Question??? With all respect.

[Five Bikes]

I had a Honda, I had a Harley, I had a Triumph, and I had a Yamaha FJR 1300.

Loved them all for different reasons.

And three years ago, I had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball removed from the right side of my skull, and it left me with a slightly 'sketchy' left leg, and no ability to shift a manual tranny (can't turn my ankle far enough to the right to engage the shift lever with my foot).

So.....if you're not ready to give up riding, and I'm not and wasn't, you do whats you gotta do.

And I did, but I've discovered after I got my Spyder, that I love it, too.

One of my best friends has a 100th Anniversary Road King; great looking bike; great guy; we've ridden together since we both bought Harleys 10 years ago.

And I'm not the least bit embarrassed over his choice of scoots when he rides with me.
And though I'm not sure, I don't think he's anymore brain damaged than I am.

[bruisersbaby]

Is everyone having fun posting to themselfs ?????????

I have read this entire thread, and it has been very interesting to see how others feel about their 'rydes'. We're not posting to ourselves, and if the OP comes back, he will learn that it's a matter of choice, and it should not be questioned, as we would not question his or anyone else's choice of a Harley, Vulcan, Gold Wing, etc.

And, it's 'themselves', not 'themselfs'.

[arntufun]

I have read this entire thread, and it has been very interesting to see how others feel about their 'rydes'. We're not posting to ourselves, and if the OP comes back, he will learn that it's a matter of choice, and it should not be questioned, as we would not question his or anyone else's choice of a Harley, Vulcan, Gold Wing, etc.

And, it's 'themselves', not 'themselfs'.

And it's "Shouldn't"----------- not "should not"

BTW........ you have a run on sentence with way to many commas, so we are even.

Now get back to work and post to yourself.

[bruisersbaby]

And it's "Shouldn't"----------- not "should not"

BTW........ you have a run on sentence with way to many commas, so we are even.

Now get back to work and post to yourself.

I don't know where you learned your English grammar, but it's not really important. And, shouldn't is the contraction for should not. Either one is correct. Just very petty, and I apologize if I embarrassed you.

[bruiser]

Why so much anger in this thread? Seems lately it's getting more pronounced. Must be the heat.

[arntufun]

I don't know where you learned your English grammar, but it's not really important. And, shouldn't is the contraction for should not. Either one is correct. Just very petty, and I apologize if I embarrassed you.

Excactly......... hence my comment back at ya. I'm not the type of guy that cares what people think of me so...... no I'm not embarrassed but I do like your spunk.

[SpyderSteve]

Aside from the fact the OP is polite, he sure knows how to push our buttons.

End this now, let this op start a argument on some other site [who cares what a 'alleged' hd rider says

[bruisersbaby]

Excactly......... hence my comment back at ya. I'm not the type of guy that cares what people think of me so...... no I'm not embarrassed but I do like your spunk.

I am one who knows where I stand, am a positive person, and stand up for what I believe. I have read your comments, and have to wonder why there is always an argument. I'm not saying you need to agree all the time, but looks to me that you always agree to disagree. I know who I am, and if someone doesn't like that, I cannot apologize. I live every day for my God, who is first in my life, and He is the most important.

[bruisersbaby]

I do not judge, I have not said anything to judge you or anyone else, and only God will judge all of us. Having commented on the English grammar is not judgmental, and it is not only you. I notice many 'mistakes' on Facebook, e-mail, etc., and I make mistakes, too. Please do not bring out the religion card on me. You do not know me, I do not know you, except for the posts made here. Our only commonality is ryding a Spyder. However, I would really like to sit down with you someday and talk with you. In a lot of ways, we have things in common - like standing our ground for what we believe. Since this discussion could go on and on, I will take the initiative to say that it has been interesting posting back and forth, and hope to do it again soon. God bless and I do hope to meet you someday!

[MRH]

The anger is simple. The inference is that Spyders are somehow less than two wheelers. And, by implication, that we are less because we don't ride bikes. In a way, it is more incidious because the accusation is phrased with some level of respect (it feels a bit passive/aggressive to me, honestly).

To top it off, at one time or another we've all asked ourselves similar questions, and it plays on that as well.

What it comes down to is that we enjoy riding our Spyders, but the questions plays to issues of personal ability and value, as well as how we are seen by others, which always pushes buttons.

I do think it likely that somebody was having some "fun" at our expense, and we, perhaps, played into it a little bit too much. Or not?



One added thought:

Part of the issue is that the premise of the question assumes that we are riding on training wheels, and that bikes are more difficult and better for that reason. It isn't true, but when it's part of the premise it gets questioned a bit less, and stings a bit more.

[bruisersbaby]

The anger is simple. The inference is that Spyders are somehow less than two wheelers. And, by implication, that we are less because we don't ride bikes. In a way, it is more incidious because the accusation is phrased with some level of respect (it feels a bit passive/aggressive to me, honestly).

To top it off, at one time or another we've all asked ourselves similar questions, and it plays on that as well.

What it comes down to is that we enjoy riding our Spyders, but the questions plays to issues of personal ability and value, as well as how we are seen by others, which always pushes buttons.

I do think it likely that somebody was having some "fun" at our expense, and we, perhaps, played into it a little bit too much. Or not?



One added thought:

Part of the issue is that the premise of the question assumes that we are riding on training wheels, and that bikes are more difficult and better for that reason. It isn't true, but when it's part of the premise it gets questioned a bit less, and stings a bit more.

Very well said. Thank you!

[WackyDan]

I haven't seen all the responses yet. I appreciate your curiosity and that you are open to listening to our responses.

First, I am 42... and have owned multiple two wheelers. I've also had a couple of serious accidents.

The reasons I bought my 08 Spyder?

- I was looking for a touring setup - Spyder with hard cases carries a lot of gear.
- I love weird stuff. The Spyder was so different that I almost had to have it based on that alone.
- I liked that it was bigger\wider- and indeed cagers notice me more.
- Stops on a dime.

Will I go back to two wheels? Probably. I still ride a bike now and then. You can't compare the two though both put you in the wind and that is all that really matters. Riding is riding isn't it? No it isn't a bike per-say, but in my state it does require a motorcycle license so go figure.

[Glider3J]

I am 62 and just bought my 2nd Spyder (10th bike). I enjoy it, great fun, I like the way it handles, I feel safer on it, my wife likes it, My grandson likes it. I could go on and on but you get the point. I liked my Goldwings also but to me the Spyder is more fun. I like your bike also but I would rather have the Spyder. (that's why I bought my bike and you bought yours). The world would be a terrible place if we all married the same woman, drove the same car and rode the same bike.

[wyliec]

[QUOTE=Glider3J;487677 The world would be a terrible place if we all married the same woman, [/QUOTE]

That woman would be pretty busy.

[cyclelover63]

My wife will not get on a 2 wheeler,so I bought a Spyder,and now she plans the trips!!!

[Schnauzer]

IMHO, today there is more vehicular traffic out there today than it was back in the 50's 60's 70's when most of us started riding. Granted back then you had to ride with a buddy to keep the good ole boys from running you off the road and into the fence...speaking from experience here.Partitailly the reason for the biker attitude.."I know I got it tooooo!". Most people don't have the self confidence to handle 2 wheels in today's enviroment. Be thankful that there is atleast that many less folks texting/driving going on. "It's a fad/different" atv 3 wheelers were great, but dangerous as hell when turning. So they developed the quad.. HD/Winger Trikes plow without a mule. wears your ass out.. We did 3000 miles on vacation last year, my wife on her spyder, me on my bobber..wore my ass out.. I did 3000 miles last month on vacation on the Spyder..wore it's ass out..I still have my bobber and bagger ride both 24/7 rain or shine to and from work..just not at the same time. I noticed you mentioned you joined just to ask the question why. I hope you don't plan on making it your one and only appearance. You'll be amazed at just how many born again broke down ole bikers who are getting rejuvinated. Finally cost is definatley one of the reason's folks are going this route. Tri-Glide 50K...RT Limited 30K...Dayumm 20K for fuel expense, RC Cola's and Moon-pie's, I'm sold... and they both get about the same piss-poor mileage

Ride Safe...Ride Aware

[HollyH]

We have NEVER owned a "bike"... Many years ago dirt bikes not a street bike... for me it was about feeling more secure, the Spyder does that for me. I have nothing against 2 wheel motorcycles, their cool... especially if you want to go really fast.. not for me.. I'm 44 and just love relaxing and riding on the back of our Spyder... it is so much fun... and yes, we dont have to balance it, which is a plus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bruisersbaby]

My wife will not get on a 2 wheeler,so I bought a Spyder,and now she plans the trips!!!

Sounds like me!! Except that now I have "my' Spyder and he has "his" Spyder!! Great to be able to ryde together, but separate!!

[BajaRon]

Personally, I think the OP is Lamont... He logged in using another name and fired us up to increase the hit count on Spyderlovers.

It's a conspiracy!

[supermario]

i dont get that at all so only people with 2 wheels are normal and all other are handicapped?? 3 - 4 -6-8 wheeler are all handicapped ????

First of all I am not trying to put anyone down by any means... However I just don’t get it. Why a 3 wheeler "unless handicapped"? I understand the open road and all, believe me i do. But I just don’t get why you would spend the money on these bikes or a trike for that matter unless you are physically in need of one. Don’t get me wrong, when i am old and can’t hold 2 wheels up any more ill have a trike too. But i am seeing so many people that have these things for their first motorcycle "if you want to call it a bike" and i don’t understand, why? Is it that you just can’t grasp the concept of 2 wheels? If so cool, still want to enjoy the open road, cool. But what is it? Oh and before someone gets their panties in knots Yes i have ridden one, and I’ll take my road king any day of the week over one of these things... IMO you shouldn't even need a motorcycle endorsement on your lic. for this... I have a very open mind and honestly would like some corrective "respectful" feedback on this. I am NOT, by any means trying to be disrespectful to any of you all. Just wanted to know so bad that I created this account just to ask this question.

[spyderraven]

First of all I am not trying to put anyone down by any means... However I just don’t get it. Why a 3 wheeler "unless handicapped"? I understand the open road and all, believe me i do. But I just don’t get why you would spend the money on these bikes or a trike for that matter unless you are physically in need of one. Don’t get me wrong, when i am old and can’t hold 2 wheels up any more ill have a trike too. But i am seeing so many people that have these things for their first motorcycle "if you want to call it a bike" and i don’t understand, why? Is it that you just can’t grasp the concept of 2 wheels? If so cool, still want to enjoy the open road, cool. But what is it? Oh and before someone gets their panties in knots Yes i have ridden one, and I’ll take my road king any day of the week over one of these things... IMO you shouldn't even need a motorcycle endorsement on your lic. for this... I have a very open mind and honestly would like some corrective "respectful" feedback on this. I am NOT, by any means trying to be disrespectful to any of you all. Just wanted to know so bad that I created this account just to ask this question.

Hello and welcome to the forum.

There have been a lot of responses to your question and I would like to leave mine. First let me say with some of the responses that may seem negative I am sure they are coming out that way because of the way you worded your question. There are ways to ask a question that convey negative and or positive responses such as:

1.) I have little understanding of 3 wheeler s and the appeal they have to people? what am I missing about these rides? is it time? age? curiosity has me and looking for some insight.
2.) I don't really like your type of bike and would never be caught dead on one ever... why on earth do you ride it?

which of the above will get a better response? that's easy the first one... saying "with all due respect" before you put out a passive aggressive question still makes it aggressive you may not have meant it that way and I do not think you did but maybe next time word it with the respect you say your coming with.. no biggie.

Now for me:

I grew up on dirt-bikes and quads when I got out of the house at 18 I bought my grandfathers old 68 f-150 and still have it today but the motorcycle has always been my main source of transportation. In new Orleans it was a Honda cbr 600 for 4 years then moved to Nashville and it was stolen so I bought a yamahaw r6 and rode that for several years then moved back to new Orleans and lost it in katrina... I wont list all my bikes but went through 3 sports-bikes and two cruisers.

Like I said the motorcycle has always been my day to day and the sportbikes I took the track often and layed them down more than once and taught friends to ride on them needless to say I LOVE to ride.
I found out about the can am spyder when I was trying to get my dad to ride I owned a harley at the time and he was looking for a new hobby, I say a spyder RT and started researching them he found one he liked and bought it and has been geeked out ever since. I loved that he could get right on and start enjoying the road and it eased my mind because I know the years it takes to get "good" and "safe" on a motorcycle. Right away he was having fun and we were riding together. The more I rode with him the more I started really liking the looks and many pluses a spyder has. I started looking into an RS and sooner than later I got rid of the harley and bought a RSS....

I can say I have never had this much fun riding.... not even close. I am 37 and have no handicaps (my friends may disagree) and this spyder offers me everything the others couldn't. If I want to get aggressive and put some power down like I did on the sports-bike no problem its there and if I want to get physical and carve some corners no problem... when I want to sit back and take a long cruise like I did on the harley .. no problem its there... and comfort and storage are far beyond anything else I have owned.

So why do I ride a spyder? there is nothing else like it that can provide me the best of all aspects of riding.

I wave to everyone who rides because if your riding then your enjoying!

[joet82]

First of all I am not trying to put anyone down by any means... However I just don’t get it. Why a 3 wheeler "unless handicapped"? I understand the open road and all, believe me i do. But I just don’t get why you would spend the money on these bikes or a trike for that matter unless you are physically in need of one. Don’t get me wrong, when i am old and can’t hold 2 wheels up any more ill have a trike too. But i am seeing so many people that have these things for their first motorcycle "if you want to call it a bike" and i don’t understand, why? Is it that you just can’t grasp the concept of 2 wheels? If so cool, still want to enjoy the open road, cool. But what is it? Oh and before someone gets their panties in knots Yes i have ridden one, and I’ll take my road king any day of the week over one of these things... IMO you shouldn't even need a motorcycle endorsement on your lic. for this... I have a very open mind and honestly would like some corrective "respectful" feedback on this. I am NOT, by any means trying to be disrespectful to any of you all. Just wanted to know so bad that I created this account just to ask this question.

I have a Can-Am DS450X and i grew up riding quads...for me it was a no brainer. didn't have to change my riding style except the lack of a front brake. I have put 46K on my Spyder in 25 months and I never had to worry about dropping it. Why spend the money on a Harley that's right about the same spot in the price range depending on the model you get. and with the Spyder, I'll never have to worry about dropping it and worrying about those repair costs. I live in WA where you need to have a Trike/Sidecar endorsement to operate a spyder and it's a good thing, but the test is a joke, imo. another example of how much i love the Spyder...I have driven my truck 38000 miles in the 41 months I've owned it.

Also, the Spyder Ryder of America Family in San Diego and Portland is my second family, that also includes a group of 2 wheelers some of us Spyder Ryders ride with. They accepted us with open arms.

But there's also those 2wheelers that show their ignorance towards a "new-school" trike and I haven't seen anyone in the Spyder world that shows that level of ignorance. an example of this (you can find a few threads on the web) is when I was in Eureka, CA, in 2011 for Spyders in the Redwoods, I went to the Harley Dealership just to see what they had and I over heard a dad with his son come in and the first thing he says is "Now this is a REAL bike." It's people like that in my opinion that are a disgrace to the biker name, no matter what you ride. These types are few and far between, but they stick out like a sore thumb when you see/hear them.

that's my view and then some of why I chose the Spyder.

[Questions]

Just my couple of cents worth...

I feel the author of the question had valid points asking why we ride a Spyder because it is something totally different that most cyclists don't understand and the concept is new. Sometimes the acceptance of something new and different takes a while.

In my former working life I spent 18 years as a Highway Patrol High Speed Motorcyclist in New South Wales, Australia. The training course that we did is very advanced riding with high and low speed, plus manouvreing under all conditions etc. I have ridden bikes for 50 years, the last bike I owned was a Suzuki GSX1400 (a naked sports bike not available in USA) which I rode for 10 years until I traded it for the Spyder. I still feel I am a very competent rider although I felt I was losing some sharpness in my skills, and the weight of wheeling the 1400 around the garage etc, I was finding it was starting to get a bit heavy. The Spyder on the other hand makes it easier, no balance problems, reverse gear etc, goes like a bat out of hell when you feel like it and handles well and it takes a really good rider to get away from you. I did not want to be one of those silly oldies (I'm only 67) who keeps riding a solo for the sake of riding a solo for appearances and having the bike ending your life or crippling you prematurely.

That's how I feel...

Regards
Paul...Radar

[pellcitypete]

First of all I am not trying to put anyone down by any means... However I just don’t get it. Why a 3 wheeler "unless handicapped"? I understand the open road and all, believe me i do. But I just don’t get why you would spend the money on these bikes or a trike for that matter unless you are physically in need of one. Don’t get me wrong, when i am old and can’t hold 2 wheels up any more ill have a trike too. But i am seeing so many people that have these things for their first motorcycle "if you want to call it a bike" and i don’t understand, why? Is it that you just can’t grasp the concept of 2 wheels? If so cool, still want to enjoy the open road, cool. But what is it? Oh and before someone gets their panties in knots Yes i have ridden one, and I’ll take my road king any day of the week over one of these things... IMO you shouldn't even need a motorcycle endorsement on your lic. for this... I have a very open mind and honestly would like some corrective "respectful" feedback on this. I am NOT, by any means trying to be disrespectful to any of you all. Just wanted to know so bad that I created this account just to ask this question.

It's very simple because WE want to!

[Shewhoprays]

I learned to ride on 2 wheels and my husband has an Harley ultraclassic. I have back issues including osteoporosis.Dr.said if I dropped the bike I would probably break my back. Not worth it to me. We looked at Harley trikes, not stable.could tip over in a corner plus the steeringis hard on the back. I saw a Spyder on the hwy and investigated. Bought an RT and haven't looked back. As long as you ride what what does it matter what you ride I say. Oh I am secretary of our HOG chapter in my town. Ride safe.