From Goldwing to Spyder RT Limited

[Gutzy5828]

First of all, this is my first post to Spyderlovers even though I have been following it for the last two years! I can finally say I am the proud owner of a 2014 Spyder RT Limited! I am yet another con-vert to three wheels from the 2001 Goldwing I was riding over the last year. The deal I had with my wife, "Try the Goldwing first" before shelling out big bucks on something we might not use. Well, after just 4 months on the Goldwing, she was sold on how much fun we were having especially riding thru the mountains of north GA. I had been looking at Spyders for some time and have followed the posts on Spyderlovers so I knew some of the issues (2013 and prior) but I was sold after meeting with one of the BRP IE's at Atlanta's 2014 Motorcycle Show who showed me all the improvements BRP made to the 2014.

I found after riding the Goldwing, which was really comfortable and powerful, the bike was also very heavy when maneuvering in tight places or pulling into and out of parking spaces. It was also a lot of weight to manage at every stop sign, red light or yield sign I came across. I had a couple moments of panic that I thought the bike was going over. My wife also noticed how tense I would be and it made it harder to enjoy the ride and relax while riding.

Well, just like so many others have said before on Spyderlovers, once you test drive one, you are sold! We were too! Now it was just a matter of time for me to sell the Goldwing, find the right Spyder and come to terms with a dealer. My wife's only requirement, it had to be satin silver. Who am I to argue with my wife?

So last week, I drove over to Mountain Motorsports in Marietta, GA to crunch some numbers and see what could be done and see what inventory they might have available. Just so happens, the had a floor model available in satin silver. Next day (New Years Eve), I was diving home my Spyder RT Limited "Can of Steel". With the temps in the upper 30's, I was glad the heated grips were working well!

It rained the next 3 days but we were able to get out for a 2 hr ride on Sunday. I am more than pleased and looking forward to the warmer weather. I have taken all the advise you guys (and girls) have provided and I am really excited to join the group and adding many more miles in 2015. For anyone on two wheels thinking about it or those that have looked at the Spyder and wondered what all the fuss is about, go test drive one!! You'll soon be working out a plan to upgrade to a solid, stable and powerful platform that will allow you to "really" enjoy the ride! Now my Harley riding partner is eyeing one up and wants to ride mine soon!

[Pennyrick]

Welcome.

Those Georgia mountain twisties are more fun on a Spyder!

[SPYD3R]

WELCOME NU'BEE.....
i can visualize the smile on your face as you get to know your new toy better and better....
you are now an OFFICIAL ROCK STAR....
expect people to come up to you when you stop for gas and things... they'll take pictures and ask questions... be nice and entertain them, for they may be future SPYD3R riders, that you may actually ride with one day....
good luck, stay safe and ride far.....
Dan P
Easley, SC
SPYD3R

PS: join us for our monthly SPYD3R GATHERING if you can... SPYD3R's from GA, NC & SC.... let me know if you're interested, and we'll log you in...
Gutzy, you should receive a PM form John M. soon...

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

...I'm a long time owner ( since 09 ) and dyed in the wool Gold Winger ( now X-GW'er ).....The 2014 RT is my 3 rd.....and it is by far and away the best BRP has designed......I loved my GS and then my RSS but 1330 Ace engine and trans are what the Spyder needed.......There is almost no maintenance now compared to the 998 version. It's quieter, doesn't smell , has more power , and way better gas mileage. You are very lucky you got to start with the Best one . I love mine soooooooo much I'm even moving to Tenn. just so I can ride it More , I hope to see you around .......Mike

[samewok]

Congrats and enjoy many miles.

[Cruzr Joe]

Welcome to the "More Smiles Per Mile" club.

If you have any questions just throw them out here and someone will know the answer.


Cruzr Joe

[SPYD3R]

[QUOTE=BLUEKNIGHT911;921371]...I'm a long time owner ( since 09 ) and dyed in the wool Gold Winger ( now X-GW'er ).....The 2014 RT is my 3 rd.....and it is by far and away the best BRP has designed......I loved my GS and then my RSS but 1330 Ace engine and trans are what the Spyder needed.......There is almost no maintenance now compared to the 998 version. It's quieter, doesn't smell , has more power , and way better gas mileage. You are very lucky you got to start with the Best one . I love mine soooooooo much I'm even moving to Tenn. just so I can ride it More , I hope to see you around .......Mike [/QUOTE

well there goes your New Year Resolution Mike..... you are turning my screw to the MAX..... i want that 1330 so bad i can taste it.....
wish BRP had put it in the RS/STS....
Dan P
Easley, SC
SPYD3R

[Bob Denman]

and

[Highwayman2013]

Welcome

[ARtraveler]

and on your new ride.

[Purple Guy]

to the Party!

on your new addition to the garage!

[bodymanpainter]

Enjoy the new ride and ride safe!
Toby

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

[QUOTE=SPYD3R;921380]

...I'm a long time owner ( since 09 ) and dyed in the wool Gold Winger ( now X-GW'er ).....The 2014 RT is my 3 rd.....and it is by far and away the best BRP has designed......I loved my GS and then my RSS but 1330 Ace engine and trans are what the Spyder needed.......There is almost no maintenance now compared to the 998 version. It's quieter, doesn't smell , has more power , and way better gas mileage. You are very lucky you got to start with the Best one . I love mine soooooooo much I'm even moving to Tenn. just so I can ride it More , I hope to see you around .......Mike [/QUOTE

well there goes your New Year Resolution Mike..... you are turning my screw to the MAX..... i want that 1330 so bad i can taste it.....
wish BRP had put it in the RS/STS....
Dan P
Easley, SC
SPYD3R

...Dan I dis-agree, I didn't break anything........and my prediction is " Everything in the Spyder line-up " will have the 1330 engine and Trans come 2016 .................Mike

[rays hell]

Congrats and welcome to the wonderful world of s.
I rode in the mountains 6 days last fall on my 13 RTs and still trying to find the words to describe it.

[gerard]

Welcome also from Australia.
I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy the experience....I sure do.

[MarkLawson]

Welcome to SpyderLovers. It's good to have another Georgia member on the forum! I also have an '01 Goldwing.

[Brian Kay]

Happy miles ahead... Georgians are going to take over this forum! See you out there.

[RUOUTHERE]

Congrats and welcome to the world of Spyders. I too made the leap from an 1800 Gold Wing to a Spyder RTLimited. But after a few months I missed my Wing and the ability to run the twistes the way I used to on my Wing. Then the wife who loves the RT also missed keeping up with our Wing friends so I bought a gently used Wing when we ride with our Wing friends. So now we have choices. That all said, I love the RT it does so many things well but does gave its draw backs as compared to the Wing. Your new RT will take some getting used after the Wing but I think in time you will love it. I can also tell you the Spyder is head and shoulders better than a Gold Wing Trike.

[jaherbst]

Welcome aboard! This is your Captain speaking. Please take your seats and enjoy the flight. Skies will be sunny with a light wind from the West. Please feel free to ask for anything. Your enjoyment has just begun!

Cap'n Jack

[OverHillAndDale]

Congrats on the new purchase. I had a 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager (touring bike) that weighed around 900 lbs. I had the same moments of panic when I felt like I might drop the bike when stopped, and once I did. (fortunately my wife wasn't on it.) The RT is different than 2 wheels, but the experience is just as good and without the danger of dropping. North Georgia and soutern N.C. are two of the best places to ride anywhere.

[Mr. White]

Greetings, you will sure enjoy your new Spyder. My '02 Wing got kinda heavy so I added a Motor Trike kit in '05....really liked the Spyder and got a 2011 RT-S, but traded for Mr. Cognac a few months ago....much better ride than my "Big Red 1". Could not part with Punkin' so I kept him. They both have merits, I love to ride both and neither is "best". As we ride the year around here in So. Texas, I switch off often. My Wing has never been in the shop other than for normal maintenance....a friend rebuilt my front shock but no other repairs since Nov. 2011 when I bought him!

[Oldmanzues]

Add my Welcome to the group.
If you belong to GWRRA and they offer a trike course, please take it. It is a good one, took it on a VYX 1300 trike and the Spyder RT. Great information.
Oldmanzues

[mtdoragary]

yep, I had Wings, harleys, and everything else before getting my Spyders. My wife and I love the Spyder, but my service dog vastly prefers the motorcycles. Bikes lean for him. HE has to lean on the trike!