Test drove a 2013 RT and a 2013 ST, question about the RT handling

[BajaRon]

It is true that the RT isn't going to handle as well as an ST/RS/RSS for the reasons mentioned. But I don't think this was the OP's complaint. It sounds like he's taken the differences of CG, etc., into account. But I think it is agreed that the RT should not wander, hunt, or otherwise require a lot of attention to keep it going straight. The salesman's statement that 'They all do that' may mean their shop is setting all of them up the same way... WRONG! :yikes:

But we've heard this before. "That's normal (insert your problem), they all do that."

 

[NoJive]

It is true that the RT isn't going to handle as well as an ST/RS/RSS for the reasons mentioned. But I don't think this was the OP's complaint. It sounds like he's taken the differences of CG, etc., into account. But I think it is agreed that the RT should not wander, hunt, or otherwise require a lot of attention to keep it going straight. The salesman's statement that 'They all do that' may mean their shop is setting all of them up the same way... WRONG! :yikes:

But we've heard this before. "That's normal (insert your problem), they all do that."

My main concerns, and the reason for the test ride, were how much the extra weight would affect power, and handling. Secondary was whether I would be ok with the very relaxed riding position. Having put more than 6,000 miles on my GS since last Spring, I'm pretty familiar with it. I had read all the posts about the ball joints before, and could not imagine what that feels like. I'll tell ya though, it's pretty scary stuff! I almost turned around within the first minute of being on the thing. I will say that my GS came from said dealer, and I talked with the previous owner who said he never had any problems with it. I also know of two other Spyders that came from the same dealer, and again, they were fine. It does concern me though, especially since I mentioned to the tech when we got back about the ball joints, and he didn't respond as if he knew of the recall. I have had zero problems with the dealer, and in fact, the service department seems to have a lot of knowledge on the common Spyder issues. I just think that this one is just a one off.....or I hope! ray:

 

[retired1]

At Spyderfest, I took a '13RTS L tor a test ride. Since it was between classes, the Rep told me that I had 15 minutes to ride it. It may have been setup wrong, because it wasn't nearly as stable as my '10RTS with '11 shocks. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed with the handling of the '13. I had been "hot" to trade ontil that test ride.
JME

 

[Daisyjoe]

I purchased my 2013 RTS May 28th. Correct ball joints were installed when manufactured, not by dealer. I, too, rode both the STS and the RTS before making a final decision. RT had the smoothest ride, hands down. The machine you're riding has a problem, (Other than the dealer!!)

 

[Spacetrucker]

Did check on ball joints all ok. Linement all ok. Aired them up to 18 frets rear 28 still walks around. So up to 20 frt and 28 r. Walks stil up rear 30 , walks still front 19, then 20, Then 21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 and still wakes around. So back to the borad, try it all over?

 

[Spacetrucker]

We will find it soon. Why it walks around so much. Low speed to 70 wakes around, back to the borad some more?

 

[BajaRon]

It might not be your tires...

 

[NancysToy]

It might not be your tires...

:agree: It would not be the first where they said the alignment was OK, but in actuality did not use the 2013 procedure or the special tools necessary to properly align it. If done by the old procedure and/or specs, it will wander.

 

[Spydr in KS]

Be very very sure you know what you're doing when you start messing with tire pressures, shocks, swaybars or alignment changes on a 2013. These things are much more finicky than the previous generation of Spyders.

And be careful recommending tire pressures for a 2013 if you don't have one. I don't like it at 18-20 psi. The front end bounces and feels skittish. 15-16 seems much better, and it still handle like it on rails! Way better than my 2008

 

[holeshot78]

2013 RT handling

I am new to the forum and a new Spyder owner. I purchased my 2013 RT spyder april 1 and immediately went on a 2200 mile trip with 3 other bikers. It was a white knuckle experience.
The bike was swaying left and right and was wandering all over the highway. Everytime we stopped I was very appreciative of being alive.
Took the bike back to the dealer and he said oh yes there is a ball joint recall.
Just finished a 2600 mile trip and there is no comparison between the before and after. I am very happy with the ride and performance.
Any dealer that sells a bike without the upgrade should be shot, or at least pulled as a dealer.