2018 RTL versus 2014 RTL

[brerrabbit]

Thinking of upgrading my Harley Triglide to Spyder RT. My wife rides a 2014 RT Limited and loves it. The Harley is kind of rough on my back due to suspension stiffness. I found that my 20 year old thinking and my 67 year old body can get me in trouble. Between the stiff ride on the Triglide and lifting something that the body couldn't handle anymore, I am now in the early recovery stages of T6, T8 and T9 vertebrae stress fractures and think it's time to change the ride. When I upgrade my ride we are thinking of upgrading her ride as well.

Any ideas from you people? I know I could find out the differences and likes/dislikes between the 2014 and 2018 models by doing more searching here, but at the present time an not able to sit here too long at a time.

We are stock on the current Spyder and Triglide using Sena headsets for comm. There maybe other enhancements to the 2018 capabilities but not sure what they are. The dash looks a lot better on the 2018, hopefully easier to see in different light conditions, etc. Any accessories we should consider like seat and handle bar upgrades.....

Thanks for any help and advice while I recuperate. I am not ready to give up the riding and know it will be better soon.

Those of you who have gone through the back issues have any advice?

 

[MikeT]

Thinking of upgrading my Harley Triglide to Spyder RT. My wife rides a 2014 RT Limited and loves it. The Harley is kind of rough on my back due to suspension stiffness. I found that my 20 year old thinking and my 67 year old body can get me in trouble. Between the stiff ride on the Triglide and lifting something that the body couldn't handle anymore, I am now in the early recovery stages of T6, T8 and T9 vertebrae stress fractures and think it's time to change the ride. When I upgrade my ride we are thinking of upgrading her ride as well.

Any ideas from you people? I know I could find out the differences and likes/dislikes between the 2014 and 2018 models by doing more searching here, but at the present time an not able to sit here too long at a time.

We are stock on the current Spyder and Triglide using Sena headsets for comm. There maybe other enhancements to the 2018 capabilities but not sure what they are. The dash looks a lot better on the 2018, hopefully easier to see in different light conditions, etc. Any accessories we should consider like seat and handle bar upgrades.....

Thanks for any help and advice while I recuperate. I am not ready to give up the riding and know it will be better soon.

Those of you who have gone through the back issues have any advice?

I can't speak to serious back issues; but I can speak about the RT Limited. Since 2014 the drive train has been the 1330 triple with a 6 speed semi-automatic tranny. From 2014-2017 the RT Limited has been the same bike with a few minor tweeks added each year along with a color pallet change.
The major change for 2018 was the elimination of the stand alone Garmin GPS unit with introduction of the digital dash and the addition of a joy stick to control it. It has not a smooth transition. Some early adopters say that it's not 100% yet. You can read all about it on Spyderlovers.com. I'm still not sure that the "system" is Android compatible.
As long as you into looking @a "leftover" 2018 with "eyes wide open" you can probably pickup some pretty good deals with the rebates( I saw $6,000.00 on RTLs) and incentives that are now on some models.
Hope this covers the Spyder part of your questions
Mike

 

[trikermutha]

Dash and stereo are really the only differnce between the 14 and 18.

I dont miss my TRI since switching to the Spyder.

 

[UtahPete]

The Spyder is much easier on the body than a heavy 2-wheeler, for sure.

You don't say how big you are. Ergonomics are important so Tri-axis handlebars and a brp or custom comfort seat may be worthwhile.

 

[brerrabbit]

Thanks trikermutha

Dash and stereo are really the only differnce between the 14 and 18.

I dont miss my TRI since switching to the Spyder.

i read a lot of your posts here and on HDForum. When I decided to make this post, as I have been inactive here for a while, I was hoping to hear from you and if you still liked the transition. I love the TRI but have had a few back issues because of the ride. Didn't bother me too much then. Now I am really wondering if I should get this change done. My wife has no issues with the ride on the Spyder versus having to stop riding the back of the TRI.

 

[trikermutha]

i read a lot of your posts here and on HDForum. When I decided to make this post, as I have been inactive here for a while, I was hoping to hear from you and if you still liked the transition. I love the TRI but have had a few back issues because of the ride. Didn't bother me too much then. Now I am really wondering if I should get this change done. My wife has no issues with the ride on the Spyder versus having to stop riding the back of the TRI.

A few things that really made the Spyder pop was the new tires and the Baja Ron bar. Only thing I wish I could get is longer Tri Axis bars, like to get more pull back.

Other than that its like a Cadillac compared to the TRI..

Have you driven the wife's Spyder much at all?

 

[LeftCoast]

The Spyder is much easier on the body than a heavy 2-wheeler, for sure.

You don't say how big you are. Ergonomics are important so Tri-axis handlebars and a brp or custom comfort seat may be worthwhile.

Agree with this, I think whatever seat you end up with will be critical for your back.

 

[LeftCoast]

I can't speak to serious back issues; but I can speak about the RT Limited. Since 2014 the drive train has been the 1330 triple with a 6 speed semi-automatic tranny. From 2014-2017 the RT Limited has been the same bike with a few minor tweeks added each year along with a color pallet change.
The major change for 2018 was the elimination of the stand alone Garmin GPS unit with introduction of the digital dash and the addition of a joy stick to control it. It has not a smooth transition. Some early adopters say that it's not 100% yet. You can read all about it on Spyderlovers.com. I'm still not sure that the "system" is Android compatible.
As long as you into looking @a "leftover" 2018 with "eyes wide open" you can probably pickup some pretty good deals with the rebates( I saw $6,000.00 on RTLs) and incentives that are now on some models.
Hope this covers the Spyder part of your questions
Mike

Is the gps function handled via your smartphone and brpconnect or is the gps built in?

Also I have a tremor that varies in intensity a bit but doesn’t prevent me from doing anything but can be annoying. Thumb joysticks can sometimes give me trouble.

 

[brerrabbit]

Ride the wife's Spyder?

A few things that really made the Spyder pop was the new tires and the Baja Ron bar. Only thing I wish I could get is longer Tri Axis bars, like to get more pull back.

Other than that its like a Cadillac compared to the TRI..

Have you driven the wife's Spyder much at all?

I do test rides following maintence. If i tell her i need to ride it for a longer test drive she asked what to look for and to follow her on the Harley. I think that will give you the picture. I was laid up a couple days ago due to muscle spasms and couldn't get around much. She went riding with out me. That hurt too. She was 70 years old when she got her license to ride but when she puts on the helmet and fluorescent coat she transforms into 40 year old fun gal. My back will be healed up sooner or later and I'm going for a softer ride. Sounds like the changes to newer models weren't much so maybe will look for a '14 thru '18 model.

BTW, she has let me ride the back seat a little.

 

[trikermutha]

I do test rides following maintence. If i tell her i need to ride it for a longer test drive she asked what to look for and to follow her on the Harley. I think that will give you the picture. I was laid up a couple days ago due to muscle spasms and couldn't get around much. She went riding with out me. That hurt too. She was 70 years old when she got her license to ride but when she puts on the helmet and fluorescent coat she transforms into 40 year old fun gal. My back will be healed up sooner or later and I'm going for a softer ride. Sounds like the changes to newer models weren't much so maybe will look for a '14 thru '18 model.

BTW, she has let me ride the back seat a little.

Try to ride it more as you may need to add a few things for your comfort levels. Cant really comment on the 18 models except some complain about the infotainment on them is not the best.

Following her on the Harley is not the same.

Or try and get a loaner to ride for a few days, that may help with the misses not letting you ride her Spyder. :shocked: So you can get a better feel of how it works for you.

 

[Jester]

2018 RTS2

3 months ago I traded my super great 2014 Lamonster Edition RTL to one of my Shrine brothers for his 2011 Harley Shrine Edition trike. He had always wanted my Spyder. Value was about the same and I planned on riding the Harley till the 2019s were available. Since then I proved to myself that I had traded my corvette with handlebars for a 3 wheeled peterbuilt logtruck. Found a great deal on a 2018 RTL and don’t have to wait for the 2019
VERY HAPPY!

 

[mcan1x]

Might want to take a look at the F3

I have a bad back and hips.
My wife and I have an RT and an F3, we swap every hundred miles or so. Different ride, different seating positions. Just a thought.

 

[brerrabbit]

Looking at F3 as well

I have a bad back and hips.
My wife and I have an RT and an F3, we swap every hundred miles or so. Different ride, different seating positions. Just a thought.

When i set on the RT i feel like my feet are too far back so i am looking at the F3 as well. The '18 Spyder comfort seat and foot boards sound like they may be a better fit. I may be able to test drive one when the spasms stop and i try riding my wifes '14 for a little while. I'm 230# 5' 10" and feeling a lot older this week than last but that wil pass. We ride 3 to 4 times a month and am not ready to give that up. The Colorado mountains are a great place to ride. I don't want to sound like I'm whining but I have time to do some research while recouping so really appreciate you people sharing your thoughts and experiences.

 

[MikeT]

When i set on the RT i feel like my feet are too far back so i am looking at the F3 as well. The '18 Spyder comfort seat and foot boards sound like they may be a better fit. I may be able to test drive one when the spasms stop and i try riding my wifes '14 for a little while. I'm 230# 5' 10" and feeling a lot older this week than last but that wil pass. We ride 3 to 4 times a month and am not ready to give that up. The Colorado mountains are a great place to ride. I don't want to sound like I'm whining but I have time to do some research while recouping so really appreciate you people sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Be aware that the lid of the top box of the F3 Limited is poorly designed(flimsy) which causes problems with proper closure. The solution is to purchase and install a luggage rack. This stiffens the lid and makes it closure much easier.

 

[LeftCoast]

When i set on the RT i feel like my feet are too far back so i am looking at the F3 as well. The '18 Spyder comfort seat and foot boards sound like they may be a better fit. I may be able to test drive one when the spasms stop and i try riding my wifes '14 for a little while. I'm 230# 5' 10" and feeling a lot older this week than last but that wil pass. We ride 3 to 4 times a month and am not ready to give that up. The Colorado mountains are a great place to ride. I don't want to sound like I'm whining but I have time to do some research while recouping so really appreciate you people sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Basically grew up in Colo. and the mountains are awesome, I hope to ride them someday.

im not positive but you may be able to add foot pegs to the RT too to give you another option.

 

[stu]

I ride a 2014 rt ltd with the bac k rest and cruising foot rests up forward to stretch the legs a bit.i also use a air hawk seat pad to add extra shock absorbtion.

 

[Jarred]

Back problems & RTL

Thinking of upgrading my Harley Triglide to Spyder RT. My wife rides a 2014 RT Limited and loves it. The Harley is kind of rough on my back due to suspension stiffness. I found that my 20 year old thinking and my 67 year old body can get me in trouble. Between the stiff ride on the Triglide and lifting something that the body couldn't handle anymore, I am now in the early recovery stages of T6, T8 and T9 vertebrae stress fractures and think it's time to change the ride. When I upgrade my ride we are thinking of upgrading her ride as well.

Any ideas from you people? I know I could find out the differences and likes/dislikes between the 2014 and 2018 models by doing more searching here, but at the present time an not able to sit here too long at a time.

We are stock on the current Spyder and Triglide using Sena headsets for comm. There maybe other enhancements to the 2018 capabilities but not sure what they are. The dash looks a lot better on the 2018, hopefully easier to see in different light conditions, etc. Any accessories we should consider like seat and handle bar upgrades.....

Thanks for any help and advice while I recuperate. I am not ready to give up the riding and know it will be better soon.

Those of you who have gone through the back issues have any advice?

I have major problems w my lower back (L4/L5-L5/S1), right knee and left foot problems. and purchased an ‘18 RTL. The lumbar support is awesome, I never have back pain while riding or after a long ride. No problems at all. Can’t say the same about my boat. Even if the water is like glass, I usually have pain for 3-5 days. I’ve owned my Spyder since July and have never experienced back pain, knee tightens up every once in a while but moving it helps. I’ve added BajaRon Swaybar & Shock Adjusters, they raise the front end a bit, feels better for me. Something to consider.
‘Best of luck.

 

[woods]

Have only 2000mi on my first spyder,a 18RTL,coming off HD 2 wheels.I can tell you that the ride on the RT is coupe de ville!You can adjust the preload on rear easily with air to get it where you like.You will not even notice bumps that give 2 wheelers a hard jar!Witch ever model fits you best is your choice but know that there are many ways to change fit!When my knees get sore,if I'm riding alone,I really like putting my heels on the passenger boards(or pegs)!You may not like everything about Spyder but the ride will not be on that list!

 

[Ex Winger]

I have the 2018 Rtl and really like it but I have no back issues.I know on the 2018 and maybe the 2017 the steering is much easier.Test rides are the best way to go.Good luck

 

[Spydermike]

I have major problems w my lower back (L4/L5-L5/S1), right knee and left foot problems. and purchased an ‘18 RTL. The lumbar support is awesome, I never have back pain while riding or after a long ride. No problems at all. Can’t say the same about my boat. Even if the water is like glass, I usually have pain for 3-5 days. I’ve owned my Spyder since July and have never experienced back pain, knee tightens up every once in a while but moving it helps. I’ve added BajaRon Swaybar & Shock Adjusters, they raise the front end a bit, feels better for me. Something to consider.
‘Best of luck.

+1 :thumbup: I also have had (still have) issues with my back (L5-S1) and I ryde a 16 RTL. Lumbar support is fantastic. Ordered a Utopia backrest as well but hasn't come in yet, should be arriving today.