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

[Foundryrat]

My RTL is a '21 with 22,000 miles. Originally bought it for my wife, but I ride it more often. Did take a little getting used to, then later, not an issue. I still ride 3 different bikes daily, another 4 on standby, and a Harley Freewheeler. I never have to re-learn on what bike I'm riding which includes 2 with a foot clutch. I do find that on occasion, I'm looking for a front brake lever on the RTL. The Spyder is a blast, but then, they all are! Storage is good, sitting position is fine after a few upgrades. A little too much protection for me as I ride in the heat a lot. Mileage is bad, say 30 to 35 MPG average, and at 150 miles, and I'm looking for a station. My HD is close to 200, and my Beemer is a solid 320.

We travel a lot, and dealer support is good to know it's available. Harley and Honda are the best, my Beemer is not so good, and I now know Cam Am is terrible. When I was first looking at a Spyder, I saw dealers all over, then I discovered street and off road are different. I learned the hard way - Utah has 2 street dealers. Sometimes the only way to know for sure is to call them. My bike went into Limp Mode out of the blue 20 miles from Vernal UT. It was my lucky day tho, as a real dealer, both street and off road, was only 20 miles away. I was told that the other dealer is in Salt Lake, 300 miles away. Bike needed a computer flash, really??

I'm now not so comfy going cross country. I do have 2 dealers around 150 miles in different directions from home, but I have been able to do all the maintenance so far. Plan on keeping it for now. I also feel sorry for anyone who can only have one cycle. I have full support when I feel the need to add another to the stable. It's a passion we both enjoy.

I have a 2015 Freewheeler and I am looking at a 2023 RTL. How much different is the handling between the FW and the RTL?

 

[ARtraveler]

I have a 2015 Freewheeler and I am looking at a 2023 RTL. How much different is the handling between the FW and the RTL?

Night and Day ! The two wheels in front make for a much easier drive. You will not feel like you are wrestling with a semi truck fully loaded all day long.

 

[troop]

I have a 2015 Freewheeler and I am looking at a 2023 RTL. How much different is the handling between the FW and the RTL?

As stated, apples/oranges. You'll feel so much more secure cornering on the Spyder...

 

[PJveetwin]

Like others have said, Spyder handles a lot better, but still enjoy having both. I do like the fact that the HD is easier to work on along with being more familiar

 

[troop]

Hey OP ... Did you ever buy a Spyder?