Had a 2014 STS Limited, only kept it 5 months. Just didn't work on my back. Found a 2012 with low miles but so much bad press on the twin I am a little concerned My 2014 seemed like it had good power. I realize the 2014 and newer with the 1330 seem to be much better, but so is the price. I am 79 and do not plan on riding two up across country. Any one out there have good words on the 2012 RT? Thanking in advance. Ed.
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Considering a 2012 RT - Any one out there have good words on them?
- Thread starter delsurfin
- Start date
Mikey
Well-known member
Well, if the 2014 was too hard on your back I don't know what to say! What makes you think it's going to work any better, is it got some suspension work done on it that makes you think it's going to ride smoother? As far as the twin, there's nothing wrong with the twin, it's a high rev motor, it likes being wound up, yes it like to use a little oil between oil changes, so you have to keep an eye on that, but all and all it's a good machine! With the right added goodies it could be a good ride for someone that wants some wind therapy, but it's the back thing!!! Good Luck!! Hope you get it figured out!
Snoking1127
Well-known member
I am 81 and currently have two 2018 RTL's. In May of 2024 I rode another one I had from Arizona to Washington on a 1850 mile bucket list relocation ride spread over 6 days. The longest day was 350 miles, which included hitting a German Shepherd half way though that first day. Stop leak in the radiator and missing tupperware and I still finished the ride that included Highway 1 North of San Francisco, the Oregon Coast, and part of the Washington Coast. I would say that maybe a Spyder is the wrong thing for you if it creates back issues. Go test drive a used Slingshot, it would provide you a car like seat and still provide the wind therapy!!!! And you would still have a three wheeler!!!!
blacklightning
Well-known member
Although he said he had a 2014, it was an STS Limited. The RT is a little more comfortable on the back. As for picking up a 2012 RT, the V Twin is a good engine, and the 2012 is one of the better ones, as they seem to have gotten most of the earlier issues out. But on the down side, a lot of dealerships (most) will not work on them, stating that they are too old. It might also be an issue coming up with needed parts if something needs to be replaced. But if it has good records and is a good enough deal (I mean really cheap), it might be worth it to you. But there are 2014 and 2015 RT models with the 1330 engine out there for around or under $10k. So for me, to get a 2012 RT, it would have to be definitely under $7k and have a very good service record. Good luck.
JayBros
Well-known member
Your STS had a riding position substantially different from the 2014 RT model. In my not so humble opinion, the reason the 990 series V-Twin is no longer in production is the 1330 ACE engine is a vastly improved, state of the art engine. Here are some graphics explaining the major differences. One of the major differences Mikey didn't explain about the 990 engine is that of necessity because it has a centrifugal clutch the engine had to rev higher to keep said clutch fully locked up. The 1330 ACE engine has a hydraulically activated clutch that locks up when you open the throttle.
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- - I am 78 and ride a 2011 RT-S and I really like the high torque engine. I guess I am still 18 years old trapped in a 78 year old body. I ride with several buddies that have the 1330 engine and they have not left me yet. The biggest problem is the MPG sucks and the dealer does not want to work on them. Make sure you get a good backrest and keep on riding.
Leon
Leon
Great info. 2014 looks like a no brainer
Deanna777
Well-known member
HI delsurfin,
My first Spyder was a 2012 RTS SE5 - it was comfortable, I did several long trips with it (went to Lake George, New York, and also went to New Hampshire). I rode mostly solo on the 2012 RTS SE 5.
I had several issues with it (speed control did not work from the get go, the right front head light was not working properly because of the shutter system, the left trunk door would not shut properly - these were all covered under the warranty). Other than what I have mentioned the 2012 I had (since sold) was a great machine.
When the 2014 RTS SE6 Spyder models came in, I traded up to a 2014 RTS SE6(since SOLD) because it had the Ace "1330" engine and all of the major upgrades that BRP did.
If you get a 2012 RTS SE5, I think you might have problems getting parts for that Spyder model. Also, would any of the Can Am dealerships work on the older Spyders models?
Deanna
BajaRon
Well-known member
The 998 V-Twin is a great engine. If ridden as designed, it will last a very long time.
The 2012 was the best V-Twin RT model made.
Most parts are still available for the older RT's. This is more true for the 2012 than the 10 or 11 models. We've only had issues with a few components on the 2010. Even then, we have been able to find what we needed.
There are some things that should be addressed on the V-Twin bikes. But they are inexpensive and not difficult to do yourself.
Dealerships tend not to want to work on the older Spyders. But if you can do normal maintenance yourself. You'll not only save money, but you'll probably get superior results.
You're not going to take much, if any, hit on devaluation with the older Spyders.
Handling on the older models is not up to the standards of the new machines, but this too can be mitigated quite a bit.
Depending on your needs and abilities, I think a 2012 RT could be just the ticket.
The 2012 was the best V-Twin RT model made.
Most parts are still available for the older RT's. This is more true for the 2012 than the 10 or 11 models. We've only had issues with a few components on the 2010. Even then, we have been able to find what we needed.
There are some things that should be addressed on the V-Twin bikes. But they are inexpensive and not difficult to do yourself.
Dealerships tend not to want to work on the older Spyders. But if you can do normal maintenance yourself. You'll not only save money, but you'll probably get superior results.
You're not going to take much, if any, hit on devaluation with the older Spyders.
Handling on the older models is not up to the standards of the new machines, but this too can be mitigated quite a bit.
Depending on your needs and abilities, I think a 2012 RT could be just the ticket.
BlueSliver
New member
Hi everyone, I purchased an almost like new 2011 RT SM5 10 months ago that had 12,500 miles on it and has 15,500 miles on it now. I consider myself really blessed in finding the bike at the local Honda shop on consignment from the 90 year old original owner. An acquaintance has a 2015 sport model 1330 that he really loves to tell you about how great a machine it is. I had been riding 2 wheels for 55 years before, and there was snow and ice on the ground when I looked at it, so I wasn't able to test ride it. I loved the color and condition so I purchased it. I had to educate myself about the machine, both riding it and maintenance items which I have done. To me, it's like riding an older shovelhead on steroids. Fuel mileage isn't much more than 30 MPG and it uses some oil, but it's a nice machine in my opinion.
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