What about Riders 1st motorcycle being a Spyder?

[Tomline]

I know a lot of Spyder Ryders, including myself, have ridden two wheels for a number of years before going to their Spyder. I wonder sometimes seeing other Spyder Ryders? What I mean is somebody with "No Two Wheel Experience" buys and jumps on a Spyder with the mindset being "Hey, I don't have to worry about falling over! I don't have to worry about the Spyder sliding out from under me on corners & curves! I don't have to worry about braking,I just step down on the brake pedal and come to a stop! Anybody can ride one of these things!" Comments?

[youngers]

well with that mind set --- they will know what being thrown off the cycle in a curve will do ! if the person has never really ridden a cycle before they have a big learning curve to catch up on , speed , braking , waning lights , normal stuff other cycle riders have already went through ... now if the said person starts out slow , just riding the local neighbor hood , getting use to the cycle , getting a little more comfortable with all the things that are located on the handle bars ( ex: horn , mode, up and down switch , push to talk switch --- if they have this option , lights --- you get the idea ) they will be more excited about riding than being afraid of what if`s ... ( unless they are just ummmmmm to put it nicely ---- lost their minds , to not be afraid of things they can not prevent ) ---- deer , dogs , damp roadways --- other drivers in cars .... just to start the conversation !

[al0vely]

I haven't encountered that person but I am sure they exist. Unfortunately some states do not require Spyder drivers to have a motorcycle license and that situation could lead to the driver you described. IMO all 2 or 3 wheel cyclist should be required to take the MSF class as part of the licensing process - and the license should be required in all states.

[Bob Denman]

The motorcycling experience is far more complex than simply not having to worry about putting the bike on the handlebar end caps...
Folks that start and end with Spyders; have missed a lot more than they could ever imagine.

[Don'tPanic]

I've never owned a motorcycle, but always wanted one, and yeah, I bought the Spyder with all those safety things you mentioned in mind.

Now, having said that, I took MSF course, bought a dozen or so books and read them all, including "Twist of the wrist" and "Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well". I don't have false premises of being invincible, and I exercise defensive riding at all times. I lean my body in the curves, push off the opposite peg and handlebar and relax my grip while riding. I don't speed and use my peripheral vision to scan 12 seconds ahead of me.

So, keeping all that in mind, I do feel that Spyders are intrinsically safer that two-wheelers - they have a bigger presence on the road, so you have a better chance of people actually seeing you, they won't slide from under you on gravel, sand or wet leaves, eliminating the chance of low-siding, they won't throw you off their backs if you lock up the rear wheel, reducing the chance of high-siding. Since I have a family and I'm delusional enough to think that I'm somewhat of a responsible person, all those safety features were important to me. Lane splitting is not legal in my state anyway, so I don't feel bad that I could have zipped through the traffic if I had two wheels.

Now, in the six months of owning the F3 I can tell you for a fact that if I purchased a "proper" motorcycle I would have already been down twice - once on a reducing radius curve where I entered too fast, I felt nanny save my butt, cut the power and applied the brakes for me (it was a really tight turn on an unknown to me road, with trees blocking the view of the curve) - I would have been down on a two-wheeler there. Second time when I tried to "rev-match" while downshifting and popped the clutch - the rear wheel locked up. The Spyder just plowed through, while the two-wheeler would have thrown me off.

So yeah, I'm enjoying my rydes with the confidence Can-Am built into my three-wheeler, and my kids don't have to visit me in the hospital

...just my two cents.

[MR. H1956]

The motorcycling experience is far more complex than simply not having to worry about putting the bike on the handlebar end caps...
Folks that start and end with Spyders; have missed a lot more than they could ever imagine.

I agree. There is nothing more fun and a total rush than going up a twisty road scraping your foot pegs and cranking back on the throttle and just totally getting a head rush of pure excitement. But spyders have a way of getting you to that same head rush. Just in a different way. And a safer way. So for a new rider its all a learning curve. Time to learn and experience the thrill of riding. Takeing it slow and steady is the best way to go.

[Hawk1966]

I know a lot of Spyder Ryders, including myself, have ridden two wheels for a number of years before going to their Spyder. I wonder sometimes seeing other Spyder Ryders? What I mean is somebody with "No Two Wheel Experience" buys and jumps on a Spyder with the mindset being "Hey, I don't have to worry about falling over! I don't have to worry about the Spyder sliding out from under me on corners & curves! I don't have to worry about braking,I just step down on the brake pedal and come to a stop! Anybody can ride one of these things!" Comments?

I intend hope to be that person. . . well, without the indestructible mindset.

[Bob Denman]

I've never owned a motorcycle, but always wanted one, and yeah, I bought the Spyder with all those safety things you mentioned in mind...
..So, keeping all that in mind, I do feel that Spyders are intrinsically safer that two-wheelers - they have a bigger presence on the road, so you have a better chance of people actually seeing you, they won't slide from under you on gravel, sand or wet leaves, eliminating the chance of low-siding, they won't throw you off their backs if you lock up the rear wheel, reducing the chance of high-siding...
...So yeah, I'm enjoying my rydes with the confidence Can-Am built into my three-wheeler, and my kids don't have to visit me in the hospital

...just my two cents.

100% with your assessment of how and why Spyders are safer than the "leaners"/
But it sure is fun, to lay the edge of a floorboard or peg on the pavement in a long sweeper, and watch the sparks fly...
Motorcycles and Spyders are completely different in many ways: yet they are also very similar in a lot of others.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I know a lot of Spyder Ryders, including myself, have ridden two wheels for a number of years before going to their Spyder. I wonder sometimes seeing other Spyder Ryders? What I mean is somebody with "No Two Wheel Experience" buys and jumps on a Spyder with the mindset being "Hey, I don't have to worry about falling over! I don't have to worry about the Spyder sliding out from under me on corners & curves! I don't have to worry about braking,I just step down on the brake pedal and come to a stop! Anybody can ride one of these things!" Comments?

After reading all the comments above, I will agree a person needs to use do care, as with anything that can Kill someone ( you or a pedestrian etc . ) ....Caution is advised ... But IMHO someone who has never operated a Two wheeler is actually more likely to learn the Spyder quicker ..... It's not like any Two wheeler in the handling dept. ....so Newbies don't have to UN-learn anything............Mike

[ofdave]

When I had a Ural a few years ago I took a trike/sidecar training course.
Here in FL if you get a 3 wheel endorsement on your license you can ride a three-wheeler but not a motorcycle. If you have a motorcycle license you can ride a trike or sidecar with no additional training. No consideration given to the very different machines and riding characteristics.
That always seemed odd to me. Two wheels is not at all the same as three.
Having ridden 2 wheels for many years I still thought I would benefit from learning how to ride three. The class did give me a very good understanding of how to ride a sidecar rig.
The Ural is gone and fondly remembered. Replaced by a couple different 2 wheelers before I got my Spyder.
Did the three wheel course help with Spyder riding? Not a bit. It's different from a standard trike (used in the three wheel class) and in no way similar to a sidecar rig.
That said, I can see where those who choose the three wheels of a Spyder have no real need, in my opinion, to have two wheel experience to do so. They do not have to unlearn anything when they ride a Spyder. They do not have to learn to use the front brake as the major stopping force on a bike and then learn to live without it as on the Spyder. One pedal does it all, no front lever to focus on. And sand in a turn does not necessarily cause a pucker.
As BlueKnight911 noted "...

someone who has never operated a Two wheeler is actually more likely to learn the Spyder quicker"

makes sense if you think about it.

[Chupaca]

We come from many places....There are those that come form off road Quads, snowmobiles, bicycles and personal watercraft and all never owned a motorcycle. The learning curve varies for all. I would imagine many women have come from the no motorcycle to the spyder. I know several that have had a tough time learning the two wheeler to get the license for the spyder and some just gave it up....

[cptjam]

A few years ago, cycle world magazine had a article on Spyders, and the demographics. Almost perfect quarters, 25% never ridden, 25% women, 25% handicap, and 25% were folks who can and do ride anything, but decided a Spyder was a good idea. So, a Spyder as a first bike is more common than you might think. Many people have no interest in 2 wheels. Not a bad thing, just different. Different strokes. Enjoy!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

We come from many places....There are those that come form off road Quads, snowmobiles, bicycles and personal watercraft and all never owned a motorcycle. The learning curve varies for all. I would imagine many women have come from the no motorcycle to the spyder. I know several that have had a tough time learning the two wheeler to get the license for the spyder and some just gave it up....

.... and it's too bad about the Two Wheel Mtc License thing ..... When the Spyders first arrived in Vt. you also had to have Mtc. lic..... which of course was for the two wheeled variety ONLY ..... However they changed the criteria and offered a Three wheel only version ...... I lot of women took advantage of this ..... Mike

[cyclekid58]

I also came from riding motorcycles for over 40 years, there were a few things to "Un-Learn", It was only required to take a road test by DMV to get a MC Endorsement in MT. So most of my riding was seat of the pants. When I moved to Idaho my license transfered with just having to do a writen test, no road test. When I finally traded off my 2 wheeler and bought the Spyder no 3 wheel endorsement or training was required just the reg. MC endorsement. I took the Idaho STAR 3 wheel course here and while there was some regular trike training and sidecar included in the classroom training, the instructor rode a can am spyder RSS to demonstrate everything and all participants but one had a spyder. The instructor really put us through the paces and we learned what the spyder will do in those awe-crap moments, before experiencing them on the street. It made a big difference when the chain reaction accident occured 3 years ago when several 2 wheelers in a group ride were involved in an accident and went down my wife included on her 2 wheeler, I knew what to expect when I hit the brakes and took evasive action to avoid being part of the problem. She had taken both the 2 wheeler training course, and also the 3 wheeler course and now has her own spyder and loves it. I wholeheartedly support the 3 wheel courses to really learn your bike and what it can do, whatever you may think you know, even old dogs can be taught new tricks.

[wyliec]

I guess I'm different, and have other things to think about then to waste time thinking of what another rider may have ridden.

[Little Blue]

NO Matter What Type of Motorcycling You Do, there is ALWAYS a Learning Process/Curve. That being said, Everyone has to make those difficult Riding decisions sooner or later. I for one did that by taking a Riding Class and then ride and continue to learn and practice SAFETY. Remember to Be Safe and Always Ride SAFE.

[Fire34]

We saw a spyder on auction at a casino in Deadwood. Love at first sight. Never ridden 2 wheels and we thought of the safety factor. The other night we saw a gold wing that would knock your socks off, and I wondered to myself how in the heck would I hold that up etc. Being a first responder for over half my life I have seen enough( wont get graphic). I always drive as defensively as I can. I am still getting use to the curves etc. the right hands seem to be a little harder to get use to than the lefts. Here in Illinois I got a MC license with 3 wheel restriction. We are going to get the custom dynamics 3rd brake light in the next couple of weeks just as an added measure.

Dave

[Mad Mac]

I came from riding two-wheelers for 47 yrs. and after I broke my Rt. leg from a dual-sport bike crash, I needed to give up two-wheelers, according to the wife. When I decided to test ride a Spyder, I got to ride a '13 RT and felt "what the heck, I can do this". So dealer talked me into the '14 RTL and I was on my way. Now after riding M/C's for 47 years, I had some good habits and bad habits, luckily I rode snowmobiles here in Wisc. and have put on about 30.000 miles on them over the course of 15+years. That being said, with that experience, transitioning to the Spyder was effortless, once I got used to not having a front brake lever on the Rt. bar. That was the hardest part to "un-learn". I agree with those that have mentioned that if a person does not know how to ride a motorcycle, they will not have anything to "un-learn". The biggest issue is that you are not as protected as you are in a "cage", and you need to be aware of what's going on around you at all times. You must have eyes in the back of your head and constantly be "scanning". When I was stationed in Germany in the 80's, while on the Autobahn, you used your side mirrors as much as you looked thru your windshield when traveling at speeds of 120+ MPH (200+KPH). Being aware and having sharp reflexes are key to surviving the motorcycle/trike world, IMHO. Good Luck and many safe miles! Mac

[Ben Burped]

t

We saw a spyder on auction at a casino in Deadwood. Love at first sight. Never ridden 2 wheels and we thought of the safety factor. The other night we saw a gold wing that would knock your socks off, and I wondered to myself how in the heck would I hold that up etc. Being a first responder for over half my life I have seen enough( wont get graphic). I always drive as defensively as I can. I am still getting use to the curves etc. the right hands seem to be a little harder to get use to than the lefts. Here in Illinois I got a MC license with 3 wheel restriction. We are going to get the custom dynamics 3rd brake light in the next couple of weeks just as an added measure.

Dave

Custom dynamics makes a quality product. While you are looking at the high mount brake light, look at the front fender lights, the mud flap lights, and the red side lights. I went with the whole set up and am very pleased. Looks great and has worked flawlessly. Plus it didn't make the signal lights go into hyper flash mode.

[RapidSpyder]

My wife has always been dead set about not getting a motorcycle due to all the TBI’s she’s worked with, but after saying she could do a Spyder we had one within two weeks.

[Bfromla]

I haven't encountered that person but I am sure they exist. Unfortunately some states do not require Spyder drivers to have a motorcycle license and that situation could lead to the driver you described. IMO all 2 or 3 wheel cyclist should be required to take the MSF class as part of the licensing process - and the license should be required in all states.

The MSF class should just about be required for the basic license just to drive! Maybe then they would see us more

[Tomline]

Thanks for all the replies to my post! Glad to see all the different experiences on two wheels and three and the"Mindset" that my fellow Spyders have! Take Care and Have a Safe Ride!

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I guess I am one of the few whose first ride was a Spyder. I have bad knees, ankles and feet and didn't feel like dropping a bike while stopped at a red light. Got my permit on a Wednesday, bought The Beast on Saturday, got my license on Tuesday. Rode it home 180 miles from the dealers on I40 through central NC. Zero problems. I didn't take any safety courses. I have always had the ability to anticipate trouble since I always watch the traffic around me more than the road. It works the same on the Spyder.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I guess I am one of the few whose first ride was a Spyder. I have bad knees, ankles and feet and didn't feel like dropping a bike while stopped at a red light. Got my permit on a Wednesday, bought The Beast on Saturday, got my license on Tuesday. Rode it home 180 miles from the dealers on I40 through central NC. Zero problems. I didn't take any safety courses. I have always had the ability to anticipate trouble since I always watch the traffic around me more than the road. It works the same on the Spyder.

.......... Your experience reinforces my point ..... NO motorcycle background makes it Easier to learn how to ride a Spyder ........ No un-learning to complicate things ............ Mike

[BrianO]

I came to the Spyder community in May 16 without any 2 wheel experience. I rode a 2wheeler once in a grass field with an experienced rider behind me. Every time I stopped the bike nearly tipped over.

My wife and I had been eyeing other Spyder riders on the road for a couple of years. A good friend (who is a 2 wheel rider) had a chance to rider a Spyder. His experience encouraged me to seriously look into getting one myself. I eventually bought a new 15 St-L. With no riding experience and just haven’t passed my motorcycle learners permit, I had my friend ride it home for me (busy city streets and freeway to get home). Once Home, my friend gave me a few tips and I did a couple of rides down our residential street.

I eventually took a Spyder specific course which was excellent. The instructor emphasized to ride as though we had a target on our back.

my biggest learning over the past couple of years....
- initially I reached for a hand brake from my bicycle experience
- being ultra alert. This sorta came naturally since I was obviously out in the open
- every time I sat down I felt like I should be putting a seatbelt on
- going on the freeway the first few times was very scary!
- even though I hadn’t yet started following other rider experiences (Spyder lovers and Facebook), I was concerned about the spiders reliability. Was concerned I’d get stranded if I went too far away.

My wife and I enjoy the Spyder; there is no way we would enjoy riding 2wheels. Hopefully in June I will be taking another course and getting my full motorcycle (3 wheel only) license.