Used RT Guidance...

[dfester007]

So I am looking for a used RT, and could use a little guidance. I am currently a Honda ST1300 rider, which I love. But this bike is for my Dad for a next few years as he needs to move from 2 wheels to 3. I realize some questions could venture into opinion, but I am more looking for technical plus and minuses. Thanks for the help.

Want an RT for passenger longer rides.

1. Believe I want an RT-S or -L, and reason to not get those creature comforts?

2. I am thinking 2010 to 2012 is probably the right budget area for me... seems to be a number of them with less that 20K miles, in the 10,500 to 13,500 range. Better or worse years?

3. Last but not least, Manual or Semi Auto. I am completely comfortable as is my Dad with manual. Help on this one?

Thanks.
D

 

[Chupaca]

Opinions.....

Though I am a die hard V-twin lover you really should squeeze as much as possible and go for the 14 and up with the triple six speed. If you should stay with the older models the 12's seem to have been the best of the litter. As for manual vs auto...I like the manual best but that is a test ryde decision. As to the ending letters on an RT it is mostly comfort things that you can add or modify yourself. Test them out or look for a demo day at dealers and see what suits you best...:thumbup:

 

[quasi]

So I am looking for a used RT, and could use a little guidance. I am currently a Honda ST1300 rider, which I love. But this bike is for my Dad for a next few years as he needs to move from 2 wheels to 3. I realize some questions could venture into opinion, but I am more looking for technical plus and minuses. Thanks for the help.

Want an RT for passenger longer rides.

1. Believe I want an RT-S or -L, and reason to not get those creature comforts?

2. I am thinking 2010 to 2012 is probably the right budget area for me... seems to be a number of them with less that 20K miles, in the 10,500 to 13,500 range. Better or worse years?

3. Last but not least, Manual or Semi Auto. I am completely comfortable as is my Dad with manual. Help on this one?

Thanks.
D

PM Sent.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:
As much as I loved my 2010 RT: do yourself a favor, and look for a 2014 or newer bike.
You will not be sorry! nojoke

Happy hunting! :thumbup:

 

[AeroPilot]

What Chupaca Said

Though I am a die hard V-twin lover you really should squeeze as much as possible and go for the 14 and up with the triple six speed. If you should stay with the older models the 12's seem to have been the best of the litter. As for manual vs auto...I like the manual best but that is a test ryde decision. As to the ending letters on an RT it is mostly comfort things that you can add or modify yourself. Test them out or look for a demo day at dealers and see what suits you best...:thumbup:

X 2 !!

 

[ARtraveler]

So I am looking for a used RT, and could use a little guidance. I am currently a Honda ST1300 rider, which I love. But this bike is for my Dad for a next few years as he needs to move from 2 wheels to 3. I realize some questions could venture into opinion, but I am more looking for technical plus and minuses. Thanks for the help.

Want an RT for passenger longer rides.

1. Believe I want an RT-S or -L, and reason to not get those creature comforts?

2. I am thinking 2010 to 2012 is probably the right budget area for me... seems to be a number of them with less that 20K miles, in the 10,500 to 13,500 range. Better or worse years?

3. Last but not least, Manual or Semi Auto. I am completely comfortable as is my Dad with manual. Help on this one?

Thanks.
D

:welcome: The plain RT does not have as many options. In 2010 the RTS was the top of the line machine. All other years, RT-S was the "tweener" with cruise, auto shift, and extra badging. The L had extra real chrome and a GPS.

2010 - 2013 will get you a two cylinder. 2014 and up, the three cylinder. Many, feel the three cylinder is an improvement over the two. Less maintenance, and better gas mileage.

Manual vs. Semi--most opt for the Semi auto. Manuals usually sell for a bit less, but they are harder to sell when you put them on the market.

I currently have a 2011 and a 2014. One A & C (base model with semi auto, radio and cruise) and one RT-S. I am happy with both versions.

 

[vienna7475]

I've recently joined riding a Can Am within last 60 days. I made sure I purchased a 2014 or newer to take advantage of the newer engine. I would strongly recommend you try to squeeze out the extra dollars for this. Two things right off the bat you will need to do. 1. Purchase a BajaRon Anti Sway Bar $288 or equivalent brand and upgrade the factory sway bar if not already done. 2. Check the tire pressure for the front and rear tires when you test ride. If they are high say Front - 20 and Rear - 30 you will find the bike what I call twitchy. Meaning it won't necessarily be stable in curves over 40 or so and if on the interstate the wind buffeting will be bouncing you around. I read a lot of posts about tire pressure and lowered mine to Front - 16 Rear - 22. I'm amazed at the difference in the ride. So, if you test ride a bike at a dealer or from an individual lower the tire pressure for the second ride and see what you think it does for making a difference in handling.

 

[Willard]

I have a 2012 and love it. It revs a little higher than the 14's, but so what. For the money the 12's are the best bike on the road, and most of them will have the extra stuff already on them.. My two cents worth.. and mine is a manual shift, after riding forever on two wheels it feels right..

 

[Bob Denman]

There's no doubt: they're ALL pretty darn good! :thumbup:
It's just that some of the improvements that come with the 2014 and newer models are pretty impressive.

 

[Joel The Biker]

Another vote for 2014 and newer. My dad has a 2013, and it is nice. But the 2014 is much more refined!

 

[davehirst]

Prior ST rider

I had a 2000 ST1100, and I went to a 2015 RT S Glad for all the creature comforts and the power availability of the 1330. Thats what I was looking for and I love it. Had 6000 miles on it last Feb and now have over 20K.

 

[Sarge707]

2012 Definitely - and the manual if Great on it- I have the Manual on my F3 1330 Engine ands don't care for the 6 speeds with a manual- If I were to buy the newer one again I would get Paddle Shift.
Why Not wait till Sep 9 When the New $10,000 model is going to be announced?

 

[JayBros]

Although my '14 was my first Spyder, I heartily agree with those who recommend the '14 and later. You could probably find a number of low mileage candidates at very attractive prices with the '19s due out shortly. The three cylinder engine/trans is just so much better maintenance cost and interval-wise. Unless your dad demands a manual trans you'd be better off with an automatic, better resale should your dad decide he doesn't like it. Get him to read the do's and do not's sticky. Convincing him too that there is a different way of riding them when coming from two wheels and encouraging him to get at least 3,000 miles on it is best approach to making him a believer.

 

[tgflatt]

I had a 2012 RT limited, nice , comfortable 2 up machine, the only problem with the older ones, pre 2013, is your right foot roasted. Also, if you are tall , like me, even with after market hyway pegs my knees would get cramps on a long ride. I personalty recommend the F3. It if better for taller riders, faster and more fuel efficient
.

 

[youngers]

had the 2012 r-t manual shift , the gas mileage was great , although this model did not have radio , or heated grips ( plan janer of the crop ) it was a great first spyder cycle ! had a couple of things that needed fixing , which I handled myself ... sold that one purchased a 2011 r-t limited paddle shift , gas mileage is not as good as a manual ( the high rev`s too shift , compared too not having too have high r-p-m`s too shift on the manual , the paddle shift has a sweet spot that will need too get comfortable with , or it shifts with a defined clunk , you get that sweet spot and she is smooth as ice , limited has all the bells and whistles , ride control , radio , heated grips , fog lights ( oh and luggage :thumbup: )

 

[Mazo EMS2]

Hmmm, wonder what dfester ever bought.....??

 

[ARtraveler]

Hmmm, wonder what dfester ever bought.....??

Unfortunately, we get a lot of that. Posts asking for help with mechanics, or advice. Many times, we do not get any answer back. :yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

His last official visit here, was back on August 30th: three days after joining, and starting this thread... :dontknow:

 

[paraflyer1966]

I have a 2012 and love it. It revs a little higher than the 14's, but so what. For the money the 12's are the best bike on the road, and most of them will have the extra stuff already on them.. My two cents worth.. and mine is a manual shift, after riding forever on two wheels it feels right..

I have to second this...2012 RT-s I've had for the last 4 years (bought it used) has treated the Wife and I well.

 

[Docster]

His last official visit here, was back on August 30th: three days after joining, and starting this thread... :dontknow:

Seems like many come, take, leave. I've always leaned toward more directing folks to established info, aka 'search' -this site has TONS of info from many experts--and less enabling ( doing the work for them) Just my opinion