Can't decide between a Spyder RT or a Harley/Honda Trike. HELP

[Rottieluvr]

The Honda Trike is not a HONDA .....ask Honda about it .......after you trike one of the Honda Motorcycles ....Honda abandons you, and I believe they actually void most of your warranty.............Something you might want to think about !!!!! .....Mike :thumbup:

I had a Honda trike that needed warranty work and had no problems. Any trike trouble should be a seperate warranty by the mfg of the kit. If you have trouble, it would be the dealer. But that is NOT the reason I came from a Honda trike to the Spyder. If I have to explain, you would'nt understand. If you understand, no explanation is necessary

 

[pslawing]

I test drove a regular trike and it was horrible to handle. The back wheels came off the ground in curves, I couldn't wait to get back to the dealership.
Then I took a Spyder RT out! WOW what a difference. Didn't want to go back to the dealership!!!!!! I could've rode all day. So I just bought one!
Try the both you will see.

 

[CanAmChris]

I am not sure what you mean by electrical components. If you mean systems that are controlled by a computer then you can rest assured that the Spyder is a computer on wheels. Some of the best systems include:

Power steering
Traction control
Stabilization control

The nanny has saved my bacon on more then one occasion.

If you are worried that the computer control system will malfunction... well, there's a reason all new military aircraft are fly by wire. Proven reliability. Before fly by wire a pilot could easily force an aircraft to perform an unsafe maneuver that would result in a very expensive and deadly hole in the ground. My Spyder does the same thing for me.

This is the way I look at it. Do I have concerns taking my Harley on multi day rides or a long road trip? Yes I do.

Do I have those concerns with the Spyder? Not at all.

 

[AeroPilot]

Just got in from a 300 mi ride with trikes, bikes, and Spyders

Hello,

I just recently got my M3 license in Va. I took the test riding a Spyder, but I also have riddent a Harley Trike and liked both.

Trying to break down the Pro's and Cons of both. I am a little concerned on the electrical components of the spyder. Any and all information you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Rode with a group led by lady on a Honda Goldwing Trike, and followed by two bikes, two Freewheelers and four Spyders, an '11, 2013, 2014 and 2015. All did well on the straights and twisties although it did seem like one Freewheeler rider seemed to hug the inside line on the curves.

All kept up and reflected the individual tastes of the riders; The GW trike probably had the most miles on it pushing 100,000, followed by the '11 RT with 68,000 then the bikes, with 10-40,000 miles, the 2014 and '15 RTS with 10,000 miles each and the two Freewheelers with less than 10K. Oh, and other than myself, all were female riders.


As others have said, its a personal choice and everyone will support the bike they ride. I've never ridden a trike, so don't have personal experience there, but out of the 6 bikes/makes we've enjoyed prior to the Spyders, the two Hondas seemed to be most trouble free followed by the Spyders, and then the HD's. Not much help, I know, but the relationship you have with a local dealer will go a long way to making for a Happy Ride, no matter what you choose.

 

[Jester]

Ryde whatever you wish but here I my observation: They quit building "Big Red" off-road three wheelers, why??? Because they were very unstable when pushed. The same engineering is true with any conventional trike when pushed. As long as you are on good roads at reasonable speeds, all are fine. You can crowd the heck out a Spyder and it will go. Jerk the handlebar and you better hang on because it IS going to turn. I have lots of miles on both designs and strongly prefer the 1330 RT.:2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

In my unbiased, but wonderful opinion, buy the Spyder, it is the best three wheeler out there.

Test drive a Tri-Glide and you will see exactly what I am saying above. The :ani29: is much more sophisticated with its VSS and other bells and whistles.

A Honda trike will kill any Honda warranty. Since the factory does not make them, trikeing them voids it. Many dealers will not even work on a triked GoldWing.

There is also the Triumph Rocket three factory trike. This is the only one I am not familiar with.

Enjoy your hunt, but buy the :spyder2: No Joke.

 

[Utah Geezer]

All Three

I have ridden all three and would not consider anything but the Spyder for a three wheeler. Handling and safety were key components to me. I have a few friends who ride a Tri-Glide and by the end of the day they are through and worn out compared to how I feel. I also like the feeling of seeing my two wheels in the front. Love the Dynamic Power Steering and ride of my Spyder. Go ride all three one day each and you will not have a tough decision to make. Welcome to the Spyder Site. Most everyone here has done a lot of research before making their decision. I know I wanted to get the Tri-Glide until I test drove all three. It was an easy decision after that.

 

[PaladinLV]

NO!

But the Spyder is superior for far less money.

AJ

Isn't the Harley trike a simple add on just like the Honda trike?

 

[PaladinLV]

What BajaRon said #5!

AJ

Hello,

I just recently got my M3 license in Va. I took the test riding a Spyder, but I also have riddent a Harley Trike and liked both.

Trying to break down the Pro's and Cons of both. I am a little concerned on the electrical components of the spyder. Any and all information you can share would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DMMCSP]

Why I chose a Spyder over a Harley (or other) Trike

Decisions were mostly based on my logic - twisted as it may be.

1. Wheels in front, not in back
a. With the traditional trike, I had a tendency to keep looking over my shoulder to check on the tires
b. With the Spyder, if the front 'goes/gets through', I'm good.
2. True Reverse gear - no feet pushing and sliding in whatever.
3. No feet-down/leaning at intersections, unless I want to.
4. The trunk/storage (great for weekend getaways!)

I have what my Harley friends call "A Blonde Bike" ... ... I prefer ... that the Sypder is incredibly efficient and functional.
a. My Spyder is a 2012 RS - automatic
b. One gas, one brake, it is super E-Z-2 Operate
c. Automatic downshifting - how cool is that?
d. I can be more 'friendly'; with that left-hand, I can wave to passing bikers under ALMOST any circumstance.

Also, I've ridden my Spyder in heat/sun, rain, hail, and ice/snow (don't ask on the latter - stuff just happens). I came away from each of these experiences with a renewed respect for having the power in the front and the stability of 3 wheels over 2 wheels ... especially having to go up a steep grade, with packed ice and a couple inches of snow. NOT at all the optimum riding conditions, but - taking it slow, and getting there safely - I was incredibly grateful for it's abilities.

Submitted with good intent, and hopefully help you in your decision.
B.

 

[JIM EVANS]

]having owned a Honda. Dealership and building 30 40 trikes a year. The spyder is the winner when it comes to handling and comfort. A wing is quicker and more tourque. You must rake the front end oa a wing six degrees to get any kind of steering ease. Electronics. Ease of installation of accessories. Cb lights etc. Is much easier on a wing and controls for radio and sound system do not require the learning curve needed on the spyder. And could do wheelies on a wing. The standard Harley trike is a straight axle in the back. So ride and handling suffer---all in all handling and comfort spyder wins no comparison. Electronics after you learn the controls the spyder is fine in that dept. Also spyder has better suspension adjustments. God luck with your choice. Have fun

 

[Bob Denman]

I've ridden my Buddy's Tri-Glide also...
They are VERY comfortable, and have more room for the rider and passenger...
The stereo is better
All of the controls are quite a bit "heavier"
You CAN set up a nice "head shake", if you hit a bump or a pothole with one of the rear tires... :yikes:
The steering is heavier
The reverse is pretty lame...
And they don't corner all that well; they understeer like garbage trucks!
But...
You DO have an awful lot of dealerships to support your purchase, and an absolutely "rabid" fan base for the bikes. :thumbup:

 

[paforonda587]

i had a new 2011 for 4 years. now have a 2015 rts se6 . the Spyder is so superior in every way. even mpg is 6-10 better.

Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk

 

[JBonamassa Fan]

Remember your childhood when you turned too quickly on your tricycle!

:congrats: On getting your M3 license in VA. As a previous Harley 2010 Ultra Limited owner , I haven't regretted my decision to be riding my Spyder!
Over many years of riding, I've seen too many Harley trikes turned over in parking lots and even assisted getting them upright again. The other problem with the Harley trikes is that they are terrible on road bumps and require steering stabilizers that don't work very well.
I also tow my 622 trailer @ 80 plus mph and don't even know it's there.The best part of riding my Spyder is when I'm sitting in traffic and don't have all that heat coming off the motor. Hope this helps you with making a decision! :doorag:

 

[CANUCK SPYDER]

Ryde whatever you wish but here I my observation: They quit building "Big Red" off-road three wheelers, why??? Because they were very unstable when pushed. The same engineering is true with any conventional trike when pushed. As long as you are on good roads at reasonable speeds, all are fine. You can crowd the heck out a Spyder and it will go. Jerk the handlebar and you better hang on because it IS going to turn. I have lots of miles on both designs and strongly prefer the 1330 RT.:2thumbs:

I would say Jester nailed it, I like most spyder riders cannot take off your helmet at a gas station with out getting asked "how you like it?, how's it compare too 2 wheels, what's better conventional trike or these". I personally cannot comment on what's better but can read others that have, And always refer too this forum with my answer. Been years since I was on one of the HONDA big Reds but recall them being quite off stable. Its funny cause have answered it lots and just yesterday "It feels like a street legal quad but way faster" Other than being on the street not a trail does feel like my DS 650 QUAD I used too have D:cheers:

 

[Bob Denman]

Actually; you can draw very little correlation between what happened with the ATCs (over THIRTY years ago...), and conventional road-going trikes.
ATCs (All-Terrain Cycles), were marketed for playing in the dirt. Those conditions posed such varying types of terrain, that poorly-schooled riders started to regularly do things like run over their own feet (Breaking ankles...), and Cartwheeling down off of off-camber slopes. (doing much MORE damage). The Feds stepped in, and pulled the plug on this game; giving rise to the ATV... with four wheels.
A road-going trike has very little in common with the ATC... They are ridden on a (usually) paved surface, which has been designed to handle motor vehicle traffic being piloted by anyone who can manage to get a license... :shocked:
If your rode the dirt on an ATC, and "pushed it"; you pretty much got what you deserved for your efforts...

My experience with them: they were FAR more maneuverable than a quad, wheelies were a blast, and if you hung a tire off the side of a snowmobile trail into the powder... :yikes::yikes::yikes:

 

[Gldwnger]

Current Goldwing trike & Spyder owner

Don, I own both a Spyder & Goldwing trike(also a Goldwing 2 wheeler).Each bike has it's pro's and con's.the Wing is a solid axle which tends to be a little rough on not so smooth roads,Which was the biggest plus for buying the Spyder.A rake kit will make any trike kit steer easier,Although NOT as easy as a Spyder. The Wing has much better weather protection(same mod's on both-Taller+wider windshields,Baker built wind wings).We can actually stay reasonably dry in the rain on the wing as long as we are moving about 40 mph or better, Not so on the Spyder.The windshield does not lean back like the wing sending the rain OVER you. The Wing has more torque-6 cyl vs 3 cyl.However, The Wing weighs about 200 lbs more so seat of the pants power is probably a wash. In my opinion the suspension on the Spyder can't be beat. We have reached the age where over all riding comfort is what we want and the Spyder does just that. As far as stability, You have to do something REALLY stupid to get any trike to roll over(I'm sure there are people out there that are more than qualified to do so). We just returned from the Tail Of The Dragon and I pushed the Spyder just as hard or more than I did the wing. It performed very well.Although me and the NANNY had many disagreements. The bottom line is that they both are very capable machines, YOU just have to pick the one that meets your needs.

 

[jcthorne]

Don, I own both a Spyder & Goldwing trike(also a Goldwing 2 wheeler).Each bike has it's pro's and con's.the Wing is a solid axle which tends to be a little rough on not so smooth roads,Which was the biggest plus for buying the Spyder.A rake kit will make any trike kit steer easier,Although NOT as easy as a Spyder. The Wing has much better weather protection(same mod's on both-Taller+wider windshields,Baker built wind wings).We can actually stay reasonably dry in the rain on the wing as long as we are moving about 40 mph or better, Not so on the Spyder.The windshield does not lean back like the wing sending the rain OVER you. The Wing has more torque-6 cyl vs 3 cyl.However, The Wing weighs about 200 lbs more so seat of the pants power is probably a wash. In my opinion the suspension on the Spyder can't be beat. We have reached the age where over all riding comfort is what we want and the Spyder does just that. As far as stability, You have to do something REALLY stupid to get any trike to roll over(I'm sure there are people out there that are more than qualified to do so). We just returned from the Tail Of The Dragon and I pushed the Spyder just as hard or more than I did the wing. It performed very well.Although me and the NANNY had many disagreements. The bottom line is that they both are very capable machines, YOU just have to pick the one that meets your needs.

Sorry but if you were pushing the Wing around the dragon as hard as you were pushing the Spyder, there were lots of folks waiting behind you on the wing. Wing and Harley trikes cannot get out of their own way on a twisty road. Cannot even start to keep up with a group of Spyders. Its not even close. No steering, no brakes, no sale.

 

[Vidman]

It was harder to give up the biker image i had of myself then to decide on which format. Medical reasons forced me to 3 wheels or stay in a cage. Once I got past that image thing it came down to technology, ride comfort and safety.

I went with the Spyder after a lot of research. AND I didn't have to worry about hitting my foot with a rear tire the first couple of times I tried to put my feet down when stopping at a red light. (That effort goes away quickly but I do have friends who decided on the HD who hurt their heals. lol) I thought it would be difficult to remember to use my right foot to hit the brake pedal instead of a hand brake. That was a very fast muscle memory.

I recently got on my wife's scooter and kept trying to use a non-existent foot brake and to paddle shift where there wasn't a paddle.....roflmao.

Enjoy which ever you choose. Ryde safe.

 

[Rockwall]

Do you want the best performance or to just be accepted by the Harley "Club?"