2018 RTL versus 2014 RTL

[briar]

Thinking of upgrading my Harley Triglide to Spyder RT. My wife rides a 2014 RT Limited and loves it. The Harley is kind of rough on my back due to suspension stiffness. I found that my 20 year old thinking and my 67 year old body can get me in trouble. Between the stiff ride on the Triglide and lifting something that the body couldn't handle anymore, I am now in the early recovery stages of T6, T8 and T9 vertebrae stress fractures and think it's time to change the ride.

Looks like the 14's to 17's are pretty much the same. The 18's have the new dash and BRPConnect that seems to have more bad than good reviews.



Any accessories we should consider like seat and handle bar upgrades due to the back problems?



Thanks for any help and advice while I recuperate. I am not ready to give up the riding and know it will be better soon.



Those of you who have gone through 'broken back' issues have any advice on recuperation and time frame for recovery?

I have a 2014 TriGlide that I would have to sell and have been looking at different dealers for Spyders around Grand Junction area. There are not many close by, even Durango is getting out of the Spyder sales.

Thanks for any advice/help.

=bob=

[trikermutha]

Hey Bob-

Try selling the TRI first then look for a Spyder if that's what you want.

Bars will help so you dont have to reach as far and what Spyder Model are you looking at these days?

[jp58]

Besides the new dash. The 2018 RT has a new power steering unit. That steers easily even when not moving. The previous years are hard until you start moving. That would be a plus for your bad back. I had a 15 RTS and now an 18 F3L. I like the cruiser seating of the F3L. A lot more comfortable for me. First thing to get is a driver backrest. A new bajaron stiffer swaybar for better handling and a laser alignment. Can't go wrong with either model. Just ride both before you buy.

[briar]

I went for a short ride about a week ago on the TriGlide. Wasn't ready for that yet, took a day to recover but am doing better this week. I am looking mainly at the RTL. If i go with a 2018 and the steering is better, i may have to upgrade my wifes '14 RTL to an '18 or get her the '18 and ride the '14.

Thanks again for the input, sorry i didn't get back to you guys earlier.

=bob=

[starrider60]

Your wife will be pleased therefore you will be happy. Funny how those two things go together

[kingfish108]

I went from a "14 RTL to a '17 TriGlide. Put almost 19K on the RTL in two years. Put 27K on the TriGlide in 18 months. I really liked the RTL, but for me, the TriGlide is better. I like having car tires on the back. I like having the luggage space in two very usable compartments versus 4 smaller spaces. I like the bigger engine. The main thing that I like is that there are Harley dealers everywhere. Spyder dealers are few and far between. It just depends on what you are looking for and happy with.

[bikerbillone]

Ditto that on my GW/RS conversion, like the Canam, just can't get past some of the things you mentioned to make the switch.

[briar]

I went from a "14 RTL to a '17 TriGlide. Put almost 19K on the RTL in two years. Put 27K on the TriGlide in 18 months. I really liked the RTL, but for me, the TriGlide is better. I like having car tires on the back. I like having the luggage space in two very usable compartments versus 4 smaller spaces. I like the bigger engine. The main thing that I like is that there are Harley dealers everywhere. Spyder dealers are few and far between. It just depends on what you are looking for and happy with.

You're right about the dealers being few and far away. The two closest to me are between 150 and 200 miles away. A big thing with dealers/maintenance is the drive belt adjustment when replace the rear tire. I've tried that and it is not something I am good at. With the TriGlide having 2 drive wheels I don't seem to get the fish tailing on loose gravel that the wife sees on the Spyder. This not a big deal as you can get used to it but it is alarming the first couple times it happens at highway speeds on sanded highways.

=bob=

[rhino 2]

You're right about the dealers being few and far away. The two closest to me are between 150 and 200 miles away. A big thing with dealers/maintenance is the drive belt adjustment when replace the rear tire. I've tried that and it is not something I am good at. With the TriGlide having 2 drive wheels I don't seem to get the fish tailing on loose gravel that the wife sees on the Spyder. This not a big deal as you can get used to it but it is alarming the first couple times it happens at highway speeds on sanded highways.

=bob=

Yep....Its called the tail wagging the dog....I had a Spyder....

Same with my Slingshot....

[trikermutha]

The nanny should kick in if its gets out of hand ,I have spun mine a few times and found it really easy to control . My Spyder has had only one issue and that was taken care of by me. The 1330 is very reliable.

The steering is really not that bad on the 14 but hear the 18 models are easier. Once you get moving its very easy to turn plus tire pressure makes a BIG difference too and tires but we wont go there.

[bikerbillone]

Mutha, always appreciate your comments.

Bill

[trikermutha]

Mutha, always appreciate your comments.

Bill

Thanks Bill

[Trikeconvert]

Thinking of upgrading my Harley Triglide to Spyder RT. My wife rides a 2014 RT Limited and loves it. The Harley is kind of rough on my back due to suspension stiffness. I found that my 20 year old thinking and my 67 year old body can get me in trouble. Between the stiff ride on the Triglide and lifting something that the body couldn't handle anymore, I am now in the early recovery stages of T6, T8 and T9 vertebrae stress fractures and think it's time to change the ride.

Looks like the 14's to 17's are pretty much the same. The 18's have the new dash and BRPConnect that seems to have more bad than good reviews.

Any accessories we should consider like seat and handle bar upgrades due to the back problems?



Thanks for any help and advice while I recuperate. I am not ready to give up the riding and know it will be better soon.

Those of you who have gone through 'broken back' issues have any advice on recuperation and time frame for recovery?

I have a 2014 TriGlide that I would have to sell and have been looking at different dealers for Spyders around Grand Junction area. There are not many close by, even Durango is getting out of the Spyder sales.

Thanks for any advice/help.

=bob=

I have had experience with both HD and CanAm. Dealer service for CanAm is not near as good as HD and they are far and few between. My ex had the CanAm Limited Touring and it sucked the fuel. I would make sure the Spyder has the new (larger engine) which I understand has extended service intervals and better fuel mileage as well. For me I decided to trike my 2014 Ultra Limited recently with a independent suspension kit from Lehman/Champion. It’s referred to as the Trinity LLS. Since Champion owns Lehman the running gear is all Champion and the body is of Lehman design. It looks very much like the HD Triglide and is so much better than the straight axle on the Freewheeler we purchased after the CanAm.

[bikerbillone]

Here I am on the dday before 2019, sipping my coffee, reading about the Spyder, which I do every time I can ferret out a comment here on TT, SpyderLovers, You Tube, nothing on the other forums, I read almost everything I can about this machine, why, because it intrigues me, the bad, the good, the ugly. So many things I like about the RTL, and the F3 tourer, especially the configuration, (the appearance), the ride (suspension): riding two up, those two big things mean a lot to me. As I've mentioned on TT a number of times, I cannot justify the low trade in on my GW/RS, and writing the big check for the Spyder of my choice. Not having owned a Spyder, I just see a lot of negatives, maintenance, shops I have heard about are notorious for waiting on a part, sloppy workmanship, etc. Can't say much for the GW shops either, but at least I can do routine maintenance. GWs I see comments about 200K/300K miles, and more, I don't see that anywhere I'm reading about the Spyder, maybe they're out there, I just don't see the comment. Bottom line, I will continue to lurk and read about the Spyder, they improve every year, so please don't take this as a Spyder bash, just thoughts. I could go on, but not necessary, some just get tired of reading, so I don't want that. Happy New Year to all the TT happy readers.

[1dn5up]

Probably the only reason I settled on the HD. A dealer in every state/county, if there was a trike manufacture locally with a IRS converstion , my 91 EVO would of got the transformation.

As in any motorsport, unless your willing to deal with the downside once and a while , then stick to darning socks.

[Trikeconvert]

Probably the only reason I settled on the HD. A dealer in every state/county, if there was a trike manufacture locally with a IRS converstion , my 91 EVO would of got the transformation.

As in any motorsport, unless your willing to deal with the downside once and a while , then stick to darning socks.

Great points shared on all 3 options. I agree Honda seems to make good sense. CanAm has loads of technology in their trikes, with 3 wheel ABS to digital electronic power steering and the list goes on. Harley is basic to say the least. I gave up my ABS and Reflex braking when I did trike mine. Not sure about the Hondas.

Most of that is because the existing ABS controller is two channel and could not process a third input/wheel. I had thought maybe I could move the sensors to the two rear wheels and disconnect the front some how. This would still accomdate the two channel system so to speak. I would not want reflex braking to work though. I’d hate to have only one or the other rear brake working below 25 miles per hour.

I see the 2019 HD Triglide now has ABS. Maybe there’s a way to adapt that system down the road. Oh did I mention I like the technology and improvements on all of them. I’m sure the conversion companies could do something about ABS but that would drive conversion costs to the break over point most likely. Causing more folks to just suck up their trade in loss and purchase a manufactures trike.

CanAm products are good, but I second the quality of repairs compared to HD. If you have ever spent time in a HD dealership maintenance facility then you know what I mean. They are clean, well organized which gives you a feeling of comfort. With the CanAm it was some guy that worked on Quads, dirt bikes and generators not to mention street bikes of all kinds.

Some were great, others were not so. Once the mechanic lost a socket in there somewhere in the engine compartment, another time a bolt and nut were lost as well. Pride in a job well done or lack of it comes to mind.

[trikermutha]

Its just like any Dealer the service is only as good as the person who takes care of the issue that takes pride in there work.

I have heard stories from car dealers,HD ,Can Am etc.

Take it for what its worth but I been very happy with my Spyder versus the Tank. HD quality really took a crap over the years IMO. The Spyder has been very reliable for me.

The Spyder is easy to work on , I puts gas in,change the fluids and drive. The semi auto is very nice for those that have hand/wrist issues.

Still like to test ride a Vanderhall and Slingshot

[trikermutha]

I just seen a great deal on a Spyder- Lamonster is selling his with all the goodies for 13k. Not sure if anyone is still looking for one

[jhcolo]

Hi, Briar. The CanAm dealer in Grand Junction no longer sells or services Spyders. I’ve done Spyder business with Fremont Motorsports in Florence, CO (west of Pueblo) and had good experiences there.

[rhino 2]

Hi, Briar. The CanAm dealer in Grand Junction no longer sells or services Spyders. I’ve done Spyder business with Fremont Motorsports in Florence, CO (west of Pueblo) and had good experiences there.

Hey.....Jim,Welcome to Trike-Talk...............