Motogordo
New member
Oct.14, 2012I have just been reading all the articles on the Spyder and the Goldwing Trikes. I have had both and I am on both sites, plus I added Bayliners Owners Club (BOC) now that I have just purchased another Bayliner Cruiser.
It is interesting when you compare the Spyder and the Wing. I purchased my 2011 RTS/SE5 last year and it was about $27,000. This year I purchased a used 05 GL1800 Lehman Trike for $27,000 also. I put 5,000 miles on the Spyder and was very happy with it. I was one of the fortunate owners who didn't have any troubles. I was averaging 35 mpg and shifted around 3100 rpm and let off of the throttle. It was smooth as silk. My favorite thing about the Spyder was the reverse gear. A real reverse gear, not just the use of the starter motor as in the GL. However, they both do the job of backing out of the parking spot. LOL.
As far as the different engines go, obviously the Wing is smoother. Six cyclinders will always be smoother then two. I have had many two cylinder motorcycles and besides the fact they look like the Harley's there was too much vibration for me. I like smooth and quiet.
The Goldwing Trikes really hold their value over the years due to their GREAT reputation for being bulletproof and still running with over 200,000 miles on them and NO major engine repairs or rebuilds. There are soooooo many computers and sensors on the Spyder that it can be a nightmare to service if things go wrong. When I bought my Spyder I purchased the Zurich 84 month warranty from EAST COAST CYCLE CENTER in Bensalem, Pa., where I purchased both my 3 wheelers. For 7 years I don't have to worry about paying for computer repairs or engine repairs. I slept better at night knowing this. LOL.
I will admit that is was tons of fun driving the Spyder. I sure got plenty of attention when I pulled into the gas stations. LOL. I felt like I was piloting a spaceship compared to riding a GL1800 Trike. The Spyder transmission was as smooth as silk. No shifting was lots of fun also and the automatic downshift was pretty good also. You couldn't beat all the storage on the Spyder either. I loved having 4 storage areas.
I will say the the Spyder is alot lighter then the Wing. The Spyder weighed in about 929 and the Wing Trike weighs in about 1150. That is a big difference. However, when you are on three wheels the weight doesn't bother you. Also the wing is 1832cc compared to 998cc so it has no problem handing the weight difference. It is interesting how both machines have about the same horsepower. (just over 106 or so).
The prices for options on the Spyder are really high. The Wing isn't cheap either. I am glad my Wing has the CB on it. I just purchased the boom mike/headphone so that I can talk to all the truckers out there on channel 19. LOL.
All in all I enjoy both machines. Each one is unique in its own way. I traded in my 2011 Canam Spyder for the 2005 GL1800 Lehman Trike because the Trike just looked soooooo cool with all the BLING the previous owner put on it. I would keep both, but my garage just won't handle more toys. I already have my 05 Mini Cooper convertible in there too.
Good luck to all the Trikers out there. When two wheelers at over 900 lbs. get too heavy to push around, I know all of you will enjoy the 3 wheel experience. I feel safer and more secure and more visible with the Trikes.'
Gordon L. (Delanco,New Jersey)
