I took my little Honda 125 out for a ride yesterday, and I noticed that I was habitually stopping using the rear brake only. I have been riding motorcycles for 35 years and would have NEVER done that prior to buying my Spyder. Fortunately, my RS-S has a manual trans, so at least I've stayed proficient with a clutch lever. (That's part of the reason I decided against buying an Aprilia Mana automatic bike a few years ago.)
Have any of you who ride both Spyders and motorcycles found that it has affected your habits and skills, relating to braking, shifting or bike handling?
2013 RS-S SM5 [His] • 2021 RT Base [Hers] • 1977 Bultaco custom roadster • 1974 Harley-Davidson/Aermacchi 350 SS
I haven't ridden on 2 wheels since getting my Spyder, but hope to return to 2 wheels soon. I'm a bit apprehensive about my riding technique since I've been "spoiled" with no clutch or front brake. When I first started riding the Spyder, upon braking or downshifting, I kept reaching for that invisible, non-existent break lever. At least the paddle shift kept my clutch hand busy.
I ride my RT-S and Valkyrie equally. The only thing I have to pause and think about is the difference between the way I get on them.
2011 RTS (Sold to a very nice lady)
1998 Honda Valkyrie
2006 Mustang GT. Varooooom!
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Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it!
No, hasn't hurt at all. Since I was concerned about this very thing I installed a hand brake on my Spyder. Use it all the time on both my Spyder and my 2 wheeled alternative. Love my hand brake! Would not leave home without it!
I haven't gotten on a two wheeler since I got the spyder and really have little intrest at all. I do feel it would take a block or two to regain the controls...
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
Actually, I worry about countersteering on the Spyder.
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Current stable: 09 Thruxton / 09 FZ6
Sold List: 97 Ninja500R, 03 SV650K3, 01 Ducati 750Sport Dark, 73 CB350/4, 03 F650GSA, 08 Gixxer600, 03 Gixxer600, 91 VFR750F, 09 KLX250, 06 Thruxton 900, 08 Spyder RS , 12 Street TripleR, 15 RC390, 02 VFR800, 09 KLX250S, 10 F650GS JLohPhotos
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I don't think so. Could probably still go for a good blast on 2 wheels, just not as with much gusto in my previous years. Sold the klr many years ago as was tired of near misses and being run off the road. Then along came the Spyder, after that looking in the shed and remembering the dirt bike got rid of that as well. just the spyder now and a few of the kids toy's , a souped up bmx bike, and a motorized scooter are all that is left. Would not go back to 2 wheels, WAY TOO MUCH FUN ON THREE.
I found it odd going back to my old bike & try to ride it once a month, not a loss of skills as just remembering old ways. Things that are most noticeable :old bike ('06yamaha 1700)has no windshield or radio
Having to down shift again sux & no driver backrest Small personal things i can deal with The real fun is having two bikes & works out great I rent old bike out to bud & we go ride
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
I took my little Honda 125 out for a ride yesterday, and I noticed that I was habitually stopping using the rear brake only. I have been riding motorcycles for 35 years and would have NEVER done that prior to buying my Spyder. Fortunately, my RS-S has a manual trans, so at least I've stayed proficient with a clutch lever. (That's part of the reason I decided against buying an Aprilia Mana automatic bike a few years ago.)
Have any of you who ride both Spyders and motorcycles found that it has affected your habits and skills, relating to braking, shifting or bike handling?
Not between Spyder and two wheels since I haven't been on a two wheeler after buying the Spyder. But, when I get on my ATV I have to remind myself that not only is there a hand brake I should use, but there are two of them, "right ahead, left behind!" And then I have to remember the foot brake isn't in the same location. My ATV is electric shift but I have to remind myself to down shift. So yes, riding the Spyder does affect my responses!
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
Though I no longer have a 2 wheeler I still occasionally ride my mates and have no issues. The problem I have is that I still keep reaching for the handbrake even after 3+ years of riding a Spyder. I've ended up getting/fabricating the bits mentioned in the DIY section of this site on making your own handbrake, fitting that will be one of my winter mods (its summer here).
However I must admit, having ridden a Royal Enfield in the 'development' part of my biking history, to this day I still occasionally go to change gear with my right foot as well.
I was a bit concerned about that myself when I headed for a motorcycle vacation in the Swiss Alps in September. It had been about a year since I was on two wheels.
As we rolled off on the rented bikes, I was surprised that within about 50 feet my brain took over and said, "oh, two wheels again." I was extra cautious for the first 50 miles or so and saw that the first few times I had to tell my right hand to brake --- but it quickly all became routine again.
I also noticed when I was back home, the first ride I kept reaching for the front brake on my RTS!
I would not hesitate to jump on two wheels again... actually planning another "fly and ride" vacation for 2017 that we will rent two-wheels.
i ride both weekly the only problem i have is the front brake lever that is not on the spyder. i always though it would be putting my feet down at stops. i do ride and enjoy both but, if i could only have one it would be the spyder.