Thoughts on upgrading old Spyder vs purchasing new.

[Wick76]

Wick76-one thing I don't see anyone pointing out is seating on the 2020 and up vs the older models. I bought my first Spyder RTL last year I had it in my mind to by used to see if I liked three wheels. All I needed was to sit on the older Spyder and the new one and there was no comparison. The new one is MUCH more comfortable and roomy. FWIW I'm 6" and my wife is 5"9" so we're both fairly tall and appreciate the seat and legroom. Obviously more money up front but no regrets here. Good luck with your decision.

Yes....this is one of the biggest differences I have seen between the two models. Mine seems a bit more cramped for sure vs the new models, and I have never loved the angle of the floorboards on the older models. I have considered the highway pegs to alleviate some rider fatigue on longer rides.

 

[ricford]

I have a '14 RT. Plain Vanilla. Upgraded the heck on it. No way I could even get any of that back. Most folks buying a Spy der say, 'well, the book says it's worth...." not even close to the money I put into my bike. It is perfect. And I don't want to give it away. My take is, if you love your bike, keep it. If you don't, go for the new bauble.

 

[blacklightning]

I think you have seen 1/2 of what’s coming with regards to the “next gen” Spyder. 20/21 models brought the appearance/convenience/comfort upgrades. Wait a year or two and get the other 1/2- engine/drivetrain upgrades.

:agree: This is what I am waiting for. I love the looks and seating position on the 2020+ RT, but the drivetrain needs to be upgraded before I make that next move. I have had 2 of the 1330 engines (2014 RT, 2016 F3T), and loved them both. But to make another change will take a drivetrain redo, and another year after that for the kinks to be worked out. Until then, I will continue to enjoy my F3T and my newly acquired BMW K1600B.

 

[AVBIZ]

Also...looking at your pics, we must have very similar tastes in bikes AVBIZ. I have a 2020 Vespa SuperTech, and I rode an MP3 500 for years. I will pretty much ride anything with 2 or 3 wheels. I do not discriminate.

Yea my wife wanted to learn to ride a scooter; recently passing her MSF motorcycle course and now has a license. She has a 150 Primavera with a max speed of 58 which is fine for her. My old Spyder gets too hot to ride at sub 50 mph speeds so I bought the MP3. I have been pleasantly surprised. Admittedly my Spyder now sits parked a lot more- didn’t realize how much I missed leaning. Ive owned everything from a Harley Road Glide Ultra to a KTM 690. Lately the scoots have my interest.

 

[Rednaxs60]

I am leaning towards this line of thought. $2 to $3k in upgrades is no drop in the pan, but it is far better than 15k. Also...I can't imagine that there will be much of a drop in resale value in the next few years. Around here anyway, it seems that people are asking for / getting over book value for post 2014 model Spyders. I was following a couple of them on FB Marketplace that sold for $1k over KBB value. They definitely seem to be in demand. I may just bite the bullet and go all in on the big suspensions upgrades and speakers all at once. Then in 2 or 3 years I can evaluate weather or not to buy a new model. Maybe they will have some new shiny colors by then.

$2K to $3K in solid, non-farkle upgrades is no drop in the pan; however, going out for a dinner once a month and dropping $100.00 for a good dinner is easy to do. Do this for the next three years and you have spent some $3600.00 for a great experience, and good memories. Take a once a month dinner and apply this to the ride upgrades for your Spyder and it doesn't seem to be that much, but you and the Mrs will have many great experiences, meet great people and have lots of good memories of your rides together. Upgrades, expensive, experiences - people - memories, priceless.

Cheers

 

[Wick76]

$2K to $3K in solid, non-farkle upgrades is no drop in the pan; however, going out for a dinner once a month and dropping $100.00 for a good dinner is easy to do. Do this for the next three years and you have spent some $3600.00 for a great experience, and good memories. Take a once a month dinner and apply this to the ride upgrades for your Spyder and it doesn't seem to be that much, but you and the Mrs will have many great experiences, meet great people and have lots of good memories of your rides together. Upgrades, expensive, experiences - people - memories, priceless.

Cheers

I agree 100%. My wife and I discuss this all of the time. Life is not about the stuff you buy. It is about the memories you make. As long as the stuff you buy is contributing to those memories in a positive way, then we can justify spending the money. She had never ridden bikes before we got together, and is absolutely loving it, so I am trying to give her the best experience possible. I want to make the ride more comfortable and enjoyable for us both.

 

[Lew L]

Keeping the Spyder

.

Yes over the 6+ years of ownership of our 2014 RTS I'm sure I added $3,000 in upgrades and a few farkles. I ryde with a guy who has a beautiful blue '21 RT. With the suspension ,tire, motor upgrades I easily pull away from in in both corners and straight acceleration. Yes, I did have to replace the DESS box and all is good now. The Circuit Yellow stands out on the road along with the lighting ( safety only) mods.

I'm keeping mine. Maybe a few simple upgrades and you can keep a lot $$$ in you pocket.

Lew L:

 

[Wick76]

.

Yes over the 6+ years of ownership of our 2014 RTS I'm sure I added $3,000 in upgrades and a few farkles. I ryde with a guy who has a beautiful blue '21 RT. With the suspension ,tire, motor upgrades I easily pull away from in in both corners and straight acceleration. Yes, I did have to replace the DESS box and all is good now. The Circuit Yellow stands out on the road along with the lighting ( safety only) mods.

I'm keeping mine. Maybe a few simple upgrades and you can keep a lot $$$ in you pocket.

Lew L:

Lew...I see in your signature that you mention the ECU flash. How big of a difference did that make in your performance? I have heard several people talk about it, but I have not spoken to anyone that has personally done it.

 

[Lew L]

Lew...I see in your signature that you mention the ECU flash. How big of a difference did that make in your performance? I have heard several people talk about it, but I have not spoken to anyone that has personally done it.

Yes I do have a stage 1 flash along with a K & N filter and intake mods with stock exhaust. My butt dyno says about 12 to 15 HP and mid-range torque gains also. It's worth it.

Lew L

 

[JayBros]

Yes I do have a stage 1 flash along with a K & N filter and intake mods with stock exhaust. My butt dyno says about 12 to 15 HP and mid-range torque gains also. It's worth it. .....

Just to offer another side of the coin, since my Spyder extended warranty expired unused/needed, I've considered a Stage 1 reflash; price seems reasonable. OTOH when the hooligan monster raises his fun loving head I have to pray out loud that I don't do something stupid. My stock RT can get me in plenty of trouble as is if I don't control myself.

WFIW, at the Deadwood three Wheeler rally in 2018 a BRP factory rep told several of us that a stock RT or F3 was capable of far more performance than most of the owners who've purchased them.