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View Full Version : Review: What things do I look for when purchasing your first spyder.



holyhill1
02-21-2019, 08:17 PM
I just joined Spyderlovers to get some ideas and thoughts on the can am Spyder.

I am looking for a Spyder for my wife as she wont ride with me on my 2 wheeled HD anymore. She thinks the Spyder is a safe ride that she would be willing to make a move to. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING about the Spyder except that I think they are a little pricey to purchase compared to my 2 wheeler. What words of wisdom can you all pass on to a fellow lover of the open road. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A RIG . BEAUTIFUL LINES, Love the colors, newer motor, well loved and cared for, not many miles. Everything a new spyder owner would want. I just am having a hard time finding one with a price I can afford. Are all the newer RT's this pricey . Shed some of your wisdom and knowledge my way so I can make a wise decision on a purchase. LOOKING TO HEAR from all you Spyder lovers in the future. Let this newbee know what to look for in his new ride and what to run away from. Let the words of wisdom flow.

LeftCoast
02-21-2019, 08:58 PM
I think in other places you mentioned she wants an RTL or maybe you can talk her into a loaded something else. They aren’t cheap but you can find what I think are good deals on used bikes. Check imotorsports for one. 2014 or newer on the RTL with a 1330 I think you’ll find is recommended. After that it’s whether or not the add ons matter to you or not. Might call your insurance agent as well to get an estimate on cost. You can find a few bad luck stories here but for the most part everyone loves the ryde no matter what they bought. Next best suggestion is to get to a dealer and try them.

I guess everyone would say get the one that makes your wife happy, its great to have a riding partner

CopperSpyder
02-21-2019, 09:33 PM
First thinking to do is go to a dealer and test ride different models ( RT, RS, ST, F3, Ryker). Then what can you afford. Don't worry about what engine they are all good and will get you to 100 mph if you want. The year with the most issues I think was 2013.

ARtraveler
02-21-2019, 09:34 PM
It is a buyer's market right now. Best place to check is our for sale forum.

New, an RT (which you want) 2014 w/ the 1330 (which you want) cost about $30K. A 2014 can be had for $13K to $15K. About the price of an upline two wheeler. Half price for a nice RT is not bad. Less than a 2014 will get you the two cylinder 998. Not bad, if you don't mind the two cylinder. I have a 2011 RT with 32K miles on it. About $10K will take that one away.

UtahPete
02-21-2019, 10:24 PM
You haven't said what your price range is. That makes it a real crap shoot for us.

Jester
02-21-2019, 10:36 PM
Think a 2018 RTL will be outstanding! Sticker about 30 but there was a deal about 25 in January. Absolutely awesome machine, I refer to them as a Corvette with handlebars.. can’t beat them when it’s time to leave 2 wheels!

holyhill1
02-21-2019, 10:49 PM
THANK YOU ALL for all those words of wisdom. The bottom line is if the wife is happy with it so am I. She stated she wanted a touring bike, which makes the model an RT. The price I' m willing to spend would be anywhere from $11000 to $15000. MY Biggest concern question mark is miles. How many miles can one expect to get on an RT spyder before you start asking for trouble. Is 20 or 30 or 40 or even 50 thousand miles the time to replace magic number. Share some more wisdom and knowledge with me all you spyder lovers.

ARtraveler
02-21-2019, 10:58 PM
THANK YOU ALL for all those words of wisdom. The bottom line is if the wife is happy with it so am I. She stated she wanted a touring bike, which makes the model an RT. The price I' m willing to spend would be anywhere from $11000 to $15000. MY Biggest concern question mark is miles. How many miles can one expect to get on an RT spyder before before you start asking for trouble. Is 20 or 30 or 40 or even 50 thousand miles the time to replace magic number. Share some more wisdom and knowledge with me all you spyder lovers.

Happily there are no "self-destruct" issues with the Spyder line up. There are several that have reached 100,000 miles or more. I have fewer miles than most because I had to have latest and greatest. I bought a new spyder three years in a row and then two years later and then two years later. I am on hold since 2014. Now the AK dealer has decided to not carry the Spyder line up any more. May be a moot issue for me because I am contemplating a move to the lower 48. It all depends if we can sell the home here.

You can get the service history on any Spyder you buy. Have the dealer run the VIN. There are very few out there that are lemons. You can also check the history on here. People that got the occasional bad one...were not shy about posting the story.

I still have the 2011 and 2014's. Miles are a nothing...and I just have not found a newer latest and greatest to dive into. At 32K miles each, I can drive either until I am past my riding days. Both are paid for...so it's still wait and see for me.

al0vely
02-22-2019, 01:58 AM
IMO the F3 and RT are both touring machines - and I am sure the owners of each would agree. If you hang around here long enough you will see that some people drive both of them from coast to coast.

Has your wife driven either the F3 or RT?

Does she have a MC endorsement already?

Has she taken the Can AM rider education course (https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/learntoride/registration.html) - only $99 and a great place to learn the difference between the two ?

imfleck
02-22-2019, 05:26 AM
Two years ago I bought a brand new 2017 RT for less than $18K - zero miles. It wasn't a limited; indeed, it was a bare bones RT. Over the past two years I've added things onto my Spyder to make it mine. I didn't need any of the additional comforts of the RTL or RTS.

You can find deals out there if you're willing to compromise on features that you can add-on later.

Tyris
02-22-2019, 07:53 AM
Every now and then you see 2014-15-16 for sale with less than 10,000 miles on it, someone who bought them and didn't ride as much as they thought or updated to the new models, with your price range those are the ones I'd be keeping an eye out for.

Highwayman2013
02-22-2019, 08:49 AM
THANK YOU ALL for all those words of wisdom. The bottom line is if the wife is happy with it so am I. She stated she wanted a touring bike, which makes the model an RT. The price I' m willing to spend would be anywhere from $11000 to $15000. MY Biggest concern question mark is miles. How many miles can one expect to get on an RT spyder before you start asking for trouble. Is 20 or 30 or 40 or even 50 thousand miles the time to replace magic number. Share some more wisdom and knowledge with me all you spyder lovers.

There are a few in the for sale section.https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?117305-For-Sale-2014-RTS-SE6-1330-with-less-then-600-miles

UtahPete
02-23-2019, 12:40 AM
If you're buying used, check the VIN on BRP database to see the service history. Some years and models had recalls for various issues, so check for those having been performed. Ideally, the bike will still be under some kind of extended warranty and that has value.

When you find one you're interested in, come back on here with the year and model and mileage and we will be able to give you more specific info about it.

2dogs
02-23-2019, 03:56 PM
The most important part of owning/buying a spyder that I have found, is having an honest competent dealership with a service department to match, within a reasonable distance of your residence. That would be my first priority, the machine would be secondary.

bluewoo
02-23-2019, 04:27 PM
I just made the switch last summer from an 2006 Honda Goldwing to a 2018 RT Limited. Biggest thing I noticed was how smooth the ride is on my hands, feet and back side.

Call a local dealer and they'll let you demo one for a couple of hours.

I was sold, and I was able to get a new one for $23000- drove 200 miles one way and saved! Look here for some good deals too!!!!

Good Luck

Automatic trans is relaxing (wife can drive it too)
Traffic is not an issue since there is no clutch and just a foot brake (no sore hands)
Very comfortable on the highway
Park it about any where - don't need to pull out a hockey puck for the kick stand

Only negative is trying to judge pot holes with three wheelsnojoke

holyhill1
02-23-2019, 07:29 PM
Thanks to all my new Spyder friends for all their words of wisdom and thoughts on buying a used spider. After about 20 contacts talking to sellers with spyders for sale and scammers selling spyders they don't have, trying to separate me from my hard earned money, I think I may have found a spyder that will work for my wife. Buying sight unseen, with no test drives, and no face to face hand shakes with the prior owner, it still is very difficult for me to pull the trigger. So one last favor to ask for all my spyder friends and lovers of the open road.
HOW DO I RESEARCH A:

2015 CAN AM SPIDER RT SE6 LIMITED WITH 802 MILES ON IT AND THE VIN. NUMBER 2BXNBDD25FV003677

LICENSED IN UTAH SINCE 2015. ANY HELP OUT THEIR WOULD PUT ME FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT. There are no accessories added to this bike besides what was on it when bought new. I can buy this bike for $15000 cash but i do have to have it shipped from the west coast. Love the low miles and the black color. Heres hoping the bikes vin is legit. is this a good buy? Are the 2015 Spyders pretty solid? Any thoughts out there,

ARtraveler
02-23-2019, 07:33 PM
Thanks to all my new Spyder friends for all their words of wisdom and thoughts on buying a used spider. After about 20 contacts talking to sellers with spyders for sale and scammers selling spyders they don't have, trying to separate me from my hard earned money, I think I may have found a spyder that will work for my wife. Buying sight unseen, with no test drives, and no face to face hand shakes with the prior owner, it still is very difficult for me to pull the trigger. So one last favor to ask for all my spyder friends and lovers of the open road.
HOW DO I RESEARCH A:

2015 CAN AM SPIDER RT SE6 LIMITED WITH 802 MILES ON IT AND THE VIN. NUMBER 2BXNBDD25FV003677

LICENSED IN UTAH SINCE 2015. ANY HELP OUT THEIR WOULD PUT ME FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT. There are no accessories added to this bike besides what was on it when bought new. I can buy this bike for $15000 cash but i do have to have it shipped from the west coast. Love the low miles and the black color. Heres hoping the bikes vin is legit. is this a good buy? Are the 2015 Spyders pretty solid? Any thoughts out there,

Check with Utah Pete by PM. Chances are...he may know of the spyder you are looking at.

UtahPete
02-23-2019, 07:50 PM
Check with Utah Pete by PM. Chances are...he may know of the spyder you are looking at.

As I was reading the description I realized I might. But then he said it's on the West Coast. So, not sure. Maybe post a link to where it's being offered? Actually, isn't it on here?

Meanwhile, can someone research the VIN for him on BRP's website? Thanks.

UtahPete
02-23-2019, 08:08 PM
Thanks to all my new Spyder friends for all their words of wisdom and thoughts on buying a used spider. After about 20 contacts talking to sellers with spyders for sale and scammers selling spyders they don't have, trying to separate me from my hard earned money, I think I may have found a spyder that will work for my wife. Buying sight unseen, with no test drives, and no face to face hand shakes with the prior owner, it still is very difficult for me to pull the trigger. So one last favor to ask for all my spyder friends and lovers of the open road.
HOW DO I RESEARCH A:

2015 CAN AM SPIDER RT SE6 LIMITED WITH 802 MILES ON IT AND THE VIN. NUMBER 2BXNBDD25FV003677

LICENSED IN UTAH SINCE 2015. ANY HELP OUT THEIR WOULD PUT ME FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT. There are no accessories added to this bike besides what was on it when bought new. I can buy this bike for $15000 cash but i do have to have it shipped from the west coast. Love the low miles and the black color. Heres hoping the bikes vin is legit. is this a good buy? Are the 2015 Spyders pretty solid? Any thoughts out there,

Per BRP, there are no uncompleted safety recalls for this bike.

Here's my thoughts on it.

You may have to factor in the cost of retrieving this bike to determine whether or not it's a good deal. When I bought my wife's loaded 2014 RTL a couple years ago, I had to go down to Alabama for it (from Utah). With gas, meals, lodging and not including my time, it cost about $1,000 to drive down there in my minivan towing a trailer.

It had 9k miles on it, but had a new 3-year extended warranty worth about $600. Also, it had $1500 worth of important accessories (triaxial bars and the BRP towing kit). I paid $18k for it. So, this bike at $15k bone stock seems like a fair price even with shipping. Ask whether it has an extended warranty.

Where is it located? You said Utah license but then said it had to be shipped from the West Coast, so I'm not sure.

UtahPete
02-23-2019, 08:13 PM
HOW DO I RESEARCH A: 2015 CAN AM SPIDER RT SE6 LIMITED WITH 802 MILES ON IT AND THE VIN. NUMBER 2BXNBDD25FV003677

You can either go to a local dealer and have them do a lookup for you in the BRP system, or pay $25 for a report here; https://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/

canamjhb
02-23-2019, 10:15 PM
Looks like a reasonably good deal to me. (Pete, for those in Wisconsin, we ARE on the "West Coast") Shipping shouldn't be too expensive. Only halfway across the country. For reference, I bought a 2014 2 years ago that was a 3 year old bike at the time. I bought it with a matching trailer and it had about 2K in accessories. With an existing warranty and 8K miles, I paid just about half of what the original owner paid new. I think 50 cents on the dollar for an almost unused bike is a pretty reasonable price.....Keep in mind, the value of a motor vehicle is not determined by how many miles it has gone, but how many miles it has left to go. Good Luck..... Jim

Kiry
02-24-2019, 12:18 AM
IMO the F3 and RT are both touring machines - and I am sure the owners of each would agree. If you hang around here long enough you will see that some people drive both of them from coast to coast.

Has your wife driven either the F3 or RT?

Does she have a MC endorsement already?

Has she taken the Can AM rider education course (https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/learntoride/registration.html) - only $99 and a great place to learn the difference between the two ?

This is solid advice. I started out looking at one model, and when I test rode both. I switched to the other model. Zero regrets. Love my ride. Completely worth testing riding both.

SpyderF3
02-24-2019, 07:54 AM
This is solid advice. I started out looking at one model, and when I test rode both. I switched to the other model. Zero regrets. Love my ride. Completely worth testing riding both.

Same here, test rode a RT and bought a F3, totally different

JayBros
02-24-2019, 09:42 AM
IMO you definitely must have your wife ride whatever model(s) she might like unless you are willing to risk making a garage queen bike that you will subsequently put up for sale with next to no miles on it because she didn’t like it.

ma and pa
02-25-2019, 08:37 PM
I have a 2015 rt I’m thinking about selling. I bought a 2012 rt new and loved it my wife died in 2015 and I bought a new RT it has extras on it and very well kept my hearts just not in it anymore I’m 65 years old. I f anyone is interested in this bike you can contact me at billpinson@suddenlink.net

rays hell
02-26-2019, 08:58 AM
I've toured on 2 RT's a 990 and a 1330 then bought a 16 F3t and added the top case and I could not be happier with it,
26,000 miles of smiles. I do my own oil changes and brakes. I love it.

bikerbillone
02-26-2019, 10:08 AM
Very niceRay, I like the rider's position on the f3L and T, just gotta make room for the wife in there or I'm in trouble. Is the to Spyder top case aftermarket? From the pic, looks roomy.

al0vely
02-26-2019, 05:45 PM
Very niceRay, I like the rider's position on the f3L and T, just gotta make room for the wife in there or I'm in trouble. Is the to Spyder top case aftermarket? From the pic, looks roomy.

Ray has the OEM topcase but you can go with an aftermarket setup. I have my aftermarket case and rack waiting to be installed - have around $300 in it.

rays hell
02-27-2019, 10:32 AM
Back when I purchased the bike in Feb 17, it was a $1200 option and I had to wait an additional 3 months to receive it.
Now I think BRP wants 14 or 15 hundred for it.
Roomy yes, it will fit 2 full size helmets side by side. To me it is much more user friendly than the RT.

holyhill1
03-03-2019, 12:15 PM
Well the search continues. Can't seem to get a spyder bought for my wife. I'm even looking at F3S now along with RTs. Maybe I need to broaden my search or be less selective. A 2014 spyder with the 1330 motor built for touring and traveling with not to many miles on, price that wont break the bank, and not 1500 miles away should not be to hard to find. Help me out spyder lovers would love to join the club.

UtahPete
03-03-2019, 12:41 PM
Well the search continues. Can't seem to get a spyder bought for my wife. I'm even looking at F3S now along with RTs. Maybe I need to broaden my search or be less selective. A 2014 spyder with the 1330 motor built for touring and traveling with not to many miles on, price that wont break the bank, and not 1500 miles away should not be to hard to find. Help me out spyder lovers would love to join the club.

I imagine there are not going to be too many Spyders being advertised during the winter up where you are. Waiting for Spring may be your best bet.

There is also https://www.imotorsportsinc.com/ they are a sponsor of this forum and many members have bought through them before and had a good experience. Their price includes shipment to your location.

Be patient. There are many used Spyders in good condition out there that meet your needs. Like this one; https://www.imotorsportsinc.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=6780038&p=1&make=can-am&s=Year&d=D&sq=spyder&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

UtahPete
03-03-2019, 12:46 PM
I imagine there are not going to be too many Spyders being advertised during the winter up where you are. Waiting for Spring may be your best bet.

There is also https://www.imotorsportsinc.com/ they are a sponsor of this forum and many members have bought through them before and had a good experience. Their price includes shipment to your location.

Be patient. There are many used Spyders in good condition out there that meet your needs. Like this one; https://www.imotorsportsinc.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=6780038&p=1&make=can-am&s=Year&d=D&sq=spyder&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

Also, create your own WTB thread on this forum: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?7-For-Sale-by-Owner

al0vely
03-03-2019, 02:57 PM
Here is one in your price range - not sure where it is located though. EBAY (https://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-Can-Am-Spyder/123669314147?hash=item1ccb43fa63:g:ByoAAOSwWrNcGSO 1:rk:2:pf:0)

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3S SE6