Advice on upgrade

[dbaucum]

I have a 2014 RTL with 34k trouble free miles. For those who have upgraded to a 2018 were the improvements worth the change?

[ARtraveler]

I also have a 2014 RT. Mine is the S version. I have NOT upgraded as I do not think that the 2018 is that much "better" than the 2014. I just turned 31,000 miles and am still happy with it. The only big difference seems to be the new dashboard. Based on the "bugs," I am adopting a wait & see position.

I also have a feeling that the RT as we know it is heading for the chopping block before to long. It has been around for eight years now and the F3's seem to be outselling the RT configuration.

Will there be a new updated RT or will it arise as something "new to be coming our way?"

I am not jumping in on the "trade up" parade. Those discontinued models usually take a hit on resale and trade issues.

[rtotten]

I have a 2013 RT that I am just plain thrilled with. In a couple of years, If I can find a New 2018 RT, I will buy one, if not, I will keep my 13.

[Floridian2017]

I have a 2014 RTL with 34k trouble free miles. For those who have upgraded to a 2018 were the improvements worth the change?

If your RTL is not giving you trouble, why would you upgrade? Different model perhaps? Otherwise, don't.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Personally what BRP did with " new & improved " gauge cluster would deter me from buying another one except a 2017 ..... jmho .... Mike

[Raprider]

Personally, I would love to see the ST line revived with the 1330 engines and 6-speed...short of that, it may be a longtime before I upgrade.

[Jim&Teresa]

I have similar thoughts about upgrading. We have a 2014 RT Limited with 50,000 trouble free miles. Engine/transmission is awesome as you know. (we had a 2012 RT Limited and upgraded immediately to the 1330 cc engine when it came out - great move).

This bike runs great and within our group we have people with over 80,000 trouble free miles (which happens to be a 2015 RT Special Edition). Many have mileage of over 50,000 miles.

Only thing is personal preference on model you want, i.e. RT, F3, etc.

I am staying with our 2014 RT Limited until I can justify upgrading....good luck with your decision

[stmike 1800]

Unless you are a teck type person stay away from the new dash .

[JayBros]

Since my ‘14 has only 46K on the clock, runs like a jeweled watch and is paid for I see no reason to upgrade.

[Chupaca]

I agree with the wait and see crowd.... you have a good machine with low mileage and the only thing new is that cluster which to me is a fun parking lot game. JMO but that many controls with so many features on a small screen is distracting and on an open wheel machine reaction time is critical. But I'm old fashion and would be happy with a tech and a Speedo and the Speedo would be optional...

[MangoMike]

Having just returned to the Spyder community with the purchase of an '18 RTL I would agree with all the previous posts. I have the new dash, and wish I'd been able to get the older dash. Loved my 2010 RT, and the Ace engine is a tremendous improvement, but BRP can keep this dash, I'm not impressed.

[4 MARIE]

Personally what BRP did with " new & improved " gauge cluster would deter me from buying another one except a 2017 ..... jmho .... Mike

Exactly why I scored a nice leftover 2017. They addressed all of my gripes with my 2014. It is just plain sweet.

[amcvay1979]

If they could make the F3's adjustable controls onto the RT and/or make the F3's front end look less like a fish mouth I'd be all over that. Way more comfortable on an F3 than I am on my 17 RT-S, but I hate the looks of the F3. That's what I'll be waiting for. The RT looks sharp and mean from the front, the F3 looks like smiling goldfish. Not for me, but I do love how you sit IN the F3 not ON it like the RT. I love my RT but I wish it were more adjustable without spending $650 and 5 hours labor on the tri-axis handlebars.

[Cruzr Joe]

Everyone keeps badmouthing the new LED dash, I have learned how to use it and i think it is pretty cool, don't let the badmouthing of the new dash keep you away from a cool new ride

Cruzr Joe

[sealfloorboards]

I agree with almost all of the posts. I love my 2014. It's been trouble free. I see no need it trading up. It's paid for!!!
Ride in comfort,
John

[Pirate looks at --]

I would say, wait until the 19s come out. Most vehicles that come out with new technology like the new dash, usually improve by the second model year, so we may find that BRP makes huge advancements in 19. Plus at that point people will be discounting the 18s and you will get a better dea!

[maxxheadroom]

Unless you are a teck type person stay away from the new dash .

The new dash is not the problem ( I have a 2018 RTL). The problem is the third party app integration. I use the new dash for looking at music, sometimes the weather and the upgraded stats screen. I have even connected my Sena 20sEvo to the dash and the phone. When I look at the phone I just select which one I would like to use (BRP Connect or Sena) and it just works. I have found that if you just connect to the Dash you do not have to select which to use on the phone. For GPS I installed a Garmin 595LM and have had no issues with that. I connect the Garmin as a second phone on the 20s and it gives voice guidance and when it is done talking the music from the dash comes back on. Using the Garmin allows me to still map out routes on my Mac and put them on the GPS to use. This is just what I have done and may not be the solution for everyone.

Some people like to hold onto thing and some do not.. I upgraded and it was worth it for me.

[3 Wheel Rider]

+1 for staying with a paid off 2014 with trouble-free miles!!! Completely happy with my Spyder and not even interested in trading it in.

[Bfromla]

Personally, I would love to see the ST line revived with the 1330 engines and 6-speed...short of that, it may be a longtime before I upgrade.

& just under 50 k miles on mine, not even gonna consider till least 100k. The ST line was cut short too soon

[Mr. White]

I wrecked my 2014 RTL (tears) and the dealer had both '17s and 18s. I bought Mr. White (2017 RTS) took the Garmin off the wreck and saved +/- $6,000. I was gun shy about the 18 due to comments here and the 17 suits me fine. It run like a hose and will be my last Spyder. It will last until I quit riding...will be 86 in two weeks and it should last me another 5-10 years....ha ha

[jlc41]

God bless you sir. Am 77 and looking to get a Spyder. I haven't been able to test drive one because I only have a permit for a trike. Am on a waiting list to take a driving course that will let me be certified for the trike license, that's NJ for you.


Joe

[Mr. White]

God bless you sir. Am 77 and looking to get a Spyder. I haven't been able to test drive one because I only have a permit for a trike. Am on a waiting list to take a driving course that will let me be certified for the trike license, that's NJ for you.


Joe

Good for you Joe. I though a Spyder was a trike. In TX you have to get a motorcycle endorsement on your license but I don't think you have to get another endorsement for a trike. I hope not, as I triked my Gold Wing in 2005 and been riding trikes ever since.

[Bob Denman]

I went from a 2014, to a 2018
(Both were RT-Ls)
They were two of the best bikes, that I ever have owned!
Was it worth it?
Nobody can answer that one for you!

[SilverFox1]

I figure I’ll wait another couple of years before upgrading. By that time they will probably have a drive shaft and something other than that new digital dashboard. Who knows, maybe a bigger motor too! Just hoping!

SilverFox