From Harley Davidson 2 wheels to Can am Spyder transition

[iditchmycar]

For years I been reviewing the Can-am models. Been riding Harley's for over 30 yrs. For those ex Harley Davidson riders. Any regret in letting go your 2 wheels? I guest I'm trying to find out what has been your experience. I have a local RT limited 2020 and a F3 limited available to make a decision. Any input will be appreciated.

[Big F]

depends on what kind of riding you intend to do.. the RT Limited is a great touring bike.. I would suggest you test ride both and see how they feel.. trust me, I was a 2-wheeler for many, many years and went to a Spyder 10 years ago.. it was without doubt the smartest move I ever made.. Now on my 4th Spyder and loving every mile.. there is a small bit of adjustment going from 2 wheel to 3 but after a few miles you will glad you changed.. good luck and happy riding.
BIG F

[rick_w]

If you need to go to 3 wheels don't worry about it. You will like it.

The F3 LTD may be more what you are looking for coming from a Harley. If you are riding double though and doing long trips the RT is more what you may like better.
I do have a Harley Ultra Classic Limited and Gold Wing and I also ride a F3 LTD.
We also have a new 20 RT LTD, along with an older Spyder RT.
Everyone has their own likes and dislikes and there is no solid answer for everyone, it is what you like and are comfortable on.

I can say that anytime we go out on one bike together it is on one of the Spyders.
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[Little Blue]

Welcome, definitely do your homework and do test rides on both. The wife and I love our Spyder RTL. Good Luck on Your Mission. ........

[johnv50]

I went from a 2015 FLHTKL to a 2017 F3 Limited. This was one of the best motorcycle transitions I have made in the last 50 years (yeah I am old). The RT sits you on top of the Spyder whereas the F3 sits you down in the bike more. There is a section on this site for "Do's and Don'ts" great reading for both new and current riders. Give yourself enough seat time to re-learn how to ride and you will be fine. The SE6 shifter is semi-automatic with paddles on the left handlebar, no clutch or right handlebar brake. The best advantages of the Spyder are the reverse gear, and you do not have to put your feet down when stopped. Good luck with your choice, ride both models if you can, or at least take time to sit on them both.

johnv

[Arion]

Welcome from another Schertz forum member. Small world, huh?

Both my wife and I transitioned from two wheels to a pair of Spyder RT models and have been very pleased. I've been riding two wheels since the early 1960s - everything from an old Harley Sportster, 750 and 850 Norton Commandos, BMW R100CS, BMW K75S, Suzuki GS750, Moto Guzzi, several more Suzukis, several Kawasakis, several Yamahas, and God knows what else I've forgotten. At this point in our lives (senior citizens) the Spyders are the best thing we've come across in a long time. The only two wheel motorcycle I'm the least bit interested in now is a vintage Scott Flying Squirrel. I'm not likely to find one I can afford, to I'm safe.

If you'd like to talk more about Spyders let us know by PM and we'll bend your ear.

PS. We bought both our new-to-us Spyders from Kent Powersports in Selma. We've been pleased with their after-purchase service, in part because they have one of the best Spyder technicians in the state, in our opinion.

[troop]

I had both my 2009 FLHT (owned since new) and 2019 F3S in my garage for a season. I bought luggage/windshield to make my Spyder into a touring unit. Rode it 90% of the time, so sold my FLHT to a buddy. Every time I ride my F3S, I feel like a kid on a toy. ...

[ARtraveler]

The test drive of both flavors is a very good idea. You need to get the one that YOU like best.

Having said that, I have been lucky enough to experience all models except for the Ryker. Two GS/RS models, three RT's, and one F3. I do like the F3 best.

It is said by many, myself included, the F3 rides like a cruiser and the RT rides like a Gold Wing. You sit "in" the F3 and you sit "on" the RT. If your worried about missing the HD, the F3 will be more your "friend."

I still have a Vulcan cruiser which also gets ridden a lot. I am approaching 10K miles on it this year.

Let us know what you get. And aboard the site.

[RICZ]

Your choice might be dictated by fit and comfort more than anything else. I was going to buy a new RT, but when I tried one at the dealer, I was very uncomfortable on it. They had an F3 Limited and the way I felt on it was the deal maker. The adjustable (fore & aft) floorboards were mainly what did it for me.
You sit lower in an F3 and their suspension is tighter. You might say the RT is the family sedan and the F3 is the sports car.
The F3, it turned out is much easier to work on too, mainly because it has far less tupperware to have to remove and the dipstick, air and oil filters and brake reservoir are easily accessed through two service panels, which are easily popped off.
I began riding in 1952, so I had 67 years on 2 wheels. I got my F3L less than two years ago and I gotta tell you, for me the learning curve was long and steep. A friend told be it will take 1,000 miles before I feel comfortable and another 1,000 miles before I feel like I'm in control. He was right. Now with over 5K miles, I am tossing it around in the twisties like a 19 year old who stole it.
Would I go back to a 2 wheeler? Not a chance. Spyders are all the fun of one but without the worries.

[RayBJ]

Note that the 2020+ RT is re-designed from 2019 and older. You now sit lower than previous yrs and the long floorboards let you put your feet all the way forward to underneath your butt. The F3 foot pegs are adjustable but locked in place once adjusted which limits foot position while rolling. Another advantage of the long floorboards is getting on & off is easier.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

.... When I looked at Spyders back in 09 ( at 64 ) I had 50+ yrs. on two wheelers ( every model type made ) never rode a Trike .... Because of medical issues I was forced off my Wing .... I tried the HD & GW tikes .... was not impressed at all ... then the Spyder ( 08 GS )..... traded my Wing after my test ride on the spot ..... I now have a 14 ( basic model ) RT this will be my last Spyder ( now 73 ) ..... The manager told me to drive it like a Car, I had zero issues during my test ride ..... others haven't been so lucky .... Spyders are Spyders no matter what model ( they all handle pretty much the same ). and usually takes 500 mi. to get comfortable, handling-wise ... comfort and convenience will need to be decided by the buyer. I'm a DIY'er so the basic model allowed me to improve /change to my needs for Little money. ..... good luck ..... Mike

[Bfromla]

Ain’t nothing wrong with having another bike at the stable 2 & 3 wheels here ,not just a spare bike either, has been great “renting” the two wheels out for buds with endorsement but no bike & we go out for trips or whatever. & rest of time simply alternate between the two not neglecting. 82806910-2252-4FBB-8897-1D9704C7A7C9.jpg

[iditchmycar]

Thanks for all the info. Made a decision and bought the RT. That first two mile in congested traffic was a bit nerve wreck.

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[iditchmycar]

Thanks Arion for the hint of the dealer.

[ARtraveler]

Thanks for all the info. Made a decision and bought the RT. That first two mile in congested traffic was a bit nerve wreck.

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[Thad]

Thanks for all the info. Made a decision and bought the RT. That first two mile in congested traffic was a bit nerve wreck.

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I too came from Goldwing and Harley. Had a 2006 Goldwing, traded it for 2014 H-D Ultra Limited and traded that in for 2017 H-D Ultra Limited. September of this year sold the 2017 for 2020 RT Limited. Best thing I did. Harley friends cannot understand why I got rid of the H-D. Wife rides with me and said she wished we had the RT-L instead of the 2014 Limited when we did a 5,000 mile 3 week ride out west.

[BajaRon]

I have never owned a Harley. But I talk to a lot of Harley converts. One of the things the early owners tend to complain about is revving the engine and running at the prescribed RPM. They just feel like it's too much and damaging the engine. They say they have a hard time making themselves ride it as designed. Longer time Harley converts mention the same thing but say they finally just let go of their old ways and let the Spyder engine run where it's happy. You won't ever hurt the Spyder by running the RPM up. But you can create problems by running too low an RPM. The Spyder is simply a different animal. You don't ride a horse the same way you ride a donkey (no particular reference meant for either machine here. Just a visual of adjusting what you're doing to fit the mode of transportation).

The 998 V-Twin was more susceptible to lugging or low RPM problems than the 1330. But they are both designed to stretch their legs.

It is definitely a learning curve. But if you give the Spyder a chance. I think you're going to love it.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I have never owned a Harley. But I talk to a lot of Harley converts. One of the things the early owners tend to complain about is revving the engine and running at the prescribed RPM. They just feel like it's too much and damaging the engine.

Spyder, or Harley? One of the guys in the local GWRRA chapter just spent a few thousand having his only few years old HD trike engine completely rebuilt because he did not rev it up. Dealer told him he was lugging the engine to death.

[Wmoater]

2004 springer Pearl green and all chrome limited. Loved it. LOVE THE 2017 RT 100 Times MORE! My wife will never ride on the back of a 2 wheel again now. I've had others since 1987 but my Springer was my baby pride and joy. I will never ride another bike again. I LOVE my Spyder!

[BajaRon]

Spyder, or Harley? One of the guys in the local GWRRA chapter just spent a few thousand having his only few years old HD trike engine completely rebuilt because he did not rev it up. Dealer told him he was lugging the engine to death.

I suppose you can lug anything. Even a Harley!

[pegasus1300]

Congratulations on the new RT,now ride it like there is no tomorrow. Steer it like a 4 wheeler and you wont have any trouble. I came from 50 years on 2 wheels tho all my Harley's were antiques when I owned them in the 60's. I spent the the 35 years of my 2 wheel experience on Yamaha V4s. I thought I would never ride anything else even though Yamaha had abandoned them. Then is 2011 my wife and I had a bad accident on our Royal Star. Totaled it and nearly us. At 63 I was done with two wheelers. Tried convertibles but that was a no go, so I bought a Gold Wing Trike. The only thing positive I can say about it is that it kept me riding. Then I found an RT low miles at price I could pay,sold the Wing and the Mustang conv and rode off into the sunset a happy camper. Some angst getting used to it but in the end all worked out. Good luck to you and your Spyder. Post early post often and post pictures Spearfish Canyon Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally104_0060.jpg

[C. Lee]

Going from goldwing to a RT 3 years ago and my only regret was not doing it sooner. Chris

[troop]

Thanks for all the info. Made a decision and bought the RT. That first two mile in congested traffic was a bit nerve wreck.

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How many times did you have to put your feet down

[Stache]

How many times did you have to put your feet down

Have you found the kickstand? Can’t find mine.

[MONK]

Like others, I spend the last 40 years or so on 2 wheels. I've owned everything from standards to cruisers to tourers (including a few GWs). My last 2 wheeler was a '14 Kawasaki Nomad. I finally realized, in the back of my mind, I was wary of low siding. I never rode very hard in the rain and slowed down in most curves. I bought my 1st Spyder (a new 2018 RTL) in February of this year and loved it immediately. The only thing I didn't like was the legroom (or lack of it) so I traded it about a month ago for a 2021 RT (base).

The 1st few curves on the RT, I slowed down as I was used to doing. Now, I speed up when I see a curve. I've had more fun riding in the past 9 months than I've probably ever had in my life. I should have bought a Spyder years ago.

Read this: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...-Spyder-owners . They say it takes 1000 miles to get used to a Spyder. I say that may be true if you've never ridden anything. If you're coming from a 2 wheeler (as most of us have), you have to unlearn a LOT. I'd say you really don't get comfortable on a Spyder until you've put closer to 2000-2500 miles on it.

HAGO!