Been Gone A While-What's New?

[Rick H.]

It's been a couple of years since I knocked on the door of this website. I was puttering down the highway on my '77 Kawasaki KZ-1000 and passed a newer looking Spyder RT. This got my interest flowing on them again and I was just wondering how the new Spyder RT's are doing? I want to say about 2 years ago I was seriously interested in buying an RT but the dealer I was trying to work with just wouldn't give me enough trade in value on my BMW K1600 GTL so I dropped out of that hunt and ended up buying and restoring my KZ-1000A1. If you have never restored an old bike it's a learning experience for sure. So what is the general consensus on the new Can Am Spyder RT's? Do owners like them? Any problems that need to be addressed before purchase? Has there been any upgrades from the 2017/18 models? Thanks for any responses....

Rick H.

[PMK]

Agree on the learning experience associated with restoring or even rebuilding old motorcycles.

A few years ago, I resto mod rebuilt my 1973 OSSA MAR trials bike. Absolutely a learning lesson. Now fun and cool that it is finished.

I currently have two irons in the fire that I am working on. Long term project has been my 1981 KTM 495mc. Finding parts has been difficult, but they do show up occasionally. Pretty certain, I have the difficult items now, so I tinker with it a bit more.

My main focus though is my 1971 Rickman Yamaha RT2. That has been a learning curve that was steep. Getting it back together though after many, many hours of work on it. Still a bunch to go though.

[PW2013STL]

The 2020 RT's are totally redesigned from the past models. Most like them (including myself), but some don't. Best advice is to road test both and than decide.

[ARtraveler]

Hello Rick H and welcome back. The new RT's were getting some heavy press on SL. Most of the reviews were well received. A LOT of members have jumped on them and most are singing the praises.

I started a new 2020 RT tally thread. So far, 34 people have purchased the new 2020 RT, as reported on the tally.

A couple glitches with the new revision. Some fitness issues on rear panels, and an issue with some brake pedals. BRP has mostly stepped up and is working on them. The Corona virus has not been helpful to new owners, dealers, or the manufacturer. People are currently making due with the situation they are being handed. In spite of that, we still hear of weekly purchases.

RE: KZ 1000. Now that is a nice bike. I bought a new 650 in 78. I was working my way up in cc's in those days. Was actually afraid of that 1000 because it was a real screamer IMO. Those were classic bikes IMO.

Enjoy the reunion.

[Revalden]

Agree on the learning experience associated with restoring or even rebuilding old motorcycles.

A few years ago, I resto mod rebuilt my 1973 OSSA MAR trials bike. Absolutely a learning lesson. Now fun and cool that it is finished.

I currently have two irons in the fire that I am working on. Long term project has been my 1981 KTM 495mc. Finding parts has been difficult, but they do show up occasionally. Pretty certain, I have the difficult items now, so I tinker with it a bit more.

My main focus though is my 1971 Rickman Yamaha RT2. That has been a learning curve that was steep. Getting it back together though after many, many hours of work on it. Still a bunch to go though.

I almost a OSSA Trials bike in 1973, bought a Yahama 250 Enduro instead.

[2dogs]

....

RE: KZ 1000. Now that is a nice bike. I bought a new 650 in 78. I was working my way up in cc's in those days. Was actually afraid of that 1000 because it was a real screamer IMO. Those were classic bikes IMO. .....

Me to, I had a 650 kawie also. The 1000 was more $$$$ at the time than i could afford. Look at me now, I've got a spyder. How'd that happen?

[sandeejs]

I have a 2016 RT-L, bought in 2018. I like everything about it.
~Sandee~

[Kbaldwin]

I have a GL1800 and due to a accident, I have to stay off of 2 wheels for a year!

My wife said she wanted to ride, so the Doctor said that would be fine

We picked up a 2019 RTL in the crate - discount because it is last years model.

Now having 500 miles in a month (in the midwest)

We LOVE it, it is a go-cart / snow mobile

[pegasus1300]

Had a Montesa Cota 247 Trials and a Suzuki RL 250 Trials. Great rides. Went to a Spyder from a Royal Star Venture and a Goldwing Trike. Love my 2012 RTL.

[LateLifeCrisis]

Hi Rick. My husband has a 2016 RT Limited and we went to our dealership to pick up my F3L that was there for service. So, of course, my husband had to hop on the 2020 RTL "just to see how it feels." His first remark was, "I love the way this sits!" When I asked him what was different he said the floorboards. He liked the way he could stretch out because the floorboards are longer and he can move his legs to different positions as well as extend his legs without even having highway pegs. You might appreciate this with your experience on 2 wheels. Hope this helps.