[Mawgie]

Folks -

I have been lurking for a few days and joined. I am in the market to buy a used Can Am Spyder RS/GS, and would appreciate some input.

THE BACK STORY: I am a 49 year old professionally employed, married guy, no kids. Vary hard working, and now time for a toy. I had wanted a Porsche 911 since reading Road and Track in my bedroom as a 12 year old. I finally bought a near concours 2002 996 Carrera in January 2011, and sold it in May (last month). Great car, ran great, no problems. WAY TOO MUCH GUN!! I drove like a dipstick every time I got in it, and realized it was not for me.

My next thought was to buy a BMW Roadster: wind in my hair, less power. Never something that I really wanted, though....

Then I caught myself looking at the ADV Rider website (again), and the BMW F650 ChainGang site (guilty pleasure for years). My "biking" experience is limited to decades of serious bicycling experience: long road training rides; competing in mountain bike races and biathalons. As for motored bikes, I have ridden minibikes, a Kawasaki KZ 400, and a couple of dirt bikes, all for short rides. Loved them. (I have also owned a quad (rode it alot) and ridden multiple snowmobiles...)

I'd be on a BMW 650GS today, but for my fear of texting soccer moms turning left in front of me, and teens on cell phones.

I love the Spyder. It has more road presence than a bike, and can be lit to emphasize its presence even more. It is three wheeled, and, accordingly, its inherent stability will leave me "inherently upright" and also give me more time to watch for danger in low speed environments, as a newbie. In short, it seems like a safer way to try "biking" and see if I like it, and am not terminally afraid.

QUERY:
What should I buy? My budget (cash, no financing: I show up with a trailer and tow away whatever I buy: old school) is around $12,000-14,000. I'd like a GS/RS, clean, low mileage, well sorted and reliable for that price.

What do I look for? In reading through some of the threads, it seems like some people experienced teething problems with early bikes. Am I okay with a 2008 bike that runs well, and has dealer receipts for the early problems? Or, are there a few variants/years to stay away from?

Any input on criteria for a first Spyder in my price range would be most appreciated.

Thanks-Mawgie

This post has been edited by Mawgie: 05 June 2011 - 08:08 PM

[RattiganRoger]

Mawgie, on 05 June 2011 - 08:05 PM, said:

..............

QUERY:
What should I buy? My budget (cash, no financing: I show up with a trailer and tow away whatever I buy: old school) is around $12,000-14,000. I'd like a GS/RS, clean, low mileage, well sorted and reliable for that price.

What do I look for? In reading through some of the threads, it seems like some people experienced teething problems with early bikes. Am I okay with a 2008 bike that runs well, and has dealer receipts for the early problems? Or, are there a few variants/years to stay away from?

Any input on criteria for a first Spyder in my price range would be most appreciated.

Thanks-Mawgie

There have been a few recalls along the way and you should make certain the DPS (Dynamic Power Steering) recall was done, the oil/filter changed (filters if SE5).


If you find a Spyder from a private party, get the VIN and go to a dealer.
He will be able to tell you if any thing needs doing.
Receipts are helpful, but they only tell what has been done, not what may need to be done recall-wise.

Good luck!

[doctor]

Mawgie, on 05 June 2011 - 08:05 PM, said:

Folks -

I have been lurking for a few days and joined. I am in the market to buy a used Can Am Spyder RS/GS, and would appreciate some input.

THE BACK STORY: I am a 49 year old professionally employed, married guy, no kids. Vary hard working, and now time for a toy. I had wanted a Porsche 911 since reading Road and Track in my bedroom as a 12 year old. I finally bought a near concours 2002 996 Carrera in January 2011, and sold it in May (last month). Great car, ran great, no problems. WAY TOO MUCH GUN!! I drove like a dipstick every time I got in it, and realized it was not for me.

My next thought was to buy a BMW Roadster: wind in my hair, less power. Never something that I really wanted, though....

Then I caught myself looking at the ADV Rider website (again), and the BMW F650 ChainGang site (guilty pleasure for years). My "biking" experience is limited to decades of serious bicycling experience: long road training rides; competing in mountain bike races and biathalons. As for motored bikes, I have ridden minibikes, a Kawasaki KZ 400, and a couple of dirt bikes, all for short rides. Loved them. (I have also owned a quad (rode it alot) and ridden multiple snowmobiles...)

I'd be on a BMW 650GS today, but for my fear of texting soccer moms turning left in front of me, and teens on cell phones.

I love the Spyder. It has more road presence than a bike, and can be lit to emphasize its presence even more. It is three wheeled, and, accordingly, its inherent stability will leave me "inherently upright" and also give me more time to watch for danger in low speed environments, as a newbie. In short, it seems like a safer way to try "biking" and see if I like it, and am not terminally afraid.

QUERY:
What should I buy? My budget (cash, no financing: I show up with a trailer and tow away whatever I buy: old school) is around $12,000-14,000. I'd like a GS/RS, clean, low mileage, well sorted and reliable for that price.

What do I look for? In reading through some of the threads, it seems like some people experienced teething problems with early bikes. Am I okay with a 2008 bike that runs well, and has dealer receipts for the early problems? Or, are there a few variants/years to stay away from?

Any input on criteria for a first Spyder in my price range would be most appreciated.

Thanks-Mawgie

[doctor]

Mawgie, on 05 June 2011 - 08:05 PM, said:

Folks -

I have been lurking for a few days and joined. I am in the market to buy a used Can Am Spyder RS/GS, and would appreciate some input.

THE BACK STORY: I am a 49 year old professionally employed, married guy, no kids. Vary hard working, and now time for a toy. I had wanted a Porsche 911 since reading Road and Track in my bedroom as a 12 year old. I finally bought a near concours 2002 996 Carrera in January 2011, and sold it in May (last month). Great car, ran great, no problems. WAY TOO MUCH GUN!! I drove like a dipstick every time I got in it, and realized it was not for me.

My next thought was to buy a BMW Roadster: wind in my hair, less power. Never something that I really wanted, though....

Then I caught myself looking at the ADV Rider website (again), and the BMW F650 ChainGang site (guilty pleasure for years). My "biking" experience is limited to decades of serious bicycling experience: long road training rides; competing in mountain bike races and biathalons. As for motored bikes, I have ridden minibikes, a Kawasaki KZ 400, and a couple of dirt bikes, all for short rides. Loved them. (I have also owned a quad (rode it alot) and ridden multiple snowmobiles...)

I'd be on a BMW 650GS today, but for my fear of texting soccer moms turning left in front of me, and teens on cell phones.

I love the Spyder. It has more road presence than a bike, and can be lit to emphasize its presence even more. It is three wheeled, and, accordingly, its inherent stability will leave me "inherently upright" and also give me more time to watch for danger in low speed environments, as a newbie. In short, it seems like a safer way to try "biking" and see if I like it, and am not terminally afraid.

QUERY:
What should I buy? My budget (cash, no financing: I show up with a trailer and tow away whatever I buy: old school) is around $12,000-14,000. I'd like a GS/RS, clean, low mileage, well sorted and reliable for that price.

What do I look for? In reading through some of the threads, it seems like some people experienced teething problems with early bikes. Am I okay with a 2008 bike that runs well, and has dealer receipts for the early problems? Or, are there a few variants/years to stay away from?

Any input on criteria for a first Spyder in my price range would be most appreciated.

Thanks-Mawgie

[Roadkill]

+You should definitely be comfortable with an '08 that's been serviced appropriately.

You'll feel like you're modifying your sled/ATV experience at road speeds. It's much fun...

Ride on.
Roadkill

[rrman01]

hey -Mawgie
i brought a 08 second hand and it had 8000ks on it about what 4500mls and the only prob ive had is the dps problem but not all bikes had it and like someone else said make sure that all update have been done and i to am 49 and lovin the roadster only thing i suggest is ride a few b4 u commit to buy as some have risers and some dont and see or ask what mods have been done to the bike like risers filters and the like good hunting mate cheers

[Mawgie]

God bless all, and thanks for the responses.
They are very helpful.

I have now completed a thorough used vehicle search, and there isn't squat out there, at least on
the Eastern seaboard of the Continental United States. The very few used 2008 GS/RS SM5 bikes
out there are all priced within $5,000 of a new bike. That's a great deal for the seller, but
for me, not so good.

I am going to get my learner's permit, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course on a loaner two
wheel bike, pass with flying colors (!!hopefully!!), get my NYS Driver's License Motorcycle Endorsement,
then start shopping in earnest.

My budget is now in the low $20k range, which should open up some wiggle room on what I can swing.........

I am also now undecided re: SM5 or SE5. I'll drive them both, for sure.


Thanks - Mawgie

This post has been edited by Mawgie: 07 June 2011 - 07:25 PM

[Roadkill]

+Clearly, you're not in the "low $20k" range for an '08, otherwise, you're overpaying substantially.

(Hell, I'll sell you mine for $19k!.. )

Ride on.
Roadkill