Sink or Swim Adventure

[freeman1952]

Greetings, all. My wife and I have been riding for a couple of years on a 1500 SE Goldwing and have always wanted to take a long cross country trip. Alas, these last few months have shown me my 64 year-old knees are just not what they used to be, especially when it comes to holding up 1200 pounds of bike and rider at a stop, and my low-speed maneuvering abilities are becoming shaky. However, I do not want to give up the bugs-in-the-teeth-smell-the-roses-feel-the-wind-in-your-face-hey-look-before-you-turn-in-front-of-me experience that biking offers. So, we have decided that a Spyder is probably the best bet for tri-poised stability. We looked at trike "conversions" that are essentially full-sized tire training wheels, hydraulic landing gear and full-on trikes and none of them really seem that great, and if any of you have ever seen Killboy action photos, you know that a conventional trike getting crossed up is not a pretty sight. We live in Maryland and are considering buying a 2013 RT Limited (with matching trailer) on the Left Coast and riding it back. No doubt the romance of a long cross country trip will go out the window in two days, but who knows? At least we will remain upright! Looking at Spyder ads from all over the country, I note that prices can vary widely for the same year, model and mileage, and that makes selection a little intimidating. The RT Limited and trailer we are looking at has less than 10,000 miles, is at a dealer and has ostensibly had all relevant recalls performed and is selling for $16,000. Am I wise in pursuing this puppy, or do you think there is a dark underlying evil awaiting me? I defer to the experience of all on this forum. Thanking you.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: You've got a GREAT attitude!! :2thumbs:
(Back to Business...)
The 2013 RTs were plagued with over-heating issues. BRP has come up with an effective fix for it, and they seem to be the best of the 998 machines; time will tell the tale. :thumbup:
But if you can find a 1330 Bike... They ARE that much better! nojoke
My reasoning behind that brash statement:
The new clutch engagement system prevents the possibility of toasted clutch plates
The 6th forward gear in the tranny lowers the cruising rpms by a VERY significant amount
(55 mph at 2800 rpm; instead of 4,000 rpm)
The 1200 watt alternator flat-out smokes the old 650 watt magneto
The new dual radiator system NEVERS throws hot air on the riders feet
The fuel mileage for the 1330 is about 20% better than the 998.
The maintenance protocols are much less involved, and much, MUCH cheaper!

BRP was listening, when the owners of previous RTs complained. They addressed each and every issue, and the end result was a MUCH better bike.

So, Happy hunting for your next ride!

 

[Peter Aawen]

^^ All that said, once the Heat Recall stuff has been done, IMO the 2013 versions are streets ahead the pick of the V-Twin Spyders!! In particular, the RT's have the wheel, chassis, & handling upgrades that were the key improvements intended to go along with the bigger motor, & the 998 motor had all the gremlins experienced by earlier editions ironed out by then!!

So if you (like me & many others) don't really savour the idea of being the 'on-road testers' for the (new?) triple, or you are just happy with the V-Twin for whatever reason, then that 2013 RT with a trailer is probably going to be a fantastic buy that should keep you happy with your face in the breeze as well as addressing all those other wants & needs.

I chose to but a 2013 998 RT Ltd in 2014 rather than buying one of the first 1330's and have yet to regret making that choice - I didn't ever have the 'heat issues' that others complained about, altho I have had the Heat Recall work done. But then I do live in Australia & the largest percentage of my riding miles here have been two-up runs of over 500 miles at a hit, altho I must admit that given the chance I still take the RT for any short runs around town that don't need the extra passenger or load space provided by the car.... However, for some reason those 'short runs' do often end up being 50 mile plus jaunts! :thumbup:

I do think you should test ride a 1330 as well as a 998 & make up your own mind which you prefer/suits you & your needs/wants best, but I'm pretty sure that if you decide on the 998, you will still get many miles of enjoyment out of it with few if any regrets. :2thumbs:

 

[markyodo]

If you can get the 1330 then get it.
I waited a year for a 1330 simply because of the maintenance. Regular oil changes and tires are expensive enough, I didn't want the burden on my checkbook.
Compare: http://www.lamonstergarage.com/news/ace-rotax-1330-maintenance-201415-rt-2015-f3/
Add to it the list Bob provided and I think it's a drastic change and pretty convincing argument.
Good Luck!

 

[IGETAROUND]

The previous first two posts after your explanation of why you are considering making a change away from your wing have nicely covered the bases.

Definitely take one of the 1330 triples out for a long spin and then follow that up with the 2013 limited that you are considering.

Oh did I forget to mention to take your better half along; if she's your passenger and soulmate then her vote is as important, if not more important, than yours!!

You are in an enviable position; getting a new to you bike and having a spouse that wants to share the fun.

Just a note of caution; those that have asked their spouses if they want to drive soon own TWO Spyders:roflblack::shemademe_smilie:

 

[Cruzr Joe]

The 998 engine is a tried and true motor, but the 1330 is that much better that i would recommend that if your checkbook can handle it ................... go for a 1330.

Much smoother easier ride, less maintenance, 6th gear, etc, etc,

Cruzr Joe

 

[easysuper]

sink or Swim

I have had both the 2013 and now the 2014, My wife has 24 k on her 2013 in 14 months with pulling a trailer most of the time. I would have stayed with my 2013 but our dealer made me a deal I could not refuse. I would say if money is an issue, go for the 2013 as the price deference you can buy alot of fuel and oil.My wife and I do alot of long distance touring and the Spyders are the way to go for us older folks that have bad knees, fused ankles, and all the other fun stuff when we get older. Once you get used to riding the Spyders I find that they are much more forgiving that the two wheel touring . Go for it and have a wonderfull adventure, just be carefull about your wife going out and bying her own Spyder like my little bride did!

 

[jaherbst]

I have owned both the 2013RTS and the 2014 RTL. All that Bob said plus the entire front end suspension from the 2013 was very much upgraded and a complete new front suspension was added. Also the steering is totally changed from the 2013 to the 2014. That plus the suspension makes the 2014-2016 handle soooo much better. $16,000 is a bit steep for the 2013 IMO.

2013 will get 28-30 MPG with a smaller tank and 2014 will get 40 MPG. My stops between fuel up were 140 max on the 2013 and 200 on the 2014 with a larger tank. This is a pretty big deal unless just riding locally.

Heat and incredible gas fume smell was the reason I traded the 2013 plus always looking for gas stops between fillups.

Ride both and you will feel the difference in handling.

Jack

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

+1 for the 1330 engine version of the Spyder RT. I don't think you need to worry about being an "on-the-road" tester of the 1330. I and several others rode from various locations in the lower 48 to Alaska and back this past summer and they performed just fine!

Whatever you do, just let us know what you get, and be sure to post some pics!

 

[ARtraveler]

I have owned 4 998's and 1 1330. The difference is night and day. Given a choice, I would opt for the triple.

A test drive should be in your future--on both models.

Let us know what you end up doing. :thumbup:

 

[TEWKS]

Hi freeman, wise choice moving to three wheels. I've never been or ever plan to be a passenger on a motorcycle but, I could imagine it being a frightful thing when you hear the pilot suddenly yell timber! :yikes:

I'd prefer the 1330 myself if I had the choice. Now that being said, I have a cousin that has a 2013 limited in pearl white with 400, yep four hundred miles on it that he would most likley sell for the same money. No trailer though, and right now, he is down in Alabama snow-birding it in his RV. AFAIK, the Spyder is still garaged here in Ma for the winter.

All the updates were done, he just couldn't get comfortable on three wheels.

I could get you his # if interested.

Pat

 

[Duke-Blue]

990 or 1330

I have owned 4 998's and 1 1330. The difference is night and day. Given a choice, I would opt for the triple.

A test drive should be in your future--on both models.

Let us know what you end up doing. :thumbup:

I am new to both. 1330 in my opinion is better , never liked 5500 as the 'sweet spot' of power and mileage...2015 handles better and much easier maintenance. That being said, you will love the safety and stability of the Spyder...
I have had some great luck and some horror stories ( Experience is a cruel teacher) with fly and ride with cars, etc..., so...trust the machine and the seller...Look forward to hearing the news.

 

[DJFaninTN]

That 998 on the 13RT you are looking at requires higher RPM's than the 1330. Shift points on the 998 are normally around 4500 rpm and up. Shift points on the 1330 are around 3000rpm. That is big difference. I never shifted my 13RT until I was hitting around 5500 RPM and she would motor on down the highway.

I've had both and I would go with the 1330 and you will save yourself some money over the long run of the bike.YMMV

 

[cptjam]

1330 RT

Better in every metric, every comparison. Better. You won't regret it! A used 14 can't be that much more-worth every Penny!!!! JMHO, Joe

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Are we good enough at spending your money for you???

 

[Gray Ghost]

In the summer of 2014 the wife and I hit the lower 48 states on a 2013 RT pulling a trailer before the heat recall took place (16000 miles in 71 days). Other than replacing a rear tire, and oil changes the only maintenance issue we had was the trailer wiring module going out. We did not hit all the spots I originally planned for because the poor gas mileage made a couple of spots chancy for being able to make it to a gas station.

The 2013 will handle the kind of miles you are looking at, but like most of the rest I would recommend getting the 1330 engine. Besides gas mileage going WAY up, the extended maintenance period, no valve adjustments and lack of heat issues are big selling points for that model.

 

[OverHillAndDale]

As you read through the forum, you'll find MOST of us are grandpa-age, and gave up 2-wheels either out of wisdom (well, not so many of us) or old joints. 3 wheels are inherently safer and the Spyders offer the most stability for those. And, the RTLs are the nearest thing to a Goldwing in terms of gadgetry.

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

I have had no experience with the twin, but I LOVE my 1330.
I have ridden motorcycles all my life and the first test drive on the Spyder was just a few miles, I hated it. I felt like I was all over the road, the steering was way too touchy, and i couldn't get the hang of it. Yet it was fun and appealed to me.
I found a dealer that rented them and took one for a 24 hour period. After about 50 miles I fell in love with it! The dealer also would take the cost of the rental off of the purchase if I bought one.
I kept my 2 wheelers to ride just in case I felt the urge, or when riding alone. Well they have set in the garage for about a year so I am selling them. The Spyder is just way too much fun!!!:yes:

 

[robmorg]

I have owned both the 2013RTS and the 2014 RTL. All that Bob said plus the entire front end suspension from the 2013 was very much upgraded and a complete new front suspension was added. Also the steering is totally changed from the 2013 to the 2014. That plus the suspension makes the 2014-2016 handle soooo much better.

Jack

Jack,

The suspension was changed and upgraded on the 2013 RT. Vastly different than 2012. The only suspension difference I am aware of between 2013 and 2014 models is that the 2014 has a slightly wider spring (about 1/4" wider, as I recall), apparently to accommodate the heavier engine. Since you've owned both models can you tell me exactly what was changed in the suspension between 2013 and 2014, other than the spring?

 

[freeman1952]

It is always easy to spend other people's money.

:shocked: Are we good enough at spending your money for you???

Look at the government! I thank all of you who have replied to my post; your input has been very helpful in creating conflict in my search for a Spyder. Granted, the 2014s are not THAT much more, but a 2014 Limited is just a little beyond my reach right now. It seems that I could do worse than a 2013 vis-à-vis upgrades, improvements, etc., so positive statements are encouraging. And, frankly, I am afraid that if I don't get a trailer when I buy the Spyder, I may never get one. That dumb trailer is really what is creating the conflict! My budget would lead me to a base 2014 RT, and while it would have all the positive aspects pointed out, I would be missing a lot of "goodies" that make the Limited so desirable. Decisions, decisions. Aaugh!