What should I look for on a used spyder

[C. Lee]

Good evening everyone, I have only posted a few times so far and I really appreciate everyone's feedback & helpful words. I have the opportunity to look at and ride a 2014 RTS for sale at a local Honda dealer. The bike has 4200 miles on it and has been for sale since December. They are asking a reasonable number as an asking price but I will leave some room to negotiate of course. I know most vehicles pretty well and consider myself very mechanically inclined. My questions are these, how do you know if any aftermarket upgrades have been done such as a sway bar or other performance upgrades? Secondly, at that mileage is there anything specific to these machines that I should be looking for? From what I gather, tires will probably be needed in the next season or so, anything else? Thanks so much in advance for your responses. Chris.

 

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I would ask the dealer if there has been anything added. It should have already had the 3000 mile service, but I would check with the dealer to see if it has been done. Read the Do's and Do not's thread. Tons of great information. You have come to the right forum. Great people with a lot of knowledge. You will love the Spyder.

 

[C. Lee]

I don't really expect a non spyder dealer to really know much about these machines. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think so. I feel as though many in the motorcycle arena don't have the training needed to really know these bikes. Chris

 

[ARtraveler]

Get a copy of the VIN and input it into the BRP web page. Alternately take the VIN to a CanAm dealer and have them input it into the computer. The service history should pop up.

Ask the dealer to put you in touch with the original owner. I always wonder about :spyder2:'s that show up at car dealers or non CanAm where they were traded in. Was there a reason? They can plead innocent, but I don't think that is a good thing.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

PRICE

I don't really expect a non spyder dealer to really know much about these machines. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think so. I feel as though many in the motorcycle arena don't have the training needed to really know these bikes. Chris

I'm not going to D*CK around with this .................WHAT IS THE PRICE ??????.....we can't help you if we are in the DARK....:banghead::banghead::banghead:......................Mike :bbq:

 

[Cruzr Joe]

If the price is acceptable to you go for it but have a Can-Am dealer run the serial # first to see if it is up to date on its service and computer upgrades.


Cruzr Joe

 

[PistonBlown]

Firstly I'd say even if the 3000 mile service had been missed then 4200 miles is not a disaster. Ditto if the latest computer updates haven't been applied, those will be sort those out easy enough the next time you get it serviced. So instead of all the VIN stuff I'd suggest just asking the Honda dealer for the service history saying your aware it should have been serviced at 3000. If they can't provide it then that gives you a negotiating point right there on price as you'll need to get it serviced by a can-am dealer (they may offer to do it but you can mention the computer updates).

With the sway bar almost everyone has a Bajaron one and I believe his are red - so if you look under the front and see a red bar then it will be the upgraded swaybar. If it's black then it's probably the original one. This isn't a deal breaker either but something to think about upgrading later. Bajaron also supplies billet Hiem Join Link that are red or silver so that's another indicator it's been changed.

Check the front tires for uneven wear - if the front end has not been properly aligned then you'll see distinctive wear on either the inside or outside of the front tires. This can easily be fixed but requires laser alignment by somewhere that knows what they are doing (our very own SpyderAnn001 for example)

Check the belt for any signs of damage from stones etc.

And probably all the usual checks you'd make for any vehicle your buying e.g. damage to body panels etc.

 

[C. Lee]

I'm not going to D*CK around with this .................WHAT IS THE PRICE ??????.....we can't help you if we are in the DARK....:banghead::banghead::banghead:......................Mike :bbq:

$19k

 

[C. Lee]

This is exactly the info I was after. I wouldn't have thought about checking the vin for service history. Thanks everybody. Chris

 

[Bob Denman]

:congrats: on finding what might just be the "ride of your dreams". :clap:
The V.I.N. Check is a wise choice; as is a quick "walkaround", with a 2014 Spyder Brochure in your hands.
Spend some time comparing what you see on the bike, to what's in the brochure.
If the shocks or Anti-Swaybar is non-oem; you might see a telltale sticker on them.
Any of the side reflectors that are lights, will have been changed.
The only OEM brakelights, are the two that are mounted in the saddlebags
The turnsignal indicators: if you can actually see them, and they're not green; Aftermarket...
Look over the muffler. That's another popular piece to change.
(There's lots of other Farkling opportunities: those are some of the popular ones!)

 

[rmag]

VIN Check

The VIN check will also tell you if there is any warranty remaining.
The BRP/Best warranties stay with the bike. I bought a 14 RTL last July and found out two months later that warranty is good through mid 2018.

Good luck!

 

[viperryder]

Serial number

This is exactly the info I was after. I wouldn't have thought about checking the vin for service history. Thanks everybody. Chris

Get the VIN number and take it to Harding's Park Cycle. Canton Ohio. Ask for AK Fullmer. He will be glad to help and maybe service it for you. Good lick.

 

[Don in E Texas]

Dealer is key

Most important part of the ownership of a Can Am Spyder is the relationship with a good dealer. You have one recommendation of a good dealer - good starting point.

My 2010 was greatly improved in handling once the torsion bar was changed. My 2014 handles just fine with factory equipment (YMMV).

Rear tire wear. My 2008 and 2010 had the rear tire changed at about 9,500 miles - my 2014 tire changed at 3,800 miles. Center of the tire wore down to the wear marks and would never pass Texas State Inspection. Others here on the Forum have similar experiences.

Best wishes to you however you decide to go. The Triple cylinder engine/6 speed transmission is a real winner!

Don

 

[cognaccruiser]

When I changed my sway bar on my 14 RTS, the BajaRon bar was black but the heim links that he supplies with the bar were red. So, not necessarily a red bar to be seen. If you can get a look at the bar and the heim links at the ends are something other than black, there is a good chance it was changed.
A few picture if possible would help folks here identify any after market changes.

Gary

 

[Cruzr Joe]

Firstly I'd say even if the 3000 mile service had been missed then 4200 miles is not a disaster. Ditto if the latest computer updates haven't been applied, those will be sort those out easy enough the next time you get it serviced. So instead of all the VIN stuff I'd suggest just asking the Honda dealer for the service history saying your aware it should have been serviced at 3000. If they can't provide it then that gives you a negotiating point right there on price as you'll need to get it serviced by a can-am dealer (they may offer to do it but you can mention the computer updates).

With the sway bar almost everyone has a Bajaron one and I believe his are red - so if you look under the front and see a red bar then it will be the upgraded swaybar. If it's black then it's probably the original one. This isn't a deal breaker either but something to think about upgrading later. Bajaron also supplies billet Hiem Join Link that are red or silver so that's another indicator it's been changed.

Check the front tires for uneven wear - if the front end has not been properly aligned then you'll see distinctive wear on either the inside or outside of the front tires. This can easily be fixed but requires laser alignment by somewhere that knows what they are doing (our very own SpyderAnn001 for example)

Check the belt for any signs of damage from stones etc.

And probably all the usual checks you'd make for any vehicle your buying e.g. damage to body panels etc.

The bars are mostly always black .................. some of the links are red.

Cruzr Joe

 

[Bob Denman]

If the links aren't composite (plastic :shocked; they've been changed... that's a fair indication that the bar is also aftermarket.

 

[jaherbst]

Simply ask the dealer for the previous owners contact and ask them all these questions. Of course the dealer should contact them first to get approval.

I have done this before and it is usually OK with the dealer and previous owner if they know you are serious about the purchase. If not you might want to know why.

Jack

 

[PistonBlown]

When I changed my sway bar on my 14 RTS, the BajaRon bar was black but the heim links that he supplies with the bar were red. So, not necessarily a red bar to be seen. If you can get a look at the bar and the heim links at the ends are something other than black, there is a good chance it was changed.
A few picture if possible would help folks here identify any after market changes.

Gary

Thanks for that - In pictures I'd seen in the past they were red so had assumed that was normal but it sounds not. I knew the heim links were different as well so that's obviously the best indicator.

My Swaybar was made by a local Spyder rider so couldn't check mine

 

[loisk]

All good techo info.

but as we'll I now look for accessories ! Seats, back rests, Bluetooth, etc. they cost mega dollars to add, especially here in oz!!

 

[C. Lee]

I rode the bike today. It ran well, as expected and was smooth and shifted well. It has a tinted short windshield like the ones on the special series. I didn't think the had the special series in 14 but I'm probably wrong. The sway bar links were composite so I think that is original. It did have highway pegs as well as the blue tooth dongle. They did not have the service records and would not give me previous owner information. I will look up the vin on brp's website and check with the dealer recommended earlier. Thanks again for all of your help & info. Chris