Hello all. I decided to join this forum after reading the do's and don'ts sticky and also because in reading another post about whether to get a Ryker or a Spyder which was posted by a Ryker owner who is the same age as me (75). In reading that thread, I discovered that there are plenty of folks on this forum my age or older. That makes me feel good about considering a Can Am. I've been riding since I was 17 and sold my last two wheeler, Harley Ultra Classic, in 2018. It was becoming a little cumbersome to ride. Since then, I've considered lighter 2 wheelers, but I think I would be better off with a trike. I've been looking around and I'm pretty sure a reverse trike is the best choice for me. I haven't ridden a Can Am yet, but I've looked at them and sat on them. I have recently found at a local dealership (all former students of mine) a 2020 Ryker Rally with 300 (yes 300) miles on it for 8500.00 and a 2020 Spyder (can't exactly recall the model) with side trunks but no top trunk for 17K. I think it has about 5900 miles on it. I've also looked on marketplace. I haven't made up my mind yet. I don't expect to do a great deal of touring but might do some. My biggest concern is that I'm not sure the Ryker will carry my weight as well as my lady friend's weight. I'm about 260 pounds and my lady is about 230. It would be quite load for the Ryker and the passenger seat would leave much to be desired for her also. But the difference in price is a lot. I have seen some of the older 998 cc bikes for less, but I'm not sure I should buy something from vintage mainly because I might not be able to get parts for it. I'm not familiar with Can Am's policy on older equipment.

So, I'm looking for advice. Would weight be an issue on the Ryker? I know that bike only weighs about 550 pounds whereas the spyder comes in at around 850 or so. Both are lighter than my Ultra which weighed a little over 900 pounds. Would a 998 cc spyder, if it's in good shape, be a viable choice? I think I should ask the dealer what his policy is on servicing older spyders. Whatever advice you all can give will be much appreciated.

The salesman at the dealership I visited told me there are Can Am demo days coming up the end of May. I had hoped not to have to wait that long for a test ride. Maybe I'll look at some machines ofered on Marketplace and get a test right on one of those. In the meantime, I hope to learn more.

Don Williams a.k.a. librarian