Considering an RT, never ridden and would like advice

[rookieryder]

Looking for some advice. We've been intrigued with getting a Spyder for several years. We finally went to look at them in person and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was [felt very much like sitting atop my jet ski]. Unfortunately, due to an event at the dealer, test driving wasn't an option. I have since found a 2014 RT Limited FSBO locally [4 hours] listed at $28,000. It has everything we want, plus some extras.

I'd like some advice from experienced Spyder owners:

-Without having ever driven a Spyder is it crazy to think I could buy it and drive it for the first time in the same day?
-Does the price seem reasonable?
-Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should plan on spending for helmets and other necessary riding gear?

Thanks for helping this RookieRyder!

 

[Pampurrs]

Looking for some advice. We've been intrigued with getting a Spyder for several years. We finally went to look at them in person and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was [felt very much like sitting atop my jet ski]. Unfortunately, due to an event at the dealer, test driving wasn't an option. I have since found a 2014 RT Limited FSBO locally [4 hours] listed at $28,000. It has everything we want, plus some extras.

I'd like some advice from experienced Spyder owners:

-Without having ever driven a Spyder is it crazy to think I could buy it and drive it for the first time in the same day?
-Does the price seem reasonable?
-Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should plan on spending for helmets and other necessary riding gear?

Thanks for helping this RookieRyder!

They are selling brand new 2015 Limited for less than $28,000. I personally don't think that's a good deal.

But my comment is this: You have never owned or ridden a motorcycle before. $28,000 is a lot of money to spend on entry level. What if you discover that you don't like it? The used motorcycle market is flooded with motorcycles of all types, I suspect Spyders too, that are being sold because someone bought it thinking they were going to love the wind, and then found that they barely ever rode it. I'm not saying this is the case with you, but it's something to think about.

Others may disagree with me, but that's ok. Take it for what it's worth.

Good luck with your decision.


Pam

 

[beadaholic]

I never owned a motorcycle before, I got it in my head after seeing one nearby that I wanted one. I didn't even get to try one out, we have no dealers here. One of my guys here rides a 2 wheeler and I started talking about it. I am a 55 year old woman. I doubt there is another woman here with a Spyder. Period. But I knew my mind, and I knew I would love it. And I do, so much that my poor car hasn't been driven by me in over 3 months now. haha, but like Pam says, it is alot of money for someone just starting out. Here they are even more expensive, mine is a 2014 RT (the basic one) it had 300 miles on it when I found it. I had my motorcycle guy drive it home (2 hours) and he had never rode anything like this before, totally different, a motorcycle yes, but still not like a motorcycle, he is all of 20 years old. I trust him though and he was very careful. Poor guy drove it through the huge storm we had at that moment, blinding rain, and then to top it off hail that was pebble sized, it beat him up and he had swollen eyes and lips! Anyway, back to what I want to say. I think if you are sure about it you will be ok. But if you are in the US take a Spyder Class or something, I wish we had that here, I would have loved to learn from someone else something about it. I learned all by myself and with the help of Spyderlovers (and Mike!) haha. I had never rode a motorcycle since I was about 7 or 9 years old, didn't remember much about it either. But it was easy and I have a SM6. The roads in the Us are wonderful compared to what I got, people respect motorcycles more than here too, so you are really safer. Good Luck!

 

[oldguyinTX]

If you are riding two up and riding long distances, the RT is the way to go. Having said that, you REALLY need a test ride with your passenger to get a real feel of how a Spyder handles. Make a case to test the model RT you are considering. If this dealer can't - or won't - accommodate you, try another one if you can. Our test ride was an escorted ride where we followed another Spyder. It was about 20 minutes, no highway riding, but both my wife and I said "this is it"! Bought one on the spot. We went out today on a 150 mile ride through CT & NY, had a great day. Had lunch that we brought with us at a picnic table in the shade by a river, hit a farm market on the way home, ate the stuff that we bought for dinner. We have taken several long trips, both with and without the trailer. Every time we ride, we are both thankful that we never have to put a foot down until we get off the bike. Good luk, and keep us posted as to what you decide.:thumbup:

 

[ericoa]

I am also a new rider.. Price seems high. I just bought my 2014 RT in Indiana for $19K. Has many options. Its the best purchase I have made!!! Drive it almost every day and miss it when I am not riding. This site has been a huge help.. Keep reading and learning and enjoy the ride. Read through older posts, lots of bikes have been listed here. These owners seem to have very good info

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Looking for some advice. We've been intrigued with getting a Spyder for several years. We finally went to look at them in person and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was [felt very much like sitting atop my jet ski]. Unfortunately, due to an event at the dealer, test driving wasn't an option. I have since found a 2014 RT Limited FSBO locally [4 hours] listed at $28,000. It has everything we want, plus some extras.

I'd like some advice from experienced Spyder owners:

-Without having ever driven a Spyder is it crazy to think I could buy it and drive it for the first time in the same day?
-Does the price seem reasonable?
-Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should plan on spending for helmets and other necessary riding gear?

Thanks for helping this RookieRyder!

First . . :welcome:

I also think the price on the FSBO RTL is kinda high. If you've sat on the different models at the dealer, I'd ask if you've definitely settled on the RT? If so, then I'd say shop around. I didn't really test ride, either, so I feel kinda hypocritical to say take a test ride, but that may be the wisest way to go.

As to gear, you can get all sorts of gear with a wide range of prices, depending where you shop. But don't scrimp on helmets. There's used jackets, etc. for sale here and at .com sites. One of my favorite online retailers (new gear) is Revzilla.com. But shop them all. If you're unfamiliar with the gear, you'll may be overwhelmed - leather, textile, mesh, chaps, pants, vests, boots, . . . . - think about the kind of riding you'll be doing and the weather you'll likely encounter. You'll also get lots of advice here, so just stand back and wait for it to wash over you.

 

[rmag]

I bought our 14 RT limited after 30 years of not riding. Start out in a large empty parking lot and get to know it. Within 10 to 20 minutes you'll be comfortable enough to take it out on the street. Read the owners manual, there's a lot of tips for getting to know the limitations. At the minimum take a motorcycle saftey course a.s.a.p. it will help you be more aware of the potential hazards of the road. (both moving and not).....After a couple of hundred of miles or so you be right at home.

The price does seem high for a 14.

Good luck!

 

[OlJim]

I am 75 years old and just bought my first bike ever. I found a 2011 RT with 640 miles for a little over 12K. I try to ride a little every day and am slowly working my way up to highway speeds. I say go for it. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Wildrice]

Looking for some advice. We've been intrigued with getting a Spyder for several years. We finally went to look at them in person and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was [felt very much like sitting atop my jet ski]. Unfortunately, due to an event at the dealer, test driving wasn't an option. I have since found a 2014 RT Limited FSBO locally [4 hours] listed at $28,000. It has everything we want, plus some extras.

I'd like some advice from experienced Spyder owners:

-Without having ever driven a Spyder is it crazy to think I could buy it and drive it for the first time in the same day?
-Does the price seem reasonable?
-Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should plan on spending for helmets and other necessary riding gear?

Thanks for helping this RookieRyder!

I agree with the posts on the price. Seems approx. $5000 overpriced. But also---find a dealer that offers a test ride on the same yr & model Spyder. I initially test rode a 2012 & it had problems ;-( There are lots of Spyders for sale. www.cycletrader.com might help give you get a price idea. Lots of sellers especially individual owners have their product over-priced--thus check out several for a comparison. I believe CanAm is offering a $4000 discount on most 2014 models including extended warranty plus the local dealership may offer more price discounts. But above all---take a test ride. Good luck,

 

[4 MARIE]

I bought my 2014 RT S after just a "test sit". Drove it 200 miles home, and it was the start of a
beautiful relationship. Do not do what I did , and hit the bricks as soon as I could, but at least
get a little explanation about the switchology, and stuff. That will make you first few days
SO much better. It does have a couple quirky little things.

I also would kind of recommend making max acceleration your last performance aspect you test on the street.

It won't take long, and every ride you will be more "at home". I can just guarantee you too, will LOVE IT ! OH,
about pricing. I bought mine when the 1330 was spankin' new, and there weren't any real discounts. But deals
are out there, and most dealers don't have a problem shipping.

 

[jcspyder]

That price seems high to me as well. Even brand new, you should be able to do a little better than that, and you should certainly be able to do better on a 2014 model when the 2016's are on the way. Having said that, you didn't mention what the "extras" are. Some of the after market stuff can be a little pricey and maybe that's why it is a 2014 for $28K. It may have been a demo bike that the dealer added all the BRP extras to show them off (comfort seat, tri-axis handlebars, sway bar, vented windshield, backrest, custom exhaust, etc.). All those things add up quickly.

As far as buying then riding, I tend to agree with what others have said. It's fairly easy to pick up, but I would certainly test drive first. If there is a Spyder course offered in your area, that's probably a great way to get started. However, I too test drove my first Spyder for about 15 minutes and then two weeks later made the RTL purchase. I'm happy I did, but I certainly wasn't sure of that at the time - a little bit of an expensive gamble, but it paid off. Love it now.

As far as riding gear, that's a little difficult to say because quality and price vary quite a bit. For example, you can spend $50 on a helmet or you can spend $600 on a helmet. That goes for just about anything you need for riding. Somebody on Spyderlovers gave me a good piece of advice when I first started - Buy only what you need to get started (helmet, gloves, boots) and ride for a while before you decide on what "extras" you want. Somebody may say, "you have to get the custom yada yada", but you find out after riding for a while that you're perfectly comfortable with the stock yada yada. It works perfectly for them, but you should wait to make that decision for yourself after you have some time at the helm.

 

[jcspyder]

Another bit of advice that was provided to me when I was new. I realize you haven't purchased yet, but if you do, this link has great info for new Spyder owners. May be worth perusing even before you make the leap.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...t-Do-s-and-Do-Nots-quot-for-new-Spyder-owners

 

[ARtraveler]

Like others, I recommend doing a bit more research and test driving before jumping in the water.

$28K was what new 2014 RT-S models were going for. Bargains are all over the place now so you would be throwing away more money than you have to for a 2014.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'll just say... :welcome: :clap: :2thumbs:
(The rest of the Gang has got you covered... :thumbup

 

[pjweimer]

Here is a 2012 RT Limited just north w/ many options

May like to consider this RT Limited just outside Columbus.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...23012-RT-SE5-Limited-Pearl-White-13-494-miles

 

[bug's zedi]

Looking for some advice. We've been intrigued with getting a Spyder for several years. We finally went to look at them in person and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was [felt very much like sitting atop my jet ski]. Unfortunately, due to an event at the dealer, test driving wasn't an option. I have since found a 2014 RT Limited FSBO locally [4 hours] listed at $28,000. It has everything we want, plus some extras.

I'd like some advice from experienced Spyder owners:

-Without having ever driven a Spyder is it crazy to think I could buy it and drive it for the first time in the same day?
-Does the price seem reasonable?
-Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should plan on spending for helmets and other necessary riding gear?

Thanks for helping this RookieRyder!

I have been looking at the market for about a month and the $28,000 is more than I have found at various locations.
I can't judge how crazy you would be considering the first bike I ever bought was a Concours C10. Never owned one and bought it and rode it home the same day without even parking lot practice.

As for Gear. You can spend as much as you want, but good helmets can be had for under $200, but great helmets are more. Fit and comfort is most important and I would never buy a helmet without first trying it on. Same with other gear especially if you are on the large size. 3X may mean a 32 inch waist and size 40 jacket.
You are lucky since you are within driving distance to Iron Pony in Columbus OH. Probably the largest store with in stock bike apparel anywhere around. Drive down for the day and look around. Their prices are also fairly competitive with others.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Are you required to have a motorcycle license to operate a Spyer in your state? Maybe getting a license would be a good first step then you might be able to get a dealer to let you test drive one.

 

[TexAmRider]

Bought my first spyder unseen

Looking for some advice. We've been intrigued with getting a Spyder for several years. We finally went to look at them in person and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was [felt very much like sitting atop my jet ski]. Unfortunately, due to an event at the dealer, test driving wasn't an option. I have since found a 2014 RT Limited FSBO locally [4 hours] listed at $28,000. It has everything we want, plus some extras.

I'd like some advice from experienced Spyder owners:

-Without having ever driven a Spyder is it crazy to think I could buy it and drive it for the first time in the same day?
-Does the price seem reasonable?
-Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should plan on spending for helmets and other necessary riding gear?

Thanks for helping this RookieRyder!

Bought my first spyder unseen / undriven. Found a good deal at a dealership about 300 miles from me I couldn't pass up. 28000.00 seems a bit high for a used 2014 RTL. I have just seen 2015 RTL listed at 23, 599 .00. Of course thats in Texas. A couple of hundred dollars will put you in some nice safe helmets.

 

[PaladinLV]

Just for reference:
I purchased a 14 RT-S in February.
Out the door price with tax, DMV fees, 2 year extended warranty, and 1st 6 services for $24,000 (does not include ElectraGlide trade in).

Had I gone with the Limited the price was @ 26K

AJ

Looking for some advice. We've been intrigued with getting a Spyder for several years. We finally went to look at them in person and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was [felt very much like sitting atop my jet ski]. Unfortunately, due to an event at the dealer, test driving wasn't an option. I have since found a 2014 RT Limited FSBO locally [4 hours] listed at $28,000. It has everything we want, plus some extras.

I'd like some advice from experienced Spyder owners:

-Without having ever driven a Spyder is it crazy to think I could buy it and drive it for the first time in the same day?
-Does the price seem reasonable?
-Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what I should plan on spending for helmets and other necessary riding gear?

Thanks for helping this RookieRyder!

 

[Deanna777]

I would to say" :welcome: to this site, take a TEST drive.

My first spyder was a 2012RTS-SE5, I had someone drive my spyder home, I had already had my motorcycle permit, then I bought spyder, got my license, ( with the spyder) put on 8, 899 miles, traded it last year for a 2014RTS-SE6. I love my current spyder.
Good luck finding the spyder that you want. Keep us posted!
Deanna