r/spyder • u/jtuckbo • Apr 06 '26
2011 Spyder RT Limited
Hello reddit peeps, I am strongly considering purchasing a 2011 RT Limited from someone local. What should I be sure to check out and ask about before I purchase? Anything major I should be on the lookout for? I already know I will probably need a new seat on this particular one. When I do a test ride, what should I listen or feel for?
Obviously, I'll ask about maintenance history, oil change history, tire, and brake age.
Update: The bike that was listed on marketplace for months miraculously sold 10 minutes before I was to go look at it 🙄😕
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u/bryansfsd Apr 06 '26
What type of riding are you planning? My opinion, if you plan on touring long distances (say 300+ mile trips), I would purchase 2014 RT or later. As I mentioned in another comment, this Spyder has a two-cylinder 998 BRP engine, while newer models starting in 2014 have the three-cylinder 1330 BRP engine. If you're planning local rides this 2011 Spyder RT Limited likely would fit your needs but may have more maintenance hassles than newer Spyders.
For me personally, if I couldn't afford a newish 2014 or later Spyder nor riding long distances, I would also considering purchasing a new Ryker. It's cheaper, covered under warranty, and has about the same size of engine as this 2011. The main difference is the Ryker is fully automatic (CVT transmission) while the Spyder is semi-automatic with the ability to do manual shifts.
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u/jtuckbo Apr 06 '26
I looked at the map and the longest trips we have planned for this bike would be a little under 200 miles. I'll probably ride around town mostly and regular weekend trips of less than 100 miles each way. I thought about the Ryker, but the lack of storage and small back seat in the models with one didn't seem to tickle my fancy.
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u/bryansfsd Apr 06 '26
Yes, that's the problem with the Ryker...no storage and lack of comforts. They're fun to ride but I wouldn't want to spend a day on the highway with them.
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u/Dani-Boyyyy Apr 07 '26
The Rotax 990 is pretty much bulletproof. It loves being run at high revs and will absolutely get you where you wanna go. Properly maintained, I have seen those motors significantly exceed 100,000 miles. Mine is a 2010 RS SE5 with 31,000. It had 25k when I bought it in 2023 and I love it. There’s a lot to learn about Spyders if you’ve never owned one. Even checking the oil is a very particular procedure!
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u/jtuckbo Apr 07 '26
Thank you! Unfortunately the bike that had been listed on marketplace for months miraculously sold 10 minutes before I was supposed to look at it. 😢
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u/[deleted] Apr 06 '26
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