Well,,,,

[Wrench]

I went to pick up my freeze plugs at a local dealer today. I knew I was headed for trouble when we pulled into the parking lot and there were 3 Spyders sitting there. I probably would've made it to the back of the store to get my parts if the wife hadn't been with me. They had like 5 RT Limited's for me to slobber over,,,,, then I sat on one. All I can say is that is a sweet ride. The salesman invited me back for a demo ride when I get some more of this back issue taken care of. The one we fell in love with is Cognac in color, looks like a burnt orange to me. That's the first time I've actually been close enough to drool on one, I see now what you guys that have bought one are talking about!!

[cowpuc]

Indeed, those Spydies are wayyy cool!! Tip and I would love to join you for a test ride/demo day on them Wrench,, I have never rode one either but they sure look like they would be a HOOT!!

 

 

This thought just occurred to be about our picture posting rule,, maybe we need to alter the bylines of that rule to read something like "anytime a member knows they are going to be within 200 feet of any establishment that caters to motorcycles or bikers, that person shall be required to have a camera in their possession"..

[BigLenny]

A couple years ago myself and my cousin were at Bikes Blues and BBQ and they had the Can Am corporate truck there doing test rides. We had already test ridden the Victory CCT and Vision, the Harley Ultra, The Yamaha Super Tenere and a couple other bikes. We were about to leave the show and my cousin made the statement that we ought to test ride the Spyder RT's for when we get old. LOL. Well, we did and we were blown away! Those suckers were a blast to ride! Smooth ass a babies rump. When we got back from the test ride we were both grinning from ear to ear. The Spyder RT is definitely on the radar for my wife and I somewhere down the road.

[Freebird]

I agree that they are fun to ride. I rode one for most of a day when we had the International in New York and Pioneer hosted us. They gave me the touring model to go on one of our day rides. Eileen loved it and I truly wanted to. I can tell you though, they are NOT made for tall riders. I was absolutely miserable by the time we got back and in fact, I finally let Eileen drive and I just sat on the back and tried to relax. I had a salesman tell me straight up before I ever rode one that I would probably not like it. He said that they got a lot of complaints from tall riders and that Can Am was aware of it and were supposed to be working on something. That was several years ago though and as far as I know, it's the same now.

[Marcarl]

YEPYEPYEPYEPPIE,, that's my feeling. Rode one same year as Freebird, thought it was ok but not a Venture for sure. Was thinking down the road you know, when we get older. It was an 08, too much vibration, rides completely different,, but had enough getup and go and didn't fall over at the gas pumps, and even had reverse,,,, so it had some pluses. Then along comes 2014 and the new 3 cyl. I go look,,,, oh oh, I looked again, oh oh oh uhhuh,,, well there she sits, pretty as a button in her cognac skirt. I figured it was time, it's smooth, loads of power, handles well, sits comfortable, and still has reverse, Lighting is awesome, horn sucked, (no longer, had to add something, thanks BRP) lots of luggage room, some good things, some not so good. Tires are hard to come by unless you go to the dealer, stealer for sure, add ons start at $100 and easily go up from there,,, nuts!!! they must all think we have MORE money. Price is not cheap but then neither is one of those other machines that people seem to crow about. I thought if we waited too much longer we would be too old to learn to ride something new, and new this is. I now have 12000 km on it and am loving it. Not done training on it just yet. But every time I get on it, I love it more. I think it has a different seating than the 08 and hyway pegs are available. I thought I would miss my hyway pegs, but not yet, so far I'm quite comfortable, and pegs would take my foot away from the brake pedal,, and I love my brake pedal for stopping. There is a hand brake available but it's $1500,,,, ya?eh?

Now I need a new rear tire,,, already,,, ya, the center wore out of the Kenda, the recommended tire. What I'm looking for is a Kumho, Ecsta AST, Ku25, 225-50-15. None available in Canada at present and Discount Tire won't sell to me because they have figured out that it is going on a Spyder and they have an agreement with BRP,, go figure.

Lucky it's not very good for riding right now.

[Gray Ghost]

I still love my Venture, but we bought a 2013 RT to do our round the states trip this past summer (16000 miles in 71 days). If you are going to get one, if at all possible go for the 2014 or later model. The 1330 engine gets better mpg, has a six speed transmission and some other good things. If you need to go for an earlier model, avoid the 2013. BRP had redesigned the bike for the 1330 but evidently the engine was ready for 2013 so they put the V-Twin in it. The rear cylinder is right under the gas tank and there is very little air flow under there. The ride is different but it is a fun ride once you get past wanting to lean the bike over. Not having to work a clutch in stop and go driving coming down through NY/NJ was a real blast.

 

Some of the issues with the Spyders as others have pointed out:

 

Tall rider problems - The new F3 (no touring model yet) has some adjustable settings that seem to be more accommodating to the vertically privileged. Also designed to let more air flow to the engine by getting rid of some of the tupperware.

 

Front tire wear - Alignment of the front wheels is critical and most riders have experienced some wear and handling problems. There is a laser alignment system that corrects that problem. Some, but not all dealers, have the system and some individuals also offer the alignments (Disclaimer - I am one of those). Even with the alignment done right the OEM tires wear fairly quickly but there are other tires available. I run Federals now, they seem to be OK.

 

Rear tire wear. Everybody complains about that, but the early 2014s were really bad. A lot of folks go with the Kumho as a replacement. As Marcarl has pointed out, Discount Tire doesn't want to sell them for the Spyder. I got mine by telling them I needed a new spare tire for a four wheel vehicle (forgot which one I said). If you can find a small sedan that takes that size you just tell them that is what you want it for and have someone else install the tire.

[Wrench]

Yes Marcarl, THAT'S the one that tripped me up yesterday, I love that color. The salesman went into detail with the changes they have made, moving the radiator forward, driver floorboards, the mileage improvement. My right leg is still kinked up, so it wasn't going to be a comfortable sit yesterday anyway, but it is a different riding position than the Venture. The $$'s are a definite thing now since I'm not working yet, but I'm sure liking them,,,,, A LOT!!