Three years ago I traded in my Honda Goldwing for a new Spyder. I had dropped the Goldwing twice in two weeks and both times needed help to get it upright, so I decided that as I was approaching 80 years old I probably should give up on riding a 900 plus pound motorcycle and go to 3 wheels. I demo rode a Harley Tri-glide, then rode a Spyder and I was sold. I really, really enjoyed riding this reverse trike, but thought I would terribly miss the particular enjoyment of two wheel riding. So after having the Spyder over a year, I bought a new Royal Enfield Hunter 350. This fun little single cylinder bike seemed to be just what I wanted, and I will admit that I enjoyed riding it. But as time went on I found that I rode the Hunter less and less. The comfort, stability and overall pleasure of the Spyder just made me go for the trike more and more, leaving the Hunter to gather dust in the back of the garage. This past week, after a spell of cold and windy weather, we had a beautiful Spring day of mid 70's and clear blue skies. I took the Spyder out for a two hour ride, then parked it and took out the Hunter for a ride. After an hour of riding I came home and said to myself that there was no question in my mind as to which bike I enjoyed more. Next week I'm putting the Hunter up for sale and will again become a one bike rider. I'm almost 82 now, and with the Spyder I think that I can keep myself in the wind for several more years, and now after my experiment with the Royal Enfield, I can satisfactorily put the two wheel riding behind me with no regrets. Forty plus years of motorcycling, and now several years into three wheeling, and I look ahead to the future.
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I'm even more of a Spyder fan than I was before
- Thread starter vito1943
- Start date
good logic, enjoyed reading your wee contribution and hope you keep spydering
Snoking1127
Well-known member
I have peripheral neuropathy in both feet and last rode a 2 wheeler in the early 1980's on a Kawasaki KZ650 SB. In the fall of 2020 I bought a 2018 Spyder RTL. It went North for the Summers of 2021 (the year my wife passed) and 2022 to Washington State. In the summer of 2023 I took my Kawasaki KRX 1000 North and missed not having the trike there also. So in January of 2024 I bought a second 2018 Spyder RTL, and I flew back into Arizona and rode the first one to Washington on a 6 day, 1850 mile, bucket list ride to Washington via Highway 1 and 101 North via San Francisco, Oregon, and part of Washington on 101. My last year and a half in the USCG was at the Loran A Station on Highway 1 North of San Francisco. This was a month before my 80th birthday. Hitting a German Shepherd the first day is documented in another thread.
So now I have a trike in both locations; while the SxS and my new lady friend go back and forth with stops in Sand Hollow (NB) and Moab (SB) Utah. So don't stop; have fun or the grim reaper tries to catch you.
BTW, one of my Az riding buddies sold his Honda trike this winter and now is riding a 2021 RTL and loving it, claiming it is much easier to ride and is more planted on the road.
So now I have a trike in both locations; while the SxS and my new lady friend go back and forth with stops in Sand Hollow (NB) and Moab (SB) Utah. So don't stop; have fun or the grim reaper tries to catch you.
BTW, one of my Az riding buddies sold his Honda trike this winter and now is riding a 2021 RTL and loving it, claiming it is much easier to ride and is more planted on the road.
Ages
Member
Bought my first Spyder in February of this year. One of the best decisions I've ever made. For years I've been sitting home wishing I could ride a motorcycle again. Had an ankle replacement in 2009, had to retire early. Started coming across some of the Vlog videos from Spyder riders. Finally dawned on me to give one a try for myself. I've been having a blast ever since! I'm back on the road and loving it!
Arion
Active member
A familiar tale indeed. I'm a few months beyond my 80th birthday and can tell a similar story. Not too many years ago I sold my BMW K75S after two tip-overs requiring assistance to return to the upright position. Though I loved the machine it was both heavy and top heavy. My primary ride now is my beloved 2015 Spyder RTS. My spouse, although seven years more youthful, also sold her Honda CTX700 and replaced it with a 2021 Sea to Sky (of which I'm envious). The two small bikes we keep at our summer home - 2015 Suzuki TU250X and 2018 BMW G310R - will both go on the market this summer. Two Spyders suit our needs just fine, and we hope they will continue to do so for a few more years to come.
Little Blue
SpyderLovers Ambassador
Always a good thing to help with 'wind therapy'. Welcome to the Spyder Forum world. Still going strong but at a slower pace. Remember to Ryde and Enjoy. 
Built my first ride from a collection of parts back in the mid-50s. It was powered by a little 3 hp Briggs. On my way up, dirt riding became my first love. I went through many 2-wheeled street bikes on the way to my Spyder, which appears, if it lasts, to be my last ride. I still own my last dirt bike, which is now resting in the garage, sitting up on a milk crate. It's just an old friend that never let me down, and I can't seem to part with it. After I'm gone, whoever ends up with it will never know...
hersch
New member
Makes me so happy to hear that you’re still able to ride in your 80s!! I’m still riding 2 wheelers, but we got a Spyder for the wife a year or so ago and she loves it. So do I and if I’m ever to the point of needing 3 wheels, it’ll be a Spyder.
And the man we bought hers from down in Ga. sold this one to go back to a smaller 2 wheeler.
He told me a few days ago that he did not get the joy from his new 2 wheeler that he did the Spyder and was probably going to sell it and get another Spyder.
And the man we bought hers from down in Ga. sold this one to go back to a smaller 2 wheeler.
He told me a few days ago that he did not get the joy from his new 2 wheeler that he did the Spyder and was probably going to sell it and get another Spyder.
PURPLEON3
Member
So wonderful to hear how much you enjoy your Spyder! I'm 62 and love riding mine and if I'm still on this earth in 20 years, I hope to be riding still! Take care and keep having fun!!
Cobranut
Well-known member
I shattered an ankle in a skydiving accident in 1992.
It was reconstructed, and I got along well until around 2020.
I had it replaced in 2022, and it's been a big improvement.
How has yours been over the long term?
Thanks,
David
Ages
Member
Being that you've had yours replaced, I'm sure you heard a million times that ankle replacements either go really well or really bad. Unfortunately mine didn't go so well. It's never functioned like it was supposed to since, but over the years I'm getting around better than the early years post surgery. I just have to be careful how I walk on it. The Specialists I've seen are concerned that there wasn't enough bone left to do a proper revision/replacement. So I'll most likely amputate if it becomes totally unbearable. I use a cane, and things are getting better, especially now that I can ride again!
Glad to hear your surgery went well, stay as active as you can.
Cobranut
Well-known member
Sorry to hear yours didn't go so well.Being that you've had yours replaced, I'm sure you heard a million times that ankle replacements either go really well or really bad. Unfortunately mine didn't go so well. It's never functioned like it was supposed to since, but over the years I'm getting around better than the early years post surgery. I just have to be careful how I walk on it. The Specialists I've seen are concerned that there wasn't enough bone left to do a proper revision/replacement. So I'll most likely amputate if it becomes totally unbearable. I use a cane, and things are getting better, especially now that I can ride again!
A podiatrist recommended against replacement about a decade ago, as he said the ankles weren't lasting as long as knees and hips.
The specialist I saw in 2022 told me that they'd made big advancements in design as well as surgical technology, and the ankle joints were doing much better.
Hopefully you'll continue to keep yours, and that things continue to improve.
God Bless,
David
Graderman
Member
I first test rode an RS way back when in 2007 or 2008. I tested them several other times over the years and have been a secret admirer ever since... but of course, being true to my motorcycle roots, I just knew that there's no way I could ever really be happy on three wheels.
I just sold my BMW R1250 GS Adventure before I did grievous bodily harm to myself. Due to the Golden Triangle of Too Much Weight, Too Much Seat Height, and Too Much Speed, it really was a matter of time before I took a really bad dive. The BMW was so absurdly competent and confidence inspiring that I found myself doing really stupid things best left to the 'squids', not 68 year old men who supposedly know better.
Fast forward to taking a '24 RT L for a test ride. It was a good test. The dealer waved me off in a general direction and told me I had to have it back in 5 hours. I putzed around back roads mostly, but got into a bit faster pace as I got more comfortable. I was out for an hour and was thinking...
The next day I went for test ride #2, and then a few days later I went for test #3, but signed on the bottom line instead.
I'm now the very proud owner of a new Silver 2024 RT L. One thing that I've noticed is that there is a smile on my face when I'm riding the Spyder. I remember that smile very well from my Vespa days... once I got in to my big bike touring years the smile faded and a seriousness overcame me when I was twisting the wrist.
On the Spyder, I'm getting comfortable with going fast when the opportunity arises, but I'm just as happy to roll the throttle off and 'tour'. I'm getting real pleasure out of pushing my limits in fast twisties - look out for me once I have my sway bar installed... also a new seat is in order... I need a firm perch. A Russell or a Corbin will be purchased.
I'm pretty sure I'll own another smaller 2 wheeler... Maybe another Vespa GTS, perhaps a Burgman 400, or I might even sell my car and put a Ural in that parking spot... aaaaand there's 3 wheels again LOL.
I just sold my BMW R1250 GS Adventure before I did grievous bodily harm to myself. Due to the Golden Triangle of Too Much Weight, Too Much Seat Height, and Too Much Speed, it really was a matter of time before I took a really bad dive. The BMW was so absurdly competent and confidence inspiring that I found myself doing really stupid things best left to the 'squids', not 68 year old men who supposedly know better.
Fast forward to taking a '24 RT L for a test ride. It was a good test. The dealer waved me off in a general direction and told me I had to have it back in 5 hours. I putzed around back roads mostly, but got into a bit faster pace as I got more comfortable. I was out for an hour and was thinking...
The next day I went for test ride #2, and then a few days later I went for test #3, but signed on the bottom line instead.
I'm now the very proud owner of a new Silver 2024 RT L. One thing that I've noticed is that there is a smile on my face when I'm riding the Spyder. I remember that smile very well from my Vespa days... once I got in to my big bike touring years the smile faded and a seriousness overcame me when I was twisting the wrist.
On the Spyder, I'm getting comfortable with going fast when the opportunity arises, but I'm just as happy to roll the throttle off and 'tour'. I'm getting real pleasure out of pushing my limits in fast twisties - look out for me once I have my sway bar installed... also a new seat is in order... I need a firm perch. A Russell or a Corbin will be purchased.
I'm pretty sure I'll own another smaller 2 wheeler... Maybe another Vespa GTS, perhaps a Burgman 400, or I might even sell my car and put a Ural in that parking spot... aaaaand there's 3 wheels again LOL.
Peacekeeper6
Active member
I think that the older you get, the more you appreciate ryding a Spyder.
Ryde till you can't do it anymore!!
What an absolutely interesting and enjoyable thread. Brings back so many memories. I'll be 83 this march.
Just realized after reading this that my adventure with Gas Powered rides started when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Somehow my dad helped me to buy a used Cushman Truckster from the Cushman dealer in Houston, we lived way out in the country close to Katy, Texas. Then, what is now I-10 was a little 2 lane country road heading West. I rode that 3 wheeler all over the area, 2 wheels in front, one wheel in back, 2 speed tranny and 5 HP engine, top speed of 30 mph, completely wore out 2 motors. From that point on for the next 72 years, there was always at least one Gas powered 2 wheeled ride in the garage, and starting 30 to 40 years ago, 2-3 ATV's, plus several Motorcycles in the garage. In 2010, I test rode a new Spyder, trying to get my wife to ride. She rode it with me on the back, did great, but had absolutely no understanding of the concept of gears and was not interested. Anyhow, back to motorcycles for me. I accidently ran across a mint, used, low mileage, Red F3 L in Ruidoso, NM. I rode it home, 70 miles down to Alamogordo thru the mountains, and I loved it. When motorcycling, seemingly for ever, and on big bikes (BMW race bikes), one's sense of security definitely starts to rear its ugly head, and that became a strong feeling during my 1st ride down the mountain. I have been very fortunate in all my years of riding and racing, with track speeds 160+ mph or so and no crashes... I did well, however.
The Can Am Spyder is a total delight, I love riding it. More compliments than ever, and it's great in the mountains.
I absolutely love it, and the Spyder keeps me in the wind.
BTW, the pic is at just above 9,000 ft elevation and the white you can see in the distance are the White Sands at just over 4,000 elevation. The Spyder runs perfectly up there.
![5-30-23%20001-X2[1].jpg](https://www.spyderlovers.com/data/attachments/161/161470-ed4bbee037e508587655a26d2ea5237a.jpg?hash=J6lxVubxD3 "5-30-23%20001-X2[1].jpg")
Just realized after reading this that my adventure with Gas Powered rides started when I was about 9 or 10 years old. Somehow my dad helped me to buy a used Cushman Truckster from the Cushman dealer in Houston, we lived way out in the country close to Katy, Texas. Then, what is now I-10 was a little 2 lane country road heading West. I rode that 3 wheeler all over the area, 2 wheels in front, one wheel in back, 2 speed tranny and 5 HP engine, top speed of 30 mph, completely wore out 2 motors. From that point on for the next 72 years, there was always at least one Gas powered 2 wheeled ride in the garage, and starting 30 to 40 years ago, 2-3 ATV's, plus several Motorcycles in the garage. In 2010, I test rode a new Spyder, trying to get my wife to ride. She rode it with me on the back, did great, but had absolutely no understanding of the concept of gears and was not interested. Anyhow, back to motorcycles for me. I accidently ran across a mint, used, low mileage, Red F3 L in Ruidoso, NM. I rode it home, 70 miles down to Alamogordo thru the mountains, and I loved it. When motorcycling, seemingly for ever, and on big bikes (BMW race bikes), one's sense of security definitely starts to rear its ugly head, and that became a strong feeling during my 1st ride down the mountain. I have been very fortunate in all my years of riding and racing, with track speeds 160+ mph or so and no crashes... I did well, however.
The Can Am Spyder is a total delight, I love riding it. More compliments than ever, and it's great in the mountains.
I absolutely love it, and the Spyder keeps me in the wind.
BTW, the pic is at just above 9,000 ft elevation and the white you can see in the distance are the White Sands at just over 4,000 elevation. The Spyder runs perfectly up there.
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