Decisions, decisions

[Blackmarkt]

Greetings! I am new to the forum. I currently own a 2001 GL1800 Honda Goldwing (GW). I am planning to trade it in on either a 2016 RT S Special (RTSS) or a 2017 RT Limited (RTL). Basically for cost it is about $25,000 for the RTSS or about $29,000 for the RTL. I suppose you could say the net is about $26,000 for the RTSS as I plan to have the Garmin 590 with bracket added to the RTSS. I have a couple of observations and then questions.

Observations. First time I rode an RT S a few weeks ago was frightening. This is not a motorcycle and you need to learn how to ride it. The second time I rode it was with my spouse and it was much easier as I had a better feel for the steering. The steering is real sensitive and a rider needs to adjust to that. It is extremely comfortable and looks like it will be very nice for long distance touring. I kept wanting to put the clutch in and brake with my right hand, I suppose I'll get used to only one brake and no clutch. The reason I am planning (have not done it yet) to go from GW to Spyder is I am getting more and more reluctant to take the +1,000 lb GW (with riders) out and keep it balanced in challenging, low speed, situations. I have had the GW for 15 years and have taken it on a few 5,000-6,000 mile trips on it to NW USA and a couple of times into British Columbia/Alberta, Canada plus many times into and around the mountain west. Many good memories. Just don't trust myself on it, the GW, anymore and want to move on to a more stable but fun platform. I could probably ramble on about the GW but really wanted a few thoughts on comparing the two Spyders I mentioned earlier.

So, as I mentioned, I am comparing the 2016 RTSS to the 2017 RTL. My thoughts are, the RTSS looks a little more sporty with the black on black, the smaller wind screen (I have gone to that on my GW) and the black wheels. It is also a net $3,000 cheaper (with GPS) but is a year older model. BTW, both Spyders I am looking at are new with no mileage. The RTL has the bling with all the chrome plus the included luggage and GPS already mounted. Plus a bigger wind screen. Does the bigger wind screen make the co-rider happier, less turbulence, etc? I prefer to look over the wind screen but need to keep the spouse happy. I am not a big fan of bling, never added much, if any, bling to my GW. More interested in function and performance, I sort of like the subtle look. Does the year model make any difference? Boy are these expensive but so is a new Gold Wing or Dressed Out Harley or whatever touring bike you want to buy. I am looking a purchasing it from RPM Motorsports in Lakewood, CO. RPM has been good to my GW, they sell other Can-Am Products so I think they would be good to service it. Any thoughts on this dealer? I have rambled a bit here but I am interested in other thoughts on these issues.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[Chupaca]

Welcome. ..

Tough choices but test rydes tend to clear things up. If you can ryde one with the bigger windshied it could answer that question for you. As for the rest i find paying the extra for the added features is expensive it some of them you don't really care for. So many of those features can be added and just the ones you want for a lot less. :thumbup:i

 

[WilderThomas]

Choices

Greetings! I am new to the forum. I currently own a 2001 GL1800 Honda Goldwing (GW). I am planning to trade it in on either a 2016 RT S Special (RTSS) or a 2017 RT Limited (RTL). Basically for cost it is about $25,000 for the RTSS or about $29,000 for the RTL. I suppose you could say the net is about $26,000 for the RTSS as I plan to have the Garmin 590 with bracket added to the RTSS. I have a couple of observations and then questions.

Observations. First time I rode an RT S a few weeks ago was frightening. This is not a motorcycle and you need to learn how to ride it. The second time I rode it was with my spouse and it was much easier as I had a better feel for the steering. The steering is real sensitive and a rider needs to adjust to that. It is extremely comfortable and looks like it will be very nice for long distance touring. I kept wanting to put the clutch in and brake with my right hand, I suppose I'll get used to only one brake and no clutch. The reason I am planning (have not done it yet) to go from GW to Spyder is I am getting more and more reluctant to take the +1,000 lb GW (with riders) out and keep it balanced in challenging, low speed, situations. I have had the GW for 15 years and have taken it on a few 5,000-6,000 mile trips on it to NW USA and a couple of times into British Columbia/Alberta, Canada plus many times into and around the mountain west. Many good memories. Just don't trust myself on it, the GW, anymore and want to move on to a more stable but fun platform. I could probably ramble on about the GW but really wanted a few thoughts on comparing the two Spyders I mentioned earlier.

So, as I mentioned, I am comparing the 2016 RTSS to the 2017 RTL. My thoughts are, the RTSS looks a little more sporty with the black on black, the smaller wind screen (I have gone to that on my GW) and the black wheels. It is also a net $3,000 cheaper (with GPS) but is a year older model. BTW, both Spyders I am looking at are new with no mileage. The RTL has the bling with all the chrome plus the included luggage and GPS already mounted. Plus a bigger wind screen. Does the bigger wind screen make the co-rider happier, less turbulence, etc? I prefer to look over the wind screen but need to keep the spouse happy. I am not a big fan of bling, never added much, if any, bling to my GW. More interested in function and performance, I sort of like the subtle look. Does the year model make any difference? Boy are these expensive but so is a new Gold Wing or Dressed Out Harley or whatever touring bike you want to buy. I am looking a purchasing it from RPM Motorsports in Lakewood, CO. RPM has been good to my GW, they sell other Can-Am Products so I think they would be good to service it. Any thoughts on this dealer? I have rambled a bit here but I am interested in other thoughts on these issues.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

I have a 2012 RT-S now, with plans on going to a 2016 RT-L as soon as it becomes financially practicable. But I've owned three Harley's and five Gold Wings. The last Harley, an FLHTCUI, was a nice bike, but it became apparent that I was enjoying the rides less, due to it's weight, and cumbersome maneuverability, riding in slow speed situations with the spouse, so we traded for the Spyder. And never a single regret. Like a You Tube motovlogger always says, ride safe, and ride your own ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:

But truthfully: there's no bad choice here. It just depends upon what you like best!
Happy Shopping! :2thumbs:

 

[UtahPete]

I currently own a 2001 GL1800 Honda Goldwing (GW). I am planning to trade it in on either a 2016 RT S Special (RTSS) or a 2017 RT Limited (RTL). The reason I am planning (have not done it yet) to go from GW to Spyder is I am getting more and more reluctant to take the +1,000 lb GW (with riders) out and keep it balanced in challenging, low speed, situations. Just don't trust myself on it, the GW, anymore and want to move on to a more stable but fun platform. I am comparing the 2016 RTSS to the 2017 RTL.

I think you've just identified the reason many, if most, of us here on this forum went with Spyders in the first place; cageless touring / canyon carving without the fear factor associated with riding 2-wheelers in low-speed situations. Yes, it's a different dynamic than 2-wheeling but it didn't take my wife and I long to adjust to it and prefer it now. We go out a lot more on the Spyders than we ever did on 2-wheelers - and will be doing even more as we age rather than having to give up the sport altogether.

As mentioned by others, you can't go wrong with either the RTS or the RTL. Which one makes your pulse pound more?

 

[acpd22]

The decision was easier for me.

As a former Goldwing and Harley Electra Glide owner I can say that I like the Spyder more than the others. In October of last year I hit a deer with my Harley and totaled it out. After the insurance dust settled the wife wanted me on three wheels. We have friends that have a Harley trike so I rode his. I did not like the ride. It felt like it was pushing me into the ditch when I went into a curve. My Goldwing was the best bike I ever owned. Only problem was as I got older I could not sit in the position required to ride it. I would suffer from cramps due to the sitting position. I will say that I have found that a taller windshield on the Spyder was a great investment. The wife totally enjoys the ride more that when we had the short windshield. We went with the F-3 Limited due to the sitting position and the styling. My only regret was not holding off till the trunk was available in 2017.

 

[imfleck]

Welcome!

I made a lot of financial decisions trading in my two-wheeler for my Spyder. I took a different route and rather than buy the RT Limited with all of the bells and whistles I just bought the RT. I found I don't need all of the extras the Limited or -S versions provide. Also, my 2017 RT was "only" $18,499.

 

[blacklightning]

If one of your biggest concerns is the windshield, there are nice aftermarket ones that can be purchased. I had a -4 height, +4 width, vented shield added to my 2014 RT. It allowed me to look over it in the down position, but gave great wind protection in the up position. The vent also helped with air circulation without having buffetting.

 

[JayBros]

You've received some very good advice from posters here who have shared why they went from their big, heavy two wheelers. If you haven't already done so read the Do's and Do Not's sticky. I'd been many years off motorcycles and wanted to get back into the game to ride with my son but a big cruiser was more than I wanted to risk trying to handle at my age and with two artificial hips. A Spyder was right up my alley. If you like the chrome scene go for the RT-Ltd, if not, save the shekels for farkling and go with the RT-S S, but, by all means test ride the daylights out of both of them. Good luck!

 

[ARtraveler]

You are definitely on the right track. I am also of the "don't by the top of the line" group. I currently have one in base model (2011 A & C) and one in the RT-S (2014). Don't need the real chrome or the communication "extras." If you coming from a wing--the S features are all good. Extra driving lights, heated grips, SE transmission, AM/FM radio, cruise control, etc. I have only added an up-line seat, and extra trunk/brake light.

If you are happy with your current dealer--that is a plus right off the starting line.

Good luck in your hunt. Wings are good stuff, but the low speed, balance with a person stuff, is not fun at our mature ages. You can continue riding and not have to worry about the small things. :yes::yes:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

TRADE - IN

:welcome:...........annnnnnnnnd IMHO they are STEALING your GoldWing , unless it's a rust-bucket and I doubt that .......Mike :thumbup:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

From what I have heard from back seat passengers your wife will not like the shorty windshield on the SS. If it were me, I'd tell the dealer to swap it out for the normal RT windshield as part of the deal.

I am am not a fan of chrome so my pick would be the RTS over the Ltd. Again, in my opinion, luggage is an overpriced extra better suited for airplane carry on luggage than for traveling by Spyder. I can fit a lot more in a duffel bag or backpack than I can in the Spyder luggage.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[stevencovert]

I chose the RT-S

The LTD has chrome and the GPS added for the extra $2K(ish). I took that money and got FARKLES!! Bump skid with LEDs, Helmets with bluetooth built in from Cycle Gear, Brake LED kit from Spyderpops, etc. with money left over! The Spyder has a connector on the right side for GPS (a female 1/8" jack). I ran an extension up to the center of the handlebars (a little cap pops out, I put in a rubber grommet). I connect it to my iPhone. That way I put on Amazon Prime Music or Pandora and the GPS. Works great. There are several X-Grip type add ons for a phone. I have an old phone on a monthly super cheap subscription just for GPS I am going to use. No loss if it fails/lost/stolen/etc. Also I have the mount for a garmin MC GPS (water tight) if it is raining. I also pulled those silly analog dials (that info shows up on the LCD when you do!) and put in a 12V outlet on one side and dual USB on the other.

There was an LTD there side by side, for some chrome and the GPS... Nah! That's me though, cheeeep!

EDIT: Set the radio input to GPS when using the extension cable.

Steve