Older guy & previous rider thinking of RT Limited

[Chupaca]

Not tied to...

I am new to the spyder world..5months.. and have been on to many strangely unstable vehicles in my too many years. These rydes, even with the problems mentioned, are still the most stable of there type. If you still feel leary, after the best have posted enough to make you feel better, you can still get the 2012 which hasn't had problems and at a better price. New models always have kink. :thumbup:

 

[BikerDoc]

I am an old guy too, but I didn't research a lot on spyder before buying - just took three 1 hr test rides. I am on my second spyder now (trailer truck squashed first one) and I have ridden 50,000 miles AND EVERY DAY I READ ABOUT PROBLEMS ON THE FORUM THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD..
All I have had is the best 3 ryding years of my life - and my two wheeler experience started 44 years ago.. ONE THING IS CRITICAL.. FIND A GOOD DEALER THAT KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING THAT MEANS EVERYTHING.

 

[Netminder]

My wife and I rented one for a day, and the dealer said he would re-imburse the rental fee if we bought. That gave us a chance to decide if we really like it, needless to say we did and have not regretted our decision to buy!

 

[budro]

Age ain't nuthin' when yer havin' fun. Rode 2 wheels 48 yrs. befroe buyin' a Spyder. Took a few rides to get the 2 wheel "NEVER STEER" out of yer brain. Then is all fun.-----Budro

 

[Cavman]

I not as old as you but I haven't regretted buying a pre-owned RT last year. I just wish I could swing my leg over like all you others. But that doesn't stop me from riding. Wouldn't even think of getting on a two wheel bike anymore.

As said above, go and test drive some more!

 

[MidTNDawg]

Not too old

I just turned 69 and was looking at the new/old re-created Morgan 3 wheeler to satisfy my older age crisis. But the price and availability of dealers is giving me pause to consider some crisis management.

I recently sat on a RT Limited (mistake) and starting thinking on breaking my pledge to self that my riding days were over. Of course that pledge was based on two wheels up (not three) when I made it so there is an out if I really want one.

I've been reading up on the machine and I'm really concerned by all the posts documenting some weird handling (while on the highway) with the 2013. Is there any official statements from BRP on this I can use for research? What exactly changed (mechanically) from 2012 to 2013?

Thanks in advance, been reading and this is my 1st post here.
Jim

I am 77 (in Feb) and have over 600,000 miles on 2 wheels. It took some adjusting to my Spyder, but I love it! Can handle just fine with one hand, either hand with cruise set. Do you happen to know Buddy and Sandy Milton? They lived in Cumming years ago.

 

[GloryRyders]

Jim, :welcome:..................just "bite the bullet" and go for it! You won't be sorry!:yes:

 

[Cruiter]

I am 77 (in Feb) and have over 600,000 miles on 2 wheels. It took some adjusting to my Spyder, but I love it! Can handle just fine with one hand, either hand with cruise set. Do you happen to know Buddy and Sandy Milton? They lived in Cumming years ago.

Sorry, no. We moved back from FL in 04 after I retired from the Navy. My wife Jane is in a nursing home now with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Just thinking something like this might help get me active again. I'm also thinking of whether a back brace (worn) or that add-on seat back I've seen on here would be better. Sitting in the saddle of one at the store didn't feel that bad but I think after an hour or so it might get painful. No disk left at the L6 level and some shifting backward.

 

[Anakrid46]

Spyder woes--

I am old, 66 and a life long motorcyclist. I have owned over 70 machines with two wheels. I researched my RTS purchase for over four years and tried all the alternatives. Rode Harley trikes and found the yawing too much even in town plus the ride was rough. Did a test ride with a lady friend who was interested in 2008 and fell in love with the Spyders! I bought a 2012 RTS from Teds in Alton IL and am happy with the machine. I did have a parking brake cable dis-lodgement that took a part of a day to fix at Teds but otherwise pleased with the machine. The ride is wonderful and very stable at even high speeds. There is some method to riding as to the "wandering" with too much input. Just ease up and let the bike seek it's ground. The steering ratio is brisk and the power assist, while smooth, is a new experience for motorcyclists. As to the 2013 and some tracking problem--I know of none yet and as I understand it the new frame will be even more stable than the previous models. happy trails and hope you try the Spyders--you will be pleased!:ani29:

 

[Mr. White]

I did not start riding until 1948. Triked my second Gold Wing in '05 and bought BR1 in 3/11. Had a throttle body problem which was replaced by BRP. This took six weeks, but was the dealer, not BRP! I ride both trikes and love both....they are different rides, but are fine machines. I never know which I will ride until I get to my barn....ha ha

I was 80 last August and will ride until they pry my dead, cold hands off of the throttle....my bad knee out of the Korean War started acting up in '05 and has good and bad days....I like the trikes better than I did two wheelers. When I can't climb on my scoots, I will use a two step ladder to get on them.

:spyder2:

 

[MouthPiece]

Sorry, no. We moved back from FL in 04 after I retired from the Navy. My wife Jane is in a nursing home now with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Just thinking something like this might help get me active again. I'm also thinking of whether a back brace (worn) or that add-on seat back I've seen on here would be better. Sitting in the saddle of one at the store didn't feel that bad but I think after an hour or so it might get painful. No disk left at the L6 level and some shifting backward.

I'd definitely get at least a back rest. In addition, and depending on your finances, I'd get a custom seat. There are at least two that come to mind. I have the Corbin seat. Others have the Ultimate. I personally like the Corbin because it gives me a "firm seat" for my tail end. I don't care for soft or spongy.

On another note, I can truly empathize for your situation with your wife. It truly is "the long goodbye" as Nancy Reagan stated one time. My heart goes out to both you and your wife.

Chris

 

[spyderjim2012]

RIDE IT

JUST SHUT UP AND RIDE, LOL. ok sorry just thought it was funny ,.if they were 10k every one would have one , and im glad they dont , I like to b different , ok envy to a lot of people ,

 

[Jeriatric]

:welcome: if you are too worried about the 2013 and potential problems with handling I know you could get a great deal on a leftover 2012.

:agree: :thumbup:

 

[Paulf10]

I have a 2012 RT Limited. Last year I only put on a little over 7,000 miles on my Spyder due to lack of time. To be perfectly honest, it took me about 2,000 miles to get past the learning curve and feel comfortable on the Spyder. At first highway speeds were really tough. It felt like the Spyder wanted to throw me off the bike with the slightest movement.

However this had nothing to do with the Spyder! It was all me! I had to "unlearn" everything I knew about riding 2 wheel bikes. I traded in a 2009 Goldwing for the Spyder, and before that I had an HD Ultrglide, and before that an HD Electraglide, and before that a HD Softail, and before that, etc, etc. I am a registered Iron Butt rider and typically would put on close to 15k to 20k miles a year on my bikes. And I live in MA.

My point to all this is that I honestly think the more experience a person has on 2 wheelers, the more of a learning curve they face transitioning to the Spyder. It may be that it's just me and at 62 I was a slow learner. But regardless of having said all this, I can truthfully say that the Spyder is the most comfortable, most fun, and most relaxing bike I've ever ridden. At highway speeds it handles just as nice at 75 as it does at 105 ( that's the most I've had it up to). From the streets of downtown Boston, to the rural roads of the Berkshires, and Catskills, to the Interstates, nothing beats a Spyder.

Buy one! You'll be very glad you did!!

 

[Spydee8]

:welcome:It's a decision only you can make, but for my husband and I, it's one we researched and thought about for a long time. Then in April 2012, with no intentions of going to a dealership that day, we walked in and saw the most beautiful machine we have ever seen. We walked around it, sat on it, and talked to the salesman. The next thing you know, we're signing papers, and Spydee became our baby. We both rode two wheelers, and decided the time had come to start riding on three wheels. Best decision we made! We did get a Corbin seat with back rest, and that helps with long rides. Highly recommend the seat and back rest! Can't wait to hear what you decide! If you have any questions, this is the place to be...so many helpful folks!

Good luck, and keep us informed! Also sending my prayers for your wife!

Dee

 

[Cruiter]

:welcome:It's a decision only you can make, but for my husband and I, it's one we researched and thought about for a long time. Then in April 2012, with no intentions of going to a dealership that day, we walked in and saw the most beautiful machine we have ever seen. We walked around it, sat on it, and talked to the salesman. The next thing you know, we're signing papers, and Spydee became our baby. We both rode two wheelers, and decided the time had come to start riding on three wheels. Best decision we made! We did get a Corbin seat with back rest, and that helps with long rides. Highly recommend the seat and back rest! Can't wait to hear what you decide! If you have any questions, this is the place to be...so many helpful folks!

Good luck, and keep us informed! Also sending my prayers for your wife!

Dee

Thanks for the thoughtful post and the prayers for Jane. I like the color of yours, it would be my 2nd choice to Pearl White with the brown saddle. A question you might be able to answer for me re: the various wraps. I've noticed in many of the videos available a lot of folks like to add various designs and art to their machines. What percentage of owners do you think do that and does it make them harder down the road to re-sell? I have to admit while I've usually been a 'purist' with my cars, some of what I've seen look pretty nice.
Jim M.

 

[warp10]

Get one you will love it. As to adding wraps, and resale, the wraps can be taken off so that would not be a problem. They are not glued one just static. Put some clear ones on a Busa to protect paint and headlight, they are stil on.

 

[Slagiatt]

I'm Done with Motorcycles (or not)

Like you, I was getting long in the tooth and short on endurance when I sold my "last ever" motorcycle (Suzuki Blvd) 5 years ago.
But...RT-S SE5...I'm back!
The other day I said to my wife after a short ride (without even thinking about it much), "Why would anyone want a 2-wheel motorcycle after riding a Spyder?"
Guess I'm hooked, right?

 

[Spydee8]

Thanks for the thoughtful post and the prayers for Jane. I like the color of yours, it would be my 2nd choice to Pearl White with the brown saddle. A question you might be able to answer for me re: the various wraps. I've noticed in many of the videos available a lot of folks like to add various designs and art to their machines. What percentage of owners do you think do that and does it make them harder down the road to re-sell? I have to admit while I've usually been a 'purist' with my cars, some of what I've seen look pretty nice.
Jim M.

There are many wraps available, and again that's a personal choice. We have a few decals on ours, a big spider on the frunk and a smaller one on the console. I believe it's what makes a Spyder your own, the way you present it. As for resale value, I honestly don't believe it would hinder the sale. It would make it even more unique.

Dee

 

[james danny]

I am 62 bought a rt in May had been off motorcycles since 1990. just mad i didnt buy when spyders came out. Go for it you wont regret it.