Older guy & previous rider thinking of RT Limited

[Cruiter]

I just turned 69 and was looking at the new/old re-created Morgan 3 wheeler to satisfy my older age crisis. But the price and availability of dealers is giving me pause to consider some crisis management.

I recently sat on a RT Limited (mistake) and starting thinking on breaking my pledge to self that my riding days were over. Of course that pledge was based on two wheels up (not three) when I made it so there is an out if I really want one.

I've been reading up on the machine and I'm really concerned by all the posts documenting some weird handling (while on the highway) with the 2013. Is there any official statements from BRP on this I can use for research? What exactly changed (mechanically) from 2012 to 2013?

Thanks in advance, been reading and this is my 1st post here.
Jim

 

[Bob Denman]

Jim,
Welcome aboard! :welcome:
BRP redesigned the frame and front suspension on their bikes for 2013. That seems to have led to some "issues" with production... pps:
Rest-assured; they'll get it all worked out just as quickly as is possible. :thumbup:
So schedule a test ride and let us know what you think; Good Luck! :2thumbs:

 

[BajaRon]

I just turned 69 and was looking at the new/old re-created Morgan 3 wheeler to satisfy my older age crisis. But the price and availability of dealers is giving me pause to consider some crisis management.

I recently sat on a RT Limited (mistake) and starting thinking on breaking my pledge to self that my riding days were over. Of course that pledge was based on two wheels up (not three) when I made it so there is an out if I really want one.

I've been reading up on the machine and I'm really concerned by all the posts documenting some weird handling (while on the highway) with the 2013. Is there any official statements from BRP on this I can use for research? What exactly changed (mechanically) from 2012 to 2013?

Thanks in advance, been reading and this is my 1st post here.
Jim

It is too early to say but there does seem to be alignment issues on SOME Spyders right out of the crate. This, I'm pretty sure, will turn out to be something amiss at the factory. So far it seems to be limited to a relatively few units. The great thing is that it can easily be checked/fixed at the dealership before taking delivery.

BRP is working on a universal step by step right now and I would say most, if not all, dealerships have been made aware of the issue and are working to make sure their inventory has the proper alignment.

If the dealer doesn't know about it, well then you've discovered one of the many attributes of this web site. Knowledge base!

Personally, I wouldn't let this new product introduction glitch keep me off of a Spyder. I've got a good friend that is 84 years old who puts a few hundred miles on his Spyder every week. He regularly rides with 2 buddies that are in their 70's! They both have Spyders as well.

If you can still do it, I'd get a Spyder and start putting on miles and making memories and don't sweat the small stuff. All of us here at Spyderlovers are pulling for you. :thumbup:

 

[SPYD3R]

RYDE ONE

Cruiter;
i have 3 things to say that may help you make the decision to regain your love for the open road...
1. ryde one
2. ryde one
3. ryde one
you'll never regret it...
as for the handling... i have never witnessed what others have, not to say it doesn't happen... but for the majority of us SPYD3R RYDERS, it's nothing short of the best open ryding vechicle on the roads today...
welcome, and enjoy your ryde...
Dan P

 

[ABQAndy]

Cruiter,

I agree with the posts above. I am 67 and have a bad leg so I went with the Spyder RT Limited in lieu of 2 wheels and I love it!!!! Handles fantastic on the open road and extremely comfortable. Try it, you'll like it!!!!!

 

[sealfloorboards]

Ican't speak to the 2013 but I can to the 2011 and 2012 age. At 70 I took an 8,200 mile ride on my RT last April and May. It was 21 States and Included SpyderFest. I can say without hesitation that my RT SilverSeal handled like a dream. I did a lot of high speed freewway and pulled a trailer. Looking forward to doing it again this Spring. Of course my Seal Floorboards helped me to........

Ride in comfort,
John
Seal Floorboards

 

[Bob Denman]

C'mon, Dan; tell us what you REALLY think! :thumbup::thumbup: :joke:

 

[SPYD3R]

C'mon, Dan; tell us what you REALLY think! :thumbup::thumbup: :joke:

Bob, i think we need to help convince him to join the Spyder Cluster... we all need a little push now and then... datz what i think... :clap:

 

[scott16119]

When I first became interested in a Spyder I did the same as you, I reasearch things to death on the internet. This is the premier site to learn most anything about spyders, good and bad. I felt the same as you after reading about all of the Spyders faults, I thought why would anyone in there right mind want to own a machine with all these problems. To make a long story short, I bought one anyway and couldn't be happier. I believe "Spyders Lovers" is somewhat a victim of it's own success. Its an outlet for those to vent about their Spyder problems. Many of these problems are not the fault of the machine or manfacturer, but the owners inexperience. If you spend a little more time on here you will begin to "get it". Many of those complaining the loudest are by the same people over and over again.There are many many happy spyder lovers who post on here, but I suspect there are many many more who just sit back and enjoy the experience without ever posting anything on the internet.

 

[SPYD3R]

BRAVO

When I first became interested in a Spyder I did the same as you, I reasearch things to death on the internet. This is the premier site to learn most anything about spyders, good and bad. I felt the same as you after reading about all of the Spyders faults, I thought why would anyone in there right mind want to own a machine with all these problems. To make a long story short, I bought one anyway and couldn't be happier. I believe "Spyders Lovers" is somewhat a victim of it's own success. Its an outlet for those to vent about their Spyder problems. Many of these problems are not the fault of the machine or manfacturer, but the owners inexperience. If you spend a little more time on here you will begin to "get it". Many of those complaining the loudest are by the same people over and over again.There are many many happy spyder lovers who post on here, but I suspect there are many many more who just sit back and enjoy the experience without ever posting anything on the internet.

BRAVO Scott, very well said... let us remember, that you'll always have 5% of the population (of any organization) will give you 95% of your problems... :banghead:
meaning; 95% of us are very happy with our rydes.... :yes:

 

[Harley]

Hey Jim, I am 76 yrs. young and were on two wheels a few years ago. Got scared when I just about lost a Gold Wing, due to a large German Shepard coming at me on a bad curve. Decided it was time to go back to my car for transportation, vacations, etc. After sitting on an RT and going for a test ride, I decided I was not as old as I thought I was, and wound up with a 2012 silver RT. Upgraded to a Pearl White 2012 RT Limited and very happy, just waiting for some warm weather now to start making good memories.
I am sure you will enjoy your Spyder, and you can always glean some good knowlege on this web-site. Welcome to Spyder Lovers

:2thumbs:

 

[MouthPiece]

Hope the following helps:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...013-Pics-that-tell-all&highlight=2013+SPYDERS

Chris

 

[Oldmanzues]

I think the biggest problem with the Spyder is the "Death Grip".
I spent many years/miles on two wheels. Decided I did not feel comfortable on two wheels, ST1100. Was going to trike a Honda VTX 1300, rode a Spyder GS (now RS). Loved it, bought one, 08 model. Seating position got a little "old" after a hundred mile trip. Put about 12K on that one. RT came out out, bought one. A little over 19 K. Heat and "getting older" had me put it on a trailer for Spyderfeast and a trip to upper MI. I was 77 last november. Lots of good information and great people on here.
Good Luck, ride on.
Oldmanzues

 

[JkRbbt]

Cruiter, stay OFF of the Spyder,... unless you brought your checkbook! Darn things look really cool, feel really good when you throw a leg over and are exhilarating when you test drive one. Age won't be a problem. Deciding where you want to travel will be the problem! Happy trails! :2thumbs:

 

[Tazzel]

The Spyder will feel very strange for the first couple of rides but you will quickly learn how to handle it. I have the smaller RS Spyder but when I first purchased it, it did wonder back and forth and it seemed very sensitive to the slightest ajustment. After I joined some Spyder Forums I found out about the Elka Shocks and purchased them. While waiting for the shocks to arrive (5 weeks) I followed the advice on the forums and tighten the front shocks up and added some tire air presure. This made a world of difference an even after my shocks arrived I decided to continue riding the Spyder with the stock shocks, one because I had gotten so use to the way it rode and two because the dealer wanted 200.00 bucks to install them. Many here put them on themselves but I do not have the tools or the strength. Eventually I will have the shocks put on or sell the shocks.

I think that the dealers would fair better to tighten the Spyder down on the showroom floors so that when people test drove them the riders would not feel that wondering sensation. I know when I first drove it I thought "no way". But after I test drove it for the third time I finally got the feel of the Spyder.

 

[BajaRon]

Really, the Spyder isn't for everyone. There are those who hate to have a good time. The Spyder would ruin their life!

 

[Cruiter]

Cruiter,

I agree with the posts above. I am 67 and have a bad leg so I went with the Spyder RT Limited in lieu of 2 wheels and I love it!!!! Handles fantastic on the open road and extremely comfortable. Try it, you'll like it!!!!!

Glad you have that photo in your signature. Pearl White is the same color as Starfire Pearl on my Lexus RX450h and the color I'll order if it comes to that.

Lots of things have changed (good things) since I last rode. The electronics with Bluetooth communications for the helmets/radio etc., are a definite plus. If I pull the trigger I could use suggestions on sites to visit for good prices and selections of the various equipment pieces I'll need to start with again. When I gave up riding about 27 years ago, I gave up everything.

BTW, I'm liking this site .

 

[Cruiter]

When I first became interested in a Spyder I did the same as you, I reasearch things to death on the internet. This is the premier site to learn most anything about spyders, good and bad. I felt the same as you after reading about all of the Spyders faults, I thought why would anyone in there right mind want to own a machine with all these problems. To make a long story short, I bought one anyway and couldn't be happier. I believe "Spyders Lovers" is somewhat a victim of it's own success. Its an outlet for those to vent about their Spyder problems. Many of these problems are not the fault of the machine or manfacturer, but the owners inexperience. If you spend a little more time on here you will begin to "get it". Many of those complaining the loudest are by the same people over and over again.There are many many happy spyder lovers who post on here, but I suspect there are many many more who just sit back and enjoy the experience without ever posting anything on the internet.

Thanks, as a moderator in the Club Lexus forums, particularly the RX threads, I know exactly what you're talking about. We work hard to keep it a pleasant place for everyone.

 

[ARtraveler]

Not much I can add to the above. It's a personal decision to buy or not to buy. My suggestion is to test drive and see what you like.

The jury is still out about the 2013's as they are just starting to hit the road. I would wait another six months or so to see how they fair after lots of miles have been racked up on them. BRP has been down this road before, and I am guessing that they will have their act together more than previously.

The 2011's and 2012's are a known quantity and I would be more inclined to give them consideration also.

I purchased a brand new 2011 last summer and it meets my needs and saved me a few bucks over new and best.

FYI: I am now over 65, have owned four :ani29:,s (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011) have over 55,000 combined miles on the vehicles, and most of all--I have not regretted my purchases.

Wishing you the best of luck on your hunt. Let us know which :spyder2: you end up with.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

:welcome: if you are too worried about the 2013 and potential problems with handling I know you could get a great deal on a leftover 2012.