Should we buy 2012 limited or wait to afford 2014 or newer

[Mikey]

I would not have a issue to buy a 2012 RTL at all!! And the reason I say that is that that engine and year was pretty much debugged by the past years and out of the v twins I fell that it would be the best choice! Is the new 1330's worth waiting for, heck yes if you want to wait till you can afford one it would be worth it, but you will loose the riding time in the prosses! If the 2012 is what you can afford it would be a good place to start and you can always trade up or sell out right latter! Good luck in your shopping!

 

[Deblog]

I would not have a issue to buy a 2012 RTL at all!! And the reason I say that is that that engine and year was pretty much debugged by the past years and out of the v twins I fell that it would be the best choice! Is the new 1330's worth waiting for, heck yes if you want to wait till you can afford one it would be worth it, but you will loose the riding time in the prosses! If the 2012 is what you can afford it would be a good place to start and you can always trade up or sell out right latter! Good luck in your shopping!

Thank you everyone!! These posts have been so helpful! My husband read through everything and then did some searching price wise and so much more money for 1330 engine. If the bike is as nice as the pictures, he said let’s try it and if we ride enough and want to upgrade a little later we can. Since it is $9995 we should not lose too much upgrading. That just seems like a good price for us to try a Spyder. We now go into this understanding differences but have some reassurance from all the positive comments. It also helped to hear that valve adjustment is not routinely needed with the major maintenance although it is listed in recommendations. I have learned so much reading these posts and others and will spend a lot of time here.

 

[Raprider]

I try not to repeat " everything that everyone has already stated in the same detail " …. It was only my opinion and I respect others opinions and their right to say it. ….. No one at that point gave a less expensive alternative, so I did ….. I respect those who love a HIGH revving bike, but I'm an x-goldwinger & BMW type of bike.... I have been consistent in saying so ….. if you love LOUD exhaust - fine, but not near where I'm riding please.... Mike hyea:

Agreed...and I apologize for criticizing you for what you were saying...or not saying.

Last year, I removed the Cobra slash-cut pipes that the original owner installed on my 1996 Virago 750 prior to me purchasing it in 1997 and re-installed the OEM pipes that he'd given me at the time (which have been sitting in a box on a shelf)...and I'm much happier with the 5-10db (subjective) volume reduction.
So I hope it'll be acceptable, if and when I make it up your way, whether on 2 or 3 wheels

 

[ARtraveler]

Thank you everyone!! These posts have been so helpful! My husband read through everything and then did some searching price wise and so much more money for 1330 engine. If the bike is as nice as the pictures, he said let’s try it and if we ride enough and want to upgrade a little later we can. Since it is $9995 we should not lose too much upgrading. That just seems like a good price for us to try a Spyder. We now go into this understanding differences but have some reassurance from all the positive comments. It also helped to hear that valve adjustment is not routinely needed with the major maintenance although it is listed in recommendations. I have learned so much reading these posts and others and will spend a lot of time here.

RE: Valve adjustments on the 998 / 2 What I have written in the past.

YUP! I am one of the valve adjustment beta testers.

I did a valve check on my 2008 at 10K--before they changed it to 14K. Spent an extra $1K for the service (it's labor intensive). No adjustment needed.

I did the valve check on my 2010 at 28K. Another $1K spent. No adjustments needed. They failed to put in a new gasket. It leaked over the winter. They had to re-do it on their dime in the spring.

I am NOT going to do a valve check on my 2011 until at least 50K--if then. So far, at 30K miles no issues or indicators that it needs it.

Note: the 2011 was traded off in December 2019 at 33K miles...running fine without recommended valve checks

In the beginning, it was thought to be overkill by BRP. I and others have also felt that "shady" dealers will charge for the work and not actually do it--because it usually results in a wasted effort. It is a quick $1K to add to the service bill.

There have been a few who do them religiously regardless. I usually say--its your spyder, its your money. Go for it.

Just my .02.

 

[zyrlseb]

We bought a 2012 Limited about two years ago after my wife decided she didn't want to ride two-up any longer (another story). On the whole I like the 2012. It rides nice. The wife feels very comfortable riding it since it won't tip over;-) There are lots settings that you have to flip through to access options, etc. The heated grips (driver and passenger) are great. Power wise, our's is the automatic and it's a snappy off the line and has a decent top end - I've been over 90mph by myself and fell that I could pull a ton no problem. It hauls the wife and I (let me say little over 300 lbs combined weight) and some gear quite well.

On the downside - "In MY Humble Opinions" and many may will disagree with me - but coming from years on 2 wheels it's a huge pain to do any sort of maintenance on it. You have to take off lots of panels to do any sort of major work, it's tricky to jack up to do oil changes, the oil change kit (oil and two filters) is a little pricy, but getting an oil change done at the dealer can approach the $300.00 range (at my dealer). Adding coolant could be easier, changing the battery can be done but requires taking off the seat. On the upside adding brake fluid is easy;-)

I was shocked by the gas milage! On the best of days on the highway riding 300 mils I got 30 mpg. But it's 998 cc's pulling about a 1,000 lbs. I believe the milage on the 3 cylinder engines is much better.

Having said all that we enjoy it and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than a Tri Glide.

 

[Deblog]

Ok so we are not looking at the 2012 Rt limited. We originally thought he had title but he does not. I am just not comfortable handing over money (he did say we could take the bike then) and dealing with the bank being paid and then weeks and weeks later hopefully getting title. I would rather wait for individual with title in hand or watch dealerships. After learning that many may be trading in to get the new 2020, perhaps we can find a reasonably priced 2014 rt in the 12-13,000 range. We will start watching and watch the for sale here on this forum. We will go check out some dealers and see how my husband fits on the various years. He is tall 6’3 so now with all your replies we will be patient and look. We have snow here in Ohio so no riding for a few months anyway.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[UtahPete]

Ok so we are not looking at the 2012 Rt limited. We originally thought he had title but he does not. I am just not comfortable handing over money (he did say we could take the bike then) and dealing with the bank being paid and then weeks and weeks later hopefully getting title. I would rather wait for individual with title in hand or watch dealerships. After learning that many may be trading in to get the new 2020, perhaps we can find a reasonably priced 2014 rt in the 12-13,000 range. We will start watching and watch the for sale here on this forum. We will go check out some dealers and see how my husband fits on the various years. He is tall 6’3 so now with all your replies we will be patient and look. We have snow here in Ohio so no riding for a few months anyway.

Thanks for all the replies.

I think you should have no problem finding a clean '14 in that price range. I think you are wise not to go through with the '12 purchase given the lack of title.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

After learning that many may be trading in to get the new 2020, perhaps we can find a reasonably priced 2014 rt in the 12-13,000 range. We will start watching and watch the for sale here on this forum. We will go check out some dealers and see how my husband fits on the various years. He is tall 6’3 so now with all your replies we will be patient and look. We have snow here in Ohio so no riding for a few months anyway.

Good move. The 2012 is a good machine. It's been said here on the forum in the past that the 2012 was the best of the 998 V-twins. I had a 2013 RT 998 which I rode for about 25,000 miles with few problems. I sold it and bought a 2014 RTS with the 1330. The improvement in power and torque was not as great as I expected but it's been a good bike. I think you can plan on a 1330 being about $2500 to $3000 more than a 998. If the guy can get the title in hand, or at least a copy and can show you that a credit union or bank has it, and will drop the price another grand, I'd say go for it. Just because an owner doesn't have the title in his hot little hands does not mean it's not a legit deal. You just have to be sure that whoever has it gets their $$ and hands it over to you.

But, be sure to check out the F3. I can't speak from first hand experience but it's my understanding it is more comfortable for tall folks than is the RT.

 

[AVBIZ]

Ok so we are not looking at the 2012 Rt limited. We originally thought he had title but he does not. I am just not comfortable handing over money (he did say we could take the bike then) and dealing with the bank being paid and then weeks and weeks later hopefully getting title. I would rather wait for individual with title in hand or watch dealerships. After learning that many may be trading in to get the new 2020, perhaps we can find a reasonably priced 2014 rt in the 12-13,000 range. We will start watching and watch the for sale here on this forum. We will go check out some dealers and see how my husband fits on the various years. He is tall 6’3 so now with all your replies we will be patient and look. We have snow here in Ohio so no riding for a few months anyway.

Thanks for all the replies.

Smart- I wouldn’t buy without a title in the current owners name. Usually means its probably not current with regards to registration and taxes as well. The flood gates on 2020 purchases has opened; you should have plenty of options soon.

 

[ARtraveler]

Ok so we are not looking at the 2012 Rt limited. We originally thought he had title but he does not. I am just not comfortable handing over money (he did say we could take the bike then) and dealing with the bank being paid and then weeks and weeks later hopefully getting title. I would rather wait for individual with title in hand or watch dealerships. After learning that many may be trading in to get the new 2020, perhaps we can find a reasonably priced 2014 rt in the 12-13,000 range. We will start watching and watch the for sale here on this forum. We will go check out some dealers and see how my husband fits on the various years. He is tall 6’3 so now with all your replies we will be patient and look. We have snow here in Ohio so no riding for a few months anyway.

Thanks for all the replies.

Good move. Title issues usually lead to problems...unless you deal directly with their banker and get assurance as to proper title transfer from the lienholder. This is one issue NOT to do on a handshake.

 

[Raprider]

Worth taking a look on CycleTrader as well...at least to get an idea of model years/mileage/pricing and how things might fit your budget...

 

[Deblog]

We are watching cycle trader, Craigslist etc. boy there are great sales on new 2019! Seeing those with my search.

 

[ARtraveler]

We are watching cycle trader, Craigslist etc. boy there are great sales on new 2019! Seeing those with my search.

Watch out for Craigslist. That is one place where the buyer must beware. Lot's of scams there. Personally, I would stay away from it.

 

[Deblog]

A lot of dealers post on Craigslist. A Michigan dealer has a new 2019 limited for 20,300 out the door that I found on Craigslist ad. More than we want but interesting with full warranty and seeing some of the prices for older 1330 spyder.

 

[Musashi]

Nobody has asked how he likes to ride. I'm guessing he likes the long-legged smooth touring machine, which to me gives a nod to the 1330. But if he likes zipping and blipping of a sports bike, the twin might be a better choice.

I bought a 2012 RTSE5 (audio & conv) from a friend for $10k back in 2016. It has never left me stranded. I've had all recommended service done by dealership, so did previous owner. I've changed a battery and a windshield connector, and added an iPod dongle (because it came with the wrong one).

But here's the big takeaway:

1. All the folks riding newer Limited Spyders always come up to ME and compliment MINE. Then they ask me, "why didn't you get the limited?" I answer, "How do you like your CB and GPS?" And they start complaining. I smile. They smile...shake their heads and change the subject.

So you can't go wrong with a $10k 998cc Spyder in excellent condition. And it gives you the OPTION of keeping or trading up. If you start "up," what did you miss? I could have traded mine for an F3 or brand new one (last year), but I didn't. I like it and it's paid for. And everyone else still comes over to look at MINE when I park it in a lot full of Spyders and traditional trikes. (BTW...I have zero aftermarket LEDs and all that jazz.)

 

[MrBill5491]

Watch out for Craigslist. That is one place where the buyer must beware. Lot's of scams there. Personally, I would stay away from it.

That's where I found ours. There some decent folk out there, though yeah lots of scammers on Craigslist, so if it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't, RUN.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Watch out for Craigslist. That is one place where the buyer must beware. Lot's of scams there. Personally, I would stay away from it.

I bought both my Spyders off craigslist. The first from a guy I was able to verify by visiting the website of the Cadillac dealership he was a salesman for. I figured he was one who wouldn't do anything to screw up his career with a Caddy dealer. The other was from the motorcycle dealer arm of a new car dealership in Bremerton, WA.

But if you can't verify anything about a seller, or even a buyer, then proceed very cautiously, if at all.

 

[Ktd1911]

There is more than engine size .I had a 2016 rt special series. I test rode my friends 2013 and it was scary the suspension is no where close to the newer models after she rode mine she traded hers in the next month on newer model . I have several instances where I let spyder riders ride my 2016 rt and they are flabbergasted at the difference. I am now on a 2018 f3s (cuz I prefer fast tight twisties) and no matter what you do with the suspension the rt can't keep up with the f3

 

[Deblog]

Thanks for the posts. We are going to look for newer model and see what comes in for trade or goes up for sale as people upgrade. Lots of good info to think about.

 

[Deblog]

So we stopped to look at some Spyders at a dealer. Now we have so many decisions. My husband and long legs loved the 2020! Argh. Not happening��. So f3 does have better leg room but passenger seat not as nice. Thinking maybe add pegs to help with leg room? Maybe see which is better deal used that we find and in a few years get a used 2020? So difficult!