Newbie with a question regarding 2011 RT-S

[Wrongway]

Hi Everyone. My name is Greg and I've been lurking for a couple of weeks now while I searched for a Spyder RT to purchase because it's time to move on from 2 wheeling.
Anyway I found a 2011 RT-S SE5 with 32,000 kms (19,000 miles). Asking price is $12,000.00 which seems really good to me.
I've just driven nearly 400 miles with my wife to see and hopefully take posession of the Spyder tomorrow morning.
The owner who is 81 years old, bought it last September from a reputable dealer and has put 1,000 kms on it since the purchase. The original owner was also a senior and I am as well.
It has new tires that were put on by the selling dealer. The owner also had them install new spark plugs.

Anyway, Unfortunately, the owner passed away in June and his wife is selling the Spyder.

Finally my questions:
1. I've searched but cant find out if the bike actually came with an ipod or if the ipod is something I should supply??
2. I have an iphone so maybe I can find a way to make it work??
3. Is there anything that I should look for as far as warning signs?? I'm not very mechanically inclined so please be gentle.

Best regards
Greg

 

[DGoebel]

Greg,
The Ipod is something each owner usually supplies. That's the easy part of answering your questions. I've got a 2013 RTL and the mechanical / electrical issues I've had have been truly minor and fixing them gave me added confidence in at least I know that shouldn't happen again. IF all three tires were replaced 1000km's ago no matter what brand they are you should have plenty of good tire left to break yourself in with the Spyder differences.

Read and Re-Read the Do's and Don'ts Sticky in the Spyder General Discussion section.

Ride it, Ride it, Ride it, it's been said that it takes a couple few hundred miles to get settled in comfortably and used to how the Spyder acts. I agree, But I've put 9000 Miles on mine in Minnesota since last October 15th. (And it was in storage Dec - Mar).


Enjoy and Welcome, Safe Rides and happy trails.

 

[loisk]

The RT is the only model I've never had..

But my suggestion is to make sure it has had proper servicing as per schedule in the owners manual. If so, and I would guess it's all ok, then go for it!

 

[youngers]

hello greg

when you get the chance , take a torch { flash light } , look in the fan exit area , where the right foot pegs are , this is where the fan blows air out pass the radiator , shine your light in the pan area , toward the nose of the bike , look for wet spots ... also look under , see if there is hard skid mark , where the cycle might had been driven over , something like a high point and raked the bottom of the bike , also wet bottom { a leak of oil or coolant } most likely nothing is wrong with it , and the lady just needs to let the cycle go ... might check the oil dip stick make sure it is oil , and not oil and water a milky brown color ... just some ideas ... like I mentioned probably nothing wrong with it ... { read the topics on pulling up codes see if this section might help }

 

[Wrongway]

Thanks

Thanks for the speedy replies folks. I've studied the do's and don'ts for a few days now and they're very helpful for a new spyder owner.
Good info on where to check for leaks etc as well.
I'll check the tire pressures as well.
I'm pretty excited about my 400 mile ride home today. Maybe by the end of the day i'll stop putting my left foot down at stops and grabbing for the front brake.
I'm planning to ride the first 100 miles on secondary highways to get a feel for it before hitting the freeway.
Thanks again. Ride update to follow!!

 

[jwulf74]

You should be able to make your iPhone work. The RT should have come with 2 DIN connectors that plug into the rear trunk. One is basically just a headphone jack adapter. The other is a 30 pin Apple connector. Being at least the 3rd owner though, the cables might not be with it... eBay might be the best bet. If you have a newer phone with the lightning connector, the recommendation is to use only the Apple 30 pin to lightning adapter. Others have not had good luck with the aftermarket ones.

The other thing with the din to apple cable.. the 2011 has a "box" on the can am cable. I think the later ones will work, but the 2011 adapter for the RT would be best if you can find one.

 

[ARtraveler]

The 2011 RT is a good one. I have the same (purchased new in 2012). 27,000 miles and no issues except replacing tires and battery. The 2010's (Premier Edition) came with an I-pod, but I don't know about subsequent years.

12K (Canadian) is a very good price. Owned by an 81 year old--probably a good deal for you. You can get the service history by looking up the VIN.

If it all checks out, post a picture or two. :congrats: :yes::yes:

 

[Highwayman2013]

Welcome

 

[jwulf74]

Part number for the Can Am iPod cable for the 2011 is 219400187. If I read right, the newer version of the cable will not charge iPod/iPhone on the older Spyders.

This cable might be a trick to find now...

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:
Here's to lots of "Miles & Smiles" for you! :cheers:

 

[d.o.spyder-rts]

:congratsn your spyder and :welcome:to the spyder web. Have a safe trip home. Dale

 

[Wrongway]

Impressions os the Spyder RT after 366 mile ride

590 kms (366 miles) from picking up my new to me Spyder to home.
Final negotiated price was $11,400.00.

It was very hot and humid. The temperature readout on the spider matched our car the my better half was driving. Temperatures ranged from 31c to 35c. For those in the US, it's freaking hot. Not to those in Arizona I guess, lol.

A few impressions based on about 150 miles on secondary highways with speed limits of 50MPH and the rest on multi-lane freeway with speed limit of 60mph but I drive 73 with the cruise on as much as possible.

1. The stock seat is possibly the most comfortable seat that I've experienced and I alwas have problems with stock motorcycle seats. This included stock gold wing and harley untra seats, mustang seats, corbin seats and ultimate seats.
I didn't get numb bum until I was about 60 miles from home.

2. Gas mileage seems to absolutely suck at freeway speeds of 73mph. I didn't calculate but on one tank I had only done 120 miles when the low fuel warning light came on. I drove about 20 miles after that and it only took 17.6 litres = 4.65 US gallons to fill. Apparently the tank will hold 25 litres = 6.6 US gallons.
Based on this, I'm guessing I could have gone a bit further but better safe than sorry.

3. About an hour from home we hit reall heavy rain for about 15 minutes. I railed the windshield and got down low closer to it (easier than stopping to put on rainwear). To my surprise although I had read it, I stayed dry for the most part. Just a bid wet on my shoulders and back. Dry feet was a huge bonus.

4. The bike performed flawlessly but I found that the transport trucks reall blew me around pretty good. Not sure if it was because I was probably white knuckleing it a bit or if it's the nature of the beast but that was my only concern.

5. Surprisingly I only put my foot down twice but I lost count of how many times I reached for the front brake lever.

6. It's like I'm a magnet when I stop at a gas station or coffee shop. People seem intrigued by this strange looking whatever it is

7. Cornering is different for sure but after today I'm much better and more confident.
I really think we're going to enjoy the Spyder. So much easier around town and less stressful when the rain came down so hard.

Thanks to everyone for your input. All helpful.
Regards
Greg