After all the negative things I have read about Spyders, I thought I would take the time to post my top 20 things that I like about my 2015 RTL, and why I like them.
The TOP reason I love it is it is just a riot to ride!
1. Three wheels. No longer worry about falling over, never have to put my feet down at stop light.
2. Frunk. Much more storage on my spyder than I was accustomed to on a two wheeler.
3. Handling. Once you get the hang of it, the spyder handles like a very nimble sports car.
4. Smoothness of ride. To give you an idea of smoothness, the pedometer my wife wore on the Venture Royale would register thousands of steps per ride, on the rear of the Spyder she gets less than 100 steps per ride.
5. 1330 Power. The power of the 1330, although not a barn burner, is more than enough to tow my camper anywhere I chose to go without being a traffic hazard because I cant reach the posted speed.
6. Dependability. If you look at my signature you will see the states we have had the Spyder to in just the three short years we have had it. We head out for 2 weeks every year towing the camper, and very seldom put on less than 5000 miles per trip. We have never been let down.
7. Parking brake. I love being able to get off the bike on hot blacktop and not worrying about if the bike will fall over because of a kickstand sinking into the hot blacktop, while I am away from it. Find a spot, touch the switch, and go.
8. The adjustable windshield. I use this on every ride for air flow, rain, blocking air, and as of yet at 31,000 miles I have had no problems with it.
9. Air ride adjusting and adjustable on the fly.. The auto adjusting air ride is an awesome feature. The Venture Royale had to be shut off and put up on its center stand to adjust the air ride. When fully loaded for a trip, this required two people to try to get it on the center stand and was not always a successful operation without unloading some of the things packed on the bike. Yes my compressor failed at about 25,000 miles, and I had a leaking air hose. This was all replaced free of charge ans is quieter than the original compressor ever was.
10. electronic shift transmission. I still have all the control of up and down shifting as the road requires, without having to pull in a clutch.
11. Tire replacement cost. I replaced the tires with car tires at a MUCH reduced cost. The Venture Royale was over $300.00 for a rear tire change. I replaced all the tires on the Spyder for less than that.
13. The nanny. There are times I would like to doe a few things that the nanny blocks (still a little hot dog left in me). However when towing the camper down a hill and water running over the road at the bottom blocked from my view by the truck in front of me, I hit the water and hydroplaned, the rear got loose, the nanny kicked in, straightened it out, and kept us straight on the road. All of this happened before I could have responded other than letting off the throttle.
14. A true reverse. No more pushing a bike and trailer backwards to back out of a parking space. No more unhooking the camper and pushing it backwards by hand to get into the camping spot. I back in, unhook, and set up with a smile.
15. Fuel injection. No more fussing with a choke to start on the cold mornings, no more noticing a drop in performance on those hi elevation rides in the mountains.
16. A power outlet in the truck to keep the phones charged as we ride. Allows me to share our location with the kids as we ride when we are on a long trip. They know where we are at all times, and if something were to happen would know our exact location.
17. A true alternator for electrical power. With the 1991 Venture Royale I was afraid to run heated clothing along with the lights that I had on the bike, the charging system was notoriously week. Now I run heated clothing with both me and my wife with no problems.
18. Front and rear speakers. Although we listen to most music on the headsets, it is nice to be able to have the rear boosted so my wife can hear when we are running with the speakers.
19. Fuel range. I have never had a bike that I could consistently get 200 miles per tank on.
20. low required maintenance. No more changing oil ever 3,000 miles, spark plugs every year, having valves adjusted, having carbs cleaned, having carbs diaphragms replaced, and replacing front fork seals.
This does not mean that there is not room for improvement on several items, and I see that some of these things were improved in the 2017 and 2018 models. But just as every other motorcycle out there improves each year that it is manufactured, I think the Spyder will too.
GREAT job designing a fun machine BRP, my hats off to you!
+1, AND I have a '13 with the V-twin, and I still agree with all the positives. Though they get less mileage, my tank can outlast my need to get off the bike and stretch anyhow.
But, when I need to I can comfortably stand up and stretch on the Spyder's floorboards while moving, I've done it as fast as the 70 MPH range and still felt solid as far as the ride.
Safe Rides,
David and Sharon Goebel
Both Retired USAF Veterans
2018 Anniversary Edition RT Limited
Baja Ron ultimate swaybar. Vredestein tires, Baja Ron Front Shock Pre-load adjusters, Pedal Box, See my Spyder Garage
IBA 70020
A great idea to post the positive things about the .
Your list is so complete that, at the moment, I cannot even come up with anything to add.
Your comparison with the Venture is also right on. I was an early Venture owner. (1980's). Back when they were in the $4K range.
I have a 1989 and a 1991 Venture royale in my garage still, but they don't get ridden now that the Spider moved in.
My first venture was a 1986 model and at that time I feel that they were the best touring bike on the market. I have put many many miles on the ventures and they never left me stranded, but I think the Spyder was a GREAT upgrade.
Very nice to read positive comments. We (I and She Who Must Be Obeyed) agree with everything you've said. We haven't logged as many miles or visited as many states on three wheels; however, our most recent road trip was a 2200 mile jaunt from San Antonio to Tucson and Bisbee, AZ, and return over a period of two weeks in early March. We're pleased to say both Spyders performed flawlessly both on the Interstate and Arizona and New Mexico back roads, some in the proverbial Middle of Nowhere. My bride's 998 2012 RT Limited served as the "fuel gauge" for both of us - almost the perfect range between stops to stretch legs and visit the facilities. We were very pleased and had a flawless trip - and we didn't fall over once! Adjust the windscreen, set the cruise control, place feel in a comfortable position and listen to music or chat with one another - thank you Sena 20S.
The right hand thumbnail is how they look when we're at home and just puddling around. The left thumbnail is how they look packed for a two week tour. Hmmmm, the look the same. Not really though - I do have a dry bag with rain gear strapped to the passenger seat of my black 2015 RT-S but it's hardly noticeable.
After all the negative things I have read about Spyders, I thought I would take the time to post my top 20 things that I like about my 2015 RTL, and why I like them.
The TOP reason I love it is it is just a riot to ride!
1. Three wheels. No longer worry about falling over, never have to put my feet down at stop light.
2. Frunk. Much more storage on my spyder than I was accustomed to on a two wheeler.
3. Handling. Once you get the hang of it, the spyder handles like a very nimble sports car.
4. Smoothness of ride. To give you an idea of smoothness, the pedometer my wife wore on the Venture Royale would register thousands of steps per ride, on the rear of the Spyder she gets less than 100 steps per ride.
5. 1330 Power. The power of the 1330, although not a barn burner, is more than enough to tow my camper anywhere I chose to go without being a traffic hazard because I cant reach the posted speed.
6. Dependability. If you look at my signature you will see the states we have had the Spyder to in just the three short years we have had it. We head out for 2 weeks every year towing the camper, and very seldom put on less than 5000 miles per trip. We have never been let down.
7. Parking brake. I love being able to get off the bike on hot blacktop and not worrying about if the bike will fall over because of a kickstand sinking into the hot blacktop, while I am away from it. Find a spot, touch the switch, and go.
8. The adjustable windshield. I use this on every ride for air flow, rain, blocking air, and as of yet at 31,000 miles I have had no problems with it.
9. Air ride adjusting and adjustable on the fly.. The auto adjusting air ride is an awesome feature. The Venture Royale had to be shut off and put up on its center stand to adjust the air ride. When fully loaded for a trip, this required two people to try to get it on the center stand and was not always a successful operation without unloading some of the things packed on the bike. Yes my compressor failed at about 25,000 miles, and I had a leaking air hose. This was all replaced free of charge ans is quieter than the original compressor ever was.
10. electronic shift transmission. I still have all the control of up and down shifting as the road requires, without having to pull in a clutch.
11. Tire replacement cost. I replaced the tires with car tires at a MUCH reduced cost. The Venture Royale was over $300.00 for a rear tire change. I replaced all the tires on the Spyder for less than that.
13. The nanny. There are times I would like to doe a few things that the nanny blocks (still a little hot dog left in me). However when towing the camper down a hill and water running over the road at the bottom blocked from my view by the truck in front of me, I hit the water and hydroplaned, the rear got loose, the nanny kicked in, straightened it out, and kept us straight on the road. All of this happened before I could have responded other than letting off the throttle.
14. A true reverse. No more pushing a bike and trailer backwards to back out of a parking space. No more unhooking the camper and pushing it backwards by hand to get into the camping spot. I back in, unhook, and set up with a smile.
15. Fuel injection. No more fussing with a choke to start on the cold mornings, no more noticing a drop in performance on those hi elevation rides in the mountains.
16. A power outlet in the truck to keep the phones charged as we ride. Allows me to share our location with the kids as we ride when we are on a long trip. They know where we are at all times, and if something were to happen would know our exact location.
17. A true alternator for electrical power. With the 1991 Venture Royale I was afraid to run heated clothing along with the lights that I had on the bike, the charging system was notoriously week. Now I run heated clothing with both me and my wife with no problems.
18. Front and rear speakers. Although we listen to most music on the headsets, it is nice to be able to have the rear boosted so my wife can hear when we are running with the speakers.
19. Fuel range. I have never had a bike that I could consistently get 200 miles per tank on.
20. low required maintenance. No more changing oil ever 3,000 miles, spark plugs every year, having valves adjusted, having carbs cleaned, having carbs diaphragms replaced, and replacing front fork seals.
This does not mean that there is not room for improvement on several items, and I see that some of these things were improved in the 2017 and 2018 models. But just as every other motorcycle out there improves each year that it is manufactured, I think the Spyder will too.
GREAT job designing a fun machine BRP, my hats off to you!
Well said. I have a 2015 RT and have had no serious problems. The only thing I had to do was replace the DESS module but also change a lot of things like car tires, sway bar, and centralmatic balance rs which really improved it's handling. I had read so many negative things and problems people have had with their Spyders that I was about to trade mind off. But It has never let me down and I love the way it handles I am glad to hear the goods things.
2021 RT Limited
Asphalt Grey
Lamonster RT phone mount
Sena SMH-10
Lamonster Belt Tensioner w/ larger roller
Spyderpops Missing Belt Guard
Garmin's GPS
I have a 1989 and a 1991 Venture royale in my garage still, but they don't get ridden now that the Spider moved in.
My first venture was a 1986 model and at that time I feel that they were the best touring bike on the market. I have put many many miles on the ventures and they never left me stranded, but I think the Spyder was a GREAT upgrade.
Those V4's were very nice. My dealer sold both Wings and Ventures. I test drove both. The Wing was a bit big for me. I felt more comfortable on the Venture. Wish I still had that one.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
After all the negative things I have read about Spyders, I thought I would take the time to post my top 20 things that I like about my 2015 RTL, and why I like them.
The TOP reason I love it is it is just a riot to ride!
1. Three wheels. No longer worry about falling over, never have to put my feet down at stop light.
2. Frunk. Much more storage on my spyder than I was accustomed to on a two wheeler.
3. Handling. Once you get the hang of it, the spyder handles like a very nimble sports car.
4. Smoothness of ride. To give you an idea of smoothness, the pedometer my wife wore on the Venture Royale would register thousands of steps per ride, on the rear of the Spyder she gets less than 100 steps per ride.
5. 1330 Power. The power of the 1330, although not a barn burner, is more than enough to tow my camper anywhere I chose to go without being a traffic hazard because I cant reach the posted speed.
6. Dependability. If you look at my signature you will see the states we have had the Spyder to in just the three short years we have had it. We head out for 2 weeks every year towing the camper, and very seldom put on less than 5000 miles per trip. We have never been let down.
7. Parking brake. I love being able to get off the bike on hot blacktop and not worrying about if the bike will fall over because of a kickstand sinking into the hot blacktop, while I am away from it. Find a spot, touch the switch, and go.
8. The adjustable windshield. I use this on every ride for air flow, rain, blocking air, and as of yet at 31,000 miles I have had no problems with it.
9. Air ride adjusting and adjustable on the fly.. The auto adjusting air ride is an awesome feature. The Venture Royale had to be shut off and put up on its center stand to adjust the air ride. When fully loaded for a trip, this required two people to try to get it on the center stand and was not always a successful operation without unloading some of the things packed on the bike. Yes my compressor failed at about 25,000 miles, and I had a leaking air hose. This was all replaced free of charge ans is quieter than the original compressor ever was.
10. electronic shift transmission. I still have all the control of up and down shifting as the road requires, without having to pull in a clutch.
11. Tire replacement cost. I replaced the tires with car tires at a MUCH reduced cost. The Venture Royale was over $300.00 for a rear tire change. I replaced all the tires on the Spyder for less than that.
13. The nanny. There are times I would like to doe a few things that the nanny blocks (still a little hot dog left in me). However when towing the camper down a hill and water running over the road at the bottom blocked from my view by the truck in front of me, I hit the water and hydroplaned, the rear got loose, the nanny kicked in, straightened it out, and kept us straight on the road. All of this happened before I could have responded other than letting off the throttle.
14. A true reverse. No more pushing a bike and trailer backwards to back out of a parking space. No more unhooking the camper and pushing it backwards by hand to get into the camping spot. I back in, unhook, and set up with a smile.
15. Fuel injection. No more fussing with a choke to start on the cold mornings, no more noticing a drop in performance on those hi elevation rides in the mountains.
16. A power outlet in the truck to keep the phones charged as we ride. Allows me to share our location with the kids as we ride when we are on a long trip. They know where we are at all times, and if something were to happen would know our exact location.
17. A true alternator for electrical power. With the 1991 Venture Royale I was afraid to run heated clothing along with the lights that I had on the bike, the charging system was notoriously week. Now I run heated clothing with both me and my wife with no problems.
18. Front and rear speakers. Although we listen to most music on the headsets, it is nice to be able to have the rear boosted so my wife can hear when we are running with the speakers.
19. Fuel range. I have never had a bike that I could consistently get 200 miles per tank on.
20. low required maintenance. No more changing oil ever 3,000 miles, spark plugs every year, having valves adjusted, having carbs cleaned, having carbs diaphragms replaced, and replacing front fork seals.
This does not mean that there is not room for improvement on several items, and I see that some of these things were improved in the 2017 and 2018 models. But just as every other motorcycle out there improves each year that it is manufactured, I think the Spyder will too.
GREAT job designing a fun machine BRP, my hats off to you!
I have a 2014RTS-SE6 (my first spyder was a 2012RTS-SE5, traded for it my current spyder).
The only thing I had troubles with my current Spyder was a D.E.S.S error,( I started a thread " D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has 29 pages long.), had it fixed under the warranty. The farkles that I have added to make it my own.
It has been trouble free after I had the D.E.S.S. module/switch replaced.
Deanna
Current Spyder - 2023 F3 LTD Special Mineral Blue
Red LED NANO Saddlebag Marker Lights with Full Illumination
Sequential Fender LED'S (Amber/Red) with Safety Reflector
Dual Power Plate (12 V & USB ports)
Gremlin Bell
Rear Trunk Organizer (4 holders, 2 Elastic Holders)
Lamonster "Top Cuff" with adjustable drink Holder
SpyderPops Missing Guard Belt
Console Accent Trim (Carbon Fiber Domed Black)
Ultimate F3 Floorboards
Front Fairing Service Access Door Covers (Carbon Fiber Doomed Black)
Sway Bar with Links
Rolo Laser Alignment
Half Cover
A-Arm Daytime Dual Color LED Running Lights with Blinker Module
Hi-Viz DRL and Sequential Mirrors lights
Marinco 12Volt Power Receptacle with polarized leads & slide lock
Show chrome Trunk Shock
Thank you for posting the positive attributes. I've been lurking here since shortly after hubby got me Angry Bug in June. I was getting kind of worried with the issues being posted (especially on those with low mileage). I was afraid after all my insistence for the last three years a Spyder was the bike I wanted that it wasn't going to be dependable. Thrilled so far (2,190 miles since June 16) and over the moon to hear the positives even if I don't have all the extras the RTs have.
Coming from a string of fast bikes, I was a little skeptical committing to purchase my 2017 RTL, but after doing it in so glad I did. Now my wife can ride in comfort while feeling more safe than ever before.
A great idea to post the positive things about the .
Your list is so complete that, at the moment, I cannot even come up with anything to add.
If you don't mind I can add more, obvious & yet easily overlooked items:
#21: ALL the great other ryders It & this forum has helped me to meet & Ryde with
#22: The fun Farkels I have enjoyed adding to it & talking about.
#23: the pleasantly interested people I meet at almost every stop & the ability to share with them how awesome the is.
Just a thought (& idea for new thread)
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
#23: the pleasantly interested people I meet at almost every stop & the ability to share with them how awesome the is.
I have so many people come up and say "What kind of bike is that?", "That's so cool!", "I've never seen one of those", etc. Of course, I also get the incredulous "You ride?" since the Midwest seems stuck in a different era as far as what women are "supposed" to do. LOL
My favorites though are the little squirts who are fascinated and telling mommy or daddy to "look at that bike" and are amazed that it's a grandma that rides it!
Yes, before I'm asked, I am young for a grandma (45 with seven grandchildren - one 6 yo, three 4 yo, three 1 yo). That's what happens when you have three when you're young and dumb and then remarry a man who has three of his own. We're a regular Brady Bunch!
Stephanie &
2017 F3T SE6 "Angry Bug" adopted June 16, 2018 Wish list is growing quickly! Added PB1 Floorboards before we left the dealership
Thanks for all who posted their positive experiences with their Spyders, I enjoyed reading each one.
This forum is a GREAT place to go to when you have a problem and finding a solution for it. Sometimes I feel however that the problems and negitivity can scare people who are just considering a Spyder, and make them walk away. After all if all of this negativity is on a site that goes by the name of "spyderlovers" what is it with the Spyder haters?
If you don't mind I can add more, obvious & yet easily overlooked items:
#21: ALL the great other ryders It & this forum has helped me to meet & Ryde with
#22: The fun Farkels I have enjoyed adding to it & talking about.
#23: the pleasantly interested people I meet at almost every stop & the ability to share with them how awesome the is.
Just a thought (& idea for new thread)
x 2
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
+1, AND I have a '13 with the V-twin, and I still agree with all the positives. Though they get less mileage, my tank can outlast my need to get off the bike and stretch anyhow.
But, when I need to I can comfortably stand up and stretch on the Spyder's floorboards while moving, I've done it as fast as the 70 MPH range and still felt solid as far as the ride.
Nice post!! with everything! I love ryding my Critter.
AKA Jud Smales, Four Year Spyder Ryder! "Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati"
The Critter 2016 RT-S
Cat Bypass from Lamonster
BajaRon Sway Bar
Hella dual horns with relay
BRP Hitch with trailer module
Foam Grips
Adjustable Air Deflectors
Driver & Passenger Gel Pads in Seat
Shorty antenna
Ultraguard half cover
Gremlin bell from my son
Break Stripe Kit from Wrap My Spyder
I have so many people come up and say "What kind of bike is that?", "That's so cool!", "I've never seen one of those", etc. Of course, I also get the incredulous "You ride?" since the Midwest seems stuck in a different era as far as what women are "supposed" to do. LOL
My favorites though are the little squirts who are fascinated and telling mommy or daddy to "look at that bike" and are amazed that it's a grandma that rides it!
Yes, before I'm asked, I am young for a grandma (45 with seven grandchildren - one 6 yo, three 4 yo, three 1 yo). That's what happens when you have three when you're young and dumb and then remarry a man who has three of his own. We're a regular Brady Bunch!
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
Thank you for posting the positive attributes. I've been lurking here since shortly after hubby got me Angry Bug in June. I was getting kind of worried with the issues being posted (especially on those with low mileage). I was afraid after all my insistence for the last three years a Spyder was the bike I wanted that it wasn't going to be dependable. Thrilled so far (2,190 miles since June 16) and over the moon to hear the positives even if I don't have all the extras the RTs have.
A lot of people post here when they have problems - which might make one discouraged. There are many others like the OP of this thread who feel the good outweighs the bad just as I do. A lot of manufacturers have numerous problems - I am also on an HD cruiser forum because we have one of those also and they have many many issues.
Keep riding your Spyder and enjoy the breeze.
Love my Spyders
2016 F3L Steel Black purchased 7/16/2016 Sold 3/11/2023 (22,500 mi)
2014 RTS Circuit Yellow purchased 3/2/2018
2020 RTL Petrol Blue purchased 1/27/2023
Girls on Spyders #3195
No more 2 wheels
2020 RTL , Lamonster floor board riser Petrol Blue
After the unsuccessful attempt to keep positive the "positive comments about Spyders" thread positive, I thought people could add a few things to this thread.
I also love the way that all the Spyder riders you meet in person are very eager to converse with you about your ride, and what they ride.
A GREAT group of people!!
Honda had an advertising campaign "you meet the nicest people on a Honda"
I feel the same way about Spyder riders.
The main thing for me is the lack of stress.Ive had every kind of bike over the last 50 years but in the last 10 I noticed that I just didn't wanna be bothered to plan a trip and deal with the stress of the weight,the lack of storage,being pushed around by big trucks and buses,finding a solid level spot to park,worrying about gravel and wet leaves and more.I planned a trip on my computer and put it on the bikes GPS and took off and had a very stress free 1st Spyder trip(2000 mi).Wife was much more comfortable and happy to not have me getting upset and taking it out on her.