I Traded My Spyder

[dndfindley]

If I rode only by myself, I wouldn't ride a Spyder either. It really doesn't matter what you do to the design. A three wheeler is never going to perform like a sport tourer. Heck, my RT doesn't even come close to the performance of a Goldwing. If it were shopping for a personal bike, I would look at the ST1300, FJR1300 and Concours. The FJ-09 is too small and doesn't carry enough stuff for long distance touring.

I agree...mostly. Whereas the FJ-09 doesn't have the luggage capacity of the other bikes you reference it does have some and if a top case were added it would be adequate. As to size - it's not as small as you would think. It sits high. I ordered mine sight unseen based only on website reviews. I knew it was based on the FZ-09 which is small and I was a bit worried. When I went to pick it up and saw it for the first time sitting on the center stand I breathed a sigh of relief - it's not small. You should look into one. The other bikes you mention are very good bikes (the ST 1300 is a little dated) but they are also much heavier.

 

[dndfindley]

really glad you got a better trade and for something you want. Hope it is all you are looking for...:2thumbs: keep in touch cause spyders will ryde with you anyway....

Thanks. I will continue to pop into Spyderlovers from time to time.

 

[Art Mann]

As to the Honda ST 1300 - it's very nice bike but everything I read says it is growing long in the tooth - long overdue for an extensive update plus price wise they are on the upper end of their segment.

I agree that the ST1300 is dated but it is still best in class in my opinion. At one time I tried them all and I owned a Concours for several years. You will notice I didn't mention the BMW R1200RT. My opinion is that it uses dated engine technology, no matter how many other high tech bells and whistles it includes.