From a Goldwing to an Spyder RT Limited ...

[Baveux]

After about a week and 500 miles I can say that I don't miss my Goldwing at all. As you get older and retire, even thinking about falling on the ground, even at low speed is worrying - you don't heal quickly, and ruining your retirement is also to be considered in these cases. This is why the choice of the Spyder, something that I would never have considered in the past.

Today, I greatly appreciate the feeling of security that this Spyder gives my wife and I. No more fear of bad potholes and gravel in the middle of a curve; the comfort on this machine is exceptional; the Goldwing was also good in this aspect, but never at the level of my RT.

The only downside with the RT is the powertrain, the Goldwing was so much smoother on the engine and transmission side, it's like night and day. The Spyder sometimes reminds me of my old Can Am Outlander XT650 by the sound emitted and its roughness, LOL.

In conclusion, I did so well to get rid of my motorcycle and dive into the Spyder adventure. As soon as the break-in is over, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive will probably be our first long trip, a trip that we had just done on our Goldwing... Then Tail of the Dragon, where I think I'll miss my Goldwing.

I wrote my impressions in part to say to the motorcycle guy who is getting older and somewhat more fearful, go for it, you won't regret it!

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

Nice write up. If you're like me, you're going to like it more each day. I wouldn't part with mine. Cheers!

 

[BajaRon]

Glad you made the jump! I just have one suggestion to those who might be interested. It used to be that a conventional 3 wheeled machine was the realm of only those who had no other choice if they wanted to keep riding with the wind. A definite step down from 2 wheels.

But the Spyder changed all that. 3 wheels have become a genuinely viable option for anyone, regardless of age or ability. The Spyder is a great ride at any age and is just as much fun as 2 wheels with the added advantage of much increased safety and a much lower skill level required.

The Spyder is a blast to ride and does not have to apologize for adding a wheel. And neither do you!

If your 2 wheeled buddies try to shame you, be sure to wave as you leave them in the dust!

 

[Baveux]

Glad you made the jump! I just have one suggestion to those who might be interested. It used to be that a conventional 3 wheeled machine was the realm of only those who had no other choice if they wanted to keep riding with the wind. A definite step down from 2 wheels.

But the Spyder changed all that. 3 wheels have become a genuinely viable option for anyone, regardless of age or ability. The Spyder is a great ride at any age and is just as much fun as 2 wheels with the added advantage of much increased safety and a much lower skill level required.

The Spyder is a blast to ride and does not have to apologize for adding a wheel. And neither do you!

If your 2 wheeled buddies try to shame you, be sure to wave as you leave them in the dust!

I already have friends who make fun of my Spyder, it's done with humor and maybe with a little jealousy lol but I have no ego, I do what I like, in fact I named our Spyder 'Scooter' in reference to the mobility gizmo that elderly people might use to move around ... it's all in good fun.

 

[Jesster72]

Glad you made the jump! I just have one suggestion to those who might be interested. It used to be that a conventional 3 wheeled machine was the realm of only those who had no other choice if they wanted to keep riding with the wind. A definite step down from 2 wheels.

But the Spyder changed all that. 3 wheels have become a genuinely viable option for anyone, regardless of age or ability. The Spyder is a great ride at any age and is just as much fun as 2 wheels with the added advantage of much increased safety and a much lower skill level required.

The Spyder is a blast to ride and does not have to apologize for adding a wheel. And neither do you!

If your 2 wheeled buddies try to shame you, be sure to wave as you leave them in the dust!

You got me pegged, 100%. I'm (relatively) young and in relatively good health - at least good enought to still ride 2-wheelers. I tried a Spyder for something different to run about on and do our yearly tours on, and couldn't be happier. My riding (and some non-riding) buddies give me a little bit of a hard time about my "tricycle," but it is all in good fun, and I take it as such.

Like Baveux said, I have always done my own thing and the Spyder is just a continuation of that. No ego bruised here.

 

[crossbowme]

I did the same thing and sold my GW for a new Spyder S2S three years ago. I haven't looked back.

 

[Asphalt Animal]

That's my story too. Along with back surgery and leg problems I lost my confidence in holding my Goldwing up. No worries now.

 

[wolfeman]

Just got back from the Blue Ridge Parkway and The Dragon area. I rode my F3-S and my friends all rode bikes. I could keep up with or out do them on the Dragon, without using much body English. I rode bikes for many years and switched because I like riding something different. I doubt you'll miss that Honda, even in the twisties.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

GoldWing

Starting young ... I advanced thru the MTC> world ..... Upgrading in power as I went after my CrotchRocket stage I bought Touring style bikes and ending up with Goldwings.... then health stepped .... started losing my equilibrium, traded it for an 08 GS w/manual ( should have got the SE ) , then bought a 2011 RSS ( with SE trans - much nicer ) but still missed the Wing ...then in 2014 the new 1330 engine and transmission appeared and that was a monumental difference in how the Spyder felt and drove ....it was much closer to my old .... And it had the SE trans which wasn't even available on my Wing.Yes the Spyyders are expensive, but I think are worth it all considered..... Spyders drive very differently than two wheelers .... I have learned that LESS input is BETTER..... Unless pushing it in the the TWISTIES :yes:.... I use minimal input on the bars, I usually keep both hands open and jusy push to guide while CC is activated ..... good luck ... Mike :thumbup:

 

[BajaRon]

Starting young ... I advanced thru the MTC> world ..... Upgrading in power as I went after my CrotchRocket stage I bought Touring style bikes and ending up with Goldwings.... then health stepped .... started losing my equilibrium, traded it for an 08 GS w/manual ( should have got the SE ) , then bought a 2011 RSS ( with SE trans - much nicer ) but still missed the Wing ...then in 2014 the new 1330 engine and transmission appeared and that was a monumental difference in how the Spyder felt and drove ....it was much closer to my old .... And it had the SE trans which wasn't even available on my Wing.Yes the Spyyders are expensive, but I think are worth it all considered..... Spyders drive very differently than two wheelers .... I have learned that LESS input is BETTER..... Unless pushing it in the the TWISTIES :yes:.... I use minimal input on the bars, I usually keep both hands open and jusy push to guide while CC is activated ..... good luck ... Mike :thumbup:

Well, don't be too hard on yourself. The SE didn't come out until 2009. And i think it was later in the production cycle that year as well. Personally, I prefer the manual. I bought a 2015 F3 and searched out a manual version. I get to ride a lot of Spyders because we test ride every one that we do service work on. Plus, I borrowed my brother in law's SE6 F3 for several months to build parts before purchasing my SM6 F3. We did a lot of testing of the ULtra-Bar on that bike. Which meant I needed to ride it hard in the twisties (Sorry Tim!).

That's just me, of course. And I know I'm in the minority because SM sales fell to where BRP quit making them. But I found it difficult to feather gear changes when pushing the SE in the twisties. If I came into a curve too hot and needed to downshift. Not ideal, of course. You're not supposed to change gears in a curve when riding hard. But if you don't know the road and it's a blind turn, it happens. An abrupt gear change when your rear tire is already near it's traction limit can give you less than ideal results. With a clutch, you can fether the downshift to prevent breaking traction.

Now I'm not saying this cannot be done with the SE. Maybe I didn't practice enough to master that ability. But I already have it with a clutch. And it adds the benefit of not having to always be sure I stay above 3,500 RPM as the SE models can slip the clutch below that engine speed. Granted, these are pretty much non-issues for most and I'm not disparaging the SE. Like I said, it's just me.

I also much prefer a right hand brake lever. It comes in so handy and well worth it to me.

 

[blacklightning]

You will not be dissatisfied with the performance of the spyder on the dragon. I have a 2021 RTL, a 2008 Suzuki M109, and my wife (although me mostly) rides a 2016 F3L. I am strongly considering giving up 2 wheels for good, as it is just not as good in close call situations, and there are a lot of them in this area due to unattentive cagers. I have never felt comfortable enough to ride 2 up on 2 wheels, but with the spyder, it is great to ride with the one you love.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Well, don't be too hard on yourself. The SE didn't come out until 2009. And i think it was later in the production cycle that year as well. Personally, I prefer the manual. I bought a 2015 F3 and searched out a manual version. I get to ride a lot of Spyders because we test ride every one that we do service work on. Plus, I borrowed my brother in law's SE6 F3 for several months to build parts before purchasing my SM6 F3. We did a lot of testing of the ULtra-Bar on that bike. Which meant I needed to ride it hard in the twisties (Sorry Tim!).

That's just me, of course. And I know I'm in the minority because SM sales fell to where BRP quit making them. But I found it difficult to feather gear changes when pushing the SE in the twisties. If I came into a curve too hot and needed to downshift. Not ideal, of course. You're not supposed to change gears in a curve when riding hard. But if you don't know the road and it's a blind turn, it happens. An abrupt gear change when your rear tire is already near it's traction limit can give you less than ideal results. With a clutch, you can fether the downshift to prevent breaking traction.

Now I'm not saying this cannot be done with the SE. Maybe I didn't practice enough to master that ability. But I already have it with a clutch. And it adds the benefit of not having to always be sure I stay above 3,500 RPM as the SE models can slip the clutch below that engine speed. Granted, these are pretty much non-issues for most and I'm not disparaging the SE. Like I said, it's just me.

I also much prefer a right hand brake lever. It comes in so handy and well worth it to me.

:agree:, But I have Arthritis in my left hand so a Clutch isn't something I can do anymore on a reg. basis ...... In the twisty's I usually exceed all the speed recommendations by double .... Since I bought my 14 RT (with 82,000 miles now) I've learned how to do it smoothly ..... but, this is me .....Mike :thumbup:

 

[valtw]

I’ve always been on Hondas and I’ve always been on Goldwings. In 2018 finally tried an HD and it wasn’t for me. My last GW was a 22 which I just got rid of and bought me a new 24 spider RT limited.
What I miss about the GW is putting in unleaded gas and getting 49 to 50 miles to the gallon. Another thing about the GW was the reliability.
I did read the reviews on the spider before I bought it. The only thing is that I didn’t realize how accurate the reviews were going to be. My biggest mistake was I should’ve bought a 23. I didn’t realize that the CarPlay wasn’t working and it doesn’t look like it’s gonna be working anytime soon. I also didn’t realize how bad BRP really is. So far my bike has been in the shop now three weeks most of the time waiting on BRP to get back to the dealership. Now I’m waiting on parts and a reverse actuator. Sounds like a very common problem.

 

[ARtraveler]

I’ve always been on Hondas and I’ve always been on Goldwings. In 2018 finally tried an HD and it wasn’t for me. My last GW was a 22 which I just got rid of and bought me a new 24 spider RT limited.
What I miss about the GW is putting in unleaded gas and getting 49 to 50 miles to the gallon. Another thing about the GW was the reliability.
I did read the reviews on the spider before I bought it. The only thing is that I didn’t realize how accurate the reviews were going to be. My biggest mistake was I should’ve bought a 23. I didn’t realize that the CarPlay wasn’t working and it doesn’t look like it’s gonna be working anytime soon. I also didn’t realize how bad BRP really is. So far my bike has been in the shop now three weeks most of the time waiting on BRP to get back to the dealership. Now I’m waiting on parts and a reverse actuator. Sounds like a very common problem.

Many gas threads. With most, the consensus is use 87 unleaded or 5% ethanol. It will NOT hurt the performance of your Spyder. Mileage though, if you are lucky will be 40 ish. The computer adjusts for the octanes. I started this 5 Spyders ago and have never had a problem.

 

[BajaRon]

:agree:, But I have Arthritis in my left hand so a Clutch isn't something I can do anymore on a reg. basis ...... In the twisty's I usually exceed all the speed recommendations by double .... Since I bought my 14 RT (with 82,000 miles now) I've learned how to do it smoothly ..... but, this is me .....Mike :thumbup:

Just proves that there are many reasons the SE is an advantage. Like I said, I'm in the minority. I don't live there on purpose. But I've been in the minority on so many things for so long. I usually don't notice anymore!

 

[Baveux]

Well, don't be too hard on yourself. The SE didn't come out until 2009. And i think it was later in the production cycle that year as well. Personally, I prefer the manual. I bought a 2015 F3 and searched out a manual version. I get to ride a lot of Spyders because we test ride every one that we do service work on. Plus, I borrowed my brother in law's SE6 F3 for several months to build parts before purchasing my SM6 F3. We did a lot of testing of the ULtra-Bar on that bike. Which meant I needed to ride it hard in the twisties (Sorry Tim!).

That's just me, of course. And I know I'm in the minority because SM sales fell to where BRP quit making them. But I found it difficult to feather gear changes when pushing the SE in the twisties. If I came into a curve too hot and needed to downshift. Not ideal, of course. You're not supposed to change gears in a curve when riding hard. But if you don't know the road and it's a blind turn, it happens. An abrupt gear change when your rear tire is already near it's traction limit can give you less than ideal results. With a clutch, you can fether the downshift to prevent breaking traction.

Now I'm not saying this cannot be done with the SE. Maybe I didn't practice enough to master that ability. But I already have it with a clutch. And it adds the benefit of not having to always be sure I stay above 3,500 RPM as the SE models can slip the clutch below that engine speed. Granted, these are pretty much non-issues for most and I'm not disparaging the SE. Like I said, it's just me.

I also much prefer a right hand brake lever. It comes in so handy and well worth it to me.

I miss the right-hand brake lever too ... actually, I'm still searching for it sometimes ... I'm new to all that, but I'm not sure how I like to step on the brake pedal in a hot turn where I have to brace to avoid being ejected LOL ... Yes, I know we shouldn't brake in a turn ... but hey, sometimes you have to!

 

[BajaRon]

I miss the right-hand brake lever too ... actually, I'm still searching for it sometimes ... I'm new to all that, but I'm not sure how I like to step on the brake pedal in a hot turn where I have to brace to avoid being ejected LOL ... Yes, I know we shouldn't brake in a turn ... but hey, sometimes you have to!

I find the right-hand brake lever extremely handy. I love it!

 

[valtw]

The one thing that bothers me about the Spyder is the throttle. Sounds like what I need is a PedalBox, but they don’t make it for the 24 yet.

 

[BajaRon]

The one thing that bothers me about the Spyder is the throttle. Sounds like what I need is a PedalBox, but they don’t make it for the 24 yet.

Yes, the lag and needless computer intervention is a disappointment. Installing a throttle manager adds a great deal to the enjoyment factor. Have not heard what is being done about the 24. But I'm sure they are working on it.

 

[TroubledJuan]

After my trip last year to Alaska and back on my 2012 Wing, I realized I needed to move to three wheels if I wanted to continue riding.
So after sitting on a couple and feeling like the new RT's fit a guy 6'6", I traded my Wing in for a new, fresh out of the box, 2022 Sea to Sky.

It took me some time to get the feel of three wheels and curves, but Coach Bob videos did help.

Being retired, I am getting out and enjoying it... Come July, I plan to ride up to the NW Angle of Minnesota, and from there, look out!