What to look at when buying used Spyder RT?

[markyodo]

Hello all. I'm brand new here and my intention is to own a Spyder RT before November so I am actively looking. My budget won't allow me to buy new so I have been looking at used models.
I was wondering if you could provide me a "checklist" that a novice like myself could use when looking at and test riding these machines.

So far I am leaning towards a 2011 RT SE5 base model with 1300 miles. The owners have had it garaged and ride it very infrequently as you can tell by the mileage.
Not sure I feel comfortable with the older model with low mileage vs a newer model with higher mileage.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Pennyrick]

Hello all. I'm brand new here and my intention is to own a Spyder RT before November so I am actively looking. My budget won't allow me to buy new so I have been looking at used models.
I was wondering if you could provide me a "checklist" that a novice like myself could use when looking at and test riding these machines.

So far I am leaning towards a 2011 RT SE5 base model with 1300 miles. The owners have had it garaged and ride it very infrequently as you can tell by the mileage.
Not sure I feel comfortable with the older model with low mileage vs a newer model with higher mileage.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

As Roger suggested check out the record on the machine by taking the VIN to a dealer. Most 2011's had Throttle body problems but they were replaced at no cost by BRP. Just make sure that was done on the Spyder you are looking at. There were a few other items such as a replacement gas cap that sealed better and a few other minor items but check to see exactly what has been done on any machine you look at.

 

[Jeriatric]

Being a 2011

It had the potential of being covered by the BEST warranty until 2016 (would expire on original date of purchase). Otherwise, it will be out of warranty. If the price is right. No warranty may or may not be a big deal.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome: That sounds like a good one. I agree with Roger.

 

[Bob Denman]

Roger's got you on the right track; for sure! :2thumbs:
:welcome:
Take a look at the drive Belt...
It should sit about a thumbnail's width off of the inner flange on the pulley. If you can roll the bike around a bit, check the inner teeth on the belt, looking for damage from small stones... This is also a good time to look the pulley over for the same thing!
If you can take the bike to a dealer before purchasing it; have them plug it into the BUDS system, and that'll not only tell you if all of the updates have been completed; it can also show you the rpm ranges in which the engine has been spending it's life...
Of course; take a look at the oil. With such low mileage, it probably has only had the initial servicing done at the 600 mile "marker".
Star it up, and once warm; make sure that it settles in to a steady rpm level right around 1300 or so... (Since I got my new bike; I don't remember the exact number anymore... pps
Check the rear suspension... The air valve is under the seat, on the right-hand side of the bike. (The toolkit should be hooked to the bottom of the seast, and almost right above it.) There should be an air pressure gauge in the toolkit... Take a readking from the air valve. NEVER run them at 0 psi... I think that 90 psi is max.
Now that i've gotten you dirty, dusty, and greasy; you know how much fun these babies can be!

 

[ARtraveler]

The previous posters have you covered quite well.

The 2011 RT is a good machine. We have 15,000 miles and counting. Only work done was throttle body at purchase and a set of front tires so far.

 

[Jim&Teresa]

Agree

:agree: All good input for you by other fellow Spyderlovers on this thread!

I'll add that I had a 2012 RT Limited and it was a great motorcycle! Zero issues - rode it one season and put 7,650 trouble free miles on it. The 2012 RT's are a solid machine. Another option to consider as you move forward.

Good luck with your future purchase! :thumbup:

 

[markyodo]

I wanted to say thanks for your input. It's very much appreciated.
So no one really spoke to the mileage on a Spyder, so I shouldn't be leery of a 2011 with only 1300 miles as long as it has a clean VIN record, regular maintenance and updates? Is there a break in period for an RT?
I have also received some PM's with some good points that I must consider such as upgrades I want to do after purchase (communication system, floorboards, etc).
Thanks.

 

[Bob Denman]

1300 miles is on the low-side for mileage... only the prior owner can tell you how that happened. :shocked: It may have been purchased as a leftover... :dontknow:
I might be curious about the state of the fuel in the tank; make sure that it gets run and re-fueled quickly. :thumbup:

 

[Ben Burped]

Go for it

I found a 2010 RT with 1200 miles on it at a Ford dealer. I found the bike to be immaculate and bought it that day. Take it to a dealer and get it put on their computer to make sure all maintenance has been done and find out if there is any warranty left on it. Finally, if everything checks out, go for it.

 

[ABQSpyder]

Older

Bought my 2011 RT A/C used with 5k and the owner had all the paper work for the bike. Throttle bodies replaced and also the Display, under warranty. I have 21k and love the ride. Run the VIN by a dealer and they can tell.

 

[Seadog1]

Sounds like it may be a good buy if the [price is right. From what I am seeing used asking prices are some times more than a 2014.

 

[finless]

I bought my 2011 RTS last June and it only had 450 miles on it and thus was never serviced.
They guy just did not ride it much and said his wife did not like it.

Bottom line low miles does not mean a lemon. Mine has been reliable and I have had zero issues.

Bob

 

[bronzeflex42]

2012

:agree: All good input for you by other fellow Spyderlovers on this thread!

I'll add that I had a 2012 RT Limited and it was a great motorcycle! Zero issues - rode it one season and put 7,650 trouble free miles on it. The 2012 RT's are a solid machine. Another option to consider as you move forward.

Good luck with your future purchase! :thumbup:

I have to say, i got to agree with you. My 2012 RT Limited has been a good bike as well. I have not had any trouble out of it so far. I don't ride like you guys do, but it is still doing good. I've got almost 8,000 miles on it and hoping for a lot more trouble free miles.hyea: