Can Am or Harley

[Dherring386]

Hello everyone. I am new to the forum just beginning to search for my first trike. I have ridden motorcycles most of my life and enjoy the feeling of the open road. As I’m getting close to retirement, my wife would like to ride along. At this point in my life, I’m not sure that I would be able to stop a 600-700 lb motorcycle with two riders from tipping over if needed. (Thus the reason for searching for my first trike) I have been looking at the HD Tri Glide Ultra but wanted to hear about your experience with the Spyder. In doing some research they seem to be more stable, provide a better ride, and have better electonics than Harleys. A couple of questions I have is How hard is it to find a repair facility when traveling? Are they reliable? How comfortable is the ride for your passenger? Thanks in advance for your responses. I plan on test riding both before purchasing but wanted to hear opinions from others with more experience.

 

[nucseal]

Welcome to Trike Talk from San Antonio, Tx. I am sure someone will be along to answer your questions!

 

[cycle7447]

Hello everyone. I am new to the forum just beginning to search for my first trike. I have ridden motorcycles most of my life and enjoy the feeling of the open road. As I’m getting close to retirement, my wife would like to ride along. At this point in my life, I’m not sure that I would be able to stop a 600-700 lb motorcycle with two riders from tipping over if needed. (Thus the reason for searching for my first trike) I have been looking at the HD Tri Glide Ultra but wanted to hear about your experience with the Spyder. In doing some research they seem to be more stable, provide a better ride, and have better electonics than Harleys. A couple of questions I have is How hard is it to find a repair facility when traveling? Are they reliable? How comfortable is the ride for your passenger? Thanks in advance for your responses. I plan on test riding both before purchasing but wanted to hear opinions from others with more experience.

Good luck in your research.

I would like to respond/help. To do so, let me first ask if you are currently riding a bike? If so, what make, model, year, etc.

 

[Dherring386]

Good luck in your research.

I would like to respond/help. To do so, let me first ask if you are currently riding a bike? If so, what make, model, year, etc.

Thank you for you response. I have ridden a variety of bikes over the years. (Dirt bikes, two-strokes, cruisers etc. I have been riding road bikes since the mid 80’s. ). I currrently own a Suzuki S50.

 

[geol]

I have never owned a Harley trike; I own a Goldwing GL1800 Roadsmith conversion. I have owned a 2010 Spyder (the touring model). It had the buzzy twin engine and they had not beefed up the suspension as 2010 was the first year they produced the touring model (trunk and hard bags). First time out with the missus riding pillion the Spyder leaned farther than a trike should in hard curves and it was unsettling.

Bought different shocks and a heavy duty stabilizer bar and that helped but the 900cc twin engine made it like riding a two stroke dirt bike. Had to be revved to make power. My wife wasn't thrilled with the ride even after the modifications and we sold the Spyder and went back to a Goldwing trike (Champion solid axle) and I ended up selling it and buying a GL1800 Roadsmith conversion with independent suspension and my wife and I are happy. I will say that looking at the Tri-Glide comments, much has to be done to make these trikes comfortable.

They have solid axles and it appears the stock suspension isn't as comfy as many owners like. I personally wouldn't choose either a Harley trike unless it was an aftermarket kit conversion with IRS and don't know if they have improved the Spyder enough to make it a solid choice; they do now have a 3 cylinder much more powerful engine. Can't speak to their maintenance as I did my own except changing the rear tire (Kenda, expensive and doesn't last all that long). I used a shop for the rear tire change.

 

[cycle7447]

Thank you for you response. I have ridden a variety of bikes over the years. (Dirt bikes, two-strokes, cruisers etc. I have been riding road bikes since the mid 80’s. ). I currrently own a Suzuki S50.

Thanks - I asked because, if you currently had a Harley, I would have recommended that you install a conversion kit' perhaps a CSC or Roadsmith.

The TriGlide is nice but the solid axel leaves a little room for improvement. Friend here purchased a 2019 Ultra for $11000 - had it converted and loves it.

Where are you located? We lost a friend about 2 years ago - his bike is still sitting. She hasn't been ready to part with it but now thinks it is time.

 

[pwhoever]

You definitely want to try riding both and see how they feel. But there are other options available as @geol and @cycle7447 point out so unless you have a specific reason for a TriGlide or CanAm, try not to limit yourself. Also just so you're aware, there are companies that will also do IRS upgrades to Harley trikes. Like cycle2447 points out, the straight axles on the Harley trikes are not everyone's cup of tea although there are aftermarket solutions such as upgraded shocks, etc...

 

[Dherring386]

Thanks - I asked because, if you currently had a Harley, I would have recommended that you install a conversion kit' perhaps a CSC or Roadsmith.

The TriGlide is nice but the solid axel leaves a little room for improvement. Friend here purchased a 2019 Ultra for $11000 - had it converted and loves it.

Where are you located? We lost a friend about 2 years ago - his bike is still sitting. She hasn't been ready to part with it but now thinks it is time.

Located in VA. Sorry about your friend’s loss.

 

[cycle7447]

Located in VA. Sorry about your friend’s loss.

Where in Virginia - I am originally from Richmond.

CSC is located in Arrington, VA

 

[al0vely]

I have owned a Can Am Spyder since 2016. I ride a 2020 Can Am Spyder RTL and my BF has a 2014 RTL and a HD touring bike. We have ridden approximately 25,000 miles on the Spyder's and really enjoy them a lot. I find that my Spyder handles the curvy roads with much more grace than the HD touring bike. If there is enough room for you and your wife to fit comfortably on the Spyder it will serve you well.

 

[TwistedKarma]

I'm old, or just worn out. I run irs, and love the ride, choose well

 

[Dherring386]

Thanks - I asked because, if you currently had a Harley, I would have recommended that you install a conversion kit' perhaps a CSC or Roadsmith.

The TriGlide is nice but the solid axel leaves a little room for improvement. Friend here purchased a 2019 Ultra for $11000 - had it converted and loves it.

Where are you located? We lost a friend about 2 years ago - his bike is still sitting. She hasn't been ready to part with it but now thinks it is time.

Where in Virginia - I am originally from Richmond.

CSC is located in Arrington, VA

Near Charlottesville…..about 1 hour from Richmond.

 

[Dherring386]

I'm old, or just worn out. I run irs, and love the ride, choose well

Thank you….I think I may be both old and worn out!

 

[Dherring386]

I have owned a Can Am Spyder since 2016. I ride a 2020 Can Am Spyder RTL and my BF has a 2014 RTL and a HD touring bike. We have ridden approximately 25,000 miles on the Spyder's and really enjoy them a lot. I find that my Spyder handles the curvy roads with much more grace than the HD touring bike. If there is enough room for you and your wife to fit comfortably on the Spyder it will serve you well.

Thank you. We plan on taking one for a test drive

 

[pwhoever]

Well you're in the right direction to maybe stop by the California Sidecar facilities like @cycle7447 had brought up. Looks like only about 40 miles from you. I might suggest reaching out to them and taking a tour of their place. The only thing is they just do conversions so you might have to shop for the bike first. But they do both Harley and Goldwings. And it's a decent way to end up with a trike the way you want.

And in your first comment, you mention about being able to find a repair facility while traveling. On that, I think Harley would have an edge over the Canam. But... with a Goldwings, especially the 2012-2017 models, chances are that you won't even need to worry about needing a repair facility as they are known for their reliability. Something else to consider.

 

[geol]

Well you're in the right direction to maybe stop by the California Sidecar facilities like @cycle7447 had brought up. Looks like only about 40 miles from you. I might suggest reaching out to them and taking a tour of their place. The only thing is they just do conversions so you might have to shop for the bike first. But they do both Harley and Goldwings. And it's a decent way to end up with a trike the way you want.

And in your first comment, you mention about being able to find a repair facility while traveling. On that, I think Harley would have an edge over the Canam. But... with a Goldwings, especially the 2013-2017 models, chances are that you won't even need to worry about needing a repair facility as they are known for their reliability. Something else to consider.

I have owned my 2006 GL1800 conversion since 2017 and have never needed to find a repair place while on the road. Not sure how you picked 2013-2017 years for trouble free Goldwing ownership. I also had a 2007 Goldwing Champion conversion for a few years and no problems and also had a 1996 GL1500 Roadsmith conversion with no problem requiring finding a repair place.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

I have never owned a Harley trike; I own a Goldwing GL1800 Roadsmith conversion. I have owned a 2010 Spyder (the touring model). It had the buzzy twin engine and they had not beefed up the suspension as 2010 was the first year they produced the touring model (trunk and hard bags). First time out with the missus riding pillion the Spyder leaned farther than a trike should in hard curves and it was unsettling. Bought different shocks and a heavy duty stabilizer bar and that helped but the 900cc twin engine made it like riding a two stroke dirt bike. Had to be revved to make power. My wife wasn't thrilled with the ride even after the modifications and we sold the Spyder and went back to a Goldwing trike (Champion solid axle) and I ended up selling it and buying a GL1800 Roadsmith conversion with independent suspension and my wife and I are happy. I will say that looking at the Tri-Glide comments, much has to be done to make these trikes comfortable. They have solid axles and it appears the stock suspension isn't as comfy as many owners like. I personally wouldn't choose either a Harley trike unless it was an aftermarket kit conversion with IRS and don't know if they have improved the Spyder enough to make it a solid choice; they do now have a 3 cylinder much more powerful engine. Can't speak to their maintenance as I did my own except changing the rear tire (Kenda, expensive and doesn't last all that long). I used a shop for the rear tire change.

Its a totally different experience. One that I have learned to love & embrace my Spyder. I can't wait for the next ride. It takes awhile to understand it, and you definitely can't judge it with a ride around the block. I've got 11,500 miles on mine in 2 years and that's 95% mountain roads. I push the envelope almost every time I'm on it. To me it's a total rush.

I've got it figured out pretty well now , and really enjoy it. I won't say it's safer than a 2 wheeler, but just in the past month ive hit large deposits of diesel fuel on the road that made the trike go sideways, but had i been on 2 wheels I'd of probably been in the ER.

To me it's all about mastering it's unique characteristics. I mastered 2 wheels long ago. I've been riding since the mid 60's . Dirt bikes, UGM's, & Cruisers. I dont miss the ride of those machines, but i do miss the how maneuverable they are in congested traffic.

I still ride on 2 wheels occasionally, but anymore I'll grab the keys to the Spyder. Its just more exciting to me. Just my humble opinion of course. Different strokes for different folks as they say.

 

[pwhoever]

I have owned my 2006 GL1800 conversion since 2017 and have never needed to find a repair place while on the road. Not sure how you picked 2013-2017 years for trouble free Goldwing ownership. I also had a 2007 Goldwing Champion conversion for a few years and no problems and also had a 1996 GL1500 Roadsmith conversion with no problem requiring finding a repair place.

You are correct. My last one was a 2007 GL1800 I bought in 2014 and had it converted in 2016 with a Viper conversion. I was very happy with that and had no plans on getting rid of it but the accident last year changed all that. And before that, I had a 1997 GL1500 bike bought 1999 that I drove regularly with minimal issues for 15 years until the 2007 came along. So I agree that there are many years of reliable Goldwings.

The one thing to realize is that as these get older, parts are starting to be an issue. Although not completely dried up yet, pre 2012 parts are not going to be as available as 2012+. And a 2012+ can be picked up at a still reasonable price. The CSC Viper (still a currently available conversion)kit was designed to compliment the 2012-2017. The now discontinued Cobra/Cobra XL was designed for the 2001-2010 GL1800 models. The Encore is designed around the 2018+ but 2018+ is now getting into more expensive territory as well as not as comfortable for 2 up riding from what I have heard. So that was the reasoning for recommending a 2012-2017 as it would be a good reliable choice.

 

[pwhoever]

Its a totally different experience. One that I have learned to love & embrace my Spyder. I can't wait for the next ride. It takes awhile to understand it, and you definitely can't judge it with a ride around the block. I've got 11,500 miles on mine in 2 years and that's 95% mountain roads. I push the envelope almost every time I'm on it. To me it's a total rush.
I've got it figured out pretty well now , and really enjoy it. I won't say it's safer than a 2 wheeler, but just in the past month ive hit large deposits of diesel fuel on the road that made the trike go sideways, but had i been on 2 wheels I'd of probably been in the ER.
To me it's all about mastering it's unique characteristics. I mastered 2 wheels long ago. I've been riding since the mid 60's . Dirt bikes, UGM's, & Cruisers. I dont miss the ride of those machines, but i do miss the how maneuverable they are in congested traffic.
I still ride on 2 wheels occasionally, but anymore I'll grab the keys to the Spyder. Its just more exciting to me. Just my humble opinion of course. Different strokes for different folks as they say.

Very good points. Everyone is going to have different preferences and wishes. And I also agree that simply riding around the block isn't enough to evaluate. You really need to take the different ones on an actual test drive to find out.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Can am's dealership network isn't good. Finding one while traveling will be a challenge. Finding one with a tech that knows Spyders well is also a problem.
People tour coast to coast on them and never give it a 2nd thought. You sure dont hear about them breaking down.

As far as comfort?, I can't speak for any of them because I ride the F3S which is the sportier one. The bigger ones look plenty comfortable though.

Reliability? The 1330 triple is an Anvil. Dang near bomb proof. Super reliable. Think about it, Rotax makes aircraft engines. I'll take that kind of engineering any day.