Should I get a 2014 now, or wait and get a newer model? Any 'gotta have' features?

[JayBros]

@JayBros, I live in MN - so that might be sound advice... but it also raises a great question. When will prices at dealers and private parties go up? It seems like dealers are currently motivated to clear out bikes in that 6 to 10-year-old range.

No one raises prices to clear out old inventory, except on classic Ferraris and other mega buck cars.

 

[Deanna777]

Hi, brand new to Spyders and looking. I've done a lot of research and come to a conclusion on a few things:

1. I want a 1330 motor;
2. I'm going to transition from one Spyder (for me and my GF) to each of us having our own. Maybe an RT Limited for me at some point?

There are several 2014 RT's I've looked at, but I am wondering if I should get a newer model? Any features anyone would say are "gotta haves?"

Thanks,
Bob

Hi Carjones,

I had a 2014 RTS-SE6 Spyder (since sold) that had 30,000 plus miles on it when I traded it for my current Spyder, which is a 2023 F3 LTD SS.

The "gotta haves" would be updating the sway bar, new tires, Lights (on the fenders, trunk, & saddlebags), fog lights, cup holders.

Since 2014, all RT & F3 Spyders have had the "1330" Ace Engine, which is smoother, quieter. You can do an oil change at once a year.

Deanna

 

[Briorick]

I’m new to the 3 wheel world and was in your shoes for the past few months. I just bought last week because I found what I wanted at a good price. My approach was to not spend top dollar on a newer model without knowing that I’ll love the Spyder first. So I went conservative, and I won’t take a significant loss if it’s not for me. I bought a 2017 with 20k miles and it runs great. I’m in IL and plan to ride until the salt hits the streets.

I bought my first Spyder the exact same way. Not knowing if I truly would really enjoy riding one, I did my homework, joined this group, and read and learned as much as I could before deciding to purchase one. It was definitely going to be a used 2014 to be exact, with all the good reviews I read about that year. I, too, figured I wouldn't take much of a loss if I chose to sell it.
A few years later - my 1st 2014 Spyder had 65k miles on it with a few issues, when I traded it for current my 2014 with 19k miles (barely broken in).
I'm in Southern Illinois (a transplant from Northern) and still enjoying the rides, albeit a little cooler right about now; and as you say, hopefully until the salt hits the streets.

ENJOY!

 

[crna59]

I think I've purchased my last 5-6 vehicles between Christmas and New Years... Some awesome deals during this time!!

 

[Carjones]

I just pulled the pin on a 2020 RT Limited. Thanks for all of the constructive insight!

 

[iSilentP]

Do you happen to know if '14-up RT/F3 Limited's came with Cruise Control?

I have cruise control on my base 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT SE6

I would have no issues buying a 2014 RT. My first Spyder was a 2014 RT, and the only issue that I had with it was the DESS issue with the ignition key. Outside of that, it was flawless. The quality was much better than on my 2021 RTL, but I like the removeable trunk on the newer ones. The only thing that I like about the digital dash is the fact that I can play my music through the bluetooth system on my 2021, and I could not on the 2014.

Never experienced the DESS issue with my 14, but this year I had that disabled.

 

[Carjones]

Never experienced the DESS issue with my 14, but this year I had that disabled.

I pulled the pin and purchased a 2020 RT Limited. The price of newer (if you look hard enough) wasn't that much more-or in some cases the same as many overpriced dealers and private parties that aren't moving anything.

 

[Briorick]

Never experienced the DESS issue with my 14, but this year I had that disabled.

My first 2014 (high mileaged 65k) showed it's ugly DESS a few times, but never went out. Never left me stranded, thankfully, but that was always at the back of my mind. After trading for another 2014 with much less mileage (19k), I too had the DESS disabled. One of the best things a person can do for peace of mind.

 

[LoRider]

My first 2014 (high mileaged 65k) showed it's ugly DESS a few times, but never went out. Never left me stranded, thankfully, but that was always at the back of my mind. After trading for another 2014 with much less mileage (19k), I too had the DESS disabled. One of the best things a person can do for peace of mind.

How can you tell if DESS has been disabled on a preowned Spyder? Would you need BUDS?

 

[Peter Aawen]

How can you tell if DESS has been disabled on a preowned Spyder? Would you need BUDS?

Probably the cheapest and quickest way without resorting to BUDS or going to a dealer would be to get a key cut on a standard non-OEM style blank, so it should be able to do everything on your Spyder EXCEPT start it, then leave your actual Spyder key inside, and go outside to see if you can start your Spyder with the newly cut non-OEM Key...

There's heaps more, but check out this thread for info on pre-2020 Spyder keys and key blanks:

Post in thread 'Is there a Key Blank available for 2014+ Spyders?'

Mar 16, 2025

Here is a picture of the Ilco X270 key that I beveled to allow me to do everything on my Spyder but start it,

• JayBros

• 

 

[07PSDCREW]

I’m in the same boat. We did purchase a 2013 with 27,000 miles and a stack of maintenance records. I do all my own work and know my unit inside and out, had to fix a few things like the air compressor and the trunk release. I’m currently teaching my wife how to drive it. We’re up to 31,000 miles so far and I will be purchasing a 2014-ish unit for me come Spring time, as I am definitely wanting more power. I definitely dig the '13-'18 styling over the newer ones though.

 

[Briorick]

Probably the cheapest and quickest way without resorting to BUDS or going to a dealer would be to get a key cut on a standard non-OEM style blank, so it should be able to do everything on your Spyder EXCEPT start it, then leave your actual Spyder key inside, and go outside to see if you can start your Spyder with the newly cut non-OEM Key...

There's heaps more, but check out this thread for info on pre-2020 Spyder keys and key blanks:

Post in thread 'Is there a Key Blank available for 2014+ Spyders?'

Mar 16, 2025

Here is a picture of the Ilco X270 key that I beveled to allow me to do everything on my Spyder but start it,

• JayBros

• 

I had my DESS disabled and bought 2 spare Ilco x270 keys. Had them cut, but never attempted to use them. Fortunately, this posting made me check my keys with the Spyder, before I forget once again. One thing I had forgotten was to grind the corners (as was shown in the previous picture) to allow for the little inward push clearance needed for the Ignition, everything else (rear trunk , frunk, seat latch) was good to go.

After grinding, tried the keys, started the Spyder right up. That deserves 2 thumbs up.

Thanks for this key posting. Was a definite reminder for myself.

 

[iSilentP]

Do you happen to know if '14-up RT/F3 Limited's came with Cruise Control?

2014 RT has cruise control.

 

[Snoking1127]

I’m in the same boat. We did purchase a 2013 with 27,000 miles and a stack of maintenance records. I do all my own work and know my unit inside and out, had to fix a few things like the air compressor and the trunk release. I’m currently teaching my wife how to drive it. We’re up to 31,000 miles so far and I will be purchasing a 2014-ish unit for me come Spring time, as I am definitely wanting more power. I definitely dig the '13-'18 styling over the newer ones though.

13-19! Much better brake pedal placement also.

2019 RT chrome wheels are the best looking wheel Can Am ever put on the RT and some F3's.

 

[iSilentP]

I had my DESS disabled and bought 2 spare Ilco x270 keys. Had them cut, but never attempted to use them. Fortunately, this posting made me check my keys with the Spyder, before I forget once again. One thing I had forgotten was to grind the corners (as was shown in the previous picture) to allow for the little inward push clearance needed for the Ignition, everything else (rear trunk , frunk, seat latch) was good to go.

After grinding, tried the keys, started the Spyder right up. That deserves 2 thumbs up.

Thanks for this key posting. Was a definite reminder for myself.

I was fortunate enough to run across a forum member who lives in the area and he disabled my DESS. As you stated, I am not able to start the bike using the non-chipped (cheap) keys.