Tall Rider Needs Information

[JayBros]

Hello,

I have a bucket list item that I have begun exploring with a visit to the local Can-Am dealer and a thorough reading of SpyderLovers regarding the 2014 RT roadster, specifically with the SE6 transmission. My main issue with the machine is my position and posture on it. I am vertically enhanced although not as much as I used to be given the normal deterioration of spinal cartilage as a result of lots of trips around the sun. Nevertheless, my legs take up a lot of room as do my big feet. The rider posture picture on page 72 of the 2014 RT owners guide shows a posture much more akin to that of a rider on an RS or ST model, namely with the lower legs bent back at a sharp angle to the thighs and feet aft as would be appropriate on a crotch rocket – a position that would IMO be very uncomfortable on long riding days even with breaks. I want floorboards, and poor posture and an uncomfortable riding position could be a war stopper. The sales rep at the dealership simply said, "whatever's comfortable," when I tried to probe the issue in greater detail (in his defense he hasn't lived his life as a tall guy). I am aware of the Comfort Seat and its movement of the lumbar support bulge two inches rearward from the stock seat. An email exchange with BRP, invited incidentally on their web site, was a waste of time.

I would appreciate hearing from tall RT riders how they skin this fit/posture cat. However anyone would prefer to respond, PM or thread comment is up to you. Thanks very much.

 

[ARtraveler]

Hello,

I have a bucket list item that I have begun exploring with a visit to the local Can-Am dealer and a thorough reading of SpyderLovers regarding the 2014 RT roadster, specifically with the SE6 transmission. My main issue with the machine is my position and posture on it. I am vertically enhanced although not as much as I used to be given the normal deterioration of spinal cartilage as a result of lots of trips around the sun. Nevertheless, my legs take up a lot of room as do my big feet. The rider posture picture on page 72 of the 2014 RT owners guide shows a posture much more akin to that of a rider on an RS or ST model, namely with the lower legs bent back at a sharp angle to the thighs and feet aft as would be appropriate on a crotch rocket – a position that would IMO be very uncomfortable on long riding days even with breaks. I want floorboards, and poor posture and an uncomfortable riding position could be a war stopper. The sales rep at the dealership simply said, "whatever's comfortable," when I tried to probe the issue in greater detail (in his defense he hasn't lived his life as a tall guy). I am aware of the Comfort Seat and its movement of the lumbar support bulge two inches rearward from the stock seat. An email exchange with BRP, invited incidentally on their web site, was a waste of time.

I would appreciate hearing from tall RT riders how they skin this fit/posture cat. However anyone would prefer to respond, PM or thread comment is up to you. Thanks very much.

:welcome: Can't help with the vertically enhanced stuff because I am vertically challenged (5'5"). We do run into issues where salespeople either don't know about the product, or don't give a crap about helping the customer. (probably had to get back to texting-or something like that).

I think you are on to something with the Comfort seat giving two inches extra room. I don't think the floorboards are adjustable on the SE6.

A custom, taller seat could also be an answer. Suggest test driving so that you can get a "starting" perspective and go from there. Some dealers are more helpful than others.

Please keep in touch.

 

[sddinnh]

Ultimate also makes a "tall guy" seat. I would also look at BRP's adjustable handle bars

 

[retread]

Russell Day-Long saddles can take a stock seat and strip it to the pan, then build a custom seat to fit you. Check out their website. I had one on my '08 GS, and it was good for many 1000 mile days. Combined with the tri-axis bars and something like Seal Floorboards, these could be an answer for you.

john

 

[garb55]

Ultimate also makes a "tall guy" seat. I would also look at BRP's adjustable handle bars

You can also get highway pegs
Lamonster Garage makes a set that mount to the floor boards and are adjustable way up front [my legs are too short]
with highway pegs you have to move you right foot back to use the brake

 

[jbronson]

How tall are you? I am 6'3 and the ultimate tall boy seat helped alot. I am a new rider. I just got my 2014 RT Limited in pear white last week but put 700 miles on so far.

 

[spyder-dude]

I am 6'4" and the Ultimate Tallboy seat along with Lamonsters highway pegs are a great combination for me! I was able to ride 900 miles in one day with this setup and got off and felt great!

 

[jcthorne]

I am 6ft 2 and fairly long legs.

Comfort seat moves you back 2 inches. I have one and added the back rest and would recommend the Ultimate Tall Boy seat over the BRP comfort seat. Riding position is about the same but the Ultimate seat is much more comfortable for long haul days. You will want the back rest either way.

If you are looking at an RT with SE6 trans, it should have floorboards on RT-S or Limited trim. You will want these. They can be added to the base trim model. Not available on manual trans models.

Adding a set of Lamonster's hwy pegs will let you stretch your legs out on long rides.

With the further back seating position, you will likely need the Tri-Axis adjustable handlebars to get a comfortable riding position.

If you were near Houston, I'd welcome you by to have a seat on my bike with this stuff installed to get feel for the riding position. Perhaps there is someone near your that will do the same. I do think you can find a good position on an RT model that is upright with legs forward and long haul comfortable.

 

[JayBros]

Thanks for comments on the Ultimate Tall Boy seat. I'm about 6'4" and have looked at the web info on Ultimate seats including installation video as well as various options for highway pegs and the Lamonster FBB system looks very well integrated with the floorboards. I also accept that the Tri-Axis bars should probably be a must have since I would be pushing my tail farther aft and the ability to fine tune the bar position is a definite plus that would be part of an OTD package. I have the tools and mechanical ability to tackle adding goodies. I raced open class motocross many years ago and have been a long distance touring bicyclist for almost 40 years so you can probably see why I put such a premium on ride posture and comfort.

 

[WingmanRT]

Ultimate Tall Boy Seat

I just looked up the Ultimate Tall Boy Seat and it is $815. http://www.ultimateseats.ca/CanAmSpyderRT.html Seriously? That's a lot of change for an extra 1.5 inches of leg room.

 

[spyder-dude]

But worth every penny of it for the comfort of this seat. This seat is no comparison to the BRP stock seat or comfort seat. And the backrest is very sturdy unlike the BRP backrest.

 

[Dragonrider]

I'm 6'4" and 295#. My RT had the SE5 transmission, tall windshield, Corbin seat/backrest with the Lamonster cut (rotates your hips), and Seal Floorboards. That package did the trick for me.

The Seals would be my FIRST mod on a new Spyder - none of the other highway peg options worked for me - and I tried many of them before the Seals. Having had the seals, there's no better option for a tall rider...

 

[JayBros]

Again, I appreciate the additional information. Ultimate's price on the Tall Boy at their sponsorship link show's $720, if I pass on a fuel door, which is above the Comfort seat but in my research here I've not found anyone who doesn't like their Ultimate seat. Fuel door looks good but it's not a must have. It's good I'm plodding along because I don't want to make any expensive wrong decisions. Other major financial commitment, 50th wedding anniversary trip in Sept., has me moving slowly and possible buy of a '14 after new '15 introduction could ease the expense of some mods like sway bar, Heim fittings, Smoothspyder, grilles and bump skid, etc. Continual trickle of UPS packages to the front door after the buy won't good for the flavor of the family punch bowl.

 

[retread]

Another word on the Day-Long saddle, usually, Russell has a "group" discount from roughly October to December, where, if there are more than 50 orders, everybody gets a discount. I haven't checked the cost on a Russell lately, but the one I had, with a rider backrest, cost less the 800, including shipping.

john