Can-Am Spyder vs Gold Wing Trike Handling

[Tyris]

Try Sykik for backup camera, pretty new, but getting the bugs worked out I think

 

[Tango]

I have owned a GW trike conversion. Three years and 25,000 miles and I had had enough of it. It rode nice, handled good. But the steering was aweful. They came out with a more raked triple tree that was like power steering. But it also made the front end twitchy feeling. Also you had to hope if you had a problem that the dealer you stopped at would touch it. A lot of Honda dealers were refusing to touch trikes. I tested the HD Tri-Glide. Could not wait for the ride to end. Very harsh ride, noisey as well. Went across the street and test rode the Spyder RT twin cylinder. It was great right from the get go. I purchased the very first RT 3 cylinder that my dealer sold. Handling of the Spyder is hands down head and shoulders better than the GW or HD trikes! And it has a factory warranty by one maker. You just have to hope that the dealer you go to is a competent one. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[bikerbillone]

Tango, interesting and informative comment. See you're a Florida rider, I was checking out Barney's of Brandon on Saturday, like most dealers, they several brands, 4 wheelers and floor full of 'stuff'. Had several nice looking RTs on the floor, talked with the floor manager about their 'shop', he went into detail why their shop was a great shop and did the job to satisfy the customer. Of course, it would be nice to talk to Spyder riders that had actually used their shop, but you know how that goes, hard to find. I did do a demo ride with the wife on the pillion at another dealer several months ago, and totally agree with you, the RT ride is so easy, suspension is super nice. I do not know how it would be on 500 mile day, but if it's anything like the demo.....A 500 mile day would be very easy.

 

[Tango]

Tango, interesting and informative comment. See you're a Florida rider, I was checking out Barney's of Brandon on Saturday, like most dealers, they several brands, 4 wheelers and floor full of 'stuff'. Had several nice looking RTs on the floor, talked with the floor manager about their 'shop', he went into detail why their shop was a great shop and did the job to satisfy the customer. Of course, it would be nice to talk to Spyder riders that had actually used their shop, but you know how that goes, hard to find. I did do a demo ride with the wife on the pillion at another dealer several months ago, and totally agree with you, the RT ride is so easy, suspension is super nice. I do not know how it would be on 500 mile day, but if it's anything like the demo.....A 500 mile day would be very easy.

Daytona Spyder Dealer is a multi line dealer also. Had my Spyder serviced there in June. I called in the morning for an appt.. Serviced writer asked if I could bring it right in. I had another appt. so he said bring it in the morning. Spyder tech came out to tell me mine was the best one he had ridden. And he also mentioned how clean it was. And he was no kid. Very happy with them. The local Spyder club also gets their Spyder serviced there. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[bikerbillone]

Good stuff Tom, thanks much for sharing.

 

[inspectsir]

Wife has 2014 RT-S and loves it. She is a little unsure of herself on the twisties, but that's just her. I do fine when I ride it. I have 2000 Goldwing Trike.
A little more work on the curves and in the mountains. Both bikes are super for touring. Hers gets better gas mileage, but I believe newer GL's get better mileage than mine.
We consider her bike a "Cadillac" and mine more like a nice truck.

 

[wmjkweber02]

Besides handling, I feel that a reverse trike like the Spyder is also safer for another reason -- You can see the widest part of the trike when squeezing thru tight spaces. You can't do that with a "traditional" trike.

REally good point!!

 

[bikerbillone]

As some know on this forum, I have made the transition from GW/Road Smith trike to the 20 RTL, no regrets, none. I really enjoy riding this machine.

 

[Pennyrick]

Going to have to go to three wheels soon. Been riding Gold Wings since 1984, but never a trike.

Would like to hear from folks who have ridden BOTH a rear wheel triked bike like a Gold Wing trike AND a Can-Am Spyder.

What are the differences in handling of each, on the straights, in the twisties, all types of riding? How does handling compare between the two?

Thanks for any advice.

WingMan

I was a GoldWing rider for years dating back to my 1982 Aspenacde. My wife bought her first Spyder in 2010 because she had a bad shoulder and needed the power steering. I stuck with the GoldWing and had my 2002 triked. The Honda was (I thought) more attractive and was more comfortable on the highway. It also had a better sound system. After getting it triked, I had the front end raked to 12 degrees to make steering easier, but after riding my wife's SE with the semi auto transmission and the power steering, I was hooked and so we bought matching 2012 RT Limiteds.

I still like the look of a triked GoldWing, but there is no denying that the Spyders are superior in every other way.

Pennyrick