Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 26
  1. #1
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Huntsville, Alabama
    Posts
    84
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Worth it to upgrade 2012 RTL?

    I just bought my current one, and I know I will be riding it for a bit, but I am really loving it and I know I will be wanting a newer one before too long.
    So, if some of you have ridden or owned both, please talk me into it or out of it.
    Why is it worth it to get a late model year RT, or are the old ones better in some ways?
    Money is not really the issue, but I want to get a good value for my money.
    2012 Blue Spyder RT Limited

  2. #2
    Active Member LongIsland's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Long Island
    Posts
    357
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I have owned a 2012 RTL (19,000 miles) and upgraded to a new 2014 RTL (53,000 miles) purchased new in 2015. I decided to upgrade after I did a test ride on a 2014. As soon as I moved from a parked-position I could tell the 1330 engine was a vast improvement. I thoroughly enjoyed riding my 2012 but felt that the 2012 with its 998 - 5 speed engine was always working hard to maintain its speed due to having to shift at high RPMS. Once I completed the test-ride I found the 2014 was not working as hard, the ride and shifting was smoother and acceleration was quicker, it also seemed to have more power available when needed. Maintenance is easier with a 2014 SE6 since it is required once every 9,300 miles or once a year. The 2012 required me to change the oil 3 times a year, while the 2014 only once a year. So I changed the oil 6 times in 3 years while I have changing the oil in the 2014 7 times in 7 years, saved some time and money with the 2014 which equals more riding time. Oh, and you will find the 2012 rides very hot, you'll find the heat mostly on your right foot, but under the seat gets very hot as well. The 2014 has fans that reverse the flow of heat when needed, so a cooler ride for you.
    All that being said, you will still enjoy the ride the 2012 gives you and many riders here will never leave their 998's behind.
    Ride Safe!

  3. #3
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,269
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tonylmiller View Post
    I just bought my current one, and I know I will be riding it for a bit, but I am really loving it and I know I will be wanting a newer one before too long.
    So, if some of you have ridden or owned both, please talk me into it or out of it.
    Why is it worth it to get a late model year RT, or are the old ones better in some ways?
    Money is not really the issue, but I want to get a good value for my money.
    Well the biggest major up-grade For Spyders came in 2014 when they introduced the 1330 engine / trans. ... this was a game changer ... then in 2015 a completely new body style appeared ... the F-3 ( with 1330 eng/ trans) ....I've owned three over the past 14 yrs. .... two V-twins like yours and now my 14 RT with 1330 engine. .... I've seen 14 RT's sell for $ 10,000 & 15 F-3's for $11,000 .... .. Good luck .... Mike

  4. #4
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Huntsville, Alabama
    Posts
    84
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Good information, thanks. I was wondering what year they changed the engine.
    2012 Blue Spyder RT Limited

  5. #5
    Active Member Eviltwin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Portsmouth VA
    Posts
    366
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I'm still with my 2010. I've worked most of the bugs out of it, having owned it for the last 5 years. Still not perfect, but it runs fine enough for me. Would I like to get one with the 3, sure, but it's not worth the extra cost. If money is not an issue and you can find one, then go for it. You will get top dollar for your 2012, but you will also pay top dollar for a newer one and inventory is tight. Just the times we are in right now.
    2019 BMW C650GT, 2010 Spyder RT-S, 2009 BMW R1200RT,(sold) 2009 Honda Silverwing (Sold), 2009 Kawasaki 500 Vulcan (Sold)

    \
    2010 RT SE5 , Black

  6. #6
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,519
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    It all depends. And that is always going to be the case. The 998 is a great motor. People think it is working hard because it has to rev to make HP. But that is the way it was engineered. The only downside of revving the 998 is that it bothers some. Once you get over that issue. You're good to go. The 1330 moves the Spyder in a more relaxed manner. But I'm not so sure the 1330 is faster than the 998.

    In any case. The best thing to do is to test ride what you think you'd like to move to. Looking at used isn't a bad idea.

    Good luck!
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  7. #7
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Bossier LoUiSiAna
    Posts
    5,977
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Personally would look for 14-17 not a fan of the dash change in18 & mostly the problems reported with BRP connect.

    2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
    SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
    SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
    T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
    brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
    Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
    sawblade mowhalk fender accents
    minispyder dash toy
    Lid lox
    KradelLock
    Pakitrack
    GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
    FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
    BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
    SENA 20S EVO
    2013 STL , Stock Stock Black currant

  8. #8
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,269
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BajaRon View Post
    It all depends. And that is always going to be the case. The 998 is a great motor. People think it is working hard because it has to rev to make HP. But that is the way it was engineered. The only downside of revving the 998 is that it bothers some. Once you get over that issue. You're good to go. The 1330 moves the Spyder in a more relaxed manner. But I'm not so sure the 1330 is faster than the 998.

    In any case. The best thing to do is to test ride what you think you'd like to move to. Looking at used isn't a bad idea.

    Good luck!
    Well I've " drag raced " two spyders with both engines and the 1330 ( RT ) was also impressive ..... JMHO .... Mike

  9. #9
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,519
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911 View Post
    Well I've " drag raced " two spyders with both engines and the 1330 ( RT ) was also impressive ..... JMHO .... Mike
    The 1330, being about 35% more displacement, should be faster. I've drag raced my 998. But never a 1330. I would like to compare them side by side some day just out of curiosity. To go fast on the 998, it does feel like it has to be flogged. But it was specifically designed to be flogged. So, it's not really an issue. That's the only point I was getting at.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  10. #10
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,269
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BajaRon View Post
    The 1330, being about 35% more displacement, should be faster. I've drag raced my 998. But never a 1330. I would like to compare them side by side some day just out of curiosity. To go fast on the 998, it does feel like it has to be flogged. But it was specifically designed to be flogged. So, it's not really an issue. That's the only point I was getting at.
    At the two Spyderfest events that I was able to use the Drag track.... the Spyders were put in separate classes ( logical ) .... however during the 2 hour " test & tune " period you went against anyone who came to the line. My 1330 was quite competitive against the V-twin. I had a lot of races with " Seth-O " and " Yazz ", and they both had V-twins ......of course the Driver is the variable !!! .... Mike

  11. #11
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Huntsville, Alabama
    Posts
    84
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Revving the engine is definitely not a problem for me. In fact, I love doing it.
    If the main thing is the engine, I might want to stick with what I have.
    2012 Blue Spyder RT Limited

  12. #12
    Very Active Member blacklightning's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Apex, N.C.
    Posts
    3,231
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BajaRon View Post
    The 1330, being about 35% more displacement, should be faster. I've drag raced my 998. But never a 1330. I would like to compare them side by side some day just out of curiosity. To go fast on the 998, it does feel like it has to be flogged. But it was specifically designed to be flogged. So, it's not really an issue. That's the only point I was getting at.
    I started out with a 2014 RT (1330), and picked up a 2012 RSS at the same time. I didn't really compare those 2 because of the weight difference. Then I bought a 2016 F3T and was impressed. But I still thought the 2012 RSS felt faster. I thought it was faster until I actually got a chance to race one of my buddies at VIR on his 2015 RSS. He is a very aggressive rider and on every straight, I was able to reel him in on my F3T. My bike was 100% stock, and he had just exhaust and a juice box (or some sort of electronic box) on his. I still miss my 2012 RSS though.
    2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white

  13. #13
    Active Member Wahrsuul's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Central SC
    Posts
    456
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I test rode a 2010 before buying the '14. For me, having to wind the engine to 5k+ all the time just felt kind of frantic. Might be ok for a sportier ride, but I prefer the more relaxed feel of the 1330 for something like the RT.
    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

  14. #14
    Very Active Member ThreeWheels's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Danbury Connecticut
    Posts
    3,468
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tonylmiller View Post
    I just bought my current one, and I know I will be riding it for a bit, but I am really loving it and I know I will be wanting a newer one before too long.
    So, if some of you have ridden or owned both, please talk me into it or out of it.
    Why is it worth it to get a late model year RT, or are the old ones better in some ways?
    Money is not really the issue, but I want to get a good value for my money.
    I've owned a 2010, 2014 and now a 2020.
    If you can hold out, I'd suggest getting a 2020 in a few years when the used prices will be lower.
    The 1330 engine upgrade in 2014 was a major generational upgrade.
    In 2020, the suspension, comfort and storage upgrades are another major generational upgrade still.

    As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.
    If it ain't broke, don't break it.
    IBA #47122
    2020 RT Limited Asphalt Grey

  15. #15
    Very Active Member Bangorbob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Pahrump NV
    Posts
    562
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I've owned a 2012 RT and now a 2016 RTS. It's probably in what's left of my brain that the 12 seemed to be zippier. I had to be careful from a dead stop with the 12 cus I would burn the tire. Of course it's my thoughts and mine only.
    2005 Roadtrek Chevy 210P
    2020 RT Limited-Chalk White SE6

  16. #16
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Huntsville, Alabama
    Posts
    84
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I definitely don't mind revving the engine. That is actually a bonus for me.
    2012 Blue Spyder RT Limited

  17. #17
    Very Active Member pegasus1300's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Spring City,Utah
    Posts
    5,329
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    What are you looking for that the 2012 doesn't give you? Or what do you hope to gain from a new model? I would like a new Spyder just to go up in Years and down in miles,but the bank isn't going to allow that for now. Maybe once the truck is paid for

    Happy TRAils/NSD
    Paul

    2012 RT L
    AMA 25 years Life Member
    TRA
    PGR
    Rhino Riders Plate #83
    Venturers #78
    TOI

    2012 Spyder RT L , Baja Ron Plugs and wires Lava Bronze

  18. #18
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Huntsville, Alabama
    Posts
    84
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pegasus1300 View Post
    What are you looking for that the 2012 doesn't give you? Or what do you hope to gain from a new model? I would like a new Spyder just to go up in Years and down in miles,but the bank isn't going to allow that for now. Maybe once the truck is paid for
    Yes, that is what I'm trying to find out from people who have owned both. Newer would be nicer, but not worth 2 - 3 times the cost at the moment. If the main thing is the engine, I do not mind the 2012 engine at all. I do not even consider it a weakness.
    2012 Blue Spyder RT Limited

  19. #19
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,269
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tonylmiller View Post
    Yes, that is what I'm trying to find out from people who have owned both. Newer would be nicer, but not worth 2 - 3 times the cost at the moment. If the main thing is the engine, I do not mind the 2012 engine at all. I do not even consider it a weakness.
    2012 " V-twin " .... BRP stopped using this engine in 2016 (?) .... so how many years from now do you think Parts will still be available. ???? .... Mike

  20. #20
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Valley Springs, AR
    Posts
    41,273
    Spyder Garage
    8

    Default

    I have had four of the 990/998 engine and three 1330's. There are pros and cons to each version. The bottom line, the three cylinders have less required maintenance and get about 10 mpg more. Cost is relative. A used 2014 Spyder (first year of the 1330), is now going for 10K to 12K. I have seen them advertised here for 14k and up....but that has to do with the supply demand thing. I would not be a buyer at that price.

    BK is right about parts. We traded off our 2011 in 2019. Never had any issues with it so parts to fix were never an issue for us.

    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

  21. #21
    Very Active Member Deanna777's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    7,986
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I have owned a 2012 RTS-SE5( my first spyder) It had the 998 engine, I only had it for 2 years.

    I took a test ride on a 2014 RTS-SE6 ( which is my current spyder). Why I bought a 2014 RTS-SE6 was the comfort,and the low maintenance, and the bigger engine, ( 1330 Ace Engine) qutier engine, and all the major upgrades they did. It has a 1200 Watt Alternator. I have about 29,000 miles on my current spyder.

    Deanna




    Current Spyder - 2023 F3 LTD Special Mineral Blue

    Red LED NANO Saddlebag Marker Lights with Full Illumination
    Sequential Fender LED'S (Amber/Red) with Safety Reflector
    Dual Power Plate (12 V & USB ports)
    Gremlin Bell
    Rear Trunk Organizer (4 holders, 2 Elastic Holders)
    Lamonster "Top Cuff" with adjustable drink Holder
    SpyderPops Missing Guard Belt
    Console Accent Trim (Carbon Fiber Domed Black)
    Ultimate F3 Floorboards
    Front Fairing Service Access Door Covers (Carbon Fiber Doomed Black)
    Sway Bar with Links
    Rolo Laser Alignment
    Half Cover


    Former Spyder - 2014 RTS SE6 Cognac SOLD
    2023 F3 LTD Special Series , N/A N/A Mineral Blue

  22. #22
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2022
    Location
    Huntsville, Alabama
    Posts
    84
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911 View Post
    2012 " V-twin " .... BRP stopped using this engine in 2016 (?) .... so how many years from now do you think Parts will still be available. ???? .... Mike
    I would think parts for the engine would be available for a few more years, and I hope I don't need any.
    With 4,000 miles, I hope the engine lasts for quite a few more years.
    And the more I ride it the more I like it.
    2012 Blue Spyder RT Limited

  23. #23
    Very Active Member MRH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Los Angeles and Santa Ynez, CA
    Posts
    1,051
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ThreeWheels View Post
    I've owned a 2010, 2014 and now a 2020.
    If you can hold out, I'd suggest getting a 2020 in a few years when the used prices will be lower.
    The 1330 engine upgrade in 2014 was a major generational upgrade.
    In 2020, the suspension, comfort and storage upgrades are another major generational upgrade still.

    As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.
    I've owned the same three years, and completely agree with you. My 2010 had issues, but as I understand it the 2012 was significantly improved. Still, the biggest upgrade was the 2014 and I wouldn't every buy anything earlier than that at this point in time - and if one can afford a 2020+ I'm a fan of the smaller changes and the new body design. Just skip the BRP connect features, and the dash isn't an issue.
    2020 RT Limited in the ultra cool Deep Marsala Dark edition.

    Baja Ron Anti-Sway Bar, LED reflectors, Lamonster USB Charger (and phone mount), Can-Am Low Windshield, X-Creen Tour Variable Windscreen Spoiler Blade, Power Commander, Dilithium powered Flux Capacitor (not yet fully functional).
    Maintained by Lou at Pirate Powersports.

  24. #24
    Active Member Wahrsuul's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Central SC
    Posts
    456
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Heck, I'll sell you mine cheap. I'm looking for a nice F3 with a manual trans.
    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

  25. #25
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,519
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Tonylmiller View Post
    I would think parts for the engine would be available for a few more years, and I hope I don't need any.
    With 4,000 miles, I hope the engine lasts for quite a few more years.
    And the more I ride it the more I like it.
    I've got customers with well over 100k on the original engine and clutch. If you take care of them, they will last a very long time. I don't mean baby them. I mean regular maintenance. I think they actually last longer if you ride them a bit hard. Wring them out once in a while.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •