I'm in the market for a new "machine", the spyder has peeked my interest for a long time. How are they holding up in the long run? What about high miles, I typically put 20K a year on motorcycles. Anybody have one go over 100K miles yet? What is the average maintenance cost of keeping one, like life of tires, brakes, they typical stuff?
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Longevity of an RT
- Thread starter Markk9
- Start date
CyncySpyder
Teddys favorite human
Teddy & I would like to Welcome YOU to the SpyderHood
:yes::welcome::yes:
:shocked:Your likely to get as many differing answers to your questions as there are members on here:dontknow:
One recommendation if I may, toward the top right hand side of this page, you'll see a rectangular white box with a small magnifying box next to it, that's the forum 'Search' engine and is very useful to locate threads about almost anything that you seek:thumbup:
The RS models have been out since 2008, so they have two years on the RT models which only came out in 2010, so the RS folks are likely to have more miles than us RT fans. Teddy and I use his Red Sled as our daily driver and only mode of transport, and we had 13,700 miles on our 2010 RT-S in 11 months, before we traded it for the 2011 SpyderFest Eddition RT-S that we have now. We've had it since April of 2011 and have over 32,000 miles of smiles:2thumbs:
:yikes:Maintenance costs depends on your local dealers labor rates:yikes:
:lecturef_smilie:Some are just highway robbery at over $100/hr:yikes: and some are very reasonable, I've seen as low as $55/hr and that was in UpState NY believe it or not:firstplace: So it all depends:dontknow: But with all the 'Tupperware' on the Spyders and tight working spaces, they can be time consuming to service:chill:just the nature of the beast:helpsmilie:
However, with this :firstplace:forum:firstplace: there are many tallented members here that don't mind sharing their knowledge, and we have many DIY How To's and videos even if you don't mind working on your own machine:clap: It can be very rewarding and save you alot of money as well:2thumbs:
:firstplace:I will say, you've found the BEST site on the www for ANYthing & EVERYthing :spyder: related:2thumbs:
:yes: So Welcome & Enjoy:yes:
:shocked:Your likely to get as many differing answers to your questions as there are members on here:dontknow:
One recommendation if I may, toward the top right hand side of this page, you'll see a rectangular white box with a small magnifying box next to it, that's the forum 'Search' engine and is very useful to locate threads about almost anything that you seek:thumbup:The RS models have been out since 2008, so they have two years on the RT models which only came out in 2010, so the RS folks are likely to have more miles than us RT fans. Teddy and I use his Red Sled as our daily driver and only mode of transport, and we had 13,700 miles on our 2010 RT-S in 11 months, before we traded it for the 2011 SpyderFest Eddition RT-S that we have now. We've had it since April of 2011 and have over 32,000 miles of smiles:2thumbs:
:yikes:Maintenance costs depends on your local dealers labor rates:yikes:
:lecturef_smilie:Some are just highway robbery at over $100/hr:yikes: and some are very reasonable, I've seen as low as $55/hr and that was in UpState NY believe it or not:firstplace: So it all depends:dontknow: But with all the 'Tupperware' on the Spyders and tight working spaces, they can be time consuming to service:chill:just the nature of the beast:helpsmilie:
However, with this :firstplace:forum:firstplace: there are many tallented members here that don't mind sharing their knowledge, and we have many DIY How To's and videos even if you don't mind working on your own machine:clap: It can be very rewarding and save you alot of money as well:2thumbs:
:firstplace:I will say, you've found the BEST site on the www for ANYthing & EVERYthing :spyder: related:2thumbs:
:yes: So Welcome & Enjoy:yes:
Grandpa Spyder
New member
:welcome:and you have found the right forum. I am also new for my :spyder2: only has 6000 trouble free miles on it. They are very high tech machines and any thing you do on them usually requires a lot of panels to be removed. I think I would wait to see what is new for 2013. There are indications that something new is coming out. I do my own oil changes and the savings is quite good. My 600 & 3000 mile checks were around a $100.00 each. That was with out oil change. I think you will really like the Spyder if you give it a chance.
revjvegas
New member
Just a suggestion here...
Best way to find out how much your service might cost, where you are, is to visit the dealer where you may make the purchase and talk to the guys in the service department; not the sales guy. They should be able to provide you with what their charge will be for the various service intervals.
I've only had mine for three weeks now, so I've only been able to put a little over 950 miles on her...but they've all been fun!
My other rotax is a BMW F650 that I've only put 66k on so far, and that motor is just as strong as when she was new. So if they live up to the rotax name, those motors should still be running long after the tires fall off.
Best way to find out how much your service might cost, where you are, is to visit the dealer where you may make the purchase and talk to the guys in the service department; not the sales guy. They should be able to provide you with what their charge will be for the various service intervals.
I've only had mine for three weeks now, so I've only been able to put a little over 950 miles on her...but they've all been fun!
My other rotax is a BMW F650 that I've only put 66k on so far, and that motor is just as strong as when she was new. So if they live up to the rotax name, those motors should still be running long after the tires fall off.
Bob Denman
New member
:agree: I don't think that it could be summed up any better than this... :thumbup:
harrypottar
magical member
:welcome:, you have found the best site for anything to do with spyders. You already have some great information above, I would like to off my 2 cents for what it worth.
As you are properly aware most owner forums we will tend to be bias to our choice of vehicle. I'm still new to the Spyder (honeymoon phase), purchased mine in late May 2012 and only have just under 5,000 miles, if it wasn't for work and family commitments I would have a lot more miles.
I've been riding for over 35 years and have had many different bikes in that time, my last was a Goldwing which I traded for the current RT Limited that I ride. I have posted before that I was getting board with riding and my bike sat most of last year in the garage. I've ridden all over Europe and most of the East Coast here in the USA and was getting tainted with been there done that. The Goldwing although a great touring bike was becoming a pain in the rear after a long days ride, two up with trailer in tow, its a heavy bike to move around when you're tired and trust me I'm not a small guy. My wife was riding less and less with me as well, she has hip issues (just had a first hip replaced last week) and was finding it extremely hard to get on and off the wing. Don't get me wrong the wing is a great bike for touring, proven, reliable comfortable but in my very humble opinion just a bit boring. When I was looking to replace my wing I looked at all sorts of bikes, the new Goldwing(2012), BMW K series and the Visions to name a few.
I started looking at this forum when my interest peeked in the Spyder, I posted here with question and thoughts on trading my Goldwing, to cut a very long story short its the best move I've made in years. This bike is so different and fun, the fun factor is hard to describe because its so different. I've had many bikes of all different types from scooters, dirt bikes, racers, cruisers etc but this as been the best. I know that this is my current bike and by definition your current bike is normally your favorite but its hard to explain this is my ultimate bike. Its so different, comfortable easy to ride legal fun you can have on three/two wheels. My wife prefers the spyder as well, more relaxing easer to get on and off. Once she as both hips replaced we will be out riding next year all over the place. Its comfortable stock, but just like Goldwings you can add better seats, suspension and goodies to meet your needs and budget.
Like all things in life, because we are all different there are things that I would like to see changed/added but these are few and far between as it just works. It would be great to have a 1800cc inline 6 engine, but thats not going to happen. The current engine is more than capable, its a race proven Rotax engine that been used in Aprilla motorcycles for years and as been proven for longevity and reliability. The Spyder is a relatively new design heavily reliant on electronics with all the safety features and sensors it as it normally those that fail before the engine.
You will find post here of issues with limp modes and issues ranging from minor to major, but this will be the same with any forum be it Goldwing, BMW, Ford, GMC etc. By nature people will post when they have issue more then the will when they don't. Would be a boring thread if all everyone posted "went for a ride and nothing happened". There are thousands of owners here who have not had any issues, many have issue with I wish it had this, or I wish it didn't do this, its too hot too cold so on and so fourth but not that many that have had compete failures.
There are a many here that will go on rides of 10,000 miles or more :bowdown:, I wish I had the time to do the same. My bucket list is to do a tour of the USA over a month or so, once my last child is either sold or off to collage (which ever I can swing first) I will take a month off work and tour (dreaming here). But I would trust my Spyder on any long run, I have faith it will get me there and back.
Cost are relative with any big bike, I'm paying in line with what I paid for my Goldwing services (Goldwing tax is about equal to Spyder Tax), I think BMW still holds the record as the most costly to maintain. I would recommend finding a good dealer in your area, get the BEST extended warranty and if your dealer offers it get a service contract. It will take a good 400-500 mile run to get uses to how it handles, I once saw a post over in the GL1800 rider forum where a goldwing rider traded to a Spyder and hated it and traded back within 3 days. Then there are those like me that traded and love it. I ride the Spyder out of choice not because I need three wheels.
Good luck with your choice, take a long demo ride, go to a few dealers find a local spyder rider and get as much info as you can.
harry
As you are properly aware most owner forums we will tend to be bias to our choice of vehicle. I'm still new to the Spyder (honeymoon phase), purchased mine in late May 2012 and only have just under 5,000 miles, if it wasn't for work and family commitments I would have a lot more miles.
I've been riding for over 35 years and have had many different bikes in that time, my last was a Goldwing which I traded for the current RT Limited that I ride. I have posted before that I was getting board with riding and my bike sat most of last year in the garage. I've ridden all over Europe and most of the East Coast here in the USA and was getting tainted with been there done that. The Goldwing although a great touring bike was becoming a pain in the rear after a long days ride, two up with trailer in tow, its a heavy bike to move around when you're tired and trust me I'm not a small guy. My wife was riding less and less with me as well, she has hip issues (just had a first hip replaced last week) and was finding it extremely hard to get on and off the wing. Don't get me wrong the wing is a great bike for touring, proven, reliable comfortable but in my very humble opinion just a bit boring. When I was looking to replace my wing I looked at all sorts of bikes, the new Goldwing(2012), BMW K series and the Visions to name a few.
I started looking at this forum when my interest peeked in the Spyder, I posted here with question and thoughts on trading my Goldwing, to cut a very long story short its the best move I've made in years. This bike is so different and fun, the fun factor is hard to describe because its so different. I've had many bikes of all different types from scooters, dirt bikes, racers, cruisers etc but this as been the best. I know that this is my current bike and by definition your current bike is normally your favorite but its hard to explain this is my ultimate bike. Its so different, comfortable easy to ride legal fun you can have on three/two wheels. My wife prefers the spyder as well, more relaxing easer to get on and off. Once she as both hips replaced we will be out riding next year all over the place. Its comfortable stock, but just like Goldwings you can add better seats, suspension and goodies to meet your needs and budget.
Like all things in life, because we are all different there are things that I would like to see changed/added but these are few and far between as it just works. It would be great to have a 1800cc inline 6 engine, but thats not going to happen. The current engine is more than capable, its a race proven Rotax engine that been used in Aprilla motorcycles for years and as been proven for longevity and reliability. The Spyder is a relatively new design heavily reliant on electronics with all the safety features and sensors it as it normally those that fail before the engine.
You will find post here of issues with limp modes and issues ranging from minor to major, but this will be the same with any forum be it Goldwing, BMW, Ford, GMC etc. By nature people will post when they have issue more then the will when they don't. Would be a boring thread if all everyone posted "went for a ride and nothing happened". There are thousands of owners here who have not had any issues, many have issue with I wish it had this, or I wish it didn't do this, its too hot too cold so on and so fourth but not that many that have had compete failures.
There are a many here that will go on rides of 10,000 miles or more :bowdown:, I wish I had the time to do the same. My bucket list is to do a tour of the USA over a month or so, once my last child is either sold or off to collage (which ever I can swing first) I will take a month off work and tour (dreaming here). But I would trust my Spyder on any long run, I have faith it will get me there and back.
Cost are relative with any big bike, I'm paying in line with what I paid for my Goldwing services (Goldwing tax is about equal to Spyder Tax), I think BMW still holds the record as the most costly to maintain. I would recommend finding a good dealer in your area, get the BEST extended warranty and if your dealer offers it get a service contract. It will take a good 400-500 mile run to get uses to how it handles, I once saw a post over in the GL1800 rider forum where a goldwing rider traded to a Spyder and hated it and traded back within 3 days. Then there are those like me that traded and love it. I ride the Spyder out of choice not because I need three wheels.
Good luck with your choice, take a long demo ride, go to a few dealers find a local spyder rider and get as much info as you can.
harry
TuckMiddle
New member
Spyder mx and expectations
First of all, the dealer you buy from should be one you researched with the local Spyder groups. The last forum on this site has the states listed and you should start there, unless you know some Spyder owners. I have back, hip and shoulder issues, but the RT Spyder is the most comfortable "chair" we have. I added the Utopia back rest and it is just pure comfort, even with the stock seat.
Someone mentioned the maintenance contract. I did that because the Spyder is so new, so different and my above issues limit what I can do - I'm about to turn 75 :yikes:. The mx agreement has already paid for itself in my first year of three - 20,000 miles the first year and almost no problems that you wouldn't expect on a Goldwing or RoadGlide - have had several of each brand. If the dealer sets the bike up correcdtly, like mine evidently did, you'll be home free (compared to inundated with micky mouse electrical BS, if some yoyo set it up) Personally, I think the BUDS computer based system is way to over-sensative and over-controlling, but I admit to only one computer system problem and it was with the auto air bag system - it somehow got screwed up and had to be re-programed. What's wrong with using a simple pressure switch instead of making it so complicated??
Read through some of Lamonster's (the site owner and Spyder ace) videos to get an idea of what's under the tupperware.
Lastly, ask questions and someone will know the answer, I normally don't, but I'm learning.
You will not be sorry as long as you take an extraordinairy amount of time to research everything and find a dealer like Cowtown (world famous "Len") or the other leaders in the Spyder dealership system to buy from and support your new ride. Even my wife loves the Spyder and she is pretty critical of all 2 and 3 wheelers. Oh, be sure to ignore the magazine articles. Seems like these "experts" are opinionated before they start and very mis-leading, IMHO.
And remember, the Red Spyders are the prettiest, fastest and most desireable ones :roflblack:
Tuckmiddle
First of all, the dealer you buy from should be one you researched with the local Spyder groups. The last forum on this site has the states listed and you should start there, unless you know some Spyder owners. I have back, hip and shoulder issues, but the RT Spyder is the most comfortable "chair" we have. I added the Utopia back rest and it is just pure comfort, even with the stock seat.
Someone mentioned the maintenance contract. I did that because the Spyder is so new, so different and my above issues limit what I can do - I'm about to turn 75 :yikes:. The mx agreement has already paid for itself in my first year of three - 20,000 miles the first year and almost no problems that you wouldn't expect on a Goldwing or RoadGlide - have had several of each brand. If the dealer sets the bike up correcdtly, like mine evidently did, you'll be home free (compared to inundated with micky mouse electrical BS, if some yoyo set it up) Personally, I think the BUDS computer based system is way to over-sensative and over-controlling, but I admit to only one computer system problem and it was with the auto air bag system - it somehow got screwed up and had to be re-programed. What's wrong with using a simple pressure switch instead of making it so complicated??
Read through some of Lamonster's (the site owner and Spyder ace) videos to get an idea of what's under the tupperware.
Lastly, ask questions and someone will know the answer, I normally don't, but I'm learning.
You will not be sorry as long as you take an extraordinairy amount of time to research everything and find a dealer like Cowtown (world famous "Len") or the other leaders in the Spyder dealership system to buy from and support your new ride. Even my wife loves the Spyder and she is pretty critical of all 2 and 3 wheelers. Oh, be sure to ignore the magazine articles. Seems like these "experts" are opinionated before they start and very mis-leading, IMHO.
And remember, the Red Spyders are the prettiest, fastest and most desireable ones :roflblack:
Tuckmiddle
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
Others have given good information above.
As for longevity, my 2010 RT now has 28,000 miles and counting. One computer problem recently caused by brake light switch not canceling out completely. Other than that, so far, so good.
Service costs are high here $110.00 per hour. My last service, oil change, filter, plugs, check over, find what was causing the computer glitch, inspect valves----$1000.00. Cruise control switch still be be replaced--cost unknown at this time.
Service costs are my biggest complaint right now.
As for longevity, my 2010 RT now has 28,000 miles and counting. One computer problem recently caused by brake light switch not canceling out completely. Other than that, so far, so good.
Service costs are high here $110.00 per hour. My last service, oil change, filter, plugs, check over, find what was causing the computer glitch, inspect valves----$1000.00. Cruise control switch still be be replaced--cost unknown at this time.
Service costs are my biggest complaint right now.
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
MY 2 1/2 CENTS
Nobody mentioned tires yet ?.....OEM kenda's tend to wear out quicker.......Car tires can go 30,000 to 40,000 + miles easily........aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand if you happen to get LUCKY and have a perfectly aligned front end from the factory......the mileage could be unbelievable...Mike....:thumbup:
Nobody mentioned tires yet ?.....OEM kenda's tend to wear out quicker.......Car tires can go 30,000 to 40,000 + miles easily........aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand if you happen to get LUCKY and have a perfectly aligned front end from the factory......the mileage could be unbelievable...Mike....:thumbup:
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
RE: Tires I consistently get 13,000 to 15,000 out of the rear tires. Front tires on both RS models needed replacing in the same range.
I just replaced the front tires on my 2010 RTS at 26,000 miles--that is the best I have done so far on front tires.
I just replaced the front tires on my 2010 RTS at 26,000 miles--that is the best I have done so far on front tires.
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