I was hoping for some suggestions on which model to purchase. I really like the RS-S version but am concerned about touring. I was wondering if anyone with a RS and the touring windshield could compare the wind defection compared to an RT. I do enjoy riding in the wind on warm days and will be most of my riding but I also want to tour.
I took a 3000 mile trip this summer on a motorcycle and loved the time on the road but the wind pressure was a a little to much after a few thousand miles.
So let me refresh my question. Is there much if any difference in wind protection on an RS with the ultra touring screen/wind deflectors and a RT?
I ride an '08 RS SM5, and I've got the touring windshield with the hand windblockers, and also the standard shortie. I used the touring model when it was chillier, and am now using the stock windshield. The difference for me is more about the temperature; the touring model blocked so much wind that I wasn't getting any air behind it any lower than my helmet - I'm 5'4". The stock shield is preferable when the temperature is warm enough to wear my summer gear.
The wind hasn't given me much problem as far as pressure-wise; though I've not ridden longer than about 6 hours at a time. As far as keeping the wind off when the cooler temps are with us, I'm all about it!!
Not sure if I answered what you needed, but there you go... my review.
Sass
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CONSUMER WARNING: Use of this Spyder may cause smiling, happiness, urge to ride, excessive wind in the face, desire to call in sick to work, or even extended vacations. Some riders have experienced double-takes, pointing, sudden camera flash, kids waving, and conversations with total strangers. Several instances of unplanned roadside visits with police officers have been reported, though are not common. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your Spyder forum to discuss.
This may seem like a poor analogy... but there's a point to it. "You can't turn a pig into a racehorse... but with enough time, effort and money you can end up with a pretty fast pig"
The RS will never match the RT for touring comfort, but you can make huge improvements in the basic package with some accessories.
Sass mentioned the different-height windshields for the RS... The RT's adjusts vertically! The bodywork is a lot larger on the RT, so the wind is shoveled off to the sides in a very effective manner... I've even considered removing the lower deflectors to let a bit more get to me as the temperatures got a bit too... interesting!
That, plus the "better" seat, plus the electronic cruise control, PLUS the stereo... that's why I'm on the RT...
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2010 Blue RT Audio & Convenience model Se-5 transmision. Dealer-added foglights, accent LEDs and extra speakers. Some RTS chrome windshield, front spoiler and top trunk trim, RTS frunklight and frunk liner, Top Trunk liner, Chrome lower air deflector, fendertip LED bulbs and ISCI floorboards added by yours truly...
I have an RS and a friend that I ride with has an RT. In my mind I think of the RS as more in the image of a sport bike and the RT more like a Gold Wing. I love my RS but if I was going to do a lot of long distance (more than a day trip) riding I might have to consider the RT.
I have an RS and a friend that I ride with has an RT. In my mind I think of the RS as more in the image of a sport bike and the RT more like a Gold Wing. I love my RS but if I was going to do a lot of long distance (more than a day trip) riding I might have to consider the RT.
Exactly, if you're are traveling across the country, buy an RT. If you're riding 5K a year, buy the RS
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Jeff M.
2009 BRP Can-Am SE5 Spyder, Roadster Red
BRP Sport Rack, BRP Back Rest, BRP Comfort Seat, BRP Ergonomic Passenger Foot Peg Extenders, CalSci Tinted Shorty Windshield, MMG Cool Air Intake, Green Performance Air Filter, Hindle Exhaust.
I have the RT and love amount of stuff it will hold when I run errands. It is sporty enough for my wife and I and she will actually ride on the back. Without some sort of back rest she is not comfortable.
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Dave
'11 RT Ltd.
Working on some custom LED lighting with an intelligent controller...
Hey Bob you should look into the air deflectors you can buy for the RT
You mean like the Baker-Builts? I had a set of them on my 'Wing... a GREAT product!
...but I'm thinking more of changing to the 2011 chromed lower deflectors... they're a bit smaller, and they are CHROME!
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2010 Blue RT Audio & Convenience model Se-5 transmision. Dealer-added foglights, accent LEDs and extra speakers. Some RTS chrome windshield, front spoiler and top trunk trim, RTS frunklight and frunk liner, Top Trunk liner, Chrome lower air deflector, fendertip LED bulbs and ISCI floorboards added by yours truly...
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I think I may just need to rent an RS for a day to see how well it handles the express way. I just like the sport version a lot more for a daily rider and the summers in Chicagoland are so darn hot I think the massive RT fairing would be to much.
I ride a Road King now and wish it was sportier so that's why the RS may suit me better and since I love to tinker I may get bored of the RT real fast.
Last tidbit any one with as RS do any long trips? If so was highway riding enjoyable for long lengths of time?
I have a GS or RS as they're called now, it's nothing for me to ride 400 miles in a day, you will need to add a taller windshield (I went with Calsci 20" tinted shorty) and at least 3" risers to make the trip more comfortable, I also added the BRP comfort seat and sport rack with back rest and ergonomic foot peg extenders for a passenger. Even with all these accessories, I'm still less than 20K which is way less than the RT, I have yet to go on a ride where I need additional side bag or trunk storage, even if you do you can add the saddle bags for less than 1K, IMO the RS handles better and looks better.
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Jeff M.
2009 BRP Can-Am SE5 Spyder, Roadster Red
BRP Sport Rack, BRP Back Rest, BRP Comfort Seat, BRP Ergonomic Passenger Foot Peg Extenders, CalSci Tinted Shorty Windshield, MMG Cool Air Intake, Green Performance Air Filter, Hindle Exhaust.
Can't Decide RT or RS ?
The bodywork is a lot larger on the RT, so the wind is shoveled off to the sides in a very effective manner... I've even considered removing the lower deflectors to let a bit more get to me as the temperatures got a bit too... interesting! 
Linear Mode
