New Member ?'s about RT's

[liteft01]

Hi all. New member from Kansas here. Looking to buy an RT in the next year. I can't afford a 2014, so am looking at used. What are the biggest differences between the first gen RT's and the 2013? Are there any 'fixes' I should be looking for that have not been done that should be? Any help is appreciated.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

As I recall from talking to the local dealer back in November, the biggest differences of note from 2012 to '13 were larger tires and an improved suspension.

 

[MidTNDawg]

I agree with Roger

If you can get a 2012 RT I would go for it.
While I don't happen to think the 2013 is really a bad vehicle, to me the 2012 (I have a 2010 and a 2012) is really the most refined.

The 2014 with the the triple cylinder has from most early reports all the hallmarks of a real winner, the 2012 is really very nice.

welcome, whatever you decide.

However, my first choice is the 2014. I understand that is out, but still my choice. After the 2014, definitely the 2012 for me

 

[Vrooom]

13savings

Very happy with my 13 so far, and keeping fingers crossed for further safe and fun miles. The very low price I paid for it leaves me thousands gaining interest for the future. 2013's are selling discounted right now where all rts' should be selling, IMHO. Sure hope the quality allows me to continue to be optimistic!

 

[stewartj239]

What are the biggest differences between the first gen RT's and the 2013? Are there any 'fixes' I should be looking for that have not been done that should be? Any help is appreciated.

There is a huge difference between the first Gen RTs and the 2013. The 2013 shares the same updated chassis as the 2014 which includes the Brembo brakes and larger wheels. The main difference between the 2013 and 2014 is the motor. Some 2013 owners have had heat problems where others have not. There is an ECM update that addresses the heat issue which has gotten some very positive results - just search for it on this forum. Also, if you think you're leaning toward a 2013, be sure to test drive it yourself to verify you've got one that doesn't produce excessive heat. If you do that, then you'll have a winner.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: and may I extend my :congrats:, on your wise selection in bikes and forums? :2thumbs:
2010 to 2012...
The first gereneration...
201s came with a front suspension that was pretty darn soft; most folks upgraded to different shocks and anti-SwwayBars. (I did...)
They also had a throttle body system that seemed to break at the least possible useful moment... :shocked:
2011 model year saw some corrections in both areas...
2012 saw a further refinement in the throttle bodies :thumbup: This model year has pretty much been hailed as the "best of the first!"
2013: theplot thickens...
They got bigger front wheels and some real serious Brembo brakes. Then, there's that new frame... It allowed them to moved the battery to a forward position; making access to it MUCH easier. They also revised the front suspension design.
But something happened that they hadn't planned on...
Heat issues cropped up.
They've worked out fixes for them; make sure that if you buy a 2013; the heat "issues" have been addressed! :thumbup:
Functionally; they handle and stop better than the "first gens", and there are lots of folks in here that are happily piling up the miles on them. :2thumbs:
So; Happy Hunting!!

 

[btcherm]

I would go for the 2012 RTS just saying I think it the best of the rest, I love my 2012 RTS ES5
what more can I say but I love it. and have fun .

 

[reverendg]

I think everyone is fairly agreed on this one. 2012 is the best model prior to the 14's. Seems like they bit off a bit much in the 13's and ran into some issues.

 

[3 Wheel Addict]

If you could swing the cost go for a new leftover 13 model. With the latest updates from BRP it seems that a lot of the heat issues might me taken care of, I know it made a huge difference on mine. However if your budget is used then look for a 12 model as it seems to have all the 10 and 11 issues fixed on it.

 

[Silvervette05]

It took me a while, but I would go to my dealer every Saturday, and see if they had any trade ins, for when people were getting
2014, my wait was worth it. I got a 2012 RT-S for a great price and low miles 3,400 You might want to try that, Good luck

 

[Dragonrider]

Any of the RTs from 2010 to 2012 are a good bet. The kinks were worked out, and now that the 2nd Gen (2014) is out, the 1st Gen bikes are much more affordable. You can't go wrong on any of these, and you can still find 10's with less than 5K on the clock.

Personally, I wouldn't look at a 2013, as it IS a transitional model, and while many don't have issues, those you find used, probably do. The older ones are probably from folks who wanted a Gen 2 (2014), or went back to the dark side, like me.

Additionally, there are STILL used 2011s and 12s out there, at decent prices. Look for them - reach out to dealers in areas with lower sales, like the NorthWest. It may cost a much as $1,000 to ship one, but you might get a unbeatable deal out of the effort.

Good luck.

 

[Purple Guy]

However, my first choice is the 2014. I understand that is out, but still my choice. After the 2014, definitely the 2012 for me

:agree:
I had a 2012 RT Ltd. and just loved it!
I never had any trouble with it and I'd still be riding it and not upgrading to the 2014 if it didn't have that unfortunate meeting with an unmovable object...:yikes:

 

[liteft01]

Thanks for the replies. Makes things a little easier.

 

[Bob Denman]

 

[bullant12]

You are not to far from these 2 used Spyders:

2011 RT, 2010 RT

I know the couple who are selling them, and I know these units are well taken care of if you are interested.

 

[jerpinoy]

:welcome: and I think it's all been said what you need just keep yourself posted. Good luck all I can say I am happy with my 2012.