Spyder RT Limited or Harley Davidson Triglide

[2manycars]

I am also on my second RT

As was the case with the above poster I had a 2010 RT as well. I kept mine for about 12 months and sold it. I never felt I could go anyplace for fear it would go into "limp home mode," or worse. It had constant recalls and was never maintained properly by the dealer.

I had a Burgman motorscooter for a year but missed the RT. I bought a 2012 two weeks ago and found a dealer I liked and I spent some time talking to technician who gave me the confidence that the 2012 models had many of the items taken care of.

I know a number of people who own HD and they admit they are full of problems but love the entire HD culture etc. I wish BRP had a larger dealer network for my spider, but if al goes well I should not need one except for routine mainainance.

I rode a Goldwing trike and it was a beautiful machine, but did not feel as stable as the Spyder.

 

[DrAwkward]

[QUOTE=2manycars;451462

"I know a number of people who own HD and they admit they are full of problems but love the entire HD culture etc. I wish BRP had a larger dealer network for my spider, but if al goes well I should not need one except for routine mainainance."

I have to respectfully disagree hear with 2manycars. As an avid Harley guy the bikes in the last 10-15 years are fantastic machines with very few issues. Doesn't mean there aren't warranty issues but then reading this forum lets you know there are plenty of issues witrh Spyders too! It's how they are handled that matters. The days of bad boy Harley bikers with oil leaking on the garage floors is long over. My newest bike is an 08 Ultra with nearly 30,000 miles. Never been in the shop for a warranty issue and oil changes tires, brakes, all normal maintenance issues are all thats needed to keep it humming.

The decision about whether to buy a Spyder of a Harley Tri-Glide should be about two wheels in front veresus two in back not about breakdowns or warranty issues, any production machine can have issues. Between the two bikes I'd chose the Spyder at this point in my life and thats from a die hard Harley guy. Just sayin...
Doc

 

[Dragonrider]

I've owned three V-Rods, and loved every one - IMHO, the best bike Harley has ever built. I truly wish they would expand that line -

After my research, it appears that Harley has put little engineering behind the TriGlide - it has problems and flaws that do not appear on any other Harley - what other Harley has reverse? How about the parking brake from my 1953 MG TD? Then there are the rear wheels and plastic that cup the engine heat around the passenger and rider? Of course, let's not let the EPA's catalytic converter and ETOH requirements - driving up heat - off the hook. Finally, there's the fixed axel, rather than using the differential, commonly found on other trikes.

If Harley really wanted to build a trike, and put some engineering behind it, they could own the market. For now, one just needs to read some of the threads on their forums, an see how disappointed many owners are.

An earlier point was made that many of these technical issues can be corrected, but, according to my local dealer, only with illegal and warrantee busting fixes.

Personally, I would love to see Harley as a real and viable competitor.

 

[JohnE]

I own a 2010 Spyder Rt-S and a 2011 Harley Triglide . Both have advantages and disadvantages. I love both bikes but ride the Harley more due to better gas mileage and maintenance costs. I have had a lot of problems with the RT-S with a lot of time in the shop. I have had only a few minor problems with the Triglide . The only shop time has been for normal maintenance . The Harley seems to handle better in high wind conditions. As I said I really love both bikes, however I have put more miles on the Harley.

 

[hogmanjem]

Spyder vs Harley

I still have not pulled the trigger on a trike. Been going back and forth between the two ,however I was trying to get a test ride at the Harley dealership and they would not let me since I do not have motorcycle insurance. Well why would I have motorcycle insurance when I no longer own my Heritage Softail Classic ? It looks to me like having a motorcycle license would be enough, when I was looking at a trike costing $32,180.00....I guess not. I guess they can just loose that deal over that ! So I started looking at the RT Limited but prefer the Pure Magnesium Metallic color. I asked the Spyder dealer to figure the price on the RT-S and add all the extras to bring it up to the Limited and that would cost me $2,073.00 more than just getting the Pearl White RT Limited. So now I just have to decide if I want to pay the extra to get the color I want or save the bucks and get the Limited !

 

[WaltH]

I am 1/2 Harley person and 1/2 Spyder person. I have owned many Harleys, including a Harley Trike. I am on my third Spyder. I love them both.

In my opinion, the Spyder is safer. It is better to have the two wheels in the front. Imagine yourself going down a steep grade in the mountains and having to make a sharp turn. Now imagine where the g-forces are wanting to send you. The g-forces can get to be too much for the single wheel up front. I have had the front wheel going sideways on my Harley Trike to the point where I thought maybe I would roll the tire off of the rim. On a steep downgrade, the tendency would be to tip the Harley Trike over. This probably cannot happen with a Spyder. There is a wheel out in front of you that would prevent this. Remember what happened to the three wheel (one in front) ATV. It was outlawed because it tipped too easily. I believe you could not tip over a Harley Trike on a level surface. On a steep downgrade it is different because the weight shifts to the front.

If you get the Harley Trike, do not take the curves faster than the posted speeds. If you keep your speed down you will be able to maintain control.

 

[retired1]

hogmanjem;
I don't know for sure, but I would think that you would be able to get a paint job or a wrap for less than 2grand.:dontknow:
Jmo

 

[hogmanjem]

Spyder vs Harley

hogmanjem;
I don't know for sure, but I would think that you would be able to get a paint job or a wrap for less than 2grand.:dontknow:
Jmo

That's for sure ! I may just go ahead and get the Pearl White Limited and add some artwork and /or pinstripes to it ! I've seen a lot of options for that on this site and they look pretty good!!

 

[SteveMac]

hogmanjem;
I don't know for sure, but I would think that you would be able to get a paint job or a wrap for less than 2grand.:dontknow:
Jmo

Yep. Pete could put together a magnesium color themed wrap together quicker than you can say
http://www.powersportswraps.com !!!!!

 

[Slybird]

Well needless to say we are getting the Spyder. We are getting the RT Limited in Lava Bronze with the tan saddle. One ride convinced us.:spyder2:

Thanks again all!

:congrats::congrats::congrats: You've made a great decision, my friend!!! hyea:hyea:hyea: I've had mine for almost three weeks now, got over 1,500 miles on it and love it to tiny little bits!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hogmanjem]

Spyder vs Harley Trike...update

Well folks, I finally made my mind up and pulled the trigger today! I just bought a 2012 RT Limited in the Pearl White, so I guess I may need to change my handle from hogmanjem to hoglessmanjem ! The only problem now is the wait, because the dealer has to put it together as it just came in on the truck as we were doing the deal. I bought it 105 miles from home up in Hamilton, Al, but the dealer said they would bring it to me when they get it done for free. I thought that was pretty good service on their part ! Just thought I would give you all an update and I thank each of you for sharing information with me on this site, it helped a lot! Thanks,all.

 

[schnauzermom]

Have ridden both

Hi all, new to this forum.  Thinking about getting my first motorcycle and it has come down to the Spyder or the triglide.  Any input about these two machines would be much appreciated.

I realize you might have already made your choice by now, but here's my 2cents. I am a female and rode the Street Glide Trike and the Can-Am rt. The trike has to be physically pushed and pulled on the handle bars to turn. I also found when riding where there are ruts in the road your constantly fighting it. Was seriously wanting to buy it anyway. Then tried the Can-Am. Totally different animal. The automated steering is awesome. As other new riders have described, when doing turns, it felt like it wanted to thrown my body off! But all you have to do is "think" about turning and it does.

I have now owned the RT SE5 for about 2 months. Have almost 1000 miles on it and love it to death. Rode Harleys for 11 years and have never experienced such care free riding. I did get the semi automatic. And with seat time and have learned to lean forward and into the curve when turning. Cami si NOT going to tip or throw you off, she is going to hug the corners and put a smile on your face.

So, that's my experience. I would have been physically exhausted on a long Harley trike ride. But love my Cami.

 

[Cavman]

CANGRATS HOGMAN! :clap::clap::clap:
May the mods begin? :2thumbs:
So now it's time to make a place for it to park inside. Go re-arrange the garage so your better half won't have to park her car outside.

 

[spyderbirds]

Well folks, I finally made my mind up and pulled the trigger today! I just bought a 2012 RT Limited in the Pearl White, so I guess I may need to change my handle from hogmanjem to hoglessmanjem ! The only problem now is the wait, because the dealer has to put it together as it just came in on the truck as we were doing the deal. I bought it 105 miles from home up in Hamilton, Al, but the dealer said they would bring it to me when they get it done for free. I thought that was pretty good service on their part ! Just thought I would give you all an update and I thank each of you for sharing information with me on this site, it helped a lot! Thanks,all.

We bought our 2010 RT A&C from them a year ago april. Enjoyed dealing with them.... bought the RT over the phone and have not regretted it. they did an excellent job seting ours up, and met us halfway in Arkansas for delivery.

 

[hogmanjem]

We bought our 2010 RT A&C from them a year ago april. Enjoyed dealing with them.... bought the RT over the phone and have not regretted it. they did an excellent job seting ours up, and met us halfway in Arkansas for delivery.

They are a great bunch to deal with for sure. I bought their service package to cut the service cost and I will have a nice 210 mile round trip ride to get it serviced.