Towing question..RS vs RT

[chickridin]

Just wondering .......I have an 09 RS-SE5 and my book says "Do not tow anything with the vehicle. The VSS will not be effective, and you will be more likely to lose control." Now, I have never seen an RT manual, but, why would the RS be any different than the RT as far as towing? :dontknow: I have heard of others that tow with an RS so I'm confused. :banghead:

 

[lmfarmer94]

I just read that too and came on here to ask the same question. I thought about building my own trailer.

 

[SpydherLuv]

I can't provide any specific technical reason, other than the RT comes equipped with the option to put the Spyder in 'trailer mode' which provides more torque at a lower RPM (I believe), it does not allow you to shift below 4500 RPM, and downshifts (SE models) at 3500 RPM instead of 2000 RPM. The RS does not come equipped with this feature and you could run into tranny issues later down the road if you're shifting sooner than the Spyder is able to build up enough torque to pull the trailer. At least, this is how I understand it. I'm sure someone with more experience will pipe in soon.

 

[NancysToy]

The RS was not designed to tow a trailer, so it is not a factory approved mode of operation. The lawyers are naturally going to put this kind of stuff in their manuals. Honda and BMW cover themselves the same way, as I recall. The RT was designed to tow a trailer, with some design and electronics changes to accomodate trailer use. It is the only motorcycle-type vehicle that is factory approved for towing and has a factory trailer hitch. It is the only one with a rated towing capacity.

That being said, dozens of people have towed and are towing successfully with their RS models. My opinion is that the biggest risk is to your warranty, in the event of a related failure. Also in my opinion, that liklihood is small. In the end, it is your choice.

 

[zrc]

The ultimate problem here is that you are reading your manuals, and actually trying to follow the rules, WHAT GIVES?

:joke:

 

[chickridin]

Thank you everyone. :cheers: That all makes sense. I guess I forgot about the RT having the towing features. Now, if I could only hit the lottery so I can buy an RT so I can tow. Yeah, right, like that's gunna happen. :duh:

 

[chickridin]

The ultimate problem here is that you are reading your manuals, and actually trying to follow the rules, WHAT GIVES?

:joke:

According to my hubby, and all other hubby's that I know, manuals are not for the male species. :shemademe_smilie::roflblack: