shadowdog - Can-Am Spyder Forums: The Y-factor Community

shadowdog · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 12:39 PM

Thinking about buying an RT-S would like pros and cons on this spyder. concrens are maintanence and repair, cost of both, mileage etc. currently own Harley thinking of making the change to 3 wheels.

renrev62 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 04:04 PM

JUST DO IT !u will not regret it.I went from a 2011 kawasaki Concour 1400 witch i loved now i have an RS and RT-S love them even more .The more i drive them the more i love them!!!!!!!

wallace18 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 04:05 PM

I traded in my 2010 HD Limited for a red RTS. I love it. I took about 150 miles to get used to. It is not a motorcycle or a car it is different. It tends to wander some if the road is crowned or worn bad with a high hump in the center. It also side loads you in a turn. The feeling of security and safety outweigh the quirks to me. The gas mileage is less than the HD but it is comeing up with mileage put on. My wife loves the back seat and even has driven it around the neighborhood. I got the trailer and am looking forward to a long ride soon. I put 450 miles on it in 2 days and no problems to report. The intercom and audio system is as good as HD which I can't say for Goldwings or Kawasaki's I have owned. Even HD guys wave at me. Good luck with your decision. T.W.

shadowdog · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 05:20 PM

What about support? I'm in south central Oklahoma with the nearest dealer 90 miles away.

spyderdave · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 08:49 AM

If you plan on doing your own oil changes that will greatly minimize the trips to the dealer. You can also do your own valve adjustments if you are so inclined. The Rotax engines are pretty low maintenance for the most part. My previous bike was an Aprilia with the same engine. Did not need a valve adjustment in the 15,000 miles I put on it. I had them checked and they were within spec.

Sometimes the gee-wiz gizmos on the Spyders can have hiccups. That may mean a long tow or trailer ride for the Spyder to get to the dealer.

Also, the local Spyder dealers in Arizona are busy enough that you have to make an appointment for service. Call the dealer and see what they can do to help you reduce your trips for service or make it so you can wait while they do the service.

If you plan on trailering a Spyder, 6 foot wide is the minimum I would go. Any more narrow makes it difficult to load and risks damage to the bike.