HD Freewheeler vs Spyder F3 T

[haute pursuit]

Hello folks, new here and trying to gather some info. I am looking for a trike to drive around town for recreation and occasional weekend road trips (2 to 3 days). I have looked at the Freewheeler today and plan on looking at a Spyder on Thursday. Trying to get some feedback from people who have either bike and why they chose one over the other. I really like the old school look of the Freewheeler, but the Spyder isn't hard on my eyes either... looking for practical use differences in the two bikes more than anything. I was told by the Harley dealer that pulling a small gear trailer would possibly void the warranty. That is making the Spyder more attractive to me, along with the auto tranny w/reverse. Anyone experience warranty problems from installing a hitch on the Freewheeler?

Sorry to ramble on... Thanks! Blake

 

[rhino 2]

If the Auto trans is important to you Then its the Spyder for you...If you want a trike that feels and looks more like a motorcycle then its the Free.... I once had a Spyder.. I now have a Tri-Glide...

 

[haute pursuit]

The auto trans isn't that important, but ìt is something different from the HD. It may be easier on my short-legged wife though, having an actual reverse gear if she has to move it. Like I said, I like the Freewheeler alot. Just trying to get feedback on the differences (good and bad) in the two bikes.

 

[jredman]

I have a Goldwing Trike that I love, but I really like the looks of the new 2017 Spyder F3 Limited. Totally Different Tour Pack and Saddle Bags. Nothing like the Spyder RT. Sweet!

 

[DK Custom]

I really like the looks of the new 2017 Spyder F3 Limited. Totally Different Tour Pack and Saddle Bags. Nothing like the Spyder RT. Sweet!

Ditto. ThumbUp

 

[Tadgh45]

If the Auto trans is important to you Then its the Spyder for you...If you want a trike that feels and looks more like a motorcycle then its the Free.... I once had a Spyder.. I now have a Tri-Glide...

I too went from a Spyder RT-S to a Tri-Glide. The Spyder was not comfortable to ride, the gas mileage stunk and the electronics that control everything were too unpredictable. The Harley is a real bike, can be easily serviced and is a pleasure to ride. Also- the Spyder sounded like an angry sewing machine!LOL!

 

[haute pursuit]

I too went from a Spyder RT-S to a Tri-Glide. The Spyder was not comfortable to ride, the gas mileage stunk and the electronics that control everything were too unpredictable. The Harley is a real bike, can be easily serviced and is a pleasure to ride. Also- the Spyder sounded like an angry sewing machine!LOL!

LOL @ angry sewing machine!

 

[hogcowboy]

It really takes some time(long) to get used to a Spyder. But once you do you can out corner any 2 wheeler going. My wife is now on her second RT Limited. The original one was supposed to be mine because I had a major crash on 2 wheels and it was looking like I might not be able to walk again. I fooled them all. The new F3 blends the best of 2 wheels with 3 as far as I'm concerned. You sit down more than on top of it which is much more 2 wheeler like. But it does take about 500 miles before you get rid of your 2 wheeler ways and learn to ride a Spyder like you stole it. Just my opinion.:Shrug:

 

[Livin2Ride]

If you do decide to go the Spyder route and plan to pull a trailer go with the auto transmission, it makes backing up with the trailer a real piece of cake.

 

[hogcowboy]

If you do decide to go the Spyder route and plan to pull a trailer go with the auto transmission, it makes backing up with the trailer a real piece of cake.

It's a damned if you do and damned if you don't with the auto. The auto isn't good at real slow things like parades and some funeral processions. In case you were ever to consider such things.

 

[haute pursuit]

Thanks for the input guys. I decided on the Freewheeler. It just fit me better. Working on a deal this weekend.

 

[Livin2Ride]

Thanks for the input guys. I decided on the Freewheeler. It just fit me better. Working on a deal this weekend.

Good deal, I think you will enjoy the Free. Are you trying to pick up a 2016 or shopping for the new 2017?

 

[haute pursuit]

Good deal, I think you will enjoy the Free. Are you trying to pick up a 2016 or shopping for the new 2017?

I'm buying a '16. The new motor in the '17 sounds awesome, but scares me a little.

 

[hogcowboy]

Thanks for the input guys. I decided on the Freewheeler. It just fit me better. Working on a deal this weekend.

That's the most important part. If a bike or trike just doesn't fit, you can spend a fortune trying and never get it where you like it. Now you can just ride and have fun instead.ThumbUp

 

[gerald martin]

freewheelr

I had a good look at the new 17 tri yesterday. I'm keeping my freewheeler. When I see an accessory that blows heat away from the passenger until 40 miles an hour that tells me this motor is going to probably be just as hot if not hotter than the twin cams.(PS I am going to follow Kevin's advise from DK customs to make my free run as cool and efficient as his tri) Also when you have to remove the tank and buy a special wrench just to get the spark plug wire off that's going too far. Harley has finely made a Honda that people have to bring into the shop to have any work done on it (in my opinion only. Nothing wrong with Hondas if that's what you like)

 

[Gone2Three]

I think you've made a great choice with the Freewheeler, we have enjoyed our 2015 and wouldn't trade it for anything...well maybe a Tri, but that's somewhere down the road a bit.

 

[RTwing]

Keep in mind putting the 2 wheels up front equates to a vehicle designed for steering and handling. 99.9% of all vehicles on or off road share that same concept. Any trike that is a motorcycle conversion with the wheels in back will be designed just for looks as the original steering is designed for leaning not stationary turning. HD does not make a true trike as all their units are factory conversion kits so keep that in mind. BRP has progressed greatly in the electronics by slowly eliminating the VSS systems. I was impressed with the new F3 as it rode very well, handled sharply and had good power. I didn't like the electronic power steering as there was a lack of feedback in the corners but that can be disabled. I also didn't like the windscreen being 3 feet ahead of the rider, it just felt out of place in that position.
I have not ridden the freewheeler but have had many reports from those who tried one out and did not like the rough handling and quirky steering.
I guess you best try them out and then decide for yourself.

 

[haute pursuit]

2016 Harley FLRT Freewheeler owner as of this afternoon. I'm stoked! Not picking it up until Friday or Monday (my old neighbor has my trailer). The guys at Mancuso Crossroads were esy to deal with and gave me a good deal... even gave me a chocolate cake. LOL This is all I came home with today.

 

[Gorilla]

2016 Harley FLRT Freewheeler owner as of this afternoon. I'm stoked! Not picking it up until Friday or Monday (my old neighbor has my trailer). The guys at Mancuso Crossroads were esy to deal with and gave me a good deal... even gave me a chocolate cake. LOL This is all I came home with today.

Congrats on your new ride, be safe

 

[pioneer11]

I also got mine at Mancuso. I haven't tasted the cake yet but that battery tender is a benefit.