Over 50 years of motorcycle experience, 4 motorcycles(need to sell two) and I am now thinking about buying a used Spyder for riding two up. A used Spyder in the 10,000-15,000 range but I cannot keep up with all the models. I would want some wind protection and a good passenger seat and backrest but I understand that there is a good selection of equipment to modify the bike. I see 2008-2012 models in this price range are any better than others? thanks Jim
Welcome! I've been to three dealers in the area and I'd really suggest you try Bucks Motorsports. There in Akron, not too far from you. Ypu are correct that there are numerous upgrades available, but getting as close to the right model as possible from the beginning would probably be more cost effective than upgrading a lower model.....
From what you've written so far I would think you might mine looking at the RT model. It's a two up if you can get a 2014 or newer, then it will also have the 1330 motor. After that, you can add on till you go broke........
Last edited by Brentc; 02-22-2016 at 04:46 PM.
2022 RT Limited Dark Hyper Silver
2014 RT-S Pearl White
2010 BRP 622 Trailer Pearl White
The wind protection isn't as good; you'll get a lot more of it on your shoulders...
The rear seat is certainly not a nice bucket...
The backrests are optional.
As far as the seating positions; here's some pictures to show the differences between the four models:
Wow, nice diagrams. If I bought an a Rt I would have to buy used. When did they start making them, 2010? Can the St be modified, taller windshield better rear seat. I see a few left over 2013s STs for sale at a good price. thanks Jim
Wow, nice diagrams. If I bought an a Rt I would have to buy used. When did they start making them, 2010? Can the St be modified, taller windshield better rear seat. I see a few left over 2013s STs for sale at a good price. thanks Jim
Yes the RT came out in 2010. The '12 is generally considered the best of the pre 2014's. I'd avoid the '13 if it was me. The '14s and '15s have the bigger engine and are a real step up, but the pre-'14s have the same engine, etc., as the RS and ST. If you like the RS and ST, you'll like how the RT runs.
Here are my feelings, I'm sure I have a much different perspective. I want a bike that feels sporty and doesn't look like a yacht.
The ST feels the most comfortable to ride. You could also get a smoothspyder back rest which would help you and converts to a passenger rest in a second. Its also the best looking Spyder and a big cost savings.
I dont like like how RT looks. It also feels very cramped to ride for me at 6'2 but, the back seat is super nice.
The F3 feels very cramped and uncomfortable. The cruiser seating position kills my tailbone. The small frunk and tractor look isn't for me.
if your riding two up your not going to beat the RT or get the ST to sit like an RT. Just the seating position for the driver is much more comfy plus all the amenities like the stereo system, heated grips, electric windsheid. I know you dont want to hear this but in my opinion the spyders hold their value pretty well so the cost of a good low miles used RT is not a lot less than a new one. Warranty is a big deal not to mention the bigger engine, electrical system etc in the 14 and 15. You can go on the website and see the differences between a base and an RT-S or limited, (which i personally did not think were worth the extra) but can't go wrong with a 15 or 16. I dont know if you were looking to pay cash or finance but if cash and you put that down on a new one your going to have a tiny payment.
Tony From Los Angeles
Current
2015 Spyder RT
2012 Yamaha FZ6R
Previous
2008 Premier GS #588
2005 Suzuki C50
2007 Susuki S40
Well Jim, if that doesn't clear things up for you then there's no helping you I guess.......
As you have probably already figured out, there are as many opinions on what the right way to go is as there are aftermarket options to put on your spyder. I'd make plans to do some test riding with the other half and see what you like. There is no wrong spyder, just wrong not having one....
2022 RT Limited Dark Hyper Silver
2014 RT-S Pearl White
2010 BRP 622 Trailer Pearl White
I am originally from Buffalo, and I happen to have a 2012RT SM5 that I may have available for sale. 14,000 miles on it, new rear Kumho car tire and the BajaRon swaybar and cat delete already done. I am looking to buy a 2015 RT S SM6 from the local dealer but he is really lowballing the value of my bike. Should find out Tuesday if they are going to accept my offer. If not, maybe we can discuss things. My wife loves the RT we have. Very comfortable for her. She has almost fell asleep when we are riding longer than a couple of hours. Having said that, the 998 motors really can jump if you need them to. They ride just as sporty as any of the models, and on twisty roads, I keep up with the crotch rockets, and sometimes kick their butts. It looks like a whale, but they can move.
Last edited by Bam Bam and Pebbles; 02-23-2016 at 01:18 AM.
Reason: correct a spelling error
Current Ride
2015 RT-S SM6 Cocaine
Pearl White
Diamond R Web Armrests
Shorty Windshield
Previous Ride
2012 RT SM5 The Beast
Pure Magnesium Metallic
Welcome! I've been to three dealers in the area and I'd really suggest you try Bucks Motorsports. There in Akron, not too far from you. Ypu are correct that there are numerous upgrades available, but getting as close to the right model as possible from the beginning would probably be more cost effective than upgrading a lower model.....
From what you've written so far I would think you might mine looking at the RT model. It's a two up if you can get a 2014 or newer, then it will also have the 1330 motor. After that, you can add on till you go broke........
I test rode several machines before I put my money down. I agree for two up riding the RT model is the way to go. My wife loves the backseat. Its like a Goldwing and the RT is a smooth riding machine. Even with a back rest the RSS or the F3 models are not as smooth a ride to me. Just my opinion.
Over 50 years of motorcycle experience, 4 motorcycles(need to sell two) and I am now thinking about buying a used Spyder for riding two up. A used Spyder in the 10,000-15,000 range but I cannot keep up with all the models. I would want some wind protection and a good passenger seat and backrest but I understand that there is a good selection of equipment to modify the bike. I see 2008-2012 models in this price range are any better than others? thanks Jim
I would certainly try for a 2014 OR newer with the 1330 engine. Do a demo ride on a 998 and then a 1330 and you will understand and be hooked ASAP. good luck on becoming a fellow Spyder Ryder!!
BIG F
Everyone here pushes the 1330 engine on the 2014 and up RT's and F3's. It is nice - lower RPM's, cooler, smoother transmission, and a bit better fuel economy. But if you are on a limited budget (and who isn't), there is nothing much wrong with the older 998 engines and you can generally get one for a LOT less money. I would look at a 2012 or 2013 to get a nice one in your price range.
Also many folks on the forum are used to advising potential buyers to stay away from the 2013 RT because it had heat issues. But there was some service bulletins and a major recall that addressed that. That means the 2013 RT's are a very good deal now. The 2013 RT-S and up come with the floorboards and the improved front end suspensions that are on the newer models. I have a fully loaded 2013 RT Limited, and I love it. It should sell used for well under $15,000 now, as should the 2012 RT. If you buy any used Spyder, take it to a dealer and make sure all the service bulletins and recalls have been performed. They will check your serial number, and update it with any that may have been missed.
2014 or newer is ideal because of the better engine and all around under the hood improvements. No significant differences from 2014 until today.
2010 was the first model year and not as dependable (I dumped mine for a 2014).
I don't know much about the differences in the 2011.
People who own the 2012's call them very well built.
The 2013's had major issues that were corrected, or can be under warranty if you find one that hasn't yet been updated, perhaps a very good value.
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.
thinking about buying a Spyder
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If you are looking for some wind protection, a good passenger seat, and a backrest; you're talking about an RT... 
Originally Posted by Jbuffalo
And keeping our "Best-Half" happy, is what makes our Worlds spin so much smoother! 
The 2014s are starting to show up as used bikes, so you might be able to find a good buy, on one of them. 
