Your experience/thoughts on Spyder vs Other Trikes?

[pauly1]

That's correct. When I'm cornering I don't have the rear end trying to push me off the road or giving me a lumpy ride. Tri-Glides are all manufactured with a solid axle that affects handling and ride. Lots of owners unhappy, but there is a solution. There is a company named IMS Trikes that makes an IRS kit for HD Tri-Glides among others. But you really have to like your trike and have a fat checkbook. Prices start at about 11 grand.

When I switched to my CSC from my Spyder I did a LOT of homework and talked to a LOT of owners and dealers. The difference from one brand/configuration to another is huge. It's unfortunate to categorize all of them the same. Not trying to be argumentative. Just trying to provide real information I have experienced and learned so the OP has a better understanding about what they are asking.

A differential and independent rear suspension are two separate features. All modern trike conversions or OEM trikes on the road that use a rear differential. The alleged "solid axle" means drive axle similar to a rear-wheel drive car/pickup: when the wheel hits a bump or pothole, the up/down motion will rock the chassis. The CSC conversion, and products like it, have a rear-wheel drive system more akin to a Corvette (although motorcycles are not "transaxle" designs) or Jaguar IRS: the differential is mounted solid with each rear wheel allowed to move independently to absorb a bump (limited by the torsion stabilizer bar). They have a tendency to ride smoother, transmit less chassis movement to the rider and passenger, and have a bit more lean in a corner, similar to the lean on a Spyder.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

All modern trike conversions or OEM trikes on the road that use a rear differential.

The OEM differential for Harley trikes is certainly not an automotive style differential. It's # 18 on this parts diagram. https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/...309d85/ee13704f-e80b-40b3-8cf1-47d6b7bd7aaa/y

I don't find any info on Google how that part is constructed and how it actually works, but it must not be very well. I can hardly believe the the number of after market rear axle conversion kits available. I don't even find a You Tube video on how to repair, if possible, the H-D differential.

 

[Peacekeeper6]

Fat Baxter, I'm sorry you have had so much trouble. ..... I've taken my 14 RT to all the dealerships in Vt. (I think there are only three) and have issues with all of them. Lucky it was mostly warranty work. .... Personally speaking, Dealership/tech issues are the weak link for Spyders. .... I do all my maintenance (from day one) and I think that prevents a lot of headaches and saves a LOT of money. ...... I'd get a Miata instead of a Harley...... Good Luck .... Mike :thumbup:

This.

 

[pauly1]

The OEM differential for Harley trikes is certainly not an automotive style differential. It's # 18 on this parts diagram. https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/...309d85/ee13704f-e80b-40b3-8cf1-47d6b7bd7aaa/y

I don't find any info on Google how that part is constructed and how it actually works, but it must not be very well. I can hardly believe the the number of after market rear axle conversion kits available. I don't even find a You Tube video on how to repair, if possible, the H-D differential.

OK, let's split hairs. A differential allows the wheels to turn at different rates; all modern trikes, factory or aftermarket, have a differential. Of course it is "not an automotive style differential" as it looks different in that the H-D is a belt drive, not a shaft drive. It still allows the wheels to turn at different rates, hence the term "differential". I've seen the H-D, the MotorTrike, the CSC (which I believe is the "best" one, especially for a shaft drive set up). There are some fundamental differences necessitated by a V-Twin engine vs a Honda, BMW, Motoguzzi, or Ural.

Here are some links:
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2020-harley-davidson-cvo-tri-glide-first-ride-trike-review
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1856697551...diAaRdUVZnOL1byEHxVlzKCLQC|tkp:Bk9SR4SwyKTBYQ
https://www.harley-davidsonforums.com/threads/2012-tri-glide-differential.46847/

 

[budvoss]

I started out with the Ryker Rally. I loved that thing. About 6 months later I ended up trading and buying a new Harley Freewheeler. All my buddy's had Harleys and peer pressure got the best of me. That Freewheeler tore my shoulders up and my back from the terrible ride and the hard shock to shoulders from front steering pull on bumps. I got rid of the freewheeler when I moved to SC and bought a '22 RT. It's like going to a Cadillac, but boy, I sure do miss my ol' Ryker. It was the most fun ride I ever owned. I wish I still had it...

 

[old Timer]

After living 30 or so miles from the famous Dragon for 7-8 years before moving to New Mexico. A lot of both Motorcycle and Trike riders from the flat lands make a pilgrimage to that area to ride the "Dragon". The road has a ton of severe twisties. A lot of crashes from riders not experienced on that type of road. Conventional trikes like the HD's and Goldwing and other conversions are well over the average of vehicles represented in these crashes. I have yet to hear of any Spyder similar types of crashes, there may be some, but I haven't heard of any. A reverse trike like the Can Am's, Vanderhall and others are many times safer, especially the Can Am Spyder series with its Nanny. A HD trike sounds cool however all you have to do is get an ill handling, Dump Truck riding, great sounding Trike. I prefer a Spyder.