I'm new to Spyders having been on two wheels since the mid-1960s so I don't have a bunch of long term knowledge on these things. There is a good possibility that some of my assumptions are completely off base and those more knowledgeable than I will jump in and tell you what an idiot I am, but here is my thinking and what I've observed...
A number of dealers will not work on a bike that is more than 10 years old, so keep that in mind as you are looking.
I'm a long distance solo rider, so my needs include storage, thus either the F3 Spyder Limited or the RT Limited (the base options of both do not have panniers or top box from the factory, but you can add them) were my main options (the Canyon is too new - read expensive - and is not really targeted to my needs/desires). I am not a fan of a feet forward riding position so I'm down to the RT Limited. It's a riding position I like and am comfortable with. Incidentally, the cost of adding the top box and panniers is about the difference in price between the two models.
For the RT, there was a major styling redesign in 2020 (top box redesign) with an updated dash. In 2024 the dash was updated again. One of the things that changed in 24 was the elimination of an aux audio input to the integrated sound system. If that matters, then look for a '23 or earlier.
These bikes come with a two year factory warranty, with the option of adding an extended factory warranty (B.E.S.T) while the bike is still covered by the original factory warranty. If that matters to you, be sure to ask. You are probably looking at a 2024 at that point.
I don't know if any models had navigation as one of the factory options. I know that the 2020 and later rely on the owner either having an iPhone to integrate with Apple Car Play or using their cell phone or dedicated GPS for navigation. Personally I think they have missed a great opportunity here, but that's not my call. I added a dedicated GPS with XM radio to mine as I refuse to use my phone for navigation - especially since I'm often in areas without cell phone coverage.
As for the Ryker - and again, this is my opinion - I would not go for the 600cc motor. The 900 is the 3-cylinder model while the 600 is a two cylinder machine. That being said, if price is the main consideration, there are more than a few new 2023 Ryker 600s for sale for under $5K and 2024 900s in the $7K range. That would give you the new vehicle warranty and the option of the extended warranty. Also, the Ryker has a CVT transmission while the F3 and RT lines have semi-automatic (paddle shifter) or manual shifter (age dependent). With the paddle shifter, you manually upshift, but downshifting can be automatic or you can manually downshift.
I don't know what your budget it, but if you can swing $20K for both bikes, you can both get into an F3 or older (but less than 9 years old) RT and I think you'll be better off than with a Ryker.
Oh, and the riding experience is completely different than on two wheels. It drives more like an ATV than a motorcycle. For you it will take a while before you become comfortable, for you wife, she will get it faster than you as she does not have any "bad habits" to unlearn.
Wisdom of the board says that for 2-wheel converts, the first 500 miles are frustrating and annoying, 500-1000 you start getting the hand of it, and around 1000 or so you really begin to like it and be comfortable with it. I'm in the 500-1000 mile area at the moment. Really looking forward to the 3-wheel muscle memory taking over.
Hope to see you on the road.
jdg
