Harley Trike to Spyder Need the facts :-)

[Questions]

Since last year I have been looking at the spyders and now have made up my mind to trade and get one sooo I have a few questions first is the quriks and bugs are they worked out Fuel Milage How far Speed Top end
any shake running at 70--90 thats my range LOL comfortable ?? for me and the wife Storage is there enough Oh and anything Else You can give me a Heads up on Please let me know Im looking at the RT-S or the Limited

any Differences
IM Goose From Iowa and Please to meet you all Thanks :chat:

 

[boborgera]

Since last year I have been looking at the spyders and now have made up my mind to trade and get one sooo I have a few questions first is the quriks and bugs are they worked out Fuel Milage How far Speed Top end
any shake running at 70--90 thats my range LOL comfortable ?? for me and the wife Storage is there enough Oh and anything Else You can give me a Heads up on Please let me know Im looking at the RT-S or the Limited

any Differences
IM Goose From Iowa and Please to meet you all Thanks :chat:

:welcome:
For the most part most of the bugs are worked out. Fuel mileage 25/30
Top speed 115 maybe, Shake, take one out on a test ride at your speed range. It takes a few miles to get the hang of 2 wheels in front one in the back.
But once you get a Spyder you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.:thumbup:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

:welcome: take a test drive you'll love it. If there isn't plenty of storage for you and the wife you can always get the trailer.

 

[Slybird]

:welcome: and welcome to the Family!! I traded in an '07 Ultra for my RT-S last August and haven't looked back (except, perhaps, to see my wife following me on her RT-AC!). You've made a wise choice, my friend. Comfort? I've gone through three Gold Wings and the Ultra Classic and the RT-S is, BY FAR, the most comfortable touring machine I've ever owned. If you have a S.O., they'll love the back seat, too! My wife (before she got her own RT) said that the back seat of the RT was the most comfortable by a long shot. There's a shallow learning curve with the Spyder, but once you've got a couple of hundred miles under your belt with your RT you'll wonder why you didn't come over to the good side of the Force long ago! Welcome aboard!:clap:

 

[Tilty]

If you and your wife are into all the rallies that riding a Harley has to offer that's the way to go. spyder events can be a little on the boring side.

Perfomance Spyder to Harley Trike can't be compared the Spyder handling is far superior then the Harley.

Just my two cents.

 

[NancysToy]

Here are my opinions, based on a year of ownership.

Quirks & Bugs:
The RT model was new last year, and there were a few issues, but most owners have put on many miles without serious problems. A large number of RTs got tens of thousands of miles put on them, in the first season alone. BRP has been very good at responding to reported quirks, especially the excessive body roll in the 2010 model. They have made some improvements for 2011, and even refined some parts during the 2010 run. I think that is unusually responsive for a manufacturer. The RT is not tried-and-true yet, but it is capable and reliable, for the most part.

Fuel Mileage:
Expect less than 30 with most gas. I averaged 26-28 on my 2010, when not towing a trailer. The 2011 may be better due to improved aerodynamics. This is not a skinny motorcycle, it is a barn door on wheels...do not expect 2-wheeler mileage.

How Far:
The 6.6 US gallon fuel tank holds approximately 6.0 usable gallons, but this puts you on fumes. Expect 100-150 miles per tank of fuel.

Top Speed:
Very difficult to pin this one down. Frankly, I have never tried to top it out. Part of it depends on how high the windshield is raised. Around 95-100 would be a good guess. It will cruise at 80 all day long, with a few beans left over for good measure.

Shake at Highway Speeds:
The RT has a noticeable vibration at 4,000-5,000 rpm. It is also a high rpm motor, especially compared to the Harley or Goldwing. It is pretty good, in my opinion, less than my BMW R1100RT sport tourer, which is not objectionable to me. Vibration is a relative thing, what satisfies me may bother you. Take a test ride or two.

Storage Capacity:
More storage capacity than a Goldwing, even the newest one. Largest capacity on the market...if you compare to a bike. If it isn't enough, there is the (huge) matching trailer.

RT Models:
It sounds like you know the models pretty well already. The BRP Website lists all differences, as does the brochure. The main differences between the RTS and Limited are that the RTS is available in a manual shift and several colors vs. the Limited's electric shift only, and pearl white color. The Limited has a full complement of hard luggage, special markings, and comes with a travel cover...which the 2010 RTS did, but the 2011 does not. It also comes with the GPS package. I hope I didnt forget anything else.

Hope this helps.

 

[BajaRon]

:welcome:
I really isn't fair to compare the 2, even though they are both 3 wheels.

The Spyder is much more responsive then a 1 wheel front trike. Many find it 'Twitchy' when they first ride, as steering input to steering output is much higher.

But once you relax and get the hang of it, the steering perception goes from 'Twitchy' to 'Responsive', and you'll never look back.

As for shake, I've had mine to 120 and no hint of anything but smooth, stable control.

The Spyder is a blast that no 2, or 3 wheels in another configuration, can touch. The main thing is, give it a chance. Many, myself included, hated the Spyder for a hundred miles or better. Thought it was the worst mistake I'd ever made.

But once my brain adjusted, it's been all good for the last 20k miles!

On the other hand, some jump on the Spyder and it is love at first bite!

Either way, it's probably the best ride I've ever owned, and I've had my share.

 

[SethO]

Here are my opinions, based on a year of ownership.

Quirks & Bugs:
The RT model was new last year, and there were a few issues, but most owners have put on many miles without serious problems. A large number of RTs got tens of thousands of miles put on them, in the first season alone. BRP has been very good at responding to reported quirks, especially the excessive body roll in the 2010 model. They have made some improvements for 2011, and even refined some parts during the 2010 run. I think that is unusually responsive for a manufacturer. The RT is not tried-and-true yet, but it is capable and reliable, for the most part.

Fuel Mileage:
Expect less than 30 with most gas. I averaged 26-28 on my 2010, when not towing a trailer. The 2011 may be better due to improved aerodynamics. This is not a skinny motorcycle, it is a barn door on wheels...do not expect 2-wheeler mileage.

How Far:
The 6.6 US gallon fuel tank holds approximately 6.0 usable gallons, but this puts you on fumes. Expect 100-150 miles per tank of fuel.

Top Speed:
Very difficult to pin this one down. Frankly, I have never tried to top it out. Part of it depends on how high the windshield is raised. Around 95-100 would be a good guess. It will cruise at 80 all day long, with a few beans left over for good measure.

Shake at Highway Speeds:
The RT has a noticeable vibration at 4,000-5,000 rpm. It is also a high rpm motor, especially compared to the Harley or Goldwing. It is pretty good, in my opinion, less than my BMW R1100RT sport tourer, which is not objectionable to me. Vibration is a relative thing, what satisfies me may bother you. Take a test ride or two.

Storage Capacity:
More storage capacity than a Goldwing, even the newest one. Largest capacity on the market...if you compare to a bike. If it isn't enough, there is the (huge) matching trailer.

RT Models:
It sounds like you know the models pretty well already. The BRP Website lists all differences, as does the brochure. The main differences between the RTS and Limited are that the RTS is available in a manual shift and several colors vs. the Limited's electric shift only, and pearl white color. The Limited has a full complement of hard luggage, special markings, and comes with a travel cover...which the 2010 RTS did, but the 2011 does not. I hope I didnt forget anything.

Hope this helps.

scotty you do some of the best write ups, well done.

 

[BajaRon]

I agree that frontal area (basically windshield size) will make a big difference in top speed and fuel mileage on the Spyder.

On the shake issue. I was thinking of steering or 'Head' shake, since the question was asked in conjunction with top speed (I think). So my reponse was in that vein.

But if we are talking engine vibration, I think it is very minimal, especially for a V-Twin. But there are those that would disagree with that.

Vibration will certainly be a different brand than what you'll get from the long stroke, high torque HD engine.

Guess it really boils down to your getting on a Spyder and seeing what you think about it. That's all that really matters in the end.

Just be prepared for a completley different experience.

 

[SilverFox1]

Scotty,,, you forgot to mention to this potential buyer that the Limited comes with a Garmin Zumo 660 GPS also. By the way, I don't use a GPS to find my way there. Sometimes however, I need it to find my way back! :roflblack:

SilverFox

 

[BajaRon]

The Harley touring bikes stopped vibrating at speed in the early 80's, when they went to rubber mounts. The shake you see at idle is non-existent once you start rolling on the newer Twin Cam 'A' engines. Softails are still solid mounted, but the 'B' engine they use have internal counterbalancers to offset vibration. Not saying it's a drawback, but as someone who has many miles on both, I find the felt vibrations to be substantially higher on the Spyder than they are on any of the newer Harleys........

Same with the HD tikes too? I suppose it would be. High frequency vibration (Spyder style) is harder to isolate than the lower frequency vibes of a HD engine.

I must say that I don't notice it unless I'm looking for it. But everyone has their individual Vibe Meter.

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty,,, you forgot to mention to this potential buyer that the Limited comes with a Garmin Zumo 660 GPS also. By the way, I don't use a GPS to find my way there. Sometimes however, I need it to find my way back! :roflblack:

SilverFox

So I did! Thanks for the reminder. I had the nagging feeling I missed something. Obviously I did not look it up. pps:

 

[Lunar Rover]

As an owner of both a Spyder and a Harley touring bike, I can tell you that they are certainly different. The Spyder will handle better and easier than your conventional trike does. The geometry, combined with the traction and stability systems, combine for a more reassuring ride.

You will give up some fuel mileage and range on the Spyder. You'll also give up a lot of low end torque. The Rotax is a short stroke, high revving engine. Plan on shifting a lot more. I find the fit, finish and quality to be much better on a Harley, the Spyder is comparable to the metric cruisers in those categories.

Harley has a MUCH more established and competent dealer network. If you have a good Spyder dealer, that's a big bonus, there are many that aren't completely up to speed yet. It's something to consider if you tour a lot. I would not buy another Spyder without an extended warranty, there have been a lot of growing pains and gremlins along the way so far, I don't want to pay for any of the common component failures that have surfaced to date, out of pocket.

If the Spyder gets your interest, then I'd say go for it, just be prepared for it to be a little more fickle than a Harley. Good luck:thumbup:

My wife and I have a combined nearly 41,000 miles on our two Spyder's. Hers is a 2008 Premiere Edition and mine is a 2009 but they are both the GS/RS model. (The GS is what was sold in 2008 and 2009 before the RT was released. Once the RT was released the GS was renamed the RS but it is essentially the same machine).

As I said we have 32,000 and nearly 9,000 on our two machines and those have been virtually problem free miles. It does help if your dealer is up to speed on maintenance requirements and it helps even more if you can do some of the work yourself. We have saved lots of money by doing our own oil changes, coolant flushes, etc. etc.

We are now considering trading my 2009 for an RTS next year because I have such a long torso that no windshield in existence is tall enough without looking stupid to provide me enough wind protection. In the mean time I love my GS/RS and am curious how many miles I'll end up putting on it before passing it on to another passionate soul.

Good luck with whatever you purchase, I'm sure you'll be pleased. Keep in mind that the RS being the "sport" model has more get up and go than the RT which is geared more towards comfort riding. They are both plenty fast though. It is the same engine just geared differently.

Again, good luck and if it's not too premature...

:welcome:

 

[fordguyupnorth]

i have to agree with hdxbones about the vibration. my 08 ultra was WAY smoother than my 11 rts. i still wouldnt trade back though. the positives are more than the negatives at this point. my ultra had TONS and TONS more power in every power band also. ( mine was the 110 inch screamin eagle) but again, i dont really miss having it. i feel the pros outway the cons but as everyone else has stated it takes a little while to get yourself mentally prepared to accept it. sounds strange but if you buy the spyder you will understand. good luck either way!!

 

[COOLMACHINE]

I have to disagree on this one.

I will not be thread crapping here but since you are asking opinions, I must comment on HDXBones’s comment that the fit, finish and quality of the Spyder is comparable to the metric cruisers.
I'm not sure which one/ones he is referring to but the last metric cruiser I owned was an "05" Kawasaki Vulcan 2000.
My Spyder’s fit, finish and quality are s:cus:t compared to it.nojoke
IMHO, the hd's have nothing on that Kaw either. nojoke

 

[boborgera]

I will not be thread crapping here but since you are asking opinions, I must comment on HDXBones’s comment that the fit, finish and quality of the Spyder is comparable to the metric cruisers.
I'm not sure which one/ones he is referring to but the last metric cruiser I owned was an "05" Kawasaki Vulcan 2000.
My Spyder’s fit, finish and quality are s:cus:t compared to it.nojoke
IMHO, the hd's have nothing on that Kaw either. nojoke

:agree: 100% And i'll leave it at that. :shocked:

 

[stormtrooper]

I will not be thread crapping here but since you are asking opinions, I must comment on HDXBones’s comment that the fit, finish and quality of the Spyder is comparable to the metric cruisers.
I'm not sure which one/ones he is referring to but the last metric cruiser I owned was an "05" Kawasaki Vulcan 2000.
My Spyder’s fit, finish and quality are s:cus:t compared to it.nojoke
IMHO, the hd's have nothing on that Kaw either. nojoke

:agree: Had a 05 road king and a 08 fat boy.I have no problems with the fit and finish on my spyder.:thumbup:

 

[MarkLawson]

If you're planning to have an intercom, it comes as a package with the CB & you must have the audio package too. My wife hates the back seat. Much prefers the backseat on our Goldwing, but she now her own Spyder, so she's never in the back seat anymore anyways. To each their own...

 

[Firefly]

Considering the original poster is comparing an HD trike to an RT Spyder, I would think those with experience on those bikes would have the best input.

But two things should be pretty obvious ....

1. A similarly equipped HD trike to the Spyder RTS will be considerably more expensive.

2. The Spyder is a much safer vehicle than any trike (HD or other).

 

[ARtraveler]

Both Scotty and Firefly have made very good points. I have experienced the same with my 2010 RTS ownership. In addition, I looked at the HD trikes before making my RTS purchase--and the RTS was the way to go for me.