New Member Intro & Questions re Upcoming Purchase Decision

[WoodmanTX]

Hi! New member here seeking advice.

Background: Long-time Goldwing rider. 66yo. Retired. 140k on my 2018 Wing with 9 IBA’s and been to all continental States except NE. I love riding and exploring new places. I crashed on some debris last October. Bike totalled. I am OK but got really lucky. Shook me up mentally, thus been thinking about what is next. 3 wheels appears to be in my future. Trikes don’t appeal to me, leading me to research on the Spyder. Long time GW Forum member, so I know the drill. I have done a lot of reading here and educated myself and waited to post until I was able to secure a test ride so that my questions would be relevant. I also know that most posts on forums are problem related, thus exaggerating some issues. I value the experience and advice of forum members also. Seeking wisdom and info in my upcoming decision to purchase a 2026 RT S2S.

In no particular order or priority, I seek feedback on:

• Why did you switch to a Spyder and would you do it again?
• Other than TPMS (coming in 2027), semi-auto tranny (just why not go full auto?) and lack of ‘Sport’ mode, the S2S appears to be fully loaded. Are there any rumors to a significant model change upcoming that I should wait for? What are other things you wish were on the bike?
• There are very few test rides available in DFW area and no S2S that I can go look at. I found and rode a 2018 RT Limited at my local Honda dealer. Very smooth and quiet. I did not experience the handling transition problems that are mentioned online as I ride a lot of ATV’s, but did note the power steering sensitivity at speed. Engine is not as peppy as the Wing, but I knew that going in. Downshifting provides plenty of power when needed. Main question - I am 6’3” and the cockpit felt cramped. I could not stretch out my feet and the brake pedal positioning felt inconvenient.
  • 1) Has there been a redesign since 2018 improving the room in the cockpit? And
  • 2) are there seat options to move the seating position back some? I did note online that there are highway peg aftermarket options.
• I noted that when accelerating from a dead stop, there was a brief momentary pause (say 1/2 to full second) prior to the tranny engaging and beginning to pull away. Is this normal or maybe just on the bike I rode?
• A lot of scary posts online and this forum regarding technology glitches, primarily CarPlay and Limp Mode. I see a recent software patch, it's probably too soon to know if it is working, but it seems to be a very slow response from BRP. Question: Is this a widespread issue or just a few limited occurrences? FYI, if I pay $30k+ and am 2,000 miles from home, I certainly don’t want to deal with issues like this. Reliability is really important to me. Should I be concerned?
• Concerns about the Dealer Network and quality/timely service - what are your experiences? I am used to knowing my techs by name and having them in my phone via a long relationship with a Honda Powerhouse Dealer here in DFW. I haven’t worried about parts/scheduling/quality service in a long time. I realize I will be stepping down from a high standard set at Honda, but how bad is it? How did you go about finding and building a relationship with a certified dealer to service your machine. Does it matter if you bought it there or not?

Again, thank you for your time. I decided to put a lot into 1 post rather than bother everybody with a series of posts. I hope my strategy is ok. Probably looking to make a decision in the next month or two.

Woody

 

[UtahPete]

Regarding the legroom; there are aftermarket options that provide more room for the driver at the expense of passenger comfort, which isn't an issue unless you need to provide for a less than tiny passenger.

Regarding reliability; there are some model years that are exceptionally well dialed in and trouble free, such as the 2014 RTL I've had since new. The DESS failure issue is weird because some bikes within a model year have it and others don't. Same with the main drive gear spline issue. My observation in being a member of this forum for over 10 years is that

1) most known failure issues aren't catastrophic enough to leave you stranded mid-ride, particularly if you have the ability and tools to do basic electrical/mechanical repairs or workarounds in those rare instances you do experience a breakdown and​

2) truly catastrophic failures are extremely rare and usually caught shortly after release of the new model.​

​

In short, I think the Spyder is very dependable, but not to the level of legendary bikes like the Goldwing.

Dealer support is spotty, in that there seems to be no factory level service standards that demand excellence of the dealers, so quality varies widely between dealers and year to year within a given dealership. It's also spotty in that some areas of the country have lots of dealers and others do not.

Bottom line, for me anyway, is that the Spyder is an extremely capable, reliable, safe machine with some quirks and spotty dealer support, things that are irritating but not deal killers. I wouldn't have anything else, given what the market currently has available in 3-wheeled motorcycles.

I chose the Spyder because of its unparalleled safety features, it's comfort and it's long-legged touring capability. But, mostly its impressive stability and strong, safe braking.

 

[LisaMal]

Good luck in your decision-making process @WoodmanTX!
I'm in the process of fully converting to my 2023 S2S, but I still have my BMW.
You will find that riding a 3-wheeled vehicle can be liberating, as you no longer have to support the weight of a large motorcycle. However, it is a different skill set to learn to ride it.

As far as the technical aspects of the bike and the dealer network, those are good questions. Look for the Spyder Riders group on Facebook in DFW and the surrounding area to get feedback on the local dealer network. In terms of Limp Mode, honestly, in my experience, I've had several VSS faults, of which only 1 led to Limp Mode; most were due to the battery and inadequate charging from the alternator.

The implementation of CarPlay is a constant work in progress, and IMHO BRP is fighting a losing battle. They are behind in features, and what they do have doesn't always work. I still use a Carpuride device and a GPS for navigation. My bike is the Starship Enterprise, but it mirrors my BMW.

I attended Club BRP a few months ago (their dealer-only event), and I don't think they'll make any significant changes to the bike. The US market will also be significantly impacted by the latest restrictions on BRP imports. So it is hard to really say what the future of OnRoad products will be in the US.

If you want a sportier ride, try the Canyon. It rocks! But it won't have TPMS if that is important to you (you can add aftermarket sensors to your tires). If the Canyon isn't your thing, look at the F3. But don't expect the ride experience on a 2018 to be anything like that of the current models.

Hope this helps a little!

 

[Snoking1127]

I might tie you on the Starship Enterprise, @LisaMal.

 

[Nokesy]

I switched to a Spyder from a ST1300 Honda. I used to put on a lot of miles on any bike I have. Went to an RSS and after a little getting used to it, I loved the Spyder. My knees were getting bad and it was harder to stay upright when stopped. I put over 245,000 miles on the RSS and had no major issues other than normal maintenance, I also have a good dealer in the area. Then I got Sepsis, which basically destroyed my body, it took me two years to even use a walker. Purchased an RT Ltd and strapped a folding walker on the back of the Spyder and continued to drive. Now, after another two years, I don't need a walker and I love the ride the RT Ltd gives me.

The Spyder gives me the freedom to continue to ride in comfort. I would definitely stay with automatic, sit on as many models you can, and check out the extras that can make your riding more comfortable for you.

They are dependable bikes as long as you do the maintenance on them. Also, a good mechanic is helpful as well.

Just pick the model that you like and enjoy the ride.

 

[TheMariner]

They are dependable bikes as long as you do the maintenance on them.

This applies to most cars, bikes, outboard motors etc... The worst thing for them is the owner who doesn't take care of them.

 

[kbirdsong]

Like every other vehicle I have ever owned Internet forums and especially Facebook groups tend to amplify issues. Not that they don't exist but because not many people jump on and talk about all the trouble free miles. I have experienced no issue whatsoever with my RTL in the four years I have owned it. There were things I didn't like and most of those were related to my size, 5'6". This forum pointed me in the right direction to change or fix those, and other things I wanted to improve handling, visibility and comfort and again this forum pointed me to everything I needed or wanted. I have a 2022 RTL.

 

[Mrmikey]

1. Reason I switched to a Spyder sounds to be the same as you, knees and hip (I'm 70) had a hard time supporting my previous ride, a Kawi Voyager. It was an awesome bike and handled like a dream, hated to sell it
2. Would I do it again, yep.
3. Only complaint I have, on mine anyway is, being used to the Voyager, the lack of storage space and small size of the frunk which will barely hold a full helmet. The saddlebags aren't much better but everything's not going to be 100%, if you don't carry much you won't notice it.
4. My rig is a 2015 SE6 F3S, a semi auto. Knowing what I know now, I would have held out 'till I could have got a full manual 'conventional' transmission. No complaints about how the semi works but I would have preferred the manual just because.
5. I've not seen any options for moving the seat back, not saying there isn't any, just haven't seen them. I'm a short azz at 5'-9" so not a concern for me. I did put a backrest on but I didn't need it and it was a pia slinging my leg over so it's stuck in the closet now and I don't miss it. Odd bit of info, the fella I bought the bike from was 6'-1" and I haven't changed a thing from where he had everything set, mirrors, bars, brake pedal and I find it extremely comfortable. It has running boards so that probably makes a difference as opposed to pegs where you're limited to one position.
6. Never noticed a delay in mine but I do slightly......>>very<< slightly rev up with the brake on before starting out cold to stop the jerking take off.
7. Never had any glitch with mine other than when the battery was going bad and got the limp mode and VSS error. Not a fault of the machine just the battery which is a finneky part of the machine....it is what it is.
8. Never needed the dealer, mind you I've only owned it for a couple years now. I do my own oil changes and changed the brake pads and fluid and probably will end up putting a new rear tire on this winter myself.

Only major change I made is to add a higher windshield from GP Cycles as the stock Blue Ridge one was way too low for me and the head buffeting and wind noise was driving me crazy. I did have PPF added to the frunk cover and left and right side panels as I could see the cover getting marked from pushing down to latch it and my legs rubbing on the covers.
My first trip out when I bought it I thought I had made a mistake buying it because of the ....'different' handling characteristics. I stuck with it and due to a lot of tips and advice mostly from this forum I now have no complaints.

 

[baxter]

After seven Harleys and one Indian, I reached the point where the left leg was becoming iffy to continue with the big bikes. Decision to either stop riding or find an alternative became an issue. I saw the Spyders one time coming back from a bike trip to Alaska and thought it looked pretty neat to ride. Traded a 2017 Harley Ultra in for a 2020 RTL with out even riding it. It was a big difference, but once becoming aquatinted with it, I began enjoying the rides. Traded it for a 2022 F3L because it gives a more bike-like feel because how one sits down into the bike. Centrifugal force becomes an issue with the three wheelers. I now have a 2024 F3 Limited. I have not had any big issues with all three bikes. I ride all over North America on all kinds of roads in all sorts of conditions and I'm still loving to ride.

 

[blacklightning]

My reason for switching to my first Spyder (in 2014) was similar to yours. I had an accident and the wife wanted me to stop riding. I picked up a Spyder and have had one ever since. In fact, I am on Spyders number 5 and 6. The 2018 that you rode was a different body style from the 2026 that you are considering. The change took place in 2020 and has made small improvements since. The 2024 was a change in the screen and a few other things. The Sea to Sky is not that different from an RTL, so if you can try out an RTL, just imagine a few more bells a whistles and that is what a Sea to Sky is like. I have a 2021 RTL and did a 9,045 mile cross country trip last year and it performed perfectly. Yes, there can be issues, but that comes with anything that is made by man. But sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. Good luck with your search. Not sure if I mentioned it, but the 2020 and up does have more leg room that the 2010-2019 RT version.

 

[Elqueso2]

I might tie you on the Starship Enterprise, @LisaMal.
View attachment 257089

Can I join the club?

 

[Elqueso2]

@WoodmanTX

1. Reason I switched to a Spyder; was that my wife, because of health issues couldn't get up onto the Harley anymore. She missed the wind in her hair and really enjoys being back on the road again. I Would do it again with no hesitation. I've had 3 knee replacements (1 Partial and 2 fulls) and it's getting harder for me to get on the Ultra Classic lately too and its still covered.
2. If you get a Pedal Commander (Plug and Play), you have 4 main modes with 3 intermediate ones. It's much like "Sport Mode" but on Steroids. I ride it on "Street 3" and it's got a lot of pep over stock.
3. So far, I have no complaints and as I ride it more, I'm really loving it! I find that it’s more of a comfortable ride than the Harley. All my friends (that have Harleys and now Spyders) agree. I don’t have to worry about stuff on the road and constantly looking for potholes or road kill. It’s hard to explain, I feel more “Relaxed” ride for me.
4. Mine is a 2023 RTL I bought from a close friend about 3 months ago. I have added a bunch of things to it, to make it my own and for comfort.
5. I'm 6' and have no issues with the seat. I did modify the backrest since it hit too high on my back. I'm very comfortable riding long distances. I will change out the passenger seat to an aftermarket one.
6. Never noticed a delay in mine either and I let it warm up before riding it.
7. I've had it go into Limp mode once while I was riding it. I turned it off and back on again and it disappeared about 5 mins later. Haven't had any issues with it since. Been real reliable so far.
8. I only use the dealer for parts and I do all my own maintenance including Oil changes, brakes and any other mechanical Fix/add-ons items needed. Granted it's not as easy as working on the Harley, but it's not that hard either.