Considering a Spyder - Can I Ask You Some Questions?

[Mikey]

Don't be afraid of the mileage part of the sale if they have a service record, if it's been maintained you'll be OK! If your dreams are doing a bit of traveling the RT will have a bit more luggage space, where the rubber hits the road between the two is that you will sit a small amount differently on an RT vs an F3, and it would be worth your time to go to a dealership and sit on both, then go out and see what you can find on the pre-owned market! It's nice to talk to the person you're buying it from to see why they're selling it! I was down in Tenn a couple of days ago seeing family with my 2012 RTL; found a nice 2025 S2S that had 700 miles on it that the owner just didn't like the way it handled and wanted to go back to two wheels; got a heck of a good deal and came home with that; and my brother-in law got a heck of a deal also! So, take your time, try them out, have fun, and find what's good for you!!

 

[Cosmo]

Be aware that a number of dealers will not service a Spyder 10 years or older

 

[jarrett]

Thanks for all of the info so far. We're definitely focused on 2020 and newer RT's at this point.

I read the F3's sit more like a cruiser bike, which is not where I come from. All the bikes I've owned are more upright seating. So it sounds like the RT's ergos and extra storage might be what I'm after. But I think I'll have the option to sit on both Thursday.

 

[BCNewell]

Jarrett - I believe the F3-T comes with a five-position foot peg system, where you can tailor it to your own liking. Same with the F3-S.

 

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Have your wife sit on the passenger seat on both the F3 and the RT. For some reason my wife prefers the F3. And I much prefer the F3 driver's position over the RT.

 

[jarrett]

What's a good price for a 2023 CAN-AM SPYDER RT LIMITED WITH 2,448 MILES?

 

[Yabbadabbadoo]

I guess that depends if it's a private sale vs through a dealer with some additional warranty. I see a couple on FB Marketplace in the $24 to $25K range.

 

[baxter]

Check out the 'For sale by owner' folder in the forum.

 

[jarrett]

I found a 2022 CAN AM Spyder Roadster F3T for sale by owner.

Is that similar to a RT Limited in terms of two up riding?

 

[troop]

I found a 2022 CAN AM Spyder Roadster F3T for sale by owner.

Is that similar to a RT Limited in terms of two up riding?

No... RT models have larger passenger seats and floorboards. The RTL also has an OEM top case. The F3T has passenger footpegs and no top case. The F3 Limited would be a closer match to the RTL.

 

[Mandorallen]

I found a 2022 CAN AM Spyder Roadster F3T for sale by owner.

Is that similar to a RT Limited in terms of two up riding?

Not quite. Check the Can-Am website for more info. The F3T adds "touring features" (windshield & side saddle bags) to the base F3 model, but is not what I'd consider equivalent to an RT Limited in terms of 2up riding. Can you have a passenger on the F3T (or base RT)? Yes. But there's no topcase/passenger backrest, so much less storage and less "comfort" for your passenger.
F3T "equivalent to" RT
F3L "equivalent to" RTL

 

[RayBJ]

If you came off sport tourers (Goldwing, etc.) the RT will feel closest in ergos. With the floorboards, you can position your feet under you and shift them forward to stretch out a bit as needed. Also makes standing up super easy. One tip to a smooth ride is allowing the Spyder to track naturally, meaning, just guide the handlebars with a light touch - no death grips! Especially in straight-line riding! Getting used to having only 1 brake pedal takes a little adjusting as well.

 

[Cobranut]

Welcome (back), Jarrett.

As a 2-wheeler jumping to 3 myself, my two cents would be to keep it really slow and simple on your test ride. Like, a big empty parking lot for at least the first 5 or 10 minutes, then simple back roads from there, if you can.

And in case they just turn the bike over to you with no explanation or instruction, here's a useful excerpt (a cheat-sheet) from the famous thread https://www.spyderlovers.com/threads/dos-do-nots-for-new-spyder-owners.41346/ :

NOTE MOTORCYCLISTS: Motorcyclists are seemingly most affected by the lateral movement associated with the Spyder. They are just going to have to realize the Spyder is not a two-wheel vehicle and it is going to feel different. Also motorcycle riders need to "unlearn" counter-steering when riding a Spyder. It simply doesn't apply to a Spyder.

CORNERING:
Read the manual and follow the suggestions. Lean toward the handlebar closest to the inside of the corner. (Right-bar on right turns; left-bar on left turns.) This shifts your weight on the machine and also puts your head slightly lower to the center of gravity; causing you to have less of the lateral-pull associated with cornering with a Spyder.
You may find it easiest to push on the handlebar opposite of the turn you are making; while pulling somewhat on the other. Be sure to push harder than pulling. Push the right handlebar for left turns; push the left handlebar for right turns. A little practice and you will get better at it. Pushing is much easier when you are leaning into your corners.
Use your knees on the sides of the seat to help secure yourself on tight-fast corners.
Your passenger can lean some also if they wish; however, they should hang onto their grab-rails in corners.
Read the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s guide on cornering a motorcycle. The setup they suggest prior to entering a corner applies to the Spyder.

Having ridden both bikes and ATV's for years, I had little trouble with steering.
My biggest hurdle was learning not to reach for the front brake.