Upstater
New member
Run away from the 2013...
I'm sure there are folks with a 2013 that really enjoy them. However, I went through exactly what you are debating last year. I made a deal on a 2013 only to find out the heat issues and recall when I got home. The new design on the 2013 model was not BRP's best engineering effort. I cancelled the deal the next day and started looking again for another dealership (I felt misled and lied to). I was almost ready to pull the trigger on a 2015 RT limited SE6. But I asked the new dealer if it made sense for a new rider like me to buy a used bike and save a little cash. He had a 2012 RT limited SE5 with very low miles for almost half the price of a 2015. Except for the performance difference it was a no brainer for me. I bought the used 2012 and absolutely love it. We had a blast this past year and look forward to many years of enjoyment.
Now, if budget is not an issue, then I would buy a newer model (new or used) with the 1330 motor. I say this after listening to forum members for the last year. If you have never ridden a Spyder before it may not be a big deal. The gas mileage difference alone is admirable. I feel like I'm always looking for a gas station on extended rides with my 998. Highway performance is a bit smoother and passing semi trucks is much easier with the extra power and gear ratio on the 1330.
What are your riding habits/intentions? if you are a spirited rider and expect to do a lot of touring, then the newer 1330 motor models are probably what you should be looking for. If the dealership you visit doesn't allow test rides, run like the wind and find another one. Ride both to help with your decision. It's your money and nobody should tell you how to spend it. There are many great opinions in this thread. Let them help guide you, not convince you. Best of luck and report back (with pictures) on your decision. Welcome aboard!! -Rick
I'm sure there are folks with a 2013 that really enjoy them. However, I went through exactly what you are debating last year. I made a deal on a 2013 only to find out the heat issues and recall when I got home. The new design on the 2013 model was not BRP's best engineering effort. I cancelled the deal the next day and started looking again for another dealership (I felt misled and lied to). I was almost ready to pull the trigger on a 2015 RT limited SE6. But I asked the new dealer if it made sense for a new rider like me to buy a used bike and save a little cash. He had a 2012 RT limited SE5 with very low miles for almost half the price of a 2015. Except for the performance difference it was a no brainer for me. I bought the used 2012 and absolutely love it. We had a blast this past year and look forward to many years of enjoyment.
Now, if budget is not an issue, then I would buy a newer model (new or used) with the 1330 motor. I say this after listening to forum members for the last year. If you have never ridden a Spyder before it may not be a big deal. The gas mileage difference alone is admirable. I feel like I'm always looking for a gas station on extended rides with my 998. Highway performance is a bit smoother and passing semi trucks is much easier with the extra power and gear ratio on the 1330.
What are your riding habits/intentions? if you are a spirited rider and expect to do a lot of touring, then the newer 1330 motor models are probably what you should be looking for. If the dealership you visit doesn't allow test rides, run like the wind and find another one. Ride both to help with your decision. It's your money and nobody should tell you how to spend it. There are many great opinions in this thread. Let them help guide you, not convince you. Best of luck and report back (with pictures) on your decision. Welcome aboard!! -Rick