I've put 24,000 miles on my '21 RT and it is running as well as it did brand new, but it lacks some of the newer features. I'm getting old and lately I've been thinking that I should splurge on whatever I want, since I may not have many more years for riding. But I wonder if the newer Spyders are different or better enough than what I have already to justify spending a likely $15-20,000 for essentially the same bike? Any thoughts?
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Wondering about replacing my '21 Spyder with a '26 (or '27) - any thoughts on the newer Spyders being different or better enough to justify the spend?
- Thread starter vito1943
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mecsw500
Well-known member
I did exactly that. I traded my 2021 RT LTD for a new 2026 Sea to Sky.
The seat, tires, display console, CarPlay addition, and lots of other small factors (like being able to do your own firmware updates) made all the difference to me. My wife likes the seat 10x better.
Was it worth the money? Well that's a good question. Since I owned my 2021 outright and was fortunate enough to be able to pay cash for the 2026, I think it was. I too am getting older and it was worth it to me for the new bike with warranty (I bought 5 years additional warranty) as it might be the last one I buy.
If I was spending the money, I know the Sea to Sky is quite a bit more expensive than the RT Ltd, but I thought what the heck, and I'm glad I did, all things considered.
The seat, tires, display console, CarPlay addition, and lots of other small factors (like being able to do your own firmware updates) made all the difference to me. My wife likes the seat 10x better.
Was it worth the money? Well that's a good question. Since I owned my 2021 outright and was fortunate enough to be able to pay cash for the 2026, I think it was. I too am getting older and it was worth it to me for the new bike with warranty (I bought 5 years additional warranty) as it might be the last one I buy.
If I was spending the money, I know the Sea to Sky is quite a bit more expensive than the RT Ltd, but I thought what the heck, and I'm glad I did, all things considered.
Snoking1127
Well-known member
I would like the new way to shift into reverse gear and cancel cruise control on the newer models. However, I would not get a Satin finish Spyder. And people say the new machines scratch easily. AND I would have to get two, as I have a 2018 RTL in both Washington and Arizona, and I would not like to switch back and forth.
Jetfixer
Well-known member
The Sea to Sky version comes with the drivers backrest, and for 2026, instead of supplying the rear cover (for when the topcase is removed), they now come with a complete bike cover. Also, it includes the adjustable louvers on the sides of the front fenders, and the S2S seat is the equivalent of the optional Heated Comfort Seat. All very expensive upgrades if you chose to add them to either a base RT or an RT Limited. You would have to justify the price difference, and the usability of these items to yourself. The major difference for you, coming from a 2021, is the much larger display and the completely different left and right controls. As stated above, the ability to upgrade over WIFI IS a convenience. I found myself in your position last year. I had planned my retirement and decided that I wanted to start over with a new Spyder. I traded in my 2020 RTL which had over 61000 miles on it for a new 2025 S2S. This is now my 3rd Spyder and I've never looked back. My better half just retired and we traded in her 2021 F3L Special on a new leftover 2025 F3L Special Series. She went from over 34000 miles to 0. We plan to continue doing extensive touring on our bikes and both completely enjoy the new models for their new features. IMHO, you should get the new one.
mecsw500
Well-known member
You're right, I like the reverse selection and the cruise control cancelling method by reversing the throttle too.
I have the satin/matte finish white S2S. I agree the gloss finishes are hardier. However, the satin/matte finish is not either as matte or as delicate as I first feared. But, white was all they had left, so white it was.
If you clean the bugs off regularly, it's not as bad as I first feared. You certainly cannot polish it, and you have to use chemicals designed for matte or satin finishes, otherwise you will get polished regions in the matte that will look odd, to say the least.
The white, as a color in itself, is nice though. It's a nice bright color with just a hint of pearl in it, in a certain light. It goes well with the bronze wheels and the black insert panels.
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