2020 Can Am Spyder vs 2014 Goldwing Trike, Honest Comparison. I rode the Can Am for 5 days to get it broken in. Jumped on the Goldwing Trike later. Truly honest comparison for touring. Sorry it may be a bit long.
I recently transitioned from 2-wheel motorcycling to triking. I opted for the Goldwing trike for two reasons - 1. The perception of Cam-Ams reliability issues and 2. My partner hates spiders. Keep on triking!
My wife does not riding on the back of the Spyder either. We keep knocking heads. Never once on the Goldwing Trike, that is the only one she will ride on the back of.
I rode from Philadelphia PA to Orlando Florida in 15hrs, stopped for gas, food and restrooms. My butt wasnt really hurting that much, I didnt feel tired from the ride. But I can understand how some could.
Thank you Jim for that observation between the two machines, really told me something. My dilemma, I do not have room for two machines it's either my 2005 GW/2012 RoadSmith conversion, or the Spyder, now I believe it is a no brainer what I need to do. Again, thank you Jim.....
Thanks for the comparison. I am 84 and I have ridden my 2018 CanAm RTL 500 miles with no problem whatsoever. I did put highway pegs on it so I can stretch my legs better.
I have a 2015 F3 with 23k miles and never get over 30mpg. I ride in eco mode and I’m easy on the throttle. I’m disappointed in the low mpg but I absolutely love riding it. My plan is to see 100k and then possibly buy a new one. Miles of smiles!
Nerve damage in my back makes holding up a gold wing impossible, the trike version from Harley or Honda handle like an uncontrolled lawn kart, rented both for a week and then tried the can am. There is no going back it’s can and for the win
Then you had a bad conversion. I owned a EML GL1500 trike for 10 years and have a EZS GL1800 Reversed trike since 7 or 8 years. Both handle very well. Stable, fast and loads of comfort. (same like you, sold my GL1800 due to nerve damage in my back.) But full conversions, pretty wide car-tyres all around, (about twice the width the can-am in this video has) the normal trike had a swingarm front. Not a normal front-fork like you seem to see a lot in the states. That makes a huge difference.
Thanks for giving your opinion of the Gold Wing vs the Spyder. I am looking at both and am intrigued by the gold wing reverse trike kits ( 2 wheels up front like the Spyder)
You’ll get used to your new bike in time. It takes a little bit to get adjusted to the ergonomics of each bike you ride. Each of your bikes have their own personality with different purposes. Hopefully your appreciation of the Spyder will grow on you.
Hey Jim...We have a couple in our GWRRA chapter that rides a Spyer and absolutely loves it. They've ridden on long weekend rides with us and have no regrets. Prior to getting the Spyder, they owned a GoldWing. When asked why did they changed bikes, the answer was...They wanted something different. They say they would have kept the Wing but got an offer from a private buyer that they could refuse. May be after weeks of riding you will get used to the Spyder. We love our wings and don't see getting a different brand soon. When the times comes, Maybe we will trike our wings. Thanks for the ride along and the comparison.
I like the traditional look. I prefer a used Honda Goldwing trike over a new Ryker and or Spyder. Can Am has a good lower seat and closer to the ground, however I prefer to sit up higher on the Goldwing to see further ahead. And have two back wheels with traction instead of one.
I also have owned both, 4 gold wings a GW trike and now five spyders . The horsepower and torque numbers are close although the Gold wing has it by a slight amount but watching you ride the Spyder and watching your shift points , it’s easy to see why you feel the wing is more powerful ...... you’re shifting the Spyder at 3500 RPM ......on the Spyder it makes its sweet spot horsepower above 5000 RPM ..... The Rotax triple is made to turn a lot more RPM. The wing generates its torque down low and the Rotax triple really starts to sing at upper RPM .....two completely different engines .....start turning some RPM in the spyder and you’ll be amazed. Yes the Gold wing trike is quick but line them up Side-by-side and the Spyder will edge it out every time. As for your fuel mileage the best I have ever obtained with the triple in the spyder on a tank is 35.6 you are pushing a big wall of air . I have seen low 40s when only doing highway . Your results so far are pretty standard. As for long distance I have ridden My last generation spyder from the Gulf of Mexico to buffalo New York in 26 hours. I will tell you the wing was more comfortable but the new 2020 spyder I find that is far more comfortable than my wing ever was. Enjoy both of your rides they are excellent machines but two different animals. I’d be curious your opinion on the handling of the spyder after a few thousand miles. Once you become accustomed to how the spyder handles I think you’ll be hard-pressed to feel comfortable on the wing trike again the spyder handles corners far superior in my opinion after riding both many thousands of miles.
Thanks Brad. When I test rode my Spyder I did have to go up on RPM to keep up with the sales person I will give it a try pushing the RPM higher before I shift. I had ECO on and that really made it weak. Turned it off. I do enjoy riding it. I agree, two totally different machines for sure. I am not giving up on the Spyder. I still love it. Thanks for your input, I really do appreciate it.
I'm confusing between them .. in the market for a touring bike but more to RT side until saw the video then back to Rt after reading Mr.Brad comment !! This well be my first touring bike, don't care about mpg, planning to enjoy it with my son, wife and bikes groups around me. I need something easy to drive reliable well stay at least 5-7 years without major problem 6000k to 8000k miles of driving every year . Not on a hurry 2020 rt is amazing but i think 1330 engine need upgrade !
I've had an 08 GS SM5 for about 4 months now and I have to say that the Hondas I've owned before it whereof better build quality, Honda has been at this for a long time. Also, the GS is not comfy, something about it is making me not enjoy it, the tank is too wide and the bars are too far forward. I am trying to make it better but I am seriously leaning towards selling it. Your comments about "not right" make total sense to me, also the blessed brakes are like a stubborn thing on BRP's end. We agree!
I have a 2018 F3 Limited. I haven't gone on a long ride yet, however when I was checking my mileage from full to empty I got about 215 to 220. I would say I put in about 5.5 gallons of gas. So somewhere between 38 and 40 mpg. I only use premium.
Totally agree. I just traded in my 2016 Gold Wing for a 2016 Spyder RT. The Gold Wing was much more comfortable to ride for both my wife and I but because it wasn't a trike, it was a bit more cumbersome to ride. The Gold Wing trikes are super expensive in comparison to a Spyder and my decision was solely based on budget. I will say however that I find the Spyder more fun to ride... just one person's opinion.
well as far as trikes the spyder is a sporty trike and all backwheel trikes are a giant step down. But even though it's a backwards trike the Goldwing is unmatched for cruising. Normally I plan 500 to 600 miles per day on my GL1800 Sport Trike. It's simply the best and I'm 72
Good question. I loved the new redesign on the 2020. I did a composite video several months before they announced it. I took the front of the Spyder RT and the back of the F3. My perfect Spyder. Well they did it, so I had to get one. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r30s5-KFiF8.html&spfreload=10
Jim, I'm not surprised with your observations. How about the cornering differences between the 2 bikes? Also the riding position on the F3 may be more favorable to longer rides. I know I've gone over 500 miles/day on my F3 limited and never got the fatigue you mentioned. My butt and my neck got sore from the wind, but a new F4 windshield should help with that. Enjoy both bikes.
Love it your in my neck of the woods, we are in Copperas cove Tx and yes Monday was absolutely beautiful here, but the reason I’m watching we are considering the cam am vs Goldwing
Problem, Honda does not make a GW trike. They make a 2wheel ride that some third party buys and converts to 3 wheel. That makes for a Varity of GW trikes and means they are not on every dealer's floor. Where as until recently BRP Can Am did not have a 2 wheel rig but most all dealers had Spyders..
Correct, Mine is a Motor Trike conversion. That is why I bought mine in Shawnee OK. Rode it back to the Austin TX are.a Shock leaked on that ride home. The older Goldwing shocks suck on trikes. I have replace the seals my self and they eventually leaked again. Still leacking. have almost 87K miles on it. I have the Spyder RTL as well.
Interesting video. One thing you didn’t mention that answers a few questions is the transmission. In the Spyder it is a CVT. Pulled from atv’s and side by sides. No shifting but it’s not designed to be efficient. The Harley is sitting in a gear box which is why you feel the torque and your getting better fuel mileage. From my exposure, the spyder is a better handling machine, and the Harley more if a cruiser. In a side note you should campair the Harley Trike to the Honda Goldwing Trike. Be interesting to see the differences.
I have a 2011 Spyder RT-S SE5. I feel you on the part about being tired after riding for a while. Can you tell me please, what type of camera you use? Your videos are so clear and sounds great.
Your are talking about sitting comfort comparison, try a f3 limited next time and you'll for sure like it better then the RT. (I've had 6 goldwing including a Gl1800, I had problems with my knees but not anymore on the f3)
You will get use to the Spyder in time. Seems it's a more short haul kind of ride noticed the wind noise more on it than your GW. I think also higher vibration which will tire one out fast. My ride is a 93FLHS Champion that I built myself. I decided awhile back that I like the bigger stance like a Cadillac the Spyder like a sprint car. Like posted below you will enjoy both, smart to have kept the GW or you might have remorse.
Jim I don't understand the not using the cruise control. I only have 3000 miles on my F3 and I have been using my cruise from the beginning. I use it on the highway and sometimes on the street if I have a long enough straightaway.
I was told to not use it during the break in period. Don't drive the exact same speed for long periods of time. I did right way with the Goldwing as well.
Jim I have a 2015 spyder rt and had it since 2016. I thought the trikes were pretty much the same until i rode a 2016 roadsmith goldwing trike the other weekend and wow i will be getting rid of my spyder rt and getting a goldwing trike soon. I definitely think the goldwing feels more planted and more powerful. Both are good I just like the feel of the wing better.
I've seen the pro's & con's to the both Cam-AM & Goldwing, but decided to purchase a 2019 HD Tri-Glide Ultra. A purchase I have not regretted! But in the long run, its all about being content with what you ride, and enjoying your ride. Let's all be safe out there! 👊🙏👊
Awesome, I was looking at the TriGlide in 2014 as well. Loved it, the dealership talked me out of it. Said every time I bring it is for anything $500 minimum.
I would like for someone who has both double front wheel and double rear wheel give a comparison of how they handle in curves. I have only had the Can Am with the two wheels up front. In trying to keep up with the guys riding two wheel bikes on "the whole hog" ride in Arkansas, I've taken curves so fast I wondered if I was going to be able to hold on, and have never lifted a wheel off the ground. Not exactly the way I prefer to ride, but curious about how the two types compare.
Hi Garland, I can tell you the Spyder handles much better and is much easier in the curves. The Goldwing Is a had steer in the twists, takes a lot more muscle.
I'm a new rider going from a car. Dont care about clutch or lean. Im debating between 2018 honda goldwing dct trike i like it cause gas and brake no clutch or shifting but price is 36k. The can am spyder is 20-22k 2020 fully loaded rt model ...a lot less. Any suggestions? How the gas miles on both? Thank you
I was looking at the new Goldwing Trikes and they would have been over $50K out the door. Mine was actually near $40K back in 2014. Top of the line Spyder RTL is around $30K.
Thanks for the video, I'm trying to decide between a Gold Wing and a Spyder. So would you say that for mostly backroads, the Spyder would be better due to the handling?
Yes, the Spyder is very smooth. I feel the harsh bumps on wheel the front wheel of the goldwing. But for me the Goldwing is more comfortable ride. The sitting position is better. Could be that i put 93K miles on it and like and old comfy shoe.
Jim enjoy the videos.Getting 2020 rt limited late spring early summer.How many miles is the break in period.Any other things besides no cruise control or constant speeds.
You hadn't had the spider long enough to compare. 1 week, that's not a fair comparison. Of course the goldwing will get a good rate you had it for how many years . Your use to it, now you have something new it takes time. Remember The first time you sat on it thinking you just don't know it toke time I rode a19 95se 26year's traded in for a can-am RT limited 2021 had it almost 10 months just 600 miles still learning. My setting is better on the spider I did purchase a butt buffer cousin for long rides.
I can't really tell you which one tobuy. Both are totally different machines. Spyder RTL is very smooth and easy ride. Goldwing is great as well. My wife likes the Goldwing as a passenger much better. She said the Spyder is not comfortable for her. She is small and likes the comfy fit of the Goldwings passenger seat.
Either one a great choice. I can tell you the Spyder is such a smooth easy ride. I actually ride it most. But I love my Goldwing Trike as well. Totally different rides. I actually kept the Goldwing just in case I had buyers remorse. None yet. But I love both of them.
Just to show how highly subjective your review is, you speak as though the Goldwing has so much more power than the Spyder when it doesn’t. You make it like cylinder count is the issue. It’s not remotely the issue. The Wing has a 6 cylinder 1833 cc engine making 90 hp & 102.5 lbft of torque. By comparison the Spyder RT has a 1330 cc Rotax 3 cylinder engine making 115 hp & 96 lbft of torque. So what you’re getting, seat of the pants; is a bit more low end grunt off the line from the Wing. Add in a weight difference, and since trike kits for the Wing vary it’s hard to calculate but the Spyder is probably heavier; the difference grows. As for the highway, both are built for it, with similar features. But the advantage goes to the Spyder for storage, until you go to extra large kits like Hannigan. This has been shown in multiple comparison videos. In addition, the Spyder has power steering where the Wing does not. This makes a huge difference in driver fatigue. Seat comfort definitely goes to the Wing. But there are several custom options to improve the Spyder seat. I find an Airhawk does the trick for my 2016 RTL. Handling goes to the Spyder with independent suspension vs the solid beam rear axle on the Wing. The wider track on the Spyder helps it win too. I’ve proven this to a buddy of mine who has a Wing trike. I out corner him consistently. Both are great machines, but it’s a matter of personal preference as to which is actually better.
