Choosing between Spyder or Tri-Glide? Drawbacks for either?

[rjinaz86323]

I spent decades riding Harleys. When my knees got bad and old age start creeping in I decided I needed a trike. So I bought a 2016 TriGlide. At first I was ok, but after awhile I realized how much work it was to ride. No more counter steering, and it was way under powered. So after 5 years I finally sold the TriGlide and bought a 2018 Spyder F3 Limited. Best decision I ever made. It handles tons better than the TriGlide. Is much more comfortable, and it has a lot more power. With the F3 I did give up a little luggage space vs the TriGlide, but we just learned to pack a little lighter. Wife is much happier with the ride also.

[Deanna777]

Pros on the RT is: when you are making left/or right turns you push thru the turns. (just like you do on a snowmobile).


Deanna

[kdog]

Hi everyone,

I am in the research phase of buying a trike. Used to be on two wheels, but I had to sell my Indian because of health issues. Well, those issues are resolved, and now I am ready to get back into the wind. Looking at trikes, I am in between a Tri-Glide and an RT. Apart from brand loyalty (I'm a former Indian rider, I get it), what would be the main reasons for going with an RT over a Tri-Glide? What are some drawbacks to going with an RT?

Thanks!

I was in the same boat as you! Rode 2-wheelers for 30 years, had to move to a '14 Harley Tri-Glide due to back problems and needing more comfort. Loved it, but then had to look for even more comfort to extend my riding life and moved to a '20 RTL. Loving it too!

I did a Youtube video where I cover the whole story, what I like and don't like about the Trike I had, and my '20 RTL. You can check it out here: https://youtu.be/zjreoYRxTyI

I am definitely loving the Spyder- comfort, performance, and did I say comfort?!

[bikerbillone]

Oh yeah, go with ARtraveler's comment, that covers the situation very nicely.

[budC]

I have no experience with Harleys, 2 or 3 wheels (my first bike was an Indian, though, so make allowances for prejudice 😉 ), but I will speak to engineering.
Any 3 wheeler, single front, two front or a sidecar rig, is inherently unstable when turning. Note how all trike ATVs are no longer sold; the manufacturers were being sued, left, right and sideways, and losing after the testimony of the plaintiff's M.E. professor expert witness.
The newer Harleys have some stability systems, but the older ones pre-'19, had abs, period. The Spiders have had an elaborate system, involving wheel speed sensors, suspension lift, yaw sensor and acceleration sensors from the beginning. Sometimes Nanny, as the system is semi-affectionately known, is too solicitious, but it's almost impossible to flip a Spyder, something which cannot be said for the Harleys.
From a safety standpoint, especially pre- '22, the Spider wins.

[Woodaddict]

all this good info and the poster has NOT been back on to review these comments. only made 1 thread and not been back since Jan 27th

[Mike0123]

I'm not a Harley guy, never was, but I think their fit & finish is awesome. Maybe the best out there, and a great dealer network too. When we had 3 hip replacements between us, we looked around and took the Spyder hands down. We are very happy.
Coach Bob on YouTube has a video on this subject I think ... https://youtu.be/eF0Fhi3pyU4?feature=shared and one not so flattering here: https://youtu.be/qvER0ydeQ8c?feature=shared

[BoatFixx]

Hi everyone,

I am in the research phase of buying a trike. Used to be on two wheels, but I had to sell my Indian because of health issues. Well, those issues are resolved, and now I am ready to get back into the wind. Looking at trikes, I am in between a Tri-Glide and an RT. Apart from brand loyalty (I'm a former Indian rider, I get it), what would be the main reasons for going with an RT over a Tri-Glide? What are some drawbacks to going with an RT?

Thanks!

I can tell you that after we all took the 3 wheel class here in Washington State on Spyders, two of the three Gents who were going to go the TriGlide route changed their minds.
Ride to ride camparison would probably be a good idea

[Bangorbob]

Interesting thread. I know this is about the Tri Glide but what about the Goldwing?

[Snoking1127]

Interesting thread. I know this is about the Tri Glide but what about the Goldwing?

Before buying my first Spyder I sat on the Goldwing trike and though the driving position was cramped at 6'2" or 3"s and 220 lbs. Feet felt tucked to far under me to the back of the trike. If buying a GW trike, make sure it has the independent rear suspension and the steering rake change.

[ARtraveler]

A couple things about GW trikes. They were never authorized by Honda. All GW trikes came from kits supplied by aftermarket builders. I also was interested in GW trikes when I made my decision to go three wheels. The Honda dealers said the following. If you buy a trike, it will void the warranty. The dealers will NOT work on trikes. Basically, you buy a GW trike, you are on your own concerning repairs or warranty issues.

Mechanically, they are as good as HD, some will say better. I am in that group. Handling will be the same. A heavy machine with one wheel in the front, same issues with control and safety.

Cost: also up there. The price of the GW plus $15K to $20K for the triking.

[Jetfixer]

He bought the HD...

[Mikey]

Hope he likes it! To each his own!

[duke50]

The Tri Glide rides like a dump truck, Rt rides like a caddy, the choice is simple

[Snoking1127]

The Tri Glide rides like a dump truck, Rt rides like a caddy, the choice is simple

I give a little more leeway, I call HD trikes "pickup trucks"! They come with Armstrong steering!

[OverHillAndDale]

This is a YouTube link where a fellow (former two wheeler) decides to buy a Can Am instead of a Tri-Glide.

https://youtu.be/NM6r0uuYfpQ?si=IH8KMVvGAwSCg3Cm

[RangerRick]

The Tri Glide rides like a dump truck, Rt rides like a caddy, the choice is simple

The long time Harley dealer in town went Can-Am a few months ago, only selling side by sides and 4 wheelers so far. He said they had a used Spyder and after riding it, he said, As a Harley dealer i would never had admitted it, but the Harley 3 wheeler handled and rode like you described