2012 vs. 2013

[Y-me]

Hi all,

Are the Brembros cause enough to choose the 2013 RT over a 2012?
That and the color display are the main differences, right?

Y

[Magdave]

There are a few other changes in front end geometry and a new frame. Radio is now standard. New gen ABS and tire sizes.

http://www.powersportsbusiness.com/t...-am-spyder-rt/

[wis2013rtltd]

buy a 13'. New frame, suspension, brakes, larger front wheels and tires etc. You will notice a difference...

[Bob Denman]

The Brembos are a HUGE improvement...
But you can't ignore the other improvements!
New Frame, relocated battery...
The front suspension has taken a few hits; but it's also an improvement...

[BikerDoc]

I have driven 3 different 2013 RTs and one ST and I find the handling quality from the so called improved suspension package to be pathetic. My 2012 and I believe even my 2010 would corner and control better...

[Bob Denman]

But there are more to the improvements than just the front suspension...

[MidLifeCrisis]

The Brembo brakes are nice, but you have the option to upgrade the rotors and pads for 30% improvement with the Kit BajaRon sells, so the improvement from the 2013 becomes less noticeable there too.

[Cruzr Joe]

Former 2012 owner, current 2013 owner

Go with the 2013, many good improvements, better ride and brakes, just my two cents worth

Cruzr Joe


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[bullant12]

I have driven 3 different 2013 RTs and one ST and I find the handling quality from the so called improved suspension package to be pathetic. My 2012 and I believe even my 2010 would corner and control better...

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I disagree. I like the corner and handleing of my 2013 over my 2010 hands down!

[DrewNJ]

I know this is in the RT section....However, I own a 12' RS and acquired a 13' ST for a loaner for the day.
Sorry, but IMHO I was super disappointed in the handling of the 13'. I am NOT a fan of the new suspension based on what I've seen and ridden in person....
The extra electronic gadgets are cool, but I would worry about gremlins. Doesn't seem like electronics is BRP's strong area...

[bullant12]

I know this is in the RT section....However, I own a 12' RS and acquired a 13' ST for a loaner for the day.
Sorry, but IMHO I was super disappointed in the handling of the 13'. I am NOT a fan of the new suspension based on what I've seen and ridden in person....
The extra electronic gadgets are cool, but I would worry about gremlins. Doesn't seem like electronics is BRP's strong area...

Like I said, each is entitled to their opinion.

My wife never cared for the handeling of the RT, that is why she's got an RS-S, and once she likes something, she keeps it until convinced otherwise. I, on the other hand, not much a fan of the RS-S handleing. But I test rode the 2013 RT and ST, liked them both and went with the RT because of the comfort.
That is why there are different "flavors"... if not the world would be a boring place!

[Bob Denman]

31 flavors... and no waiting!

[Cruzr Joe]

I know this is in the RT section....However, I own a 12' RS and acquired a 13' ST for a loaner for the day.
Sorry, but IMHO I was super disappointed in the handling of the 13'. I am NOT a fan of the new suspension based on what I've seen and ridden in person....
The extra electronic gadgets are cool, but I would worry about gremlins. Doesn't seem like electronics is BRP's strong area...

Two different spyders?


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[ARtraveler]

This could rapidly get into a us/them discussion. Lot's of opinions and most based on actual experience.

I recommend test riding both flavors that you are interested in, and see which one "pops" for you. I have a 2010, and a 2011, so am one year behind the discussion as far as first hand knowledge goes.

The 2012's seem to have the "least" amount of issues discussed with them. We all know what is currently going on with the 2013's. There should be some real deals on 2013's offered, now that the 2014's are on the horizon. That should even make the 2012's a better deal. I would surely recommend an extended warranty on the 2013's--just in case.

Wishing you a great shopping experience. Let us know what you finally decide on.

[Dragonrider]

If you have an older RT, thinking about trading, fergedaboutit….. However, if you don't then it comes down to how much you want to pay, and what you get for it. Nothing wrong with a '12, but it's worth less than the '13 as soon as you drive off, so make sure the unit is priced accordingly.

[ARtraveler]

If you have an older RT, thinking about trading, fergedaboutit….. However, if you don't then it comes down to how much you want to pay, and what you get for it. Nothing wrong with a '12, but it's worth less than the '13 as soon as you drive off, so make sure the unit is priced accordingly.

A year ago, when I decided I had to trade off my Vulcan 900 because I could no longer manage two wheels, I purchased a brand new 2011 RT A&C. Got a good trade on the Vulcan, and a good discount on the holdover 2011--so drove away a very happy camper. One year and 8500 miles later--still a very happy camper.

[stewartj239]

My wife and I rode our neighbor's 2012 RT Limited for a total of 4 hours over a few weeks before purchasing. We could have gotten a great deal on a 2012, but the changes on the 2013 are definitely noticeable so we bought a 2013 RT-S. However, I think this boils down to your riding style. My neighbor is 62 years old and doesn't push her 2012 enough to where she would notice the difference. However, I am an aggressive rider (when riding solo) and I can clearly feel the handling / breaking differences between the 2012 and 2013. And yes, I often ride them back to back because I do all of the maintenance for my neighbor. The 15" vs. 14" wheels alone will make a handling difference, let alone the changes to the frame and brakes .....

[Bob Denman]

This could rapidly get into a us/them discussion. Lot's of opinions and most based on actual experience.

I recommend test riding both flavors that you are interested in, and see which one "pops" for you. I have a 2010, and a 2011, so am one year behind the discussion as far as first hand knowledge goes.

The 2012's seem to have the "least" amount of issues discussed with them. We all know what is currently going on with the 2013's. There should be some real deals on 2013's offered, now that the 2014's are on the horizon. That should even make the 2012's a better deal. I would surely recommend an extended warranty on the 2013's--just in case.

Wishing you a great shopping experience. Let us know what you finally decide on.

[Dragonrider]

Again, if you have a RT, keep your $$$. My '10 has had nary an issue, runs like a top, and I wouldn't give a dime for a new one, as it's taken me three years to get it set up the way I want it, and I still have two years of warranty left. To me, the seat, floorboards, and exhaust (a fraction of my farkles) are worth far more than the changes offered on a '13. Something you might consider if looking at a used RT.

[dslim]

I traded My Gl1800 for a 2010 Spyder Rt 3 years ago because of a bad hip. The whole time I owned it, I wished I would have just had hip replacement surgery. Oh I got used to taking into the dealer every month or so for warranty work and got used to riding the bike, but never trusted it. Every time we went on a trip, the worry of if the bike was gonna start in the morning, and not go into limp mode at some point was on our minds. The stabilizer from Ron was the biggest improvement on the bike, with the Ultimate seat a close second. A short time back we traded it for a 2013 RTS. On the way home from the dealership, I couldn't believe this bike was made by the same company. It is so much smother and refined. The brakes are night and day different, the floorboards are awesome, and not 1 trip to the dealer for warranty work or a limp mode in 1200 miles. I will probably replace the swaybar at some point, I took the Ultimate seat off my old bike, but I'm totally impressed with the bike at this time. It is THE bike I thought I was getting last time. I do plan on getting the extended warranty when I can, but right now I'm just loving the heck out of this bike, and no longer missing my Wing.

[spyder3]

_{The 2013's seem to come with a much hotter heat package also.}

[dslim]

_{The 2013's seem to come with a much hotter heat package also.}

I see you added heat shields to yours, the old one must have good heaters too!

[spyder3]

I see you added heat shields to yours, the old one must have good heaters too!

Yes, exactly. I did say much hotter....

[mcaccamise]

Im partial to my 2012 and wouldent want the heat issues the 2013 are having melting parts would be enough to sway my decision, i can always add larger brakes and tires and the shock relocators are now available also price is a huge consideration?
Mike

[Spyder Tony]

I know this is in the RT section....However, I own a 12' RS and acquired a 13' ST for a loaner for the day.
Sorry, but IMHO I was super disappointed in the handling of the 13'. I am NOT a fan of the new suspension based on what I've seen and ridden in person....
The extra electronic gadgets are cool, but I would worry about gremlins. Doesn't seem like electronics is BRP's strong area...

I have ridden the 2012 RS & RSS as well as the 2013 RS & RSS and I own an ST. I bought the ST because I thought the 2013 was an improvement over the previous lines...not just the positioning, they literally successfully blended the touring of the RT with the sport feel of the RS/RSS. Brembos are a dramatic improvement over previous models, but it only starts there. Totally dig the Zumo nav, radio, windshield, etc.
For the record, I have had ZERO problems with the ST electronics. I have, however, had problems attributed to the 2013 ST lineup, but EVERY make/model BRP has made has had some problem attributed to it. Not all ST owners suffered what I did, and my woes were quickly adressed by my dealer & BRP. Overall I am a satisfied ST owner & would recommend others at least test ride an ST to decide for themselves. I think you'll find a lot of varying opinions...and my personal opinion is that the ST is a step up from the previous year's models...Brembos have already saved my skin, as I have had some numbskull turn in front of me while i'm at speed probably once every couple of weeks since owning my bike. Brembos slow down and stop on a dime; hands down. I have to say that I ride my ST like a sport bike moreso than a touring bike (when i'm 1-up without my son or girlfriend, that is).

Brembos are in my best interest. My next purchase will be a BajaRon Sway bar now that they're ready for the 2013 (I think), then an exhaust (One that'll fit with my ST saddlebags). I am trying to walk the line between responsible weekend rider, and performance demanding enthusiast. The ST allows me to do just this...IMHO, of course.