Reverse trikes are the new buzz.
Reverse trike fills a slightly different segment of the riders group. Reverse trikes have all the pluses of a standard trike in that they stand upright at all times. They also handle gravel, dirt and cross country
(fields and pastures) just fine if you wish to go those routes. Surprisingly most people avoid non paved roads even on trikes as they don't want to get the bike dirty.
(Not me)So what is different about a trike and a reverse? Personally I think the RT's are more sporty and demand some extra "skills" not used while riding a standard two wheeler. I can't personally speak for the standard trike crowd as I have never driven one of the standard trikes.
I do have two RT's (Stealth11 and Valk3) and will tell you these do not have any computer aided balance or braking systems so pushing it around corners will require some aggressive body action and will produce some wheel lifting if pushed hard enough.
When I first purchased my 2001 GL1800 I said this was the best, finest, most comfortable motorcycle I have ever owned.
(bike #50 something) And this was true until I built the Valk3 and fine tuned the suspension and tires.
Officially this RT is now the finest motorcycle I have owned to date.
Down the highway it is very smooth, I can see the front wheels going up and down but feel nothing. It corners very flat due to a stiff sway bar and obviously has a fine engine to get me from point A to B.
The #1 question I get whenever I stop
(yes every time I stop) is "How does it handle?" My standard answer is "just like a snowmobile" which is about the most honest answer I can come up with. Some people say they tried the Spyder and it's like an ATV - this would be great as ATV's are FUN!
Now getting back to the Spyder. Handling is much the same. Power again similar, sportiness is sure there. The Spyder does have computerized stability control which I see as a very good thing. It does let you get frisky but not so much that you get yourself in serious trouble. Electronic assist power steering is also included but to me that is something I would disable and wonder why they even included that. Without it the steering is light and easy. And there has been some problems with the software - ala Toyota.
Again the Spyder is factory made and mine is home garage so the Spyder certainly is mechanically exquisite compared.
For me the Spyder would be the immediate choice over a standard trike.
Almost half my riding is back roads and gravel I the soft car tires all around seem to handle loose gravel with ease. Plus it's just plain fun. I never consider road conditions, road construction as an impairment, ever.
Many people try out the RT and say they don't like it or the way it handles, but to be fair one can not just try a radical change like a reverse trike and immediately report their feelings. It takes 1000 miles and many types of conditions to get used to the new "skills" required to ride one effectively. Yes the RT's require other "skills" that most 2 wheel riders do not initially possess. But one does get comfortable and trusting in time.
I have always had concerns regarding a sub 1000cc V twin as a powerplant but reports are in that this high reving engine does just fine.
Now fuel economy is another factor, Goldwing trikes tend to get mid 30's where Spyders are low 30's at best.
A couple things regarding trikes in general. While wind does not push the machines around much it does push the rider. In hard wind one must hang on or be pushed off the seat.
Another thing is in corners some leaning is required or you will become a lawn dart even though the trike will stay nice and flat.
It is my guess that other manufactures will soon offer their versions and the competition will heat up quickly. So hold that thought
