Comparison test: Honda Goldwing and CAN-AM Spyder ST-S Roadster
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Comparison test: Honda Goldwing and CAN-AM Spyder ST-S Roadster

26.05.2022 /

On the hottest days of this summer, Peter, editor of our motorsport magazine, put together a somewhat unusual comparison test between a luxury touring motorcycle and a powerful tricycle. For nearly 40 years, the Honda Goldwing has been setting the benchmark in the motorcycle segment for comfort and prestige. On the other hand, the Can-Am Spyder ST-S Roadster is one of the newest versions of the tricycle, which no one credits with exceptional driving pleasure, although it finds a lot of buyers. Moreover, the essence of the vehicle is that it stands out strongly.

Searching for common properties won't take long. Both stand out, both are spacious, have the same price, and are probably not a long-planned purchase. Who can just buy. It's easy to understand the Honda buyer's decision. Goldwing simply satisfies all the needs of the motorcyclist and his significant other. Comfort, prestige, equipment, safety, reliability, sophistication, image and attraction are all on this cruise of the highest order. It is true that this is not the only motorcycle of its kind, but Goldwing fans have long since joined some sort of sect. The sect of heirs and enjoyers. I'm not saying that if we could afford it, all motorcyclists would buy one, but at least a good half of them would like to own one. Not out of necessity, but just in case.

Comparison test: Honda Goldwing and CAN-AM Spyder ST-S Roadster

The fans and those who want the Can-Am Spyder are far fewer. After the first impression of the trip, I had no arguments left to convince me not to just miss the Spyder. The ST-S Roadster is incredibly fun and more powerful than the one I first tested five years ago. The safety aids come in much later, the acceleration is much more pronounced, and in turns it is also much faster and requires strong posture and decisive body movements to keep you from rolling into a ditch. However, given the generally higher level of safety, I would like to be able to draw a longer line at the exit from the bend into the tarmac, or even skip a little through the bend. If the roadster could still convince the heart to pump blood into the body a little faster, I would definitely want to. Not as a replacement for a motorcycle, but simply as a props for entertainment.

Only my dad showed me the real point of buying a Spyder. For a long time he has been riding two bikes, mostly a moped or a Vespa, and he is no longer interested in motorcycles. When I trust him with my dilemmas, he says quite simply: at one time those who wanted to stand out in our places with an unusual vehicle bought a Buggy or made a conditionally a tricycle with a VW engine. It wasn't about performance, driving skills or female victories, but about having fun. Today they have a tricycle equipped with the latest technology. And a small sea of ​​small series machines.

So every mile with the Spyder was more fun. People notice him, ask a lot of questions, but basically leave you alone.

Comparison test: Honda Goldwing and CAN-AM Spyder ST-S Roadster

At Honda, things are different. At first, the joy and pleasure are indescribable, after a few days only pleasure remains. Joy is drunk by people who ask too many questions. And ladies who love to ride. Old and young. I understand them, Goldwing is an attractive and charismatic motorcycle. And it requires a lot of attention and care, because people can hardly resist touching and riding it. It doesn't give me peace.

I drove to Honda that weekend to go to sea. I'm not sorry, this bike is made for that kind of ride. But despite all the comfort offered by Goldwing and the Roadster, for the money you can buy a very decent new bike and a very decent used convertible. As hardy as the lady is, she happily admits that there is not much romance on a motorcycle ride in a tight-fitting dress at 40 degrees.

Text: Matyazh Tomazic, photo: Sasha Kapetanovich

Can-Am Spyder ST-S Roadster

  • Basic data

    Test model cost: 24.600 €

  • Technical information

    engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 998 cm3, liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injection

    Power: 74,5 kW (100 km) at 7.500 rpm

    Torque: 108 Nm at 5.000 rpm

    Energy transfer: 5-speed sequential with reverse gear

    Frame: steel

    brakes: two coils in the front, one coil in the back

    Suspension: front double A-rails, 151mm travel, single swing arm rear shock, 152mm travel

    Tires: front 2x 165/55 R15, rear 225/50 R15

    Growth: 737 mm

    Fuel tank: 25 liters

Honda Golding

  • Basic data

    Sales: Motocentr As Domžale

    Test model cost: 25.990 €

  • Technical information

    engine: 1832cc, 3-cylinder, four-stroke water-cooled boxer

    Power: 87 kW (118,0 km) at 5.500 rpm

    Torque: 167 Nm at 4.000 rpm

    Energy transfer: 5-speed gearbox, electric reverse

    Frame: aluminum box

    brakes: front 2 x discs 296 mm, rear 1 x 316 disc, ABS, combination system

    Suspension: Telescopic fork 45mm front, single spring with adjustable spring tension at the rear

    Tires: front 130 / 70-18, rear 180 / 60-16

    Growth: 726 mm

    Fuel tank: 25 liters

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