RT-S 2010 vs 2011

[drifter]

I’m picking up a brand new RT-S 2010 this Saturday but now I’m wondering if I should get the 2011 :dontknow:. What’s different in the RT-S 2011? Should I wait? By the way the RT-S 2010 has had it’s recall done.

 

[IWN2RYD]

I’m picking up a brand new RT-S 2010 this Saturday but now I’m wondering if I should get the 2011 :dontknow:. What’s different in the RT-S 2011? Should I wait? By the way the RT-S 2010 has had it’s recall done.

Please take my response with a grain of salt as I am speaking from my point of view and options available to me.

I would not get a 2010 new if the 2011's are within reach (ETA is between now and Feb 1st).

For a few simple reasons.

1. Improved front suspension
2. Improved windshield cut/shape
3. Improved side wind-wings
4. All of the "Growing pains" of 2010 have been addressed and look to be fixed on the 2011 models

Not to mention the resale value of a 2011 will stay a tad higher than the 2010's will for a few years to come. I do realize that Can-Am has raised the MSRP up by $400. But my hopes are with the front suspension being improved I will not have to purchase any aftermarket shocks saving me about $800+... So I see that as a potential wash in the end. Simply because I am not pleased in any way with the 2010 front syspension.

Keep in mind that I have traded my 2010 RT-R SE5 in on the 2011 (Same model) and am expecting delivery in the very near future... :yes::bowdown:

Bottom line... If you are not getting what you think is a good deal on the 2010, hold out for the 2011...

 

[Y Rider]

I’m picking up a brand new RT-S 2010 this Saturday but now I’m wondering if I should get the 2011 :dontknow:. What’s different in the RT-S 2011? Should I wait? By the way the RT-S 2010 has had it’s recall done.

The 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT has an updated front suspension to reduce body roll, smaller electric height windshield and different wind deflectors. Also new color choices. Not sure exactly what has changed on the front suspension from the 2010. Maybe someone that has seen a parts list for the 2011 can let us know.

 

[fastfraser]

If you get a great price on a 2010 ,then I would go for it and put your savings towards Mods for a lot less than a 2011. That said I ordered a 2011 RTS Limited .

 

[Bob Denman]

If your savings are good enough, it appears that the improvements to the 2011 models can be closely duplicated with little effort on a 2010 model...

 

[drifter]

Thanks for the input guys.
IWN2RYD
I’m pretty sure I’m paying full price for the 2010 RT-S. It’s hard to know because they’re taking my 2008 RS as a trade-in. You know…its trade-in magic time and ignorant guys like me get swindled. I can live with minor improvements in wind shielding but the front suspension is a different animal. I have two years riding experience with the spyder RS. I do 90% of my ridinging locally and it’s all flat lands with no twisties in the road. So my question is…in my situation do you think the front suspension is adequate or is it really that horrible?

 

[MouthPiece]

The front suspension on the 2010 RT-S is NOT horrible. It's much to be desired, but not horrible. I wound up purchasing 300 lb Elka shocks, and they have made a world of difference. The cost was roughly $700.00.

Hope this helps.

Chris PE# 0004

 

[NancysToy]

If you are used to the RS, you will have some adjusting to do for the RT suspension. It does not handle the same...in the same way a Cadillac and a Camaro do not handle the same. Whether or not the 2011 suspension improvements are effective or not, remains to be seen...nobody has ridden one yet. We all may still want the aftermarket parts in the end...but let's hope not. You do get used to the softer handling after a while, BTW.

I would not pay full price for a 2010. It should be fairly easy for you to analyze their "deal", even with a trade in. The selling price of the RT should still be listed in a written quote, with the value they are giving you for your trade also stated. If they won't give a written quote, find another dealer. Smoke and mirrors run deep in a dealership, and they will always be trying to trick you. Anyway, the MSRP of the Spyder can be looked up, and the trade-in value or retail value of the Spyder can be found on NADAGuides.com or KBB.com.

 

[cjackg]

If I was faced with paying full price for both a 2010 or a 2011, it sure looks like a no-brainer to get the 2011.... even if there is some delay!

 

[drifter]

NancysToy,
Thanks again for the info. The dealership pulled out “there official trade-in book figures” and showed me the list. I didn’t see who wrote it so maybe some salesperson from the dealership…but I love conspiracies…anyway it all looked lagit, a greasy used book. I’m satisfied I’m getting a fair shake on the deal for trade-in but it’s the additional magic financing that comes afterwards. I’m a retired disabled Vet so I always have to watch the pennies. Ask me to kill someone for my country and it's no problem but give me a math test on motorcycle trade-in/ actual cost causes friction with my inner-child…lol.

 

[Dragonrider]

I went from my 2009 RS, with just about everything changed, to my 2010 RTS, and other than tossing my short windshield, and adding the GPS, I wouldn't change a thing. It's comfortable, hasn't burped, and I don't - nor want to - ride it like an RS. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to get the 2010 - might get them to give you a deal on the extended warranty (you can get the BEST full 5 yrs for under $800 - I did), and/or trailer hitch (installed), and add back some value that way.

JMO

 

[SpyderWolf]

Are you buying from Velocity Power Sports?

If so I am curious as to how they treat you, and how good their service department is as well. I have not dealt with them at all yet, but was thinking about giving them a call to see if they could handle the DPS recall on both of our Spyders.

If not, where are you buying it from?

 

[drifter]

Dragonrider,
It’s good to hear that you had a positive experience switching from the RS to the RT-S. I really don’t care so much if my dealership is making a few bucks. My dealership had me come in today to sit on an RT and I loved everything about it except I didn’t get to ride it cuz it was a customer bike in for maintenance. Anyways…just getting excited about the new bike.

 

[IWN2RYD]

Thanks for the input guys.
IWN2RYD
I’m pretty sure I’m paying full price for the 2010 RT-S. It’s hard to know because they’re taking my 2008 RS as a trade-in. You know…its trade-in magic time and ignorant guys like me get swindled. I can live with minor improvements in wind shielding but the front suspension is a different animal. I have two years riding experience with the spyder RS. I do 90% of my ridinging locally and it’s all flat lands with no twisties in the road. So my question is…in my situation do you think the front suspension is adequate or is it really that horrible?

No way in hockey sticks would I pay full price for a 2010 model Spyder product at this time. Should be more like $1500 ish below MSRP. Remember, the market controls the price. They very well can get a buyer for that today, but the moment the 2011 models hit the show rooms this next two months, how many 2010's do you think any dealer will sell at full retail?

Additionally, unless it is not winter in your neck of the woods how much drive time will you get between now and say March 1st? I mean really, not hopefully (And only you can answer that).

I ryde a lot and will ryde till I can no longer do so. But I am also the kind of fella to think like this... If I purchase a Spyder today, will I look back in two months after the "Newness" has worn off and kick myself for not waiting for the 2011? I cannot speak for you, but a good deal does overrule that thought process. But with no good deal, heck no man. I am waiting.

As far as the suspension goes. Good lord no it is not horrible. But think about this. Once you "Learn" a vehicle and find the faults you want to change is suspension one of those for you? If not I would not worry about it.

It is my understanding that when BRP originally finalized the shock/springs for the RT's they pictured more single riders and more of a "Touring" desire. Yet they received enough feedback to suggest a change was going to be a good idea. Basically they stiffened the system a little. After we load these babies up and have a passenger they seem to be a tad to top heavy. And for those of us that like a more spirited ryde at times we found the front suspension to not satisfy our needs.

There is nothing wrong in any way with the factory 2010 shock/springs up front. For example... I have read here on this forum of four or five folks putting the RT shock.springs on their RS's and are very happy. Yet more than 80% of other RS ryders have no desire to change them.

Before I forget... Please keep in mind that paying full retail for "Last years" model without the factory installed improvements, does not sound like a "Buy" to me. So if I had to wait 30-60 days and only pay $400 more now for the newer model... The improvement are worth far more than the extra $400. This though is with my understanding of more than a handful of folks have already placed their orders and made their "Deals" for the 2011's. Those of us that have are simply waiting to take delivery and the deal is all done (Less final signatures and getting the keys of course :thumbup

The choice is really yours because after-all. You have to live with yourself right? Not to mention no one person can say right now if the improvements made to the 2011 suspension will meet our desires and we very well may get aftermarket shocks anyway nojoke:yikes::roflblack:

And as far as 2010 vs. 2011... I think about and would like to mention the "Little" things that they do not tell us about. For example... The Vibration from a forward mount needs fine tuning on a few 2010's. And the side panels are not attached as they "Demoed" and more than a handful of folks lost them on trips (On their 2010 models). They are not cheap to replace yet. So this is a spot I am looking at for a potential change once we take delivery.

One final thought. These rydes are literally worth it. So in the end I would be happy with either year. But having the ability to choose, I choose Killer deal = 2010, MSRP to $1400 ish less than MSRP = 2011.

 

[drifter]

SpyderWolf,
I have been with Velocity Power Sports for 2 years now. I don’t have experience with any other Can-Am Spyder dealers so I can’t give you a comparison. I will say I’m not disappointed but how would I know the difference? In my experience they have been very good with knowing what is currently going on with the spyder and have a factory trained technician for the Spyder. The staff is good but not perfect…this is just my opinion because I’m impatient. I have no complaints about the dealership other than they don’t work fast enough. Maybe you can help me? They want close to $300.00 for an oil change (with specified adjustments according to BRP.) Bottom line…I trust them and like them but think they charge to much.

 

[SpyderWolf]

SpyderWolf,
I have been with Velocity Power Sports for 2 years now. I don’t have experience with any other Can-Am Spyder dealers so I can’t give you a comparison. I will say I’m not disappointed but how would I know the difference? In my experience they have been very good with knowing what is currently going on with the spyder and have a factory trained technician for the Spyder. The staff is good but not perfect…this is just my opinion because I’m impatient. I have no complaints about the dealership other than they don’t work fast enough. Maybe you can help me? They want close to $300.00 for an oil change (with specified adjustments according to BRP.) Bottom line…I trust them and like them but think they charge to much.

Thanks for the info, that is fair enough and all I could really ask for.

If they are wanting close to $300 for something like the 6,000 or 12,000 mile service, then that is pretty much in line with what I have seen at other dealers as well. I do the oil changes to our Spyders myself, but still have to use the dealer network for most other mechanical work. I don't think very many people are happy at all with the amount they pay for service on any vehicle they own.

 

[drifter]

IWN2RYD,
Thanks for your detailed input. I agree with you about the wait but think the differences between the RT-S 2010 and 2011 are insignificant for me and can be modified if necessary for a reasonable cost. I’m just going to upgrade again when BRP truly changes the bike like in 2012. Anyway I appreciate all the input. Take care!

 

[Dragonrider]

My local dealers are asking retail for 2008 & 2009 Demos. They will not deal on price, but will offer extras, like the warranty or accessories at a deep discount. Same goes for the RT622 trailer..

 

[Bob Denman]

The front suspension on the 2010 RT-S is NOT horrible. It's much to be desired, but not horrible. I wound up purchasing 300 lb Elka shocks, and they have made a world of difference. The cost was roughly $700.00.

Hope this helps.

Chris PE# 0004

Front suspension... I just bumped the preload up on mine one notch and it was much much better too! (For Zero dollars!:thumbup