had when I put $$ down on my '13 and thought that the company was improving on the 2012. I have to agree with the thought that we '13 folks got somewhat of an ill-conceived hybrid. I really want Spyder to prosper, but right now the accountant in the family informs me that we can't afford $30,000 experiments every year. So, you '14 folks get out there and give us some good intel and maybe I can convince the accountant that a '15 or '16 would be a good bet! :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

What is; has already happened...
I was attempting to speak to the future; with a hopeful glint in my eyes!

 

[IWN2RYD]

To me... Your thinking is pretty much in line with most conversations I have had when it comes to anything man made. In fact most folks I talk to still believe in buying "Wednesday" cars (Day the manufacture claims vehicle was in final assembly) and never Monday or Friday ones.

However, I no longer subscribe to those "Ways of thinking" any more. The technology used today is so advanced, the majority of released items have been proven on one way or another before being released to the masses and let's be honest... There is a lot less "Human" in manufacturing. The tolerances simply make it impossible. So in my mind while we may never see a perfect vehicle out the gate, we are getting pretty close to it not making much of a difference as to when we chose to buy.

And at the end of the day, I trust my Dealer and the brand. And that is why we are planing to get one of the 2014's. I just hope it all works out as planned...

This bike will be my daily driver (Replacing my Ford Fusion). Really looking forward to getting use out of the torque with all the hilly driving we have around my neck of the woods..

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

Do you think that it's easy to satisfy the EPA?? :shocked:

No, I mean easy fix for us with the problem. If it ends up being a map upgrade then a dealer could do that fix in a matter of minuets not days at the dealer. I know the EPA people can be a pain it the ass but there are also guidelines that a manufacturer can follow, a lot of people don't know this but a manufacturer can produce "so many" dirty engines for "so many" clean ones. Could be that the RT series is the super clean motors for optimal EPA and mileage allowing the sportier RS to be just a tad dirty EPA wise for snappy power since it's sportier. I don't know this for sure but just saying.

 

[Rid'nrandy]

I go along with the Tim Taylor philosophy. "More power!":spyder2:
My wife is the Spider owner in our family. I own a 2008 Goldwing with trailer that we have done all of our long trips with. If the 2014 RT-Ltd turns out to be what I think it will be, I plan to sell the GW and travel on the Spyder with trailer. I am betting they've engineered this one right, but will hedge my bet with the extended warranty. I bought a 2014 Indian Chieftain (first year with Polaris) and I love it! :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

:nopic: of the Big Chief?? :thumbup:
They sure do look sharp...