New Guy Question. 998 VS 1330

[dtfoltz]

Looking to purchase my first RT in the next few weeks. Looking at low mileage used. Is there a huge difference in power between the two engines if i look at earlier than 2014 Vs 2014 and up...

[2dogs]

Night and day!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Night and day!

.... but to be more specific .... BRP no longer uses the V-Twin engine in Spyders, so down the road parts are going to be an issue .... the older GS - RS - RSS are probably a bit faster then the 1330 in an RT model .... but the newer F-3 ( 1330 only ) is probably just as quick .... The V-twins were really sport engines ie. high revs to get power .... the 1330 is closer to a Gold Wing engine that has gobs of torque and is quite happy at 3000 rpms for most driving .... The V-twins needed more maintenance than the 1330. Recently a gorgeous 2014 RT-S 1330, with the Semi-auto trans sold on this forum for $10,500 and it had only 15,000 mi. ..... good luck .... just be patient and you could get a bargain ..... Mike

[2dogs]

Knowing what I know now if I were to buy another spyder (which likely I won't), I would bide my time and watch the 4sale form for a low mileage late model unit I would be looking for. If I found one I'd grab my helmet and if need be I'd catch a flight to wherever and ride it home.

[Mikey]

I am with Blueknight, take your time and find a nice 1330, the 998's a good ride, but parts are going to be a issue sooner or later!! Plus one of the only things that wig me out about my bike is the darn oil consumption, you have to check it on a regular basis, they all do it!! Good luck!

[BeRight]

Bike's depreciate very quickly - bargains are there, just takes allot of internet searching.

Buying new vehicles is always fun but not practical financially, unless you keep that baby for a long time.

I agree - 1330's are the only way to go.

For those sport riders F3-S can get up and go.

[SMITT15]

Looking to purchase my first RT in the next few weeks. Looking at low mileage used. Is there a huge difference in power between the two engines if i look at earlier than 2014 Vs 2014 and up...

Night & Day, I have owned both and highly recommend 1330 with ECO feature

[SMITT15]

I believe 2014 was the first year for the 1330 series

[JayBros]

Remember, age and low mileage are not necessarily a perfect cup of tea. A bike that's been sitting for a number of years and hasn't been ridden that much can come back to bite in terms of age of components like tires and other rubber parts that begin to crack and/or leak and have to be replaced right off the bat. That's one reason why I recommend a'14 or later Spyder with the 1330 engine.

[ARtraveler]

I have owned four 998's and two 1330's. Both are great engines, but as said above, night and day difference.

The big picture, the 998's act like a crotch rocket, the 1330 acts like a Goldwing.

Higher rpm's needed to get the performance from the 998. It does not wake up until 5500. The 1330 is very happy in the 3500 range. Mileage (not a big deal for most), Low 30's on the 998 and low 40's on the 1330.

And the 998's are now discontinued. $5,000 will buy a 2008. I would recommend a 1330 engine. You will not be disappointed.

[dtfoltz]

thank you all for your input, next question, what kind of mileage should i be concerned with when looking at used. i see spyders with 30k -40k on them. at what point do i need to really worry about engine break down. I know its a loaded question not knowing maintenance of last owner.

[jcoats1]

I am with Blueknight, take your time and find a nice 1330, the 998's a good ride, but parts are going to be a issue sooner or later!! Plus one of the only things that wig me out about my bike is the darn oil consumption, you have to check it on a regular basis, they all do it!! Good luck!

NOT all of them!!

[JayBros]

The 1330 engine Spyders will cost you less in maintenance because of longer intervals; e.g., why change oil and filter every 3,000 when you can go 9,300.

[Bfromla]

Remember, age and low mileage are not necessarily a perfect cup of tea. A bike that's been sitting for a number of years and hasn't been ridden that much can come back to bite in terms of age of components like tires and other rubber parts that begin to crack and/or leak and have to be replaced right off the bat. That's one reason why I recommend a'14 or later Spyder with the 1330 engine.

However

age of components like tires
as if stock Kendas would last to get “OLD”
Low miles also having bigger chance of maintenance neglect Likes to be rode, winter hibernation happens , thankfully only temporary even then some have unfortunate issues. There are some good ones available good luck in your search also to consider the new dash & BRP Connect with its failures the 998’s vacuumed line, heat, oil consumption, issues. Having
one I’m happy with it & gonna try get least my 100k miles out of it. Hopefully will see more improvements by then.

[Navydad]

thank you all for your input, next question, what kind of mileage should i be concerned with when looking at used. i see spyders with 30k -40k on them. at what point do i need to really worry about engine break down. I know its a loaded question not knowing maintenance of last owner.

Just like anything mechanical the Spyder needs proper maintaining. There is no reason these machines shouldn't go 100K or more with no issues other than wear related items. I have 35K on mine and the only thing I had was the stupid DESS light pop up. I had that little bugger disabled before it became a problem. I have no second thoughts at all when it comes to spending a few weeks on the road. Getting ready to head to Maggie Valley for a few days and then go west for a bit before returning to Ohio at the end of October.

[ThreeWheels]

Definitely go for a 1330 cc engine in your RT. The difference , as others said is night and day.
Depending on your budget and time frame, the 2020 RT is yet another leap forward. Next spring the prices will be lower still for a nice 2020.
Sort of the difference between night and day, and a day at the beach alone with a blonde.

As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.