RT-S Spyder

[Dwight]

Nothing much going on here so thought I'd post up something to talk about. We just put down a deposit on a new RT-S Spyder. It's a touring version with pretty much all of the bells and whitsles. I've been looking for something a little sportier than the Honda Goldwing trike or the HD Ultra Classic trike that I own now. It seems like the RT-S will fill the bill. Anyway I would appreciate any comments, doesn't matter if you like it or don't. I'm kinda excited about it.<br />
<br />
Dwight

[adventurer]

I've seen pictures of the new touring model but have not seen one in person yet. The pictures are awesome. <br />
We ride a Stallion and love it, but really do like the Spider. ENJOY.

[Nana]

I sat on one this summer, Dwight--parked only, so I have no idea how it feels to ride. It sure has a lot of great features! I 'spect you will have a great time with this new baby. Make sure you take and post lots of pictures for us. Yours will be the first on the forum!!!

[Ironhorsepilot]

That's awesome! I really like the Spyders! When will you be getting your baby? Are you keeping the Triglide?

[Dwight]

The T Glide is for sale. We ordered the PE edition just because it will be the first one to ship. I have no idea when we will get it, but they will refund our deposit if it isn't shipped by 3-31-10. I've spent a lot of time on the Spyderlovers forum reading all I can about the RT-S. We did get to ride on it last week (their demo) and we were both pretty impressed with it. I'm not a real fan of the black paint, kinda hoping I might be able to add some color to it but until we have our hands on it won't know what we can do. It looks like it will have a lot of storage but the storage spaces look like it will take some planning when loading up.<br />
<br />
Dwight

[Gorilla]

Congrats on the purchase. We will all be waiting your report in the spring.

[Dwight]

Hey guys,<br />
Got the call from my dealer in KC that our RT-S Spyder will be in Tuesday. Way early, figured maybe late January at earliest. We may have it before Christmas, if not it will be before New Year's. As soon as weather permits I get back with a ride report. Don't mind the cold so much but it looks like a white Christmas for us. Anyway we're excited!!<br />
<br />
Dwight

[Nana]

WOO HOO! Congratulations, Dwight!!!! Merry Christms!

[Baz]

That is Sooooooo cool. I checked out the non touring version before deciding to trike the M109 &amp; it left me stone cold. The touring version has seen them lift their game to the point where I would now consider one.Considering our small population they have, I believe, sold in good numbers in NZ.<br />
I know you are just going to love it. <img src="images/smilies/cool.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Cool" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<br />
ps. Have they released the matching trailer over there as yet??

[Gorilla]

Great news Dwight. Congrats

[Dwight]

Update:

I have been waiting to get a few miles on the RT-S before I gave a ride report but decided I'd just go ahead. Weather has been a big factor so I've only ridden just over 300 miles.

Good things:
Soft comfortable ride.
Probably the best weather protection I have ever had.
Extremely easy steering (power steering).
Lots of "bells and whistles".
Great brakes.
Good performance (still a little early to wring it out much).
Quiet exhaust.
Heated hand grips.

Not so Good things:
(Too) soft comfortable ride.
Twitchy steering
The good weather protection results in lots of mud (rainy ride home) thrown up on the back side of the trike.
Learning how to use all of the "bells and whistles".
Heated hand grips need a warm setting, low is too hot for temps above 40.

Things to do:
Adjust front shocks stiffer, add air to front tires, maybe add aftermarket sway bar, add air and adjust rear shock. Spend several hours practicing using all of the buttons so I can make everything work when I want it to. It's embarrasing listening to the parking brake beeper while you read the owners manual to find out how to turn it off. Same thing when you're trying to get it into reverse! Ride it more to adjust to the steering, I think riding conventional trikes, with their higher effort steering, makes adjusting to the RT-S harder. Haven't been able to get the SO out on it yet so I don't have a passenger report. She doesn't ride from home if it's under 50 degrees. Even though I haven't run it very hard yet I'm happy with the performance so far. After I get several thousand miles on it I'll do another update.

Dwight

[Nana]

Great report, Dwight! Sounds like you are feeling positive overall, and that's what counts. After you get more used to it, some of the "negatives" may disappear from that side of the column!

[White Wall]

I see lots of aftermarket parts for the spyder. Have fun tricken in out!

[Gorilla]

Sound good so far Dwight

[ben721364]

Please do keep us posted as you become more familiar with your Spyder RT. I was impressed with my 30 minute test ride a few months ago and am looking forward to a longer ride to evaluate it as a serious touring machine.

I'm on my second 1F/2R trike, a 2008 GL1800/RoadSmith and am considering both the Spyder RT and the Stallion for my next adventure. My RoadSmith is posted on the F/S board in case you know anyone who might be interested in a great trike. I've had several inquiries but only a couple that were serious.

[WindyOne]

Dwight I don't know how tall a person you are, I am 5'11" and thought the foot controls were a little too far back for me. I like my feet in front of my knees to feel more comfortable. Local dealer is working on an extension forward not sure how long it will be until it is ready. I will get a test ride then. I like the look of the RT-S will be glad to take a ride on one.

[Dwight]

Windyone,
I'm 6' 1" and that is a concern for me also. I'd like to lower the footpegs an inch or so but haven't looked them over to see if I could. I haven't been able to ride more than about 160 miles in one trip yet so don't know if it's going to be a problem or not. On both my Honda and Harley I used a seat cushion to raise me up a bit because on long rides my right knee would bother me. I'd prefer to lower the pegs but I can use a cushion I guess. If the weather ever gets better I'll find out!

Dwight

[mpolissky]

I looked at it as well, nice toy, looks like fun. It would also look good in my garage next to my Goldwing. I can't justify on spending $26k for something like this. Do you think it's really worth that much?

[Dwight]

Michael,
In my case it sure is worth the money. If I could still manhandle a big touring bike around (Gold Wing, Electra Glide, BMW, etc.) with a passenger I might just own one of the cheaper, sportier version, Spyders. After spending a lot of miles on conventional trikes I wanted a sportier version that I could use as a long distance traveler. I'm pretty sure I've found it. If you aren't going to do long distance, long time, trips, then I wouldn't spend the money for it. It really comes down to what you want to do with it.:yes:

Dwight

[mpolissky]

Best of luck with your new toy. Maybe I'll join you later...gotta go work on convincing the wife. <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />