Going From The Known To The Unknown

[MikeT]

I have attempted to find out as much information as possible regarding the "pros & cons" of going from my '09GL1800Level 2 Hannigan Trike to a '14/'15 SE6 RTS/RTLTD. Not much out there because the 1330 motor is in its first year. Lots of info on the V-Twin vs. GL1800 trike. Seems like these posts are an evenly mixed bag. My search would be easier if I had a local (within 20 miles) Spyder dealer; but that's not the case. The closest one is roughly 65 miles from me. Locally there is 1-'14 LTD. We've talked; but there wasn't an open invitation to swap rides, and I can certainly understand that.
Reading over these forum post have not made this endeavor any easier. Seems like you've got a 50-50 chance of getting a good one vs. a bad one. How people drive up to 6 hours one way to buy one is beyond my comprehension. Do the prices vary that much? Do they really go back for service? My reality is that my surgery has left me with a wounded left hand/wrist. I have always been "in the wind", and I don't want to give it up. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Any advice????????
Thanks
Mike

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I have attempted to find out as much information as possible regarding the "pros & cons" of going from my '09GL1800Level 2 Hannigan Trike to a '14/'15 SE6 RTS/RTLTD. Not much out there because the 1330 motor is in its first year. Lots of info on the V-Twin vs. GL1800 trike. Seems like these posts are an evenly mixed bag. My search would be easier if I had a local (within 20 miles) Spyder dealer; but that's not the case. The closest one is roughly 65 miles from me. Locally there is 1-'14 LTD. We've talked; but there wasn't an open invitation to swap rides, and I can certainly understand that.
Reading over these forum post have not made this endeavor any easier. Seems like you've got a 50-50 chance of getting a good one vs. a bad one. How people drive up to 6 hours one way to buy one is beyond my comprehension. Do the prices vary that much? Do they really go back for service? My reality is that my surgery has left me with a wounded left hand/wrist. I have always been "in the wind", and I don't want to give it up. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Any advice????????
Thanks
Mike

Not familiar with the gl1800 personally but will tell you that friends that went from 2 wheels to a 2014 RT Spyder have all said that they are happy with the new ride, they enjoy the a) automatic, B) the extreme comfort change, C) the ability to relax and enjoy the scenery, D) the ability to take longer trips with less discomfort.

Cruzr Joe

 

[M109Dreamer]

I think, based on what I have read that the majority travel to long distance due to a particular dealers.

One thing that is key with the Spyder is the dealer prep of these. Because due to the complex of these machines, having a knowledgeable dealer set your Spyder up correctly can set you up for success. Thus not requiring revists back to the dealer because of something they missed or didnt do at the setup at all. It can be very frustrating for a new owner that put up alot of $$$

If we every get a new Spyder, I would travel 1000+ miles to a respected dealer because I understand tge headaches of getting the Spyder from a dealer that knew very little about the prep. I had to tell mine about the lower belt tension. He had no clue.

 

[sddinnh]

Seems like you've got a 50-50 chance of getting a good one vs. a bad one. Any advice????????
Thanks
Mike

You have to be careful reading these posts. When it comes to RT's you have to know what year the person is talking about vs the year you are interested in. For instance, there are probably about 50% of the people who were unhappy with the 2013's because of heat issues, but so far the 2014's have been pretty solid. It's a totally new bike and I've got 8000 miles on mine without a bit of trouble. Oh sure, it's been in the dealers to make some changes to it, but other than oil changes, it hasn't blinked.

Wish you the best of luck.

 

[Don in E Texas]

Some thoughts

Opinions on a Spyder board would be different if the same questions were asked on a Gl1800 board. But here goes. My personal view is the Goldwing is by far the best touring motorcycle on the road (owned two). But somewhere along the line someone decided to butcher a great machine. I have done test rides on two Honda GL1800 trikes and did not care for it - front end felt light - back end I could feel every bump in the road. After test riding the Honda, I decided that another Spyder was in my future and traded for my current ride; 2010 RT-S. I might add that different 'kits' may provide a better ride than the two I had ridden.

You need to do a test ride - that will answer about all the questions you may have. Also please read the 'sticky' on top of the Forum that is a great help for all those riders new to all things "Spyder".

Can Am offers test rides that are great. Starts with a safety video, then a marked course to learn slow speed handling of the bike. Once that is done, it is off to the highway for some fun riding. You can check the Can Am web site to see if any test rides are available in your area (I checked - none were currently listed). The is a dealer in IN that offers test rides and that may be well worth your travel to check out:

http://www.flatoutpowersports.com/index.htm


The more you read about the Spyders here on the Forum, the more you will see how important a dealer is for succcessful and happy Spyder ownership.

Good luck in your research and travels.

Don

 

[Highwayman2013]

You won't be disappointed. The 2014 is the top of the ladder, a lot of people have them and say they are a vast improvement over the older models. We have a 2012 RT Limited and love it. We were just on a 3079 mile ride and had no problems.

 

[BajaRon]

I read most of the posts here on Spyderlovers. Even with the worst of the problems of any Spyder model I don't think we've ever come close to a 50/50 of good vs bad machines. No manufacturer could survive with those kinds of numbers (except maybe for the government).

If someone has a problem with their Spyder the probability that they will post about it (maybe multiple times) is very high. And that thread will usually get a great deal of responses and last a long time.

The possibility that someone who has never had a problem with their Spyder posting about it is very low. And if they do the thread gets buried very quickly.

The fact is that if someone posts about a problem, everyone wants to read and reply. But how many want to read and reply to a post saying, 'I have a great Spyder, I've had no problems, life is wonderful'. It's just human nature.

If you have any doubts, watch the news. Do you seriously think think that the overwhelming percentage of things that happen in the world every day are dire devastation?

No, the truth is that, percentage wise, the great majority of events that take place in our world every day are positive, the weather is good and people are living normal lives. But who reports on that? Almost no one! Why? Because no one would watch. But it also gives us a skewed view of the world. Not to say that there aren't some very negative things going on in the world, and with some Spyders. Just that they need to be put into perspective.

 

[Myron Ah]

Going from the known to the unknown.

I had a 2003 midnight venture and loved it. Had to go the trike route and put a bolt Trigg Trike kit on it. It was very easy do it yourself and I liked it. As was stated, felt bumps, my wife especially and I had to steer it. The fun factor was less but I could still ride :clap:This winter the shoulders got sore and I started looking at the Spyder. Power steering sold me. Reverse was icing on this cake. The ride is the best of the four bikes we have own according to the wife. We own a 2013 RT-S SM5 and have had no heat issues, no handling issues and I have gotten use to it. It took awhile but I love it. Spyderpegs for legs were added and some seat mods this winter maybe but so far so great.hyea:

 

[ARtraveler]

As you can see, most people can "write a book" with answers to your questions.

I used to join in but now, I suggest a test ride is in order. That will answer a lot of questions for you. You are the final judge whether or not to make a change.

GL/Hannigan is a popular machine but totally different from the Spyder. If you like touring, currently, the Spyder RTS 2014 is the way to go.

A large apples/oranges comparison.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I think the odds of a good 2014 1330 ACE RT are VERY high. Certainly not 50/50. Even counting all models and all years, the outcome would be better than that! Take a trip, test ride, then shop for the right dealer! I highly recommend Pitbull in Springfield, MO! That's where I went, 300 miles from home!

Also, the maintenance interval is much better on the 1330's - 3000 miles for first service, then about 10,000 miles after that!

 

[Pennyrick]

Been there done that

I have owned two Hondas that were triked. First was a '99 Valkyrie with a Hannigan kit and the second was an '03 GL 1800 with a MotorTrike kit. I liked 'em both.

Since then I have owned a 2011 RT SM Spyder and a 2012 RT SE Spyder. I like the Spyders over the Honda trikes.

Difference is substantial. I wrestled the Hondas through turns and sweepers whereas I can fingertip the Can Ams. The front wheels on the Hondas always seem to 'plow' in turns (even with a 6 degree rake kit) whereas the Spyders track through turns.

My Honda dealer wasn't keen on servicing the trikes so I had to find another service source. The Can Am dealer is more prepared for servicing because it is a factory design and not a kit.

BUT... the Honda has 35 years of history behind it and in that time almost all of the bugs have been eliminated. The Spyder RT has maybe six years of history and not every problem has been licked (or maybe even discovered yet). ALSO the dealer network is weaker than that of Honda but as I mentioned some treat a triked Honda as a leper.

As some suggest the proof is in the driving and you really need to get some miles on a Spyder to see for yourself.

 

[ChasCS]

Fifty Fifty

I have attempted to find out as much information as possible regarding the "pros & cons" of going from my '09GL1800Level 2 Hannigan Trike to a '14/'15 SE6 RTS/RTLTD. Not much out there because the 1330 motor is in its first year. Lots of info on the V-Twin vs. GL1800 trike. Seems like these posts are an evenly mixed bag. My search would be easier if I had a local (within 20 miles) Spyder dealer; but that's not the case. The closest one is roughly 65 miles from me. Locally there is 1-'14 LTD. We've talked; but there wasn't an open invitation to swap rides, and I can certainly understand that.
Reading over these forum post have not made this endeavor any easier. Seems like you've got a 50-50 chance of getting a good one vs. a bad one. How people drive up to 6 hours one way to buy one is beyond my comprehension. Do the prices vary that much? Do they really go back for service? My reality is that my surgery has left me with a wounded left hand/wrist. I have always been "in the wind", and I don't want to give it up. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Any advice????????
Thanks
Mike

One of my favourite songs from Frank Zappa, Fifty Fifty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFChn_ZGtPs

More like 95-5, but that's not my call...

Chas

 

[Chupaca]

Have to agree..!!

with all..you will not regret it. Little practice and you are going to love it...!! hyea:hyea:

 

[Oldmanzues]

Lots of mostly trouble (minor, even then) free miles on Spyders. Had one of the first GS(now RS) sport models, great in my opinion, for the younger set, but at 75 (now going 79), the RT is great. Been all this side of the USA. So agree with the good stuff above.
Two things not mentioned( semi auto shift was, I think). the big thing is real good ABS brake system. I ssumed the Wing trikes had ABS hooked up, but hear many do not.
the other is storage space. Two deep side bags, a deep rear trunk and not be forgotten a good sized front frunk.
Best opinion of mine. Try it you will like it (or somebody say that before)
Good luck and have fun
Oldmanzues

 

[Copperman]

There's one here in Indianapolis

My search would be easier if I had a local (within 20 miles) Spyder dealer; but that's not the case. The closest one is roughly 65 miles from me. Mike

I see you're from Indianapolis. Flatout Motorsports (I465/E Washington St.) sells the Spyder and has them on their floor. They don't do much warranty work there because it's done at their Martinsville store. Go check them out.

 

[Tango]

I went from an 08 wing with a CSC trike conversion, to our 14 RTS SE. And we both LOVE it! :thumbup:

Advantage Spyder:
lighter weight
better fuel mileage
more storage
better suspension front and rear
no shifting
full factory warranty, front and back. same dealer
easier front steering
way better reverse

Advantage Wing Trike:
Aftermarket
more Honda dealers, but will they touch your trike?
gobs of power
more Honda dealers, not all will touch a wing
better tire selections

You need to test ride a Spyder! :thumbup: Tom :trike: