I've owned spyders since they came out. Started in 2008 with an RS and now have a 2015 F3 . Both SE5, no previous motorcycle experience. Should I start with a 300cc or a 600, Spyder is a 1330, but I assume much less torque than a Yamaha R6, what do you think?
I've owned spyders since they came out. Started in 2008 with an RS and now have a 2015 F3 . Both SE5, no previous motorcycle experience. Should I start with a 300cc or a 600, Spyder is a 1330, but I assume much less torque than a Yamaha R6, what do you think?
First of all you need to stay away from the R6 or anything similar. You will end up seriously injured, dead or so frightened that you will sell it as quick as possible. Now as to what type of machine to get I would suggest something in the 250cc to 500cc range. There are a lot choices out there. I strongly suggest you get something with ABS. I also think a maxi scooter is a very good choice. Again something with ABS. My personal choice would be the BMW 650GT. But there's also the Honda Silverwing and the Suzuki Burgman 650. Don't sell the maxi scooters short - you can learn a lot from them. In any case stay away from supersports in the beginning stages. After you have put a few thousand miles on something more docile then you can start thinking high performance.
First of all you need to stay away from the R6 or anything similar. You will end up seriously injured, dead or so frightened that you will sell it as quick as possible. Now as to what type of machine to get I would suggest something in the 250cc to 500cc range. There are a lot choices out there. I strongly suggest you get something with ABS. I also think a maxi scooter is a very good choice. Again something with ABS. My personal choice would be the BMW 650GT. But there's also the Honda Silverwing and the Suzuki Burgman 650. Don't sell the maxi scooters short - you can learn a lot from them. In any case stay away from supersports in the beginning stages. After you have put a few thousand miles on something more docile then you can start thinking high performance.
you are in the unenviable position of living in one of the most dangerous 2 wheel environments
in the Nation. I have done two wheeled battle in SoCal over 25 years. Have kissed the pavement
a couple times, through no fault of my own... drunk driver....red light flyer.
I'm not saying you can't do it. I have kind of lost the nerve myself. But if you are going to do it,
Adopt the mindset right now, that every other vehicle on the road is out to kill you.
This is NO JOKE. Ahead, behind, beside. Traveling your direction or coming towards you. EVERY OTHER VEHICLE
Also you need to start ALWAYS having an "exit plan" for those times when you are forced off the road,
or out of your lane. MSF course is fine.
I guess that's my two cents worth. Good luck.
Flatlander, Navy Veteran, Widower
Loved my 2014 RTS SE6 Pearl white
but have a new love now,
my 2017 RTS SE6 Champagne metallic (Champ)
I have the 650 Yamaha - v-star it is a low in the saddle cruiser bike , more for 1 rider , 2 can ride but it is a lot more fun with single rider , it has enough pick -up too get you down the road , but I would not go on a 1000 mile ride on a smaller bike like a 500 - 650 , long rides above , or around 1,ooo c.c. I have tooled around on a 250 but I am shorter in the leg areas , and it is a fun little cycle for trips around a rural area
I would suggest a Suzuki V-Strom 650. In my opinion there is no better all around bike as far as versatility and reliability go. And the best thing is, they are cheap and plentiful.
If you're going to check out the World of "leaners"; you're going to need to spend a TON of time deciding which one:
fits best
matches your riding style
has the proper features
has enough power (but not too much! )
I would suggest a Suzuki V-Strom 650. In my opinion there is no better all around bike as far as versatility and reliability go. And the best thing is, they are cheap and plentiful.
My 650 V Strom is a lot of fun. Check out the new Kawasaki Vulcan S (650).
Last edited by Highwayman2013; 04-06-2017 at 08:49 AM.
I've owned spyders since they came out. Started in 2008 with an RS and now have a 2015 F3 . Both SE5, no previous motorcycle experience. Should I start with a 300cc or a 600, Spyder is a 1330, but I assume much less torque than a Yamaha R6, what do you think?
I'm not sure about California but in many states if you have a 3-wheel motorcycle license, you'll need to get an endorsement for riding on two.
I had a Suzuki Burgman 400 maxi-scooter, but it didn't fit me well. The best fit I found was on a V-Star 950 - much like the F3.
Cheap, light, and low on power. Look for something with an upright seating position with your legs under you and sitting upright. Avoid sport bikes you have to lean over and cruisers with forward controls. Dual sport bikes and adventure touring bikes are great to learn on. They are inexpensive, light weight, don't have a tendency to get you in trouble with power, and it isn't a big deal if you drop it. The VStrom, KLR, DL bikes are great.
However, they are generally tall, so if your short it might be an issue.
My son learned on a KLR. It's a fantastic all around bike and easy to learn on. But it is tall.
Forget almost everything you know about riding in regards to Spyder experience. It's completely different.
Take the 2 wheel safety course and spend a lot of time in a parking lot working on low speed. That is where most people have issues...That and going to fast into corners.
Sign up for a motorcyle riding course. They will supply you with a bike to learn on. This will give you a starting point. Most use smaller managable bikes. Once you get that out of the way rent some others and see if you really want to do this and at what level you want to invest. Good luck and hope you have fun with it...
Gene and Ilana De Laney Mt. Helix, California
2012 RS sm5
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
1998 Honda Valkyrie Tourer With many extras. Yes is a big bike but with a low seat height and good handling. You can't beat the torque. See it on Craigslist reno
Kaos
Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.
2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
I had two BMW 1200LTs and my wife was not wanting to ride with me. I sold them and have had a 2011 and now a 2015 RT. Two weeks after I sold my BMWs, I realized that I wanted a two wheeler also. I bought a 2019 Suzuki 650 Vstrom and love it.
2015 an Am Spyder RT Limited
2013 Yamaha WR250R - Sold
2011 Can Am Spyder RT-S SE5 Limited - Sold
2011 Aspen Sentry Trailer
2003 BMW K1200LT - Sold
2007 Unigo Trailer - Sold
2001 BMW K1200LT - Sold
2001 Honda 750 NightHawk - sold
2015 RT Ltd , Canamspyderaccessories Brake pedal ext. Red
One of the more "Standard" bikes being sold today, are the Harley Street series.
You can get either a 500, or a 750...
And they're not priced stupidly high either!
I would suggest a Suzuki V-Strom 650. In my opinion there is no better all around bike as far as versatility and reliability go. And the best thing is, they are cheap and plentiful.
I second the 650 V-Strom. A perfect "starter" bike for you. But don't let the word "starter" fool you. Many of my friends own this bike and swear by it as the best "do it all" bike they own.
I think about another 2 wheeler just about every other day
Thinking about a two wheeler
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