Suitablity Question

[frankm]

Hi,

Newbie here so, I will introduce myself before asking a question. My name is Frank Mooney and I live in Imperial, PA (near Pittsburgh), am retired and presently ride a 2009 Triumph Speedmaster, I have been riding since 1962 (1st bike a 1960 Triumph T100). As you can see I am dirt's older brother.I also have a couple of miles under my butt so not a newbie to riding.

My question, is a sport model suitable for touring? I put about 550 miles on the Triumph in a day so I am used to long distance on two wheels. The sport models are in my budget range and I would like to get one to prolong my riding. I am not having trouble riding but, I am having trouble moving the bike around and am afraid I am going to drop it one of these days. You guys know how expensive that can get.

Thanks for any info you can give. I apologize for such a long first post.

Frank

 

[lwrydr]

Dirt

I bought a 2013 RT Ltd cause I like to tour. I also had (have) been riding a long time and am approaching the time in my life when I feel safer on 3 wheels. I love the spyder and think you will
have fun on one if you buy one. Just between us, every once in a while I jump on a Harley and get my 2 wheel fix. Good luck.

 

[jwulf74]

For touring on a budget I don't think you could beat a used RT (2010-2012). If possible, maybe rent or borrow an RT and an RT and put some miles on them. There is a big difference in seating positions.

 

[frankm]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I feel that I will also feel safer on three wheels. I am looking for a used sport model preferably 2010 or 2011 year.

Once again thanks for you replies.

Frank

 

[StanProff]

For touring on a budget I don't think you could beat a used RT (2010-2012). If possible, maybe rent or borrow an RT and an RT and put some miles on them. There is a big difference in seating positions.

I agree, the seating position is much more suited for touring on the RT than the RS models. Maybe not so much for younger riders but those of us who take advantage of the senior discounts :thumbup: find the RT the way to go. I also own some two wheelers (one is a Triumph America) and there is no comparison to the comfort of them for all day riding. I have been 'cross country and back and would go again, anytime, knowing that comfort is not an issue. My 2010 RT is a very good performing Spyder. There are good used ones out there for sale, I plan to keep mine but I might step up to a '15 model in another year or so.

 

[Oldmanzues]

I would try to get a long ride on a RS before I bought one. I had a GS/now RS and did tour on it solo. Frunk (front trunk) and a big bag on the seat, but it got old in a hury after a couple hundred or less miles. Seating positon is the big thing. By the time you spent money on changing bars, changing pegs, adding saddlebags and so, you have spent almost as much as a RT would cost.

I think a used RT would be your better bet, or if you can swing it, a new ST. RT cost more as you know. Read about some 13's on her first.
Now on age, if you are dirts older brother and started riding in 1962. Where does put me ? I started riding in 1947 (ilegally). Just kidding of course.
Good luck and safe riding in whatever you choose.
Oldmanzues

 

[BajaRon]

Of course the RT is built for touring. But I have to say I love my 2008 GS and I'll go as far as anyone does on an RT. It's just the way I like to do it. I have to travel pretty light unless I'm tagging along with Lamont or someone with extra storage. But that's fine with me too.

I installed handle bar risers, highway pegs and a cruise control. Those make a world of difference for doing long distance.

Not the norm, but it works for me! hyea:

 

[NautiBrit]

In my case it was the knees. After a lifetime of playing football (soccer), I found the cramped knees up seating on my RS difficult to handle after 300-400 miles, day after day. My RT is much better, but the leg position is still cramped and without highway pegs, it too would be difficult after multiple days of high mileage riding. I've done 900 miles in one day on the RT, but wasn't eager to ride the next day. Also, my wife is much more comfortable on the RT and that counts for a lot, if not most, of my contentment.

 

[Texas]

Dirt likes RT nojoke

 

[Chupaca]

Depends..!

as you may have noticed this site is heavy in the RT roadster. We have an RS and the wife and I ryde a lot. I made my own mods for carrying stuff and minor adjustments for comfort. Progression is RSS RS ST RT with the RS being the most economical. Also had the most hp and best gas mileage. Now if you can muster up to the ST it is a step up towards touring. then the RT is the big one. Now at any stage you can make mods for comfort and storage as the budget permits. In my opinion you can tour on any of them...hyea:

 

[NancysToy]

The sport model can be equipped for touring, but the costs of upgrading can rival the cost of a base RT. The new (2013-2014) ST lies somewhere in between as far as amenities, ergonomics, and cost, and has a bit more relaxed seating and reach, but the touring options add up there, too. The RT is the touring model, and can still be equipped to perform fairly well. The ST and RT are factory rated to tow a trailer.

Your choice will depend mostly on you. The ergonomics are everything. What may feel good on a 50 mile day trip may be miserable after 500 miles over 10-12 hours in the saddle. The cargo capacity is important, too. Only you can gauge your needs. I'd suggest going to a dealer or event and taking a demo ride or two. That should tell you something. You might also just want to plop your butt in the seat at a dealer for at least an hour, to gauge how you cramp up, etc. By the time you are done shopping you should have a better idea, not only of what suits you best, but of what mods you may need to do the job.

 

[Bandit]

Suitability

As you said, I also started riding in '62. We bought a 2011 RT-S first. Then the wife decided she didn't want to ride anymore! She wanted to DRIVE! I bought an 09 GS for me. After the first 1,800 mi trip, I called my dealer and traded for a 2012 RT-S !! She rode my butt into the ground! We've made several trips since then and she can consistently ride 600 mi. a day. 2011/12's are going for the price of a 2014 ST right now. For long trips.......Go with the RT from the get-go!! :doorag:

 

[ARtraveler]

If you prefer sport riding, the RS model is probably the way to go. Stiffer and more snappy of a ride than the RT. Cost is much less also.

A long test ride is recommended on each model you may be interested in, so you get what you like best.

BRP also has the ST version which is half way between the RS and the RT. Another option.

Scotty mentioned earlier the fact of making an RS into an RT for touring. I did that with my 2008 and had about $6K worth of add ons. I still like my RT better for touring--but that is just me. I put over 23K miles on the RS in one and a half riding seasons. Never had a problem with long riding days.

 

[Cavman]

I too had the same thoughts as you. I was thinking that I couldn't afford an RT and would have to settle with the bottom of the line sport model.
Then I got to thinking of my past Yamahas and that all I could carry wasn't much. I wanted to be able to carry more gear/clothes on multiple day trips. So, I started looking at the pre-owned RTs. Found two and purchased a 2010 two years ago. It cost a bit more than a new RS.
Since I have some older age issues, the RT was the best way to go for me.

 

[dndfindley]

I presently own a 2012 RT (A/C) but previously owned a 2009 RS. There is a trade off with both having it's own advantage. I went to the RT because the wife rides a lot with me and the RT is much more comfortable for her and it of course has a lot more storage. If that were not the case I would go with an RS. It is lighter, stops shorter and is more maneuverable. If you can handle the slight bend forward and the bent knees go for the RS providing you are going to be riding mostly one up. Two up - go with the RT. As most have said here if you get an RS and then start adding backrests, bags, etc, then just go ahead and get an RT. The only thing I would suggest adding to an RS is a taller windshield. Otherwise it is good to go.

 

[BajaRon]

If you want a full on touring machine, converting the RS is probably a waste of time and money. Adding all that storage is quite expensive.

However, you do have the option of pulling a trailer with an RS. That way you can get the storage when you need it and still have the sport capability. It's not very expensive to add the handlebar risers and highway pegs (which you're probably going to want on the RT as well. Most want a different seat on the RS but some are putting high dollar aftermarket seats on their RT's too.

If you're going to do much 2 up riding get the RT (no contest), don't mess with the RS.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: Have fun shopping! :2thumbs:

 

[frankm]

I would like to apologize to you guys for the long stretch between my answer. I was off line for a while and finally got things back in order. I now want to thank all of you for your answers and advice to my question. Due to my budget constraints I had to look for an RS model. I found a nice one at a local dealer. It is a white 2011 RSS that has been upgraded with a custom seat, handle bar risers, higher windshield, wind deflectors and a nice set of Kury road pegs. The nice thing about it is that it only has about 225 miles on it. I am going to get it in about a week. Hard to wait but the weather here is rotten right now. No riding weather for about a week.

Once again I apologize and thank you all for your answers.

Frank

 

[NancysToy]

I would like to apologize to you guys for the long stretch between my answer. I was off line for a while and finally got things back in order. I now want to thank all of you for your answers and advice to my question. Due to my budget constraints I had to look for an RS model. I found a nice one at a local dealer. It is a white 2011 RSS that has been upgraded with a custom seat, handle bar risers, higher windshield, wind deflectors and a nice set of Kury road pegs. The nice thing about it is that it only has about 225 miles on it. I am going to get it in about a week. Hard to wait but the weather here is rotten right now. No riding weather for about a week.

Once again I apologize and thank you all for your answers.

Frank

:congrats: & :welcome:

 

[vrodrjs]

I would like to apologize to you guys for the long stretch between my answer. I was off line for a while and finally got things back in order. I now want to thank all of you for your answers and advice to my question. Due to my budget constraints I had to look for an RS model. I found a nice one at a local dealer. It is a white 2011 RSS that has been upgraded with a custom seat, handle bar risers, higher windshield, wind deflectors and a nice set of Kury road pegs. The nice thing about it is that it only has about 225 miles on it. I am going to get it in about a week. Hard to wait but the weather here is rotten right now. No riding weather for about a week.

Once again I apologize and thank you all for your answers.

Frank

Congrats on the new bike. When I see stuff like that I always wonder what were they thinking. Buy a bike, dump more money into it, put 225 miles on it then take it in the shorts. Worked out great for you.