RETURNING TO SPYDER

[3 WINGS]

I owned a '12 RT Ltd for 2 years and moved to a BMW touring bike. I am knocking on the age of 70, and I want to ride as long as I can walk. I am planning to return to the stability and visibility that Spyders offer, so I am asking for your advice. I have not been monitoring this forum, but I recall that many of the early models had problems. Have there been any issues in the past 2 years that I need to be warned about? Does the '17 model offer anything new or is it just colors and chrome? I plan to test ride a new RT Ltd, but many times a late model used Spyder makes good financial sense.

Thanks for your help, 3 Wings

[Bob Denman]

Welcome Back!!
The new 1330-powered bikes are a vast improvement over the ones that we cut our teeth on.
Are things perfect? Not yet!
There have been some issues with the DESS system malfunctioning, some ignition switch issues, and several bikes with leaky engines
But these seem to be far more prevalent on the 2014 and 2015 bikes.
You'll REALLY love the RT limited now!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Welcome Home .... I turn 70 next year so I hear you...... Since 14 the biggest change was to the 3 cyl 1330 eng. and the 6 spd. Hyd. clutch ( much better in both ) .... BRP also changed the DESS system - and made it a PROBLEM ( they changed something that wasn't broke & NOW IT IS ).... and they may not have been able to fix it yet .... No the 17's had no real changes ..... All in all I wouldn't get a V-twin anything .... BRP - imho is going to stop putting them in Spyders ( some have already dis-appeared ) ...... Look for a used 14 or 15 ........................... Mike

[PrairieSpyder]

You find the '14-'17 model RTs far superior to the 2012. I don't think there are major differences between the years with the 1330 engine, though. A used low-mile 1330 RTL or a leftover new would be a good choice.

Don't forget to post a pic when you get one. And then jump into the joy of Spydering - again!

[ARtraveler]

back to the site. What they say above. Get at least a 2014 with the 1330 three. I love my 2014. No complaints with anything so far.

[jcthorne]

You really should test ride an F3 before deciding you want an RT. Very different ride. Lots of folks have and continue to make the RT to F3 change. VERY few go the other way.

Just suggesting you not dismiss it and cover all your options before your purchase.

[3 WINGS]

Thanks for all the comments. I test drove a '16 RT Ltd yesterday ("used" with 1200 miles) and loved it. Sooo much better than the '12.

Happy Turkey Day to all (and step away from the pie!)

[Bob Denman]

You test rode one!
That's it: you're already hooked!

[d.o.spyder-rts]

and on your test ride. I also had a '12 RTS and now have a '16 RTS. Dale

[vinsanity666]

I just bought a 12 RTL and love it. The automatic takes some getting used to but it has many advantages over manual. This is my first spyder and I've read a lot about the F3 with the bigger engine and transmission. May have to trade in my 12 for newer.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Marker]

don't limit your thought process to just RT spyder the new 2016 F3 LIMITED are nice and comfortable with u-fit system. you sit in the trike as oppoosedto on top of it like RT.
i traded 2015 RT in on a 2016 F3 LIMITED and love it more than my RT

[Chupaca]

You came at the right time ...as you have already found out. Now you just need to find the deal you can't pass up... and then get back out there.....

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I would say the F3 is for the younger crowd.

That includes a few on here who are young in heart and mind and love their F3s. But, it's not for me. I'm too stodgy!

[Deanna777]

Welcome Back to this site!

I also had a 2012RTS-SE5 then I took a test drive on a 2014 RTS-SE6 ( 1330 triple engine), and traded up to my current spyder 2014RTS-SE6. No complaints from me. I have 16,000 miles on it.

Take a test drive on a 2014 and up with the 1330 engine. What a difference like night/day between the two engines. Deanna

[Jharpo]

The RT is still superior to the F3. The RT has a much more comfortable seat for rider AND passenger, large floorboards, better wind protection, more storage, and power adjustable windshield. I would say the F3 is for the younger crowd.

You couldn't be more wrong. I'm 73 years young and I am really uncomfortable on the RT. I love sitting down in my F3S and am much more comfortable in the "cruiser" riding position. I put 28,000 miles the first 15 months on my F3S and enjoyed every one of them. I feel the RT is more comfortable for the passenger, but not for the rider.