A general question - any differences in 2018, '19, & '20 RT's to justify $$ diff?

[Kent]

Being new to the Spyder and a long time Harley rider, At the age to go more stable. Anyway have been looking at Spyder's here locally. all RT's - 2018 - New 123 miles. 2019 - new - and naturally 2020. from the 2020 price the 2019 is $9,000 lower and the 2018 is $12,000 lower. The only real question I have is there any difference in the years that would make any kind of difference??? really won't be doing the trips we use to will run from so. Cal. to TX - some up to Utah short trips like that. That's it and thank you in advance.

 

[JP58]

Not much difference between the 18 and 19. I think other than color choices. The turn signals was relocated from the mirrors to front fenders. Not as easy to see now. The 2020 has the all new design. Same powerplant.

 

[JayBros]

You might find the information in this link useful: https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/bikes/BRP.htm.

 

[sduskin]

'14 thru '18 are mainly color differences. I think the '19 got a new dash. JP58 is right about the body design.

 

[Peacekeeper6]

Being new to the Spyder and a long time Harley rider, At the age to go more stable. Anyway have been looking at Spyder's here locally. all RT's - 2018 - New 123 miles. 2019 - new - and naturally 2020. from the 2020 price the 2019 is $9,000 lower and the 2018 is $12,000 lower. The only real question I have is there any difference in the years that would make any kind of difference??? really won't be doing the trips we use to will run from so. Cal. to TX - some up to Utah short trips like that. That's it and thank you in advance.

If it was me, I’d avoid the first year of a new redesign. Issues need to be ironed out to make the premium price worthwhile, but if you absolutely want the "latest and greatest", have at it.

There’s really not much difference a 2018 is from a 2019, at least not $3000 worth.

I tend to buy the model that’s pretty close to the end of its production run. Not only are *most* of the problems solved, but you can save a SIGNIFICANT amount of money. With all that money saved ($12,000 !!!!), you can customize that “dated” ride to have better handling, be more comfortable and faster than the 2020, and still have a crapload of money left for fuel and beers.

In my humble opinion, of course.

 

[tntnj]

I would get the 18, the reason being if you find you do not like the can am you would not lose that much money. On the other hand if you love it you saved a lot of money to farkle it the way you want. Just remember there is a learning curve on these, you will be comfortable on it after about 1000 miles. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Kent]

Great good info from all, cant argue with the 101st anyway lol.. Thanks that answered what I was thinking. Just was concerned with problem years mainly. No problem not liking the Can-am we just like riding, this will extend our years a bit to do so.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

The 2020 has a very different ryde position so you should ryde an 18 and the 20. Then if you like the 20 wait till February when the price will drop as the 21s start arriving ae the dealers.

 

[MONK]

I think the '19 got a new dash.

2018 was the 1st year of the new BRP Connect dash. Same dash in a different housing for 2020.

As others have said, I'd save the loot and buy the 2018. That's what I did and I'm glad I did although I sat on a 2020 last weekend and I really like it. I can see upgrading in a couple of years.

 

[ARtraveler]

Two ways to look at the situation.

Save some bucks...As mentioned above the difference between the 18 and the 19 is color only. Same power plant, etc. etc. There was an update in the dash screen (19) to fix some glitches in the 18. Other than that...no differences. In my case, I bought an F3L. I got a better deal on the 19 than the 18 because of the rebates being offered at the time.

Latest and greatest...to get that, you have to go with the beta tester mode. Bugs have not been worked out completely. On the new 2020 RT...there are two "known" issues. The fit and finish of the rear panels was not good. BRP is in the process of sending out new panels to replace bad ones. They came with twist ties holding them in place in some cases. There were some bad brake pedals...under forceful braking, they could break. That was a safety issue and should now be repaired by dealers.

That being said...the new 2020 is a real looker with redesign. No new engine though. Our on site tally thread has forty-four people posting that they have purchased a new 2020. That shows they are popular...and may not be as "deal" friendly as prior year new ones.

Let us know what you decide. opcorn:

 

[MONK]

There was an update in the dash screen (19) to fix some glitches in the 18.

Other than updating the firmware (like you can do on all new style dashes, RTs and F3s), what was the "update"? I'm not doubting you, sir, but only asking as I have an '18.

 

[ARtraveler]

Other than updating the firmware (like you can do on all new style dashes, RTs and F3s), what was the "update"? I'm not doubting you, sir, but only asking as I have an '18.

There was some kind of re-programming of the firmware. I do not specifically know what. I did not mean changing the actual screen as it may seem to imply.

 

[Woodaddict]

'18 and '19 needed to have firmware 20.8 to have radio speakers, and other things work better

 

[MONK]

I have 20.8 but I thought I read 30.x is now out. Maybe that's my imagination or just a 2020 firmware upgrade? If there's a new upgrade for the BRB Connect dashes, I want to know what it does.