RT vs RTL Features comparison - food for thought?

[vito1943]

This thread is intended for those considering the buying of a Spyder. Its not saying what to buy, just giving some food for thought. In 2021 I decided to get a Spyder. I was lucky in that the dealer had several models on the showroom floor, and prices were reasonable for the time (full MSRP but nothing added). My first inclination was to buy the RTL at approximately $28,000. Then I looked at an RT for $23,000. What was different that accounted for the $5,000 difference in price? The most obvious was the trunk. The other main difference was the heated seats on the RTL, but not on the RT. Personally I know that I would not likely be taking long trips of multiple days where the maximum storage capacity would be really needed, and if I did take such a trip it would not likely be with my wife riding with me. So even without a trunk, the RT would work for me as I could easily put a canvas or other bag on the passenger seat and attach with a bungee for the rare time that I needed the storage. For day trips, the side cases and the frunk give me more storage than I really need. I don't like the feel of a heated seat (even in my cars) so that feature was of little value to me. I did want to add a passenger backrest to the RT, which added about $600 to my cost. So basically I saved over $4,000 and bought the RT. Its been a bit over a year, and as I get ready to put the Spyder to sleep for the winter, I decided that for me, the RT was the right decision. That's not saying it would be the right decision for you, but I think its worth thinking about, especially for those who are already a bit put off by the high cost of one of these vehicles and thinking that maybe a lower cost used bike would be preferable to buying a new one.

 

[RayBJ]

As a solo rider, the RT Base is perfect for me. I take long round trip tours (~2 weeks) and shorter 4-5 days loops. Storage space is more than enough for a 1-up rider. I added a driver's backrest and heated seat (year-round rider). I also added a Shad top case for the rare time that I may ride 2-up to give the passenger a more secure feeling but it sits in the shed 99% of the time.
The money I saved by not going with the Limited was put towards suspension and performance and still came out lower.

IMHO, the Limited would be the right choice for those who ride 2-up frequently because of the added storage and passenger backrest.

 

[SLICE]

when i bought my 22 RTL i could not find an RT within 200 miles of me.
why dealers here in florida get the RTL is beyond me, i bought because its
what they had .

 

[Peteoz]

You no longer have a choice out here in Aus. You can only buy an RT Ltd, an F3 Ltd, or an F3-s Special series. It certainly makes decision making easier, but……. p.s. the RT-L is $44,100aud ride away.

Pete

 

[FrogmanDave]

but……. p.s. the RT-L is $44,100aud ride away.

Pete

Geez Louise!

 

[Navydad]

We have a 2015 RT and take long two up trips, but if we were to move to a new bike it would be the RT without the trunk. We have always traveled on a sport touring bike so packing light is the norm for us. On a trip we use the frunk and side compartments and the trunk is empty. I would set up a passenger back rest without breaking the bank and set up a luggage rack if needed. We have several travel bags we could use. I figure I can set this up for under $500 and that would leave over $4000 for gas and donuts :2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

Agree on a lot of money for a few bells and whistles that are hardly ever used.

Bought RT, RT A&C, and RTS...but never the RTL. I could not see the extra $2K (price above the RT-S models) or so for real chrome (very little) and a garmin.

My last two were F3 "L," One (the previous year model) the other, (past year end, close out). Both came with year end rebates. That, coupled with a good deal (2019 & 2020) back when dealing was a part of the buying package, and a fair trade in, I got the L's for less than full value. Worked for me.

Based on current stuff going on, and health issues, I have decided to say farewell to Spyder riding and the F3's. I will remain as a mod as long as they will have me.

No electrics will be in my fleet either.

 

[tntnj]

I bought an RT base (used) for $21500 out of state. The price they were asking for a used 2021 RTL was around $32K, (4k more than a new one). I added the top case for $2k and the signature lights for $200. I ride alone so I don't care about the rear heated grip rails, but I do go for long rides and stay over night; that was the reason for the top case. As far as the heated seat, if I need them on it is too cold.

 

[PMK]

Geez Louise!

That $44,100 Australian is almost the same as we would pay in the USA, converts to $27,845 USD

 

[Woodaddict]

its just a barter system......AUSTRALIA is higher compared to US, but relative in each country. only real benefit is go to a country where the dollar is valued more for your money. win win

 

[Quickdraw]

This thread is intended for those considering the buying of a Spyder. Its not saying what to buy, just giving some food for thought. In 2021 I decided to get a Spyder. I was lucky in that the dealer had several models on the showroom floor, and prices were reasonable for the time (full MSRP but nothing added). My first inclination was to buy the RTL at approximately $28,000. Then I looked at an RT for $23,000. What was different that accounted for the $5,000 difference in price? The most obvious was the trunk. The other main difference was the heated seats on the RTL, but not on the RT. Personally I know that I would not likely be taking long trips of multiple days where the maximum storage capacity would be really needed, and if I did take such a trip it would not likely be with my wife riding with me. So even without a trunk, the RT would work for me as I could easily put a canvas or other bag on the passenger seat and attach with a bungee for the rare time that I needed the storage. For day trips, the side cases and the frunk give me more storage than I really need. I don't like the feel of a heated seat (even in my cars) so that feature was of little value to me. I did want to add a passenger backrest to the RT, which added about $600 to my cost. So basically I saved over $4,000 and bought the RT. Its been a bit over a year, and as I get ready to put the Spyder to sleep for the winter, I decided that for me, the RT was the right decision. That's not saying it would be the right decision for you, but I think its worth thinking about, especially for those who are already a bit put off by the high cost of one of these vehicles and thinking that maybe a lower cost used bike would be preferable to buying a new one.

I bought my '21 RT base model for pretty much the same reasons. However, I did end up buying the top case, but it only cost me $1,500. Still saved almost $4K though even after that. I've added some extras but the only noticeable extra I added that came stock with the RTL that didn't with the RT, are the auxiliary lights in the front. All other add-ons I would have had to do with the RTL as well. Other than the heated seats, it was almost an apples-to-apples comparison.

I'm happy with my purchase. And again, I keep adding bells and whistles, but I would have to with the RTL as well.

 

[GoNoGo]

The only feature I want on the new RTL that the RT doesn't have is the color-matched top trunk.. but my spending $30k+ after destination, assembly and our TVAT (tag tax) would be hard to swallow :barf:

I've never regretted passing on the RTL back in 2013 when I bought my RT Base, the only mods I performed was trimming 3" off the windshield, then adding foglights and LED headlight bulbs.. in fact I still prefer the pegs hyea:

I always use the top-rear trunk for my personal items and helmet so I'll want it if I ever upgrade to the new RT model :thumbup:

 

[ThreeWheels]

I bought the RT Limited. I've used all the bells and whistles.
I should mention that I often ride two up.
The tail trunk is essential for me. In fact, I've added the luggage rack to the tail trunk and use it on longer trips.
The heated seats are great, especially this time of year.
The automatic load levelling is a nice feature.
I like the additional lights and have added a few more.
The most significant upgrade is the HeliBars, and I would have added that to either model the RT Limited or RT Base.
The bells and whistles on the S2S model are, in my opinion, not worth the additional expense.

 

[gkamer]

That $44,100 Australian is almost the same as we would pay in the USA, converts to $27,845 USD

:agree:

 

[Jetfixer]

My first RT was a 2015 RTL and I traded in on a 2020 RTL. I also use all the features. But since no one else pointed it out, I also like the additional high mounted light on the top case for visibility. I added an aftermarket one to my 2015 and liked the stock one on the 2020. I don't have the filler panel that takes the place of the topcase if it's removed, because I never remove it due to the great storage. I've lost count of the times I've been asked if I could store something for another rider during our group rides.

 

[Quickdraw]

My top case isn't color match, but I think I'm going to take the side panels and top lid off over the winter and paint them Petrol Metallic blue. I saw someone else on here do that and it looks like it came out pretty good. Right now, I have a wrapmyspyder sticker, but I think I like the color match better. I can add smaller decorative stickers or pinstripes afterwards.

 

[Peteoz]

That $44,100 Australian is almost the same as we would pay in the USA, converts to $27,845 USD

Yep, very true, PMK, but only after you take relative salaries and cost of living into account.

Pete

 

[FrogmanDave]

I bought the RT Limited. I've used all the bells and whistles.
I should mention that I often ride two up.
The tail trunk is essential for me. In fact, I've added the luggage rack to the tail trunk and use it on longer trips.
The heated seats are great, especially this time of year.
The automatic load levelling is a nice feature.
I like the additional lights and have added a few more.
The most significant upgrade is the HeliBars, and I would have added that to either model the RT Limited or RT Base.
The bells and whistles on the S2S model are, in my opinion, not worth the additional expense.

Exactly the same here except I am almost exclusively one up. And I use handlebar risers instead of HeliBars.

 

[K80Shooter]

I went with the chrome Limited and have no regrets at all. The saddle bags have our rain suits and other misc. emergency items which always stay there, hers on the right side and mine on the left. We each have a Hi Vis jacket in these saddle bags also so they are always full.

The frunk is used for a day cooler and each of us a cap for when we stop. We also keep various items in the trunk, gloves, sheep skin covers to be used/removed as needed, sun glasses, and other items that my wife says we/she must have. We also store her helmet in the trunk when we stop and mine goes into the frunk. I honestly wouldn't want any less storage. So, for us the Limited is the best fit.

 

[EdMat]

I'll buck the beginning trend also. Glad I got the RTL and if I were to get a newer version it would be another RTL or the S2S. I know I would not be happy with a RT, but that's just me. The added touches and extra storage seal the deal.