Newbie asking for feedback and advice - Any thoughts or advice regarding buying a 2011 RT-S? What are the most popular tires for it?

[Blueslover1]

I am 73 and have been riding motorcycles since I was 18. Father Time has made it clear that at my age, it's time to look into 3 wheels when riding 2 up with my wife to keep her safe and confident. I have found a 2011 RT-S with super low miles at a price that I can afford. Any thoughts or advice regarding this year model or anything else I should know? It will need tires right away, so what are the most popular and /or affordable tires? Any advice from the experts on the forum would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pegasus1300]

I have a 2012 with 81,000 miles. It runs fine, tho I am having a starting issue I can't figure out. No Can Am dealer will work on it so I found an independent shop that says he will. We will see. If you can't do your own maintenance work, stay away. I run Coopers on the front and a Kumho on the back. When you get yours, change all the fluids and expect a battery soon, unless it is a Yuasa recently changed.
I like my 2012 RTL. I would go anywhere on it. It is comfortable, fast, handles well enough for me at 79. But, if you can find a 2017 or newer at a price you can afford get it, at least Can Am will service it for a while. Many have 10 year rule. Good luck and welcome to the insanity.

 

[2dogs]

With over 50 years of riding under your belt, you may be somewhat experienced with twisting nuts and bolts; however, this CanAm Spyder is a new beast on the scene and involves knowledge of electronics and computers because Spyders are full of that crap. Almost all the problems and complaints on this site involve electronic, computer, and digital issues. Knowing what I know now, I'd find an independent, competent mechanic/tech with a good reputation for working on spyders before ever purchasing a spyder. With a 2011, you're 15 years old, and that model is way out of date with parts no longer being made and possibly hard to find if they do exist somewhere. If you're an experienced DIY'er, I'd say go for it; if you're not, I'd stay within the 10-year window for dealership repair acceptance. Good luck whichever way you go. Spyders will keep us old farts riding for more years until we can't get off of one after we're up on one, if you know what I mean.

 

[Mikey]

Do not be afraid of using the search engine at the top right of the screen it will take you back into the archives of pass posts, and as far as tires and oil, your eye's will bleed from all of the reading! Enjoy!!! You will find that a lot of the gang love a good car tire!!