Spyder RT Generations?

[iGot2Fly]

I am thinking about buying a used Spyder. I am considering a used 2013 RT limited. How far back does the current generation of Spyders go? Is there any major differences between the 2013 vs 2014 vs 2015 models?

Thanks!

[Dragonrider]

In one word - Don't.

The 2013 was the conversion year, with a host of issues. Look at any of the 2010/2011/2012s - especially the 2012s, if you are looking at the older 990 generation RT.

All of those are good choices.

[iGot2Fly]

In one word - Don't.

The 2013 was the conversion year, with a host of issues. Look at any of the 2010/2011/2012s - especially the 2012s, if you are looking at the older 990 generation RT.

All of those are good choices.

Was 2014 any better of a year?

[PrairieSpyder]

I didn't have a 2013, but from what I've heard here, I'd go for either a '12 or '14 or '15. The '14s & '15s are the newest version with the larger engines, 6-speed trannies. Though a lot of '13 owners are perfectly fine with their machines, if you consider one, get it checked out thoroughly at a dealer.

[ARtraveler]

I am thinking about buying a used Spyder. I am considering a used 2013 RT limited. How far back does the current generation of Spyders go? Is there any major differences between the 2013 vs 2014 vs 2015 models?

Thanks!

Of all the years the RT has been made, 2013 is the one that stands out with the most issues. Based on issues, that is the one year I would not recommend.

RT came into the world in 2010. I had a 2010 RT-S (Premier Edition). Put 36,500 trouble free miles on that one.

In 2012 I purchased a new 2011 RT. There were throttle body issues that were fixed under warranty. Now, at 16,500 miles it is still a trouble free machine. Beginning season number 4 with that one.

2012 RT was/is considered the best of the 998 Rotax versions. Would not hesitate recommending that year.

2013 RT had heat issues and some fires. Because of the reputation, they are devalued. A buyer's market if you want to take the chance.

2014 RT the year of the 1330 triple engine. Has a very good reputation. I am one of many very pleased owners of a 2014.

2015 no major changes except for colors.

[MRH]

I had 2010 RT that seemed to have a significant repair issue every 3,000 miles (from 16K-32K on the odometer, which is when I owned it). I loved it, but I never quite trusted it.

I have a 2014 RT with 14K miles that had one oil leak, and no other issues. Bad parts happen, and I am very happy with 2014. It essentially the same Spyder, but just a faster, better version of it. This is the 2.0 version of the RT, at least on the inside. The 2015's seem to be unchanged from the 2014's, which says a lot.

The 2013's, as everybody has said, have significant issues. There is a recall and there will be some kind of fix made the units that nobody yet knows the value of. I would keep your eyes open here and see what transpires in May. If people speak positively about the fix you may be able to get a great deal because of the difficult reputation and get a great value, but I wouldn't gamble on that until there is more to know.

[Chupaca]

great advise but start with your budget. If you can swing for the newer ones (14/15's) that would be the way to go. Your chances of having more time on your warranty will give you peace of mind. If you do your own work then you don't have to worry. Hope your out there soon...

[MRH]

A good question was asked, do you have a budget you are working with?

[finless]

My 2011 RTS was built late in 2011 and sold to the first owner Jan 2012.
My experience is like people say about the 2012. I have not had a single issue!

Bob

[Dan McNally]

If you are not in a hurry, wait to see what BRP does to the 2013 RT in the upcoming recall . . . the recall has been announced, but they haven't told us what changes they will be making. As mentioned, above, the value of the 2013 RT took a hit because of heat related issues . . . but if BRP comes up with a good fix, it might be a real bargain to get one.

[kurvinroach]

Just bought my first CanAm are there any riding events where drivers get together and ride in my area ,or Indiana


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[JayBros]

I agree with Hayfield's comment in principle; however, IMO no matter how good the BRP fix(es) may be for the problems on the 2013 RTs that model year will have a "fire bomb" stigma associated with it that may affect subsequent resale value. It's kind of like the GM ignition key issue. YMMV.

[Bob Denman]

Just bought my first CanAm are there any riding events where drivers get together and ride in my area ,or Indiana


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There is a forum Area for each State...


...And there's always SpyderFest!

[PrairieSpyder]

Just bought my first CanAm are there any riding events where drivers get together and ride in my area ,or Indiana


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&

[jcthorne]

If you are not in a hurry, wait to see what BRP does to the 2013 RT in the upcoming recall . . . the recall has been announced, but they haven't told us what changes they will be making. As mentioned, above, the value of the 2013 RT took a hit because of heat related issues . . . but if BRP comes up with a good fix, it might be a real bargain to get one.

Agreed, and there are significant upgrades in the 13 over the 12. Now if BRP's fixes actually do.....I hope so. At this point, other than the fuel smell that remains, I really like my 13.

[ThreeWheels]

I'd go with the 2014 for a couple of reasons.
First, it's the latest generation, so it will have a higher longevity factor. The 998 (2010 through 2013) is already a discontinued model.
Second, as essentially the third generation (2013 was sort of a hybrid) BRP has had more time to work out all the bugs.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong, and I'm sure somebody on this forum will certainly let me know about it.

[Cruzr Joe]

I'd go with the 2014 for a couple of reasons.
First, it's the latest generation, so it will have a higher longevity factor. The 998 (2010 through 2013) is already a discontinued model.
Second, as essentially the third generation (2013 was sort of a hybrid) BRP has had more time to work out all the bugs.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong, and I'm sure somebody on this forum will certainly let me know about it.

The 998 is still used for the ST and RS and may continue to be their engine, The 998 itself is a solid engine and has not been discontinued.

Cruzr Joe

[Jim&Teresa]

I agree with the comments from the earlier posts.

I had a 2012 RT Limited and it provided a lot of fun with ZERO issues - we drove it approx. 7,700 miles prior to trading it in on our 2014 RT Limited.

The 2014 RT Limited is an awesome machine. However, for the money, you may want to start with a 2012 RT as that was a solid machine and later on pick-up a 2014 or later model with the 1330 engine.

If you have the money and desire, go for the 2014 RT, if you are on a tighter budget, I would think the 2012 RT would serve you well! IMHO.

Good luck with your decision and enjoy your Spyder when you get it!

[Deanna777]

Just bought my first CanAm are there any riding events where drivers get together and ride in my area ,or Indiana


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Deanna

[Deanna777]

I had a 2012RTS-SE5 no problems put on 8,399 happy miles, then traded up to a 2014RTS-SE6, new engine( 1330 Ace engine,
6 speed transmission,
Eco mode smart assist,
1200-W alternator,
higher torque,
smoother ride,( thanks to the NEW hydraulic clutch activation with electronic control) ,
low maintance,
less fill ups,
oil change at every 9,300 miles,
radiators moved in front of the A-arms, cooling capacity has doubled, Reverse fan mode blowing hot air away from the rider) plus many more features.

Don't get a 2013!

If you can swing it get a 2014, or 2015 these are the newer models or get a 2012.
Deanna

[kurvinroach]

Thanks for the info I just bought a RT Limited 2015 love it. The wife would like to have one like the newer 2014 & 2015 engine , not sure what to look for for her F 3 two low for visablity & safety it's her first bike ???


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[Bob Denman]

Getting a first bike for your Better-Half...
Is she willing to ride with you for a while, and think about the impending purchase?
As a new rider; you've got to try and make sure that she's 127% comfortable with the bike...
The F-3 will create a nice-sized presence on the road; just make sure that she's dressed in riding gear that's nice and bright...

[Dragonrider]

Look at the ST "LTD" for her - storage, has a trailer hitch, and most of the nice amenities, at a lower price point.

[kurvinroach]

Thanks dragon rider


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[Marker]

I agree with the comments from the earlier posts.

I had a 2012 RT Limited and it provided a lot of fun with ZERO issues - we drove it approx. 7,700 miles prior to trading it in on our 2014 RT Limited.

The 2014 RT Limited is an awesome machine. However, for the money, you may want to start with a 2012 RT as that was a solid machine and later on pick-up a 2014 or later model with the 1330 engine.

If you have the money and desire, go for the 2014 RT, if you are on a tighter budget, I would think the 2012 RT would serve you well! IMHO.

Good luck with your decision and enjoy your Spyder when you get it!

To add to that I owned a 2010 RT S SE5. I drove it for 22,370 miles . The only issues I had were at 18,642 miles the c- clip on the clutch pack came off and the washers from the clutch pack got chewed up and ended up in the oil tank. Lucky I had BRP extended warranty that covered it. The other issue some are having including me is that approx every 20,000 miles the tiny vacuum lines need replacing as they are located at the front of the 998 engine and get exposed to a lot of heat and will dry out and crack. The shifting on the SE5 transmission is around 5000 rpm on the new SE6 transmission the shift points are at around 2200 rpm and the new tranny is not as fussy as the old one on shifting rpms and you will not burn the clutch out on the new tranny from shifting a low rpm's.

Happy Shopping and have fun riding