Dipping my big toe in to check the water

[RandallMcDermott]

So...I completed the Spyder Ryding course on September 24 at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. There were five students in all; one other man, three women and myself. Initially I was a bit disappointed to find that they supplied us with Rykers instead of Spyders but after ryding through the slaloms and other exercises it became apparent that there was likely little difference in the handling characteristics between the two.

The course delivered what I was looking for, a modicum of confidence in ryding on three wheels. These guys were obviously experienced in administering the course and were ready for any contingency evidenced by the fact that an ambulance and fire truck were hired to be on scene just in case of catastrophe. Best of all...it was fun.

It's going to be a long two years before the wifeypoo loosens the purse strings.

https://spydercourse.com/index

382486753_10224976525583483_8054605027494463925_n.jpg

[mmeechan]

I did a course with Georgian College in Barrie Ontario (same people I did my 2 wheel course with 15 years ago).
Difference is I enrolled my wife too. We were out looking at the 2023 Sea to Sky tonight and might (probably) buy it tomorrow. lol
She rode a Spyder F3 and I had a Ryker. At the lunch break I took the Spyder RT limited for a spin. The power steering of the Spyder is WAY better than the Ryker which I had to muscle around.
She liked it so much she is going to trade her bike in (HD Softtail slim), but I'm keeping my Triumph T120

[RandallMcDermott]

Nice to hear from you mmeechan.

You're buying a Sea to Sky????? I HATE YOU!! No...that's not what I mean. Best of luck with it for both your wife and you.

Where abouts are you in Ontario?

Regards, Randy

[mmeechan]

We are in Barrie. Went to school at Trent in Peterborough back in the early 90's
hope your wife sees the benefits of the adventures you guys could go on!

[wtmjr]

Until 20 years ago I rode 2 wheelers my whole life. Last spring my wife bought me a 2008 GS SM5. The wiring had been chewed by rodent, the fuel system was rusted, and clogged ETC. I finally put it back together about 2 weeks ago and began riding it in Limp Home Mode. Within a day I was competent riding it. Even in Limp Home Mode @ 3350 rpm out of 8000 it has plenty of power, but it cuts out at 50 mph (that's fast enough around town). It was a learning curve. I still reach for the front brake lever and want to put my foot down at stops (sometimes). You still need to lean into turns to prevent centrifugal force from throwing you off. It really is fun, even with my trike's limitations (just till next tax return) and it's easy to ride. Mine is the only one around here, so as old as it is, I still get compliments everywhere I go. It even draws attention from travelers from all over. Even people from places like California, Texas, and New England where you know these trikes aren't that uncommon. So don't expect to go unnoticed. For instance, I wouldn't use it as getaway car in a bank heist! They are easy to ride, fast, fun, and a joy to ride. So if the costs don't scare you, by all means, buy your Spyder and have fun! Sincerely William

[RandallMcDermott]

Not THAT far from Bowmanville mmeechan but I guess we're not going to be weekly coffee buddies at Tim's. My last bike was an 81 Honda CBX B so the wife has had some experience although not since about 1990. We'll see if she can resist in the end. Did you get the S2S?

1981-honda-cbx-1.jpg

[RandallMcDermott]

Thanks for the insight William. Re: 'I wouldn't use it as getaway car in a bank heist' I use my 2012 Chevrolet Cruze for that.

[Mikey]

Easier said than done, oh Leaping One.

Up until now I've let my wife control the purse strings and we have done fairly well under that condition. If it were just me I would have a Spyder by now and would probably be wondering where the next tank of gas was coming from.

I had best not upset the apple cart at this point. We expect to be in a better position over the next year or two.

Regards, Randy

The big thing is if you don't do it soon, you may not be able to do it later and you will miss out on all the fun!! You can't take it with you to the grave! Go for it!

[RandallMcDermott]

Thanks Mikey

[bigbadbrucie]

The big thing is if you don't do it soon, you may not be able to do it later and you will miss out on all the fun!! You can't take it with you to the grave! Go for it!

Gotta agree with that sentiment, Mikey. I started riding three wheels 8 years ago. I’m 80 now, and I have no idea how much time I have left, but I’m going to continue as long a I can, and yeah......I’m up for a steaming hot cuppa joe!

[RandallMcDermott]

Gotta agree with that sentiment, Mikey. I started riding three wheels 8 years ago. I’m 80 now, and I have no idea how much time I have left, but I’m going to continue as long a I can, and yeah......I’m up for a steaming hot cuppa joe!

Thanks fer the input Mr. Big. At 72 years of age and retired, I'm looking at an investment of probably about $27,000 plus PDI, license and tax as well as insurance. We are just scraping by as it is so I would LITERALLY be wondering where the next tank of gas is coming from. Just the same, if either of you, Mikey and bigbadbrucie, are ever in the Bowmanville, Ontario area I'd love to share a cuppa with you.

[RandallMcDermott]

Whew!! Problem solved. A friend told me that when she wins the big one she will buy me one. Thanks for your interest guys. See you on the Ryde.

[mmeechan]

Not THAT far from Bowmanville mmeechan but I guess we're not going to be weekly coffee buddies at Tim's. My last bike was an 81 Honda CBX B so the wife has had some experience although not since about 1990. We'll see if she can resist in the end. Did you get the S2S?

1981-honda-cbx-1.jpg

My current bike is a 2020 Triumph T120, and I'm keeping it.
But this is the new (to me) 2022 Sea to Sky with only 1,800 km on it that we bought today. Hope to get it on Friday to bring home.

C5E4D5A9-9D02-4F4C-A092-75924664C874-L0-001.jpg

[bigbadbrucie]

Thanks fer the input Mr. Big. At 72 years of age and retired, I'm looking at an investment of probably about $27,000 plus PDI, license and tax as well as insurance. We are just scraping by as it is so I would LITERALLY be wondering where the next tank of gas is coming from. Just the same, if either of you, Mikey and bigbadbrucie, are ever in the Bowmanville, Ontario area I'd love to share a cuppa with you.

Another way of looking at it is to lower your sights. .... I bought a used (estate sale) 2014 RTS. No, it’s not a Ltd and it isn’t the “New” style RT, BUT it is the 1330, it is an RT, it does like being ‘farkled’ and most importantly ..... it’s fun to ryde and it serves me well. (Did I mention that it’s quite a bit cheaper than the 2020+?)

[RandallMcDermott]

My current bike is a 2020 Triumph T120, and I'm keeping it.
But this is the new (to me) 2022 Sea to Sky with only 1,800 km on it that we bought today. Hope to get it on Friday to bring home.

C5E4D5A9-9D02-4F4C-A092-75924664C874-L0-001.jpg

Nice mmeechan!! I hope the two of you are happy together.

[RandallMcDermott]

Another way of looking at it is to lower your sights. .... I bought a used (estate sale) 2014 RTS. No, it’s not a Ltd and it isn’t the “New” style RT, BUT it is the 1330, it is an RT, it does like being ‘farkled’ and most importantly ..... it’s fun to ryde and it serves me well. (Did I mention that it’s quite a bit cheaper than the 2020+?)

Lower my sights? Nah, I'm prepared to wait. I'd like to get something about 2 to 5 years old. I think that is where I'll find the best deal over all. I'm embarrassed to have to admit that I had to google 'farkle'. I've been thinking on a paisley wrap. <smirk>

[RandallMcDermott]

Whew!! Problem solved. A friend told me that when she wins the big one she will buy me one. Thanks for your interest guys. See you on the Ryde.

Unhappily my lady friend unexpectedly passed away 3 months ago. RIP Deeni.

[Knizar]

Unhappily my lady friend unexpectedly passed away 3 months ago. RIP Deeni.

You have our sympathy, Bill & Peggy

[shakin_jake]

Initially I was talking about the operation of the Spyder Greg. I don't imagine that I would have a great deal of trouble acclimatizing to it but when I saw that there is a course teaching the basics I just thought that might be the route for me given that I haven't made my mind up if I want one or not.

If I buy a Spyder, I'll take each maintenance problem as they arise to decide what I will do myself and what I will relegate to the experts. I can do this stuff but it's not my passion. Thanks for your input. It's much appreciated.

Regards, Randy

~~~if you’re still kicking it around (buying a Spyder) go to any Spyder dealer and take a used model for a ride. I don’t know about dealers in your area but anyone of many I’ve been to in Fla. was more than happy to put me on a used Spyder hoping to make a sale. You don’t have to tell them you haven’t ridden one before, unless you want to. When I bought my first (and only) Ducati I didn’t tell them anything other than I wanted to buy. Not sure if that was the best example I can come up with as I put a deal together over the phone to trade a used bike I had in on the 95’ 900SS I bought & I didn’t ask for a test ride. I rode the 650 Yammie I had at the time up to Sanford (6 hours one way?) from where I as living in the lower Fla. Keys, rode the 900 SS home. Probably not the wisest thing to do considering the 900SS was/is air-cooled. Sorry, but I digress. Simply put, and this goes to anyone that has never ridden a Spyder or Ryker, just go to any dealer that has used models and they’ll gladly accommodate your first Spyder/Ryker Baptismal. Others may have better or different ideas...


Best,


Jake
Reddick Fla.
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood

[Peacekeeper6]

Hey group,

I haven't owned a Spyder...yet...but I did sign up for a Spyder riding course at spydercourse.com. The course will be in September at Fleming University in Peterborough, Ontario and is one day in class and one day riding in a closed course, under supervision.

The Spyder looks quite a bit more complicated than the two wheelers that I've grown accustomed to over the years and it's been about 20 years since I've been riding at all. I don't think I can just go into a shop, buy one and ride it home without getting my feet wet under supervision first.

I'm hoping to see a 2020 RTL in Chalk White (good color for one who doesn't wash their vehicles) eventually. It's still going to be a wait as we are going to see our income crunch over the next two years which isn't going to help in our retirement. Stay tuned and rYde on.

Regards, Randy

IMHO, riding a Spyder is WAY easier than riding a 2-wheeled bike. The amount of timing and coordination to upshift or downshift and all the while maintaining balance isn't EVEN comparable.

If you have ever ridden a quad or a waverunner, it's very similar (although the waverunner requires more balance since the water isn't as stable as a road).

The very first time I ever rode a Spyder was in Vegas. An outfit there provided tours on them (they are no longer in existence), and it took me all of about 5 minutes to get comfortable on one. I think the control placements are very intuitive, and to be honest, shifting gears is probably the most difficult thing about riding it, and even then, it was surprisingly easy. I mean, if you can push a little paddle to upshift, then you got it made, because the Spyder will automatically downshift for you. (You CAN downshift manually if you so desire as well).

Braking is taken care of by pressing one single pedal, which activates BOTH front AND back brakes. There's virtually NO chance of locking either, sliding out and crashing because it has Antilock Braking System, or ABS, just like a car.

Guess what I'm trying to say is, don't get too worked up about learning to ride it, because it really is "easy peasy, lemon squeezy". If you can go on a few Can-Am test rides provided by the dealership, do it, since you already have the endorsement.

You'll probably end up riding one home even BEFORE that Can-Am course in September, LOL.

GOOD LUCK !!