SPYDER RTS vs. GL1800 TRIKE

[Motogordo]

Nov. 6, 2012<br />
<br />
I was just reading the articles on the General Discussion Board about the comparison of the Spyder vs. Wing. I have had both. I had the 2011 RTS/SE5 for one year. I put about 5,000 miles on it. I had NO problems with the computers or anything else. Oh I forgot, I had one minor problem with the radio. I would get static on the AM as soon as I started to ride. No static when in neutral and not moving.

It never got resolved. Besides that my Spyder dealer &quot; EAST COAST CYCLE CENTER&quot;, Bensalem,Pa. was great at servicing the Spyders. Their mechanics were well trained on the Canams. They also sold the Canam Jetski's and the ATV's. They had the largest selection of Canam's I have ever seen IN STOCK. In fact, I was there last week and there had to have been at least 25 new models. They DO sell lots of them. They are the only dealer in the area that has them. <br />
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About a month ago I stopped into the dealership to say hello to all my friends there, and to my surprise, what did I see on the showroom floor ? I saw a 2005 GL1800 Lehman Monarch II trike in red ( I call it burgundy ).

It had all kinds of chrome goodies ( of course they are mostly plastic). I fell in&quot; Love at &quot;First Sight&quot;. The wing had only 4,000 miles on it and it looked like new. The previous owner had some medical issues and had to sell it, so the dealer bought it. I never drove a trike before, but was looking to buy one when I bought the Spyder, since there were no trikes in the area for sale.<br />
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I enjoyed the Spyder and the shifting was an absolute breeze and smooth as silk. I would back off the gas and then upshift just over 3,000 rpms and there wasn't a bit of hesitation. I got around 35 mpg on premium gas, which is required. You would feel the shaking in the handlebars when you would go over a bump. On the GL I feel the shaking in the back when I go over a bump. Six of one and 1/2 dozen of the other.

LOL. I did like the storage on the Spyder. Yes, the front trunk was flimsy but had lots of room for two helmets. You can't add lots of goodies to the handlebars, because there are NO handlebars. They are covered up and you can't attach anything to them. If you want cupholders on the rear you have to get the universal ones that clip onto the grab rails. The floorboards that are sold for the Spyder look like home made pieces of metal. At least that is my opinion. You get lots of heat on the ride side where the foot brake is. Owners keep trying all kinds of ways to eliminate the heat flow.

It should have been designed to eliminate that problem. I did love the reverse gear. It is a real gear that really moves out. The GL reverse is slower then slow but it does work as long as you are not in a rush to back out. LOL. It is true that the Spyder engine does like high revs.<br />
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Unfortunately, high revs also represent low gas mileage. It is not smooth until you get between 4500 - 5,000 rpms. Yes, it is fast if you wish to go that route. The digital dash is rather nice. You have an analog speedometer and a nice large digital readout. The stereo is not as good as the Wing.

If you want a CB you have to fork out another $1,000 and they have to run all the wires through the Spyder for the hookup. The labor is very costly to do that. In fact, all the labor on the Spyder is expensive because of so much plastic removal ( Tupperware) to get to anything. Maybe over the next few years Canam will make changes to the bike that will make it easier and less expensive to service. Another thing you have to be careful about is the drive belt. If you get stones in it you will have a real problem. Owners are buying all kinds of belt tensioners to make sure the belt remains at the proper tightness and also purchasing belt covers. It seems as though everyone is making all kinds of changes to the Spyder in order to make it work properly. If you notice, there are almost NO changes necessary for the GL to make it function perfectly or ride comfortably.<br />
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The Spyder is definitely an eye catcher, mainly because most of the people out there have never seen one except possibly on TV. I was asked questions about mine all the time wherever I stopped.

Lots of women of all ages said &quot; I would ride on the back of that.&quot; They were saying they feel a lot safer on three wheels then two. I agree, and that is why I switched to the three wheelers.<br />
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Now that I have the GL Trike, I get just as many compliments as I did with the Spyder. This bike was loaded up just right by the original owner. I thank him for all that work he did before I bought it. I can see NO reason to ever trade this in for something better since I don't think there is anything better. Only if this machine broke down and fell apart would I consider trading. I won't hold my breath until this happens. LOL LOL.<br />
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Both machines are great, so choose what you like and enjoy it.<br />
<br />
Motogordo<img src="images/smilies/GL1800smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="GL1800" class="inlineimg" />

[Gorilla]

well said nice post

[Mick]

Gordo Ill tell you I have an 07 Lehman thats taken care of by a great installer/dealer by the name of Timms Trikes in St Charles Mn. But unfortunately age and arthuritis caused by working on heavy equipment for too many years is taking its toll. My left wrist and hand is starting to go and Ill tell you Ive looked hard and fast at an automatic Spyder for the day I cant use it any more with a clutch. I love my Lehman but sometimes you have to look toward the future.

[Gorilla]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Mick</strong>
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<div class="message">Gordo Ill tell you I have an 07 Lehman thats taken care of by a great installer/dealer by the name of Timms Trikes in St Charles Mn. But unfortunately age and arthuritis caused by working on heavy equipment for too many years is taking its toll. My left wrist and hand is starting to go and Ill tell you Ive looked hard and fast at an automatic Spyder for the day I cant use it any more with a clutch. I love my Lehman but sometimes you have to look toward the future.</div>

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If you can hang in there I bet there is a Honda Gloldwing Auto in the plans. Honda has into a couple of new auto bikes lately. I think it's only time.

[Ozarkryder]

There are also electric shifters that will give you clutchless or near-clutchless riding on your current rig. A few links:

Pingel All Electric Up/Down Shifters

Electronic Shifters for Disabled Motorcycle Riders

[slather]

I took a test ride on the Honda VFR 1200 DCT. Told the dealer that transmission would be great on the GL1800. I too believe it will happen.

[Chumbly]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Mick</strong>
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<div class="message">Gordo Ill tell you I have an 07 Lehman thats taken care of by a great installer/dealer by the name of Timms Trikes in St Charles Mn. But unfortunately age and arthuritis caused by working on heavy equipment for too many years is taking its toll. My left wrist and hand is starting to go and Ill tell you Ive looked hard and fast at an automatic Spyder for the day I cant use it any more with a clutch. I love my Lehman but sometimes you have to look toward the future.</div>

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</div> Maybe all you need is Carpol Tunnel surgery... the you're good to go another 100 thousand... Seriously worked for me (I too was a equip. operator most of my life). I also have back problems that's beyond surgery but ain't givin' up the ridin' yet.

[Mick]

Sadly my left hand is arthritic and Im having more and more issues with it. The funny thing is Im right handed and most of the bones in the hands and wrist Ive broken have been on the right arm. I love my trike but with the age group that the Wing caters to I dont think Hondas ready to concede to an automatic trans for our style bike. I want to say even though Honda doesnt support the trike market they firmly understand that without them that would be that many less wings sold.

[Chumbly]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Mick</strong>
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<div class="message">Sadly my left hand is arthritic and Im having more and more issues with it. The funny thing is Im right handed and most of the bones in the hands and wrist Ive broken have been on the right arm. I love my trike but with the age group that the Wing caters to I dont think Hondas ready to concede to an automatic trans for our style bike. I want to say even though Honda doesnt support the trike market they firmly understand that without them that would be that many less wings sold.</div>

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</div> Did you think about switching the controls around? Clutch with your right hand...brake with your left. Man, I'd do alot of modifying before I gave it up.<img src="images/smilies/shrug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Shrug" class="inlineimg" />

[spydercatjohn]

I have a feeling someday you will walk into a dealer and see your next dreamboat. I guess thats why the divorce rate is so high.

[RoadBoss]

They are completely different riding styles. Its like comparing a Gold Wing motorcycle to a sport bike. What you like will depend on how you like to ride and probably your age. Apples and oranges.

[SteveMac]

I have some history on the Spyder, and I now own a GL1800 trike. Here are my observations, now that I am the happy owner of a 2003 GL1800 Champion Trike. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
&lt;br /&gt;<br />
We recently got back from our first weekend on the Wing Trike. Got to visit with many of our Spyder riding friends, who really felt the need to bust my chops about MY backwards trike! Whatever, all in good fun!&lt;br /&gt;<br />
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As in most things there are pros and cons to each machine. None of which detract from the fun factor. But I will try to provide my honest feedback, free of charge. There is a money back guarantee if you are unhappy with the result.&lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Disclaimer: I am comparing the 2003 Wing on a 2009 Champion Kit to my former ride, a 2010 Spyder RT with substantial suspension upgrades via Elka shocks.&lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Fun Factor: &lt;br /&gt;<br />
Pretty even match. Although I think it is a &amp;quot;state law&amp;quot; somewhere that you are supposed to prefer your newest ride. So I will.<br />
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I prefer the GoldWing&lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Rider comfort and ergos:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
At first, a nod went ever so slightly to my Spyder.

Primarily because I had custom built my own highway pegs and dialed them into my own personal specs. I also preferred my Corbin seat as it had more &amp;quot;posterior vacancy&amp;quot;. However, having owned the Wing a while now, I prefer the bar reach and width on the Wing. I also installed the Eutopia backrest and tweaked the Kuryakyn highway boards to fit my stance. So I am equally comfy on the Wing. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Passenger comfort and ergos:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
ConnieMac likes both, but that big ole Wing passenger seat has won her over. We had arm rests on the RT-Corbin, and I may add some to the Wing,,, but for her,,, the Wing gets the nod, with or without armrests. Momma is happy, so case closed. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Smoothness of ride:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
At slow speeds in town, the Spyder wins because of dual fronts.<br />
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The single front tire on the Wing is more reactionary to road imperfections and was disconcerting at first. It was fine after I got used to it, but definitely different than the Spyder. At running speed both machines are very smooth.

However, the Wing gets a better grade. I think maybe the driveshaft makes the difference over the belt drive. Or perhaps it is the lower RPM range of the Wing, but at running speed 30+mph I'd give the nod to the Wing. Cruising at 60mph at 2500 RPM does have its perks. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Cornering on dry road condition hard- twisties:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
My Spyder, setup with the Elkas would win in this category. But in its stock 2010 shock config it would definitely not outperform the Wing. We recently ran (two up) the same roads that we formerly did on the Spyder, and I was just as fast in 90% of them. However, there were a couple of curves that had me wondering if the single front tire would keep hugging the road.<br />
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I had no fear of lifting a rear wheel, but I had to get comfy with the single front MC tire. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well the Goldwing trike did. I was expecting to see a bigger degradation in handling when compared to the Spyder, based on some reviews by others, who had ridden both.

I think the lower COG on the Wing is what helped close the gap some. I always felt, when I owned the Spyder, that I would like to sit down into the machine more. A lower COG is definitely a confidence booster. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Cornering on smooth sweepers:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
I'd give a win to the Wing. It just has such smooth power and is a tremendous pleasure to hit the sweepers. There is zero sway with the solid axle Wing. I know some don't like them, but I like it very much, and since I'm paying the bills,,, &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Corning on a rain soaked curve:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
Spyder wins.<br />
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Two in front is superior in wet conditions. Although we didn't ride in the rain on the Wing, there is zero doubt in my mind, that on a wet road, I'd prefer two in front. I will just have to adapt and go a bit slower on the Wing when we do get caught in the rain. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Electronic Controls and Stereo:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
The Wing wins this category hands down.

Honda has these controls setup for ease of use especially when wearing gloves. They have been at this a while and it is apparent. Very easy to initiate and cancel turn signals. And the Wing stereo is magnificent, when compared to the Spyder. Cruise control works equally well on both. The power windscreen on the Spyder is preferred, however, I never changed the height much anyway, so the point is moot.<br />
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Powertrain:&lt;br /&gt;<br />
No contest. An 1800cc 6cyl, shaft-drive definitely wins the day. The Wing is just incredible in the low end and smooth as butter in the upper range. I found that I down-shifted far less with the Wing. Even two-up and triked, it will pull like crazy with a twist of the throttle and no lugging, even at very low RPM. Also with our combined weight, the Wing is effortless at take off from a dead stop.

And especially so on an incline. And the &amp;quot;sound&amp;quot; of the Wing just exudes power. I love the sound and won't change a thing on the exhaust. I do prefer the mechanical reverse of the Spyder over the Wing's electric version. I will just try to park conveniently on the Wing. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Overall quality and dependability&lt;br /&gt;<br />
There isn't much contest. The Goldwing is a pretty clear winner.<br />
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Fuel mileage&lt;br /&gt;<br />
A good friend and owner of both a Wing and a Spyder, told me to expect an 8mpg boost with the Wing. I was skeptical. But sure enough, he was almost spot on. I usually got in the low 30mpg range on my RT. This past weekend, I averaged 38.7mpg on the Wing. So obviously the Honda comes out on top here.&lt;br /&gt;<br />
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In the final analysis.&lt;br /&gt;<br />
Both machines are fun.

Each one has its own areas of superiority. If I were asked to choose, I'd say that I would prefer a combination of both. I'd love to have the two front wheels of the Spyder on the Goldwing power train and electronics. But since we don't currently have that, then I will simply say that I am VERY VERY happy with my Goldwing.<br />
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That doesn't mean that the Wing is better in every way. Just in many ways... And for me that is what matters. &lt;br /&gt;<br />
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Loving my Wing and happy happy happy to be a Wingnut!

[netminder]

Great comparison SteveMac!

[2006gold]

We have one of each also. A 2006 Wing triked in 2009 and a 2011 Can Am RT SE5. We much prefer the Wing. Bought the Can Am for the wife and she then decided she would rather be a goose than a pilot. Will be talking to the bike dealer we bought the Can Am from next week about re-selling the thing. Only problem that we've experienced is trouble getting the parking brake to release. Talked with the Can Am people at the Dallas stop of the International Motorcycle Show Saturday, but being sales types then didn't have clue what to do about that. Will talk with Can Am tech tomorrow.