BRP could make enough heads turn if they just focused on refinements to the existing models... and maybe this SSA thing is one of them.
Refinements are probably different things to different people, but my list would include the following: (perhaps only as upgrade options at time of delivery)
Electric Reverse, enabling 6 forward gears and better mileage
Hand brake option
Hi performance option (the original output of our motor)
Factory turbo
Selectable VSS, twisties, rain, etc.
I highly doubt it is a hybrid.
I highly doubt it is a leaning spyder.
We know that BRP makes all their Spyder model announcements in September right?
Perhaps though they are announcement refinements. Which ones we don't know.
I think BRP has a lot invested in this platform that they are not going to fundamentally change it this year or next. That is ok...
BRP could make enough heads turn if they just focused on refinements to the existing models... and maybe this SSA thing is one of them.
Refinements are probably different things to different people, but my list would include the following: (perhaps only as upgrade options at time of delivery)
Electric Reverse, enabling 6 forward gears and better mileage
Hand brake option
Hi performance option (the original output of our motor)
Factory turbo
Selectable VSS, twisties, rain, etc.
Maybe they are introducing factory customization like Harley is...
Just some thoughts.
Electric Reverse, enabling 6 forward gears and better mileage
I'll take 6 gears but I do not want an electric reverse. I love my powered (the real deal) reverse. Where do most people get a good look at a Spyder? In the parking lot. People are impressed with the authority that our Spyder shows in reverse. Talk to a Goldwing rider as they drool with envy...
As for better mileage, I'm not sure we'd see any meaningful difference. We are pushing too much air. Getting another gear isn't going to fix that.
Hand brake option
Could be wrong but I don't think we are ever going to see this. It goes deeper than simply putting one on. My feeling is that the 'Roadster' designation has something to do with the lack of a hand brake, allowing BRP to dodge some nasty governmental requirements.
If the hand brake was not a game-changer, I think we'd have already seen it.
Hi performance option (the original output of our motor)
There is a reason BRP spent a lot of money re-engineering an existing powerplant for our Spyder. Simply put, you would not like the Aprilia version in your Spyder unless you took about 350 lbs. off of it. There is much more to life than HP.
Factory turbo
Another can of worms. Meeting EPA sound requirements (which the Spyder had trouble doing in the 1st place) is going to be an issue. Turbos need free flowing exhaust, free flowing exhaust and quiet on a short system is going to be tough.
If you think people are screaming about fuel mileage now! And maintenance costs would jump. Granted, a Turbo buyer is more likely to be up for it, but still. A better route (which I'm told was demonstrated at Cowtow, sorry Doc) would probably be a larger displacement motor.
Selectable VSS, twisties, rain, etc.
BRP factory test riders had this option and they all gave the same assessment, "Lawn Dart". :yikes: That kind of experience is not likely to promote sales.
Some of us should admit that our perceived skills and our actual skills are not necessarily the same thing. Think about riders posting here that their Spyder tossed them into a ditch. :yikes: Not good!
How about....
- A Bigger motor w/more torque and lower RPM. Probably get at least the same fuel mileage with better performance. Would also be a boost for the RT.
- Standard 4 bolt wheel hubs.
- A Naked, Exo-Frame Spyder. Ok, so this one would not be easy and a big question mark for sales. But we're dreaming here... Right!![]()
Yeah... I hear you Ron, and all these have been debated here before. My core point, was that they would gain a lot of points with current owners by now focusing on refining the platform, and in turn attract some of those Gold Wing and BMW guys that otherwise wouldn't look at a Spyder. Refinements don't have to be limited to my list above. The spyder has been around long enough and has enough recognition now that putting some polish on it would go a long way... .Look at what they did with just the factory paint schemes this past year, along with adding the vibration dampening to the motor, etc... That may be minor, but as part of the total experience in owning a spyder goes a long way.
Don't get me wrong... If they came out with a new RS this fall or next that had a different frame and looks, etc... I'd probably be all over it if I liked what I saw. Personally, I don't see that happening, and I don't want it to happen as it would mean buying a new spyder before mine is worn out!
You know what... That would actually be a welcomed option for many folks. Like my wife. Heck even myself. More than once I have grumbled about having to shift. :roflblack:Selective
Shift
Automatic
hyea:
john
I'm Dyslexic. :yikes::yikes::yikes:
Chris
:wrong::roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack: :crackpipe:If they did, that means the new owners would have to put cardboard under there Spyder to catch the oil drips.
- A Bigger motor w/more torque and lower RPM. Probably get at least the same fuel mileage with better performance. Would also be a boost for the RT.
:shocked::hun: You lost me Doc! (I guess that the expresso hasn't hit yet...SSA= Persona Non Grata= speaks truth as a member of the reality based commentariat.
:gaah::roflblack:Here's your sign...