Spyder Fever

[meamaral]

Ok, so I have decided to get a Spyder and I can only afford the basic model. Are there production years that are better than others? Your sage advice is greatly appreciated.

Mike in Jackson, beautiful Butts County, Gee Eh

 

[ARtraveler]

On the basic model--they all seem to be good. I got 23,500 trouble free miles from my 08 GS before I traded it in.

 

[daveinva]

I haven't heard of any problems with the 2013 RS, but yeah, the 2013 ST and RT appear to be a little problematic, so perhaps 2013 is an "unlucky 13" sort of year.

However, my 2010 RS has been absolutely trouble-free for two years and 16,000 miles. I think you can't go wrong with a 2010-2012 RS. Might luck out finding a cheaper "new" 2012 RS for sale out there (plus with the BRP sales promotion they're running to clear out the inventory).

 

[meamaral]

I haven't heard of any problems with the 2013 RS, but yeah, the 2013 ST and RT appear to be a little problematic, so perhaps 2013 is an "unlucky 13" sort of year.

However, my 2010 RS has been absolutely trouble-free for two years and 16,000 miles. I think you can't go wrong with a 2010-2012 RS. Might luck out finding a cheaper "new" 2012 RS for sale out there (plus with the BRP sales promotion they're running to clear out the inventory).

Thanks for the info!
Mike

 

[otter28169]

I have had my 2012 RS-S for just over one year and have only had one issue, a ball joint. Admittedly, that may have been my fault as I run back roads the majority of the time. Still, it was covered by BRP and the 11,000 plus miles I have put on in the last year have been worry free.

Just sayin'............

 

[Saluda]

Love our '13 STS

Only a minor problem with the radio and it was covered under the warranty.

 

[bobnaquin]

The basic model is simpler so it tends to have less problems. It is lighter and has a stronger engine than more recent models. While the early models had a few significant problems, they were addressed by the factory. Newer models seem to have the same number and no less significant problems so the breed has not really been improved that much over model years. Change does not equal improvement apparently.

So if you are on a budget, I would suggest that you look for a low mileage, UNMODIFIED, early RS/GS. While not having a warranty is cause for concern, most of the problems I have experienced have been caused by factory service technicians. You will eventually have to take it to a dealer for some maintenance or repair items. Finding a good one is getting better but still seems to be a bit of a crap shoot.

Then study this forum. I am on my second 2008 RS/GS and I have had so much help from this forum. With a couple of problems I experienced, being up to date on this forum allowed me to diagnose and fix a couple of road side problems with little effort. Then I watch for other problems people are having and make time change replacements before I have the problem. Case in point is the radiator overflow tank that some are experiencing cracking. I just bought one and intend to replace it before it happens to me although it may never happen. Relays and the battery or something I change long before they fail, and they will. As an aside, a large percentage of problems reported here are self inflicted by owners modifying the electrical system. The BRP electrical system is a very fuss thing and one had better know what they are doing before fiddling with it. Mechanical mods can cause issues also but are easier to track back to the cause. Case in point is that a lot of people are putting stronger sway bars on their bikes and then reporting a rash of 'defective' rubber torsion links breaking.

I have now told you more than I really know. I have 65,000 miles on two separate 2008 RS/GS. Good luck.

 

[flamingobabe]

I sold my 2009 RS with 54,000 miles only had basic maintenance

 

[spydaman60]

I have had my 2012 RS-S for just over one year and have only had one issue, a ball joint. Admittedly, that may have been my fault as I run back roads the majority of the time. Still, it was covered by BRP and the 11,000 plus miles I have put on in the last year have been worry free.

Just sayin'............

otter and I had our machines parked side by each yesterday and they are almost twins. mine has 10,600 and it too has been trouble free!:thumbup: but don't call this the entry level machine because it isn't. once you ride the rs you might never want to own an rt!!! or st!!! i'm 62 and never plan on switching over! the rs is like driving a corvette compared to the other guys riding around on their Cadillac's.:roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

I would venture the guess that the 2012 models would appear to be the most problem-free... :thumbup:
Happy Hunting!! :2thumbs:

 

[Chupaca]

I'm in..!!

with Otter and Spyderman...just that ours is an RS 2012 sm5 with 11,000 wrinkle free miles. I avoid farkles that tamper with the electrical system to much...your picking a fine machine and will really enjoy it..:thumbup: