Just sold my Harley and have follow up questions - what spec RT; Base, Ltd, Sea to Sky? Used, or new?

[Jesster72]

It may have been said, but the best deal is one you are happy with. Either bike will be good to you. I will say, I was surprised at the difference I felt on an RTL vs. Sea to Sky. To me (and my bride), the seat was much more comfy and believe it or not, the adjustable air deflectors do make a difference. But both of those things can be changed if you so choose.

 

[vito1943]

I'll add that when I bought my RT new the dealer was selling the bikes as soon as they came in, so they were not open to much negotiation. CanAm was offering a $1,000 off and that was all they were willing to do. But they ended up giving my a very fair trade in value on my Goldwing, actually more than I had any reason to expect.

Looking at the new Spyders, I don't see anything significant on the S2S over the RTL that would justify the price. And the RTL is about $5,000 more than the basic RT. What you give up on the RT is the rear trunk and heated seats. Personally I don't think that those two features are worth the $5K.

 

[srd9711]

Hello everyone,
First let me say I have found this forum very helpful. I have been looking all over for a Can Am R/T and trying to decide on which one to buy.

So I am looking at a couple of R/T Limited's and an R/T. Basically it is price, I have found an R/T with the storage with a rack and driver back rest.
The Limited does not have the back rest or the luggage rack.

I know there are some differences between heated seats and other things. I know I can add the accessories later, but is the self leveling system worth the extra money. I will mainly be riding by myself but the wife will come with me occasionally, but probably not for long distances. I plan on long trips eventually. I know I am rambling, but I am going to look at these this weekend and the difference in price is $6000.

So the 2025 R/T has 3000 miles, a luggage carrier, and a rack. It's $6000 cheaper thnn the 2023 R/T Limited, which has 8000 miles without the rack or driver backrest.

Thank you for the help again.

 

[Knizar]

If you want the wife to ride with, get an RTL with a passengers backrest and top case storage.
She will be more eager to go with you with her own backrest.

If you plan on only riding by yourself, get the RT.

Better yet, take her with you and give her a ride on both Spyders.

 

[srd9711]

Thank you @Kinzar. I forgot to mention, the R/T has those accessories added. Cargo and passenger back rest.

 

[mecsw500]

I'm assuming you are talking new.

To my mind, the auto self leveling rear suspension is worth it. Heated seats are really worth it. The backrest you can just order from the dealer, BRP, Amazon, or E-Bay, that's no big deal. The luggage rack the same. The luggage rack, if you are talking about the one on the trunk lid, can't carry a lot of weight though. I've never bothered fitting one for this reason. There are factory racks and better third party racks available. I wouldn't worry about the rider's backrest or luggage rack as being part of my purchase decision.

We just went from a 2021 RT LTD to a 2026 Sea to Sky. Even more money, I know, but the seat alone almost makes the S2S worth it. My wife's comfort is the overwhelming purchasing criteria.

I'm really happy with the S2S. If it wasn't for my wife being in charge of purchasing decisions it would have been an RT Ltd. The Base RT would have been a very distant third.

Other people may have made completely reverse decisions based upon the act of manually controlling the rear suspension system and omitting the rear pump for a perceived increase in reliability.

 

[Knizar]

Still, give her a chance to choose for comfort, "happy wife ,happy life"

 

[mecsw500]

Yes, and as it was her that said lets trade in our 2021 RT LTD for a new 2026 Sea to Sky, who am I to argue?

As she is always wanting to go for rides and trips on it and as she makes all financial decisions I was more than happy to play along.

 

[troop]

I have a 2022 RT S2S with the comfort seat. I also bought a heated take off seat and sent it off to Russell Day long for conversion. For long days in the saddle (250+ miles), the RDL is wonderful. That said, on both seats I still use an Alaska Leather sheepskin topper. Slight cushion and both absorbs heat and provides warmth in cold. And, yes, the heat comes thru on heated seats. She would like it. Just take it off before it rains https://www.alaskaleather.com/collections/sheepskin-buttpads

 

[2dogs]

Shed a tear as my Harley drove off with a new owner on it. Went down to the Spyder dealer, jumped on a new RT, and the rest is history. You'll adapt and grow to love whichever spyder you pick, and making new friends is an adventure in its own right. Looking back, I made the right decision, and now I can ride this puppy right into my grave; however, my wife may have the final say about that. LOL

 

[Snoking1127]

Thank you @Kinzar. I forgot to mention, the R/T has those accessories added. Cargo and passenger back rest.

Look at the RTL listed here for sale in Redding Ca. It would be worth the road trip to go get it. It has all the extra a person would want at a great price.

C

FS: Thread '2023 Can Am Spyder RT-Limited in Northern CA'

Mar 16, 2026

I know this is a longshot since this is a worldwide forum, but ya never know...

For Sale: 2023 Can Am Spyder RT-Limited Touring! Mama hasn't ridden her since we bought the Canyon, so makes sense to clear space out.

21,200 ish miles

She has all the luxury goodies! Power windscreen, heated driver seat/grips, passenger heated seat/handholds, rear air suspension (for varying loads), tons of lockable storage, and AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo w/ bluetooth intercom ready!

Elka Stage 2 Shocks F/R (3) Sprung/valved up for sporty touring
Baja Ron's Ultimate Sway Bar
Spyder Pops Grill/Radiator guard...

• CrazyCooter
• Replies: 9
• Forum: For Sale by Owner

• 

 

[srd9711]

Harley deal fell through. Guy had to back out unexpectedly. So now listing or looking to trade in. Oh well everything happens for a reason. I am almost 29 years sober. It will all work out. I will get the Spyder at some point. Everyone on here has been great.

 

[Knizar]

Harley deal fell through. Guy had to back out unexpectedly. So now listing or looking to trade in. Oh well everything happens for a reason. I am almost 29 years sober. It will all work out. I will get the Spyder at some point. Everyone on here has been great.

Gives you time to get out and do as many test rides as you can find.
You will learn something on every test run that you like or dislike.

Good Luck, might see you out in west central Minnesota !

 

[Snoking1127]

Harley deal fell through. Guy had to back out unexpectedly. So now listing or looking to trade in. Oh well everything happens for a reason. I am almost 29 years sober. It will all work out. I will get the Spyder at some point. Everyone on here has been great.

Sorry to hear that, there is an old adage, a sale is not complete until the money is in your bank account and the bank says the new balance is available to you.

 

[greer]

Harley deal fell through. Guy had to back out unexpectedly. So now listing or looking to trade in. Oh well everything happens for a reason. I am almost 29 years sober. It will all work out. I will get the Spyder at some point. Everyone on here has been great.

Just for the heck of it, check to see if iMotorsports in Chicago has a bike you’d be interested in. They gave me more for my trade-in than I ever expected. Walked me through every step of the online paperwork. Shipping is free, they sent a truck and enclosed trailer to pick up my bike and drop off the new one.

Sarah

 

[Jackhartjr]

I will add this sir.
When you do sell your Harley, look at private sellers.
I have purchased two Spyders and a Slingshot from private sellers.
All three went extremely well, AND I didn't pay all of the ridiculous doc fees and other bullcrap fees Dealers charge and tack on!
And you are usually able to find exactly what you want!

 

[srd9711]

Just for the heck of it, check to see if iMotorsports in Chicago has a bike you’d be interested in. They gave me more for my trade-in than I ever expected. Walked me through every step of the online paperwork. Shipping is free, they sent a truck and enclosed trailer to pick up my bike and drop off the new one.

Sarah

Thank you Sarah. I sent them a message last night. I appreciate the input.