• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Considering a Spyder - Can I Ask You Some Questions?

vito1943 said:
I think that some here are making things more complicated than they need to be. Elaborate explanations of how to take a turn on a Spyder will likely just scare off someone considering getting one of these trikes. If you can drive a car, you can immediately ride a Spyder. You steer around the curve, just as in a car, and the only diference really is that you are using handlebars rather than a steering wheel. I have no doubt that CanAm could have designed the Spyder with a steering wheel and it would have worked just fine, other than making it even less like a "tradtional" motorcycle, and then they would have had to figure out where to put all the controls that right now are on each of the handgrips.

FWIW, I think that someone who has never ridden a two wheel motorcycle will have a faster learning curve on a Spyder than an experienced motorcyclist. Coming off two wheels requires getting used to no clutch lever, no front brake lever, and absolutely nothing to do with the left foot. For me, the biggest obstacle to feeling comfortable on my RT was not automatically gravitating to the left third of the lane, but getting used to aiming right down the middle of the lane. The very reason that some bikers look down on riders of Spyders is that the Spyder riders do not have to master the unique skills of motorcycling, such as counter steering, using both hands and feet simultaneously in an emergency stop, etc, etc. But those very same reasons make it incredibly easy for a non-rider to be safely navigating a Spyder (or F3, or Ryker for that matter).
Click to expand...

Yeah, after spending 600 miles on a Spyder over the last couple of days, I now realize that some of early questions were moot. Within 20 miles of riding it, I felt comfortable enough to do the next 580. The last 200 miles, it felt like old hat to me. It's a very intuitive ride.

I did have a number of times that I was wiggling my left foot and right hand for no reason :)

I do wish there was a right hand brake lever though. I feel like picking up my leg and putting my foot down wastes valuable time in an emergency situation, where I could just move my index finger a couple of centimeters if I had a lever. But I have to say the brakes are good. I did do a few emergency stops at safe points on my trip and it will stop pretty hard for a land yacht/rolling couch.

I also got rained on four times on the trip. Mostly just normal rain, but one storm was a torrential down pour in downtown Houston in 6 lanes of packed traffic. The RT did great in the rain. Felt much more stable than two wheels in the same situation.

It is a bit of a boring ride compared to my two wheeled bikes, but it's ok. I didn't buy it for performance. It excels at the chill and cruise thing. Very, very nice for that function. And I felt more rested after 600 miles than I would have on two wheels as well.
 
Last edited:
Jarrett,
Your story is much like mine. I purchased my 2016 RTL on 9/22/20 with 4,722 miles that was placed in service on 12/30/16. Rode it back home on a 2-day trip of about 550 miles. First time driving a 3-wheeler. No maintenance records other than a dealer performed first service and the front tires were changed out under warranty because they were out of round. When I got home, I changed out the brake fluid and did an oil change and was back on schedule with maintenance. The bike now has almost 63,000 miles and I have driven it each and every month since getting it. Only time it has been to the dealer since getting it is for the front sprocket recall. Only legitimate Limp Home Message was for the Cam Position Sensor (known problem on certain years) at 34,143 miles. The new sensor was harder to find than to replace. I used to get cramping in my hips on long rides but now that I have hyway pegs no longer an issue. Enjoy your new ride!
 
jarrett said:
It is a bit of a boring ride compared to my two wheeled bikes, but it's ok. I didn't buy it for performance. It excels at the chill and cruise thing.
Click to expand...
If you are a 'spirited' rider, after you get comfortable with the G-forces, You'll find keeping up with your 2-wheeled pals in the twisties to be anything but boring! With the added benefit of embarrassing some of those guys.
 
RayBJ said:
If you are a 'spirited' rider, after you get comfortable with the G-forces, You'll find keeping up with your 2-wheeled pals in the twisties to be anything but boring! With the added benefit of embarrassing some of those guys.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's not gonna happen. My riding buddies are track racers. I'll take 2 wheels with them. This thing can't run with a sport bike.

He's just in the way out there.

 
Get Vredistein tires all the way around and get the pressure dialed in. Upgrade the antisway bar and get a stage 2 flash and see how much fun she is!
 
"Some of us still have a proper clutch and shifter. ;)"

I was not aware that some Spyders had traditional transmissions. When did the change begin to the current semi-automatic trans?
 
vito1943 said:
"Some of us still have a proper clutch and shifter. ;)"

I was not aware that some Spyders had traditional transmissions. When did the change begin to the current semi-automatic trans?
Click to expand...
I think it was around 2020 that they dropped the manual, hence, I'll never have a newer Spyder than that.
None of my "recreational" vehicles are automatics, except for my motor-coach, which for some reason is actually called an RV. :unsure:
It just gets the real RV's to the track. :cool:🤣
 
Cobranut said:
I think it was around 2020 that they dropped the manual, hence, I'll never have a newer Spyder than that.
None of my "recreational" vehicles are automatics, except for my motor-coach, which for some reason is actually called an RV. :unsure:
It just gets the real RV's to the track. :cool:🤣
Click to expand...
My 2016 RTL is an SE6. The SM6 and SE6 both use the same manual transmission. The difference is that the SE6 has a clutch that is automatic and a servo that shifts the transmission via the paddle shifter instead of using your foot. Same exact transmission.
 
jarrett said:
Thanks. I called one of them and asked about this class and they said if I already have an M endorsement on my license that much of it would be a waste of my time/money as it is prepping riders with zero experience for their restricted M endorsement. Interesting to learn that taking that class gets your a restricted M, meaning you can only ride a trike, but taking the 2 wheeled class will allow you to ride either.
Click to expand...
Take the course anyway. You will learn/relearn. I did it, which included sidecar, and learned a few things. You’ll still have your MC endorsement.
 
troop said:
I think you talked to a terribly uninformed person. The 3 wheeled class is to let a rider, new/experienced, learn the nuances of riding a 3 wheeled vehicle. Ask to talk to someone else.
Click to expand...
Fully agree with this. I came from two wheel to three and it was a very informative class. And there is enough of a difference that in some States like mine it is it's own separate class or restriction. In Md. it is a J class restriction, which makes for an interesting conversation when handing my license over to any Out of State cops when they ask for it, as I also have a B class restriction for wearing glasses. So when they look under the restriction section of my license, it is a BJ restriction that I am driving under.
 
I also went from 2 to 3 wheels. My brother had an F3 basic model with 1 seat and no storage extras. I tried it and enjoyed. I ended up with an F3 Limited to get the storage, and I liked how I sat. My wife stopped riding on my 2 wheeler a couple of years ago. I saw Coach Bob and his arm rests on his trike. I added those and now my wife is asking me if we are going for a ride. By the way, I am 70 and she is 67. Everything everybody is saying. Sit on them and ride if possible. I liked how the F3 felt under me.
 
Congrats on your purchase! I have a 2024 RTL. I was a 2 wheeler when I rode. I had about a 30 year break due to MS. But all I had to do to the Spyder was to have a hand brake installed and make a wheelchair carrier. Slingmods sells a handbrake, kind of expensive, but it works well. Good luck to you.
 
Cosmo said:
Be aware that a number of dealers will not service a Spyder 10 years or older
Click to expand...
But if you find a dealer that does, it's not an issue. I have 14 RT and my local dealer takes good care of me and my bike. Looked into this before I pulled the trigger on buying a 10 year old Spyder. So far, so good for me. YMMV.
 
Having owned both models and taken multi-day rides two up. My wife prefers the RTL because of the heated seat and more room. Personally i prefer the F3L.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Getting close to decision time. I need some input from those who have ridden an F3-L and RTL?
Replies
18
Views
1K
tntnj
tntnj
blacklightning
Still loving my Spyders!
Replies
1
Views
331
pegasus1300
pegasus1300
Denno
Coming back to a Spyder - anyone found a dealer selling both BMW bikes and Spyders?
Replies
12
Views
1K
Mikey
Mikey
Gwolf
  • Sticky
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Replies
11
Views
817
greer
G
S
What are your thoughts on any potential reliability/issues of this 16 year old Spyder?
Replies
8
Views
657
racoon
racoon
Back
Top