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Considering a Spyder - Can I Ask You Some Questions?

But I do remember on my last test ride on a Spyder that I felt like the bike was darting side to side while going down the highway
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Yup, exactly how mine felt when I drove it home, to the point I was thinking to myself, what have I done! Trust me, it does get better and more natural after a bit. Still squirrely, but definitely better.
The feeling of not being able to drop the rig is a different sensation as well. That's what was making me nervous on my Kawi, not while driving it, as it felt as light as a feather then, but stopping and having to be extra diligent about foot placement. 69 year old bones and muscles aren't what they used to be. Heck... they never were what they used to be! LOL. I've picked up my Kawi a couple times from leaning over, with my foot in a hollow once, and my foot slipping out from under me while backing up. Embarrassment gave me the strength to pick it up, now I don't think even that would work.
As Rocketman alluded to above, slow country roads with lots of twisties, parking lots, etc.
 
jarrett said:
Yeah, I feel like I'll need a lot of parking lot time with this thing trying to figure out how to do slow speed maneuvers without a clutch lever.
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You might be over-thinking this. Slow-speed maneuvers on a 3-wheeled vehicle require pretty much none of the same skills needed on a 2-wheeler. Just easy on the throttle and turn the handlebar.

Or were you making a joke and it just flew right over my head?
 
RogerC60 said:
You might be over-thinking this. Slow-speed maneuvers on a 3-wheeled vehicle require pretty much none of the same skills needed on a 2-wheeler. Just easy on the throttle and turn the handlebar.

Or were you making a joke and it just flew right over my head?
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No joke, just inexperience on Spyders talking. Hoping it is really easy to ride by comparison.
 
There's no 'friction zone' during low speed turns. Look where you want to go as you would on a bike, turn the bars, lean into the turn/brake/accelerate if necessary and you're good.
 
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.
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HI Jarrett,

I have an "M" endorsement on my Drivers license (had it since 2012, when I got my first Spyder.) I went through the motorcycle class (test, theory and driving) and I got a "Special Restriction Card" saying that I am restricted to riding a Three Wheeled Motorcycle only. I have to carry this card with me at all times (this is in the State of Vermont).

As far as the Spyder models go, with 2014 Spyder models and up (because they'd done all of the major upgrades to the Spyders by then) you get a "1330 Ace high torque engine with a new fascia design, intensifying the Spyder's unique blend of elegance and power". They also improved heat management by doubling the radiator capacity and moving the radiators to the front of the 'A-arms' - away for the Driver and Passenger. The fans include a reverse mode that blows hot air away from the Rider when you're traveling at slower speeds. This ensures more comfort for both the Rider and Passenger. You get a 6 speed transmission, so you can cruise comfortably at 3,300 RPM's with the outstanding ride of the new 6 speed transmission. You get a smoother ride for you and your passenger, thanks to the long ratio sixth gear and the new hydraulic clutch activation system with electronic pressure control. There's ECO mode, a New 1200W alternator, a new comfort seat. On the 'RT' Spyder models, you sit more upright (your legs are more in-line with the rest of your body.) On the F3 Spyder models, you sit more stretchered out, in more of a relaxed position, and they also hug the corners more. I am on my 3rd Spyder, I had a 2012 RTS-SE5 (Sold/ Traded); a 2014 RTS-SE6 (Sold/Traded up); and my current Spyder is a 2023 F3 LTD SS.

I would suggest trying out either Spyder model (RT or F3, maybe both!) You can ride 2 up comfortably in both of them.

Ps: Also, for turning corners, you push through the corners, just like what Mandorallen said in post # 46.

And look at what the warranty is left on any used Spyder.

Deanna
 
My wife and I usually do a couple of 2 week trips per year on our 2018 F3L. No issue with storage if you are practical about your packing. I also do a 2 week trip with a group of guys every year. They are all on 2 wheels and I have no problem keeping up with them. We are usually in the mountains or in areas with a lot of curvy roads. Longest trips for us are usually under 4k miles. I started riding in the 60's, so I have done a lot of miles on 2 wheelers. It took me about 2-3 weeks of local riding to get used to being on 3 wheels.
 
Is there a single person Spyder model that has enough storage and features to go on a multi day tour? She's considering getting one for her to ride solo
 
jarrett said:
Is there a single person Spyder model that has enough storage and features to go on a multi day tour? She's considering getting one for her to ride solo
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I've done tens of thousands of solo riding miles on my 2013 RT, often with a bag strapped onto the pillion seat as well as gear in the trunk, side cases, and frunk. And even if the Child Bride doesn't come along, I often put my Assistance Dog's Travel Crate on the pillion seat with him inside it so he can come along too - besides, if I'm riding alone, it's more comfortable for us both and easier besides, to have him in the crate rather than just in his harness. At 4kg, my current Assistance Dog doesn't fit in the tank bag, cos he's almost twice the size of the little white dog you can see sitting in the tank bag in my Avatar pic to the left of this post - that's Max, my previous Assistance Dog - I had him for 18 years and he travelled well over 100,000 miles in the tank bag on various machines, mainly the Spyder tho, and he absolutely loved (almost) every minute of it! ;)

However, the reality is that ANY Spyder model can be ridden solo, just like most motorbikes. After all, you don't HAVE to carry a pillion passenger just cos you've got a pillion seat. ;)

That said, and I don't know if they still do this cos I haven't bothered to look for a while, but there was a time you could get a cover/storage lid for the pillion seat on the Base model F3's (& maybe F3-S too??) to effectively convert them into a 'selectable solo' Spyder; but in std trim the Base & S F3's really don't have much room at all in the way of storage other than the frunk, and that's not really great for carrying anything in the way of touring luggage much beyond a change of jocks & socks; while the little bit of extra space you could get on the pillion seat/under the cover thing won't really add a heap to that!! :cautious:

So really, if you want storage and features, you're either looking at sourcing/fitting any optional or a/mkt saddle bags, tourer tops, etc to one of the 'non-touring' models (that are mainly 'pillion capable' anyway); or going for an F3-T, F3-Ltd, or an RT/RT-Ltd model - all if which are technically 'pillion capable motorcycles', but like I said, you don't HAVE to carry a pillion passenger just cos you've got a pillion seat! :rolleyes: You can always leave that seat empty, or find a bag/top box/something that'll go on it and work for you to add storage/form a back-rest/work to fill that spot. You've just gotta think outside the box a little - or in this case, maybe think IN or OF a box instead?! 😝

Just Sayin' 😁
 
jarrett said:
Starting to wonder if that might be the play here. Just get her her own Spyder and I stick to two wheels.
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If she's the least interested in this option, I hope you'll travel wherever you need to so that she can take a test ride. Take a look at the F3 Base or S models. Ready made hard bags are available from Can-Am, or just lash a good sized duffle onto the rear seat. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Sarah
 
Hi Jarrett, A little late to the party, but thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I agree with many of the posted comments. I would also recommend taking a 3 Wheel Course. I was riding a RT for about 3 years when I took the course sponsored by BRP and I did learn a few things that improved my riding. In your case it will help get you over the darting back and forth you get. Not sure if TX allows a discount on your insurance for taking the course but that is a bonus if it does.
I would check BRP's website and find out if the course is offered at a location near you. Sometimes BRP offers a discounted price or a discount for accessories.
As far as touring and riding 2 up, my beautiful sweetheart will not give up the comfort of the RT.
I would recommend a 2020 and up RT. Look around you may find a RT Ltd or even a S2S at a good price.
Good Luck!
Safe riding.
 
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