wannabe questions

[azjerry]

Hi, new potential owner here. Let me tell you the situation and ask your opinions. My wife would like a Spyder for her to ride. She has never ridden a regular m/c. I would ride it also and I currently have a GL1800, not ready to give it up, but it is long ago paid for so not a big deal. I have not ridden the Spyder but am pretty sure I would really enjoy it. I have sat on them and it didn’t take long to realize the RT is more comfortable. I did sit on a RS that had risers, custom seat, it was also comfortable. Unfortunately, I doubt that we would be taking any major trips on one, maybe once a year plus a few overnighters. And I know my wife is a fair weather rider, not too hot or too cold or wet. And I need the SE model, I have no intention of trying to teach her how to shift manually.

I don’t understand the audio on the RT models. I understand that I cannot use my current J&M headset with the RT audio system, is that correct? How do you get the input to helmet speaker, I’ve never been a fan of the external speakers on bikes?

Is it possible to get comfortable on the RS with aftermarket seat and risers? I know comfort is a very personal issue, but your experiences would be helpful.

I see J&M makes their handlebar audio system for the Spyder RS, can this be put on the RT?

Is it relatively easy to add a portable Sat radio unit to the RT?

(My wife doesn’t care at all about audio, but I like it.)

For reference, I am 63, 6’, 260 short legged (31 inseam). My GL1800 is perfectly comfortable as is, my KLR had Corbin seat, my Triumph Sprint had Corbin seat. Wife is 55, 5'4" weight classified.

Thanks very much, I’ve been reading this forum for several months and am impressed with the overall enthusiasm for the Spyder.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

It is possible to get comfortable on the RS. A bigger windshield and floorboards also help with the comfort factor. Your wife being vertically challenged would probably be comfortable on either the RT or the RS. You both need to either test drive both or at least sit on both for a while to decide which is better for you. I can't help with the audio questions but I'm sure someone will chime in. Good luck on your decision.

 

[NancysToy]

The audio on a Spyder RT does not play through the headsets unless you install their optional CB/Comm System and Entertainment Harness. It should work with the J&M headsetset with the proper adapter cable.

The J&M handlebar set for the RS will not fit the RT.

There are some owners that have added XM, and piped it through the MP3 jack in the trunk to the audio system. To get it in your headsets, you would need the CB/Comm System or an aftermarket wired or wireless comm system.

 

[ARtraveler]

There are lots of comfort options to make the RS more touring friendly. Pictures of RS and GS decked out for touring in my Alaska 2009 and 2010 albums. I currently have the RTS--and prefer that to the RS. Just my opinion of course.

 

[Leslee]

We'll have CB next week

As Gold Wing 1500 owners, we are used to intercom and CB. We bought our 2011 RT-S semi automatic last week. It's at dealer getting the OEM CB and communication system installed. We bought J&M lower cords through Sierra Electronics to work with the Spyder's CB. Once we get our bike back, I'll post again to let you know how it works.

 

[coz]

comfort on gs/ rs

i think u can make an rs comfortable. thats what i'm doing to mine. tall windshield and handlebar risers are done. next up are floorboards and stereo.anything else is just for fun.it's not too hard.:thumbup:T W S S.

 

[azjerry]

Thanks for the replies. So what are you RS riders doing for sound systems, if any? I just called J&M today and they no longer offer the handlebar mounted system for the Spyder, though I'm sure some vendors still have them. I am mainly interested in radio and Sat radio, not MP3 players.

 

[MarkLawson]

Thanks for the replies. So what are you RS riders doing for sound systems, if any? I just called J&M today and they no longer offer the handlebar mounted system for the Spyder, though I'm sure some vendors still have them. I am mainly interested in radio and Sat radio, not MP3 players.

The J&M CASPY 2003 (I think that's what it's called) has an audio-in Jack that allows it to be used with any source that had a headphones-out Jack. I'm sure you could find an XM radio that would work with it.

 

[johnnyg]

Thanks for the replies. So what are you RS riders doing for sound systems, if any? I just called J&M today and they no longer offer the handlebar mounted system for the Spyder, though I'm sure some vendors still have them. I am mainly interested in radio and Sat radio, not MP3 players.

I just got my RS and I have installed the 4" riser, windsheild and extented mirrors, it makes a world of difference. My husband rides the RT so we like to communicate from bike to bike and my RS doesn't have audio so we went with the scalarider G4, we can talk from bike to bike or 2 up. It also has a radio in it and is bluetooth compatible with an Ipod or phone. We love them they get out about a mile or so, if we get seperated in traffic we can still talk. I like my RS I'm 5'4" and my husband is 6'2" don't get me wrong the RT is nice also. I always saying I ride the race car and he rides the catillac. My husband likes the RS also but he says it would get him into trouble :roflblack:. My .02 CJ

 

[azjerry]

The J&M CASPY 2003 (I think that's what it's called) has an audio-in Jack that allows it to be used with any source that had a headphones-out Jack. I'm sure you could find an XM radio that would work with it.

Yes, that is the one but they say it is only for the manual shift model. When I called J&M to ask about that, he said they don't make it anymore for the Spyder. I asked why, he said the Spyder already has an excellent Comm system. I said, not the RS, but he just said sorry. I know they are still available, don't understand why it was only for the manual shift, maybe the room available on the handlebars. Oh well, I can figure something out. Thanks for all the help.

 

[MarkLawson]

Yes, that is the one but they say it is only for the manual shift model. When I called J&M to ask about that, he said they don't make it anymore for the Spyder. I asked why, he said the Spyder already has an excellent Comm system. I said, not the RS, but he just said sorry. I know they are still available, don't understand why it was only for the manual shift, maybe the room available on the handlebars. Oh well, I can figure something out. Thanks for all the help.

On the manual shift RS the J&M's PPT button is located where the electronic shift RS thumb shift is located._