Gold Wing Rider thinking about a Can Am Spyder for next bike

[Jimmcdeb]

Questions to former Gold Wing riders. 1. How was the change over from 2 to 3 wheels. 2. How reliable Can Am to Honda.3. Are your passengers as comfortable of the RT Limited compare to the wing. 4. Arm rests for passenger, OK. 5. Communications wired to each other and CB to other bikes.

• Thanks for your comments.
  
  

[PrairieSpyder]

I don't know about Goldwings, but there are wingers here to help. So I just say:

[Chupaca]

All your questions can be answered with a test ryde. Take the passenger with you to confirm .I came from a wing but it was a sport wing with an 82 base. That dosen't qualify me but many have had no problems and some wonder why they did not do it sooner....

[Jimmcdeb]

All your questions can be answered with a test ryde. Take the passenger with you to confirm .I came from a wing but it was a sport wing with an 82 base. That dosen't qualify me but many have had no problems and some wonder why they did not do it sooner....

Great idea on the test ride which I plan to do soon.

[bodymanpainter]

I came off of an 1800GL in 2010 to my first RT and it didn't take long at all
to make the adjustments from 2 to 3 wheels, as for comfort just a few changes
and that's it and the passenger can get arm rest and as for the communication most
use Bluetooth headsets.
The Spyders are just as reliable as the Honda's or any other bike in the same
price range but that's just my personal experience and opinion.
Toby

[fjray]

Once you forget how to ride a motorcycle and ride it like an ATV the transition is Ok. I don't know of anything that matches the longevity of the 1800 wing. My wift says the comfort is close to the wing but I haven't addes arm rests yet. If you want your stuff wired like the wing get ready to spend a fair bit of money. I went with blue tooth headsets. I still think about selling the spyder and keeping the wing.

[nakerr]

I used to have a GL1500, other bikes in the middle before I bought my RT-S. I find the RT much like my GL1500 for comfort and performance (the Spyder is more powerful) . I never rode a GL1800 so can't compare directly. It is different to ride but once you get over no counter steering and no brake lever; and learn to relax and not to deathgrip the handlebars I think that you will enjoy it.

I use Bluetooth headsets. Wired ones are available, including CB radio if you are interested, but are quite expensive. In the year I have had the Spyder I have had no problems, much like my Gold Wing.

[MOSESS]

I loved my wing and would still have it if it was not for my back. the wing is a great bike and I had a hard time letting it go. With that said the Rt is as comfy as the wing and so far I like it a lot. the passenger my wife is just as comfy. the biggest adjustment is the steering and the turns at first. Its different in s positive way. Also I like that I no longer worry about rain or tip overs and i miss the lane splitting . yes i did that with a wing. the Rt brings you back down to earth and lets you enjoy the sights more .

[ARtraveler]

Owned most everything--except a wing. There are many wingers here who will chime in.

[CMA/IBA_rider]

I like the Can-Am so well. I am selling my two Honda. GL1500 and ST1300 PA.

[GeorgiaBill]

I've had lots of bikes, including a GL1100, GL1500, and GL1800. I bought the 2004 GL1800 new in 2004, kept it 80 months and logged 78,000 miles. It was a great motorcycle.

Consumer Reports is very negative about the Can-Am Spyder reliability, and so am I. Search DESS and LIMP HOME on this forum. I could do without some of the electronic complexity.

Maintenance on the GL1800 is also easier and less expensive. The rear tire can be removed in 10 minutes. The oil and filter were very easy, whereas the right mirror and a couple of side panels must be removed to change the filter on the Spyder, plus you initially need a Torx and Allen wrench to drain the oil. Lots of us replace the drain plugs with more normal plugs.

Communication on the GL1800 was pretty easy - a couple of speakers in each helmet and plug in the wire. I think we had 6 easy-to-see illuminated presets plus the weather bands. I'm not sure about the Spyder but I think some folks use a 'dongle' and others upgrade the speakers. My radio is so unintelligible that I don't even fool with it.

The transition from 2 wheels to 3 appears pretty easy since you don't tip over, but a trike/sidecar class will help a whole lot.

My comfort level on the Spyder goes up to about 65-70 indicated, and the belt vibration commences at 71 to 73 so I back off there. On the GL1800 80 mph was very comfortable, and on the FJR1300 85-90 was like being on rails.

I ride the Spyder and am delighted to do so because of low speed stability and comfort. I don't worry about tipping over at gasoline stations, at low speed hairpin curves and turning into my gravel drive. I've ridden 5000+ local miles in 7 months. I started a 400+ mile day last month and got the LIMP HOME screen about 98 miles from home. I hope to make that trip tomorrow.

These comments looks pretty negative, but I think they are realistic. I am so glad to have this machine and to still be able to enjoy the wind in my face. Good luck with whatever you decide.

BTW the CMA/IBA rider in a comment above is doing the Jacksonville, FL to San Diego, CA IBA ride in 50 hours later this month. I am so interested in watching that ride as it proceeds.

-Bill

[Bob Denman]

Get in touch with Ex Winger...

[Mick N]

I bought 3 new Goldwings and loved them all... 1975 GL1000, only came naked so I dressed it with a Vetter fairing, crash bars, trunk and saddlebags... 1980 GL1100 Interstate, came fully dressed so only added a thumb-lock cruise control and maybe a few other smalls. Wish I still had this bike, it fit me better than any bike I ever rode!... 1986 GL1200 Aspencade, Factory toys included, good ride, but taller and heavier. And they've continued that trend.

Bought the 2012 Spyder to get back into riding again after a few years of downtime with arthritis... it was a best fit... had to change handlebars, seat, floorboards try to hold Arthr at bay... at least down a degree or two... a compromise, but best ride time is 2 hours to see how long it took me to say 'uncle'. Nothing to shout about but better than nothing.

My pick: The Goidwing never had any service issues or doodads that failed to work. The Spyder is sitting in the garage on the battery tender, Started it few times over the winter, no prob. Now it won't start, because it sez it's in 1st gear and will not disengage and the console lights go crazy for a few minutes when you try to start it... then the lights go normal and it all just sits there. So, will give this a shot Think I found a post that said if you disconnect the battery, this condition should clear itself?

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

My pick: The Goidwing never had any service issues or doodads that failed to work. The Spyder is sitting in the garage on the battery tender, Started it few times over the winter, no prob. Now it won't start, because it sez it's in 1st gear and will not disengage and the console lights go crazy for a few minutes when you try to start it... then the lights go normal and it all just sits there. So, will give this a shot Think I found a post that said if you disconnect the battery, this condition should clear itself?

Your battery is shot! The cluster going bonkers when you hit the starter is a sure indicator. Do you have a quality battery tender? A cheapie can kill your battery.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

[Deer Slayer]

As much as I liked my Wing a trike was not an option for me as my last Wing was an F6B. The ride and handling is much better than wing trike. The unsprung weight of a wing trike just kills the performance of the Wing Trike. I went with the Spyder for the ride and handling. With electric assisted stearing, VSS, and ABS all in the package. Dude, this Spyder is complex! One should keep the extended warranty in effect. In summary,I love mine. Just did 430 miles thru the US 421 Snake in NC and TN yesterday. Good luck.

[Tango]

Questions to former Gold Wing riders. 1. How was the change over from 2 to 3 wheels. 2. How reliable Can Am to Honda.3. Are your passengers as comfortable of the RT Limited compare to the wing. 4. Arm rests for passenger, OK. 5. Communications wired to each other and CB to other bikes.

• Thanks for your comments.

I had an 1800 wing, triked from the get go. The wing is more cumbersome feeling. Seating area, more room on the wing. Suspension on my RTS, much better than the wing. Handling on the RTS is better. Several vendors make armrests. CB on the RT's, disappointing. I have a hand held unit. Communication, Like the RT better with SENA. No wires to get in the way. The RT can have car tires all around. Wings are known for bad tranny's. You void your warranty when you trike a wing! Also, the RTS is 250-300 lbs. lighter than wing trikes. The new 1330's are much more reliable. Only downside to BRP is their dealer net work, and parts. Tom

[Jim&Teresa]

I've had lots of bikes, including a GL1100, GL1500, and GL1800. I bought the 2004 GL1800 new in 2004, kept it 80 months and logged 78,000 miles. It was a great motorcycle.

Consumer Reports is very negative about the Can-Am Spyder reliability, and so am I. Search DESS and LIMP HOME on this forum. I could do without some of the electronic complexity.

Maintenance on the GL1800 is also easier and less expensive. The rear tire can be removed in 10 minutes. The oil and filter were very easy, whereas the right mirror and a couple of side panels must be removed to change the filter on the Spyder, plus you initially need a Torx and Allen wrench to drain the oil. Lots of us replace the drain plugs with more normal plugs.

Communication on the GL1800 was pretty easy - a couple of speakers in each helmet and plug in the wire. I think we had 6 easy-to-see illuminated presets plus the weather bands. I'm not sure about the Spyder but I think some folks use a 'dongle' and others upgrade the speakers. My radio is so unintelligible that I don't even fool with it.

The transition from 2 wheels to 3 appears pretty easy since you don't tip over, but a trike/sidecar class will help a whole lot.

My comfort level on the Spyder goes up to about 65-70 indicated, and the belt vibration commences at 71 to 73 so I back off there. On the GL1800 80 mph was very comfortable, and on the FJR1300 85-90 was like being on rails.

I ride the Spyder and am delighted to do so because of low speed stability and comfort. I don't worry about tipping over at gasoline stations, at low speed hairpin curves and turning into my gravel drive. I've ridden 5000+ local miles in 7 months. I started a 400+ mile day last month and got the LIMP HOME screen about 98 miles from home. I hope to make that trip tomorrow.

These comments looks pretty negative, but I think they are realistic. I am so glad to have this machine and to still be able to enjoy the wind in my face. Good luck with whatever you decide.

BTW the CMA/IBA rider in a comment above is doing the Jacksonville, FL to San Diego, CA IBA ride in 50 hours later this month. I am so interested in watching that ride as it proceeds.

-Bill

With Bill on this - nice summary!

I'll add a few comments....I've owned two Spyders, a 2012 RT Limited and traded it in on a 2014 RT Limited. We enjoy the Spyder RT and my wife states that it is as comfortable for her as a passenger as the Gold Wing. ALL my bikes have been very good in terms of reliability - no major issues with either of the Spyders that I've owned. My 2014 RT Limited is AWESOME - less maintenance, better powertrain than my 2012 RT Limited, etc.

It does take a little time to adjust, a test ride will provide the "feel" of a Spyder. However, it takes time to build confidence and handling skills with a Spyder. I have 26,000+ miles on my 2014 RT Limited and loved every mile. I do also ride two wheel and enjoy that as well. As long as I can still hold up the Wing, I will be riding it. I agree with Bill, life is so much easier to not worry about tipping a heavy bike over when filling up, parking, etc....

I only utilize the radio, phone, etc. so I've elected to have a SENA Bluetooth system (mine is a SM10 Transmitter with cable to radio and SMH10 headsets). They work well for what we need. We don't use a CB on the Spyder.

Good luck with your future Spyder purchase - it's great you ask this forum as people are always helpful!

[MRH]

I really don't think that Can-Am is generally as reliable as Honda, and they also don't have the years of experience to work out the kinks or the same level of resources. They are getting better, no question about that.

My 2010 RT had an issue every 3000 miles, but my 2014 (the 15's and 16's are nearly identical) has been very solid for 27K miles now. I can't see making the decision without test riding a 2014 or later, and comparing it with 2013 or earlier, as the new engine makes a huge difference. People do love their 2012's for reliability as well.

[speedbuggy]

I owned a 2003 Honda Gold Wing 1800 for years. Love it. The as my age started to take it's toll, week legs
my wife did not feel safe with us on it anymore as we went down a few too many times. Remember, the Honda is a Heavy BIKE.

We thought we would try a Spyder. I always liked the looks of them.

We traded in our wing for a used 2008 GS SM5 Spyder and have not regretted it at all. We love the Spyder as we can
both drive it. I love sitting on the back for a change and letting the wife drive.

We have put on more miles on our Spyder than we ever did with the Honda. We have bought numerous extras for the Spyder
like the Ultimate seat, the original is awful, back rests, side bags, handlebar extension, Shark stereo system, highway pegs,
and many more things. Even though its old, we don't think of getting rid of it now. Spent too much on it to get it where we like it.

It was not hard changing from the gold wing to the spyder.

Just remember, the Spyder is MORE expensive to fix and find a good dealer you can trust.

[midnightbreeze50]

I rode a GL1100 Interstate , dropped the thing 6 or 7 times sitting still, I went to the Spyder and have never looked back, It is a Wonderful Motorcycle, The only Advice I want to give you is don't use a deathgrip when you ride , you have to RELAX, the Spyder will drive itself , to me it handles like a sportscar thru the curves, and it has plenty git up and go , I have a 13 model, 998cc, and have never had any issues with mine, Hope you chose a Spyder , You wont regret it.



Midnightbreeze Love my Spyder ,

[Pandy]

This Spyder rider is ready to go back to his Wing after the third Throttle Body. YMMV

[Tango]

This Spyder rider is ready to go back to his Wing after the third Throttle Body. YMMV

The older Spyders have had throttle body issues. Guess they still do. Tom

[Mick N]

Your battery is shot! The cluster going bonkers when you hit the starter is a sure indicator. Do you have a quality battery tender? A cheapie can kill your battery.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

Ran 3 battery tenders over the winter, all with green lights and I know that at least one works, the 2002 Lexus SC started and ran ok and knew it's battery was failing when I put it to bed last fall. Have used Deltran "Battery Tender" for years (maybe their age could be the problem with this one?) Will swap the tender out and use a charger to see if that helps. And will buy a new battery!

Thanks for the problem confirmation.

[jeromeb]

In 06, I bought a new wing and toured the USA coast to coast, mostly solo. Liked the wing but wanted a lighter bike and traded for a new ST 1300. Toured most of USA, again coast to coast, before I was involved in the brake lock up 4 times, found out about the 1800 and 1300 brake recall after trade. Traded the ST and a T Max scooter for a 2011 Rt and did a solo cross country tour. I had the CB and pulled trailer. Great trip. In 14, I traded my 11 RT,and sold a 1961 Cushman super eagle, for a 14 rtl. A buddy on a new wing and I rode cross country and on to Alaska with no trouble and much enjoyment. In Feb. Under the influence of a fellow Spyder rider I bought a 16 F3 t se. Rode to Spyder over the Bayous with 2 Wing buddies as escort. Another trouble free enjoyable trip. Love the Spyders. After a short learning curve a joy to ride. I still have a 15 Honda CTX for the times I really need a rapid trip down a curvy road. I did get a speeding ticket riding the dragon on my 11 RT. I am now 74 so the Spyders have really extended my riding years.

[lou49]

Ran 3 battery tenders over the winter, all with green lights and I know that at least one works, the 2002 Lexus SC started and ran ok and knew it's battery was failing when I put it to bed last fall. Have used Deltran "Battery Tender" for years (maybe their age could be the problem with this one?) Will swap the tender out and use a charger to see if that helps. And will buy a new battery!

Thanks for the problem confirmation.

When you plug in your battery tender make sure is switched to the 12 volt setting! Had my bike plugged in one winter only to find out in spring that I had a dead battery! Didn't notice the tender was on the 6 volts setting!