I'm in your general vicinity, so I know what you mean about not having many resources around. Central Coast Yamaha in Santa Maria is a Spyder dealer. They are so-so at best for purchase and NEVER go there for servicing. The sales manager, Jethro, will let you take a short test ride if they have a used one in stock, which is seldom. Ventura Motorsports is no longer a Spyder dealer, however they usually have a used one on the lot. In the past, they've been pretty good about letting you take short test rides on their used inventory.
While I completely respect Peter's opinion and he qualified it, I disagree completely. To me the 1330 ACE engine is miles better than the old Aprilia retread engine. But, hey, that's what makes the world go round. :cheers:
I started on a 2008 GS and while I found it to be good and interesting, it wasn't quite "there". When they came out with the 1330 in 2014 all it took was one test ride. (A pre-production model at the EICMA show) and I was sold. It felt like what Can Am was trying to do all along.
However, as others have stated it depends on what you want out of your riding experience and what you can afford.