Looking to purchase a used Spyder

[Macguy]

So i'm looking to pickup a used Spyder (sub $10,000) as a second bike to my Harley V-Rod. The ones I am currently looking at are 2008/2009 RS/GS models. Is there anything I need to keep in mind or look out for? Are the 2008/2009 models considered to be reliable machines? Is there a mileage limit I should consider? Thanks in advance!

[Bfromla]

So i'm looking to pickup a used Spyder (sub $10,000) as a second bike to my Harley V-Rod. The ones I am currently looking at are 2008/2009 RS/GS models. Is there anything I need to keep in mind or look out for? Are the 2008/2009 models considered to be reliable machines? Is there a mileage limit I should consider? Thanks in advance!
FYI In next few days there should be a sub $10k 2019NEW SPYDER:lecturef_smilie: we are all waiting to see:2thumbs:
yes the 08-09 are good & hopefully well maintained the Vtwins have had various issues including heat ventilation along with throttle body & vacuum hoses issues. Brembo style brake caliper & pads introduced to line up in 2013

[tehrlich]

I think the best deal out there is a 2014 RT. You basically get everything that is a new RT. If you can spend just a bit more money and give it some time, you may find a great deal on one with low miles.

You want the 1330 engine.

[Macguy]

FYI In next few days there should be a sub $10k 2019NEW SPYDER:lecturef_smilie: we are all waiting to see:2thumbs:
yes the 08-09 are good & hopefully well maintained the Vtwins have had various issues including heat ventilation along with throttle body & vacuum hoses issues. Brembo style brake caliper & pads introduced to line up in 2013

Thanks, yes I saw that and that may very well be a viable option as long as it's not too small (physically and engine size). When you say Vtwins is that the 1400 series?

[youngers]

these are the engine sizes , the 990 has been a pretty good engine for me , only had 2 small problems , ( other folks I would guess had a few more than me , ) but all in all , if you are just needing an extra ride , the 990 is a smooth fun cycle , ---- and can be purchased with in the dollar amount you are looking at ... just depends on your type of needs and wants !

[Bob Denman]

I agree with tehrlich:
Spend just a little bit more money, and get the Triple! :2thumbs:

[Macguy]

So is the 1330 engine considered to be more reliable than the 990? My concern is the price difference, if it was my only bike then I would definitely go with the 1330 but I’m not sure I can justify the price for a second ride. With that said I don’t want to buy something that will be riddled with problems.

[AY4B]

So is the 1330 engine considered to be more reliable than the 990? My concern is the price difference, if it was my only bike then I would definitely go with the 1330 but I’m not sure I can justify the price for a second ride. With that said I don’t want to buy something that will be riddled with problems.

1330 is the way to go if you want easy maintenance. The 998 twin is a nice engine but required lots more maintenance.

[Bob Denman]

Reliability is probably about the same. :dontknow:
The biggest differences show up in the maintenance routines.
The 998s need their oil changed at about 4,500 miles: the 1330s at 9,300...
(or one year: whichever comes first!)
The 998s require valve adjustments: the 1330s do not.
If you have an SE style transmission... The 998s have a centrifugally-engaged clutch that can be damaged if you don't keep the revs up over 4,000 rpm. The 1330s use an hydraulically engaged system that prevents this sort of "abuse".
And the 1330s even get better fuel mileage! :thumbup:

[Macguy]

Reliability is probably about the same. :dontknow:
The biggest differences show up in the maintenance routines.
The 998s need their oil changed at about 4,500 miles: the 1330s at 9,300...
(or one year: whichever comes first!)
The 998s require valve adjustments: the 1330s do not.
If you have an SE style transmission... The 998s have a centrifugally-engaged clutch that can be damaged if you don't keep the revs up over 4,000 rpm. The 1330s use an hydraulically engaged system that prevents this sort of "abuse".
And the 1330s even get better fuel mileage! :thumbup:

This is great information. Thank you!

[ARtraveler]

The previous posters have the information covered well. It will be worth checking out the new sub $10K (information to be released later today).

I have owned RS/GS as well as two RT's with the twin cylinder engines. I also have a 1330 triple. I like the 1330 engine best. As mentioned, less maintenance (valve jobs an extra $1000), as well as 10 mpg better fuel mileage.

Both engines are good--if maintained. You should be able to buy a 2014 for about $12 K if you look hard. :yes:

[Bob Denman]

This is great information. Thank you!

:D And I didn't even mention the differences in the amount of oil usage in the two engines! :thumbup:
Neither of my 1330s ever burned a drop of oil between changes. My 2010 RT (a 998): always used about half a quart...