2013 vs 2014

[1kevin662]

I have seen where 2014 and newer have a bigger engine and some other things like the radiators relocated, fans blowing forward below a certain speeds.

I have found a few 2013 models that I like but really want to get the newer model with the changes.

Is it a good idea to wait and buy 2014 or newer for this reason? (someone selling a 2013 or older cannot answer) just kidding

[Bob Denman]

Functionally; the 1330 bikes are superior to the 998s...
It's sort of tough to find a coherent point to dispute that.
They have a more powerful charging system (1200 watts, versus 650)
They have a greatly improved cooling system, with fans that will direct the heated airflow away from the operator.
The sixth gear makes them much more "relaxed" at highway speeds.
They get MUCH better fuel economy.

What's to not like about all of these improvements?

Wait until you find the right 2014, for your budget!

[ThreeWheels]

If you're wedded to the 998 V twin, get a 2012 model. That was the best 998, with most of the bugs worked out.

Having said that, I agree with Bob D. the 2014 with the 1330 triple is a far better machine.

[ARtraveler]

I have had the pleasure of owning both flavors of engines (the 998 and the 1330). Hands down, the 1330 (2014 and up) is a better configuration.

You should test drive both and see what you think. That is what counts here.

[Chupaca]

That test ryde will tell it all. I am fond of the V-twin and will not give it up but I'm not you....the above covers the differnces you make the choice....

[kbwitt]

If you go with the 2013 and decide can am is not for you even buying used will probably take a loss on resale. on 2014 more likely will like the ride but if do not resale probably do OK if you buy it right.
I think the difference is so great, I would not buy anything but 1330 system
Kenn

[Bob Denman]

Just to back-tack a little bit...
The 998 Bikes, are the ones that started our love of these bikes.
They STILL have an awful lot going for them, and if the price is REALLY right...

[1kevin662]

I am sure the 2013 and older are nice just afraid I would regret it and wish I would have got the newer one.

I have not found anything that is just screaming DEAL yet... not used anyway.


I have found a 2015 RT-S Special red and black for 23,599 out the door New. I want it bad!!! lol

[JayBros]

The 2015 RT-S Special you've found is a real cool color IMO. Price-wise I have no idea how good a deal it might be; depends on what extras might be on it. Perhaps a call to Pitbull Power Sports and/or Imotorsports about what they may have in comparable 2015 RT-S inventory might be worthwhile.

[gorcutt]

Had both, go with the 2014 and up. You wont be sorry.

[1kevin662]

Had both, go with the 2014 and up. You wont be sorry.

that what I was thinking.. like I said I have not found anything used that is much cheaper than a 2014 +
people must love these things cause they not selling them!!!!

[Bob Denman]

that what I was thinking.. like I said I have not found anything used that is much cheaper than a 2014 +
people must love these things cause they not selling them!!!!

I think that you're right!

[robmorg]

If you're wedded to the 998 V twin, get a 2012 model. That was the best 998, with most of the bugs worked out.

Having said that, I agree with Bob D. the 2014 with the 1330 triple is a far better machine.

I also agree that the newer RT's with the 1330 engine are much improved, for the most part.

HOWEVER, since last summer's 2013 RT recall, you can no longer make a valid argument that the 2012 model is the best 998. The heat problem on the 2013 RT has been resolved. And, when comparing the 2013 to the prior years, the 2013 RT now runs cooler due to the scoops and the reprogrammed ECM, has better brakes, a much improved suspension system, floorboards as standard equipment on the SE5 RTS & RTL, improved access to the battery, a much better fuel flow system (since the recall), and you now get better economy. The 2013 model is clearly the best 998 of the bunch, at this point, when compared to unmodified models for the prior years.

I would concede that the 2012 is also a very good choice for a 998 RT, however.

[Deer Slayer]

Functionally; the 1330 bikes are superior to the 998s...
It's sort of tough to find a coherent point to dispute tha hey have a more powerful charging system (1200 watts, versus 650)
They have a greatly improved cooling system, with fans that will direct the heated airflow away from the operator.
The sixth gear makes them much more "relaxed" at highway speeds.
They get MUCH better fuel economy.

What's to not like about all of these improvements?

Wait until you find the right 2014, for your budget!

However, the F3 is slower in 0 to 60 because of the 50 lbs extra weight. The forward controls will bother folks with back problems because you can't take the pressure from your back by standing on the pegs. Yes I know you can add pegs, however ones feet will not be near the controls. we just want to cover all the bases. The F3 is a fine machine, if you have back problems I recommend a long test ryde. Ryde on.

[SpyderAnn01]

I am sure the 2013 and older are nice just afraid I would regret it and wish I would have got the newer one.

I have not found anything that is just screaming DEAL yet... not used anyway.


I have found a 2015 RT-S Special red and black for 23,599 out the door New. I want it bad!!! lol

There are deals out there. I have a friend who found a great deal on a used 15 RTS with low miles just yesterday.

I I have had both and I am sure that you will be happier with the new motor.

[1kevin662]

I also agree that the newer RT's with the 1330 engine are much improved, for the most part.

HOWEVER, since last summer's 2013 RT recall, you can no longer make a valid argument that the 2012 model is the best 998. The heat problem on the 2013 RT has been resolved. And, when comparing the 2013 to the prior years, the 2013 RT now runs cooler due to the scoops and the reprogrammed ECM, has better brakes, a much improved suspension system, floorboards as standard equipment on the SE5 RTS & RTL, improved access to the battery, a much better fuel flow system (since the recall), and you now get better economy. The 2013 model is clearly the best 998 of the bunch, at this point, when compared to unmodified models for the prior years.

I would concede that the 2012 is also a very good choice for a 998 RT, however.

i have not heard about the 2013 recalls. there is a 2013 yellow with a trailer that i have been looking at .. but again $17000 i can't see not waiting for a newer one.

[robmorg]

i have not heard about the 2013 recalls. there is a 2013 yellow with a trailer that i have been looking at .. but again $17000 i can't see not waiting for a newer one.

There was a major recall about a year ago to fix a heat problem on the 2013 RT. It's a much better machine after the recall. But I would agree that if you can afford a newer RT with the 1330 Triple, I'd go for that. While I would not trade my 2013 RT up to a 1330 at this point, I have to say that if I were buying one now, for the first time, I would also go for the 1330.

[scott16119]

If money is no object , by all means go with the newest model. Your question gets asked all the time on here and most say go for the 2014 or newer, you won't be sorry you did. With that said, don't be confused, the 2013 and older models aren't bad machines, they just aren't as nice as the newer ones. This just isn't a Spyder issue, it pretty much goes with anything you buy these days, the newer the model year the more advanced and refined the machine is. I still have my 2012 RTS-SE5. I've had test rides on most all the newer machines and I agree they sure are nice. But my 2012 just works to damn good to trade it off.

[Cruising RT]

My first Spyder was a 2013 RT, loved it. After reading about the then recall, got worried that BRP may not fix the heat problem so I traded up to a 2014 RT Limited, and Wow, what a huge difference in the 1330 Engine with 6 gears, Amazing!!! My suggestion is 2014 & Up. You will be Happy Camper!!!!!

[jcthorne]

I also agree that the newer RT's with the 1330 engine are much improved, for the most part.

HOWEVER, since last summer's 2013 RT recall, you can no longer make a valid argument that the 2012 model is the best 998. The heat problem on the 2013 RT has been resolved. And, when comparing the 2013 to the prior years, the 2013 RT now runs cooler due to the scoops and the reprogrammed ECM, has better brakes, a much improved suspension system, floorboards as standard equipment on the SE5 RTS & RTL, improved access to the battery, a much better fuel flow system (since the recall), and you now get better economy. The 2013 model is clearly the best 998 of the bunch, at this point, when compared to unmodified models for the prior years.

I would concede that the 2012 is also a very good choice for a 998 RT, however.

I have to disagree with part of this and the resale market does as well. There is still a $5000 gap and growing between 2013 and 2014 prices.

The problem with the 2013s is that they endured 2 years of use with extreme under hood heat and then had a significant post production change due to the recall. The work done by the dealer to accomplish the recall is significant and simply cannot be done to the quality of a factory build. They are all highly modified bikes with the lower reliability that comes with that. Net result is that the 2013s are significantly less reliable than the 2012 or 2014 despite the added features.

We got bit HARD by this fiasco. Louise 2013 went down a few weeks after the recall and failed her multiple times over the next few months. Ended up in the shop nearly 6 months to get what turned out to be a chaffed wiring harness near the engine. This was a direct result of the recall. All said and done, we moved on to a 2015 but it cost us nearly $15,000 to do so even after BRP stepped in with some measure of help.

Sorry but I cannot recommend the purchase of a 2013 RT to ANYONE. There is a reason they are selling in the 11k range. You cannot give them away.

[robmorg]

JC, if I had had your experience, I might feel the same. I'm glad you got some help from BRP on the trade.

I think your chafed harness was probably a unique case. However, I had taken several proactive steps long before the recall to reduce the heat. After the recall, BRP reimbursed me for all the money I had spent (after some negotiation, and except for the cat bypass). During the recall, I asked my dealer to replace rubber hoses and spark plug cables , as it didn't cost any labor to do so at that time, and the parts were inexpensive. My 2013 RT is running better than ever now – not a single problem in the past year. I have no intention of trading up.

I believe the differential in resale value between the 2013 in 2014 RT would be expected, under the circumstances, and only means that you can now get a much better deal on the 2013 model. However your point is well taken in that there could be some residual attention needed due to the heat.

[Big F]

I have seen where 2014 and newer have a bigger engine and some other things like the radiators relocated, fans blowing forward below a certain speeds.

I have found a few 2013 models that I like but really want to get the newer model with the changes.

Is it a good idea to wait and buy 2014 or newer for this reason? (someone selling a 2013 or older cannot answer) just kidding

I have had a 2010, 2012 and now a 2014 RT Limited. The 2014 with the 1330 engine, 6 speed transmission, no heat issues etc. are far superior to the earlier models. wait until yu find that special deal or your wallet can handle the 2014 or 2015 or 2016 model.. Good luck.
BIG F