Trying to decide!

[DRTSB]

Hi, I have just joined Spyderlovers in the hopes that you can help!

I’m thinking of getting a Spyder RT Limited, right now I ride a 2009 Goldwing but I have had a knee replaced and have had the Goldwing’s weight on it a couple of times, I like the idea three contact points on the road and this would give me confidence back, don’t get me wrong the Goldwing is a wonderful ride but combined with the knee, short legs and the weight, well you get the picture, I am also looking at the Harley Tri Glide Ultra, I must admit that I am leaning toward the Spyder, the only thing that concerns me is the range of the RT, I get close to 400 kilometers with the Wing, that’s about 250 miles, can anyone tell me the average that the RT gets?

Thanks

Dave :shocked:

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

Welcome to Spyderlovers! I too considered the HD Triglide before buying an RS model (09 Auto). I have the same issues that you have with leg and knee Arthritus that keeps me from riding HD Classic. Anyway I found that I get about 180 to 225 miles on the RS depending how I ride. The RT is a little less but it all depends on your riding style, weight carried, two up or not. But the point that I would like to make is that two hours on the Spyder is a good time to take a break. At 80 mph that's 160 miles well within the range of the machine. And you will enjoy the ride more rested and refreshed. The handling and comfort of the RT and even the sportier RS is far and above better than my HD ever was. The Triglide while my favorite trike after the Spyder is way more expensive for what you get unless you just have to have a HD. I'd buy a hat it's cheaper!

 

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to the party Dave! :2thumbs:
RT's range? Of sourse it all depends on what mood your right wrist is in, but it seems that most folks start looking for fuel at about the 135 to 150 miile mark...
We've got a Tri-Glider in here somewhere...Boborgera: let's see of he chimes in with info on how far the Hawg can fly before a trip to the trough! :roflblack:

 

[dancogan]

On my RT I get about 30 mpg. Using 5 gallons of the capacity of 6+ gives me a range of 150. By then I'm usually ready for a stop.

There are lots of former and current goldwing riders here. Do a search for Goldwing and find their thoughts, or contact some of them directly if you're looking for a one-on-one conversation. Good luck.

 

[Bootie]

Trying to Decide

Hi, I have just joined Spyderlovers in the hopes that you can help!

I’m thinking of getting a Spyder RT Limited, right now I ride a 2009 Goldwing but I have had a knee replaced and have had the Goldwing’s weight on it a couple of times, I like the idea three contact points on the road and this would give me confidence back, don’t get me wrong the Goldwing is a wonderful ride but combined with the knee, short legs and the weight, well you get the picture, I am also looking at the Harley Tri Glide Ultra, I must admit that I am leaning toward the Spyder, the only thing that concerns me is the range of the RT, I get close to 400 kilometers with the Wing, that’s about 250 miles, can anyone tell me the average that the RT gets?

Thanks

Dave :shocked:

I am in pretty much the same boat, i.e. I have a new knee, I'm a bit overweight (lost 25 lbs., though) and I have a 2010 RT. As reported elsewhere the RT gets about 30 mpg which is about 150-180 miles. That's 2 to 3 hours of riding and I am ready for a short break, anyway. Remember the "Y" configuration of the Spyder is considerably more stable that a conventional trike. I'd say it's a No-Brainer. Get the Spyder.
Bruce

 

[Bob Denman]

I've said it before in here: the GoldWings are the best "Horizon-Chasers" on the planet! But you can never compare the range of one of them to that of a spyder. The Third wheel sucks up a lot of fuel... You might want to contact BigRed1: he's got an RT AND a Triked 'Wing so he can offer perhaps a good comparison. :thumbup:

 

[boborgera]

Welcome to the party Dave! :2thumbs:
RT's range? Of sourse it all depends on what mood your right wrist is in, but it seems that most folks start looking for fuel at about the 135 to 150 miile mark...
We've got a Tri-Glider in here somewhere...Boborgera: let's see of he chimes in with info on how far the Hawg can fly before a trip to the trough! :roflblack:

I went 197 miles last week on a ride up the Delaware River, It took 5.4 Gal, The count down gauge read 21 miles to empty.

 

[Bob Denman]

:thumbup: I just KNEW you were out there with needed information... :2thumbs:

 

[Lamonster]

The range is one of my main complaints on the RT, I would love to see a range of 250 miles or better. I start looking for fuel around 120-150 miles and I do carry spare fuel with me in the trailer. I've ran out one time because I didn't realize how bad of a headwind I was driving in.

It could be better for sure but the comfort, safety and joy of the ride overshadows any deficit it has in range. Ride one and I think that will be all it takes. :doorag:

 

[ridesilver2009]

GOLDWING CONVERT

I''ve had 2 Goldwing 1500's and currently own a 2003 GL1800A . Dec. 2008, purchased a 2009 GS SM5.It made life so pleasant, we have a 2012 RT-S SM5 on order and getting rid of the Wing.(Tentative delivery date to the dealer is Friday.) GREAT RYDE. Also my wife loves it. Range is no problem..Stop and smell the roses. It is not the destination, it's the RYDE. ALWAYS 30+ MPG on real gas. Haven't used E-10. Checkout www.pure-gas.org. Happy Ryding....
:thumbup:

 

[boborgera]

:thumbup: I just KNEW you were out there with needed information... :2thumbs:

Yea, Today is one of my Baby sitting days, And my Granddaughter [3 years old] doesn't like when I'm on the computer, So i have to type quick and sweet and get off.

 

[NancysToy]

Most riders get around 28-30 mpg, which gives 130-140 miles before the low fuel light comes on. At that point you have 30-50 miles of wiggle room. Pulling a trailer or riding in the mountains or at higher speeds will give you less. I have had a low fuel light in as few as 80 miles, or as much as 150...although I seldom run down all the way to the fuel light. I figure 25 mpg and 5 usable gallons, just to be safe, which means I fill every 100-125 miles or so, although I have gone over 140. Like learning to ride the Spyder, it takes some adjustments to accept having half the range, but it is worth the effort.

 

[NorthStar]

Try before you buy

Hi, I have just joined Spyderlovers in the hopes that you can help!I’m thinking of getting a Spyder RT Limited, right now I ride a 2009 Goldwing but I have had a knee replaced and have had the Goldwing’s weight on it a couple of times, I like the idea three contact points on the road and this would give me confidence back, don’t get me wrong the Goldwing is a wonderful ride but combined with the knee, short legs and the weight, well you get the picture, I am also looking at the Harley Tri Glide Ultra, I must admit that I am leaning toward the Spyder, the only thing that concerns me is the range of the RT, I get close to 400 kilometers with the Wing, that’s about 250 miles, can anyone tell me the average that the RT gets?ThanksDave :shocked:

I would highly recommend that you take a spirited demo ride(s) on the HD Triglide, Spyder RT and possibly a GL1800 Trike if at all possible. You will find significant differences between all three vehicles, but one will tap you on the shoulder and say "Pick Me"!Coming off of a GL1800, I looked at all three trike versions mentioned above and settled on the Spyder RT purely for ride comfort and safety systems that come standard on the RT. The power steering and vehicle stabilization control systems on the Spyder were tuned specifically for the handling characteristics of this vehicle, while the HD and Honda trikes, although slightly modified, do not have these built in safety systems. This is important to me.There are unique characteristics associated with all three vehicles. The Spyder RT handled the best of the three for me, once you got used to the power steering module and remembered to use minimum grip pressure. However, the clincher for me was the semi automatic transmission. I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoy not having to use a hand lever to change gears. Although I have found maintenance on the RT to be a bit more time consuming than it was on my Goldwing I had to shake my head a bit and remind myself that I am retired from the workforce and have those extra minutes available to pull off a few extra panels.Again, I urge you to take them all for a good ride and you should find out fairly quickly which machine turns your crank. You cannot go wrong with your decision if it feels right to you.

 

[GnA]

If you give yourself a little adjustment time, I think you'll be pleasantly surprise with the additional benefits of the RT. I like being able to "hover" almost in an instant and even the stock seat feel like ryding on a cloud!

Yes, it would be nice to have a longer range, especially when you want to run full throttle. But stopping every 150 miles is not that bad. You cant judge the ryde in a day or two. However, I have not found a bike yet that feels or rides like the GL1800... for a touring bike, I just love how it can slice through the curves. I'll keep my "Couch Rocket" as long as my hips will allow, but I do find myself ryding the RT more and more (great if thee is a little ice and snow on the road too)!!!

 

[MarkLawson]

I've gotten as good as 37 MPG & as bad as 18.4 MPG. It all depends on your riding style & conditions. I don't count on the last gallon of the stated 6.6 gallon tank capacity. I don't think it will take more than about 5.6 gallons.

 

[dave01]

We plan our stops at 100 miles, just in case we are out in the middle of BFE and cant find a station. I too would love to get about 200 miles per fillup.

 

[bikeguy]

Limited range is the worst complaint I have about our 2010 RT. I have, on one unusual occasion, ridden 194 miles on a tank and took a little over 5.4 gallons to fill up. But that was a rare (around here) windless day when my wife and I were just enjoying the ride at 60 - 65 MPH. The low fuel light had been on for more than 20 miles and the digital fuel gauge was down to NO bars. I had a couple of REDA cans of fuel in the saddlebag so I wasn't concerned about being stranded. I have also taken more than 5 gallons to fill up at 118 miles but that was riding into a hard headwind at 80 -85 MPH. I usually get 28 - 30 MPG riding about 70 MPH. I don't normally plan fuel stops unless I'm taking a trip where gas stations are few and far between. In that case, I normally figure on stopping about every 120 miles if possible. That seems to be a good time to take a break as well.

Headwinds and speed make a tremendous difference on the RT's fuel mileage. I have found the digital gauge to be very consistent and reasonably accurate. I think it is a bit on the conservative side, that is, there may be a little more fuel left than the gauge shows, but that's the way I'd prefer it. I still wish I had the range that my BMW and Honda riding buddies have but the stability and comfort of the RT make up the difference. It's still the best 2-up, long distance touring machine I've ever owned.

Cotton

 

[chickridin]

Even us gals like Spyders! hyea::yes:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: Lots of information alread posted for your question. I have a 2010 RTS and usually fill up between 135-150. I have back issues and need to get off and stretch every 50-75 miles--so every second stretch is a gas stop. I would like a longer range too, but the current set up works okay for me.

Never had a wing, but had both a Venture and a Voyager touring bike. Always wanted a Wing because that is the standard for touring. I cannot handle the heft of a big bike like that any more--so the next best thing was the :spyder2: for me.

If you are torn between the Tri Glide and the :spyder2:, I suggest a thorough test drive of both. I looked at Tri Glide before purchasing :spyder2:--just sitting on it and starting it up was enough to let me know I would not have been happy with it--it just did not fit me at all.

Good luck in your hunt--let us know what you get.

 

[StanProff]

Hi, I have just joined Spyderlovers in the hopes that you can help!

I’m thinking of getting a Spyder RT Limited, right now I ride a 2009 Goldwing but I have had a knee replaced and have had the Goldwing’s weight on it a couple of times, I like the idea three contact points on the road and this would give me confidence back, don’t get me wrong the Goldwing is a wonderful ride but combined with the knee, short legs and the weight, well you get the picture, I am also looking at the Harley Tri Glide Ultra, I must admit that I am leaning toward the Spyder, the only thing that concerns me is the range of the RT, I get close to 400 kilometers with the Wing, that’s about 250 miles, can anyone tell me the average that the RT gets?

Thanks

Dave :shocked:

My wife and I were traveling through South Dakota in route to Mount Rushmore and joined up with a couple on a tri-glide. We were both pulling trailers and running 75-85 mph between gas stops. The way we joined up was when I would stop for gas they would also pull in and gas up at the same place. After a about 3 stops ending up at the same gas stations, The Tri-Glide rider said "you must not get any better gas mileage than I do". We then compared range of the bikes and finding out that both had about 6 gallon tanks our mileage was very similar.
Between 28 and 32 mpg according to speed. I would much rather have the stability of the two front wheels as opposed to the motorcycle front end and two wheels in the rear. With the safety features of the spyder I would recommend it. I would note that the RT 622 trailer has about twice the load volume of the trailer he was pulling and I was loaded heavy.