Spyder vs Trike - Can-Am Spyder Forums: The Y-factor Community

Gear Junkie · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2012, 04:31 PM

Hello I'am a new member just joined, I have decided to try a three wheeler I would like to hear some feedback from folks who have tried both Spyders and Trikes (Touring Bikes), would like to purchase by spring if I can decide. Thanks

Three not 8 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-03-2012, 12:35 AM

We were ready to pull the trigger on a GoldWing trike when we rode the Spyder. There are a number of differences in handling charecteristics so much so that there is virtually no comparison. The Spyder felt so much more stable from the start, and coming from a 2 wheeled Wing I had to ascend a learning curve of course. I rode a number of trikes before purchase, but the thought that kept repeating itself was along the lines of " The best trike in the world is at best an adaptation of another technology. The Spyder was designed this way from the ground up." By all means ride both, wring one out if you can. I must caution you, if you ride a Spyder for any length of time, especially an RTs, bring the checkbook.

Patrick

Bob Denman · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2012, 04:31 AM

By having two wheels up front, the handling of the Spyders is a vast improvement over the conventional trikes: conversions or factory models!
Having 2 wheels out back, the "conventionals" will try and push the front wheel and go straight ahead. This is known as "understeer", and if you're not aware of how it affects your chosen line in a turn, you can be in for a nasty surprose!

The chassis on the conventionals can also be upset by bumps and set up a condition known as "Head Shake". Imagine your handlebars wiggling left and right while you try to hang on!

The power steering and chassis design of the Spyders makes this a non-issue.

gsfspyder · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2012, 05:18 PM

There's a guy on this forum by the name of BIG RED 1. He owns both a Spyder RTS and a GW Trike. He'd be the one you want to talk to.

Big Red 1

Bob Denman · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 08:12 AM

When his Mom used to yell for him, It was "George!"
A heckuva nice guy who's been on both sides of the fence...

nataaska · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2012, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

When his Mom used to yell for him, It was "George!"
A heckuva nice guy who's been on both sides of the fence...

He also hangs out on the GL1800 board. Don't ask me how I know.