RTAC vs RTS: Benefits of Air Ride

[Pseudonym]

I am considering purchasing a new Spyder touring model, yet am not sure which one will offer the best cost/benefit for my needs. What do you experts and enthusiasts think?

Primary Intended Use:
3+ times per week, most of the year:

• 230lb solo rider
• 30-50miles each way on Southern CA freeways (often car pool lanes)
• typically during rush hour
• often near lots of semis, such as at the Port of Long Beach (i.e. I'll catch a lot of wind turbulence from them)
• Will use GPS to find new work sites
• Will carry an ever changing assortment (10-50lbs) of work equipment

Occasional Intended Uses:

• weekend scenic drives with a 150lb passenger
• local errands with or without a passenger, such as light shopping

Possible Future Uses (no idea if/when):

• weekend getaways to a B&B or campsite
• possible trailer use for luggage, camping gear, etc.

Keeping in mind these uses, will the Air Ride be of much use to me? I'm completely new to this type of vehicle, and have no idea how much Air Ride matters or what sort of maintenance liability might come with it.

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[TicketBait]

I got the whole enchilada and I am glad I did. I have used everything except the spare tire for the trailer and
the Citizen band radio (I've got some learning to do on that one.)

I too ride the freeways here in Los Angeles county, Lets see, a typical week I will have been on the 405 fwy
ten times the 5 three times and the 105 twice the 118 or 210, 605 & 2 at least once. The bike rides great all
the time accept for during the night I don't like riding in carpool unless there is enough over head lighting. The
headlights are a little weak in throwing out enough light for me to safely see an obstacle at 65+ mph. My understanding i
s that one of the new accessories that BRP is coming out with is Xenon head lights. I will upgrade to these.:thumbup:

For as much and as often that you are gonna use the machine I would get the RTS model. A friend of mine got
the RTAC and has been slowly adding more features that come on the RTS. ie: front luggage liner, fog lights. He
had an issue with his rear shock where mine has not. Could be just luck of the draw, but I like the fact that when
I add my passenger I can just press a button on the dash to make the ride more stiff. ( my friend below scottyb & my dog DooLittle )

I just got back from Vegas in Octoberand my sister road the 600 miles round trip- her first time on a spyder
and loved it. We went to the Pro Bull Riding Event and they let us park in VIP where the bull riders stay for free

I am the same weight as you 230 lbs and I put the stock shock settings at first at 4, and then still prefered it to be
slightly more firm so 5 works like a dream. dream dream dream.......

These two got me to switch to drinking Tecate Lite, but my sister rescued me from having more than one Jack Daniels

Now accessories are a big part of the ultimate benefits. Beginning with how you feel on the ride. This bike will
feel like a Cadillac, but you can make it even more plush. I am hoping to get the Corbin Seat in Aligator just like
LaMonster's .

And there are many options to make it more safe.

First off you haven't mentioned if you have prior riding skills. If you are coming from 2 wheels you may have
a steeper learning curve till you become comfortable in turns. For myself I had no prior experience. So i spent
$250 and took the MSP course. Best $$ I spent to educate me.And now I have a motorcycle license.

Also while I was waiting for my Spyder to arrive
I downloaded the manual, printed all 144 pages out, and read a little bit each day. There is a whole section devoted
to practicing with different maneuvers. 10 pages devoted to the manual and automatic. I practiced at my dealership
with their manual demo, but ordered the paddle shift.

Lets just say right up front, Only, I repeat only get the paddle shift for So. Cal driving. You don't wanna have to be
shifting with your feet when you are listening to XM radio. Did I
mention get the XM radio.

Ok next you are gonna want to be able to move your foot position, there are numerous choices available. I love my
Kewl Metals highway boards. (another sponsor of this site)

Next you need to be sensibly visible. The two best lights you can add are sold by a vendor right here , ESI. The third brake
light and the front LED mud flaps. If you are on a budget and can spend more later then get the side markers front fender
tips so that it all works in unison as a turn signal. I also added the day runners and they stay on all the time solid.

When my wife began riding with me her biggest fear was not knowing when we were gonna turn, she now
has learned to look down at the mud flaps, cuz they will indicate when we are turning because I always
signal. ( like religiously). And you will find that southern California cage drivers are so polite in letting you in. :thumbup:

To Make your trip even more enjoyable get the BRP ST1 helmets with microphones and you can pipe the music
onto your helmet or not. And your passenger can adjust their level independent of yours. I did a whole review
on this helmet that you can view part II and also one from this linkhttp://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23860

Oh and one more thing these are the best helmet locks for having to just run in the store, rather than putting in the
side storage.

I got the trailer later and love it. There are other threads that go into detail on it. So I will just say it makes for traveling
that much more enjoyable.

Here my Lovely wife, Rosita and I went to Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead.
twice this summer.

And you don't even realize the trailer is with you until you need to find a place to park ( I am still learning )

And finally I gotta say that BRP makes some of the finest leather and summer mesh jackets, and I added their armor too.

The luggage they make is superb. What I like so much about the hard cases is you can't over pack on a trip. They
fit perfect every time.

Let's see, oh yes if you have AAA coverage you need to add the RV/Motorcycle coverage a week before you need it. I have the 100 mile tow pkg, and have used it twice when my bike had an issue.

I currently have 11,550 miles in less than 10 months.

Don't know if you are mechanically inclined. I am not, so I had my dealership disconnect the wires to the
temp and gas gauge. Now they appear on the dash and are so much more easy to decipher the info.

And lastly where you buy is important. I have had the best experience during and after with the sales and service Dept located in Redondo Beach. CA

Yes I am well aware that I am in 4 of the above photos. I won't let it happen again :shemademe_smilie:

So have fun getting your Spyder and remember the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show you can
sign up for a demo ride for December 17th to the 19th. I think WestCoastSpyder is gonna be there on
Saturday. Good opportunity to ask lots of questions from fellow riders and then maybe nail down a really good
deal.

The 2011's are just around the corner. I heard that the new brochure with all the New accessories catalog is coming
:yes:hyeaut on November 25 th

two more things, welcome to Spyder Lovers and what everversion you end up with you can always make it the way you want it
. You can't go wrong on !

ticketbait

 

[Trickie Dick]

Man, Ticketbait sold me. I'm ready to trade my little ole GS in on the RT and move to Californiahyea:hyea:

Great write-up:thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

As far as comfort and fitting your needs go, any of the three versions of the RT would probably work equally as well. It comes down to creature comforts, trim levels, and your personal wants/desires. All Spyder RTs have an air adjustable rear suspension. The RTS is adjustable via a switch on the console, while the others require manual adjustment via a Schrader valve under the seat. If you have need to adjust a lot, you may wish to have the RTS, but I seldom find need to play with the adjustment, myself. I do like the automatic ride height adjustment when I carry a passenger. You can use an aftermarket GPS with any model, but you need an audio system to integrate a GPS to the Spyder audio system. That will also require an additional cable, in addition to the audio system option. All models can be fitted with the trailer hitch.

The A&C adds the audio system (front speakers only) with iPod integration, availability of the electric shift (SE5) transmission option, and passenger heated grips. The RTS adds rear speakers, the switch operated rear suspension, extra chrome trim, LED accent and marker lights, front trunk liner and light, and foglights.

If you prefer your own audio/comm system, the base model may suit you fine. If you plan to add options available on a higher model, you may wish to just get that model, since it is generally cheaper than adding the same options to the lower model. If you plan to add factory GPS or Comm/CB system, you may want one of the higher models with an audio system. It all depends on what you are looking for, just like buying a car. Having ridden the RTS for 2010, and with a 2011 on order, I find that I could actually live with any of the models quite nicely, but I still like the conveniences and appearance of the RTS.

 

[bruiser]

WOW!!! I think Ticketbait could sell a :spyder2: to the president of Harley Davidson :roflblack:

 

[JimAlpha]

Really good post! I might have to crack open the piggy bank and trade in the RS!

 

[bullant12]

I'm sold! Wait... I have an RT but the A&C.. Love mine regardless!!!

 

[Marker]

Awesome review !!!! You are right RTS SE5 is the way to go.

 

[MouthPiece]

How much are the "babes" accessories? :yes::yes:

Chris PE # 0004

 

[crtravelnmore]

I looked at getting a AC instead of a RTS because I couldn't find a blue one. I got a nice $ for an AC. I added up the cost of features I needed to be comfortable and the time it would take to install them all and realized that I would save maybe $1000 (doing the labor myself). This wasn't worth the effort of getting an AC, so I found a RTS SE5 in blue and saved an additional $500. So with the discounted price, I paid $500 more for the RTS SE5. So like several members have said, ALL RT's are nice. If you can live with shifting gears, get the RT. If your thinking of the AC and have some extra $ to spare, DON'T get the AC, just get the RTS. You will be happier in the long run (the extra Bling won't hurt either ) FYI, for constant riding, windy days, and 2 up riding, the air suspension has been worth it. :congrats: I hope.

 

[Pseudonym]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm leaning towards the RTS after your comments.

Thanks in particular to TicketBait for the detailed review and sharing your experience with So Cal freeways. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't pass each other on a freeway one of these days. I've been considering the Del Amo Demo Ride event in December and will almost certainly go if I don't buy something before then. Good to know they are a decent dealer. They are a bit farther from Orange County than I would like for regular maintenance, but it sounds like the dealer will have a significant impact on the ownership experience so it might be worth the drive.

The explanation of features and trim levels from NancysToy and the comments about air ride from Crtravelnmore were also helpful and appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Bob Denman]

WOW!!! I think Ticketbait could sell a :spyder2: to the president of Harley Davidson :roflblack:

:agree: :roflblack: :thumbup:

 

[pjp623]

:agree: :roflblack: :thumbup:

I guess that I'll be looking for an RTS in RED.

 

[billythekidd]

How much are the "babes" accessories? :yes::yes:

Chris PE # 0004

Inital inverstment... not so much... long term very expensive...


Willy

 

[bikeguy]

We have a base RT and the only options we've added are the front trunk liner and heated passenger grips. We don't listen to music while we're riding and, if we did, I would plug an mp3 player into my Cardo Scala Rider intercom unit. I think I would like that better than trying to listen to external speakers at 70 MPH with a helmet on. I think the dashboard adjustable rear suspension would be really neat but, the fact is, I can adjust the suspension with the Schrader valve under the seat easier than on any bike I ever owned before. So the added expense of the RT-AC or the RT-S just wasn't worth it to me. My wife and I are both really happy with our RT.

Now, if I was buying a 2011 RT, it would be a different story. I would not be able to resist the RED 2011 RT-S. After seeing one in person at the motorcycle show in Dallas on Saturday, I would pay the extra $$$ to get that red. It's beautiful! My wife, being more practical than me and a lover of silver motorcycles, would veto the deal, though.

Cotton

 

[Bob Denman]

How much are the "babes" accessories? :yes::yes:

Chris PE # 0004

Probably an awful lot more than any of us would really want to spend! ("Honey... Where's my checkbook??" :shocked::roflblack

 

[GaryTheBadger]

TicketBait - That's one of the most enjoyable posts I've seen in a long time, thank you. And I'm not saying that because of the babes.
Okay, yes I am. But all the other stuff in the post is terrific, too!

 

[Dragonrider]

I was fortunate enough to find a good "previously owned" RTS SE5 on this forum. If I was chasing a new one, I'd look at the A/C RM5, because of the cost (I don't finance toys- ever). But I'm glad that I have the model I have.

 

[TicketBait]

Man, Ticketbait sold me. I'm ready to trade my little ole GS in on the RT and move to Californiahyea:hyea:

Great write-up:thumbup:

Thanks for saying Great write-up, the original poster looked like he put a lot of thought into his question, the
way he bold typed the headlines and laid everything out so easy to understand his situation and what
he was after. I wanted to give it my Spyder All. After I finished I thought of more things to add, but figured I
would let the spyder community contribute to our new Spyder Lover member.

As far as comfort and fitting your needs go, any of the three versions of the RT would probably work equally as well. It comes down to creature comforts, trim levels, and your personal wants/desires. All Spyder RTs have an air adjustable rear suspension. The RTS is adjustable via a switch on the console, while the others require manual adjustment via a Schrader valve under the seat. If you have need to adjust a lot, you may wish to have the RTS, but I seldom find need to play with the adjustment, myself. I do like the automatic ride height adjustment when I carry a passenger. You can use an aftermarket GPS with any model, but you need an audio system to integrate a GPS to the Spyder audio system. That will also require an additional cable, in addition to the audio system option. All models can be fitted with the trailer hitch.

The A&C adds the audio system (front speakers only) with iPod integration, availability of the electric shift (SE5) transmission option, and passenger heated grips. The RTS adds rear speakers, the switch operated rear suspension, extra chrome trim, LED accent and marker lights, front trunk liner and light, and foglights.

If you prefer your own audio/comm system, the base model may suit you fine. If you plan to add options available on a higher model, you may wish to just get that model, since it is generally cheaper than adding the same options to the lower model. If you plan to add factory GPS or Comm/CB system, you may want one of the higher models with an audio system. It all depends on what you are looking for, just like buying a car. Having ridden the RTS for 2010, and with a 2011 on order, I find that I could actually live with any of the models quite nicely, but I still like the conveniences and appearance of the RTS.

:agree: Scotty makes many very good points I agree with.

WOW!!! I think Ticketbait could sell a :spyder2: to the president of Harley Davidson :roflblack:

I practiced on my Friend who is a president of a Harley Chapter and failed miserably, he has a 73 soft tail in mint condition. He did get the Nolan helmet that I did the review on.:thumbup: So, just need to do baby steps for the hard core riders

I'm sold! Wait... I have an RT but the A&C.. Love mine regardless!!!

Never intended to make this a class war, my Best Spyder friend has an RT A&C, and as far as he is concerned,( and me too) we are ryding equal machines. He got the color he wanted and now has accessories added that I wanna get.:cheers:. So the original poster wanted to know the best cost benefit for his particular situation. And I figured if it was easier for him to control the air suspension (his original question) that this would be the ticket. In California we place a lot of importance on easy, easier and easiest :yes::bowdown::firstplace: I think it has something to do with the sun

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm leaning towards the RTS after your comments.

Thanks in particular to TicketBait for the detailed review and sharing your experience with So Cal freeways. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't pass each other on a freeway one of these days. I've been considering the Del Amo Demo Ride event in December and will almost certainly go if I don't buy something before then. Good to know they are a decent dealer. They are a bit farther from Orange County than I would like for regular maintenance, but it sounds like the dealer will have a significant impact on the ownership experience so it might be worth the drive.

The explanation of features and trim levels from NancysToy and the comments about air ride from Crtravelnmore were also helpful and appreciated.

Thanks!

Thanks for the special mention Pseudonym, I did the math on how much riding you were intending to do, on the
low side 8500+ to 20k miles a year:yikes:. I am probably gonna a log 16 k my first year. So you deserve all the helpful
insight you can get from so many well informed here.

hope to ryde with you soon!

TicketBait - That's one of the most enjoyable posts I've seen in a long time, thank you. And I'm not saying that because of the babes.
Okay, yes I am. But all the other stuff in the post is terrific, too!

:roflblack: I am so glad you enjoyed my post. I think this is truly a fantastic machine, like so many others here, .

I figured that might get some to read my post since it was a little winded. There is just so much to cover
with this bike. I truly feel I am riding the Best Bike on the road period. And I say that not looking down at HD or
GW, just they can have the two wheels and the uncertainty that comes with that and i will give the two thumbs up,
but a spyder rider regardless of model GS, RS or RT gets 3 thumbs up from me. I am seeing the doctor next week
to have a third thumb implanted so that I can accomplish this.

Scroll down and you can see not one but two naked pictures, I hope
LaMonster doesn't mind.......:lecturef_smilie:..............:shocked:
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ok you perverts who looked.......................just kidding , aint this baby just perdy

Now go out and create your own.

from where ever your at@ at @ at @@@@

 

[bullant12]

OOOOOOHHHH Kinky!:yes::roflblack: