Contemplating buying a Spyder - any reliability, power, and buyer's remorse issues?

[old Timer]

Don't know about the EPA requirement issue as engines have to meet emissions regardless of the octane recommended. Higher octane does not create a 'Hotter Burn Rate'. Increasing the octane level slows and cools the burn rate, slowing or delaying combustion to counteract the increase in heat caused by higher compression engines such as our Spyder have. That's the whole idea of increased octane and why the ECU retards or delays the ignition pulse when lower octane is used.

Absolutely 100% correct Ron.

 

[crossbowme]

I was a military pilot for 28 years and (from time to time) transitioned into new/different aircraft in my career. None felt like the one I left and always required me to adapt to them. It is the same when transitioning into an RT (I have a S2S). I started riding when I was 15 and rode many, many different bikes in my time. For me, at this time of my life, the S2S is an almost perfect machine. It's not a knee dragging, high performance bike and is not sold that way. However, if you want a bike to eat up the miles and be safer, comfortable the Spyder is the way to go.

 

[grampi]

Adding 2 cents, worth a whole penny...

You will not like the Spyder on a test drive. More than once on my test ride, muscle memory kicked in and I was zigging when a zag was
appropriate. That said, I was gifted one by my spouse back in '13, and I learned to ride it. I'm now on my 3rd one, (a 2022 RT-L) and love the flippin' thing. My spouse and I returned recently from a week away on it, about 2k miles, to VA, Blue Ridge Parkway (N to S) and Maggie Valley.

As far as premium fuel... do not concern yourself. It is NOT a requirement, but a recommendation (there is a whole section on the BRP site about it) and I can tell you, after my BRP trip, I ran as much regular as I did premium, just to test, and found zero performance issues or difference (beyond noise in calculations) between grades of fuel. I can't say the same for brands, and I will hesitate buying Speedway fuel ever again in Kentucky...

Good luck in your search, but as others have said, the RT-L or Sea to Sky sound like your match.

It seems like most people who have Spyders seem to have made the move to a Spyder from a two wheeler because of physical reasons, with the Spyder, or some other brand of 3 wheeler being their only means of continuing to ride, or they're someone who simply feels safer on 3 wheels compared to two. I don't see a lot of people going to Spyders from two wheelers who are still able to ride two wheelers. Being a last ditch attempt at continuing to ride, I guess most of these people feel like if they don't try this, they have to quit riding all together. If I was in that position, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Spyder. Truth is, I'm not in that position. I wish I could afford to just get one, ride it for long enough to realize if I like it more than the GW, or not as much, then I'd just sell the one I like the least. Unfortunately I can't. So you can probably see why this process is going to be very difficult for me. I do agree with you and others who are saying I probably won't like the Spyder after one or two test rides, which isn't going to give me a good indication of its true performance, but unfortunately, I don't have any other choice...

 

[ARtraveler]

It seems like most people who have Spyders seem to have made the move to a Spyder from a two wheeler because of physical reasons, with the Spyder, or some other brand of 3 wheeler being their only means of continuing to ride, or they're someone who simply feels safer on 3 wheels compared to two. I don't see a lot of people going to Spyders from two wheelers who are still able to ride two wheelers. Being a last ditch attempt at continuing to ride, I guess most of these people feel like if they don't try this, they have to quit riding all together. If I was in that position, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Spyder. Truth is, I'm not in that position. I wish I could afford to just get one, ride it for long enough to realize if I like it more than the GW, or not as much, then I'd just sell the one I like the least. Unfortunately I can't. So you can probably see why this process is going to be very difficult for me. I do agree with you and others who are saying I probably won't like the Spyder after one or two test rides, which isn't going to give me a good indication of its true performance, but unfortunately, I don't have any other choice...

Test drive, test drive, test drive. Only YOU will know if it is for you. :bowdown:

I bought one BEFORE I had to give up two wheels. I bought it because it was innovative and a new thing to the market. It took me 1500 miles to "get it" and feel comfortable with it. 7 Spyders and 200K Spyder miles later I have no regrets. Never owned a Wing but had a Venture Touring, A Kawasaki Voyager, and A Kawi Vulcan 1500 as part of the "touring" type bikes.

 

[carbonation]

It seems like most people who have Spyders seem to have made the move to a Spyder from a two wheeler because of physical reasons, with the Spyder, or some other brand of 3 wheeler being their only means of continuing to ride, or they're someone who simply feels safer on 3 wheels compared to two. I don't see a lot of people going to Spyders from two wheelers who are still able to ride two wheelers. Being a last ditch attempt at continuing to ride, I guess most of these people feel like if they don't try this, they have to quit riding all together. If I was in that position, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Spyder. Truth is, I'm not in that position. I wish I could afford to just get one, ride it for long enough to realize if I like it more than the GW, or not as much, then I'd just sell the one I like the least. Unfortunately I can't. So you can probably see why this process is going to be very difficult for me. I do agree with you and others who are saying I probably won't like the Spyder after one or two test rides, which isn't going to give me a good indication of its true performance, but unfortunately, I don't have any other choice...

I was not, (and still am not at 64) in the position of Spyder or no ride. I came from 50 years of 2 wheels, including a Suzuki Katana 1100, BMW R1100RT, and a Honda ST1300. I would never go back at this point. The two biggest factors are lane presence (the Spyder is just a hair under the width of a Smart Car and some econo boxes), and the luggage capacity. My spouse and I did the Blue Ridge 25 years ago on the Beemer. We severely compromised on what to bring and what to bring home. This last trip on the Spyder was a breeze. Enough clothes for the whole week for 2... even a nice outfit for a good dinner. Cosmetics (not for me), shoes, extra gloves, rain suits, tire repair, tool kit, compressor, and a bottle of wine. Windshield up, cruise control, a tank of fuel, and just eat miles...

 

[weeneil]

I will have to ride both to figure out which one I like the best. I've ridden a Road Glide Ultra, and I didn't think it was nearly as comfortable as my Wing. I suppose the comfort thing is a person by person thing. What's comfortable for one, may not be for another. I may be going to test ride a 2017 F3 Limited tomorrow. I still also need to ride an RT(L) as well...

I have been on two wheels for over 50 years and in early September, after 2 years of secretly googling Can Ams, I went for a test ride. Smitten immediately, but more surprising, my wife was as well. A week after the test we bought the Spyder RT Ltd and it is not an easy transition, but WE love it!

 

[Peter Aawen]

It seems like most people who have Spyders seem to have made the move to a Spyder from a two wheeler because of physical reasons, with the Spyder, or some other brand of 3 wheeler being their only means of continuing to ride, or they're someone who simply feels safer on 3 wheels compared to two. I don't see a lot of people going to Spyders from two wheelers who are still able to ride two wheelers. Being a last ditch attempt at continuing to ride, I guess most of these people feel like if they don't try this, they have to quit riding all together. If I was in that position, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Spyder. Truth is, I'm not in that position. I wish I could afford to just get one, ride it for long enough to realize if I like it more than the GW, or not as much, then I'd just sell the one I like the least. Unfortunately I can't. So you can probably see why this process is going to be very difficult for me. I do agree with you and others who are saying I probably won't like the Spyder after one or two test rides, which isn't going to give me a good indication of its true performance, but unfortunately, I don't have any other choice...

I think you might be surprised at how many here who do own Spyders &/or Rykers actually aren't in either of those positions grampi, even if you might initially think that cos you're seeing more posts from those people because they have more questions/want to know more!! :lecturef_smilie:

There have been earlier threads asking why people have made the transition; others similar to this thread, asking about any issues/concerns before buying; and it is often quite surprising for some readers here when they realise just how many people have bought & ride Spyders/Rykers simply because are different &/or they are such a blast to ride!! And then there's also all of those who've always wanted to ride a bike, but due to other responsibilities like kids, spouses, jobs, whatever, they've never managed to get onto 2 wheels before, and now that those constraints aren't so pressing; or their adamantly-anti spouse is now an ex; or they have more time, money; &/or just cos they can, they've have chosen a Spyder/Ryker as a first step, found out how bloody enjoyable this riding game can be on a 3, especially if ut's a reverse trike rather than anything else; only then they never move on just cos they don't want to accept the compromises that riding on 2 wheels bring!! :shocked:

Spyders/Rykers might appear easier to just get on and ride, but if you ever want to do anything much more than simply tootle down to the shops, maybe occasionally venturing out a bit further without ever really pushing the envelope &/or capabilities of the machine or yourself, basically using one of these things as a reasonably fast Mobility Scooter, then you as the rider will NEED to put more effort into it than pretty much any 2-wheeled rider who isn't pressing for competitive track riding speeds & skills! 2-wheeled bikes are reasonably intuitive to ride for most; and the front and rear gyroscopes/wheels tend to keep things upright while you're moving as well as making it relatively easy to corner, staying on-line and aboard as you do - only Spyders/Rykers DON'T HAVE THAT/DON'T DO THAT! YOU hafta work for everything you get outta them beyond the basic 'reasonably fast mobility scooter' capabilities!! :lecturef_smilie:

Sure, you can climb aboard & do the local shopping run at gentle speeds without ever realising how much effort it actually takes to ride one well/fast/hard; but the second you start pushing for a bit more speed; trying to take those corners smoothly at higher speeds; or maybe trying to push it a little harder thru the twisty gorge roads etc - THAT is when you start to realise that riding a Spyder/Ryker can be MUCH more physically demanding and exciting than riding any of those 2-wheeled jobbies where 'the immutable & unavoidable laws of physics' do so much to help the rider in everything they do in a way that just doesn't happen on a Spyder/Ryker!

So yeah, it's harder to learn to ride a Spyder/Ryker well; but once you do, and you start to develop the skills to take more advantage of the greater inherent stability, traction, and vastly better braking; then you'll begin to realise why we keep on going on about the 'Miles of Smiles' these Spyder/Ryker things can bring!! hyea:

Riding a Spyder/Ryker REALLY ISN'T a 'substitute' for riding a 2-wheeled bike - it's SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT!! :yes: :dg1: :dg2: :riding:

 

[Columbia]

I regret owning a Spyder.
Maintenance is a HUGE hassle, getting through all the plastic.
Dealer service is far too expensive; independent repair shops are rare. None in my area, only one dealer who makes it clear that Spyders aren't his preference.

I bought a two-cylinder, which I regret. If I had to buy a Spyder again, I'd go with the three.

This is my opinion based only on my experience. Others, no doubt, will disagree. As is their choice; their opinion.

 

[lmadsen]

I bought my first Spyder in 2014 put 49,915 miles on it trouble free and a great ride. Just sold it and bought a new 2024 RT Limited and plan as many good miles as my first one. Keep your two wheeler as I have one too but I think you will love the Spyder. Happy trails.

 

[flapjackandbeans]

Buyer's remorse was HUGE for me for about 800 miles. It took that long for reality to overcome my 2-Wheel muscle memory and mindset. From that point on, it's been miles of smiles.

I bought my 2024 Spyder RTL in August, and after 55 years of motorcycling, including wings BMW, GS, GSA, KTM, 1290's, etc. I'm still in the mood of, "WTF have I done!" The good points are as said, my missus jumps on the back and we go for a bimble, but as for me trying to stop making it ride like a motorbike... Mmm, No way! The power is very slow compared to bikes. No way can I keep up with the gang on a ride out. I miss not being able to filter through traffic too. That all said, I am in 24/7 pain in my hip & right leg, which is emphasised more whilst riding the Spyder; the luggage is a great feature; and the reverse is wonderful. I will await my hip/leg fix so I can ride the Spyder without pain before I decide to get rid of it or keep it...

 

[grampi]

I regret owning a Spyder.
Maintenance is a HUGE hassle, getting through all the plastic.
Dealer service is far too expensive; independent repair shops are rare. None in my area, only one dealer who makes it clear that Spyders aren't his preference.

I bought a two-cylinder, which I regret. If I had to buy a Spyder again, I'd go with the three.

This is my opinion based only on my experience. Others, no doubt, will disagree. As is their choice; their opinion.

I have also heard bad things about the 2 cylinder versions, but the 3 cylinder models seem to be fairly reliable from what I've read. Maintenance is the least of my worries. I'll do most of it myself, and I have a very good independent mechanic who can work on anything for the stuff I can't do. My concern is more about buyer's remorse...

I bought my first Spyder in 2014 put 49,915 miles on it trouble free and a great ride. Just sold it and bought a new 2024 RT Limited and plan as many good miles as my first one. Keep your two wheeler as I have one too but I think you will love the Spyder. Happy trails.

I will be keeping ONE of my 2 wheelers, but unfortunately, the Gold Wing would have to go. Congress isn't going to approve of me having two high dollar toys. That means the Spyder will have to take over the touring duties of my GW. Once I let the GW go, there's no going back. I'd better be damn sure the Spyder is the direction I wanna go before I go there...

 

[grampi]

The power is very slow compared to bikes. No way can I keep up with the gang on a ride out. I miss not being able to filter through traffic too.

This is exactly my concern. The GW is actually pretty fast considering it's a big, heavy touring bike, and I'm sure considerably faster than a Spyder. That may make me sound like a speed demon, but I'm actually not on the Wing, though I do like having the acceleration there when I want it. I suppose I would get used to the Spyder's power delivery, just as I would its handling, and it doesn't sound like a total slug to me. It must certainly have adequate power if most people like it as a two-up rider, which they seem to. Again, only I can determine if the power is adequate FOR ME by riding one, or more... right now we seem to be stuck in a weather pattern that's not very conducive to riding...

 

[ollicat]

Good to see you can do a test ride. Beware though, they are very different machines, and can feel unsettling the first time you ride one after many years on two wheels. You body is going to get inputs that it isn't used to, which can make the Spyder feel "wrong." On the first corner of my test drive, even though intellectually I knew what to expect, I still got a !!!! jolt of adrenaline when the Spyder slightly tipped the wrong way. Also note, that because the bike doesn't pivot slightly below you as you ride, it'll feel like it's jostling a little side to side, especially on rough roads. Try to go into the test drive remembering it's NOT a motorcycle despite you sitting on it like one, and holding handlebars. They are their own machine. The handlebars "steer" instead of using leaning.

If you get one and still struggle with how it feels, most will tell you to give it a 1000 miles to get used to it. This is good advice, because it'll take a while for your subconcious mind to get used to the new inputs, and instead, of being alarmed, it'll start seeing them as normal.

Good luck with your test ride. Stay relaxed and loose, and be ready. Start slow and get used to the new feel.

What he said - you will hate it for 200 - 300 miles. Then, shortly after, you will wonder how you lived without it.

 

[ollicat]

This is exactly my concern. The GW is actually pretty fast considering it's a big, heavy touring bike, and I'm sure considerably faster than a Spyder. That may make me sound like a speed demon, but I'm actually not on the Wing, though I do like having the acceleration there when I want it. I suppose I would get used to the Spyder's power delivery, just as I would its handling, and it doesn't sound like a total slug to me. It must certainly have adequate power if most people like it as a two-up rider, which they seem to. Again, only I can determine if the power is adequate FOR ME by riding one, or more... right now we seem to be stuck in a weather pattern that's not very conducive to riding...

Answer - Pedal Commander. When I ride now, if I turn the throttle too quickly, I might get thrown off the grips.

 

[grampi]

Answer - Pedal Commander. When I ride now, if I turn the throttle too quickly, I might get thrown off the grips.

What is a Pedal Commander? Sounds expensive...

 

[BertRemington]

it looks like the resale value of my GW is still high enough

CycleTrader says $14K to $20K for 2018 Gold Wing with most in $17-18K range so Yes you will be buying Used.

My concerns are reliability, power, and buyer's remorse.

Reliability largely depends on the previous owner, although certain years (eg 2018 had excessive LHS failures, brake switch in early 2nd Gen) had some issues. Generally, the 2014+ Spyders are trouble-free rides. Power means you will be buying the 2014+ 1330cc powertrain. The engine is a sweetie, gets better the higher you rev it. The single-stage hydraulically-engaged multi-plate clutch isn't as smooth as your Honda's DCT, but it's not harsh either. Engagements are firm, although with 50K+ miles you will probably get some flare during shifts (use 20-50W oil and change it every 5K miles). Buyer's remorse is not a factor. You have to get off the Honda, so there's no looking back. Get over it. I mean, you're still married - right?

Maintenance is the least of my worries. I'll do most of it myself, and I have a very good independent mechanic who can work on anything for the stuff I can't do.

This is a tremendous positive factor for broadening your selection range. It allows you to choose modest-mileage early models (2014-2016 were good years) loaded with accessories, with money left over for more accessories or better yet (I consider it mandatory), a full end-to-end service including battery replacement, tire replacements, brake upgrades (EBC), and suspension upgrades.

Post pictures of your choice.

 

[grampi]

CycleTrader says $14K to $20K for 2018 Gold Wing with most in $17-18K range so Yes you will be buying Used.



Reliability largely depends on the previous owner, although certain years (eg 2018 had excessive LHS failures, brake switch in early 2nd Gen) had some issues. Generally, the 2014+ Spyders are trouble-free rides. Power means you will be buying the 2014+ 1330cc powertrain. The engine is a sweetie, gets better the higher you rev it. The single-stage hydraulically-engaged multi-plate clutch isn't as smooth as your Honda's DCT, but it's not harsh either. Engagements are firm, although with 50K+ miles you will probably get some flare during shifts (use 20-50W oil and change it every 5K miles). Buyer's remorse is not a factor. You have to get off the Honda, so there's no looking back. Get over it. I mean, you're still married - right?



This is a tremendous positive factor for broadening your selection range. It allows you to choose modest-mileage early models (2014-2016 were good years) loaded with accessories, with money left over for more accessories or better yet (I consider it mandatory), a full end-to-end service including battery replacement, tire replacements, brake upgrades (EBC), and suspension upgrades.

Post pictures of your choice.

I don't HAVE to get off the Honda. I'm intrigued by the Spyder, but I'm still fully capable of riding two wheelers. A Spyder will have to impress me substantially in order for me to make the move.

 

[BertRemington]

#51 I will be keeping ONE of my 2 wheelers, but unfortunately, the Gold Wing would have to go. Congress isn't going to approve of me having two high dollar toys.

#57 I don't HAVE to get off the Honda.

Compute Fault -- Divide by Zero. Goodbye.

 

[grampi]

Compute Fault -- Divide by Zero. Goodbye.

Let me explain it another way. The GW would have to go IF I decided to go with a Spyder. The wifey poo isn't going to approve of me having both the GW and a Spyder. Does that compute?

 

[AstroTom]

Yeah, the CFO in my house only allows one bike at a time too. :lecturef_smilie:

Predicting buyer's remorse for someone else is almost impossible, because you would be going from one type of handlebar equipped machine you straddle, to a completely different machine who's only similarities is a windshield in front of you, a seat between your legs, and handlebars in your hands. The Spyder is more like a go-cart you straddle and steer with handlebars, than a motorcycle even though both give you the open-air ride.

It seems that new riders take to them quicker, because they have nothing to compare them to, they learn to ride them as-is. Long-time 2-wheelers have to get past their bodies telling them things just feel wrong. I did the switch, knowing I wanted a Spyder, and was mentally prepared for the differences. Watched YouTube videos of rides and tried to imagine myself on the bike. I was ready when it came to make the purchase. Even so, my 2-hour ride home from the purchase was very tense, especially at first. I had to keep telling myself, trust the bike, this is new, trust the bike, this is just different, relax, no, it's NOT 12 feet wide, no, it's not going to throw me off on curves, trust the bike. I was giddy with my purchase, but it took me a while to relax. After that, I had all the time in the world to learn this new machine.

By going into this process, knowing it would be different, I was determined to not compare the Spyder to any two wheeled bike I'd ridden in the previous 50+ years. I went for easy fairly short rides and experimented with my techniques. I'd read suggestions on this and other Spyder forums, and I would try them out. Within just a few days, all the weirdness was almost completely gone, the new stuff was coming forward, and so were the smiles. I live just a few miles from a twisty climbing road in one direction, a highway with long straight aways and round-abouts in another. Perfect places for getting familiar with the new bike. In mere days I was coming home and telling my wife I love this machine. I'd read: don't get an RTL if you like the twisties, but it wasn't long before I was having an absolute blast on the curves - curves that I always worried about on two wheels. I've never been a knee dragger, but in the last decade, I've worried more and more about losing traction in a curve and going down. Worse yet, dropping the bike with my wife on the back. I'm a bit of a wee lad, and my legs aren't getting any stronger in my senior years, and it seemed like the chances of 0mph crashes were getting higher and chances of (us) breaking when we fell, higher too; so the three wheeled Spyder was one way of taking that worry away, while keeping the fun intact. It's not only kept the fun intact, but also brought me even more fun.

To reinforce the positive....

On the Spyder, I can take curves like never before. I like to call it my three-wheel, luxury, European sports car. And the other things like not having to put your feet down when you stop... Oh, man, that is so nice. Last week I had to stop for road work to wait for a pilot car. I stopped, shut off the bike, leaned back on the backrest with my hands in my lap, no kickstand, no foot down, no lifting an 800lb bike upright (like my previous Harley Ultra); and when it was time to go, I started the bike, shifted into 1st, and just went. Sweet! Same with backing out of parking spaces - no balancing a heavy bike on two wheels, especially with a very important passenger onboard. Doesn't matter how slow I'm going in a parking lot, or if I suddenly decide to pull to the side of the road to look at something. No feet down, and no focus on maintaining balance, just do it. Nice! Just about 10 days ago during a cooler spell, I took my first long ride - Check out the road(s) from Congress, AZ to Sedona, via 89 and 89a through Jerome on Goggle Maps. The first curvy part of Hwy 89 is where I practiced in the curves going up and back at various speeds, honing my techniques. The next fun part on 89 is before Prescott; the next going up 89a to Jerome; before dropping back down into the desert; then climbing again to Sedona. That ride on the Spyder was wonderful, not only fun, but comfortable too. Did I mention it was FUN!?

Now, that of course is me, and again, I wasn't only interested in a Spyder, I had decided I wanted one for sure. Oh, and the same CFO who would nix two bikes, sent me the ad for the Spyder I bought, saying: "This is the one we should get!!" Exclamation marks included. :2thumbs:

I still don't know how she'll like the bike. It's just been too darned hot here in AZ to get her on the bike except for a couple very short rides around the neighborhood. I have not an ounce of buyer's remorse, I absolutely love the thing, but that could be 180 degrees from what you might feel if you make the jump. Good luck with your choice. As they say: WMMV.