Wanting my first spyder

[Jeffygs]

I am new to SL and would like to know the best and most reliable year for a used RT (2014 and above); what's the best aftermarket options; and of course the problem areas to look at when looking at used machines?
Any information will be helpful.
Thanks

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have a 14 RT and love it ..... from 14 thru 17 not a lot changed .... in 18 & up they completely changed the radio, and from numerous comments - it didn' t get better .... you may like a sway bar, but imho it's not necessary unless you are heavy. I changed out my speakers for JBL - 2 ohm models and it improved 100% ..... 14-16 had DESS issues, but for a bit of DIY labor you can re-place it for about $132.00 ... I looooooooooooooooove the SE trans ..... plus if you want about 22-25 more HP .... Monster has an excellent fix for less than $400.00 ..... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Little Blue]

Rt spyder

Check out the Spyder's in the 'For Sale' area on this Forum.
Several good choices. Read and ask all your questions. Good Luck on Your Mission. .....:thumbup:

 

[Jeffygs]

I have a 14 RT and love it ..... from 14 thru 17 not a lot changed .... in 18 & up they completely changed the radio, and from numerous comments - it didn' t get better .... you may like a sway bar, but imho it's not necessary unless you are heavy. I changed out my speakers for JBL - 2 ohm models and it improved 100% ..... 14-16 had DESS issues, but for a bit of DIY labor you can re-place it for about $132.00 ... I looooooooooooooooove the SE trans ..... plus if you want about 22-25 more HP .... Monster has an excellent fix for less than $400.00 ..... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

Mike, thanks for the information.

 

[OverHillAndDale]

I wouldn’t sweat a lot about accessories until your buy and ride for a bit, and I agree you won’t feel much difference in the 2014-2019. Now let me contradict myself my telling your about accessories that I LOVE.

Seat - I hated my 2014 stock seat and replaced it with an Ultimate seat. To me, the transition from the driver’s seat to passenger seat poked me in the back. However, I’m the only one I’ve read who listed that complaint, so take it with a grain of salt. Also, even with the Ultimate seat I used an AirHawk cushion. Some people love the Mustang, Corbin and Russell Day Long seats.

Grips - I hate the skinny little bicycle grips the Spyder’s come with. For less than $20 you can buy Grip Puppies that make the grips thick and squishy (in a good way).

Drink holders - I love a cup of coffee on most mornings so I bought a RAM drink holder that I mounted to me left handle bar with a Providence RAM mount, and another mount on my right handlebar with a RAM-X phone holder (I used it to watch my blood sugar levels).

Hopnel Bags - Big Bike Parts sells a set of 4 duffle bags by Hopnel designed to fit perfectly in the saddlebags, the bottom of the deep but narrow trunk, and another that sets on the top part of the trunk.

Lighting - I added lots of lighting to my 2014 because ... I just don’t know when good enough is good enough.

Again, no two people accessorize their’s the same way. Lots and lots of options.

Enjoy.

 

[Jeffygs]

I wouldn’t sweat a lot about accessories until your buy and ride for a bit, and I agree you won’t feel much difference in the 2014-2019. Now let me contradict myself my telling your about accessories that I LOVE.

Seat - I hated my 2014 stock seat and replaced it with an Ultimate seat. To me, the transition from the driver’s seat to passenger seat poked me in the back. However, I’m the only one I’ve read who listed that complaint, so take it with a grain of salt. Also, even with the Ultimate seat I used an AirHawk cushion. Some people love the Mustang, Corbin and Russell Day Long seats.

Grips - I hate the skinny little bicycle grips the Spyder’s come with. For less than $20 you can buy Grip Puppies that make the grips thick and squishy (in a good way).

Drink holders - I love a cup of coffee on most mornings so I bought a RAM drink holder that I mounted to me left handle bar with a Providence RAM mount, and another mount on my right handlebar with a RAM-X phone holder (I used it to watch my blood sugar levels).

Hopnel Bags - Big Bike Parts sells a set of 4 duffle bags by Hopnel designed to fit perfectly in the saddlebags, the bottom of the deep but narrow trunk, and another that sets on the top part of the trunk.

Lighting - I added lots of lighting to my 2014 because ... I just don’t know when good enough is good enough.

Again, no two people accessorize their’s the same way. Lots and lots of options.

Enjoy.

Thanks more info is always better. I have daylong on my K1200LT and really like it, a good fitting seat is needed for me, I like to do longer rides a sore butt not a good thing, I also have grip puppies like those also. Duffles that fit are a requirement, hopefully they can come with the bike purchase. I do use a radar detector on my bike, phone not so much, i would rather leave it off during the day, lights are important, anyone who has had a K1200LT knows that the LT lighting is the worst, I dont do much night time riding as the deer seem to like roads at night( although 2 friends have hit deer during daytime) and yes I was with both of them and get to watch all

 

[JayBros]

I have had only one problem with my '14 RT-S in 65+K miles, a faulty parking brake motor, that was replaced under warranty during the first year at 9,400 miles.

 

[PMK]

Not sure on exact details, but it seems the 2014 RT series Has not had the front drive pulley failure concerns that other years have had.

As mentioned, DESS problems did happen on 2014 and 2015 model years. Seemed by 2016 the DESS issues calmed and now we seldom hear or read about DESS concerns.

If you find a low mileage 15 and maybe some 16s, there were issues with the Gearbox Position Sensor. Again, seems that has quieted down too.

As for options, kind of the sky is the limit. Many owners are quite fine totally stock, while others seem to spend more on options than the actual cost of the Spyder.

If buying a second hand machine, great values come up frequently. Typically many have options installed, low miles and often when listed a bit overpriced. With time the price often aligns.

If I were buying used, things I would look for would be upgrade to three quality car tires. Correctly aligned. Possibly seat upgrade. Aftermarket front shocks. Lamonster Cat bypass pipe. Adjustable side vents under the mirrors. If you plan to get a trailer, then an oem BRP hitch and wire harness.

 

[CopperSpyder]

2014 to 2017 are all about the same so its all about price, add ons and what model RT, RTS and RTL. The 2018 and 2019 have a different dash and a few other improvements; and will cost more. No bad year there 2014 to 2019. After you get the Spyder and ride then think about after market stuff. The Spyder you get may have everything you want / need. Good Luck Shopping!!

 

[ARtraveler]

For once, no "don't buy" list for the various years of the 1330.

Lots of great used ones out there. Most people farkled them up with a couple $K of goodies in addition to the starting bike and there were three flavors. Basic RT, upline with more goodies and trim RT-S, and finally, the RTS Limited...most loaded.

No major differences between 2014-2017 or so. Digital dashes added in 17 and up.

The jury is out on the new 20's. A lot of them are being purchased, and there have been a few new model start up issues...but they are being solved as we speak.

The 1330 engine is pretty much bullet proof. And right now...it is a buyers market. Go get em. :yes:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

1330

In addition to what I posted above, I found the 14 BASIC RT the easiest veh. I have ever owned to DIY all my Mods ( & the least expensive ) ..... I have changed, re-designed, added new LED lights etc., plus car tires to the tune of 75 items or so at a cost to me of less than a thousand $$$. I did have mine Lazer aligned and that was the most expensive thing, because I couldn't do it ..... good luck .... Mike :roflblack:....PS look at my Albums for some of the stuff