RT vs RS

[SnoWhite]

I am considering trading/selling my 2010 RS for a Limited RT. Any thoughts? I bought my RS back in October and while I love it, I feel the RT would be a better choice for me. The postion of the handle bars and the seat appear to be a better fit for me. I am having problems with my finger tips falling asleep while traveling at higher RPM. And I just dont think riding the RS for long periods of time will be as comfortable as the RT might be. Let me know what ya'll think.

 

[IWN2RYD]

Good questions. Sadly only you can answer them.

Have you test driven an RT yet? This usually tells you right away what will work.

The RT is not a Sporty in the power, but the RT is far more comfy for those looking for it.

That said. You can get handlebars and or raisers to get the position you are looking for on the RS and save a lot of $$...

We bought an RT-S last year... Then went to the RSS this year... A few months later we went back to the RT-S. For us they are very different machines. The RT-S fits our comfort needs. Not to mention a LOT of additional features the RS does not have...nojoke

Good luck!

 

[Heliplt]

To each there own, it all depends on you and what you want to do with it. Without a doubt the RT is much more comfy and designed for the long haul, the RS is sportier but more designed for the shorter runs and one person. Me personally hemmed and hawed over the decision of RS VS RT but after talking to several owners it was unanimous that 3 out of 3 owners were or did trade in the RS for an RT because the passenger (wife) was not comfy on the back. Also by the time you spend the money on all of the up grades on the RS to make it comfy for you and your passenger you are into the price of an RT. My suggestion to you is to by the RT because you will eventually. J

 

[Spyder Cat]

I agree. They are 2 different machines. It depends on what you want.
We refer to the ryde of our RT as a Mercedes while the RS is the Miata.
If you want comfort with sport, lower the windshield on the RT, and turn up the volume.:roflblack:
If you want sport WITH comfort, there are plenty of mods (risers, grips, windshields, etc etc etc) for the RS to get what you want.

They're both awesome rydes right out of the box, but the mods will make it yours, to set up for your ever-changing ryding desires.

It happens so often... I'll be on the RT right on Vaughn's tail on the RS thru the twisties to the coast. .. all the while, enjoying the comforts of the RT, exclaiming 'ah, yes, this is the way it's supposed to be.' But then we stop and trade... now I'm on the RS, back on the same road, and the thrill multiplies..... 'oh no, THIS is the way it's supposed to be.'

But an RS will never be an RT . . . . but the RT will never be an RS. They're not supposed to be.

:helpsmilie: That's the reason we cashed out a couple retirement accounts and have both. :roflblack::yes:

Hopefully you can spend some time in the saddle of both of them; post your questions here about what you want/need and you'll get plenty feedback from your fellow Spyderlovers.
But in the end, it' your decisions.

 

[Lamonster]

Having put thousands of miles on both I think if I had to pick just one for the long haul it would have to be the RT. As much as I still love my RS I really enjoy my RT now that I have it pretty much the way I like it.

 

[Bob Denman]

But an RS will never be an RT . . . . but the RT will never be an RS. They're not supposed to be.

:helpsmilie: That's the reason we cashed out a couple retirement accounts and have both. :roflblack::yes:

:2thumbs::clap:

So the choice really is yours, and yours alone... :shocked: Good luck and enjoy the shopping! :thumbup:

 

[sealfloorboards]

I worked hard to make my RS a touring bike. Put on a tall windshield, added %' handle bar risers and even invented Seal FloorBoards to put me into a cruiser position. It worked quite well but I kept hearing about the comfort and extras on the RT. Never felt comfortable about carrying a passenger either. Traided up to the RT at SpyderFest and just love it. The only mod I added was my Seal FloorBoards. It was an instant joy to ride. Miss the low end torque but thats all. I'm sure my tires will last longer without it.

Ride in comfort,

John
Seal FloorBoards

 

[SnoWhite]

Well, it sure sounds like the way to go is with the RT model. I'm not a thrill seeker, and speed is not high on my list of fun rydes. But being comfy and enjoying the ryde is.

Thanks for all the advice, I'm testing an RT tomorrow at our dealership in Alcoa, so I will keep ya'll posted. But I'm betting there will be a new RT in our garage before long. Too bad my husband loves his Harley so much, we could have both.

Oh well, I'll stay with the Sypders and he can stay with the Harleys. hyea:

 

[chris56]

when we bought the GS/RS three years ago - we didn`t plan that we use it for a longer weekend or for the holidays ... so the RT was built "extra" for us - had to order it ..
(after some fights - we are happy now)
wouldn`t change back (in the moment)

 

[Spyder Cat]

Well, it sure sounds like the way to go is with the RT model. I'm not a thrill seeker, and speed is not high on my list of fun rydes. But being comfy and enjoying the ryde is.

Thanks for all the advice, I'm testing an RT tomorrow at our dealership in Alcoa, so I will keep ya'll posted. But I'm betting there will be a new RT in our garage before long. Too bad my husband loves his Harley so much, we could have both.

Oh well, I'll stay with the Sypders and he can stay with the Harleys. hyea:

That's okay, you can ryde in luxury and still smoke him in the twisties :roflblack: :roflblack:
Sounds like you know what you want, and I know you will LOVE the RT.

Keep us posted. hyea: We wanna hear your thoughts after the test drive.

 

[bikeguy]

I am having problems with my finger tips falling asleep while traveling at higher RPM. And I just dont think riding the RS for long periods of time will be as comfortable as the RT might be. Let me know what ya'll think.

In my opinion, one of the big improvements in the RT over the RS that is seldom mentioned is the addition of a real cruise control. BRP's cruise control works very well and allows you to ride for miles with your right hand off the the throttle. In addition to a more upright seating position, being able to rest either hand makes the RT a much more comfortable long distance tourer in my opinion.

Cotton

 

[SnoWhite]

Sounds like you have pretty much made your decision, but I think you should give some thought to the RED RT, certainly looks coolest of the RTs and it goes well with Little Red. hyea: :2thumbs: :clap: :thumbup:

But then I wouldn't be Little Red, I would have to change that to BIG RED!!! :roflblack:

 

[RodO]

Here's 2 more cents from someone with both Spyders. As many others have said, the mods I did on my GS were to make it a better tourer, for both single and 2-up rides. I'm keeping the RT and selling the GS.

YMMV.

 

[Marker]

Before we bought our RTS SE5 we looked at the Rs and decided it was not for us . After test riding we loved the RT . Since I have neck problems the riding position of the Rs made my hands fall asleep ,legs sore and neck sore. My wife did not like the tiny passenger seat on the Rs. I thought about aftermarket parts to make the RS more comfortable to ride but that was too expensive and like many others have said before you cannot turn an Rs into an RT. Good Luck with your decision and maybe your dealer will let you spend a few hours riding an Rt our dealer did .

 

[freebob]

I had my GS for about 3 yrs and loved it' But I have to go along with the
majority here I traded for RT-S because it offered so much more in the way of comfort for the long hauls and you really don't have to add a load of accessories to make it practical for touring and eveyday riding. One day I will buy a used RS when the price is right to have some thing to play with when I'm not on RT...:yes:....

Freebob....:doorag:

 

[SilverSurfer]

RT vs RS (Kuryakyn and Kewl Metal, Are You Listening?)

As an RT-S owner, it's nice to see some original owners drifting over to the RT or owning both since the RTs came out last year. This will lend some balance to the customer base, especially for aftermarket suppliers. Aftermarket is still far behind on catching up with the RT. Two vendors I immediately think of are Kuryakyn and Kewl Metal.

Kuryakyn STILL needs to actually design a set of clamshells for the RT-S/SE5 with heated grips. We should not be left with adapting a set of GW 1800GL grips, grinding down our shift lever, cutting the outer flange off our stock grips, etc. We should not be left with "killing" our heated grips to achieve a better grip. Kuryakyn needs to professionally design a solution, just like it has for every other motorcycle on the market ... even the Spyder GS/RS. I wish other RTowners would help me with this by communicating with Kuryakyn.

I know Kewl Metal has marketed a lot of bling for the GS/RS. However, what little there is of Kewl Metal's accutrements unique to the Spyder RT is 'so so.' Recently they came out with grill inserts for the right-side of the Spyder RT, to cover the upper and lower empty areas in back of the radiator. I ultimately returned my order to them because; in addition to being sold out of the design I really wanted, I felt the inserts were too thinly constructed. What's more, if KM is building "chrome waffel inserts" for the right side of the RT; why aren't they fabricating a replacement chrome solution for the stock black waffel grille on the left side? On durability, they instruct you to actually "hand-mould" the shape of the grilles to conform to the Spyder's contours, and on noting that and feeling the product, it occurred to me that once mounted, a nudge or bump could bend them in while on the machine.

So again, I'm glad to see original Spyder RS/GS owners warming up to the RT/RT-S/RT-Limited as a trade-up or addition. It is bound to help aftermarket competition toward support and accessories for the RT line.

 

[freebob]

As an RT-S owner, it's nice to see some original owners drifting over to the RT or owning both since the RTs came out last year. This will lend some balance to the customer base, especially for aftermarket suppliers. Aftermarket is still far behind on catching up with the RT. Two vendors I immediately think of are Kuryakyn and Kewl Metal.

Kuryakyn STILL needs to actually design a set of clamshells for the RT-S/SE5 with heated grips. We should not be left with adapting a set of GW 1800GL grips, grinding down our shift lever, cutting the outer flange off our stock grips, etc. We should not be left with "killing" our heated grips to achieve a better grip. Kuryakyn needs to professionally design a solution, just like it has for every other motorcycle on the market ... even the Spyder GS/RS. I wish other RTowners would help me with this by communicating with Kuryakyn.

I know Kewl Metal has marketed a lot of bling for the GS/RS. However, what little there is of Kewl Metal's accutrements unique to the Spyder RT is 'so so.' Recently they came out with grill inserts for the right-side of the Spyder RT, to cover the upper and lower empty areas in back of the radiator. I ultimately returned my order to them because; in addition to being sold out of the design I really wanted, I felt the inserts were too thinly constructed. What's more, if KM is building "chrome waffel inserts" for the right side of the RT; why aren't they fabricating a replacement chrome solution for the stock black waffel grille on the left side? On durability, they instruct you to actually "hand-mould" the shape of the grilles to conform to the Spyder's contours, and on noting that and feeling the product, it occurred to me that once mounted, a nudge or bump could bend them in while on the machine.

So again, I'm glad to see original Spyder RS/GS owners warming up to the RT/RT-S/RT-Limited as a trade-up or addition. It is bound to help aftermarket competition toward support and accessories for the RT line.

Right ON, :2thumbs:..won't be long and we can start our own FORUM...:chat:....hyea:...

Freebob...:doorag:

 

[SnoWhite]

Well, thought I would let ya'll know about the test ride this past Saturday. OMG, what a difference! I mean, really, I knew there would be differences, but I had no idea how uncomfortable I have been on my little RS. It really is remarkable how i just felt like it fit me perfect. The Handlebars, the seat, the pegs, the controls....just perfect. So now I really have a problem, I have to sell my RS and get the RT and I would love to have this all done before the Maggie Valley trip. Not sure that is just possible, but Hubby is working on getting the RS on the market. We are considering taking the RS back to the dealer we bought it from and put money down on the Limited they have coming some time in June. The dealership will work with us on the trade/sell of the RS and will not charge us a % to sell it for us. Sounds like the way to go if we can work out all the details.
Thanks to everyone who posted and gave suggestions and comments. You are certainly right, I love the RT and knew it as soon as I sat on the seat. This is the way to go. Anyone intersted in a slightly used RS SE, I GOT one for Sale. Thanks again, I'll keep you posted and let you know as soon I have the one in my sites.:2thumbs:

 

[Spyder Cat]

Well, thought I would let ya'll know about the test ride this past Saturday. OMG, what a difference! I mean, really, I knew there would be differences, but I had no idea how uncomfortable I have been on my little RS.

Anyone intersted in a slightly used RS SE, I GOT one for Sale. Thanks again, I'll keep you posted and let you know as soon I have the one in my sites.:2thumbs:

:yes::yes::yes::yes:AWESOME!!
and please KEEP US POSTED!!!!!!

and be sure to post your RS for sale here on Spyderlovers.
You'll be surprised how many lookers there are in our midst!
:congrats:
.

 

[Bob Denman]

See... love CAN be better the second time around... :2thumbs: