Looking for first Spyder

[sjcpanther]

I'm in the market for my first Spyder. Never ride a bike before, but am really intrigued by the Spyder. I want the RT because I want the back seat support for a passenger.

I've seen some Spyder RT's for sale. One being a 2010 with 11,000 miles. Others being low mileage 2011 and 2012, but obviously more expensive.

This will be my first bike, and I want all the safety and comfort, but don't want to spend a lot since I want to know whether I really like it or not.

My question is -- Should I go with the 2010 with high miles, or is the 2011 or 2012 really worth the extra money?

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

[gnirtsnod]

I'm in the market for my first Spyder. Never ride a bike before, but am really intrigued by the Spyder. I want the RT because I want the back seat support for a passenger.

I've seen some Spyder RT's for sale. One being a 2010 with 11,000 miles. Others being low mileage 2011 and 2012, but obviously more expensive.

This will be my first bike, and I want all the safety and comfort, but don't want to spend a lot since I want to know whether I really like it or not.

My question is -- Should I go with the 2010 with high miles, or is the 2011 or 2012 really worth the extra money?

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

You'll get a lot of advice on this forum. Since I'm relatively new as well, I'm going to limit my feedback to say that 11,000 miles doesn't seem like a lot of miles for the Rotax engine. Let's see what the others say.

 

[Jeriatric]

I'm in the market for my first Spyder. Never ride a bike before, but am really intrigued by the Spyder. I want the RT because I want the back seat support for a passenger.

I've seen some Spyder RT's for sale. One being a 2010 with 11,000 miles. Others being low mileage 2011 and 2012, but obviously more expensive.

This will be my first bike, and I want all the safety and comfort, but don't want to spend a lot since I want to know whether I really like it or not.

My question is -- Should I go with the 2010 with high miles, or is the 2011 or 2012 really worth the extra money?

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

just my 2c..... always get the most you can afford. If it works, you're in good shape. If you decide to move it because it was not for you, you're still in good shape. Just get the best deal you can afford. That takes homework. Good luck and look forward to saying, congrats!!

 

[PrairieSpyder]

You'll get lots of different opinions on this issue. If you've not been a motorcycle rider at all before now, you should definitely take some test rides, and, if possible, try to rent one for a while.

I think the RS also has an optional passenger back rest, so that doesn't have to be a deciding factor. I got an RT, because I prefer a "cruiser"-type feel, rather than the a sport-bike riding position of the RS. I also wanted the storage of the RT for touring. However, I like how the RS sits lower to the ground. Another thing to consider is the manual vs semi-automatic. Since the Spyder requires more active steering, compared to a 2-wheeler, I like having a semi-automatic shifter.

Go sit on some. Test drive as much as possible till you've got a real feel for the differences.

You'll have a lot of fun shopping. Good luck.

 

[sjcpanther]

Thanks for the advice. I've also heard that the 2010 had some handling problems. Is the 2011 or 2012 really that much improved?

 

[SPYD1]

just my 2c..... always get the most you can afford. If it works, you're in good shape. If you decide to move it because it was not for you, you're still in good shape. Just get the best deal you can afford. That takes homework. Good luck and look forward to saying, congrats!!

Good advice.

 

[ARtraveler]

Have the dealer check over your decision, to see whether or not it is a "problem" bike. They can run the VIN and tell all the work that was or was not done on the used :spyder2:. You can also check out more about the bike if the owner is a member on SL. People post good and bad about their machines.

:spyder2:,s are very technical machines. A good used one can be a pleasure, a problematic one is the opposite.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Have your dealer run the VIN if for no other reason than to insure that all of the updates have been implemented...
But I've got a 2010 with 12,000 miles, and it's just getting nicely broken-in. :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

Am I reading its time for a new 2013? Remember my prediction about you and Spyderfest. :roflblack:

 

[murphybrown]

Welcome, Wecome & Welcome

First welcome to Spyderlovers...first enjoy the process...that will be the first of unlimited enjoyment surrounding Spyder ryding....I have a 2010 RTSE5...pushing 50k miles and I see "her" as just getting warmed up!! So based on my love affair with Ms Spyder..I say 11k is NOTHING as far as mileage on a Spyder. Yes, there were some recalls, BUT as long as you have the VIN checked you will be assured those have been corrected.
Always do YOUR due diligence...and do what works for you and your situation. Just like belly buttons, everyone has an opinion and justification for same...so it is your responsibility to take care of YOU and YOURS. Have an awesome day and time as you continue on your Spyder journey...:yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

Am I reading its time for a new 2013? Remember my prediction about you and Spyderfest. :roflblack:

:shocked: If I did that... you could all come to the funeral! :roflblack:

Truthfully; I LIKE my bike and what I've done to it. There's still a lot of room for "improvements", so why abandon ship just yet?

 

[spyderpoop]

spyder dealer

I see your from NC the canam dealer called RPMcycles in Albermarle NC phone #704-983-1125 (RICK) is one of the most Knowledged people I met on spyders and their not too far from you they had a used one last I heard but they will take ya out for a test ride and financeing thru them is easy see how it works out for you I got mine their a 2012 RT good Luck Rich

 

[sjcpanther]

I see your from NC the canam dealer called RPMcycles in Albermarle NC phone #704-983-1125 (RICK) is one of the most Knowledged people I met on spyders and their not too far from you they had a used one last I heard but they will take ya out for a test ride and financeing thru them is easy see how it works out for you I got mine their a 2012 RT good Luck Rich

Yes, I am familiar with RPM Cycles. I haven't visited them yet, but I plan to. I was looking at a per-owned 2010 from an individual, but it fell through. I'll see what they can do.

Thanks.

 

[Chupaca]

Confused yet..!!

You have allot of good advise here already. The best is to test ryde one. I always rent the car I would like to buy for a few days to see if it's for me. You can then decide if semi automatic (no clutch) manual shift RT RS etc. Then shop for your choice and follow advise above.. Good luck and welcome..!!

 

[jerpinoy]

You pick the right forum that cares, so good luck and make the right decision and enjoy with no regrets.:yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

Have fun shopping! :thumbup:
That's where most of the fun is, anyway!

That is; until you start spinning those wheels! :2thumbs:

 

[Rockwall]

I was in exactly the same position a few months ago and decided not to go the private seller route. I began checking used inventory with local dealers and wound up finding a brand new 2012 available. My research showed that Spyders really hold their value so used ones only saved a few thousand dollars. I bought the new 2012 and only miserable March weather is keeping me from busting out onto the road. Good luck and don't overlook the value of spending a little more to get the right bike.:doorag:

 

[sjcpanther]

Just wanted to say that I purchased a brand new 2012 RT last Friday. Just couldn't turn down the deal. Purchased the last 2012 on the lot. So far, this has been the best purchase I have ever made! Absolutely love this bike!

Added the fog lights. Really adds to the look.

Thanks to all for their opinions and advise on this forum.

Happy ryding!!!

 

[kubie]

Woooo Hoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cool:congrats::clap::clap::2thumbs::2thumbs::yes::yes::yes:

 

[BBBANDIT]

Also looking

Good thread Panther. Hope this is not considered stepping on a thread, but I just joined and am not sure how to start a new one. Looks like you got just what you needed. Hoping that some of these folks can help this crazy cajun with his next purchase. Long time motorcycle rider and now very interested in the Spyders. Do alot of my distance riding solo and like the idea of the Spyder layout alot more than a typical trike layout. Seems to be alot more stable. Unfortunatly the local dealer here is not very good, but I can travel to get a new one. I like all of the technology with the abs, traction control and stabiility control, plus the locking storage. I am leaning toward the RT-S.