New Guy

[AVCARTER]

Hello, I am ready to by a Spyder but I have no idea of what model/year to choose. So far here is what i know:
1. I know that i will drive it daily.
2. i know that on the weekends my wife will be on it with me.
3. i definitely want a pre-owned one (have had too many bad exp. with new vehicles).

i am really excited to become a Spyder rider. i have ridden motorcycles for years. This seems like the next step.
Any...and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, AV Carter

[CopperSpyder]

Welcome to the forum Avcarter. You can find lots of good information here on the different Models of Spyders and Rykers in the different areas of the forum. Spyders are a little different then the two wheel bikes but just as much if not more fun to ride. You should look around the forum and if you get a chance see if you can find a place to try the different models out for your self. Good luck shopping!! :2thumbs:

[Northofthesix]

Welcome!!

I made the transition in September of this year after years of riding a 2 wheeler. I was really eyeing the F3 but got such a great deal on a 2018 RT Limited that had about 600 miles on it that I had to go for it (dealer demo). You will get TONS of advice on here on what to do, and it's all good advice, but for sure:
- sit on, demo ride as many spyders and models as you can swing;
- winter is the best time to bike shop as far as price although it may limit riding (Georgia you'll be fine though);
- take your time deciding and in getting used to your bike.... it is an adjustment. LEAN into curves to keep from feeling you'll go flying off, relax your grip on the bars, and it will all become comfortable within the first thousand miles or so!!

Ryde on, Sir!!

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: You will receive many suggestions on this one.

My point of view: Test drive at least two models. Based on what you stated about two up, I would recommend either the RT or F3 T, or F3 L. Many say that the RT is the more plush ride of the two.

You also have a choice of engines. 998's have the two cylinder and 1330's have the three cylinder. The 1330 came out in 2014. The 998 has been around since 2008 and is now discontinued. The 1330 has less maintenance and gets better gas mileage.

Either one is good. 998's will be less because they are discontinued.

I do recommend having a dealer run the VIN on any one you are planning on purchasing. That will give you the complete maintenance history. A little due diligence will go a long way. There are good and bad machines out there. Happily, very few bad...but they do exist.

Let us know what you buy, or come back and ask advice on your decision. :yes:

[Saluda]

Part of your answer may come from what you have to spend.

[wmh9680]

Welcome to Paradise.
If you want luggage space for trips or errands the RT has plenty and/or you can ad a trailer hitch for a trailer or rack to put on the hitch (I have a hitch with a rack when I need it). Stick or semi automatic (paddle shifter), Sticks are fun but get old in stop and go traffic. I think the stick is or will be discontinued. Both the F3 and RT come in a sportier package with the F3 being the sportiest and sits a little lower and legs might be more comfortable (a matter of taste). My wife doesn't like the F3 cause the engine shows where on the RT is is covered in tupperware (plastic). All can have luggage, just diff with different models.I love my RT LTD but I also love the new F3. Find a dealer that will let you ride one or rent one for a day. I bought a 2014 one year old with only 7,000 mile and a 7 year extended warranty. I now have about 20,000 miles. Be ready to add things (we call them Farkles). This is the place to be. Enjoy, Mike

[RICZ]

For the wife's comfort, a model with LIMITED in the name offers more comfort and features.
If you can afford a 2015 on up, you'll get the better and more powerful 3 cylinder, 1330cc engine.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[AVCARTER]

Thanks for your replies. i will begin the search in earnest and come back with pics for sure.

[Little Blue]

:coffee: Welcome....Do a test ryde on the RT and the F3.
See which one is best for you.
My Wife loved the RTL, SO that's what we purchased.
Good Luck on your Mission....:thumbup:

[Mikey]

:welcome: Like it's already been said, look around and see if you can rent or take a good long test drive on both of the F3L and RTL models, that way you will get a good feel to see if it's a good fit for you!!! That was one thing I wish I had done before I bought mine, they would not let me out of the door yard with the darn thing! Make sure that the bike you have is set up well for you wife, arm rests that wrap around is a nice comfort for her and will make her feel safer! The Limited models have a little more bling and comfort and some of the extras that you will probably want in the long run, but if moneys a issue you can go with the base model and farkel the heck out of it after. And for me if I was to do it over again I would go with the 1330 over the 998, both are great motors, but the 1330 has a little more go than the 998, and uses a little less oil between oil changes! Good Luck in your shopping, and if you have any questions feel free to throw it up on the site, we all have a opinion on just about everything!!:yikes:

[pieman9155]

me and wife both have f3t love hers is 2018 mind 2019

[spyder01]

I knew I wanted to do touring only and wanted all the options so that meant an RTL.Test rode one at dealership,loved it then picked a color and found a dealer who had one and would take my GW as trade.Found on internet and had to drive 250 miles to pick up,but was well worth it.

[Deanna777]

Hello, I am ready to by a Spyder but I have no idea of what model/year to choose. So far here is what i know:
1. I know that i will drive it daily.
2. i know that on the weekends my wife will be on it with me.
3. i definitely want a pre-owned one (have had too many bad exp. with new vehicles).

i am really excited to become a Spyder rider. i have ridden motorcycles for years. This seems like the next step.
Any...and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, AV Carter

:welcome:

Like everyone has said, Take a test drive on the RT or the F3.
Look at the For Sale by Owner on the site.

Look for a 2014 spyder and up.
Deanna

[RICZ]

Thanks for your replies. i will begin the search in earnest and come back with pics for sure.
No Spyders are available in Earnest, try other cities. :)

[Big F]

Hey AV, you are going to get a lot of various responses.. do a test ride WITH your spouse on the back saddle and see what her reaction is to the various models. I would suggest get something 2014 and newer with the 1330 engine. I'll leave the rest of the suggestions to others...
BIG F

[carbonation]

I think you'll like the RT. And more importantly, I think your wife will like it.
There are an abundance of low mile pre-loved units out there. My 2012 only had 16k on it when I moved to a 2019. I can say it was trouble free, only needing tires, brakes and oil changes over the 7 years I owned it. From what I read the 12 was a good year, and maybe you want to avoid a 13.
You may get lucky and find a current year like I just did. 1700 miles from the first owner, he did not get along with the unit, and I came out good with him taking a hit on depreciation.
You need to test one. Or several.

[Jdr00ejr]

Hello, I am ready to by a Spyder but I have no idea of what model/year to choose. So far here is what i know:
1. I know that i will drive it daily.
2. i know that on the weekends my wife will be on it with me.
3. i definitely want a pre-owned one (have had too many bad exp. with new vehicles).

i am really excited to become a Spyder rider. i have ridden motorcycles for years. This seems like the next step.
Any...and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, AV Carter

What were some of your previous motorcycles? While storage, and creature comforts differ from the different Spyders, so do ergonomics. The RT riding position is much different than the F3. The RT is more GoldWing style seating while the F3 is more stretched out Cruiser style seating. Lots of good info offered so far.

[acdcking12]

I bought my first bike, which was a 2016 F3-T. I did not even test drive an RT because I thought the style for me was all wrong. I wanted a sportier bike and the F3 was perfect. Plus, I think they tend to be cheaper than the RT.

All I can say is I am thrilled with my bike and since I never test drove an RT, even if it was more comfortable, I have no idea. Long live my F3!

[Mr. White]

As said earlier, get a 2014 or newer for the three cylinder engine.....much better than the two cylinder. Enjoy.

[ARtraveler]

I bought my first bike, which was a 2016 F3-T. I did not even test drive an RT because I thought the style for me was all wrong. I wanted a sportier bike and the F3 was perfect. Plus, I think they tend to be cheaper than the RT.

All I can say is I am thrilled with my bike and since I never test drove an RT, even if it was more comfortable, I have no idea. Long live my F3!

I have been an RT holdout since 2010. I test sat a F3 in 2014 but bought a RT instead. I finally purchased a new 2019 F3. What a difference. Now I have an RT and an F3 in the stable.

[Big F]

You should get a lot of responses to your questions. I would suggest get the 1330 engine (model year 2014 and later) AND based on your proposed usage, take a good look at the RT Limited and ride on...
BIG F