Cam Am Spyder Rt-S (SE5)

[andym]

As some of you may know I totaled my Valkyrie Interstate mid May of this year. The accident exacerbated an existing knee problem and I'm scheduled for knee replacement in late November. Based on the knee and other medical issues I won't be writing a big boy two wheeler bike any
longer.
Since however  greatly miss the overall riding experience and friendships, I'm doing something I promised I never would, looking at a three wheeler. It's either that or a convertible
and  I'm looking for some advice from the Valkyrie brotherhood:

The Can Am RT-S model was released in 2010 and from what I've read there were a number of significant recalls. In addition I prefer not to buy the first model year of any new vehicle car or motorcycle. Based on the available accessories and current pricing for a used RT I'm looking to get a
2012 through 2013 RT-S model with a semi auto transmission (SE5)
My only concern is that in 2014 I believe, they increased the engine size from 998 cc to about
1300 cc and I'm wondering if the smaller engine is adequately powered for two up riding.
I have seen pricing on the 2012 models generally ranging from $13-$18,000, but the 2014 with the larger engine seems to start out at around $19 or 20k and I'm hard pressed to spend that added money unless I'm sure the smaller engine won't cut it. Thoughts
Im also looking for any general comments other than telling me to ride a two wheeler LOL

Sent from my iPhone

[Moonshot_1]

Check this out. Best of both worlds for ya. Never seen one like this before.
https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/5245866327.html

[Master Blaster]

Due to health and age problems, I was faced with the same problem.  I couldn't see sinking that kind of money into a three wheeler, and was lusting for a new Corvette convertible but came to my senses.  Looked around and picked up a clean  98 Jag XK8 convertible for a song.  Nice lightweight 300 hp scoot for less than 10 grand.  Its a hoot to drive and about 60 grand less than the Vette.  These things are a super cheap for what you get plus parts availability is very good and not that expensive.  I am loving it. 

[solo1]

I'm with Master Blaster, four wheels.

Here is my 2002 Miata LS, fully equipped, roof doesn't leak, cruise, tunes, heat, ac, six speed manual, powerful brakes, excellent reliability and handling, 32 mpg. 29k miles, I paid $9k for this exceptional Miata.

Whoops, almost forgot. A trunk that's big enough for a week's travel for one, add a motorcycle trailer and enough for two. 

I love it!.  with the top down it's almost as much fun as two wheels.  It doesn't bank but neither do three wheels.

This is a beautiful day, just got back from a nice drive in the Miata.  My son, Chris, (Psychotic Bovine) has borrowed it just a few minutes ago. He left his Valkyire and Triumph Scrambler at home and took the Miata out with the top down and playing his favorite tunes,.

There is no way would I pay a premium price for three wheels when I could drive a Miata for less.

[czuch]

I second with MB and Solo. When the Valk loses her charm, (as in never), or I lose my ability,
convertible is the way I'll run. 60's midsize most likely.

[cookiedough]

I've seen on craigslist dozens of low mileage can am spyders 2010 on up for 10K or so.  I would never pay much more for that for one used and 3-5 years old, not worth it to me anyways.

Power is adequate, but not great for 2-up.  Gas mileage will be worse than our Valks more than likely low 30's tops.

ONLY way to know is test ride one 2-up and decide for yourself. 

I dislike the comfort of the older generation spyders, but do not know anything about the new designed/more powerful ones costing tons more out of my price range as well.

[PAVALKER]

Go for four and bypass three.   

I'm not a fan of the Can Am.  It's just not the same and at that point I would want more comfort and the ability to put up the top or turn on the heater instead of stopping to don the rain or heated gear.

[vanavyman]

We have had a few of the Spyder's in our Goldwing chapters in the area.  They have been pretty happy with them until they tried taking them into the mountains where the engines seemed to be too small and the gas mileage went down quite a bit.  2 of them have switched to the newer ones with the larger 1400 motor and now they are very happy with them.  Most of the times they are driven by the wife's but they have taken 1 trip 2-up in the mountains pulling a trailer and were happy with the power and better mileage.  At WingDing this year they had several GL1800 converted with the 2 wheels in the front like a Spyder.  They looked great but they do cost more.  Good luck with your search.

Dan

[solo1]

Yep, I made the right choice for me. Drove the backroads the other day with the top down and in the wind. It got too hot so I came back on the interstate with the top up, listening to tunes, and the cruise and AC on.  

After riding in all kinds of weather off and on since 1947, it felt good.

[vanavyman]

Here is a picture of a 3 Wheel and 4 Wheel Goldwing Spyder.  When we end up with a 3 or 4 Wheeler it will be one of these types.  They are pretty new so I'll keep an eye on them for a while to see how they work out.  I'm a little leery of getting a non-Honda motor.




Dan

[Momz]

By all definitions (that I could find) a four wheeled vehicle is not a motorcycle. 
The cost to modify a Goldwing to a four wheeler would far exceed the cost of a good used Miata.

[vanavyman]

I'm going to hold off judgement on whether a 4 wheel Goldwing is a motorcycle until after I drive one.  The cost when new would be Very high approaching 50K+ which is still less than a new Corvette, and after a few years some of these will be available used.  Not sure I will ever be happy in a convertible.  We have a Mustang convertible now and I like it a lot but don't get the feeling of riding a bike from driving it.  I may not get it from a 3 or 4 wheeler either but when the time comes I'm going to try.

[Firefighter]

Your going to have to decide for yourself. Know one can know how you feel.

I already have two cars and a pickup, how many do you have?

I think if you still want to ride instead of drive, then you should get a new ride. I drive all over, but when I get the chance to ride,, well sometimes I have trouble sleeping the night before! Good luck!

   

[dinosnake]

I've riiden both, the V-twin equipped ST-S and the 3-cylinder RT.  And not just a minor ride, I had the ST for 7 days and 2000 miles, across everything from 58 degree nighttime fog to 110 daytime desert.  I switched out to the RT for a short test.

For 2-up riding I'd probably get the 3-cylinder, but note the the engine character is very different, beyond the capacity size.  The V-twin is more revvy, with a higher RPM power delivery and shorter gearing.  This gives it a sporter feel.  The RT feels very refined and more 'planted' , but not as sporty, in the process.  The ST feels like a sport-tourer, light on its feet and just a bit 'nervous' at the controls,  vs the RT's feel is a cruising tourer's 'roll over the obstacles, they won't matter', to draw comparisons.

If you are a tourer, or love to travel to see the sights, you'll love the Sypders.  They will take some adjustment but I had no problem after just an hour at the controls because I came in open-minded.  If you play "It has to act exactly like a bike and lean, and turn, the same"...as so many [snob] riders on internet chatrooms do...you'll be gravely disappointed.  They are their own machines and if you respect them for that, rather than trying to make them something else, they absolutely rock.  They are comfortable, awesome wind and heat management, massive storage ability and relaxing and really fun to ride.

If you are the type of rider who rides because its faster than just about anything else...you'll be gravely disappointed.  They are quick, just not motorcycle fast.

It's all a matter of mindset and expectations.

I personally found that I loved them and was *this close* to getting one, but ended up with a new 2014 Valk instead.

[8Track]

I've driven a Can-Am Spyder once. That thing scared the hell out of me. I could not overcome my natural instinct to counter-steer as you do on a bike. As such, when I wanted to track right I started tracking left and vice-versa. Doing this on a twisty road as I did, made me say never again!

[dinosnake]

I've driven a Can-Am Spyder once. That thing scared the hell out of me. I could not overcome my natural instinct to counter-steer as you do on a bike. As such, when I wanted to track right I started tracking left and vice-versa. Doing this on a twisty road as I did, made me say never again!

Before taking then out for the week they made us ride around the neighborhood for 10 minutes.  That's all it took for both of us, slow riding with many turns and several stops, to get the hang of them.  Once out, 15 minutes later is was easy.

I find it amazing that so many riders, many of whom believe themselves to be well skilled, have so many problems trying to ride Spyders   ??? ???  If a guy who has NEVER been on anything below 4 wheels can pick it up in an hour, then what's our excuse??  Brain freeze?  Or is this an offshoot the 'cruiser vs sportbike' thing - people can't deal with a change beyond their experiences?  Yes, the Spyder's are different - get used to it.  Different isn't something to fear.

YouTube has a few videos from bikers who converted, including one video for the new F3.  Maybe a viewing will help you decide if they are right for you.

[solo1]

At one time I installed a sidecar on my Valk.  My first impression was that I ruined a perfectly good motorcycle.  It scared the hell out of me too.  However, I had it for two seasons and learned.  A rig ,IMO, is harder to learn to drive than any three wheels.  However, it was not my 'cup of tea'.

I've never ridden a CanAm but I never considered one  because of my experience with a rig and the cost of owning a Can Am.  It's not for every one.

Dinosnake, don't try to fit everyone into a narrow category like they have some kind of deficiency, that's not true.  I can respect those that ride Can Ams, the ones that don't deserve the same.