Almost got one 18 months ago, now looking again

[GREY.HOUND]

Well the title says it. I got my M1 license 18 months ago and have been riding a 250 scooter since (and love every moment of it). I've been smitten with the spyder since they first hit the scene and almost bought a used spyder from a member here but went the two wheel route instead. Lately I've been thinking about adding a GS/RS to the stable and the used prices look pretty good. So, a couple of questions:
1) Is there much to worry about with the 2008 GS models vs the later RS models?
2) As for an occasional passenger, how is the GS/RS with a backrest for 50 milish mountain trips?
Thanks in advance,
Sean

 

[Chupaca]

Bummer..!!

you should have gotten one back when...both the GS/RS are great roadsters. Plenty good used ones out there and for sale here. Sorry but 50 miles is a trip to the store don't even need a backrest. We have an RS with the factory backrest and ryde all the time. Wife is very comfortable so 200-300 miles is fun on weekends. If you test one you will be hooked...hyea:hyea:

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: DON'T ride one unless you're prepared for the consequences to your finances! :shocked: :2thumbs:

 

[GREY.HOUND]

yeah, as I said I've always wanted one. I prefer the looks of the RS over the others but I know the RT is more designed for a passenger. It would be me solo 99% of the time so I just wanted to know how the ride is for a passenger on the RS for the occasional ride. Hopefully I'll pull the trigger sooner than later.

Oh, last question, how are spyders in the rain? I'm considering 2 or 3 wheels as my only transportation.

Thanks again,
Sean

 

[Big Arm]

Very stable in the rain

 

[DrewNJ]

My wife and I do frequent 200+ mile back road rides all the time. The stock seat is pretty lousy but that's all personal preference and upgradeable.
The backrest is nice and gives the passenger a chance to relax and still feel secure. The BRP backrest is really nice because it removes easy for solo rides. However, its pricey too.

The spyder does OK in the rain. It is not like a car. Its light, so it hydroplanes pretty easy and traction from a stop sucks. Deep water obviously is the worst. However, you don't have the fear of going down like on 2 wheels.

Where are you from?

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

 

[Bob Denman]

They're certainly a WHOLE lot better than a "tipover" is in the rain! :thumbup:
With good raingear; you can ride through just about whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

 

[GREY.HOUND]

Thanks. I'm in Central California where we only average about 11 inches or rain per year so rain isn't a huge issue but still something that will be dealt with eventually if I don't have a car. I know it has many high tech controls for such conditions, just curious how much it might slide around in those conditions.

 

[ARCTIC]

A lot of people buy the RS only to spend a significant amount of money turning it into a more relaxed riding position. I would definitely recommend riding both or at the very least go to a Can-Am dealer and sit on both potential models. I had a 2008 GS and it was a great machine but I had a corbin seat, floorboards, back rests (driver & passenger) and highway pegs. The accessories on this things are absolutely ridiculously priced. I ended up getting an ST-Limited and it is the perfect ride for my preferences :2thumbs:

 

[MRH]

I agree that you should ride all three models before settling on which one you want to own. It is generally worth the additional cost to buy whatever is actually "right" for you.

 

[ValCruzSpyder]

Agreed!!

:agree:

 

[ARtraveler]

A lot of people buy the RS only to spend a significant amount of money turning it into a more relaxed riding position. I would definitely recommend riding both or at the very least go to a Can-Am dealer and sit on both potential models. I had a 2008 GS and it was a great machine but I had a corbin seat, floorboards, back rests (driver & passenger) and highway pegs. The accessories on this things are absolutely ridiculously priced. I ended up getting an ST-Limited and it is the perfect ride for my preferences :2thumbs:

:agree: x 2. My first :spyder2: was a 2008 GS SM5. By the time I was ready to buy a RTS (2010), I had it decked out pretty much the same.

 

[Bob Denman]

I know it has many high tech controls for such conditions, just curious how much it might slide around in those conditions.

It doesn't... :shocked:

Nanny keeps a nice tight grip on your shoulder when the need arises! :thumbup:

 

[ValCruzSpyder]

Proven reliability!!!

:agree:
Had the opportunity to test this theory out!!!! Not by choice, mind you! The Spyder is a very stable platform in less than perfect conditions...you just have to remember to adjust your style of driving/riding when those opportunities present themselves.

 

[Tazzel]

There are plenty of RS's out there for about the same price as the GS's. Many come with upgrades already. The RT and the ST are like riding a big scooter and even used come with a big price tag. If you want a sportier ride go for the RS.

 

[GREY.HOUND]

Thanks again for all of the input. I think with the used market, an RS is the best option in. I prefer the looks and style of the RS, but I have no doubt the comfort on the RT is to notch. The local dealer has models I can at least sit on to get an idea of seating position.

 

[ten ji]

yeah, as I said I've always wanted one. I prefer the looks of the RS over the others but I know the RT is more designed for a passenger. It would be me solo 99% of the time so I just wanted to know how the ride is for a passenger on the RS for the occasional ride. Hopefully I'll pull the trigger sooner than later.

First off, take the plunge, they are a blast no matter what model you decide on.

secondly...

Don't forget the ST. the looks of the RS and ST are very simular. We have both, mine is the 2013 STS and the wifey's is a 2010 RS-S. We love them both. I rode her's to work, 96 miles one way, and then to drop it off for service. Great ride, not my STS but not bad. I have riden mine to eastern NC and back, 300+ miles each way, couldn't have done it on the RS. there are other options other than the factory backrest. I had that on mine and then we ordered the SmoothSpyder for her's. before it came in we decided that it would work better on mine than on her RS b/c of seating position, that and I have a longer ride to work (by 4xs). The main reason for the backrest on both of them is our boys ride with us and WE are more comfortable with them having the backrest. T

he ST has the upright seating and floorboards (on the SE5) and that makes a huge difference to me on a long run.

 

[GREY.HOUND]

So, how many of you ride yours daily, or just about daily. I plan on keeping my scooter but I'm sure there will be times/days where the scooter sits and the spyder would be primary vehicle.

I have been checking out aftermarket parts, yes they add up, but I think from a financial standpoint, a good used RS to start, then slowly add necessary parts to "improve" my comfort level. Of course, some of the used spyders have lots of upgrades: corbin seats, or hard saddlebags, rox risers, tall windshields, etc. Not necessarily on the same one, just they are out there.

 

[MRH]

Almost daily.

Upgrades loose most of their value on resale, so you should be able to get a far better value with a Spyder that already has a lot of the upgrades you want.

That said, I think you will be making a mistake if you don't get the type of Spyder you actually want - don't try and upgrade one model into another.

 

[GREY.HOUND]

The buying process, questions.

As for the purchase, how does one go about purchasing from a private party? In order to get a loan, I would need to contact my credit union of course. Just some tips of how the actual paperwork process works. I know I will eventually need to contact my credit union but what is the general idea? I get approved for a loan, agree with the seller on the price, then what?

I will definitely try them all first, but my eyes are leading me toward the RS still.

GH