Questions from a 2-wheeler about Spyders

[Rod.]

I really like the design of the Spyder from what I've read and would like some opinions from those who have ridden them. I started motorcycling last summer at age 56 and while I really like it, I have a couple of problems that maybe the Spyder won't have.

The 1st is crosswinds and the lousy experiences I've had on a 2-wheeler. I live on the prairies and it's windy much of the time, so I'm thinking that 3-wheels are better than 2 with a crosswind. How is it on a Spyder?

The 2nd is numbness in my hands. I'm sure part of that is from too tight a grip because I'm still not really confident or comfortable yet with riding. My 2-wheeler (a V-Strom 650) is pretty upright and doesn't put too much forward lean into my posture, so I think that's a good thing to reduce stress on my hands and wrists. Pictures of the Spyder, though, look like the rider is crouched forward more like a sport bike position with the foot pegs pretty far back. Anyone care to comment on how the riding position and weight on the hands are on a Spyder?

Thanks,
Rod.

 

[BRPjunkie]

No question the Spyder platform is more stable than two wheels and that applies in crosswinds. While basic Spyder riding position is a semi-sport ride position, feet are not as far back. The issues you are concerned about are easily addressed with handlebar risers and forward highway pegs. If you are new to two wheels and not yet wedded to that format, I believe you will find the Spyder a great choice. There are many different ways to adapt it to your specific needs and this site will help you every step of the way.

For more insight, read the thread "Just curious, why did you buy".

 

[Rod.]

Thanks - I have read that thread and didn't see any show stoppers, so am now doing more research. I didn't know about the highway pegs, so I've learned something else already.

Thanks!!

 

[bone crusher]

BRPjunkie answered pretty darn well...

No problems with winds... I know that from over 40mph crosswinds at 70 mph...

As far as comfort goes, there is a lot that you can do...

The Spyder is a great bike - period - it's also significantly safer than a two-wheeler. Mainly, it's a heck of a lot bigger!

 

[SpyderDog65]

No question the Spyder platform is more stable than two wheels and that applies in crosswinds. While basic Spyder riding position is a semi-sport ride position, feet are not as far back. The issues you are concerned about are easily addressed with handlebar risers and forward highway pegs. If you are new to two wheels and not yet wedded to that format, I believe you will find the Spyder a great choice. There are many different ways to adapt it to your specific needs and this site will help you every step of the way.

For more insight, read the thread "Just curious, why did you buy".

I've had my SE5 since Oct of last year and I rode a full dress Harley before I bought my Spyder. There is no comparison on my opinion. I feel ten times safer on my Spyder than I ever did riding that Harley. This thing is so freakin' stable and since everyone hasn't seen it much, some have never seen it all yet, you get noticed so much much more than most would notice a bike. So I think I'm less likely to get into a motor vehicle accident. Cross winds don't effect you as much, but they still push your body around, especially my head! lol But over all, the Spyder is super stable and that is the main reason I own one. I hope this helps a bit. Michael



Red SE5 6spoke rims,1inch riser, Venom exhaust, Monoseat cover, NMN Tripleplay taillights, NMN Fender tips, NMN 8k HiD Headlights, NMN Third brake light LED, NMN JuicBox, Kury ISO Handgrips w/Throttleboss, Kury ISO Footpegs, Kewlmetal Mirror extensions, Kewlmetal Spyderweb Radiator Intake Cover, ProPad Gel Seat Cushion.

 

[bjt]

Welcome to SpyderLovers Rod. welcome

I think you should find your local dealer and see if they will arrange a test ride for you. You could also see if there are any BRP events or dealer demos near you.

2025 Can-Am 3-Wheel Motorcycles & Electric Motorcycles

Discover our brand new lineup of 2025 3-wheel Can-Am Ryker, Spyder & Canyon motorcycles, and the new all electric motorcycles Can-Am Pulse & Origin.

can-am.brp.com

On that map, I only see one dealer with things scheduled for 2009 but I'm sure more will pop up in the coming months.

Bottom line is you need to get some seat time on a Spyder. Probably every one of us who regularly posts here loves their Spyder, but there have been a few people who didn't and ended up selling their Spyder. If you read through some of the older posts where people talked about their first impressions on the Spyder ride, not every one of them was a glowing review. The key is to get enough ride time to make an informed decision. If your first test ride gives you some concerns, come back and post them here and you may get some great advice on how to address them. Then go out for another test ride, seeing if the advice helps. Of course, what may happen is that your blown away by the initial test ride and decide to buy a Spyder right then. In either case, there are many folks here ready to coax you into buying one, answer any questions, and share stories and tips. :2thumbs:

 

[M2Wild]

The 2nd is numbness in my hands. I'm sure part of that is from too tight a grip because I'm still not really confident or comfortable yet with riding. My 2-wheeler (a V-Strom 650) is pretty upright and doesn't put too much forward lean into my posture, so I think that's a good thing to reduce stress on my hands and wrists.

Your riding position on the Spyder can be modified with different riser height. Tight grip on twist throttle will always get you the numbness. A some sort of throttle aide will help such as "throttle rocker" or "throttlemeister". All depends on how much you want to spend.

 

[NancysToy]

The tight grip on the handlebars will get you more than numbness with the Spyder, it will feel squirmy at speed. Relaxing the grip is a must on this ride. As to the numbness, there can be several things that cause it. Too tight a grip, wrist position, neck position, overall riding position, and vibration can all play a part. I normally get numb hands quite easily, but do better than average on the Spyder, with just a 1" riser. Others have found the NMN risers or KewlMetal bars the answer. Other folks have no problems at all.

A throttle tensioner like the Throttlemeister, a throttle lock, or a true cruise control can allow you to remove your throttle hand periodically to get some feeling back. It is a must for me, and highly recommended.

As far as crosswinds, I agree that the Spyder is far more stable. You will still have to make adjustments, as the wind blows your body, pulling on the handlebars as a result, and requiring steering adjustments. That's the deal, though... it is steering, not leaning! More like your car in that respect. More affected by winds than your car, though, due to the light weight and the less than slippery shape. Same factors affect a motorcycle.

Like the man said, take a test ride... or several. That should tell you what you want to know quite quickly. All dealers should have demo units.
-Scotty

 

[Lamonster]

welcome

The 650 is a pretty light bike, I'm sure that a heavy cruiser wouldn't have been near as bad in the wind. The Spyder does pretty good in the wind but it will be just as bad in not worst if you hang on too tight. The key to control on the Spyder is to relax your grip.

The posture of the Spyder may be a problem for you too as far as numb hands goes. This can be fixed with a set of No Magic risers. I had numb hands and a very sore shoulder be for I put those on.

 

[effgjamis]

Thanks - I have read that thread and didn't see any show stoppers, so am now doing more research. I didn't know about the highway pegs, so I've learned something else already.

Thanks!!

Check the MOD section for stuff you may find are show stoppers.

 

[Rod.]

Thanks for all the advice and info. Was reading the report in Motorcycle Mojo Magazine the other night and my wife gave the Spyder her full approval because of the stable platform -- saying that is a 'bike' she'd actually go riding with me on!

I wonder how the market is for a slightly used wee Strom...?

Cheers,
Rod.

 

[bone crusher]

Thanks for all the advice and info. Was reading the report in Motorcycle Mojo Magazine the other night and my wife gave the Spyder her full approval because of the stable platform -- saying that is a 'bike' she'd actually go riding with me on!

I wonder how the market is for a slightly used wee Strom...?

Cheers,
Rod.

You have two options with the Spyder...the SE5 and the SM5. If you want to change gears like a motorcycle, the manual will be more up your alley. If you want to have more of the automatic feel and not have to worry about hitting the clutch, then the SE5 is better for you.

I got the manual as I love changing gears...I feel like the bike is more responsive...just like driving a manual vs. an automatic car. However, those with the SE5 love the ride as well. Some have had some complaints with gear shifting and other issues, but I'm sure BRP is addressing them...

The SE5 is also more expensive...if you like the two wheelers, I'd recommend getting the SM5 and putting the extra money into mods, like the risers that Lamonster is talking about and the hindle exhaust, etc...

 

[M2Wild]

I wonder how the market is for a slightly used wee Strom...?

Why not keep both? That way you'll have a choice. Better yet, she can ride the Spyder and you can be on the Storm.