Purchasing a used Spyder RT?

[Siara]

Hi everyone,

Since I'm a newbie regarding the Spyder in general I'd love to have your feedback on the matter. I've been riding a two-wheeled bike for all my life since it was legal to do so (27 years young now) but due to health issues I'm being forced to search for an alternative. I've done a testdrive on the 2014 Spyder RT basic model and it was manageable for sure. Now I'm currently saving up to purchase a basic 2014 RT model which is about € 25,000 over here. It might take me a few years to save up though.

HOWEVER...

The dealer himself currently has a Spyder RT-S (2010) for sale with no visible damage as well as a Spyder RT-Limited (2012) with visible scratches on the side panels. The 2010 model goes for € 15.000 while the 2012 goes for €17.000. How bad is the mileage on the editions of these years? Can I expect atleast 30mpg or will it be lower? Are these machines still viable to run for atleast 5 more years?

In short, should I save up for a new Spyder or are the second-hand spyders not all that bad? Not sure if the cost of the gas on these things are worth buying it secondhand or waiting it out and have better mileage on the more expensive new model...

I hate making these kind of decisions so feedback on the matter is much appreciated. Are there people out there still cruising around on the 2010 and 2012 editions?

Thank you in advance for your feedback, I appreciate it.

 

[Eagle1]

2010 Rt

We bought our 2010 rt in Oct 13 and it had 2300mi, bought 2 yr warranty, we are over 14,000 miles and getting approx 30 mpg. Replaced rear tire at 13,100 mi, went to a Khumo. Replaced air shock under warranty. I recommend the warranty, Great ryde for short or long rydes. Very happy,! Enjoy the ryde.

 

[warp10]

I would go for the 2012 limited if you can afford it. The 2012 was considered to be the best and most problem free of all the RT years, (until the 2014 can out). The 2012 Limited also has many nice features that the 2010 RT-S does not have. If you can get them to throw the warranty in do it, it is piece of mind, even if you don't need it.

 

[Bob Denman]

2010 was the first year for the RT model. It was a GREAT effort, but there were some stumbling points along the way...
The front suspension was considered by most to just be too "Soft". Most 2010 owners replaced their shocks with either something from the aftermarket, or at least some OEM shocks from a 2011 or 2012 RT...
It was also the first year for the "throttle by wire" 991 Series engine. There were a lot of throttle bodies replaced and throttle position sensors going bad as well...
By 2012; most of these issues had been worked out; this is the most desireable of the First generation RTs to own...

But the 2014s are so much better in every functional apect; that it's almost worth the wait...
Happy Shopping! :thumbup:

 

[Siara]

Thank you for the feedback so far, I really appreciate it. The RT limited of 2012 would be our safest bet in that case? I know we have one year of warranty on any secondhand Spyder, that would keep us 'safe' I guess for about a year. Not sure if we can purchase additional warranty. I'll be sure to ask the dealer. Is there anything else I should check out when dealing with secondhand Spyders?

Anyone else who can give us some more heads up on the matter?

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I would also opt for the 2012 Ltd for reasons already given. But make sure it comes with all the extras the Ltd came out with, if you're going to pay the premium for that model. They're the same machines as the RTS, but had things like fitted luggage, GPS, etc., the RTS didn't have. When people trade in their Ltd's they often keep those items.

 

[bronzeflex42]

Good Model

I own a 2012 Limited and it's been good to me, with no mechanical issues. I've owned it bout 7 months now. It has bout 8,000 miles on it, runs and handle great. I did a lot of research before i bought it and the 2012 RTs had the best reviews.:yes:

 

[Chupaca]

Choices choices..!!

For the I want it now in you...go with the 2012. For the I want the best all around one hang on there will be used 14's you can at affordable prices...:thumbup:

 

[R FUN]

I have a 2012 ltd and have had no problems in 34000 klm [20,400 miles]. I replaced the rear tire at 20,000km and just replace the fronts this month all with auto tires. I average about 35 mpg. on Canadian gas but a little less on US gas as I think they have more ethenal added. I too would recommend the 2012 LTD if considering used.
Roger

 

[Dragonrider]

My 2010 was trouble free, but I would still opt for the 2012, given the choice. It's worth the 3K difference.

The 2014 is a whole different animal, and also worth the entry price, but riding the 12 for a couple of years is a good tradeoff.

 

[ARtraveler]

I have owned a 2010 RT-S and 2011 RT A&C version. Both were trouble free. I put 36,000 miles on 2010 before trading in. The 2011 has 17,000 miles currently.

Given a choice of 2010 or 2012, I would recommend the 2012. The 2012 is considered the best of the 998 Rotax powered RT's.

The 2014 is everything they say it is, and more. That is now my preferred RT.

The Rotax should be good for 200 - 300 thousand miles. The highest I have heard so far is 100 miles before trading off.

 

[Siara]

Thank you to everyone who gave me some advice on the matter.

Unfortunately the 2012 edition was just sold so I was just a tad late. A bit regretful but I'm trying to stay positive. What would you guys and girls do? The 2010 RT-S is still available at € 15.700 and I get one year of guarantee on the bike. They'll also do a maintenance on the bike before I get to take it home and the dealer offers good guarantee I've heard from others.

Should I go with the 2010 or hope for a better secondhand to come in? Or should I just forget secondhand and go for a new shiny bike?

I'd love some feedback on the matter. It's so very hard to decide on this.

 

[stormtrooper]

That sucks that the 2012 is gone/sold.This is my second Spyder and so much fun to ride.I would not be able to wait a few years to save my money for the 2014.So with that I would wait and see if someone trades in there old Spyder(2012/2014) for a new one(2015) at the dealer and jump on it if you can afford it.Good luck :yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

I would LIKE to say that you might want to pick up that 2010...

But the new bikes are just SOOOO much better in every functional way! :2thumbs:
Everything that I loved about my 2010; I love even more in my 2014.
The places where I saw room for improvement; they fixed!

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I would LIKE to say that you might want to pick up that 2010...

But the new bikes are just SOOOO much better in every functional way! :2thumbs:
Everything that I loved about my 2010; I love even more in my 2014.
The places where I saw room for improvement; they fixed!

:agree:

 

[murphybrown]

I soooo agree

I would LIKE to say that you might want to pick up that 2010...

But the new bikes are just SOOOO much better in every functional way! :2thumbs:
Everything that I loved about my 2010; I love even more in my 2014.
The places where I saw room for improvement; they fixed!

With Bob and PrairieSpyder. I have owned and loved a '10 RT for 70k awesome and basically trouble free miles. But the 16k I've put on the '14 since buying end of April is :thumbup::thumbup:. There is no comparison IMHO...Knowing me and even knowing what I know about '10 vs '14...I would not wait. I would be ryding what I could afford when a plan for upgrading...:yes: Enjoy the decision making and then embrace the purchase and ryde, ryde, ryde. :clap:

 

[Bob Denman]

Please don't misunderstand us... :shocked:
We'd love to help you save some money, but the new bikes are just a bit too good to ignore. nojoke

 

[finless]

2011 RTS bought used last June and had 450 miles on it. I am at 11K miles now with no service issues.

Bob

 

[Dragonrider]

My 2010 was terrific.

Points to consider: Service intervals are longer on the 14s and 15s. The oil is easier to check on the 14s and 15s. The fuel efficiency is better on the 14s and 15s. There is no heat or gas smell on the 14s and 15s.

If these points aren't that important to you, you might consider offering the dealer 12,500 for the 10. You can do a lot with the extra cash.

 

[Siara]

Thank you everyone for your feedback, I really appreciate it.

We're currently hunting a silver RT-S (2012) and a brown RT-LTD (2013) at our local dealer. He said he'd contact us this week with the best deal he could possibly give us on the machines. Either of them would have standard 3 year warranty and road assistance and he was going to try and cut prices and add extra accessories. These are still new machines so I'm kind of leaning towards the 2012 at this moment but it all depends on the price he's willing to give us.

He really needs the machines gone to make room for the new F3 in the showroom. Both machines are brand new but off course have the old engine. I look forward to hearing from him...