• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Sink or Swim Adventure

Where's that poster when you need it - Bob???


"Life's too short



Get the damn bike!!"


:thumbup:

You know you want to! ;)
 
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This one???
 

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Granted, the 2014s are not THAT much more, but a 2014 Limited is just a little beyond my reach right now. It seems that I could do worse than a 2013 vis-à-vis upgrades, improvements, etc., so positive statements are encouraging. That dumb trailer is really what is creating the conflict! My budget would lead me to a base 2014 RT, and while it would have all the positive aspects pointed out, I would be missing a lot of "goodies" that make the Limited so desirable. Decisions, decisions. Aaugh!

Time for a video... :clap:



I'm all about the shiny, neat stuff that makes the Limiteds so.... expensive! :shocked:
So I completely understand your reasoning!
There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with a good "998 bike" at all, and it's better to have almost any Spyder; than NO Spyder! nojoke
 
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As well, a 2014 w/o a trailer is not better if you need the trailer. If you decide to upgrade in a few years, there will be more used bykes with 1330 engines available and you may find a deal. In the meantime, get the byke and ryde.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I share Fatcycledaddy's affection for the 1330 and Joe Meyer knows his :cus:! You'll be delighted with a '14 or '15 RT. Go ahead, take the triple plunge.
 
Look at the government! I thank all of you who have replied to my post; your input has been very helpful in creating conflict in my search for a Spyder. Granted, the 2014s are not THAT much more, but a 2014 Limited is just a little beyond my reach right now. It seems that I could do worse than a 2013 vis-à-vis upgrades, improvements, etc., so positive statements are encouraging. And, frankly, I am afraid that if I don't get a trailer when I buy the Spyder, I may never get one. That dumb trailer is really what is creating the conflict! My budget would lead me to a base 2014 RT, and while it would have all the positive aspects pointed out, I would be missing a lot of "goodies" that make the Limited so desirable. Decisions, decisions. Aaugh!

What is it on the Limited you really want? I found that I'm perfectly happy with the RTS and added GPS. Here's another thought to throw into the decision mix: buy a '14 base RT or '14 RTS and the trailer. Then, after riding it for a while you'll know just what you want to add.

No matter which Spyder you buy, you'll frarkle it, any way. (That's what we call adding accessories, do-dads and gizmos.)
 
2013 RT Ltd. Not a Bad Choice!

...the 2014s are not THAT much more, but a 2014 Limited is just a little beyond my reach right now. It seems that I could do worse than a 2013 vis-à-vis upgrades, improvements, etc., so positive statements are encouraging. And, frankly, I am afraid that if I don't get a trailer when I buy the Spyder, I may never get one. That dumb trailer is really what is creating the conflict! My budget would lead me to a base 2014 RT, and while it would have all the positive aspects pointed out, I would be missing a lot of "goodies" that make the Limited so desirable. Decisions, decisions. Aaugh!
OK, if you are looking for positive and encouraging statements about the 2013 RT Limited , I can offer some of those. I don't often do this because, frankly, folks here are correct that 14's and 15's with the 1330 engine are a better bike, for the reasons that many have itemized here. I own at 2013 RT, with the 998 engine, and have spent several hours on RT's with the 1330 as well. In all fairness I would have to admit that if I were buying a Spyder RT now, I would go with a 1330. That said, I have spent a lot of time customizing my bike to "make it mine" and for that reason I am not about to trade it in for 1330 at this point. In my opinion, the differences between the two are just not worth doing that. (You can see what I've done to mine by tapping the "Mods & Farkles" link in my signature below.)

So, I will not tell you that the 2013 RT is better than the newer ones. However, if you are already leaning towards the 2013RT Limited with the trailer, I can perhaps help you justify that decision.

First of course is the price. As you have already discovered, you can get a much better deal on a 2013 RT. With the thousands of dollars that you will save, you can put a little of that into upgrades, Some of which are highly recommended, like the BajaRon beefier swaybar and shock adjusters (which you'd likely want to add to the newer models as well). The Limited does come with a nice upgrade package, so there are not a whole lot of other options you will need to add right away. BTW, The $16,000 you mentioned in the OP Is a good price for a 2013 RT Limited and trailer. If the trailer is not included for that price, then I think you could find a better deal.

As others have said, the 2013 RT had a fairly significant engine compartment heat problem before they fixed it with a recall last summer. BE SURE that the dealer has done that, and all the other warranty upgrades that are due on that model. (Have them verify that to you by running the serial number against BRP's records.) I would also personally recommend wrapping the exhaust headers , and installing the Lemonster catalytic converter bypass pipe. (They won't remove the cat on the "Left Coast", but it should be no problem in Maryland. I would get them to wrap the headers as part of the deal.) The catalytic converter is a tremendous source of heat. With it removed , the bike runs cooler and has more low-end torque. With those two improvements, plus the recall work itself, I have personally got my 2013 RT running about as cool as the newer models. That is, except for the radiator heat blowing on the right foot. That can be fixed by adding the right side grill (that includes a cover for the bottom vent) from a 2014 RT - a $25 part you can easily install yourself. With these "fixes", the excess heat problem is nearly entirely resolved.

While the 1330 is indeed a good engine, the 998 is also a good engine with a proven track record. Coming off a big Yamaha touring bike with their V4 engine, it took me a while to get used to the high rpm's and shifting points. You may find the same coming off a GW. However, once you get used to it, it's really no problem at all. In fact, I have actually come to prefer the higher RPMs, and the deeper engine sound on the larger bore V2, compared to the 1330 engine. It is true that the 1330 engine gets significantly better fuel economy , however, the recent recall on the 2013 RT somewhat lessened the gap between the two. It's also true that the improved transmission does shift a bit more smoothly . However, the 2013 five-speed semi-automatic is also a reliable and functional transmission. It was a HUGE improvement over the trans on my Yamaha Royal Star Venture.

Well, I guess I've rambled on long enough here. I hope my comments have helped. :rolleyes:
 
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I have both a 998 (RS-S) and a 1330 (F3-S). Love them both. I honestly get more enjoyment out of riding the 998, but that may be because I paid a lot less for it! Ha ha

I haven't gotten the greatest fuel mileage on the 1330 (34 mpg, but that's before the engine was fully broken in and doing 80+ most of the way). Never bothered tracking the fuel mileage on the 998. As far as performance, I am fairly light on the throttle on both (that's just the way I am) and maybe it's because of that, but I honestly have not noticed a difference. Both are more than powerful enough for what I need. I think you will be fine with either one. The only issue I see with 2013 RT is the resale value... but if you are buying it for a much lower price in the first place, I guess it's not a big deal if you end up selling it for less as well (if you ever do).

I'd say go test ride a couple and just go for it! :D
 
As far as Customizing a bike to your personal taste; I feel somewhat qualified to comment... :shocked:
My 2010 RT started out as an Audio and Convenience model... But I REALLY had wanted an RT-S!
So I started adding stuff... and adding more stuff... and even MORE stuff...
I went from this:

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To this:

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But it took THREE years for me to bring my "A&C" up to RT-S specifications... and beyond!
It's a lot of work and time, and it's MUCH easier to buy the bike that you want in the first place.
nojoke Trust me... nojoke
 

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2015 special price

I know you said the prices are all over the place, but here is a thought.......I don't know your budget.....I just purchased mine fully loaded, 2015 RT Special Series, Red/Black with matching trailer for $24,000K out the door. Can AM/BRP are having crazy sales right now on last years models with an upgraded warranty on top of incentives. Mine has the new 1330 engine and all the bells and whistles. Its just a thought, the dealers are moving them making room for the 2016s. Good luck on your adventure!

I am also looking to buy a 2015 special how did you get one so cheep? The state tax in Iowa is over a grand do you have state tax there? The lowest price my local dealer has is $23,7oo OTD Have a good day Dale.
 
a lot of responses but let me throw in my 2 cents. If i had to choose i would definitely take a base or RTS 1330 vs the 2013 limited 998. I bought a base RT because the RTS you got foglamps (useless where i live) a smaller fender, push button rear suspension adjustment (you can still adjust suspension on the base model manually) and heated passenger grips (base still has driver heated grips) and a two tone seat . I did not think that package was worth the extra 3k or even 2k. With Limited i think you get GPS which my phone has for free and will feed right into the radio with the included aux input on the base model. The mentioned maintenance costs are a lot less on the triple. More power, better cruising RPMs a lot less vibration and the triple does have 2 years under its belt with no problems i have heard of. I did not read every response but most the people who recommend the triple have had both. I had an RS with 998 and my brother has an RTS with the 998 and the 1330 is definitaly worth it in my opinion. If the used is 16k you can get a base new one for say 19 plus have the warranty which is pretty big. Let us know what you wind up with but in the end your right, its a much better unit that a old style trike. I got it for the low speed issues you mentioned not because of my knee but because im short and skinny and the spyder is just so much safer for riding my wife and daughter around. i still have 2 wheeler for when i am alone.
 
We have a 2012 Limited and it's a good bike. With a little practice you will love the 2013. It has upgraded brakes (brembo) and will be a fine bike. Swing through sin city on your way home.
 
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