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  1. #1
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    Default Buying Spyder RT advice

    Hello, I’m new to the forum and just took my Can-Am class last weekend. I’m ready to buy a Spyder RT and would love advice on what years to look at and which years to avoid. I would like to stay under $20k if possible. I was told at class by a classmate that I should get a 2016 or newer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

  2. #2
    Active Member Raprider's Avatar
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    A nice-looking 2014 in the FSBO section...
    https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ailer-for-sale
    Raprider (Rich)

    2016 Can-Am Spyder ST-S SE5 Steel Black Metallic (Blackbird)
    BRP Audio, Heated Grips, Fog Lights, Passenger Backrest, Givi Saddlebags/Top Case
    BajaRon Swaybar, TricLed Wide-Vu Mirrors, Lamonster Ram mount and X-grip, Sena 20S Evo Dual
    TricLed Sequential Front SpyderFenderz, Dual Color Run/Brake/Turn LEDs, Brake Flasher
    Kumho Ecsta AST installed on rear 4/2021


    1996 Yamaha Virago 750 (Vera) - still riding
    1987 Honda Shadow 500 (Shady) - sold
    1982 Honda Rebel 250 (Little Reb) - sold

    2016 ST-S , Steel Black Metallic

  3. #3
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
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    Your budget? The 1330 ACE engine is a quantum leap over the V-twins in design, frequency of maintenance, power, clutch design and six vs five speed transmission.
    Artillery lends dignity to what would
    otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
    ******************************
    Cognac 2014 RT-S

  4. #4
    Active Member Wahrsuul's Avatar
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    2014 or newer would be my call. Having ridden both, I didn't care for the 998 engine. The 1330 is much better for a touring rig.
    2014 RT-S Orange - LED headlights/driving lights, LED under mirror turns, LED brake/run lights along trunk and saddlebags, LED third brake light, LED turn bulb replacements, Magic Mirrors, Voltmeter, Oil PSI gauge, heated gear connection, BRP backrest, dash Mount USB plug, Lamonster belt tensioner, Baja Ron sway bar, NBV highway pegs, BRP arm rests M2 suspension.
    2014 RT-S , Orange

  5. #5
    Very Active Member blacklightning's Avatar
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    I agree with the statements above. A 2014 and up would be the same as a 2016, except for colors. The one mentioned in the above post looks to be a good deal. Well within your $20k budget. The only advantage of a 2016 and up is that it will probably still have some extended warranty left. The 2014 might be out of warranty. Good luck shopping.
    2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white

  6. #6
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    What they said above. At $20K, you have a nice budget to get what you want. You need to go to a dealer and kick some tires to get an idea of the various models. Lots of good used on SL for sale dept. also. 2016 or higher would be my choice. I like RT's, but there are also a lot that like the F3 version. One more "sporty" and the other is less, but built for comfort.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  7. #7
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default Welcome, welcome 👍

    welcome to this awesome site and to your soon to be a spyder ryder... Though very fond of the 998 V-Twin the suggestions above are good and have vaild points. 2014 was the year they started with the 1330 triple so is the starting point. Happy hunting.....
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  8. #8
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Raprider View Post
    A nice-looking 2014 in the FSBO section...
    https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ailer-for-sale
    I've read the 5 or so posts so far ….. with what's been said ….. the price on the LINK to that 14 RTS is imho a bit high …. He doesn't list ANY mods or up-grades other than the trailer ( which is an added cost ) …. I'm not sure it is an SE ( semi-auto trans.) and if it isn't it's over-priced.... the mileage is low ( good ) and any issues have been delt with. I wouldn't be concerned about " no warranty " ….. my 14 went out-of-warranty two years ago and I'm not concerned...… Even if you have a DESS module issue … you can fix that for about $135.00 and it's an EASY fix. Also …… Folks here can talk you thru most issues you might accounter ……. Mike

  9. #9
    Very Active Member Jim&Teresa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wahrsuul View Post
    2014 or newer would be my call. Having ridden both, I didn't care for the 998 engine. The 1330 is much better for a touring rig.
    +1 We have a 2014 RT Limited with about 56,000 miles on it - it has been a great bike. Great power, gearing, mpg, etc. We had a 2012 with the 998 cc engine and to us, was not what we wanted. Its gas mileage was very low at interstate speeds compared to the 1330 cc as we take long trips on our Spyder. Traded it in on the 2014 in about a year after we bought the 2012 - best decision we made. The 998cc engine is good and a lot of people like it, but we prefer the triple cylinder engine. Good luck with your decision!! I too would suggest a 2014 RT or new....Good input on this site - enjoy!
    Happy and safe rydin'
    2014 Spyder RT Limited - January 2014, Cognac/Black Seat, #958, born on 1-8-14
    2014 RT Limited , Cognac

  10. #10
    Very Active Member 4 MARIE's Avatar
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    had a 14, traded on a 17, loved them both. the 14 WAS a first year model for the 1330 triple, and they did not have every bug worked out, like DESS.
    You have the kind of budget that will allow you to buy almost anything you want in an RT. Don't pay for anyone's farkles, and just know there are a TON
    of super low mile, late model, Spyders out there. Happy hunting, and welcome to this site.
    Flatlander, Navy Veteran, Widower
    Loved my 2014 RTS SE6 Pearl white
    but have a new love now,
    my 2017 RTS SE6 Champagne metallic (Champ)

  11. #11
    Active Member ricford's Avatar
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    This brings up a question I have had. Not knowing if the owner has modified the ryde is the big question. I would expect that if I wanted more money 'than it was worth' that would be some clever person's opinion of the condition of the bike, modifications, etc. I have a 14 RT semi auto transmission and have seriously upgraded the functionality of the original vanilla bike. Something in excess of $8,000. That has no value? Be glad I can get market price? I find that a bit worrying. The 'she was a good ryde' has absolutely no value. No price on sentimentality. But, BUT there is a value on serious improvements I have made on the bike and just giving all that away is one of the reasons I"ll ride that bike to the end. If you would like a list, I'd be happy to share via PM. All in all, I expect there are others who have modified their ryder far far beyond the 'out the door factory vanilla'.

  12. #12
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
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    The value of farkles is in the eye of the potential purchaser and may be at considerable variance with those assigned/assumed by the seller. N-E-G-O-T-I-A-T-I-O-N opportunity/potential.
    Artillery lends dignity to what would
    otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
    ******************************
    Cognac 2014 RT-S

  13. #13
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    In '18 they changed the limited gps system. I am not a fan. I would choose a 2017 (or prior) limited over the '18 limited model.

  14. #14
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    Thank you for all the responses. One other question...when is a good time to buy one? Will the prices be lower in the fall/winter or do the prices not really change? Thanks!

  15. #15
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
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    The fall/winter is naturally the time to expect prices to drop because dealerships want to liquidate old inventory and make room for the new MY. BRP has reduced RT prices somewhat with the introduction of the Ryker but just how much I do not know. I agree with Paula about BRP Connect system in the '18 and '19 MYs and for that reason I will ride my '14 with its Zumo 590 GPS until it dies, the Spyder that is. I consider all that electronic crap on the dashboard a distraction to safe riding.
    Artillery lends dignity to what would
    otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
    ******************************
    Cognac 2014 RT-S

  16. #16
    Very Active Member pegasus1300's Avatar
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    All the years are good, some just have different glitches then others. Buy the newest year you can afford.

    Happy TRAils/NSD
    Paul

    2012 RT L
    AMA 25 years Life Member
    TRA
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    2012 Spyder RT L , Baja Ron Plugs and wires Lava Bronze

  17. #17
    Very Active Member Sarge707's Avatar
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    You can get a New Base F3 model only 100 HP for $16,000? Maybe you should test drive a F3 Also?

    2015 F3 sm6, Custom Dynamics fender lights.

    Sea Doo GTI-SE 90 Jet Ski!!

  18. #18
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    Any opinion on buying an RT that was only used in a rider training course? There are some 2018 models for $17,000.

  19. #19
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    You will certainly like an RTL 18 or 19. They are awesome ��
    Replaced my Lamonster Certified RT Limited #1874 With a 2018 RTL.

  20. #20
    Active Member Raprider's Avatar
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    THAT sounds like an option worth considering...
    RiderEd of NJ has quite a number of RT, F3 and Ryker this year from several area dealers...last 2 year's worth (mostly RT and F3 from 2016-17) were returned to respective dealers (only allowed to be in-program for 2 years) and subsequently sold...not sure how deeply reduced but working to find out.
    Raprider (Rich)

    2016 Can-Am Spyder ST-S SE5 Steel Black Metallic (Blackbird)
    BRP Audio, Heated Grips, Fog Lights, Passenger Backrest, Givi Saddlebags/Top Case
    BajaRon Swaybar, TricLed Wide-Vu Mirrors, Lamonster Ram mount and X-grip, Sena 20S Evo Dual
    TricLed Sequential Front SpyderFenderz, Dual Color Run/Brake/Turn LEDs, Brake Flasher
    Kumho Ecsta AST installed on rear 4/2021


    1996 Yamaha Virago 750 (Vera) - still riding
    1987 Honda Shadow 500 (Shady) - sold
    1982 Honda Rebel 250 (Little Reb) - sold

    2016 ST-S , Steel Black Metallic

  21. #21
    Active Member Spyder Insyder's Avatar
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    The 2018 training units might be a good buy. Also if you do some research, you may be able to find a dealer that has a new 2018 for about 2-3K more than your 20K budget. If the training units are on loan from BRP, were they ever registered? If so, when they were would be the "in service date" when the clock started ticking on the warranty. Based on problems I had with a low mileage used RTL that I bought from a private party, the warranty is important to me. I even bought an extended warranty when I purchased my new 2018 RTL last year, something I have never done before. Although most here would agree that Spyders are generally very reliable, the fact remains that they are complex machines that can get expensive when something goes wrong.

  22. #22
    Very Active Member blacklightning's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rcb31 View Post
    Thank you for all the responses. One other question...when is a good time to buy one? Will the prices be lower in the fall/winter or do the prices not really change? Thanks!
    In the fall and winter, the prices tend to be lower on used bikes. But for new units, September and October are the best months. Then the next best would be April. I say this from experience. I picked up my 2014 RT in September of 2014 for $5k less than a friend was able to get his for in February. Then in April of 2017 I was able to pick up a 2016 F3T for $5k below msrp. In September, the new models come out, so they do discounts. And in April, they tend to get rid of the previous year models, therefore another big discount. I had no intention of getting new, but at those discounted prices, it was cheaper than used.
    2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white

  23. #23
    Active Member LEEB's Avatar
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    Hi Blueknight! It's been a long time. I hope all is well for you. Question, you think I'm asking too much for my 2014 RTS? What would be a fair price? I'm not looking to gouge anyone on price. I just can't ride very much due to health issues. I would be flexible with price, and not take advantage of anyone. By the way it is an SE.


    2014 RT-S Pearl White - 'Miss Pearl'

  24. #24
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    What’s the verdict? What’d ya get?
    2012 RT-S SM5 , Pure Magnesium Metallic

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by rcb31 View Post
    Any opinion on buying an RT that was only used in a rider training course? There are some 2018 models for $17,000.
    This is usually a good deal. Just make sure it gets a full system check, maintenance, etc. before you take delivery. If it is close to needing new tires, make sure that happens. My 2 cents is that I think people on here make too big of a deal about the 998 vs 1330 engines. But my riding profile is not long distance interstate travel 2-up. I'm mostly a day trip backroads sort of guy with a wife who rides her own. I'm on a 2012 RTSE5 A&C, and I have been very happy with it. I've had ZERO power train or suspension issues. It's garage kept and dealer maintained. Longest ride has been about 500 miles in a day and I've ridden it in several parades and a few escort missions. The point is that some of the best advice would depend more on your riding profile and personality than any major differences in the machines. The 998 is designed to operate at a higher RPM rate than the 1330. The 1330 is generally a bit better experience 2-up on the interstate (I've ridden a few and WITH a bunch). But the 998 is actually a bit quicker and more responsive in city traffic and is a dream in slow-roll mode for parades. Gas mileage on the 998 is better than the 1330 (in my observation) in town & country type riding, and about 5-10 mpg worse at 70-80 mph for long stretches. You can buy a very nice 998cc RT for $10-14k and have $6k for customization in your $20k budget, or you can buy a very good used 1330 RT within your budget of $20k and ride it like you buy it. Get the idea?

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