Thinking of purchasing... got a few questions

[baskln]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for a little while and finally decided to register, as I've got a few questions.

I've found a local private seller with a 2013 ST-S SE5 with 3K miles on it. I haven't seen it yet in person, nor in pictures. The guy called me after I texted him and left me a voicemail and invited me to come see it this weekend. He said he doesn't have any pictures He's asking 13,500 for it and says it's in excellent condition.

I've never ridden a spyder, or a bike for that matter, so I'm asking first of all, if it is in excellent condition, is 13,500 a good price or what would be a fair offer? I'm also curious as to things I should be looking for (good or bad) besides the obvious like title issues, leins, etc...

Would I be better served looking at a new 2014/15 ST? This is about in the price range I'd like to be at.

One other thing... I'm wondering if anyone might happen to know that if in SC, can you take the motorcycle test on a Spyder? I know you don't need one to drive one here, but my insurance company is telling me they (state farm) would make me get one to keep a policy on it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[Centurion]

Welcome! You have come to the right place for information. The price seems to be fair based on the market that I have seen. I highly highly recommend that you take the MSF Basic Rider Course and get a motorcycle endorsement on your license. You will gain confidence and learn basic rider awareness skills. God luck on your purchase.

 

[Chupaca]

Choices choices..!!

your not going to find a 14/15 at that price. If you read up on the dos and do nots here you can get a lot of good info. Don't know of many dmv's that have a course for testing on spyders. You would have to do it on a two wheeler. Good luck on your viewing...:thumbup:

 

[stevencovert]

Sounds Good IMHO

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for a little while and finally decided to register, as I've got a few questions.

I've found a local private seller with a 2013 ST-S SE5 with 3K miles on it. I haven't seen it yet in person, nor in pictures. The guy called me after I texted him and left me a voicemail and invited me to come see it this weekend. He said he doesn't have any pictures He's asking 13,500 for it and says it's in excellent condition.

I've never ridden a spyder, or a bike for that matter, so I'm asking first of all, if it is in excellent condition, is 13,500 a good price or what would be a fair offer? I'm also curious as to things I should be looking for (good or bad) besides the obvious like title issues, leins, etc...

Would I be better served looking at a new 2014/15 ST? This is about in the price range I'd like to be at.

One other thing... I'm wondering if anyone might happen to know that if in SC, can you take the motorcycle test on a Spyder? I know you don't need one to drive one here, but my insurance company is telling me they (state farm) would make me get one to keep a policy on it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you!

I have a 2013 ST SE5 automatic (paddle shift like the newer sports cars); heated grips; Garmin GPS option; Cruise; Stereo; passenger backrest. My bike is about $15,500 average trade in, about $17K per NADA. So compare options I listed to what you find. My bike is flawless, keep it in a garage. You are looking at this bike because you've never ridden - then this is the perfect fit. The "automatic" transmission is a paddle shift, if you've used one in a car you are set. It downshifts all by itself, you only worry about shifting up as you accelerate. Price wise sounds like a great deal so far!! The only reason I know is I was looking at a Polaris Slingshot (Google it) for $20K. It is sexy as hell, but after I calmed down a couple days later I realized it's just a convertible... A super cool convertible!! It's a Chevy engine and tranny, normal car stick shift. Another nice thing about the ST model is the detachable saddle bags Makes overnite trips nice.

BUT... Many people get the bike and end up scared as heck saying "WAT DID I DO!" because it is very sensitive on the road. If you squeeze the grips tight - every bump you hit also makes you move the throttle a tiny bit and it feels like you all over the place. Just keep calm, I rode for over 30 years and was scared at first, but only a couple days into it I finally relaxed the grip and now I can't live without it It is SOOOO fun!

Here in VA you need a class M3 endorsement. Class M is for us old folk who got grandfathered in, M2 is 2 wheels, M3 is three wheels. Your DMV web site should tell you. However look into trike classes! About every other month they hold a class nearby FRI/SAT/SUN that when your done you have your license. You will learn TONS! Get used to the bike with your learners for a while to the point where you enjoy it and can handle it well then take the class. They have loaners, but usually only 1-2, but you will have your own! I would assume SC has a separate 3 wheel license.

So to wrap up - The GPS is $1K option, Backrest is like $500. Not sure about heated grips. If the bike has these options and runs well - BUY IT!! If no GPS, goes from great deal to good deal. Still BUY IT!! It is SUPER fun once you get comfy - it will take a while remember!!! And it is a head turner. Lots of people always come up and ask about it. I added LED lights to replace the reflectors on the front fenders; a RonJon sway bar (I ride two ppl a lot). If you think about it when you go around a corner you will tilt out a bit. The sway bar limits this; but its a decision for later.

After you get it you will have so much fun looking at wraps (wrapmyspyder.com), custom LED parts, etc. I bought a cheap $90 motorcycle lift at harbor Freight (has 2 bars) that works great to lift it. A neat trick I did was order 3/8" and 1/2" wide reflective black strips (forget where) and put them all over the black frame. This helps cars see you better at night. The tape is basically invisible during the day.

I am ASSUMING it is the automatic like mine with the paddle shift, be sure

You can't tell I LOVE MY SPYDER can you??

Enjoy,
Steve

 

[Spyder601]

First of all that price doesn't sound bad at all and 2014 models have dried up around here and are harder to find new. so you would have to look at 2015 models and there's not much rebate money on them currently. So price is right IMO. Second I was able to take my motorcycle indorsement road test on my spyder here in MS did not have to use a 2 wheeler so maybe it's the same there for you. Good luck on the purchase

 

[spacetiger]

I have a 2013 ST SE5 automatic (paddle shift like the newer sports cars); heated grips; Garmin GPS option; Cruise; Stereo; passenger backrest. My bike is about $15,500 average trade in, about $17K per NADA. So compare options I listed to what you find. My bike is flawless, keep it in a garage. You are looking at this bike because you've never ridden - then this is the perfect fit. The "automatic" transmission is a paddle shift, if you've used one in a car you are set. It downshifts all by itself, you only worry about shifting up as you accelerate. Price wise sounds like a great deal so far!! The only reason I know is I was looking at a Polaris Slingshot (Google it) for $20K. It is sexy as hell, but after I calmed down a couple days later I realized it's just a convertible... A super cool convertible!! It's a Chevy engine and tranny, normal car stick shift. Another nice thing about the ST model is the detachable saddle bags Makes overnite trips nice.

BUT... Many people get the bike and end up scared as heck saying "WAT DID I DO!" because it is very sensitive on the road. If you squeeze the grips tight - every bump you hit also makes you move the throttle a tiny bit and it feels like you all over the place. Just keep calm, I rode for over 30 years and was scared at first, but only a couple days into it I finally relaxed the grip and now I can't live without it It is SOOOO fun!

Here in VA you need a class M3 endorsement. Class M is for us old folk who got grandfathered in, M2 is 2 wheels, M3 is three wheels. Your DMV web site should tell you. However look into trike classes! About every other month they hold a class nearby FRI/SAT/SUN that when your done you have your license. You will learn TONS! Get used to the bike with your learners for a while to the point where you enjoy it and can handle it well then take the class. They have loaners, but usually only 1-2, but you will have your own! I would assume SC has a separate 3 wheel license.

So to wrap up - The GPS is $1K option, Backrest is like $500. Not sure about heated grips. If the bike has these options and runs well - BUY IT!! If no GPS, goes from great deal to good deal. Still BUY IT!! It is SUPER fun once you get comfy - it will take a while remember!!! And it is a head turner. Lots of people always come up and ask about it. I added LED lights to replace the reflectors on the front fenders; a RonJon sway bar (I ride two ppl a lot). If you think about it when you go around a corner you will tilt out a bit. The sway bar limits this; but its a decision for later.

After you get it you will have so much fun looking at wraps (wrapmyspyder.com), custom LED parts, etc. I bought a cheap $90 motorcycle lift at harbor Freight (has 2 bars) that works great to lift it. A neat trick I did was order 3/8" and 1/2" wide reflective black strips (forget where) and put them all over the black frame. This helps cars see you better at night. The tape is basically invisible during the day.

I am ASSUMING it is the automatic like mine with the paddle shift, be sure

You can't tell I LOVE MY SPYDER can you??

Enjoy,
Steve

+1

I got a 2013 ST Pearl White Ltd model... It has a smaller profile than the RTS model. You will notice it because your knees are a bit closer together. I also like the back end, it looks more like a motorcycle. Time will tell if I made a good change to go from the 2012 RTS to the 2013 ST Ltd.

Jerry

 

[tobor9]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for a little while and finally decided to register, as I've got a few questions.

I've found a local private seller with a 2013 ST-S SE5 with 3K miles on it. I haven't seen it yet in person, nor in pictures. The guy called me after I texted him and left me a voicemail and invited me to come see it this weekend. He said he doesn't have any pictures He's asking 13,500 for it and says it's in excellent condition.

I've never ridden a spyder, or a bike for that matter, so I'm asking first of all, if it is in excellent condition, is 13,500 a good price or what would be a fair offer? I'm also curious as to things I should be looking for (good or bad) besides the obvious like title issues, leins, etc...

Would I be better served looking at a new 2014/15 ST? This is about in the price range I'd like to be at.

One other thing... I'm wondering if anyone might happen to know that if in SC, can you take the motorcycle test on a Spyder? I know you don't need one to drive one here, but my insurance company is telling me they (state farm) would make me get one to keep a policy on it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you!

We have State farm and they had no problem with just car lincese,don't know what your ins. co. problem is,when we bought our firs Spyder it was new for them,but not a problem,it was new to us also as we had never ridden before ether. we started with a '11 RTS and a '11RS,now have a '14RTL and a '15RT,LOVE them,if you can do a RT or F3 with the 1330 eng,it's the BEST,but the 998 is good also.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for a little while and finally decided to register, as I've got a few questions.

I've found a local private seller with a 2013 ST-S SE5 with 3K miles on it. I haven't seen it yet in person, nor in pictures. The guy called me after I texted him and left me a voicemail and invited me to come see it this weekend. He said he doesn't have any pictures He's asking 13,500 for it and says it's in excellent condition.

I've never ridden a spyder, or a bike for that matter, so I'm asking first of all, if it is in excellent condition, is 13,500 a good price or what would be a fair offer? I'm also curious as to things I should be looking for (good or bad) besides the obvious like title issues, leins, etc...

Would I be better served looking at a new 2014/15 ST? This is about in the price range I'd like to be at.

One other thing... I'm wondering if anyone might happen to know that if in SC, can you take the motorcycle test on a Spyder? I know you don't need one to drive one here, but my insurance company is telling me they (state farm) would make me get one to keep a policy on it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you!

:welcome:

You should check with your state about the motorcycle endorsement requirements. Trike endorsements are becoming more common, but if it's not available, take the MSF class on 2 wheels. Lots of stuff, like the safety stuff and taking curves, is the same.

Don't forget to post a pic when you get your new Spyder! :thumbup:

 

[baskln]

Thanks everyone for all of the replies!

I've check with my state (SC) and you don't need an M endorsement to drive a trike here. It seems strange to me that State Farm is telling me that they will eventually require me to get one to keep the policy on it.

I've read a few things around here about air intakes or something along those lines that should be changed out on these 2013 STs. At least I swear I saw something about that... how would I know if this has been done, and if it hasn't is this a recall thing that I could have a dealer perform at no charge?

 

[baskln]

We have State farm and they had no problem with just car lincese,don't know what your ins. co. problem is,when we bought our firs Spyder it was new for them,but not a problem,it was new to us also as we had never ridden before ether. we started with a '11 RTS and a '11RS,now have a '14RTL and a '15RT,LOVE them,if you can do a RT or F3 with the 1330 eng,it's the BEST,but the 998 is good also.

I wonder if the person I'm dealing with at State Farm is just mistaken. I see you are in SC as well, so I would believe that the rules would be the same. I'd love an F3 but I don't think its gonna be within budget!

 

[Bob Denman]

Insurance Companies will often have their own guidelines for issuing a policy...
They can justify it, by saying that they are protecting their rate structure!

:welcome:

 

[ARCTIC]

My quick ebay search tells me they aren't too far off on price. I didn't think there was much difference between models but I ended up getting a great deal on my ST Limited. And the extras that come with the limited are well worth it. I don't think the deal you found is bad but if you can get a limited for similar money somewhere I'd recommend it. The bags and GPS great things to have. The dealership I bought my 2013 from was selling 2013 limiteds new for $16,995 last year. (Almost exactly a year ago today)

 

[NSPYTE]

Just give yourself time to get accustomed to the bike...took me a few trips...just keep riding. If youve been on quads I think it will be easier to pick up. Had mine (leftover 2013 ST-limited) now for about 6 weeks and the wife and I both LOVE it. No regrets. Only thing now is that we would like a second one..maybe a 13 or 14 RS-S with a manual 5 speed..

 

[ARtraveler]

I wonder if the person I'm dealing with at State Farm is just mistaken. I see you are in SC as well, so I would believe that the rules would be the same. I'd love an F3 but I don't think its gonna be within budget!

It might be a case of mistaken information. They may not have dealt with a lot of :spyder2:'s in your area.

I have State Farm, they insure both my :ani29:'s as well as my car. I have a true motorcycle endorsement, and akspyderlady got a three wheel endorsement when she took/passed her test.

Here: to complete the test she had to drive the :spyder2: around the painted lines twice. Had to make two quick stops, and she was done.

I had her drive with a permit for a year, so she was more than ready.

Your state regulations may vary.

 

[baskln]

So I just talked to the seller and he's willing to meet up with me on Saturday. One thing that concerns me is that he said he's not going to allow me to test drive it, but would take me for a ride on it. He claims it's had all of its scheduled maintenance and he purchased an additional 2 year warranty when he bought it that has a 50 dollar deductible. Does this warranty sound familiar to anyone?

He also informed me that the original 2 year warranty is good until December of this year.

Is he not allowing me to test drive something I should be overly concerned with? I've never bought a vehicle that I didn't test drive. Is this common practice with private sellers?

 

[tobor9]

So I just talked to the seller and he's willing to meet up with me on Saturday. One thing that concerns me is that he said he's not going to allow me to test drive it, but would take me for a ride on it. He claims it's had all of its scheduled maintenance and he purchased an additional 2 year warranty when he bought it that has a 50 dollar deductible. Does this warranty sound familiar to anyone?

He also informed me that the original 2 year warranty is good until December of this year.

Is he not allowing me to test drive something I should be overly concerned with? I've never bought a vehicle that I didn't test drive. Is this common practice with private sellers?

Thats a B.E.S.T. warranty and I have had it on all 4 of our Spyders,it's great. I don't think I would let anyone test drive my Spyder,My dealer,Velocity PowerSports in Ladson,SC has a dead end frontage road they let you test drive on(no license plate)and they have insurance to cover problems.

 

[baskln]

Thats a B.E.S.T. warranty and I have had it on all 4 of our Spyders,it's great. I don't think I would let anyone test drive my Spyder,My dealer,Velocity PowerSports in Ladson,SC has a dead end frontage road they let you test drive on(no license plate)and they have insurance to cover problems.

Does it transfer to new owners?

 

[ARtraveler]

So I just talked to the seller and he's willing to meet up with me on Saturday. One thing that concerns me is that he said he's not going to allow me to test drive it, but would take me for a ride on it. He claims it's had all of its scheduled maintenance and he purchased an additional 2 year warranty when he bought it that has a 50 dollar deductible. Does this warranty sound familiar to anyone?

He also informed me that the original 2 year warranty is good until December of this year.

Is he not allowing me to test drive something I should be overly concerned with? I've never bought a vehicle that I didn't test drive. Is this common practice with private sellers?

Taking you for a ride instead of letting you test drive it by yourself is a standard practice. I would do the same here because you are not licensed to drive a motorcycle yet.

If you have concerns, have it taken to the dealer. Have it run on BUDS, see what work has been done, if all the updates have been done, and have them look over the general condition of the bike. This is much better than a test drive if you are not familiar with the machine.

 

[tobor9]

Does it transfer to new owners?

Yes,the warranty is on the bike by Vin # and stays on it if sold.

 

[ingramwc]

Ask if the heat problem has been fixed! This is fixed under warranty by BRP at no charge to the owner, but you will have to find a dealer to do it for you, which should not be a problem.
I this has not been done, you will want to have it done. All 2013 ST models have the problem, as do RS and RT models. BTW: the price is good!
I have a 2013 ST-S SE5 in Circuit Yellow and love it! The parts to fix my heat problem are on order, I'm waiting sort of patiently. Meanwhile I still ride it as is until the goodies arrive.