Thinking of trading Goldwing for 2012 limited

[harrypottar]

This is my first post here, but been lurking for a while.

I have had my eye on the spyder and really like the look of the new 2012 limited

Going to one of the can-am road trip events on the 31st, any thing I should know up front. Do the dealers deal or stick to the msrp. Are there any must have options at time of purchase or any options that can not be added afterwards.

Of course this all depends on what I can get for my 2006 GL1800 I would love to hear from ex gold wingers who made the switch both the pros and cons.

Tia
harry

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I would never look back, best move made in a long time....I had no choice tho...As long as you don't think the Spyder is a mtc. you will do fine...be careful of the steering it is very very light....(it's power assisted ) Keep the revs up a bit...it will NOT pull like the GW...Have a ball ,personally I prefer the R/S but that's me.........Enjoy..:thumbup: :agree:.....Mike

[SpyderAnn01]

:welcome: you won't need to add much to the Limited it has just about everything.

[GloryRyders]

The biggest decision is Pearl White / Lava Bronze / Pearl White / Lava Bronze :dontknow:...............you get the idea!:roflblack: Good luck on your decision!

[Grandpa Spyder]

I too am a x winger and I now have 2500 miles on my 2012 RTS SE5. There is no return for me. I love my :spyder2: and I think I made a wise choice. I would recommend the SE5 it is great not having to use a clutch. I have had no issues with mine. I am very happy :yes: I made the switch.

[Bob Denman]

Our resident "George" is out and about right now; but he's got both an RTS and a converted 'Wing... I'd PM him for his opinion too! (BigRed1) :thumbup:

[fastfraser]

You are going to hate it ,for the first 5-600 miles and then with the confidence you built up we won't be able to wipe the smile of your face every time you ride it . It takes a bit of getting used to, you will grab air a few times as there is no hand brake and you will tend to hold on too tight as your first thought is this thing wants to throw me off on corners. Just relax your grip know where the foot brake is and enjoy . Hope you have a good dealer as unfortunately dealer prep is a huge issue some times .

[Bob Denman]

Stealth11,
I know that this'd mean a lot more typing for you; Perhaps you should type out "Reverse Trike" as opposed to merely punching in "RT". Not everybody here is aware of what it is that you're actually riding...

[Bob Denman]

RTO; perfect! :thumbup:
I hate typing more than about anybody in here, but just for the sake of clarity it can be a necessary evil...

[harrypottar]

Thanks for all the great input, its really a hard decision for me but not so much for the spouse. Prior to the GL1800, we had the VTX1800 and we used to go every where together, I upgraded to the GL1800 and my wife only rode with me a few times. My wife is small and has some hip issues, she finds it really difficult to get on and off the GL1800, she has to climb two floor boards, knee on the seat and twist round. Then its uncomfortable as the GL1800 rear seat is too wide, the VTX seat was a lot narrower.

Personally I would love to have both but for two reason, cost of keeping two expensive bikes and even bigger issue is garage space. I could see us purchasing the Spyder and then later getting a smaller run around two wheeler, VTX 1300,St1300 or similar.

Dealer, Although I'm in MA, I booked the demo ride with Stamford Motorsports, CT on the 31st, there also a Honda dealer so might improve trade in value. Again part of the decision (once w've confirmed we like the ride) will be what deal I can get on the GL1800 (matching trailer) and price on Limited Edition.

Anyone have any experience with Stamford Motorsports good or bad, we have a local dealer Bob Skidoo in MA, there not on the list for the demo event and there a small shop that deals in water and snow craft. Not that should reflect badly but I think in my humble opinion, going with a full bike shop like Stamford Motorsports will give me a bit more of a warm fuzzy feeling.

Lets face it the List price on the GL1800 is up there but don't know anyone who as ever paid sticker for one, I have never paid sticker for any bike or car and I have had a lot. The Limited is a nice bike but only 1,100 sort of 30k it a lot of money. Once you add dealer fees for prep then state and town taxes it over 30k. My first house was less than 30K (whoops showing my age). Anyone get a good deal or everyone paying sticker?

I really like the look of the Limited Edition and if it rides as good as it looks I'm already sold on the idea.

[ARtraveler]

The previous posters pretty much have the subject covered. Good luck on your quest. We are biased here--but you will like the Spyder if you jump in.

I never had a Goldwing but had a few bikes that matched it in weight and size. Kawi-Voyager, Yamaha Venture (the old touring type), Vulcan 2000 cc cruiser.

It was hard to heft these kind of bikes around, worry about dropping them, etc. Although the Spyder is heavier, you are not going to drop it. Another bonus is the true reverse gear.

[DrAwkward]

Bobs skidoo does demo rides all year long on RT and Rs's not through Can Am events they just do it themselves in a 10 milemormsomled ride. I stopped by and rode an RTL and that's what started my bug to switch from a Harley Ultra Classic. I heard they sell for strictly MSRP and many other here report doing much better than that!

Doc

Anyone have any experience with Stamford Motorsports good or bad, we have a local dealer Bob Skidoo in MA, there not on the list for the demo event and there a small shop that deals in water and snow craft. Not that should reflect badly but I think in my humble opinion, going with a full bike shop like Stamford Motorsports will give me a bit more of a warm fuzzy feeling. Lets face it the List price on the GL1800 is up there but don't know anyone who as ever paid sticker for one, I have never paid sticker for any bike or car and I have had a lot.

[harrypottar]

Bobs skidoo does demo rides all year long on RT and Rs's not through Can Am events they justndomit. I stopped by and rode an RTL and that's what started my bug to switch from a Harleyy Ultra Classic. I heard they sell for strictly MSRP and many other here report doing much better than that!

Doc
Figured that Bobs properly does demo as most dealers do, but some reason the can-am test ride event is skipping MA and RI, there at Laconia NH, during Bike Week but figure that would be too busy.

I might be wrong, crazy or both but I thought there might be more willing to deal at the test ride event, Stamford is about a 3 hour ride so not that bad, the more I read on this forum and watch you tube I'm convincing myself that this is the right move, just need to get the right deal. My GL1800 is in showroom condition and Low Millage (12.5k) as the wife would not ride with me and not much fun touring on your own. At 12.5k thats just the break in period on a GL1800. She also seems all for the Spyder as well.

thanks
Harry

[Dragonrider]

Consider going for the RT "S", a big savings for not giving up much. I bought and installed the Garmin 550 GPS for under $400, all in, and an afternoon's work to wire it.

[flybuddy]

Just got a new 2012 RT on Monday. I used to be a GL1800 owner also. Jury is still out for me as I only have 300 miles on it but I'm liking it more each day. Anyhow, if you look at the Can Am website they have an interactive dealer map. I called all around the country. It. May cost you 400 bucks or so for transport but it could save you thousands. After getting your price you can also see if local dealers will match. That sort of worked for me as I only had to travel 160 miles to pick up but I saved $2700. Also, don't just get a price, some of these guys just play games with fees, get OTD price..Good luck..I'm glad I did it, just hope I feel that way 6 months from now.

[harrypottar]

Just got a new 2012 RT on Monday. I used to be a GL1800 owner also. Jury is still out for me as I only have 300 miles on it but I'm liking it more each day. Anyhow, if you look at the Can Am website they have an interactive dealer map. I called all around the country. It. May cost you 400 bucks or so for transport but it could save you thousands. After getting your price you can also see if local dealers will match. That sort of worked for me as I only had to travel 160 miles to pick up but I saved $2700. Also, don't just get a price, some of these guys just play games with fees, get OTD price..Good luck..I'm glad I did it, just hope I feel that way 6 months from now.

I don't mind fly and ride or delivery charges to save that type of money. So if you don't mind my asking what was your otd price not including tax. Was it 2700 of the OTD or MSRP (28,899) making it 26.199 I get that today ;)

Harry

[cliffm4]

I traded my 2010 rt ac with for a 2012 Harley Trike. Love that Harley sound and power.. I did enjoy the SPyder though.

[Dragonrider]

Did you get it with or without the needed $2000 in parts to cool it down and allow it to pass other vehicles? I almost did the same thing, and decided that the Spyder was a better all-around ride.

[flybuddy]

I don't mind fly and ride or delivery charges to save that type of money. So if you don't mind my asking what was your otd price not including tax. Was it 2700 of the OTD or MSRP (28,899) making it 26.199 I get that today ;)

Harry I got a base model. I'll do my own bells and whistles. To me, when you look at the "extras" you get they don't add up to the higher end prices. Anyway, I paid 19K vs 21.7. There was $475 prep/assembly and $99 doc fee. The rest was tax/tag/title which isn't going to vary. Actually could have gotten a slightly better price at Louis Powersports in Greenville Tx. Transporting put it over though. If you look at the $2700 as a % of total, you should do better at 28.9K. If you work the math it would get you down to $25330. Might be optimistic as the higher end RTs sell better--I'd try for 3K off though.

[harrypottar]

Originally when I posted I had booked the official can-am test ride event at Stamford CT for the 31st. After reading the positive post here, a lot of surfing and speaking with the dealer about my GL1800 trade and out the door price on the Limited, I'm going down tomorrow Saturday 12th. Won't be able to test ride the limited but they have the RTS for test ride. I would assume the ride is the same?

The trade offer (subject to inspection of course) is fair, the initial OTD price is not bad, once I've confirmed I like the ride as much as I like the looks I will see what deal (trade,OTD,options etc) they can come up with while I'm face to face. Fingers crossed I hope to come home with the spyder. I have matching trailer for the GL which I love, again see what trade that is worth, I would like the official spyder trailer but just may end up keeping its and having it sprayed to match the color.

I will let you know my thoughts tomorrow after the test ride.

harry

[DrAwkward]

Ask for 25% off on all future upgrades, parts and accessories from them. They'll counter with 20% off for first two years only and you settle for that.
Just a little extra to sweetin the pot.
Doc




Originally when I posted I had booked the official can-am test ride event at Stamford CT for the 31st. After reading the positive post here, a lot of surfing and speaking with the dealer about my GL1800 trade and out the door price on the Limited, I'm going down tomorrow Saturday 12th. Won't be able to test ride the limited but they have the RTS for test ride. I would assume the ride is the same?

The trade offer (subject to inspection of course) is fair, the initial OTD price is not bad, once I've confirmed I like the ride as much as I like the looks I will see what deal (trade,OTD,options etc) they can come up with while I'm face to face. Fingers crossed I hope to come home with the spyder. I have matching trailer for the GL which I love, again see what trade that is worth, I would like the official spyder trailer but just may end up keeping its and having it sprayed to match the color.

I will let you know my thoughts tomorrow after the test ride.

harry

[jgwoods]

Rt 3a Motors in Chelmsford MA tells me they sell more than any East coast dealer. They always deal, give excellent trades, and have great service too. I bought 3 bikes- two Can Ams and a Kawi and will buy more in the future if opportunity arises.
Best of luck in your search.

[Chazzman]

I traded a 05 GL1800 that I purchased new and a 2011 V Strom in on my 2012 Limited. After 2000 miles I am very pleased with my decision. Hope your test ride went well...

[harrypottar]

First off, I would like to thank everyone for their input, it has made this a really simple and enjoyable purchase.

I took a 6 hours round trip to Stamford CT today, all told around 360 miles there and back. The guys down there where exceptional, Shocked at first that I rode all that way to Stamford but because I did they knew I was seriously interested. I explained my thought process and that they're also a Honda dealer so they know the values of the GL. ( I had called a couple of other places and they where willing to deal on the RT but not so much on the trade).

While they looked over my trade I took a RTS out for a pretty nice long test ride, I loved it, I ride ATV's with my sons so picked up the steering no problems, the ride was smooth and comfortable, although little hot round the legs. Not having the front break was a lot harder to adjust too than the steering, which I thought would be the issue. The seat was as comfortable as stock Goldwing seat. I'm not a fan of pegs so I will put floor boards on, I have floor boards on my GL. In my twenties and thirties it was all about knee dragging twisties, but now I want the long drawn out comfort ride, touring and site seeing etc and this fits the bill perfectly.

When I got back to the showroom, another gentleman had just bought the assembled RT Special Edition, he was there before me, but they had another in the grate which turned out to benefit me in the end. So we chatted over the trade and OTD price and got what I thought was a great deal, so then I pushed, why not. In the end I got the best offer on the GL, same as what I saw private parties paying over on GL1800Riders board. Now mine is in showroom condition with very low millage, But I was happy with the offer. I only got $1,500 off retail but I also got the full com package, CB, Audio, rider to passenger communication, blue tooth and two sets of head sets for my wife and I, plus the tow package. This was a bit easer to bargain for as the RT LE was still in the create so they could add all these at assembly and I had a $500 voucher for accessories from Can-am.

All in all a great day, the only down side (spoilt boy pout) I could not ride it home, I have to go back next Saturday to pick her up, just got to hold on a week.

They did not want my color matched ION trailer (not there thing) but there putting the tow package on with converter harness so I use it on the RT. In two minds, might keep it and have it sprayed to match or sell it and put the money towards the can-am trailer.

Once I pick the Spyder up next week I will post some picks and my first ride home feelings.

Thanks again for all the input
:D
Harry

[8LEGS]

Awesome! Congrats on your new Spyder! :yes:

[flybuddy]

Congrats....way to go!!

[Leslee]

Go to www.diamondraccessories.com and buy her their new armrests. We, too, have a Gold Wing, but I purchased a RTS SE5 for me to ride (hubby rarely rides the Wing now). We both love the new armrests. Diamond R was at Spyderfest last week and we got ours there. The 900 mile trip home was more enjoyable with them.


See these arm rest here
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...today-Pictures

[rhansen309]

Congratulations!!!

[Chazzman]

It sounds like you got a great deal, The dealer gave me top dollar for my 1800 as well, 3500 less than I paid new so it cost me $44.00 per month to ride it. I did pay near MSRP for my 2012 Limited, they gave me a great deal on the extended warranty and the maintenance contract, I would recommend consider purchasing both of these or at least the additional 3 year warranty giving you a total of 5 years factory warranty from BRP.

Congratulations my friend and welcome to the best forum with the greatest people ever!

[spyder3]

:congrats: on your new :spyder2:

[ryesspyder]

Harry,

I can understand going to a Honda/CanAm dealer to get the best deal on your GL. If you haven't thought of this already, for service, rather than driving to Stanford, try Bob's Ski-do in N. Easton, MA. The have been in business for 40 plus years and only sell and service BRP products. He has 2 Canadian trained Spyder techs that set up my Spyder to my specs (tire pressures, shocks, etc).

I've been very pleased with their service. The cruise control on my RT-S was working only intermittently; they replaced the switch assembly without question in one day.

I'm in Carver only a 20 minute ride to Bob's. Give them a try.

Rick

[harrypottar]

Harry,

I can understand going to a Honda/CanAm dealer to get the best deal on your GL. If you haven't thought of this already, for service, rather than driving to Stanford, try Bob's Ski-do in N. Easton, MA. The have been in business for 40 plus years and only sell and service BRP products. He has 2 Canadian trained Spyder techs that set up my Spyder to my specs (tire pressures, shocks, etc).

I've been very pleased with their service. The cruise control on my RT-S was working only intermittently; they replaced the switch assembly without question in one day.

I'm in Carver only a 20 minute ride to Bob's. Give them a try.

Rick

Yes this was my thoughts as well, and the Stamford dealer knew that too. Be rather silly to ride all that way there for an oil change.

I had spoken with Bob over at Bob's ski-do and he was more than willing to deal on the RT and offered a fair trade but stamford was 5,500 more so I went with the deal nothing against Bob's at all.

I need to call him and let him know that I purchased else where but he will make money from me, I'm useless with any thing mechanical. So I need everything done by a dealer. According to google their about 25 miles from me so much better than Stamford, hopefully he will be ok with it all.

MTR in woonsocket RI, a Honda dealer across the border and about 10 maybe less miles from my house, would not touch my GL, they only service bike that where purchase from them. But I think there the exception rather than the rule.

harry

[Luckyme]

Hi Harry,

I'm looking to do the same. I've been riding a 2007 GL1800, and really like it. Previously rode BMW K1200LT's. Most friends I ride with have Wings, but I'm ready for a change, and looking to get a RT LTD. My wife is a bit hesitant since she really likes the GL1800, and I have it set up nicely for our travels. I will miss some things, but think the Spyder will work out. Fortunately, I can hang onto the GL1800 for a while, until I determine if the Spyder is all it's cracked up to be.

I plan to add communications/CB, shock upgrade, backrest, passenger armrests, trailer and a few other things to bring it closer to Wingdom.

I've already asked fellow riders to be easy on me, because we tended to "knock" the Spyders when they first showed up on the scene. This is only my second post, so all of you Spyder folks, please don't hold that against me. I'm evolving. But once the semi automatic tranny was introduced, that caught my attention. I enjoy more of a relaxed ride, and not thinking about holding up 900 lbs., plus wife, myself and cargo every time I stop or get into a tight spot. that is very attractive.

[harrypottar]

Hi Harry,

I'm looking to do the same. I've been riding a 2007 GL1800, and really like it. Previously rode BMW K1200LT's. Most friends I ride with have Wings, but I'm ready for a change, and looking to get a RT LTD. My wife is a bit hesitant since she really likes the GL1800, and I have it set up nicely for our travels. I will miss some things, but think the Spyder will work out. Fortunately, I can hang onto the GL1800 for a while, until I determine if the Spyder is all it's cracked up to be.

I plan to add communications/CB, shock upgrade, backrest, passenger armrests, trailer and a few other things to bring it closer to Wingdom.

I've already asked fellow riders to be easy on me, because we tended to "knock" the Spyders when they first showed up on the scene. This is only my second post, so all of you Spyder folks, please don't hold that against me. I'm evolving. But once the semi automatictranny was introduced, that caught my attention. I enjoy more of a relaxed ride, and not thinking about holding up 900 lbs. every time I stop or get into a tight spot is very attractive.

I don't have mine just yet, 3 days to go :yes:, I have had mixed feelings about the spyder for quite some time. Back when I had my VTX1800, I test rode the RS quite some years ago and din't like it at the time. I loved my VTX it was great ride but not for two long touring machine, so I went to the GL, I have been in a love hate relationship with the Goldwing ever since. Its a comfortable ride but like most I had to spend some money to make it so. Love the luxury of the GL, sound system, GPS etc. Things it should have its electric windscreen, better suspension etc. I mentioned early my wife used to go every where with me on the VTX, the rear seat was slim and low. The GL rear seat is wide and high, watching her climb on is painful, she steps on my floor boards, then the rear, put knee on seat twist on and plunges down and worse in reverse to get off.

Riding the GL down and back to CT last weekend, I really enjoyed the ride but after the RT test ride I knew it was time to let go. In a perfect world I would love to keep both but garage space is premium, we have 3 kids with ATV's bike, cars, and the usual junk. Off topic, but I bought a shed the other year to move the ATV's in but ended up with more junk :banghead: .

My thoughts is to have spyder as the main ride for touring and two up, I think this will be easy for my wife to get on. If in a couple of years I get the feel for two wheels again I will look for a used sport touring or curser bike.

I don't really care what people thing of what I ride, too old and ugly too care. I do have other rides, I have an ATV that is more of a utility used around the house, and my wife as a little 150cc buddy scooter, I own a Vespa 250cc GTV which I use when we ride together. I purchased it because it looked odd that I was following the buddy on the GL and once got stopped and quizzed if I was hassling the rider. So I bought the Vespa, quite fun and very nippy to scoot around Bellingham on, I've had lots of bikers laugh at me/vespa but didn't bother me. For me the most important think its that I like it not what others think, I'm sure some of my Harley colleagues will laugh at me they did when I bought the GL, but I'll be happy riding it around.

I'm sure you won't regret the move, its a great touring rig really looking forward to the weekend when I pick mine up.

Good look with the purchase please post back with your results, I will be updating this on Saturday night.

harry

[Luckyme]

Harry,

Amazing the similarities we have regarding the GL1800, our toys, and the toy box. We live in the country outside of Lexington, KY, and maintain 5 acres. So when we built our home, it had a 3 car garage, but I added a 4 car matching detached garage for my truck, mowers, and yard equipment. Seems like it fills up too. More room, more junk.

I worked for Honda in Marysville, Ohio in the 80's, and they are a great company. In 2007 I traded my BMW K1200LT in on the Goldwing, I figured I was old enough for one. But Honda has neglected the Wing for a while, as it needs some of the goodies designed into it. It does have the best engine in my opinion, but needs some upgrades, and design improvements. Especially the front suspension. Maybe now that production is back in Japan, they will fix that. But, it has been a very nice touring machine, and has taken us across the country, east to west, and north to south without issues.

I'm looking forward to the Spyder, but I'm afraid to let go of my GL1800, just yet. Keep us informed of how your delivery goes. I'm considering a 1 way flight next week to go get mine.
Dennis

[harrypottar]

Well I thought I would close this thread off.

After spending last week so hyped up about my new toy, Saturday finally arrive. I rode the 200 miles down to Stamford CT, absolutely beautiful day, the ride and the Goldwing was great. It was so good I was starting to question what I was about to do...

Arrived some three and half hours later, I had to do a detour about 20miles out due to the 95 being a parking lot, however did we manage before GPS. The Spyder was all ready to go nice, shinny and looking so inviting, I cleaned out the Goldwing, went through with the tech all the hidden goodies it had, shed a tear and said goodbye.

Called my insurance provider and got everything swapped over, I had them fax the paper work to me at the dealer. Then the tech who built my Spyder (nice touch)went through all the goodies on the spyder top to bottom and back round again. He was very knowledgeable and took his time to explain everything to me, I videoed the whole thing and he didn't seem to mind, he even swapped out my old Goldwing head set for the new can-am one for me.

Everything was done except the hitch, the dealer had called me in the week (very pro-active dealer) to let me know they where on back order at BRP and would not be in until the end of the month. We arranged for me to come back down in a couple of weeks, they will fit the hitch and do the first service while I wait. After the first service, all other services will be done locally.

I have to say, over the years I have purchased (like most) numerous cars, trucks, bikes, atvs. scooters etc and this as to be in the top two dealers I have ever dealt with. No games, no hidden gotchas, just really professional polite bunch of guys, right through from sales, to parts to service. !0 out of 10, although they are more than 6 hours round trip, I would go back again to buy my next bike, anyone around new England should check them out. Stamford motor sports.

As I needed to break in the Spyder, I didn't want to ride 95 north all the way home. So I took the Merritt Parkway (CT15) all the way back to Hartford changing speeds and nursing her home. Then a brief run on the 91, then 384 into route 6 to 102 and home. In-fact I enjoyed this route better, my previous trips had been purely functional and fast pace 95 both way. This ride made it a 'ride' rather than the destination. When I go back for hitch and first service I will properly do 95 down there as I have to be there early but I will do the same route back afterwards. I have also been out riding all day today(sunday), took my youngest son (13) for ride and he loved it.

So thoughts so far:

This is so near perfect for my needs that is almost perfect, the ride is so comfortable and thats saying something coming from a Goldwing. My GL was a level 3 with premium audio, i have to say that I prefer the RT sound, seems fully, richer more depth. Not sure about the heat everyone talks about, it was upper 80, lower 90 both yesterday and today, so its hot, but what bike isn't hot in those temps. Go the steering down in the first few miles, mainly thanks to my exploits on an ATV. I have already stopped looking for the front break so thats good too. The engine is not as smooth as the GL but what do you expect the GL is an 1800cc 6 cylinder monster, the spyder is a 1000cc v twin, but seems like it firs the purpose, I have not pushed it yet but will after the first service. Love the paddle shifting and electric windshield both sadly missing from the Goldwing. Although I wish it had TPM, I added after market TPM to the GL, two plus two for trailer, I kept it and can use it but suppose I need trike plus trailer TPM now.

Need to add some sealboards and other goodies, I also nee to find a local body shop that can color match my titanium cargo trailer to lava bronze.

All in all I can say this was the right move for me, I know everyone is different, but to me, this is far superior to the Goldwing. For what I want in a touring machine this as it all. In the future if I miss two wheels ( my wife and I still have two wheel scooters) I would still keep this and buy a small sports tourer, but thats a long way off.

I still have a few things to figure out, although I was shown how to use the CB I have not gotten any one on there yet, not even rubber ducky or the bandit. Hopefully in the future on some group ride I can test the CB out.

I'm so thankful of all you input, you help me make a great choice.

Hopefully I will see some of you at spyders in the adirondacks

harry
:yes::yes::yes::yes:

[flybuddy]

Congrats!! Glad it all worked out. Good luck with it..Tom/Fort Myers