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2013 RTL versus 2018 RT?
- Thread starter Chiefburg
- Start date
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
The 2013 was the last RT with the 998 engine. The 998 is known for its high revs (5500) compared to the 1330 which likes 3500. Maintenance is more frequent with more oil changes needed. MPG is about 10 mpg higher with the 1330 engine.
The 1330 is quieter, has a lower torque and most agree a bit smoother ride.
We traded off our last 998 in 2019 when I bought a new F3L. Had four 998's and now three 1330's. I like the 1330's better. The main difference between the 2018 and the 2020 is that the newer one has had a styling change. The colors are also different. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other. You will have to decide which one floats your boat.
The 1330 is quieter, has a lower torque and most agree a bit smoother ride.
We traded off our last 998 in 2019 when I bought a new F3L. Had four 998's and now three 1330's. I like the 1330's better. The main difference between the 2018 and the 2020 is that the newer one has had a styling change. The colors are also different. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other. You will have to decide which one floats your boat.
FrogmanDave
Active member
I would go with the 2018 to get the new engine and digital dash. Then again I would go with a 2020+ because not only was the styling greatly updated but all the lights are led's and the bikes handle better and are more comfortable.
gkamer
Sadly passed away, December '23.
:agree:
I would look at the price difference between the 2018 and something newer in the 2020+ range. If your budget allows, go for the 2020+, because you'll probably end up there in year or two anyway. Otherwise go for the 2018. I love mine.
So in the 2018 I will assume RTL, 1330 engine, longer between oil changes and not much if any oil usage between changes. little better gas milage, different dash gage set, better power steering. Colors always change. Some people liked the new dash some did not.
Copperman
Active member
I would go straight to the 2020+ RTL. I've had both a 2013 (20,000 miles) and a 2014 (17,000 miles) RT Limited. Other than the motor and transmission and a few minor body style tweaks, there's no difference between the "13 and the '18. The 2020+ is a whole different ball game! The biggest difference is the size of the floorboards, the removable top box and a total redesign. I have over 31,000 miles on my 2020 RT Limited and it's the best RTL that I've owned. In between my '14 RTL and my 2020 RTL I had a 2016 F3 Limited (53,000 miles). That, by far, was my favorite Spyder. They ruined the F3L by putting a top box on it, but that's my opinion.
Jerry
2020 RTL
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blacklightning
Well-known member
I am another vote for going with the 1330. But I would either go with a 2014-2017 to stick with the standard dash and possibly a cheaper price. Or go with a 2020+ and get the new body style. I would not get a 2018 or 2019 because the pricing is going to be higher (normally) than the 2014-17 models and all for just mainly a digital dash upgrade. To me, it is not worth the trouble. I currently have a 2016 F3 Limited Special series and a 2021 RTL. I love the RTL, but wish it still had the standard dash display.
I don't know if you ride 2-up a lot, or if your full figured, but the 2020+ accommodates more room. We had a 2012RT before we purchased the 2020 RTL and felt like we moved from a compact to a full size. My vote for 2020+.
Good Luck & keep us posted. :thumbup: Bill
I don't have an opinion about the question of the twin 2013 RT vs the triple 2018 Rt but I do have an opinion about the last part of your question about going straight the a 2020+ RT. After years on two wheels, in 2021 I purchased a really well cared for 2019 RTL and loved it. Then in the fall of 2022 I stumbled in to a great deal to trade my 2019 RT on a new 2022 Sea to Sky. That is when I discovered that there is an immense difference between the 2019 and prior years v 2020+ models. Don't know how to explain it all I can say is that the handling on the 2020+ machines is just mind boggling. Loved my 2019 but would not consider going back after spending several thousand miles on the 2022. The previous poster stated it was like going from a compact to a full sized car. I think that is accurate but understates the difference.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Interesting how we differ in our assessments of riding and handling comfort. I rode a 2020 RT only one time when Joe and Ann Myers were in Idaho in 2021 on the Can Am demo tour. We rode for one or two hours. My assessment at that time was, yes there was a noticeable difference between my 2014 RT and the 2020 RT, but not enough to make trading up irresistible and worth the $$ outlay.
I had a 2018 RTL for a few weeks while my '17 was in the shop.
The self-adjusting suspension works exceptionally well either solo or two up or two up plus load of gear for cruising
Didn't like the instrument cluster
I imagine if you've been on a 990 motor you'll love the 1330
Other than these it didnt feel much different to my '17 RTL
The self-adjusting suspension works exceptionally well either solo or two up or two up plus load of gear for cruising
Didn't like the instrument cluster
I imagine if you've been on a 990 motor you'll love the 1330
Other than these it didnt feel much different to my '17 RTL
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Why would it have? Other than the cluster change from '17 to '18 they're pretty much the same machine. Right? 2020 was the big change.
FrogmanDave
Active member
:2thumbs:
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