Spyder RT with a Goldwing Engine (Not AI)

[YIRYDE]

This is what BRP should be doing with the RT, larger engine, shaft drive and dual exhaust. This guy went through a lot of effort to get this to work, very impressive.

This is probably the most exciting Spyder video I have seen since BRP released the 2014 RT with the 1330 engine.

Go to the 13:00 minute mark in the video where it begins.

 

[Woodaddict]

Now this contraption is a feat of individual superb engineering!!!!

 

[JayBros]

With BRP base price would be at least 60 grand!

 

[Mikey]

I was surprised in his reaction towards the bike, as hard of a BRP purest he is, it's got to be BRP all the way!!! Good video, and what a novel idea, shaft drive!!! That would be the cherry on top!!

 

[Snoking1127]

I wonder what it weighs in at? Without traction and stability control working, it might be a little hard to handle.
Lets look at the Honda stats:
AI Overview

The 2025-2026 Honda Gold Wing (GL1800) produces approximately 125 horsepower (124.7 hp - 125 hp) at 5,500 rpm. This power is generated by a 1,833cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, which also delivers around 125 lb-ft of torque (170 Nm) at 4,500 rpm.

1,330 cc Rotax ACE in-line 3-cylinder engine, producing 115 horsepower (85.8 kW) at 7,250 RPM and 96 lb-ft. (130.1 Nm) of torque at 5,000 RPM.

 

[ottawa-rider]

I'm curious what he started with, there was no indication that I heard in the video. Did he use a wrecked Spyder (seems to be a fairly recent model) or did he tear a perfectly good Spyder apart to do the transformation?
Either way, I'm impressed.

 

[Mrmikey]

Can't beat the sound of a wing. I'm sorry I ever sold the one I had but after a couple years ownership I realized that being vertically challenged and being on a wing was not a good combo. The power was sooo smooth and it would handle awesome, like s**t to a blanket.

 

[JoeAbell]

Just watched this last night and was completely fascinated. Engineering capabilities to fit that engine in and make it work is excellent. I am sure there are bugs to be worked out but really cool.

 

[Peter Aawen]

I wonder what it weighs in at? Without traction and stability control working, it might be a little hard to handle.
Lets look at the Honda stats:
AI Overview

The 2025-2026 Honda Gold Wing (GL1800) produces approximately 125 horsepower (124.7 hp - 125 hp) at 5,500 rpm. This power is generated by a 1,833cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, which also delivers around 125 lb-ft of torque (170 Nm) at 4,500 rpm.

1,330 cc Rotax ACE in-line 3-cylinder engine, producing 115 horsepower (85.8 kW) at 7,250 RPM and 96 lb-ft. (130.1 Nm) of torque at 5,000 RPM.

I can just image how long that'll mean an OEM Kenda 'Spyder tire' will last on that, let alone how bad the traction and handling in anything but a straight line will be, even if they can get the VSS functioning!

I guess you'd wanta seriously hope that it's a whole lot easier to get the hybrid Honda/Spyder rear wheel off... but I wouldn't bet on it!

Mind you, I hafta add that a good ECU Upgrade should be able to (well... actually does! ) produce somewhat better power stats from the original engine, and an ECU Upgrade is a whole lot easier/costs a whole lot less $$ at that!

However, there is that shaft drive to consider, and there's no denying that overall, it is a damn good looking job! Kudos well deserved!

 

[Peder]

I'm curious what he started with, there was no indication that I heard in the video. Did he use a wrecked Spyder (seems to be a fairly recent model) or did he tear a perfectly good Spyder apart to do the transformation?
Either way, I'm impressed.

He and his wife have matching Spyder RT's. I think that they are both '24 models. His wife loves the Spyder, but really wanted a fully automatic transmission. The guy purchased a left over '24 Goldwing DCT and yarded the engine out and stuffed into his wife Spyder. He has been working on it for 6+ months. He has merged the Honda's ECM with the Spyder's electronics and is currently working on the VSS. The guy has some serious skills.

 

[Snoking1127]

He and his wife have matching Spyder RT's. I think that they are both '24 models. His wife loves the Spyder, but really wanted a fully automatic transmission. The guy purchased a left over '24 Goldwing DCT and yarded the engine out and stuffed into his wife Spyder. He has been working on it for 6+ months. He has merged the Honda's ECM with the Spyder's electronics and is currently working on the VSS. The guy has some serious skills.

Seems he is in our cabbage patch. Hunt him down and get more info on the project.

 

[YIRYDE]

He and his wife have matching Spyder RT's. I think that they are both '24 models. His wife loves the Spyder, but really wanted a fully automatic transmission. The guy purchased a left over '24 Goldwing DCT and yarded the engine out and stuffed into his wife Spyder. He has been working on it for 6+ months. He has merged the Honda's ECM with the Spyder's electronics and is currently working on the VSS. The guy has some serious skills.

BRP should hire him, but this could be the start of a great marriage and of course, compensation.

 

[YIRYDE]

Here is Sean Smoaks first talking about this Spyder about a month ago, beginning around the 3:50 minute mark in the video.