[SirRonny]

Hello Everyone,
My name is Ron and I hail from Cape Girardeau Missouri. I'm 70 years old and 've been riding bikes for the last 55 years and am currently on my 35th motorcycle right now. In my riding past, I have had all manner of UJMs, Harleys, and BMWs and am currently riding a 2009 BMW F650GS which I dearly love and is shown in my avatar. With all that being said, my old legs are starting to give me problems and I am going to have to move away from 2 wheels and get on 3 I think.

So I have been looking at 2010 to 2013 Spyder RTs, which is more in my price range since I am on social security. I rode an RT several years ago at AMA Vintage Days in Ohio and that has been my only interaction with them. Since I know nothing about them, I was wondering if there are things I should look out for or years that are better than others? Would it be better to spend more and get the 3 cyl. version on a later model with a 6 speed tranny instead of the 5 speed, 2 cyl. on the older models?.

My apologies if I am asking this in the wrong place and if I am, I can move it to a more appropriate place. I would appreciate any knowledge anyone can give me as I hunt for my next ride. Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing from you all.

Ron

 

[Easy Rider]

Would it be better to spend more and get the 3 cyl. version on a later model with a 6 speed tranny instead of the 5 speed, 2 cyl. on the older models?.

Yes.
But it is even more important to live within your means.

Before you buy a Spyder that is about to be 10 years old or more, check with nearby dealers to see if they will still service it. Some won't.
Service tends to be expensive because typically no independent shops will touch them.

Good luck.

 

[Tourer]

Hi Ron. Welcome to the forum from North Carolina. Glad you decided to join us.

Think it would be fair to say quite a few members here switched to three wheels due to age, health, and/or two wheeled bikes being too heavy. Especially with a passenger.

I’m 72 and a little over a year ago had a back operation that left me with drop foot. The drop foot was on the left side so I couldn’t effectively shift and put my foot down when stopped. So with great sadness sold all the bikes and needed an automatic trike.

The Spyder models were a bit confusing in the beginning, but after quite a few hours of research I sorted it out. Ended up with a 2015 F3S because I only take solo day rides and don’t need saddlebags or a radio. The Mrs has health issues and the Doc said no more motorcycles. He

Would definitely spend the money and buy the newest and lowest mileage trike the budget will allow. There are plenty of examples for sale. Due to parts availability, dealer service issues, and drivability, definitely get something from 2015 and up with the 3 cylinder and the 6 speed. I like the automatic. You have to upshift but have no clutch or foot shifter. It will downshift by itself or you can do that also. Let’s you still feel involved with the bikes operation.

Here is a link to a website that explains all the models and their equipment. Good luck.

All CAN-AM/ BRP Spyder models and generations by year, specs reference and pictures - autoevolution

List of all CAN-AM/ BRP Spyder models and production years

www.autoevolution.com

Post back here or PM if you have any more questions or concerns.

 

[Bangorbob]

I agree with staying within your $ limit. I have had both the 998 and on my 2nd and probably last 1330. The pre-2013 (998cc) in comparison get around 27-30 mpg, whereas the 1330 gets between 35-39. I will probably get called out for the mpg, but that is what I have realized in real timel.

Anyway, if you are unsure and don't want to spend a lot to see if you like them, bet a cheaper 998 and give it a try. That way you don't have a bunch invested if you want to go in a different direction.
BTW, 998 is kinda of a hot rod in my opinion.

Good luck, Bob

 

[SirRonny]

Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it! In all the years and all the bikes I have had, I've never had to take one in for service as I am a former Chevrolet mechanic and can find my way around a wrench. . The BMWs were the most sophisticated motorcycles I owned with their advanced electronics and controls. There is an interface called a GS911 that lets me hook my laptop up to the connector under the seat of the bike that lets me do things like set service reminders, bleed the ABS brakes, sync. throttle bodies, graph running issues, check lighting and heated grips, and most other things that a dealer can do. Does Can Am have an interface tool like this to go between bike and computer?

Thanks for the link and I will definitely check out the different models Tourer and I will keep my eye open for a good used 1330 then. I would rather get what I will probably end up with right now. Easy Rider, there are 3 dealers within 100 miles of me, all owned by the same person and I will give them a call and see what they have in stock as far as used RTs, if any. Bob, I will do more research on all the bikes before I make a decision. I don't want to get something that I am unsatisfied with down the road as this will probably be the last bike I will ever buy. At least that is what I am hoping for...lol.

OK, with that, I am off to do more research and hopefully learn a little bit more about these bikes. I've been reading the forums here and have leaned quite a lot just reading them. Thanks again guys, I do appreciate the insight you have given me and hope to see you on the road one of these days. Take care!

Ron