Interesting Thread, I was at the HD dealer this morning looking.
You like what you like. And you learn to like what you get used to. Goldwing trike is not my thing. Maybe when they are factory produced as a trike I would trust owning one from new. For me it would be the HD over the Honda. The HD has more comfortable ergonomics for the passenger than the RT. No ABS on the HD trike. Something to consider. Gas tank is bigger on the HD and the mileage is better on the HD. Lets not forget you have a better set up on the transmission with the HD. The HD is one down five up, with an electric reverse. So you have the benefit of 6 forward gears instead of 5 in the Spyder. They both have their fair share of driver comforts. The HD is definitely more of a traditional motorcycle when it comes to features. When it comes to the handling, well I prefer the Spyder,, but I could get used to both. The HD is not what I like when it comes to steering. It is different trying to get that big heavy and wide bike to turn without leaning and only having a conventional motorcycle tire on the front. It is not a natural feeling for the rear of the bike to want to follow the front. It's like the rear wants to pass the front of the bike in a turn, and you better make sure you know where that inside rear tire is. Regardless fun to drive. The Spyder is more natural to handle in curves and works with the ryder, not against the driver. If money was not a concern, I would have both bikes, maybe in a couple of years. My first choice was obviously the Spyder. I love my Spyder. If they ever made a 6 forward speed, I would trade up in a second.
Goldwing vs H-D Tri Glide vs Spyder RT
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tin Man
Met a couple of trike riders, one rides a Goldwing and the other rides a Tri Glide, both tell me they have taken test rides on the Spyder and that the conventional trikes ride smoother and handle better. I have no reason to doubt what they tell me since I have never ridden a conventional trike. Just wonder if anyone on the forum has tried both types of trikes and can share there feedback. I was surprised to see no comparisons on youtube.
I have a 2012 Spyder RT Limited, and both a 2012 H-D Tri Glide, and a GL1500 SE Goldwing with a side car. For general riding comfort I find the Goldwing to be far superior to either the Tri Glide or the Spyder. I can't speak to riding the twisties as I have not had the Spyder or Tri Glide on something like The Dragon. The Goldwing will cruise all day at 35 miles per hour in 5th. gear, try doing that on a Tri Glide or the Spyder. Not that one would necessarily want to ride all day at 35 miles per hour but it sure is nice to be able to ride localy around town without having to constantly shift up and down through the gears. So the Goldwing is #1 in my book, the Spyder #2, and the H-D Tri Glide #3.
Some more info on the R18(nl) or the EZS trike(uk)
There is an article on this EZS trike in Trike magazine, Issue 26, it is the cover story. I have a digital version but can't figure out how to get it on here.
PM if you would like a copy.