2014 versus 2013 RT-S

[Magdave]

The truth is the 2014 IS NOT that much better. If you read here long enough you will find they have as many issues as any year has had. Are they an improvement...maybe, time will tell. They are not faster but they get a few more miles per tank. Properly set up there is nothing wrong with the 2013 and it is a good value. There are a lot of fanboys singing the praises of the 2014 probably to justify paying the price tag. The 2013 IS the 2014 with a 2012 engine in it and a slightly improved radiator system. The 2013 does seem to run hot but things can be done to help that. It's orange juice vs pineapple juice to me. The more I ride my 2013 with the mods I have made the gladder I am I did not jump to a 14 and take the big depreciation. Just my humble opinion. Neither of these bikes are a shorts and flip flop ride proper gear and a few mods and they are pretty equal to me.:thumbup:

 

[Texas]

Len, everyone's situation is different. If money is no object, get the 2014, because there are so many new features, less maintenance, and most likely fewer issues than the 2013. However, most people aren't in a 'money is no object' situation. If you buy a 2013, yes, you will save a lot of money on the front end. Some owners of 2013 models have not reported any issues, and you might get lucky and be one of those people. However, it is a risk, no matter how much research you do. One of the things that some members here don't like to hear is how someone who knew about all of the possible issues with a 2013 bought one, and then gets upset with BRP once they find out their new RT has these issues.

If I was going to buy a 2013, I would go into it expecting to have every reported issue; and I would only buy it if I had plans on constantly performing modifications to resolve those issues. Some people enjoy a good challenge. Those kind of innovative people are needed to help out the current owners who aren't gifted in that way. However, if you do any major modifications, also be prepared to have issues with your warranty.

I had thought about these things before buying my 2014 on Feb. 1. I consider myself to be a guy who is up to a good challenge, but I'm also not prepared to spend $15,000++ and have my new RT spend most of the time on a lift instead of out on the open road. All being said, make a decision that works for you, and own your decision.

Good luck and welcome to the group :thumbup:

 

[jaherbst]

Truly, I think those with 2013 or prior RTS would be much better informed about at least half of your decision.

Not sure your are going to make the right decision by listening to all this jabber.

I think you need to man up and make your own decision and not listen to all these divided opinions. You will only become a bigger vacillator than what you are now.

Like my father used to always tell me when I asked for advise---do what your heart tells you to. Yes your heart because you need passion to act and then passion to enjoy your decision. Without passion you will never truly enjoy anything. Hard to have a lot of passion when your pocket book is empty.

Jack

 

[MikeP]

I spent less than $1500 on my pipe,cat delete, belt tensioner,Ron bar and car tires.. It ate up about eight hrs totall of my time installing everything and my hoist did not mind Your results may vary... You can't go wrong with either bike but make your decision based on a looooong test ride on the 13 n 14 back to back

 

[Dragonrider]

The question is similar to whither you upgrade your IOS. The purchase decisions should be based on (1) how you will use the bike; (2) How close are you to a GOOD or better dealer; (3) What can you afford; and (4) what moves your soul. If all the pieces fall into place, personally, I would wait until the fall/winter when the 15's are coming, and the prices are at the lowest level - then (assuming no 13ish issues arise this summer), buy a new '14.

I've been caught in this loop with prior gen Hardley's, when the dealer will no longer service them - BRPs support is not stellar.....

 

[Lone Spyders]

The Diff on 2013 and 2014

With the little riding you do I would save the $'s as well. My wife and I went 14 for we put 10-12 k a year and long rides.

 

[bluestratos]

Yes, it is worth the $9,000 if you budget allows, if not, the 13 fine. The 14 has solved a whole lot of earlier complaints and problems but the 13 is still a solid ride and with the lower gearing just as fast. Fuel mileage will be better on the 14 but 9K buys a lot of gas!

 

[Magdave]

Fuel mileage will be better on the 14 but 9K buys a lot of gas!

@28mpg (2013 avg mpg) and $4 a gallon that would be 63000 mi. :yes:

 

[hollylmh]

13 VS 14

Having just spent 6 wks ridding my 13 RTS SE5 and enjoying the Blue Ridge area of the country, I must say I am much more impressed with it than I was on the FL flatlands. Plus with "real gas" I got 35 MPG having a blast! So my advice would be buy the 13, enjoy riding it a few years, and I bet the price differential will be less then than now. I had an '08 for 6 years with many teething problems. My 13 has had an oil change [600 mile service] and replaced a broken antenna with a stubby.

 

[jaherbst]

@28mpg (2013 avg mpg) and $4 a gallon that would be 63000 mi. :yes:

One up @60-65 I am getting 36 MPG with my 2013 RTS SE5. With an empty trailer 31-32MPG.

Just slowing 5 MPH will increase your gas mileage 2-4 MPG. I did not buy for gas mileage. If you can afford these you shouldn't be concerned about gas mileage or the price of fuel. 87 vs 91 Octane.

 

[spyderyderjim]

One question please: If the 2014 runs so much cooler why did you spend the money for a CAT Bypass??

Screaming caps says it all.
1. You don't own a 2014 RT-S so obviously don't have a clue about them.
2. If I had to explain, you would not understand.
The 2" stainless steel cat bypass for $125 is for increase in torque/power, getting rid of choked up Cat.
(nothing to do with heat because that is not a problem on 2014 RT-S).
3. I owned a 2013 RT-S for 9,000 miles; a 2011 RT-S for 22,000 miles.
4. So I have hands on experience, heat mods, many thousands of miles trouble free on RT's.
Jack, Get a life, instead of bad mouthing 2014 RT owners who have the riding experience.
Facts are: the 2014 Spyder RT-S SE6 is a major improvement over previous years that have major heat problems with boiling gas in tanks, brake master cylinders overheating, vacuum hoses cracking, etc.
Doc in Florida has 15,000 miles trouble free on his 2014 RT-L.
Hope Len enjoys his new RT, his decision.
Enjoy your rydes.
Jim

 

[Bob Denman]

The truth is the 2014 IS NOT that much better. If you read here long enough you will find they have as many issues as any year has had. Are they an improvement...maybe, time will tell. They are not faster but they get a few more miles per tank. Properly set up there is nothing wrong with the 2013 and it is a good value. There are a lot of fanboys singing the praises of the 2014 probably to justify paying the price tag. The 2013 IS the 2014 with a 2012 engine in it and a slightly improved radiator system. The 2013 does seem to run hot but things can be done to help that. It's orange juice vs pineapple juice to me. The more I ride my 2013 with the mods I have made the gladder I am I did not jump to a 14 and take the big depreciation. Just my humble opinion. Neither of these bikes are a shorts and flip flop ride proper gear and a few mods and they are pretty equal to me.:thumbup:

:shocked: :hun:
Dave, You and I are usually at least within spitting distance of one another's opinions...
Your reply has me stumped... :shocked:
Could it be a little bit of "sour grapes"; doing the talking?:dontknow:
"As many issues as the 2013s"... That's a pretty decent exaggeration. They DID find some oil leaks, and some keys that stuck; what else?
They are not faster? Have you seen them run side by side yet?
A FEW more miles per tank... In my case; there's a full 6 mpg difference. That's over 30 miles per tank! Would you want to walk the difference?
However: I DO agree that the proper setup on a 2013 gets them in the same ballpark...
Some folks don't have that type of commitment to problem-solving... I have, and continue to; applaud you for your efforts! :clap: :thumbup:
NEITHER is a poor choice...

...But the 2014 might be the better choice...

In my humble opinion; of course!

 

[bowdrie]

Price

Ok...here is my dilemma. I can get a brand new 2013 RT-S with a SE5 and a 3 year extended warranty for $19,000 asking price. So my question to the members of this forum is this. Is the 2014 model worth the extra $9000?

I will ride this machine maybe 4000-5000 miles a year tops. In essence, it will be my "summer convertible" to enjoy when the weather is nice. I may go to a national rally once a year and I will need it for 2-up weekend getaways maybe 3 times a riding season. I'd like to ride more, but between the wife and my job demands and other interests, I've never put more than 5k miles on any bike I've owned in a year.

So talk me off the ledge and convince me the 2014 is a technically and reliably much more superior machine and the extra $10k is money well spent.

Or, tell me to jump off and buy the 2013 and never look back.

I appreciate your advice.
Len

My dealer Ill be buying from will sell 2014 RT-S $25599.00 so try to get it at that price.

 

[robmorg]

Ok...here is my dilemma. I can get a brand new 2013 RT-S with a SE5 and a 3 year extended warranty for $19,000 asking price. So my question to the members of this forum is this. Is the 2014 model worth the extra $9000?

Len

I was in a very similar dilemma last September, but with an RT Ltd. I had an opportunity to buy my dealer's personal demo for a "discount" of $4400 plus there was a factory rebate of another $3000. That brought the 2013 Limited down to $21,500 as compared to $30,500 for a 2014. Same price difference of $9000.

I knew the 2014 would be nicer, but last Fall I didn't know how MUCH nicer it would be. Still, like others have said, $9000 is a LOT of money. :yikes: My miserly nature would not have allowed me to justify the difference, even if I tried, to negotiate the 2014 down a bit. Besides after a long test drive, I wanted it THEN! No regrets! I got to ride last fall and I got it in the brown color with the tan seat - a combination I REALLY like that is no longer offered.

I don't seem to be much bothered by the "hot right foot" problem, but on warm days, I do get burnt thighs from the heat coming up around the seat. But like I said... No regrets.

Hmmm.... I wonder if the dealer is driving a 2014 Limited this year and I can cut another good end of season deal on a trade???

Rob

 

[Magdave]

:shocked: :hun:
Dave, You and I are usually at least within spitting distance of one another's opinions...
Your reply has me stumped... :shocked:
Could it be a little bit of "sour grapes"; doing the talking?:dontknow:
"As many issues as the 2013s"... That's a pretty decent exaggeration. They DID find some oil leaks, and some keys that stuck; what else?
They are not faster? Have you seen them run side by side yet?
A FEW more miles per tank... In my case; there's a full 6 mpg difference. That's over 30 miles per tank! Would you want to walk the difference?
However: I DO agree that the proper setup on a 2013 gets them in the same ballpark...
Some folks don't have that type of commitment to problem-solving... I have, and continue to; applaud you for your efforts! :clap: :thumbup:
NEITHER is a poor choice...

...But the 2014 might be the better choice...

In my humble opinion; of course!

As I said Bob the only difference between the 2014 and 2013 is the engine. The frame,brakes and suspension(except the front shocks) are the same. A 1 gallon added tank will get you in the same distance category. 63000 miles worth of gasoline difference in price? I have been opcorn: in all the problem threads on the 2014 and although there may have been a major heat issue with the 2013 design( hopefully fixed by the recall and software) there were actually less reported problems across the spectrum than the 2014 has had. 1 major vs. many minor issues :dontknow: They both had a stop sale problem. They both had a recall. I am glad you are happy with yours and the longer service intervals may be nice ( I would never run a motorcycle 9K mi. without an oil change though. Recent reports of oil testing on a 1330 show the oil is toast at 4k). In reality the HP and torque difference is negligible and exaggerated due to added weight of the new engine so yes they are not faster but by a hair.

"While we expected the extra 332cc of the Inline Triple to really get the ball rolling, our seat-of-the-pants impressions say it’s incrementally more powerful than the V-Twin, predominantly in the mid-range rpm we mentioned. This is due in part because the new powerplant added 57 pounds according to Spyder spec sheets, so the power-to-weight ratio hasn’t changed much. " http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/97/17036/Motorcycle-Article/2014-Can-Am-Spyder-RT-First-Ride.aspx

I was on the fence about upgrading but am back on the ground. I do not see THAT much added value or performance to justify the price tag. The long term reliability of the 998 Spyder is well know the 1330 is yet to be seen. I was a test pilot once for BRP but will not do it again. THAT is the deal breaker for me. You asked me if I had ridden a 2014, have you spent some quality time on a properly set up 2013? Orange juice vs. Pineapple juice both are sweet plus you can get the luggage and frunk switch on a 2013 LTD.:thumbup:

P.S.
I like the color combo's of the 2013 better except for Cognac and since everyone has one that color it no longer is desirable to me. I DO NOT like the 2 tone seats on the RTS either.

 

[MRH]

Does anybody think there is a chance of locating a new 2012 at a similar price hiding in a crate somewhere (at a similar cost to a 2013)?

 

[Bob Denman]

Hi Dave,
There's more going on here than you've given BRP credit for:
The new charging system; the new 1200 watt alternator puts out a whole bunch more juice!
The new clutch engagement system makes keeping the revs sp a strictly personal choice now! :clap:
The added gear in the transmision that's now possible due to the new triple's powerband and output...
And of course; the new cooling system. :bowdown:

No doubt; both model years ride on the same great chassis... :thumbup:
They both still look great too!

 

[jaherbst]

Screaming caps says it all.
1. You don't own a 2014 RT-S so obviously don't have a clue about them.
2. If I had to explain, you would not understand.
The 2" stainless steel cat bypass for $125 is for increase in torque/power, getting rid of choked up Cat.
(nothing to do with heat because that is not a problem on 2014 RT-S).
3. I owned a 2013 RT-S for 9,000 miles; a 2011 RT-S for 22,000 miles.
4. So I have hands on experience, heat mods, many thousands of miles trouble free on RT's.
Jack, Get a life, instead of bad mouthing 2014 RT owners who have the riding experience.
Facts are: the 2014 Spyder RT-S SE6 is a major improvement over previous years that have major heat problems with boiling gas in tanks, brake master cylinders overheating, vacuum hoses cracking, etc.
Doc in Florida has 15,000 miles trouble free on his 2014 RT-L.
Hope Len enjoys his new RT, his decision.
Enjoy your rydes.
Jim

Not bad mouthing 2014 owners. Not sure where you came up with that. I have ridden a 2014 for two days. And thanks I will try my best to get a life.

Just trying to figure out why an owner would want more power on the 2014. I thought it had enough and confused thinking perhaps you were having a heat problem. Anyway lets stop the sensitivity and bickering and try to help this guy make a decision that he can live with.

Jack

 

[Woodsrider]

For what it's worth. When I was at the dealer today getting the first service, I looked at the 2014.

Sales guy with a lot of spyder miles really likes the 2014, but told me to keep my 2012. Said there just wasn't enough difference to justify the upgrade, and he knows I do 15 - 20k miles on my scoot a year. In my case, about a 7k diff from what I have left to pay on the 12 RT A&C with many S parts to a 14 S.

I suppose I'll run it up to 20k miles or so and sell privately and look for leftover 14's then. Math will be better.

 

[Vidman]

May I suggest you add BikeDoc's "15000 Plus" thread to your research.