The Elephant in My Room

[LifeLongRider]

I’ve now been driving a Spyder since mid-January and can honestly say that I really enjoy it. The reasoning I used when I converted from two wheels to three is still valid and was a good decision. Can’t fall over, reverse gear, don’t have to muscle 950 pounds around anymore, etc. For a man my age (a very senior citizen) these are important considerations.

My last two-wheeler was a 2015 Goldwing that I bought new and put just shy of 50K miles on it. I literally traveled all over the lower 48 states with it and never once did I ever have a problem. I did all of my own maintenance (wouldn’t dare let a dealer touch it) and I had supreme confidence that it would never let me down – which it didn’t. I did however carry enough tools to perform just about any repair necessary while away from home, and I had the knowledge and expertise to go along with it.

And there lies the Elephant in My Room – confidence. I love my Spyder, a 2019 F3 Limited (which I have never had any problems with) but in the seven-plus months that I’ve had it I just haven’t gained enough confidence to do any traveling with it. I read about belt drive issues, tire issues, alignment issues, parking brakes locking up, excessive wait times at dealers to get repairs, the lack of competent dealers and you name it, there seems to be a smorgasbord of issues, that when combined, add up to a serious lack of confidence for me. Even something as simple as a rear tire puncture (which I’ve had my share of so I know it can happen), even if it could be plugged, would just about mandate being taken to a spyder dealer for a new tire (who are few and far between). At least on the Goldwing just about any local motorcycle dealer could replace a tire even if I had to pull the wheel myself. Not that easy on a spyder – sure can’t carry a floor jack while traveling. From what I’ve read, nobody but spyder dealers will even touch one of these anyway. My annual fall color tour across the eastern seaboard states has been cancelled because of this uneasiness – and that’s all it is, uneasiness. I understand that the likelihood of having any issues while traveling is slim, but none-the-less, it’s a feeling I can’t seem to shake. Unlike many, I bought my spyder to use for traveling, I’m not really a city-driver, and now I don’t know if I should stay with it or go back to two-wheels. I will definitely stick it out until next year and see what the new models bring – or I may make a change.

BTW, took the pic this morning while having coffee on the Gulf of Mexico.

 

[MonPaul]

I understand what you say about the reliability issues, what scares me is how hard it is to find a knowledgeable dealer in my area, yet on the road in a strange area.
Maybe we could get some kind of a network through this forum that has members volunteer their city, phone number, and even address if they want so we can check ahead, or just know someone is close by if we have a breakdown who can help and point us in the right direction for a dependable dealer (not to mention good tourist spots.) I think it would be a great way to take advantage of the knowledge here.

 

[CopperSpyder]

Some great man once said "you have nothing to fear but fear its self" So I'm not saying dont be prepared for a break down like maybe have AAA for a tow if you need it and be ready to go with the flow if you need to, but go with the intent that you are going to have a great ride! Live to Ride, Ride to Live. You only have one life here on earth.

 

[yellow peril]

Like you I had the same worries about my 2009- se5 on long trips. Bought mine used at 5000 miles now has 21000 on it. Just returned from trip to upper New York(Buffalo) CT.,Pa,Virginia,West Virginia (2600 miles) with no problems. Burned a little oil. I carry a tire repair kit plug and co2 cartridges and a quart of oil.
The engines are just about bullet proof. I do all my own maintenance and change my own tires etc. I suggest getting a shop manual and go thru it you will be surprised the things you can do without taking to a dealer or having buds. Ride it it is the only way to build confidence. I have road side assistance through my insurance on both the wing(gone) and spyder haven't used it in over 200,00 miles of riding.

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

Before I bought my Spyder I read this forum a lot and wasn't sure I should get one because of all the negative talk about reliability and dealers. I went ahead and bought one anyway. For a while I was worried every time I left the house on the bike if it would break down but after a year went by and no issues I gained more confidence. After 2 yrs I had more confidence, etc, etc.

I have 24K on my Spyder, I have 2K on my Ryker. I've taken 500 mile trips, I've taken 3000 mile trips across many states on the Spyder. I've done 1000 mile / 24 hr iron butt rides. Never had a problem. Yes, I have had a couple issues with the Spyder but very minor easy fixes. It's never left me stranded. I wouldn't hesitate to hop on the Spyder or Ryker and drive it across country tomorrow.

My advice. Plan a trip and go. Do a few hundred mile trip, then a thousand miles, then longer. Once you have a few trips under your belt you're confidence level will rise and you won't think anything about taking your Spyder anywhere.

Don't let this forum scare you.

 

[Chupaca]

Here's the thing....

You need to consider that all your fears are based on what you read on this site and perhaps some others. This one has become the place to go to find solutions to many problems but this and others are a minority with many few coming on to relate their problem free ryding. Most issues get resolved but again we don't always get the feedback as the customer is happy and off ryding. Don't base your fears on this site, use it to learn how to...when to...what not to and to enjoy the off topic antics....:thumbup:

 

[easysuper]

I’ve now been driving a Spyder since mid-January and can honestly say that I really enjoy it. The reasoning I used when I converted from two wheels to three is still valid and was a good decision. Can’t fall over, reverse gear, don’t have to muscle 950 pounds around anymore, etc. For a man my age (a very senior citizen) these are important considerations.

My last two-wheeler was a 2015 Goldwing that I bought new and put just shy of 50K miles on it. I literally traveled all over the lower 48 states with it and never once did I ever have a problem. I did all of my own maintenance (wouldn’t dare let a dealer touch it) and I had supreme confidence that it would never let me down – which it didn’t. I did however carry enough tools to perform just about any repair necessary while away from home, and I had the knowledge and expertise to go along with it.

And there lies the Elephant in My Room – confidence. I love my Spyder, a 2019 F3 Limited (which I have never had any problems with) but in the seven-plus months that I’ve had it I just haven’t gained enough confidence to do any traveling with it. I read about belt drive issues, tire issues, alignment issues, parking brakes locking up, excessive wait times at dealers to get repairs, the lack of competent dealers and you name it, there seems to be a smorgasbord of issues, that when combined, add up to a serious lack of confidence for me. Even something as simple as a rear tire puncture (which I’ve had my share of so I know it can happen), even if it could be plugged, would just about mandate being taken to a spyder dealer for a new tire (who are few and far between). At least on the Goldwing just about any local motorcycle dealer could replace a tire even if I had to pull the wheel myself. Not that easy on a spyder – sure can’t carry a floor jack while traveling. From what I’ve read, nobody but spyder dealers will even touch one of these anyway. My annual fall color tour across the eastern seaboard states has been cancelled because of this uneasiness – and that’s all it is, uneasiness. I understand that the likelihood of having any issues while traveling is slim, but none-the-less, it’s a feeling I can’t seem to shake. Unlike many, I bought my spyder to use for traveling, I’m not really a city-driver, and now I don’t know if I should stay with it or go back to two-wheels. I will definitely stick it out until next year and see what the new models bring – or I may make a change.

BTW, took the pic this morning while having coffee on the Gulf of Mexico.

My wife and I just finished a 66 day Coast to Coast, 11,000 mile ride, my bike is a. 2014 RTL and she has a 2015 RTL we have a combination of 60K trouble free miles on them and will take them up the Alcan next summer .

 

[JayBros]

I retract my comment. I doubt my position will convince the OP.

 

[Jeriatric]

Dependability questions running through your mind.

Truth is.

You won't know until you know.

If you've had no problems to date. That's on your side.

Go on an extended trip or two and see what happens.

 

[CA Railwhale]

You have to remember that people who DON'T have problems don't post about how reliable the Spyder is or how their dealer does decent service. I have a 2015 F3 and it's never had a problem other than the time I put it into limp home mode by having my toe on the brake.

 

[Gwolf]

I have a 2019 F3. Have not been on any long trips with it since business at home holds me down from extended touring right now. I have only had it for about 3 months, but I have put over 3,500 miles on it and have enough confidence in it to take off several hundred miles without a second thought.

 

[BajaRon]

I live in East Tennessee. Almost to Bristol. I've been to Orlando Florida 4 times - Over 1,300 miles round trip each time. I've been to California twice - Over 6,000 miles round trip each time. I've been to Canada twice - Over 2,000 miles round trip each time.

I've been to Sturgis, South Dakota, Missouri several time for Spyderfest, and a number of other long distance trips with nothing more than minor, manageable issues. One which occurred because I did not get the coolant reservoir tank lid installed correctly. All of this on a Spyder year model that is much more problematic than the late model Spyders made today.

Every vehicle has issues. If you go to the Honda Goldwing forums, you will find a laundry list of issues that customers have experienced. Looking at these would give you pause to ride a Goldwing. I am not saying that the Spyder, in general, is as reliable as the average Goldwing. And the dealer network is not nearly as good. But you didn't buy a Spyder to worry. You bought it to ride. Since you have no reason to doubt your Spyder, other than what other people have said. I'd just ride more and worry less. Any individual Spyder can be every bit as reliable as any individual Honda product.

I would say trust it until it proves itself unworthy.

 

[WisconsinDavid]

So far... so good for me. I went through Ontario Canada on a 2500 mile trip in early summer and experienced no problems with the spyder. Like someone said, stuff happens, no matter what you ride. Riding and seeing new things is far better than admiring the Spyder that sits in the garage all the time. Ride and go with the flow. If and when an experience becomes too frustrating... then move along to something that seems better. So far, for me, a really good Spyder experience.

 

[4 MARIE]

No faith...unless you test. In 2014, Got 1st service and then ran to PA., then TX,, then CO....
Never a whiff of trouble. People with issues are the ones that speak up. Have some faith.. keep your cel phone in pocket.
You WILL be okay.

 

[ARtraveler]

Going to put another card on the pile of you read to much.

Most of the people posting are posting because they have some kind of a problem or issue with their Spyder. You do not hear a lot from those who are happy and have little to no problems.

Myself, been around here since Feb of 2010. Have owned 5 assorted Spyders. Have a combined total of almost 150,000 miles now. Have had NO major problems since my first one a 2008 GS.

Not afraid to get up and go. Suggest riding more and worrying less. You know what can happen. Be prepared, but don't let it crimp your style.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I have put 270,000 miles on Spyders since 2010 and I would not hesitate to ride cross country alone on it.

 

[JKMSPYDER]

I have over 40,000 miles on my current 2015 F3-S. My previous Spyder was a 2013 ST-S. I put 25,000 miles on it. I have ridden all over the US and into Canada between both Spyders and never a breakdown. I will be riding to California at the end of the month. I am not worried about a breakdown. I have AAA Premier RV and a cell phone. Please don’t cancel your fall tour!!

 

[YIRYDE]

I have put 270,000 miles on Spyders since 2010 and I would not hesitate to ride cross country alone on it.

WOW, Simply Amazing. Do you drive anything else?

 

[BearBait]

FWIW, not all motorcycle dealers are reluctant to touch Spyders. The dealership here in upstate New York with which I have been doing business for years and years, through a dozen or more Suzukis, Kawasakis, and Hondas, is perfectly willing to do "non-specialized" work on my Spyder, and I only need to go to the (less convenient) authorized Spyder dealer for matters involving the electronics, etc. -- which, by the way, haven't yet come up.

Take your trip. If you want a just-to-be-safe contact in New York, PM me and I will provide contact info.

 

[Charlottes Web]

I had a 2011 rt it was a boat anchor. Got 2012 rt had over 50000 no problems. Got a 2014 rt have over 60000 on it still going strong. 2018 went cross country 9000 miles with 2 Harley they broke down one guy purchase a new Harley to get home. 2019 went to South Dakota and Montana with 3 Harley 7000 miles no problems, 3 Harley all had a problem.
The one guy purchase a new Harley so he could continue his trip to California. I also have a 2017 F3 with 16000 miles. I have AAA just in case. Just ride if something happens you’ll deal with it. I a 70+ women and ride myself a lot. Road from Montana to Pennsylvania myself.