Looking at 2012 RT High Mileage vs Low Mileage 2011 RT

[chief1949]

I am a more than 40 year motorcycle rider and currently own a 2009 Victory Vision Tour Premium. Was actually looking at spyders in 2011 when I purchased the Vision and due to several factors (age being one of them) have decided to jump into the spyder web. Have been tracking spyderlovers for the last couple of months so I'm not getting into the web totally ignorant of some of the issues that seem to be inherent with the spyders. Note I've had issues will most of the motorcycles I've owned over the years even a right side heat issue with the Vision.

I have located a 2012 RT (12000 miles) and driven it a couple of times and all seems well. I've also found a 2011 RT (A/C) (3000 miles). I plan on reviewing the records to ensure the appropriate recalls and reviewing available maintenance records. My thinking is obviously the 2012 has been ridden over the last year or so and most of the kinks have been worked out and addressed and the 2011 has not and there may be surprises lurking in the shadows on it. Other than records that the dealer(s) have available are there any other things I should be looking at? Any and all opinions are welcomed and appreciated.

 

[ARtraveler]

I am a more than 40 year motorcycle rider and currently own a 2009 Victory Vision Tour Premium. Was actually looking at spyders in 2011 when I purchased the Vision and due to several factors (age being one of them) have decided to jump into the spyder web. Have been tracking spyderlovers for the last couple of months so I'm not getting into the web totally ignorant of some of the issues that seem to be inherent with the spyders. Note I've had issues will most of the motorcycles I've owned over the years even a right side heat issue with the Vision.

I have located a 2012 RT (12000 miles) and driven it a couple of times and all seems well. I've also found a 2011 RT (A/C) (3000 miles). I plan on reviewing the records to ensure the appropriate recalls and reviewing available maintenance records. My thinking is obviously the 2012 has been ridden over the last year or so and most of the kinks have been worked out and addressed and the 2011 has not and there may be surprises lurking in the shadows on it. Other than records that the dealer(s) have available are there any other things I should be looking at? Any and all opinions are welcomed and appreciated.

:welcome: You have the right idea. I have a 2011 RT (A/C) which I purchased new in 2012. We just put a little over 10,000 miles on it before putting it away for the season. We have had zero issues or problems with it. If you are looking for "newer" and perhaps a slightly lower price--perhaps--the 2011 would be the way to go. In addition to checking the service records etc., it may good to check the owners information if they are members on SL. You can go and review all their posts. People say good and bad about their particular machines. Good luck on your hunt. Let us know what you do. :thumbup:

 

[sealfloorboards]

I am a more than 40 year motorcycle rider and currently own a 2009 Victory Vision Tour Premium. Was actually looking at spyders in 2011 when I purchased the Vision and due to several factors (age being one of them) have decided to jump into the spyder web. Have been tracking spyderlovers for the last couple of months so I'm not getting into the web totally ignorant of some of the issues that seem to be inherent with the spyders. Note I've had issues will most of the motorcycles I've owned over the years even a right side heat issue with the Vision.

I have located a 2012 RT (12000 miles) and driven it a couple of times and all seems well. I've also found a 2011 RT (A/C) (3000 miles). I plan on reviewing the records to ensure the appropriate recalls and reviewing available maintenance records. My thinking is obviously the 2012 has been ridden over the last year or so and most of the kinks have been worked out and addressed and the 2011 has not and there may be surprises lurking in the shadows on it. Other than records that the dealer(s) have available are there any other things I should be looking at? Any and all opinions are welcomed and appreciated.

I have a 2011 RT SE5 and have over 33,000 miles of very maintenance free riding. My only major issue was a clutch replacement. It failed because I was riding t too low an RPM. It was a common mistake a couple of years ago. BRP took care of the replacement ane we have since been educated to not ride below 4,000 RPM. That being said, I think the 2011 and 2012 were the best Spyderss made. I would love to find another very low milage 2011. Till them, I am sure my Silver Seal will continue to serve me well. It's where I really learned to.......

Ride in Comfort,
John
SealCreativeConcepts.com
SealFloorboards.com

 

[jimbo277630]

miles

:welcome: You have the right idea. I have a 2011 RT (A/C) which I purchased new in 2012. We just put a little over 10,000 miles on it before putting it away for the season. We have had zero issues or problems with it. If you are looking for "newer" and perhaps a slightly lower price--perhaps--the 2011 would be the way to go. In addition to checking the service records etc., it may good to check the owners information if they are members on SL. You can go and review all their posts. People say good and bad about their particular machines. Good luck on your hunt. Let us know what you do. :thumbup:

I myself have 48 000 or more on 2011 rt and have had some problems but no more than recalls and love the bike so I don't think its the miles its if they where taken care of myself I have a 2014 order and wife don't understand why am doing that but that's just the greed in me and would like the ideal of a new one since we travel a lot on ours and do love the spider but you will love the ride they give

 

[Highwayman2013]

I don't think you can go wrong with either bike. Just depends on price. We have 8700 miles on our 2012 RT Limited and love it. :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

choices, choices..!!

you seem to have two good units to choose from. Seeing that the manufactured date and date sold can vary a lot your milage may be your deciding factor. If you have checked them run vin#'s with dealers to see if all updates were made and spoken with the owners (watch their eyes) then your covered. So now you have visiual, color, mods and such to consider and then....well it's up to you to decide....good luck and welcome..!! :thumbup:

 

[flybuddy]

You'll enjoy either one..9K diff on these is no big deal. The warranties don't even mention mileage, just years. I'm pushing 14K on my 12RT. Only time it has been back at dealer is once for a BUDs (ECM) update. Basically trouble free. I tend to agree with you that machines being used tend to be more trouble free than those that sit. Another consideration is mods. Spyder owners tend to be mod nuts..what mods do they have?

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:, and :congrats: on finding a couple of real potential "keepers"...
Even though it's got more miles on it; I'd cast my ballot for the 2012; it was the MOST refined and perfected of the "first generation" RTs. The 2011s might have had some sorting out with the changes to the throttle body system, that occured after the 2010s showed so many :shocked:... issues.
But either one would be a winner!
And so it starts!! :2thumbs:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

You didn't mention if either have extended warranties? If either is still under the original 2 year warranty then you would still be able to purchase an extended warranty but I would definitely lean towards one that already had the extended warranty on it. If both have the extended I'd go for the 2012 like Bob Denman said it seems that the 2012s were the most problem free.

:welcome:

 

[Ivorspyder]

:welcome:, and :congrats: on finding a couple of real potential "keepers"...
Even though it's got more miles on it; I'd cast my ballot for the 2012; it was the MOST refined and perfected of the "first generation" RTs. The 2011s might have had some sorting out with the changes to the throttle body system, that occured after the 2010s showed so many :shocked:... issues.
But either one would be a winner!
And so it starts!! :2thumbs:

:agree:I have a 2012 RT which I bought new in July 2012.I have ridden just on 25000 miles with no problems at all.In the past year I have done 5 cross country trips,the longest being over 5000 miles plus dozens of one day rides.12000 miles is nothing.I am totally happy with the bike and planning an 8000 mile trip for next Summer.:yes::clap:

ivor:spyder:

 

[Spyder4Tess]

Earlier this year i bought my wife an '11 RT LTD.It had only 1400 miles.
The PO had the 600 mile service done a year prior to our purchase and had 1 factory warranty claim repair.

The only thing we had to do to it so far was to have two service bulletins completed(no charge) and change the oil.

Prices,mileage and condition would be the deciding factor.
Also if you want to buy an extended service (BEST)the '11 may not qualify.

 

[mob133]

2011 or 2012

another item to look at does either one of these still have warranty on them ,as long as it does you could extend it another few years.

 

[Pennyrick]

I am a more than 40 year motorcycle rider and currently own a 2009 Victory Vision Tour Premium. Was actually looking at spyders in 2011 when I purchased the Vision and due to several factors (age being one of them) have decided to jump into the spyder web. Have been tracking spyderlovers for the last couple of months so I'm not getting into the web totally ignorant of some of the issues that seem to be inherent with the spyders. Note I've had issues will most of the motorcycles I've owned over the years even a right side heat issue with the Vision.

I have located a 2012 RT (12000 miles) and driven it a couple of times and all seems well. I've also found a 2011 RT (A/C) (3000 miles). I plan on reviewing the records to ensure the appropriate recalls and reviewing available maintenance records. My thinking is obviously the 2012 has been ridden over the last year or so and most of the kinks have been worked out and addressed and the 2011 has not and there may be surprises lurking in the shadows on it. Other than records that the dealer(s) have available are there any other things I should be looking at? Any and all opinions are welcomed and appreciated.

I have owned both models and don't think you can go wrong with either. Your post should have been titled low mileage and barely driven. I think of 12,000 as low.

If the rear tire has already been replaced on the '12 I would go that direction just because it is a year newer. On the '11 make sure that the DPS and throttle body updates were done.

Good luck.

 

[Jeriatric]

Rule of thumb considering the years 2011 & 12. Purchase the newest, lowest mileage, best equipped, that your wallet will allow.

 

[Bob Denman]

"DT" mentioned the rear tire's condition; that's not a bad basis for this decision...
The 2012 has 12,000 miles; when was the tire replaced? :dontknow:

 

[gypsy_100]

... I think of 12,000 as low.
Good luck.

"DT" mentioned the rear tire's condition; that's not a bad basis for this decision...
The 2012 has 12,000 miles; when was the tire replaced? :dontknow:

I agree with DT -- 12K is not high, it's low. 100K is high. 12K is just getting broken in.

As for the tire, no big deal. A couple hundred bucks investment one way or the other is not significant in the grand scheme of things. Focus on the bike you really want and go for it. Good Luck.

 

[Bandit]

Looking at...........

In your post, you didn't differentiate if the 2012 is also an A&C or an RT-S. If the 2012 is a -S, that's the one I would recommend! We have both a 2011 & 2012 RT-S SE-5's. Have NOTHING but high praise for BOTH bikes. Planning for a 7-8000 mile trip this spring, starting with Spyderfest! BTW, I traded my Vic Hammer in for the 2012! :doorag:

 

[Cleg]

2011 vs. 2012

I am a more than 40 year motorcycle rider and currently own a 2009 Victory Vision Tour Premium. Was actually looking at spyders in 2011 when I purchased the Vision and due to several factors (age being one of them) have decided to jump into the spyder web. Have been tracking spyderlovers for the last couple of months so I'm not getting into the web totally ignorant of some of the issues that seem to be inherent with the spyders. Note I've had issues will most of the motorcycles I've owned over the years even a right side heat issue with the Vision.

I have located a 2012 RT (12000 miles) and driven it a couple of times and all seems well. I've also found a 2011 RT (A/C) (3000 miles). I plan on reviewing the records to ensure the appropriate recalls and reviewing available maintenance records. My thinking is obviously the 2012 has been ridden over the last year or so and most of the kinks have been worked out and addressed and the 2011 has not and there may be surprises lurking in the shadows on it. Other than records that the dealer(s) have available are there any other things I should be looking at? Any and all opinions are welcomed and appreciated.

12,000 mi is really nothing to worry about. When I was looking, in late 2011 and 2012 were on the way, my dealer advised me to go with the '12 because of the improvements BRP did to the steering and suspension. I did and am extremely happy with the '12. A little heat issue, but really, Spyderpops blockers worked quite well (and no I am not a Spyderpops employee ) Either one should be ok for you, but I recommend the '12. Good luck and enjoy the world of :ani29::bowdown: and :chat: here on line :doorag::thumbup:

 

[chief1949]

New ST Rather Than Used RT

Thanks to all who responded. I ended up purchasing a 2013 ST rather than the RTs I was looking at. Considering most of my riding will be day trips rather long distance touring like I've done in the past the ST was a better fit. The extra 2 year warranty was also a factor.

Again thanks for all of the responses and look forward to being an Spyder owner and a member of the SpyderLovers family. :yes:

 

[ARtraveler]

Thanks to all who responded. I ended up purchasing a 2013 ST rather than the RTs I was looking at. Considering most of my riding will be day trips rather long distance touring like I've done in the past the ST was a better fit. The extra 2 year warranty was also a factor.

Again thanks for all of the responses and look forward to being an Spyder owner and a member of the SpyderLovers family. :yes:

:congrats: on the new ryde. :thumbup::thumbup: