Any reason NOT to buy a 2012 RT Limited?

[Mikey]

The 2012 RT is a good machine. But I would be looking at a lower price. $11k is too much. $9k would be a better price point.

:agree:X2

 

[denforent]

12 year old bike with no one to service it.

I am new to the community and an ex-Rocket touring owner (50,000+ miles) not one single problem! Best ride I've ever owned, but just purchased a 2011 RT SE5 to see if a Can Am Spyder might be a fitting ride for an older fella & his partner to head on off into the sunset on. Kinda bummed about the service issue as I'm non-familiar with Can Am's requirements for maintenance. Here we go!

 

[Dakotaz]

I am new to the community and an ex-Rocket touring owner (50,000+ miles) not one single problem! Best ride I've ever owned, but just purchased a 2011 RT SE5 to see if a Can Am Spyder might be a fitting ride for an older fella & his partner to head on off into the sunset on. Kinda bummed about the service issue as I'm non-familiar with Can Am's requirements for maintenance. Here we go!

The main ones refusing to service them I believe are the Corporate Dealerships. Find a locally owned dealer or a local independent shop and you should be fine.

 

[ARtraveler]

The main ones refusing to service them I believe are the Corporate Dealerships. Find a locally owned dealer or a local independent shop and you should be fine.

Unfortunately, these are few and far between. Spyders are a special animal, and knowledge, special tools, and skills are hard to find--even at the Corporate dealerships. :bowdown:

 

[Deanna777]

My first Spyder was a 2012 RTS-SE5, Quatumaum Metallic Blue. I had warranty work done on it (the right front headlight unit was not working properly due to the HI/LO beam, which was not working; plus, the cruise control was not working right from the get go; & the right-side saddlebag door did not close properly) .

When the 2014 RTS SE6 Spyder model came out, it had the new 1330 Ace engine, and they did all of the major upgrades on it. I traded in my 2012 RTS-SE5 for a 2014 RTS-SE6. My current bike is a 2023 F3LTD Special Series.


I would go with the 2014 Spyder model and up if you can.

The 2012 Spyder model is a good machine, but parts and the 998 engine and etc. would be hard to find. Also, would any dealership work on that old of a Spyder model?

Deanna

 

[Jetfixer]

There are 2 small vacuum lines that dry out and split. They are very difficult to get to. Plus all of the other suggestions above.

 

[Gburgspyder]

I've read all of this thread. I have a chance to buy a 2012 (thus my curiosity). I've already found the closest dealer to me can change tires, do an annual service, but that might be it. I've called others just a little farther away, but so far I can't get them to answer their phone. This is a sweet pearl white trike that I think I could be comfortable on, but I don't want a money pit at my age. The seller says it's ran fine for them for years. I don't know whether to just trust that.

There are newer ones in my area, but out of my price range.

Glenn

 

[JKMSPYDER]

Glenn since you live in Gatlinburg BajaRon’s shop is close in Greeneville, TN. Daniel is a great mechanic and can do most any kind of work. I would trust him over any dealer.

 

[Gburgspyder]

Glenn since you live in Gatlinburg BajaRon’s shop is close in Greeneville, TN. Daniel is a great mechanic and can do most any kind of work. I would trust him over any dealer.

I called a dealership in Greenville today. I called the Sevierville, TN dealership and they didn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. They said the Greenville shop had a laser alignment machine. The only "worry" I still have that the Greenville shop told me was that BRP (as well as any manufacturer) don't have to keep making parts for anything over 10 years old. He did say since Can Am still makes the Spyder RT, I should be ok. I believe I'm going to go ahead and buy this one.

 

[pegasus1300]

I have been running a 2012 since 2015 and it now has 79,000+ and doing well. At 77 I can still do my own oil changes, tires and a few other things. If you are that close to BajaRon you can trust them for anything you need.

 

[ARtraveler]

I called a dealership in Greenville today. I called the Sevierville, TN dealership and they didn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. They said the Greenville shop had a laser alignment machine. The only "worry" I still have that the Greenville shop told me was that BRP (as well as any manufacturer) don't have to keep making parts for anything over 10 years old. He did say since Can Am still makes the Spyder RT, I should be ok. I believe I'm going to go ahead and buy this one.

Can Am still does make a "version" of the RT. The engine from 2014 on has been changed to a 1330/three. The engine in the 2012 is a 998/two cylinder.

This is where you may run into problems. The 998 is now 11 years old and we are hearing parts to be an issue. Also, many dealers of Spyder say they will not work on Spyders that are 10 plus years old. Good luck with your purchase. :bowdown:

 

[Little Blue]

I called a dealership in Greenville today. I called the Sevierville, TN dealership and they didn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. They said the Greenville shop had a laser alignment machine. The only "worry" I still have that the Greenville shop told me was that BRP (as well as any manufacturer) don't have to keep making parts for anything over 10 years old. He did say since Can Am still makes the Spyder RT, I should be ok. I believe I'm going to go ahead and buy this one.

I wish you well. But if you are not able to make minor repairs this May NOT be the real deal.
As already mentioned in several other posts. After 10 years parts can be very hard to find.

My Tip: Purchase a Spyder 'Less Than' 10 years old.
Your Money is Yours. SO do what makes you Happy. Just Saying. ....:thumbup:

 

[Mikey]

If Ron's telling you that parts are getting hard to get than that should tell you what direction you should turn in. They are straight shooters and will not lead you down the wrong path! Keep looking for something a little newer, you wouldn't be disappointed when you find the right one. Mine is about what you're looking at right now, and I know sooner or later I will have to part it out and look for newer iron.

 

[Gburgspyder]

If Ron's telling you that parts are getting hard to get than that should tell you what direction you should turn in. They are straight shooters and will not lead you down the wrong path! Keep looking for something a little newer, you wouldn't be disappointed when you find the right one. Mine is about what you're looking at right now, and I know sooner or later I will have to part it out and look for newer iron.

I've had a PM going with BajaRon. He hasn't said that exactly. The dealership that's just a block or so from him told me that. I see people with very old Goldwings, other older Hondas, forget the Harley crowd. I know its a different animal, but if the parts are indeed getting hard to find, it could be a business opportunity for the right person. Now the electronics are another animal.

 

[Mikey]

True, if you're the kind of person that likes to twist a wrench and knows how to get around the internet, go for it if it's a good price! If it blows up in your face, you can sell parts to people like me.:2thumbs:

 

[Elwood58]

I loved my 2012 RT-S, which I bought new. It eventually became an issue for services and parts. Many of our local dealerships will not take in service request for Spyders more than ten years old. Parts have been sold off to a third party, but are still fairly available. For how long is anybody’s guess. 2012s in dealer used inventory are running closer to $8500.

Low mileage is a big red flag for a Spyder that old.