Issues for 2014 RT's over 75,000 miles?

[SpyderSue]

Good morning! A friend of mine is considering buying an RT from another friend of mine. The Spyder is a 2014 RT and has over 75,000 miles. It has been impeccably maintained, garage kept etc.

What issues have you run into for the higher mileage Spyders? It has the 1330 engine, se6...

This will be my friend's 1st Spyder, and a good way to get into it without spending a ton of $$ to find out if he likes it. But, I'd hate to think he's just about to step into some very expensive issues. No guarantees with any high mileage vehicle, of course. Just good to know what has been fairly consistent, if anything. Thanks for your help!!!

Sue

 

[CopperSpyder]

The key is it was well maintained, so if the price is right it should be fine. I see many Spyders here with a lot more then 75000 miles and still going strong.

 

[SpyderSue]

Thanks - Maintained better than anyone I've ever known...

 

[trikermutha]

I believe SpyderAnn's old RT has over 124K and still running strong.

 

[UtahPete]

Good morning! A friend of mine is considering buying an RT from another friend of mine. The Spyder is a 2014 RT and has over 75,000 miles. It has been impeccably maintained, garage kept etc.

What issues have you run into for the higher mileage Spyders? It has the 1330 engine, se6... This will be my friend's 1st Spyder, and a good way to get into it without spending a ton of $$ to find out if he likes it. But, I'd hate to think he's just about to step into some very expensive issues. No guarantees with any high mileage vehicle, of course. Just good to know what has been fairly consistent, if anything. Thanks for your help!!! Sue

Based on my 3 years of reading and participating on this forum, I would have to say that very few 2014 RTs have achieved that kind of mileage. At least not as reported here. There are the spectacular exceptions, such as Ann Meyer, but I think most folks put on about 3-7k miles per year typically.

Having said that, we have two of these machines and I'm expecting to keep both for at least another 5 years. They presently have about 20-24k miles on them and no issues so far.

The best thing you can do is check the service records of the bike, including routine maintenance and also any repairs that were performed. If work was done at an authorized dealer, there is a record of that.


FWIW, here is the history of Ann Meyer's SpyderAnn01) Spyders, from her signature block;

2017 F3T-SM6 (current ryde)
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles

 

[BajaRon]

Spyders seem to age well. If the Spyder has been maintained as you feel it has, and the price reflects the mileage. I'd go for it. Probably run as good as a Spyder with 1/3 the mileage.

 

[SpyderSue]

Thanks Ron - that seems to be the consensus...

 

[ARtraveler]

We currently have 34K on my 2014. We are starting to ride around 350 miles a week per bike now...so the high mileage will probably arrive sooner rather than later.

So far...no issues.

 

[JayBros]

I will have owned my '14 for five years in three weeks and have 62.3K+ on the clock. Other than the parking brake motor being replaced under warranty at 10 months and 9,400 miles I have had no mechanical problems and the bike has not missed a beat. Yes, I did lose the right side side panel on a long trip several years ago but that was because of a big foot and not as thorough a pre-ride check, both my fault; and I had to trash my second pair of Crapenda front tires because one was so poorly made that it could not be satisfactorily balanced, but that's not a the fault of the Spyder. The last time I changed brake pads I went with HBC pads and rotors from BajaRon but that was my choice, not the results of any failure of the OEM pads or rotors; I just wanted more braking power for spirited riding in the mountains. I somewhat agree with Pete that we don't routinely hear on SL of a lot of people racking up big miles because, (a) many folks just don't ride that many miles a year for numerous reasons and (b) those that do just quietly motor on and don't participate frequently on forums such as this one. IMO, the 1330 ACE engine Spyders are a big jump from the V-twins in terms of reliability and as a result owners are just quietly going about their business rolling up miles.

 

[PW2013STL]

We traded our 2014 RT last fall with 84,000 miles on it.
The only real issue I had with it was the DESS modual having to be replaced twice. Why I said real issue is that is the only time I was stuck on the side of the road until I could get it to start hours later. First time was a real hardship as I was at a bar - nothing worst that having to wait 2 hours at a bar with low cost drinks:yikes:
I understand it now has close to 90,000 miles on it and still going strong.

A friend of mine has over 100,000 miles on his 2015RT and that is also still going strong.

I also seen a post on Facebook where someone has over 150,000 miles on his 2014RT.

I would hot hesitate on purchasing a well maintained RT with only 75,000 miles.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have the same year RT …. other than the DESS issue it has run great …… I plan to ride until I pass-on …… The price better reflect that mileage though ….. I'm thinking $ 10,000 max …. the number of Farkles won't change that price …...good luck …. Mike hyea:

 

[SpyderSue]

Thanks Mike!

 

[PMK]

Maintenance and more importantly the maintenance items accomplished is important.

The big ones in my opinion, have the brakes been flushed every two years or pretty close to that?

Has the transmission filter replacements been accomplished?

Outside of that, as mentioned DESS.

Pretty much all else is typical wear items like tires / brakes.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks Mike!

PS, I forgot to mention 45,000 + miles …… Mike hyea:

 

[SpyderSue]

My 1st Spyder I put 36000 miles on, and my current F3 has 30,000 - so I guess I've got 66,000, and I'm still going strong too! hyea:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

My Spyder was a manual, and I think they have fewer problems than the semi automatics. When I sold it in 2017 it still had 18 months of extended warranty which meant any issues would cost the new owner only $50. I never had DESS issues on mine

If the price is right I’d go for it.

 

[Baron14y]

Maintenance and more importantly the maintenance items accomplished is important.

The big ones in my opinion, have the brakes been flushed every two years or pretty close to that?

Has the transmission filter replacements been accomplished?

Outside of that, as mentioned DESS.

Pretty much all else is typical wear items like tires / brakes.

You mention the brake fluid flush as shown in the manual. Why is this needed when cars will go almost forever without needing that? Just curious.opcorn:

 

[cmaz]

You mention the brake fluid flush as shown in the manual. Why is this needed when cars will go almost forever without needing that? Just curious.opcorn:

A lot of people neglect their cars but my last Goldwing and Harley recommended brake fluid changes every two years.

 

[Peter Aawen]

You mention the brake fluid flush as shown in the manual. Why is this needed when cars will go almost forever without needing that? Just curious.opcorn:

Cars can't really 'go almost forever' without needing their brake fluid changed/flushed, it's just that many people don't realise that brake fluid is hygroscopic, ie, it absorbs water from the atmosphere (even thru the cap seals.... eventually! :shocked: ) and that they SHOULD be getting it done - and some mechanics/Dealers justvaren't that interested in doing the job cos it's messy, and while it's relatively easy to do, it's even easier to stuff up, with potentially hazardous consequences or at least the need for being re-done &/or fixed at their expense.... so why do it or even mention it if the customer doesn't know?!? Which means that the 'less than concientious' types out there can (usually) avoid all of those issues with impunity! :banghead:

The fact is that wherever it's used, Brake fluid does have a limited life, and it'll deteriorate quicker over time if it's exposed to high humidity &/or moisture laden situations! So motorcycles, scooters, Spyders, trailers, and all those other hydraulically braked machines out there that aren't fully enclosed and so have their braking systems &/or master cylinders more exposed to those conditions therefore really NEED to have their brake fluid changed/flushed sooner than most cars or trucks might.... but that doesn't mean your car or truck still doesn't NEED it done too - it's just that those enclosed vehicles can usually get away with it not being done for longer & many don't realise the risks they are facing until something goes wrong! :shocked:

 

[Jim&Teresa]

Our 2014 RT Limited is still going strong at over 60,000 miles. Great ride and has been a good bike! Maintenance is a key. We are planning on hitting 100,000 miles plus with this one before an upgrade to a new Spyder...we put on about 12,000 miles a year on this bike so should be another 3+ years before we hit that 100K milestone!