On the Fence More Than Ever About Purchasing a Spyder....

[newbert]

Although I've taken a test-ride (which I enjoyed), the more I read many of the threads here the more doubts enter my mind as to whether to get a Spyder. No - I'm not being a troll. It's just that although I have the finances for it, it would still be a significant investment, and I don't want to end up regretting it.

The positives about the Spyder don't need to be listed here, since it's clear that you all enjoy your Spyders.

But among the concerns I have are:

1. Service, service, service: I am not mechanically inclined at all, so would have to really depend on the dealer for all servicing. Unlike with a car or even a two-wheeler, where I have a choice of 3rd party/after market places to go for service, that doesn't appear to be a realistic option for a Spyder. And I only have two dealers within reasonable distance from me (one of which can't even manage to return a phone call).

2. Purchasing at a Good Price: Again, because I have only one responsive dealer in my area, how do I negotiate for a good purchase price? Sure, there's online competition, but if I purchase online to get significant savings, I'm back at....

3. Service, service, service again. How would the local dealer feel about servicing a unit bought elsewhere after he took the time to give me a test-ride or two?

4. Laser Alignments, Sway Bars etc: There are so many threads here that recommend both a laser alignment and/or a 3rd party sway bar. How do you get those done if your dealer doesn't do laser alignments? Not to mention that I'm not sure how he'd feel about installing after-market parts.

I don't live near a big city, and have few choices in dealers with reasonable distance. Another fact of life here is that the riding season is realistically only six or seven months long. (I won't ride it in winter.) However, there are so many back roads with little traffic around here that I'm sure that the Spyder would be lots of fun. I really want a Spyder, but am so torn because of the above concerns. My decision would probably be easier if it was possible to lease a Spyder. That way I'd be more inclined to take a chance on it. But I haven't seen that option anywhere.

So, that's my thought process in a nutshell. Any thoughts on my dilemma would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Bob Denman]

nojoke Don't agonize over it: either you'll end up deciding that you want one... or you won't! :shocked:

But guess what??

The Sun will still rise; regardless of what you decide. :thumbup:

You've been asking a lot of good questions, and that's the smart thing to do. :clap:
But the Ball ends up in your court, and we can't tell you what will be right for you.
Only you know that answer!

 

[Chupaca]

Agree...ag

:agree: Just remember that this is not where you will find all the happy campers that are out there with no issues and enjoying their rydes. We try to help those with issues be it self inflicted or manufacturer's. Sadly you are looking at things negatively with doubts and it is making it hard for you. You should see the sites for other vehicles and you may find we are far better than most. In the end it is always buyer choice...good luck but feel we will see you out there...:thumbup:

 

[kentompkins]

First of all, You are correct in saying that service is very important. That's why choosing reliable dealer is so important. Most of us have found that Spyders having problems when recently purchased are Spyders that were not set up right at the dealer. That is crucial and it is worth driving far when you purchase one to get a thorough setup.

Many of us ride far to get our Spyders serviced. Remember that if the Spyder is set up right you are unlikely to be returning to the dealer -- except for the first, required service. From then on, going to the dealer will probably be a sometime thing.

Second, there are 10,000 plus members of this site and on any day only a few have problems. You have to keep negative comments in perspective.

Third, I can't comment on purchase negotiation. Spyder dealers want to sell bikes like car dealers want to sell cars. So negotiate and negotiate. There are all kinds of really excellent dealers on the east coast. Why not find one that has a great reputation (ask about it here) and has the bike you want. Then drive to the dealer and ride the bike home. Many others have crossed much of the US to buy their Spyders. I've found that dealers want to do
service on Spyders. It never made any difference to my dealer that I purchased my Spyder elsewhere.

Hold off on the additions (with perhaps one exception = laser alignment) until you've had the bike for, say, a year. After a year of riding you will know exactly what you want to add. You will need to learn to ride your Spyder and then you will be so pleased with it you won't want to have it unavailable while someone adds the latest farkle. Once again, my dealer will install anything I bring to him.

I have had three Spyders starting with a 2008 to my present 2014 which is pretty much stock. Last summer I put 9000 miles on it in a trip to the west coast states. It ran flawlessly.

Just my 2 cents.

ken tompkins

1. Service, service, service: I am not mechanically inclined at all, so would have to really depend on the dealer for all servicing. Unlike with a car or even a two-wheeler, where I have a choice of 3rd party/after market places to go for service, that doesn't appear to be a realistic option for a Spyder. And I only have two dealers within reasonable distance from me (one of which can't even manage to return a phone call).

2. Purchasing at a Good Price: Again, because I have only one responsive dealer in my area, how do I negotiate for a good purchase price? Sure, there's online competition, but if I purchase online to get significant savings, I'm back at....

3. Service, service, service again. How would the local dealer feel about servicing a unit bought elsewhere after he took the time to give me a test-ride or two?

4. Laser Alignments, Sway Bars etc: There are so many threads here that recommend both a laser alignment and/or a 3rd party sway bar. How do you get those done if your dealer doesn't do laser alignments? Not to mention that I'm not sure how he'd feel about installing after-market parts.

 

[Bob Denman]

It all comes down to this:

Nobody wants to you buy a bike of ANY type, and then have it sit almost unused... nojoke

 

[Bfromla]

:2thumbs::firstplace: For asking & some well founded concerns with any machinenojoke
Now the sway bar has its perks but I'm still using OEM & am a daily rider but very laid back relaxed no rush (slow lane) kind of guyopcorn: The alignment (recommended maybe 1 a year) can also be done at various events like Spyderfest & Spyderquest (in your area)as well as installs if you can make it to either & set appointment for ensure fast service. Dealers & service , when you find a good dealer & tech STAY with them! :lecturef_smilie: Few too many have had questionable results from all over:dontknow: Hope this helps &:welcome:

 

[KX5062]

As to the sway bar, laser alignment, etc. Much of that is more fine tuning than a necessity, especially if you get the newer models. BRP has made big strides in the design and execution of these bikes. By most accounts the front ends are now coming from the factory well aligned and the factory sway bar is just fine as it is, like I said, fine tuning only.

As to servicing, you have a really good point. A Spyder is a different kind of beast, but not really. It really is just a big quad missing a rear wheel. If you can find a good independent motorcycle mechanic/shop, they can do much of the work that might need to be done. The only thing they can't really do is the computer (BUDS) related stuff.

Now, purchasing is a something you can only decide. Fly/ride, etc is always an option and is commonly done in the motorcycle world.

 

[GOZFST]

Go to most any brand specific forum and you'll find the people who are unhappy with their purchase. No one here can make that choice for you, a good dealer is key if you can't do some of the maintenance yourself. As far as add on's like was previously stated ride it for a while and see if you need (or want) them. My 08 GS REALLY benefited from a laser alignment from Squared Away, my current '12 RT doesn't seem to be as needy although it would probably help. The Baja Ron sway bar also really helped the 08, but again the RT seems to handle just fine. Good Luck!

 

[Mazo EMS2]

I think if you find a newer model, you'll be just fine with stock suspension and sorts. The sway bar is a nice addition to the older models, but we just upgraded from a 2010 to a 2016, and I don't feel the need to add a sway bar to it like I did to the 2010. No one says you need to add ANYTHING to your Spyder if you get one. This site is just an avenue to read about all the things you CAN do if you want to. I found my 2016 online at a dealer 2 hrs away, but I have 2 other dealers within an hour away. I was just at one of the closer dealers and the service manager told me that since I had work done with them on other "toys" that he would be happy to help us out with needed service. I prefer to crawl around and do some of the work myself, but it's good to know that they'll work with me. Maybe that would be the case with you as well...??? It's worth having the conversation with them. If you decide to buy, just ride it for a few thousand miles before you start tinkering. Keep asking questions and watching how-to videos too.

 

[JKMSPYDER]

DECISIONS!!!

Newbert, the closest dealer to me is 90 miles away and the next closest is 150. I have had two Spyders; a 2013 ST-S and my current Spyder, a '15 F3-S. I have used both dealers for service and both have been great. I have ridden over 38,000 miles between both Spyders and have not had a problem that left me stranded. I will be riding to Spyder homecoming at the end of this month and St George, UT in September. Just buy the Spyder and you won't regret it.

 

[sandeejs]

I STILL Love My SPYDER

I've had a few problems with here and there, but I still really like my Spyder. Everywhere I go, people ask about it. There is a dealership 40 miles from here, not too impressed with their work. 18 miles from me is one that does OK. Near me (about 5 miles) is a shop that does fine with most things. They don't take appointments though, and they aren't really a dealership. There's a place I took my Honda to in the next town, but until they moves to a bigger shop, they don't have room to work on a Spyder.
:spyder:
Also near me is a friend who is usually available to drop me off or pick me up at the shop. Sometimes I have to buy her lunch.

Now that I have NoBoots adapter for the shield raising thingy (installed by the 3rd shop), I'm looking forward to another year of riding. I have ridden to Nova Scotia, South Dakota, NY and other places on it.

Spyder will be paid for in a month or 2.

If only my computer were as well behaved as my Spyder........

~Sandee~

 

[ARtraveler]

I was hoping Bob D would chime in since he also resides in upstate NY. I did not see him mention the dealer he is happiest with (sorry if I missed it). I think you will be covered in your location.

I did laser alignment, but had to wait until Squared Away came to AK for a visit. My dealer will have nothing to do with it.

The sway bar is another option. I don't have one on either of my two :spyder2::spyder:'s.

As Bob said: at this point it is really your decision. No hard sell from us is going to make much difference--and it should not. I don't want to be blamed for what you may consider a bad decision at a later time. :yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

Maybe I didn't mention them pps::
Klinger PowerSports
33 West St
Walton, NY
607 865 6326

 

[Badco149]

I bought my F3 LTD at a different dealer then the one that did the first service on it and have no complaints. I did have the Smooth Spyder Belt Tensioner installed while being serviced. I am very happy with the results.
Love my Spyder best thing I ever did for the wife and I.hyea:

 

[Road-Kill]

Although I've taken a test-ride (which I enjoyed), the more I read many of the threads here the more doubts enter my mind as to whether to get a Spyder. No - I'm not being a troll. It's just that although I have the finances for it, it would still be a significant investment, and I don't want to end up regretting it.

The positives about the Spyder don't need to be listed here, since it's clear that you all enjoy your Spyders.

But among the concerns I have are:

1. Service, service, service: I am not mechanically inclined at all, so would have to really depend on the dealer for all servicing. Unlike with a car or even a two-wheeler, where I have a choice of 3rd party/after market places to go for service, that doesn't appear to be a realistic option for a Spyder. And I only have two dealers within reasonable distance from me (one of which can't even manage to return a phone call).

2. Purchasing at a Good Price: Again, because I have only one responsive dealer in my area, how do I negotiate for a good purchase price? Sure, there's online competition, but if I purchase online to get significant savings, I'm back at....

3. Service, service, service again. How would the local dealer feel about servicing a unit bought elsewhere after he took the time to give me a test-ride or two?

4. Laser Alignments, Sway Bars etc: There are so many threads here that recommend both a laser alignment and/or a 3rd party sway bar. How do you get those done if your dealer doesn't do laser alignments? Not to mention that I'm not sure how he'd feel about installing after-market parts.

I don't live near a big city, and have few choices in dealers with reasonable distance. Another fact of life here is that the riding season is realistically only six or seven months long. (I won't ride it in winter.) However, there are so many back roads with little traffic around here that I'm sure that the Spyder would be lots of fun. I really want a Spyder, but am so torn because of the above concerns. My decision would probably be easier if it was possible to lease a Spyder. That way I'd be more inclined to take a chance on it. But I haven't seen that option anywhere.

So, that's my thought process in a nutshell. Any thoughts on my dilemma would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

The only reason I purchased my Spyder a few months ago (my first) was because I found a close enough dealer which was recommended by a friend. I would not buy a Spyder or any other brand if there was not a competent mechanic nearby. You do not need sway bars, lazer alignments or any of that other crap out there. The Spyder is VERY efficient without that and has been for me. As far as a good price goes.....if you are nit-picking at every dollar DO NOT BUY A SPYDER. They are not cheap rydes.

Just know this. If you spend $21,000 today and decide tomorrow its not for you.....you will sell it for $10,000 less then you bought it for. Nobody gets their money back from selling a used machine.....NOBODY!

My advice if you are sitting on the fence is NOT TO DO IT. If love is not in the air....its not. My thoughts.

 

[PMK]

Dealers and service, if you find a great local dealer, you are very fortunate. Many of us drive a couple of hours to go to a good dealership. Myself, the local dealer is 10 minutes away, when needed I ride 2 1/2 hours, passing 3 other dealerships to go to the dealer I trust.

Some dealers will bargain, others not so much and others not at all. How you play that card is on you. Some bikes arrive via internet sales, others buy then fly in and ride the machine home, and others make a great deal locally while others still get totally hammered on price locally.

As fo modifications, a stock Spyder, with properly balanced tires, and good alignment is a good machine. The newer machines are nice with the 1330, but many riders live for the V Twin.

If you buy a Spyder, buy it to enjoy it. Do not let the quirks get into your head. If your uncertain, and since these are basically toys, skip the Spyder and consider a Mazda Miata or similar. More dealers, similar cost, and, a fun toy also.

If you need your arm twisted to buy a Spyder, go shop for a boat, and ask boat owners how much extra curricular activites the boat requires.

All the best, and enjoy life, whether on a Spyder or not.

 

[Tazzel]

The newer Spyders do not require as much maintenance and as far as adding farkles, most owners do them on their own. However if your like me and don't have the tools or the guts to install, any bike mechanic can do them. I have my Scooter mechanic do my accessories installs at half the price of the Spyder dealers.

 

[MelloYelloSpyder]

The only reason I purchased my Spyder a few months ago (my first) was because I found a close enough dealer which was recommended by a friend. I would not buy a Spyder or any other brand if there was not a competent mechanic nearby. You do not need sway bars, lazer alignments or any of that other crap out there. The Spyder is VERY efficient without that and has been for me. As far as a good price goes.....if you are nit-picking at every dollar DO NOT BUY A SPYDER. They are not cheap rydes.

Just know this. If you spend $21,000 today and decide tomorrow its not for you.....you will sell it for $10,000 less then you bought it for. Nobody gets their money back from selling a used machine.....NOBODY!

My advice if you are sitting on the fence is NOT TO DO IT. If love is not in the air....its not. My thoughts.

GREAT ADVICE....wish I had heard that when I bought my leftover 2013 STS. I rode it for a couple of years and now it sits parked in the garage on a battery tender. Taken out once a month or so to roll the tires around and start it up. I thought it was for me but after two years of riding it I decided I didn't really like it anymore. I went and bought a two wheel bike and the Spyder will stay parked until sold....

 

[LateLifeCrisis]

Although I've taken a test-ride (which I enjoyed), the more I read many of the threads here the more doubts enter my mind as to whether to get a Spyder. No - I'm not being a troll. It's just that although I have the finances for it, it would still be a significant investment, and I don't want to end up regretting it.

The positives about the Spyder don't need to be listed here, since it's clear that you all enjoy your Spyders.

But among the concerns I have are:

1. Service, service, service: I am not mechanically inclined at all, so would have to really depend on the dealer for all servicing. Unlike with a car or even a two-wheeler, where I have a choice of 3rd party/after market places to go for service, that doesn't appear to be a realistic option for a Spyder. And I only have two dealers within reasonable distance from me (one of which can't even manage to return a phone call).

2. Purchasing at a Good Price: Again, because I have only one responsive dealer in my area, how do I negotiate for a good purchase price? Sure, there's online competition, but if I purchase online to get significant savings, I'm back at....

3. Service, service, service again. How would the local dealer feel about servicing a unit bought elsewhere after he took the time to give me a test-ride or two?

4. Laser Alignments, Sway Bars etc: There are so many threads here that recommend both a laser alignment and/or a 3rd party sway bar. How do you get those done if your dealer doesn't do laser alignments? Not to mention that I'm not sure how he'd feel about installing after-market parts.

I don't live near a big city, and have few choices in dealers with reasonable distance. Another fact of life here is that the riding season is realistically only six or seven months long. (I won't ride it in winter.) However, there are so many back roads with little traffic around here that I'm sure that the Spyder would be lots of fun. I really want a Spyder, but am so torn because of the above concerns. My decision would probably be easier if it was possible to lease a Spyder. That way I'd be more inclined to take a chance on it. But I haven't seen that option anywhere.

So, that's my thought process in a nutshell. Any thoughts on my dilemma would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

"You're crazy - - buying a motorcycle at YOUR AGE?!" "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" "Do you have a death wish?" "The bike rider NEVER walks away from an accident."




I'm so glad I didn't listen to the naysayers or that little voice that kept saying, "maybe they're right." I've owned my F3 less than 2 months and my only complaint is, "WHY DID I WAIT.....LOOK AT ALL THE FUN I'VE MISSED!"

 

[Road-Kill]

GREAT ADVICE....wish I had heard that when I bought my leftover 2013 STS. I rode it for a couple of years and now it sits parked in the garage on a battery tender. Taken out once a month or so to roll the tires around and start it up. I thought it was for me but after two years of riding it I decided I didn't really like it anymore. I went and bought a two wheel bike and the Spyder will stay parked until sold....

I've bought and sold many rydes in my time. NEVER have I recieved more then 50% of what I paid and that's with the accessories. This is why I NEVER buy another machine till the "old" one is gone and I'm done crying over my lost $$.$$$. My thoughts

The math = My 2016 F3s Special with the accessories, tax, titling and insurance cost me $28,000 to put that ryde in my garage. In 2-3 years of my normal "turn-around" or before I'm eager to ryde another machine I'll get MAYBE $10,000 for my F3. With the coming maintenance, inspection and insurance costs I'll lose roughly $20,000 when its gone.....and that's just in 2-3 years .....IN GREAT SHAPE!

Ask yourself......is that bike worth $20,000 for 2-3 years of some fun? If the answer is YES then do it, if NOT then walk away!:banghead: