Spyder decisions - any suggestions on what to buy as my first Spyder?

[Smz1000]

Been considering buying a Spyder for about 5 years and getting closer to pulling trigger. Been reading as much as I can over time but still have some confusion. First one I really liked way back was a 2015 with removable bags, black with red frame, don't remember the exact model. I ride one of two Yamaha raiders right now or a Honda Fury, black with red frame, see a trend ? I am 60 and ride very aggressively, unless my wife is with. Have a bunch of other bikes, but my wife is afraid to ride her own, so that's not gonna happen. Tried a 1996 Goldwing and absolutely hate it. I live in middle of nowhere SC Minnesota, so few dealers around that I would trust to work on something I can’t handle. Seems obvious that I need a 15 and newer, don't need much storage other than maybe a couple of jackets, small items. Don’t like all the “Tupperware”, I like the exposed frame. My wife won’t need the maximum handling, speed, etc, but I probably will ride it and I do. I have a chance to ride a local 2013 RT Limited, but I doubt that is going to give me any insight, and IMO, they're ugly. Dealer in Arlington Tx on Cycle Trader has one I like, never seen wheels like that with the red inserts before. It’s 2019, but I'm not sure if any of the stuff on the back is removable. I work on a lot of different machines, but mostly to help other people, I want my own stuff to not break.
Both Raiders have over 60 k without any problems, so I'm maybe a little spoilt. Seems like Spyders have many issues when you get miles and age. Sorry so long, but any suggestions? Thanks

 

[dpetrick]

If it is for you wife, have you thought about the Ryker? CVT transmission, so no shifting.
Minnesota has numerous dealers, so you may be able to find one relatively close to you.
Link to BRP site Map of Minnesota dealers you could check out. Caswell seems to be highly regarded.
Sportman's corner, Algona Iowa is my dealer of choice.
I have 40,000 miles on my F3.

 

[Smz1000]

No Ryker, doesn’t that have same engine as in first spyders? Which I thought was not a good idea. Would prefer shifting. should add I ride a lot of snowmobiles, very aggressively, was kinda of thinking spyder would be a bit like a snowmobile especially the newer rider forward sleds. In essence if I could ride snowmobile year round I’d be in heaven. Southern Mn is a little tough to do that

 

[pauly1]

F3-S or higher trim level; we have -S, -T and -L models. 2015 or newer. With the -S trim and higher, cruise control is standard. You may get input on manual vs electronic shifting (a.k.a., semi-automatic). The electronic shifting is an easier ride and really doesn't suffer in performance: think paddle shifting in an exotic sports car. I came off a H-D and there is a bit of testosterone feel in having a clutch; it will take a bit to forget about pulling in the clutch at a stop but I have no regrets.

A major difference in all of the F3 models is the rear pulley/sprocket diameter; the front pulley is same on all Spyders. For sportier riding, I prefer the larger diameter pulley/sprocket; both the '15 -S and the '18 -T have the larger diameter. An easy way to tell is the larger diameter is nearly the same size as the rim. The smaller diameter yields marginally better gas mileage, if that is a concern. The on-board computer (a.k.a., the nanny) on the -S trim allows more aggressive riding than the -L trims. Power steering is better on the later models and higher trim levels.

As far as dealers, we traveled 90 miles one-way to get to Caswell Cycle, Mora, MN: fair and honest, modest showroom, best Can-Am/BRP clothing selection around. No dealer in the greater Twin Cities area was even close to their business practices. We've been out of the area since 2019, but the next closest to sales and service was in Red Wing. That stated, we still would travel twice the distance to work with Caswell Cycle, and ride with Caswell Riders. The owners rode with their customers and friends: you can't treat people poorly and then be in their midst on a ride.

 

[RayBJ]

If you will be the primary rider, I think you'd be very happy with an newer model F3. It's fast, agile, and has the least tupperware to deal with.