looking at getting a Spyder

[Realtor]

looking to get off the Harley and in a spyder. there are 2 2013's questions, before I call tomorrow, did the 13;s have the 1330 engine, and were they 6 speeds like the 2018's? (Wife has a 2018 with the SE6 and 1330)

anything spooky about the 2013's I should know about. Both are low mileage, one had about 7K and the other about 12K

[FlyBoy2121]

The three cylinder engine and the se6 transmission began in 2014 and up.

FlyBoy2121

[Bfromla]

2013’s are 998 with 5speed some ‘13had heat issues ST were offered a panel upgrade (hard to find now) the Rt had additional scoops available. Not sure if or what was mandatory recall or optional. Think was also last year that fits the sports rack on ST & RS just off top of my head

[Realtor]

thanks, im googling like crazy too.... looks 2014 or newer

[Realtor]

how were the sound systems on the 2015 RT Limited? The sound on the 2018 RTL isnt that great? ant feedback on the 2015's?

[Spyder Insyder]

how were the sound systems on the 2015 RT Limited? The sound on the 2018 RTL isnt that great? ant feedback on the 2015's?

The sound system on my 2018 RT Ltd is great. I installed an XM satellite radio that I run through the AUX setting. With the current firmware update (I believe it is 20.8) and the ambient auto volume increase feature set, I can hear the audio fine at 75+ mph.

[Realtor]

The sound system on my 2018 RT Ltd is great. I installed an XM satellite radio that I run through the AUX setting. With the current firmware update (I believe it is 20.8) and the ambient auto volume increase feature set, I can hear the audio fine at 75+ mph.

maybe i need to upgrade the firmware... but ours is pretty hard to hear, at leastfor me...

[Sputter]

maybe i need to upgrade the firmware... but ours is pretty hard to hear, at leastfor me...

Get a Cardo Pactalk Bold, mounts on helmet, JBL speakers inside, listen to music, answer phone, talk to your wife or friends riding with you. Best $300.00 I spent!

[Little Blue]

I would recommend getting a 2016 or newer model......

[AVBIZ]

Get a Cardo Pactalk Bold, mounts on helmet, JBL speakers inside, listen to music, answer phone, talk to your wife or friends riding with you. Best $300.00 I spent!

Agreed; I don’t get the blaring music thing. Buy a Cardo or Sena and enjoy quality sound in the privacy of your own helmet.

Regarding best years to buy- I’m looking as well and the one year that consistently comes up to avoid is the 2013s

[h0gr1der]

Agreed; I don’t get the blaring music thing. Buy a Cardo or Sena and enjoy quality sound in the privacy of your own helmet.

Regarding best years to buy- I’m looking as well and the one year that consistently comes up to avoid is the 2013s

Seems like the 2018 and 2019 models have a larger than normal parking brake failure problem right now.

[AVBIZ]

Seems like the 2018 and 2019 models have a larger than normal parking brake failure problem right now.

Thanks; that is good to know. The self leveling rear compressor shortcomings may wind up being a deciding factor driving me to an RT vs a Limited model if not addressed in the 2020s

[Wahrsuul]

I went with 2014 on up when I was looking. I test rode a 2010, and didn't care for the character of the engine at all.

[h0gr1der]

Thanks; that is good to know. The self leveling rear compressor shortcomings may wind up being a deciding factor driving me to an RT vs a Limited model if not addressed in the 2020s

I corrected the air compressor problem (for me at least) here;https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ferrerid=34189

Makes my 2018 RTL non-dependent on the air compressor for 1 up riding. The aftermarket shock companies are quickly catching up.

[blacklightning]

I would recommend getting a 2016 or newer model......

Just courious, why a 2016 or newer? I know that the basics were the same from 2014-2017 on the RT. In 2018 and up they got the digital dash. But besides possibly having some warranty left, there is no advantage of a 2016 over a 2014. The only other possible thing on the 2014 was the DESS error that occured on some models.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

how were the sound systems on the 2015 RT Limited? The sound on the 2018 RTL isnt that great? ant feedback on the 2015's?

Hi, I have the 14 RT, but this will pertain to all Rt's thru 17 ….. I swapped out the speakers for JBL - GTO ( 2 amp ) model in 5.25 inch front and rear. for about $ 165.00 +/-..... I kept the OEM radio / amp set-up it was never the problem ….. I am an audiophile and my RT now has " killer sound " in all criteria …. I also cured the crappy am/fm reception by swapping the oem antennae for one made by Bosche. It's a manually retractable Auto model, so it dis-appears completely if you are using a cover ….. and as others have said from 18 and up the radio's, speakers etc. are a problem ….. good luck …. Mike

[h0gr1der]

Just courious, why a 2016 or newer? I know that the basics were the same from 2014-2017 on the RT. In 2018 and up they got the digital dash. But besides possibly having some warranty left, there is no advantage of a 2016 over a 2014. The only other possible thing on the 2014 was the DESS error that occured on some models.

If I were looking used I would try to get a 16 or 17 with warranty left, and if possible buy the extended warranty to boot. I bought an 18 RTL and it has been plagued with problems. Parking brake failure (twice), water pump failure, crappy Kenda that couldn't be balanced. YMMV.

[Tyris]

What BLUEKNIGHT911 said, upgrading speakers and even an amp is the way to go.

[Realtor]

we have a 2018 RTL, (Big Blue) Thats the wifes. she wont let me ride it....

I came across a pretty good deal in a 2014 with 3,500 miles on it. anything bad about the 14's? I know that was the first year for the 1330 and 6 speed?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

What BLUEKNIGHT911 said, upgrading speakers and even an amp is the way to go.

Add an Amp ..... Because I did the speaker swap I can honestly say #1. - I like my music LOUD ( but it has to be clear ) and #2.- IMHO, if I could make mine louder it would cause immed. deafness …. do the speakers first, then decide on an Amp ….. Mike

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

we have a 2018 RTL, (Big Blue) Thats the wifes. she wont let me ride it....

I came across a pretty good deal in a 2014 with 3,500 miles on it. anything bad about the 14's? I know that was the first year for the 1330 and 6 speed?

In 14 this is when all the DESS issues started ( an engineer decided to fix something that wasn't broken …. the result was / is now they are having problems with the DESS ) …. it can be fixed / repaired fairly easily if it happens to yours ….. Mike

[Realtor]

DESS? Whats that?

[Tazzel]

The 2017 F3T are the best model with the better sprocket

[Realtor]

hanks for the discussion, My son is giving me a ride to test drive the 2014 tomorrow. May (just may) post a picture of a new addition tomorrow evening, if it all checks out..... For the price differance between this 2014, and the used anything newer with the 1330 and 6 speed,is well, sort of a no brainer, if it checks out and is in the condition its being advertised as.... will see tomorrow...

[Little Blue]

I would recommend getting a good deal on some type of WARRANY.
Spyder's sometimes have bigger repairs than most people like to spend....my 2.....