1st Post

[wiredgeorge]

Newbie from the Texas Hill Country posting first post. Currently ride two-up with missus on a 97 Goldwing Roadsmith conversion. After taking a test drive of a 2010 RT, put my trike up for sale. Missus kind of likes the Goldwing ride better but I liked driving the Can-Am a lot. Have folks coming to see the trike and perhaps it will sell in the next week or two as I have it priced very competitively. Remember, a trike conversion is about $12K with kit and labor. Anyway...

Missus wasn't thrilled with the top box backrest; said it was too upright for comfort. I fabbed a new mount for the Goldwing topbox and moved it back about 4 inches from stock location and this provided more room and comfort. My wife could live without the top box IF we had saddlebags and passenger backrest that leaned back a bit. She also likes arm rests. Due to finances, I will be forced to buy a 2008-2010 model most likely. Did any come with bags and backrest and windshield? I looked on eBay and saw Can-Am bag kits but they were over $1100!!! (Ouch). The plethora of models and letters confuses me I guess. We tour and I am not interested in cornering performance or sport riding as much as comfort.

We rode two 2010 RT models... one had air suspension and one didn't. Wife like the ride of the non-air model as it wasn't as harsh over bumps. Was the air setting too high? Is there somewhere that explains models and their small differences? Anyway, I do appreciate tips/suggestions. Last dumb questions... why do so many 4-5 year old Can-Am Spyders have such crazy-low mileage? Also, how close to NADA value should I be looking for? Many private sales are way higher than book value and one of the reasons pointed to is low mileage. Cheers... wiredgeorge

 

[WEB-WVR]

First....I hope you get a Spyder. After 43 years on 2 wheels I just moved to the Spyder due to health and safety issues. You cant beat the no balance thing and all the safety features the Spyder has. :thumbup:

I have the ST-Limited model so I cant answer your RT questions. Leave that to the pros :bowdown:

On your last question of low mileage....I would guess the Spyders are no different then other motorcycles...they are either high mileage and rode a lot, or low mileage and rode only in fair weather. I have been basically a fair weather rider over the years, use the car for wet, bike for fun in the sun ! :joke: So many of my bikes have had low mileage on them when sold. Probably depends on where the bike was owned. Oregon, many are fair weather riders....a sunny day...all of a sudden the bikes come out of the wood work.

It sounds like you will get a :spyder2:....when you do, enjoy it and stay safe ! :thumbup:

 

[Purple Guy]

Welcome to SpyderLovers!

Here's a link to wikipedia on different models of Spyders.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can_Am_Spyder

If you are lookoing for a Spyder without the top box maybe take an ST ot for a ride...

 

[Tom in NM]

Can't help with the RT info . . . .

. . . but lots of others here will.

As far as the low mileage, lots of 'new' to motorcycles riders buy Spyders and they don't generally ride as much as others who have ridden cycles for years. Other Spyder riders almost qualify for being homeless.

Really wanted to just say that you live in one of the most beautiful places in the country with some fantastic rides - congratulations on your Spyder and many years of enjoyment to you.

Tom

 

[Tango]

We went from a Gold Wing CSC to a 2014 RTS. Have never looked back. The air suspension is superior IMO. May have been to much air. You need to ride a 2014 with the 1330 Triple Cyl.. Light years a head of the older V-Twin! Smoother, lower rpm's, 6 spd.. No heat worries. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[wiredgeorge]

We went from a Gold Wing CSC to a 2014 RTS. Have never looked back. The air suspension is superior IMO. May have been to much air. You need to ride a 2014 with the 1330 Triple Cyl.. Light years a head of the older V-Twin! Smoother, lower rpm's, 6 spd.. No heat worries. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

Tom, I am forced by budget to buy what I can afford, unfortunately. I would have a 2015 Goldwing with a Roadsmith conversion if budget were not a consideration... looking at low $30Ks... just too much for a vehicle. I figure to spend about $13K tops. Has anyone done anything with the RT top box passenger pad to change the angle? I am pretty certain aftermarket seat companies make matching pads; are they all the same straight up/down angle? I will keep my eye open for a 2014 in my price range but am not hopeful at this point. I just put up a new work building (paid cash for it all) and remodeled the master bath so the bucks just are not there at this point for high-budget stuff. Pic of current trike:

Oh yeah... on the ST Limited, does the angle of the backrest change or adjust? In other words does it lay back some? Most of the pics I see have it sloping forward.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

ST has no stock backrest

Cruzr Joe

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: I also suggest a test ride on a 2014 1330 three cylinder. The ride is even better than the two cylinder version. You might even win over the spouse.

 

[Oldmanzues]

I would suggest making sure which models you are comparing. 09 would be GS/RS with no stock factory bags/back rest. a 2010 could be either a RT( like mine with bags and a backrest in the top trunk, which is actually part of the body and not a top trunk. Or it could be a RS/GS.
ST's are kind in the middle. Current F-3 are a totally different story.

My base 2010 had air ride, but had to filled at a air pump. I added a Baker built on board system (SL sponsor) and it works great. I do ot know where you live, but it would be a huge help to you if you could find somebody in person(not all dealers know what is going on) to help you

 

[Chupaca]

Welcome..!!

:welcome: the RT first came out in 2010 and thru 2013 were pretty much the same machine different colors with the V-twin with a 5 speed trans. The next year they went to a triple with a six speed trans. There are many seats now and most custom shops can modify them to your needs. Hope things work out for you I think you both will love this ryde...:thumbup:

 

[robmorg]

Give Dave a Call

George,

There are a lot of aftermarket suppliers for Spyder seats. Some do more custom work than others. I haven't heard of too many folks modifying the RT passenger backrest, but I think there is some room there to give it a different slant. I might suggest you give Motorcycle Dave a call. I'm not sure if he does custom seats for the Spyders but he seems to have a vast knowledge of seat customization for all kinds of bikes, and he is an active sponsor here. I think you will get an impartial opinion from him about how you might accomplish what you want to do.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:, and I love the look of your 'Wing... :clap:
There's no doubt that you've got a bunch of shopping to do; take your time, and just choose wisely...

 

[Gator37]

Welcome

Welcome from Central Washington. I traded a Goldwing and a Harley Electra Glide for an RT-S this spring after over 50 years on two wheelers. They were just getting too heavy for these old knees. Feel a lot more comfortable and secure. Enjoy whatever you have riding in the wind.

 

[JerryB]

Hi wiredgeorge

Re: I am forced by budget to buy what I can afford, unfortunately.

Most of us are in the same boat.

Check with bmwlarry as he just traded his '11 RT in on a new one: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?79548-Terrible-front-end-shimmy-……

I would expect that the dealer might just be interested in selling it.

IMO he does definitely take care of his vehicles.

Jerry Baumchen

PS) It might be too much of a distance for you ( Texas to Oregon ) but motorcycles can be shipped; Been there, done that.

 

[Deanna777]

I can sort of help you on RT Gas mileage

First of all............:welcome: Glad that you found this site :firstplace: ask questions we are here to help.

*** Gas mileage*** on a RT it will vary. ( I have a 2014RTS-SE6 Cognac this is my 2nd spyder that I have owned, I got 38.5mpg on my current :spyder2

Good luck selling your trike. I also agree take a demo ride on a 2014RTS-SE6 with the 1330 Ace engine. To each his own. Deanna

 

[wiredgeorge]

First of all............:welcome: Glad that you found this site :firstplace: ask questions we are here to help.

*** Gas mileage*** on a RT it will vary. ( I have a 2014RTS-SE6 Cognac this is my 2nd spyder that I have owned, I got 38.5mpg on my current :spyder2

Good luck selling your trike. I also agree take a demo ride on a 2014RTS-SE6 with the 1330 Ace engine. To each his own. Deanna

Well, The GL1500 trike is GONE! I will have all the cash in hand Saturday when the guy picks it up. I posted a WTB in classified and am now
looking for a 2010-2012 (due to price) Can-Am RT-S. Would like to see fairly low miles and a color that doesn't show the dirt. I have two prime
buys here in Texas; both from dealers... one at $12.5K otd and the other at $12.9K otd and both fit the criteria I mentioned. I haven't had
enough experience to appreciate which options are nice or must-haves but a GPS and a nice seat seem like a good idea. If you are THINKING
about selling, give me a chance to make you an offer. If you are willing to get me at an airport, I am willing to travel.

As far as test ride of the 3 cyl / 6 sp... just don't have the funds so no use making myself miserable. I have test rode the 2011 RT and it suited me
just fine! Thanks to all... this seems like a friendly group... BTW: I was the guy who led that trike reunion in Kerrville before this last one in April.
Cheers! wiredgeorge

 

[Dennis in Lodi]

spyder prices in Wisconsin

We have a dealer in Wi that can ship anywhere for under $800. They can sell a 2014 RT limited for under $25K.

http://www.cedarcreekmotorsports.co...model=spyder® rt limited se6&fr=xNewInventory

here is the link. Every place I checked is full list, plus freight, plus prep, blah blah blah. They probably have a base 2014 RT for around $20,000.
Good Luck

I said I would never own a full touring cycle. Bought a Yamaha Venture and loved it, but my 59 year old left knee said WTF am I doing.
Drove my 83 year old uncle's 2011RT and was blown away. All my two wheel issues gone in one machine. 10 days later I put a 2015 RT-s SE6 in the garage.
Got my 2015 for straight $26K no blah blah on top.

 

[Bob Denman]

Well, The GL1500 trike is GONE! I will have all the cash in hand Saturday when the guy picks it up. I posted a WTB in classified and am now
looking for a 2010-2012 (due to price) Can-Am RT-S. Would like to see fairly low miles and a color that doesn't show the dirt. I have two prime
buys here in Texas; both from dealers... one at $12.5K otd and the other at $12.9K otd and both fit the criteria I mentioned. I haven't had
enough experience to appreciate which options are nice or must-haves but a GPS and a nice seat seem like a good idea. If you are THINKING
about selling, give me a chance to make you an offer. If you are willing to get me at an airport, I am willing to travel.

As far as test ride of the 3 cyl / 6 sp... just don't have the funds so no use making myself miserable. I have test rode the 2011 RT and it suited me
just fine! Thanks to all... this seems like a friendly group... BTW: I was the guy who led that trike reunion in Kerrville before this last one in April.
Cheers! wiredgeorge

:congrats: Now it's time to start getting serious... :shocked:
Try and find yourself a 2012 if you can. They were the last year of the first generation RTs, and were the ones that seemed to show the least problems. :2thumbs:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

I can't wait to see how this all turns out!

 

[zuni]

I don't see any reason why the RT backrest can't be cut back a bit. Not sure if you can trim enough to get any real angle on it. I was thinking about taking off an inch or two from the flat side to move it back a bit and make a little more room. As for options for other bikes, take a look at the smoothspyder.com site. Jim makes very nice adjustiable backrest that can be used by the driver when riding solo or by the passenger when two up. I ordered one for my F3 and it should be here tomorrow.

CJ JAX