My Spyder journey - Harley RoadKing to Spyder RT

[RideOn]

Why would someone buy a Spyder? Becoming an owner was a process for me, but probably not the same experience as you. I totaled my beloved 2000 Harley RoadKing in 2018. I had happily owned it for 16 years. I rode that bike from Southern California to HD’s 100th anniversary celebration in Milwaukee. There were a lot of good memories around my time with it. Then it was just gone.

The first thing I had to acknowledge are the aftereffects of my accident. A severe concussion, even with a good helmet. Five broken ribs. Road rash on my face. I lost the hearing in my right ear and much of my equilibrium and balance. As a result, I was left with only marginal abilities on 2 wheels. I loved the 2017 HD RoadGlide I bought as a replacement, but it scared me too, and it wasn’t so hard to say goodbye.

I still wanted to ride, and I thought perhaps three wheels would be the solution. But the Harley trikes are so expensive I couldn’t rationalize buying one. I just happened to pick up the newspaper at work one day and saw my first Spyder, a gently used 2014 ST, for sale at $10k. I figured it was worth a shot, since even used HD trikes were usually $30k or more. The ST turned out to be a good choice, and a lot of fun, but not quite what I had in mind.

I discovered the Spyder I have, a 2019 RT Limited with chrome, on the Internet. Touring style, left over from the previous model year, and with rebate it was $20k. iMotorsports gave me a good trade in value for my ST. OK, let me give it a shot. The RTL is both a really great trike and beautiful, but the ergonomics are off a bit for me. I really should get an aftermarket seat to fix that. Adding the rider backrest helped a lot.

I struggled for many months over “but it isn’t a Harley, and that’s what I really want!” I spent days researching, but an HD trike was still just way too much. Test rides on both the Freewheeler and Tri-Glide left me underwhelmed. I test rode a 2021 Spyder after BRP’s big redesign, but between the cost and a few things I just didn’t like, could not justify a trade. So I’ve mostly made peace with the RTL I have. I really like how it looks and the brilliance of the chrome bits set against the gray paint. I’m convinced my only investment other than maintenance is to get it to fit me better rather than buying something else. I just recently retired, and I don’t want to spend as much or go back into serious debt for a Harley trike.

The Spyder is a very different aesthetic. And nothing about it is traditional. But functionally it is way ahead of the HD trikes I’ve ridden. So it is something of a compromise - no, it isn’t a Harley - but it works for me.

So that’s where I am. Still not perfect, but I’m in a good position for retirement. And still in the wind, which I suppose is the most important thing of all.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed,
Bob

[Snoking1127]

I like the color of my Asphalt Gray RTL (but it is the dark version) much better than the Champagne one. So I have slowly been converting it with chrome pieces.

[rjinaz86323]

If you ever decide to get a new one look at the F3. It will feel more like Harley. After decades of HD (both 2 wheel and TriGlide) I find it a good fit for me.

[JohnRuckus]

Sometimes finding and accepting what works for you is better than constant quest for perfection.
Thanks for sharing your story. Cheers to many miles of enjoyable rides.

[ARtraveler]

Ride on until you cannot anymore.

[RideOn]

If you ever decide to get a new one look at the F3. It will feel more like Harley. After decades of HD (both 2 wheel and TriGlide) I find it a good fit for me.

I had a chance to ride an F3 Limited on the BRP demo rides last summer. It is closer to the Harley feel, and I like that. If I buy another Spyder, it will most likely be an F3 Limited. Thanks for your message!

Ride on until you cannot anymore.

That’s what it’s all about…

Cheers,
Bob

Sometimes finding and accepting what works for you is better than constant quest for perfection.
Thanks for sharing your story. Cheers to many miles of enjoyable rides.

I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for reading!

Bob

[Elwood58]

A very heartwarming story of recovery and compromise. Many will find this to be an encouraging story. I did.

[Dusterdude]

As long as you get back on the horse, it doesn't matter what kind of horse it is. Ride on, Brother.

[greer]

Thanks for sharing your story RideOn, and for speaking for so many of us with similar histories.

Sarah