My wife is considering moving from her Harley Davidson Heritage Softail to a Spyder Rt. She has had some knee problems & is looking for the stability of 3 wheels. Our riding will be mostly day trips with the possibility of a couple week long trips a year. She will also be riding solo 90% of the time. Should we consider a 2013 since the company seems to be very aggressive price wise or is the extra cash worth it for a 2014? Also what advice can anyone give her to help her get used to riding the Spyder vs. a 2 wheeled bike? Thanks in advance.
-
There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
I need some advice from Spyder owners - any help/hints on getting used to a Spyder after a Harley?
- Thread starter Questions
- Start date
Dan_Ashley
New member
2012 or 2014.
cptjam
Registered User
14
A RT 2014 is a much better machine than a 2012. MUCH Better! Even a RT LTD is no comparison to a 14 RT. JMHO, Joe
Transition is easy, and once she stops trying to lean into curves, it is a fantastic machine. That she can continue to ride is huge! HUGE!!! In a couple of hours, she will be just fine. Add an ISCI hand brake, and it will be seamless.
A RT 2014 is a much better machine than a 2012. MUCH Better! Even a RT LTD is no comparison to a 14 RT. JMHO, Joe
Transition is easy, and once she stops trying to lean into curves, it is a fantastic machine. That she can continue to ride is huge! HUGE!!! In a couple of hours, she will be just fine. Add an ISCI hand brake, and it will be seamless.
Last edited:
Dan_Ashley
New member
2014 much better
2012 better
2013 not
2012 better
2013 not
Chupaca
New member
Choices choices..!!
You need to go with your better judgement. If money is no object go with the latest 2014. Most will tell you to even though it is all new for this year. Bigger engine three cylinder with six speed opposed to a V twin high rpm five speed. Your wife may handle the lower rpm's of the tripple better coming off a harley. If your looking for the best deal then any of the other models will suit her needs. You may see most steer away from the 2013's because of some heat issues on the earlier ones.
As for learning, a test ryde will lure her and 300 miles down the road she will be all smiles. The more she rydes the better she gets the more she will love it. Getting used to not having a front brake lever, not having to put your feet down is easy getting used to running at higher rpms takes some time.
Hope to see her on the road smiling...:thumbup:
You need to go with your better judgement. If money is no object go with the latest 2014. Most will tell you to even though it is all new for this year. Bigger engine three cylinder with six speed opposed to a V twin high rpm five speed. Your wife may handle the lower rpm's of the tripple better coming off a harley. If your looking for the best deal then any of the other models will suit her needs. You may see most steer away from the 2013's because of some heat issues on the earlier ones.
As for learning, a test ryde will lure her and 300 miles down the road she will be all smiles. The more she rydes the better she gets the more she will love it. Getting used to not having a front brake lever, not having to put your feet down is easy getting used to running at higher rpms takes some time.
Hope to see her on the road smiling...:thumbup:
Highwayman2013
New member
My wife loves her 2012. If the budget allows go with a 2014, but there are plenty of 2012s out there for sale. The higher rpms were hard for me at first but I'm used to it now. Whatever your decision she will love it.
Welcome!
Welcome!
dano
Member
sddinnh
New member
I won't comment on 2012 vs 2013 vs 2014 because all I have ever owned is the 2014. When I first went to the dealers, he too offered me a good price on the 2013, but I have a friend who is very knowledgeable about CanAm's (he's on their development team) and he recommended that, if I could afford it, I go directly to the 1330 and the SE6. He thought they were that much better if nothing else for the increased range, especially if you are going to do any touring.
So as you can see, I went ahead and bought a 2014 Limited and I have been very pleased with it's performance. A couple of days and I made the transition from 2 wheels to 3 and now it seems natural even though I've only had it a week and a little over 600 miles. Hope this helps in your decision.
So as you can see, I went ahead and bought a 2014 Limited and I have been very pleased with it's performance. A couple of days and I made the transition from 2 wheels to 3 and now it seems natural even though I've only had it a week and a little over 600 miles. Hope this helps in your decision.
Last edited:
Bob Denman
New member
:welcome: :2thumbs:
Does your Wife have any experience riding ATVs or snowmobiles? They most closely approximate the feeling of a Spyder at speed.
I had a 2010 RT, and am now on a 2014... There's very little comparisons between the two, where the 2010 can hold it's own.
Does your Wife have any experience riding ATVs or snowmobiles? They most closely approximate the feeling of a Spyder at speed.
I had a 2010 RT, and am now on a 2014... There's very little comparisons between the two, where the 2010 can hold it's own.
PrairieSpyder
New member
:welcome:
I would recommend the '14. I have a '11 RTS and am in the process of trading for a new '14 because of the new engine and other improvements they've made. Coming from a HD, I'd think the high-rev 998 engine would take some getting used to. If you just want to get a "starter" Spyder to see how you like it and then get a better one later, go ahead with the used. But if finances allow, I'd go for the '14. JMHO.
schnauzermom
New member
SHES ME
I came off an HD Softail Deluxe to a 2011 RTS SE5. It is an easy transition but she will need seat time to get used to turning and twisties at speed limits. For me at least a couple hundred miles. I got the auto transmission because of arthritis in my thumb joints and I wouldn't go back to clutch for anything because it's so easy. The first thing she'll experience is the carefree, worry free riding. She will want to go anywhere, anytime, any weather. And even though it's a different type of feeling in the curves, my husband says I go faster thru the curves than I did on my HD. He also says I leave him in the dust after stopping, he on his HD Roadglide. I almost traded mine on a newer one this year. I would have gone with a 2014 even though 2013 cheaper. The 2014 has so many improvements from previous years, including better gas mileage. I decided to keep mine because of low mileage. Last thing, we took a 2 week trip to Yellowstone and Glacier Park and the storage on these is amazing and the comfort is awesome. Hope this helps, sorry got a little winded :yes:
I came off an HD Softail Deluxe to a 2011 RTS SE5. It is an easy transition but she will need seat time to get used to turning and twisties at speed limits. For me at least a couple hundred miles. I got the auto transmission because of arthritis in my thumb joints and I wouldn't go back to clutch for anything because it's so easy. The first thing she'll experience is the carefree, worry free riding. She will want to go anywhere, anytime, any weather. And even though it's a different type of feeling in the curves, my husband says I go faster thru the curves than I did on my HD. He also says I leave him in the dust after stopping, he on his HD Roadglide. I almost traded mine on a newer one this year. I would have gone with a 2014 even though 2013 cheaper. The 2014 has so many improvements from previous years, including better gas mileage. I decided to keep mine because of low mileage. Last thing, we took a 2 week trip to Yellowstone and Glacier Park and the storage on these is amazing and the comfort is awesome. Hope this helps, sorry got a little winded :yes:
jcthorne
Well-known member
My wife Louise just made the same transistion. 13 vs 14 is a personal decision. The 14 does have some new features but it is 10,000 more. Big chunk of change to consider. We went with the 13. Its pretty easy to tell if the one you are considering has over heating problems in 30 minutes or so before you buy. We knew going in that her 13 would need a few upgrades to be more comfortable but all in, we still saved over $8000. Besides, the 14s are not available in any color we like so would have had to add $2500 for paint work on the 14. Overall we are very happy with our pair of 13s consider the pricing paid. If the money were even, I might would prefer the 14 but its not even close on the funds.
Its a decision you have to make. But do buy one of them and ride together. We have sure enjoyed it.
Its a decision you have to make. But do buy one of them and ride together. We have sure enjoyed it.
SteveMac
MOgang Member & Monster Member,
This is an EXCELLENT point. :thumbup:
The RPM curve on the 14 would better suit a former MoCo twin rider.
Blasphemy perhaps. But if you are going to be riding solo most of the time, why not an ST? Less money and if the V twin engine is alright with you, it is mostly the same machine.
Bob Denman
New member
:shocked: :hun:
Women ALWAYS need to have the most-possible carrying capacity...
...for when a ride, turns into a shopping trip! :2thumbs:
Women ALWAYS need to have the most-possible carrying capacity...
...for when a ride, turns into a shopping trip!
:2thumbs:
JkRbbt
New member
JJ,
I would say, if you guys were touring coast to coast all summer, definitely go with the longer range, newest tech of the 2014. But for funnin' around on weekends and short trips, you have to ask yourself if it is really worth the LARGE extra bucks. I have a 2013 RT and have NOT had the heat related problems. It's fun to ride and she will enjoy it! Irritates me to no end that we have the "experts" here that have NOT owned a 2013 telling folks to AVOID them.
I rode H/D for 25 yrs before switching to the Spyder. Don't plan to go back and I hope BRP keeps improving the Spyder. 3 wheels gives stability and comfort! The learning curve is minimal! Test drive both and then decide! Best o' luck and enjoy!
I would say, if you guys were touring coast to coast all summer, definitely go with the longer range, newest tech of the 2014. But for funnin' around on weekends and short trips, you have to ask yourself if it is really worth the LARGE extra bucks. I have a 2013 RT and have NOT had the heat related problems. It's fun to ride and she will enjoy it! Irritates me to no end that we have the "experts" here that have NOT owned a 2013 telling folks to AVOID them.
I rode H/D for 25 yrs before switching to the Spyder. Don't plan to go back and I hope BRP keeps improving the Spyder. 3 wheels gives stability and comfort! The learning curve is minimal! Test drive both and then decide! Best o' luck and enjoy!
Jim&Teresa
New member
:agree: I have owned a 2012 RT Limited and it was a very good machine. It was very dependable and had no major issues with it. We rode it about 7600 miles in 2013. We would still have it.....however, with the great improvements in the 2014 RT, we decided to trade it on a new 2014 RT Limited.
It is a lot more dollars to buy new than a used one. However, the 2014 RT is an AWESOME machine which is much smoother, less maintenance, better MPG, etc. We paid a "hefty" price to upgrade, but it's worth it and not looking back.
You are doing the right thing to get your facts before making a decision to purchase! :thumbup: Best wishes to you and good luck with you decision as you go forward! :2thumbs:
Last edited:
Bob Denman
New member
Patti brought up a VERY good point; the powerband of the 1330 is much more similar to the Big Twin that she's already used to...
The 998s love to rev, and not everybody can get used to that idea easily... :shocked:
The 998s love to rev, and not everybody can get used to that idea easily... :shocked:
Similar threads
