Why wait?

[Lamonster]

I've been all over North America on my Spyders and one thing that comes up all the time is the comment "when I get so I can't hold up a bike anymore I'll be looking real hard at one of those", or "when I get older I plan on getting one of those but not yet". If they stick around long enough to listen to my argument for getting one now here's what I normally say.

The main reason folks say this is because there is something special about riding on two wheels compared to three. I get that and I agree with them but would you wait to ride a ATV till you got older or couldn't hold up a dirt bike any longer? To me it's the same thing, I like things that are fun and that's why I ride them, not because I'm limited to something I don't have to hold up. I'll say this, I've been riding and racing dirt bikes most of my life and to me it takes more skill to ride a 4-wheeler fast than a dirt bike. I get wore out a lot sooner on my 4-wheeler than I do a dirt bike but they are both a blast to ride.

I was 12 in this pic
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=14270&d=1227445255

Clean fun
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=56674&d=1351608108

I'm not saying this to brag but I've had more horsepower between my legs on two wheels than most Hot Rodders have had in their cars. I owned a Boss Hoss for 5 years before getting my first Spyder and it had just shy of 400hp and it weighed in at close to 1200 lbs on two wheels. I had no problem holding that up nor some of the 500-600hp big blocks my buddies let me ride. So for me it's not about what I can hold up or wanting something slower because it's safer. The Spyder has held my attention for the last 5 years because it's so different and it's just flat out fun to ride. It's the slowest thing I've owned but I got to say it's more fun than anything else I've ever owned. Just because it's not the fastest toy on the planet doesn't mean it can't be one of the funnest thing on the planet. Just like a 4-wheeler can be more fun in some ways than a dirt bike so can a Spyder be more fun than a two wheeler. In a perfect world you can have both like I do but I've found myself grabbing the keys to my Spyder before my two wheeler for the last 3 or 4 years now to where I need to go though my bike and get it running again because it just hasn't had the love the Spyder has gotten.

So all you folks out there that are waiting till you're old or can't hold up a two wheeler anymore you're really missing out on a great time not riding a Spyder now while you can still ride both. You may be like me and park the bike and grab the Spyder when that perfect or not so perfect day for a ride comes up. :doorag:

My Boss Hoss on Deals Gap. I put over 30,000 miles on that bike and loved it. It was sold soon after getting the Spyder in 2007 because I just didn't ride it anymore.
http://www.bigbikeriders.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=504&d=1257370524

This was the first prototype Vanquish (http://www.vanquishv8.com/index.html) my friend Mike Kelly built. He through me the keys and said have fun and I did. This bike has over 550hp
http://www.bigbikeriders.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=93&d=1231185580

My Valkyrie with Super Charger, Nitrous system and flame throwers. Yes I built that. :doorag:
http://www.bigbikeriders.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=103&d=1231941162

This is a custom VTX I built. It was raked out 10 degrees, custom softail suspension custom built by me and was one of the first all out custom VTX's
http://www.bigbikeriders.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=502&d=1257370524

I still have my M109R but I need to go through it as it hasn't been ridden in awhile. Still love this bike and always will.
http://www.m109riders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40207&d=1229089491

So as you can see I love two wheels just as much as the next guy but the Spyder bit me back in 2007 and I have yet to get over it. Once again I say "Why Wait"? :doorag:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49270&d=1342004692

[Ga Blue Knight]

I agree entirely. I can still ride two wheelers but my wife is nervous on the back but absolutely elated to ride with me on my RT. Just having her along is all the thrill I need. LOL!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Yea I know exactly what you are talking about.....I have a 65 Shelby Cobra 427 that just mostly sits.....No it's not original......Yes it's a replica.....But I built it and I love it......But my Spyder's get way more attention....Mike.......................PS YOU GOT SOME SWEEEEEEEEEEEET STUFF

[MarkLawson]

We have two Spyders and a Goldwing. Only have enough room in my side of the garage for two, so the Goldwing stays in the enclosed trailer with a battery tender attached. Tore me up to put it out there, but it almost never gets ridden...

[bmwlarry]

Could not have said it better!!

[MouthPiece]

Although I in no way have the back ground or riding experience that you have, Lamont, your reasoning is right on point when it came to my decision to get a spyder. It wasn't so much that I couldn't ride a two wheeler as much as it was that this "in the future looking machine" intrigued me, and I thought how much of a ball I would have riding it. I also felt that my wife, Cindy, would feel more secure on the spyder as well. (which she does).

Chris

[budsspuds]

I have owened a bunch of two wheeled bikes . all good some better than others . all were fast all are gone Now I am a Spyder Lover no way I have ever had so much fun on two , I am hooked after 4000 miles on the spyder . The thing just flat out works on so many levels . fun ,safe ,fast ,different ,fun ,reliable ,easy to operate ,auto trans,:yes: fun .

[NancysToy]

I couldn't agree more! My bikes sit, my hotrod sits, Nancy's Falcon sits. I'd rather ride the Spyder than work on a car or bike. That says a lot, given my track record. When they are all side-by-side in the garage, and you consistently pick the Spyders, there has to be more to it than a ride for the geriatric set. The Spyders never fail to bring smiles to our faces.

[harrypottar]

:agree:, couldn't agree more, I'm still more than capable of holding up some of the biggest bikes out there. I traded my VTX 1800R for a Goldwing then traded that for the Spyder, miss the VTX more than the Goldwing. I had no intrest in a trike but once I saw and rode the RT I feel in love with it. I have posted before that I was getting board with the wing, been ridding over 35 years and was ridding less and less. The spyder is so much fun, it as given me a new reason to ride, I just love it for the sheer fun it is to ride. I chose the Spyder not out of age, disabilities, health or lack of experance but out of the shear difference it is and the enjoyment it brings.

harry:thumbup:

[ARtraveler]

Well said. :2thumbs:

[Mr. White]

Good post, Lamont. I triked my GW due to my bad leg acting up. I had to trike or quit riding, a no brainer. Love my GW trike and thought a RT would be a hoot too....it is. I never raced but we used to sneak out to the local fair ground 1/2 mile horse track at night and roar around on our two wheelers...

I guess I have a different reason for my trikes, they will extend my riding life for many more years....as long as I can get my gimpy leg over the seat and not worry about falling over, I will ride. (My wife said "I will get you a little step stool to climb up on to your trike.")

Lamont, what about a Boss Hoss trike...they look neat...have you ridden one? Your thoughts if you have....

:spyder2:

[Ken Thomas]

:yes::yes::yes::bowdown::bowdown::bowdown::clap::c lap::clap::cheers::cheers::cheers:roflmao:trike:

[Lamonster]

Lamont, what about a Boss Hoss trike...they look neat...have you ridden one? Your thoughts if you have....

:spyder2:

Rode the 502 Big Block Boss Hoss and it was too hot for me. There's no way I could have as much fun in the twisties with the Boss trike either. I really had zero interest in any trike till I saw the Spyder, to me it's not a trike, it's a custom. :doorag:

[asp125]

Wifey and I have his & hers sportbikes and dirt bikes, 6 including the Spyder. The two wheelers are fun and freedom on a different level; in the canyons I still prefer my knee dragger. The Spyder is "ours" for two up rides and luggage space; it's kind of relaxing cruising together on the RS. I suppose when arthritis claims my ankles (one was reconstructed after a track incident) I'll sell the two wheelers and buy an ST.

[Mr. White]

I understand, Lamont. I sold my 2007 Suzuki 1250S Bandit when I got BR1....I was riding the trikes and not the Bandit....it was a fine machine but no longer appealed to me.

:spyder2:

[Adirondack Mik]

Great post Lamont! Rar still worries that she is not a biker because of the 3 wheels on he Charlotte. My Scrat sits right next to my HD and I laugh every time I don't get a wave.

[PrairieSpyder]

I only briefly considered a "traditional" trike. They just strike me as a step backward from a 2-wheeler. But the Spyder is like a whole 'nother animal. It's no compromise, but a ryde in itself.

[Ivorspyder]

Rode the 502 Big Block Boss Hoss and it was too hot for me. There's no way I could have as much fun in the twisties with the Boss trike either. I really had zero interest in any trike till I saw the Spyder, to me it's not a trike, it's a custom. :doorag:
Couldn't agree with you more.I rode my ST1300 &Goldwing all over the US.Over all famous roads out West.I was not interested in a trike.Last Feb I saw for the 1st time a bunch of RT,s at Lake Okeechobee in Florida.Decided then&there I would get one after our Summer ride out West&British Coumbia,Alberta etc.Ended our trip Jul3rd and July 6th traded the Goldwing for a2012 RT Limited.I have no problem riding 2 wheels but thought The Spyder would be fun.
It sure is.I am having a ball riding it.I will be doing a lot of trips all over with it.:thumbup:

Ivor:spyder:

[Kratos]

Awesome thread and well said Lamont....:bowdown::bowdown:

[jerpinoy]

Spyder venom is our veins and no going back now. Ride safe, humble, proud and more fun than others:yes::yes::yes:

[retread]

I've been riding almost 60 years, had my share of 2 wheelers, a few trikes. That said, my Spyder is more pure fun than almost any bike or trike I've ridden, although the Maico K-501 came close.
And a big part of the enjoyment is the other folks who ride them.

john

[Lamonster]

I've been riding almost 60 years, had my share of 2 wheelers, a few trikes. That said, my Spyder is more pure fun than almost any bike or trike I've ridden, although the Maico K-501 came close.
And a big part of the enjoyment is the other folks who ride them.

john

That's funny, I had a 500 M- Star that I traded a welder for. It was a fun bike till I poked a hole in the fuel tank. :banghead:

http://www.motorstown.com/images/maico-500-01.jpg

[Pennyrick]

We began riding in 1974 when my wife and I visited Anderson's Motorsports in Pontiac, Michigan and came away with two Honda CB 360T's. Over the years we have owned multiple Suzukis, several Hondas, Harleys, Yamahas, and others but until my wife got her first RT in 2010 the cycles were supplemental to our automobiles.

Then I traded my Valkyrie on the first Spyder and then traded away my Gold Wing on the 2012 RT I drive now. These machines are now our primary vehicles. Whether taking trips or just going out for dinner, it's more enjoyable on the Spyders.

We have two automobiles in the drive. One has been driven less than 1,000 miles this year and the the other was purchased new in March of this year and just turned 8,000 miles. Last year I sold my Thunderbird that had been sitting in the garage undriven for so long I felt guilty.

What does that tell you about the Spyders??

[retread]

Interesting, I got my first 2 wheeler from Anderson's when they were on Paddock, just off Pike Street. They sold Cushman scooters then, and grew and moved at least 2 times to get to Telegraph Road. Andy retired and his kids didn't want the business, so it's Motor City now; I bought my Spyder there, cause there weren't any dealers in Indiana in early '08.

john

[Sarge707]

Well Said, And the reason I Now have 2 Spyders in the garage and ONLY one Jet Ski??:roflblack:
But there ALL BRP!!!nojoke

[Dwanton]

When I broke my leg and knees went bad on me , I tried holding up my 2 wheeler , but I had so much money in it and the paintwork was so custom that it could never be matched that I desided it best for me to sell it .

I was a member on Lamont's other site (m109riders) and I knew he had a spyder . That is the only place that I have seen a spyder .

I could not imagine not riding , so I went to a CanAm test drive event and was amazed at how nice the RT Rode . when I went in to buy the RT , I saw the orange RSS and said to myself that I am not old enough or handicapped enough to get the RT yet . And have loved every mile that I have put on my RSS .

I really enjoy riding fast and hitting the turns hard , but with the colder weather I find myself driving my truck to work . While I am comfortable driving the RSS in the upper 40's , some mornings it is just to cold outside .

Putting a windshield and bags on the RSS is not an option for me !

My point is - I cannot afford 2 spyders but I want an RT so I can keep riding all winter long . My friends love my RSS and tease me bad about getting an old man RT . I have the opportunity to get the RT LIMITED 2012 with 1000 miles on it for $24000 . I just can't get myself to pull the trigger .

[dave01]

Spyders are not for the older crowd only. I have been riding with very large groups of them on the Dragon and many other places and the ages of our group are from 30's to Forrest. LOL.

[Dwanton]

Spyders are not for the older crowd only. I have been riding with very large groups of them on the Dragon and many other places and the ages of our group are from 30's to Forrest. LOL.

You and many spyder owners say that but to other riders - the RT Is an old mans bike !

I am just stating the obvious and when talking to people looking at the RT in the showroom , that is what most of them say - am not that old yet ! After going over the spyder with them for a minimal 10 minutes I usually change there mind .

We did a poll on here with the average age - what was it ? 55 to 65 ?

Also , most young people cannot afford a spyder , which was the one reason I went with the RSS .

[dave01]

You and many spyder owners say that but to other riders - the RT Is an old mans bike !

I am just stating the obvious and when talking to people looking at the RT in the showroom , that is what most of them say - am not that old yet ! After going over the spyder with them for a minimal 10 minutes I usually change there mind .

We did a poll on here with the average age - what was it ? 55 to 65 ?

Also , most young people cannot afford a spyder , which was the one reason I went with the RSS .

Funny thing is they said that about the Hayabusa compared to the GSXR 1000. Whatever keeps people enjoying the thrill of the ride works for me.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

[SPYD3R]

@ age 61 i built my last HOT ROD... A 1977 CHEVY COUPE... when i was a kid in the 60's, we were too poor to buy a new Chevy 409 with dual-quads... something i always wanted... so few years ago, i found a 1 owner '77 chevy coupe, and decided to turn that into what i always wanted but could never have as a kid. i loaded it up with a ZZ4 Crate Motor, topped it off with Dual-Quads, 1.6 Roller Rockers, 4 speed 700R4 tranny, 3:53 Richmonds in the rear, all new interior, paint, A/C, yaddy yaddy yad-da.... once it was completed, the SPYDER was introduced.... and in the last 3 yrs i haven't driven the Chevy 300 miles, but i've ridden my SPYD3R almost 25,000 miles in that time... my heart now belongs to my SYPD3R... so the Chevy is FOR SALE if you want it....
56725567265672756728
56729

[rc51ny]

I currently own a Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda RC51, Honda Interceptor, Honda VTX 1300C, and the Spyder RT. This summer, I put more miles on the Spyder than the other 4 bikes,

[Zygos]

Wow Lamont wow ...... you have had some georgous rides!

Thanks for sharing

[Netminder]

Man those are some sweet rides Lamont!:yes::doorag:

[pickelhead]

Well, I think the photo's were awesome! Brought back allot of memories for me, thanks Lamont.

[jScotD]

i gave up big bikes after questioning my sanity around 176 mph on a public road.. always enjoyed looking at those v8 things.. locally a dude has a trike with a 57 chevy body.. V8..

why did I buy a Can-AM? not a clue.. too much money in the bank I guess and it looked lonesome on the showroom floor and wanted a garage to hang out in

[pro10is]

I've loved motorized vehicles ever since I got my first minibike when I was 12. I've owned snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, ATV's, sports cars, basically anything with a motor. When I first laid eyes on the Spyder I said now here's something altogether different.

When I get into discussions with motorcyclists and the topic comes around as to why ride a Spyder rather than a motorcycle, I try to explain that the Spyder is a new breed of vehicle and a new riding experience. It combines the handling of a roadster with the open air, knees in the breeze feel of a motorcycle. It's new and exhilarating - riding reinvented as BRP so aptly puts it. Such a new experience is just too rare and exciting to pass up. I loved motorcycling but now I've moved on to something I feel is even better, and I'll never look back.

[r1100rider]

Spyders are not for the older crowd only. I have been riding with very large groups of them on the Dragon and many other places and the ages of our group are from 30's to Forrest. LOL.I have thought about this a lot and it's pretty funny when some guy from the stereo type bad boy brand it somewhere you are on your Spyder and they want to look and ask ? But they are afraid to be seen by there peers even considering anything else but the black leather brand ,some will say I mite get one of those when I can't ride my 2 wheeler any more and I've wanted to say so many times "when you find out you can't ride your bike anymore it mite just be to late and a painful lesson try a Spyder before you get hurt"

[Ga Blue Knight]

I hear a lot about the cost of a Spyder = Rich old guy and frankly that just does not hold water in my opinion. Down at the local Harley Dealer the least expensive big twin is around $18,000 and most of the ave Harley's have price tags between $20,000 to upwards of $28,000 when they are dressed up like my RT-S which by the way was $25,000 out the door. The Harley trikes don't event come close with an average price tag of $38,000. Over at the BMW Dealer $25,000 is about average for an equipt Beemer. And let talk about Goldwings, $22,000 for a basic stripped two wheeler and $35,000+ for a trike conversion. I see lots of young guys on Harley's that cost way more than my RT-S. there is a Sport Bike Club in town that ride GXSers and Hyabusas. They most have around $25,000 to $35,000 invested in extended swing arms wide tires and fancy paint jobs. So it comes down to Two wheels for Young guys and Trikes for Old folks? I always get accosted by young guys when they are alone or just with their girl friends or wives asking lots of positive questions about the Spyder and then when another guy shows up they go negative. I really doubt that only old folks are attracted to Spyders as I personally know at least 12 young guys in the country who ride RS's and a few with wives who ride RT's. I think the real issue is that young folks want to ride the Spyder but do not know how or have the nerve to step out on their own to buck the peer pressure and that only truly independent self assured are able to go their own path.

[danlnc]

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes but, Certainly if I had more money than I knew what to with I would have two or three bikes. The fact is most of us can only afford one, and if I were younger it would be two wheeled. The Spyder is fun but it can't compare to the feeling you get riding two wheels. Just my opinion like the saying goes everyone has one.

[chickridin]

:clap::clap::clap::clap: I totally agree!

[Lamonster]

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes but, Certainly if I had more money than I knew what to with I would have two or three bikes. The fact is most of us can only afford one, and if I were younger it would be two wheeled. The Spyder is fun but it can't compare to the feeling you get riding two wheels. Just my opinion like the saying goes everyone has one.

You don't look that old to me, what's stopping you from going back to two wheels?

[Questions]

i totally agree with Lamonster comments, but from a different perspective. My wife fought cancer for 4 years, during which we talked about getting a Spyder when she was feeling better. after she passed away (Mar/2012), i decided that if i was ever going to get one, i should do it now, so i bought my RT last july 2. and it is truly a blast to ride, even to the grocery store.

my only regret regarding the Spyder, is that i did not act on the impulse to buy one several years ago. there were days that she could have enjoyed the thrill of a long, slow ride sitting behind me. i find that sometimes i am out enjoying a relaxing ride and i have a strange sensation that she is indeed sitting back there, enjoying the ride with me.

the point i want to make here is DO NOT WAIT. you never know what the future will bring; if your plans will work out as you hope. so do it now.

[Lamonster]

i totally agree with Lamonster comments, but from a different perspective. My wife fought cancer for 4 years, during which we talked about getting a Spyder when she was feeling better. after she passed away (Mar/2012), i decided that if i was ever going to get one, i should do it now, so i bought my RT last july 2. and it is truly a blast to ride, even to the grocery store.

my only regret regarding the Spyder, is that i did not act on the impulse to buy one several years ago. there were days that she could have enjoyed the thrill of a long, slow ride sitting behind me. i find that sometimes i am out enjoying a relaxing ride and i have a strange sensation that she is indeed sitting back there, enjoying the ride with me.

the point i want to make here is DO NOT WAIT. you never know what the future will bring; if your plans will work out as you hope. so do it now.

Very sorry to hear about your wife's passing. I know it's been said before that most folks on their death bed don't regret the things they did in life but the things they didn't do. I agree with you Bro, why wait? and "don't wait".

[Yazz]

It was not my choice to go from two wheels to three. Still have my Springer and not giving it up. Can't ride it any more but Hubby is more than happy to take her for a spin now and then. But, I'm glad I made the switch to a Spyder for many reasons.

To me, a Spyder is more like a ATV on steroids than a motorcycle. You ride it more like an AVT than a two wheelie true. But you have the freedom of pounding the superslabs, carving the twisties, and taking the scenic road home just like a motorcycle. I've found myself to be a much more aggressive rider on the Spyder than on two wheels. Who knew?

Also on a Spyder, you don't have to watch for that gravel in the turns. Don't have to worry about stopping at a red light and ending up on the right hand part of the lane full of grease and a/c condensation. On a hot day, no problems parking on the asphalt and hoping your kickstand doesn't sink in. Y'all are kinda getting the picture here?

Riding a Spyder is the best of both worlds.

Did you know Spyders can go muddin'? Lamont, glad to see you enjoy good clean fun too!

[danlnc]

You don't look that old to me, what's stopping you from going back to two wheels?

Only 63 but have some health issues that crop up from time to time. Most of my riding is 2up my wife and I use the bike as our only way to vacation. We both really enjoy riding and at one point had plans to get her one, But back injury ended that idea. My worry was being out together and something happening to me and her not being able to ride the bike. Hence the Spyder.

[NancysToy]

The Spyder is a vehicle that reaches a wide variety of riders. It suits beginners, people with physical difficulties, attention seekers, young riders, old riders, aggressive riders, and easy riders alike. It is hard to ignore, and harder still to stay away from once you have ridden one. Like any vehicle, it is not for everyone, but it has a much broader following than most other open-air vehicles. Those that think it is for "old folks" are missing something fun and satisfying. As Lamont said, "Why wait?"

[hogmanjem]

56807Well it took me a while to decide between the Spyder and the Harley Trike, but I bought the Spyder RT Limited in the pearl white. After I got it and started riding it I began to miss the two wheels. I was watching the show FastandLoud on the Discovery Channel and saw the 1973 FLH ( Shovelhead ) Harley on that show and I bought that badboy! So now I have both and its a blast !

[Ga Blue Knight]

No one can stop you from doing what you want to do except yourself. No ones opinion is more important than your own. I will ride any bike that someone else buys for me but when I lay down the cash I ride my own ride. As to waiting? Waiting for what? Your not getting any prettier, younger, healthier or wealthier. As a three time cancer survivor I can attest that when it comes to life live each day as it might be your last because some day it will.

Now on a happier note! We have the best of all worlds on a Spyder of any year or type! It allows us to age along with our ride and go places in all kinds of weather to meet with great folks (and some lovable nuts!). Ride safe, ride often and enjoy Gods gift of life!

[MidLifeCrisis]

Awww CRUD! No one told me I wasn't old enough to ride one of these things! Now what am I going to do? :roflblack:

There was no way my wife was ever going to get on a two wheeler. She's scared to death of them after working in ER for 15 years. For us it was a Spyder or nothing. With that in mind, there wasn't all that much resistance from me. I took one look at it and though, wow, you mean I can fly down the freeway on a snowmobile....and it's legal? Where do I sign up? Two wheelers rock, quads rock, the old ATVs rocked, muscle cars rock...I like them all, but can only really afford one toy, so the one that would get used most made sense. :thumbup::thumbup:

[jScotD]

this has been a good read.. :ani29:

[Bob Denman]

:agree:
The Missus and I started looking seriously at riding opportunities after her transplant surgery... It took us a couple of years for the Spyders to become available; but now we're glad that we waited a bit! :thumbup:
Lamont... :bowdown: SUPER nice toys! :thumbup:
That Maico brings back memories that I'd almost rather forget though... OUCH!

[Jstream]

The decision is a no-brainier for me. There is just one little problem that can be summed up in three words... Absolutely ZERO funds. :(

[MLavore]

I am 22, owned a sports bike and a cruiser and now an RSS and like it by far the most. Age has nothing to do with it ;)

[Bob Denman]

The decision is a no-brainier for me. There is just one little problem that can be summed up in three words... Absolutely ZERO funds. :(

Financing is available... :thumbup:

[StanProff]

You and many spyder owners say that but to other riders - the RT Is an old mans bike !

I am just stating the obvious and when talking to people looking at the RT in the showroom , that is what most of them say - am not that old yet ! After going over the spyder with them for a minimal 10 minutes I usually change there mind .

We did a poll on here with the average age - what was it ? 55 to 65 ?

Also , most young people cannot afford a spyder , which was the one reason I went with the RSS .

It never entered my mind about what other people thought about me buying the RT. All my friends and myself have ridden two wheelers for many years. I liked the Spyders from the start and the only opinion that really mattered to me was the wife's. I bought the RT and my riding buddies think it is awesome, my wife and I have traveled more on the Spyder than we ever did on two wheelers. She wouldn't ride anything else. As you know from the performace of the RS, All I have to do on the RT, to change their mind, when riding with them is see if they can keep up doing a "roll on" on the highway from 65 to 90 mph or so. They will be shaking their heads as you pull away! The spyders will outrun most stock cruisers. Believe me, touring and cross country rides are awesome on the RT. It can't be beat for that type of riding.

[StanProff]

I hear a lot about the cost of a Spyder = Rich old guy and frankly that just does not hold water in my opinion. Down at the local Harley Dealer the least expensive big twin is around $18,000 and most of the ave Harley's have price tags between $20,000 to upwards of $28,000 when they are dressed up like my RT-S which by the way was $25,000 out the door. The Harley trikes don't event come close with an average price tag of $38,000. Over at the BMW Dealer $25,000 is about average for an equipt Beemer. And let talk about Goldwings, $22,000 for a basic stripped two wheeler and $35,000+ for a trike conversion. I see lots of young guys on Harley's that cost way more than my RT-S. there is a Sport Bike Club in town that ride GXSers and Hyabusas. They most have around $25,000 to $35,000 invested in extended swing arms wide tires and fancy paint jobs. So it comes down to Two wheels for Young guys and Trikes for Old folks? I always get accosted by young guys when they are alone or just with their girl friends or wives asking lots of positive questions about the Spyder and then when another guy shows up they go negative. I really doubt that only old folks are attracted to Spyders as I personally know at least 12 young guys in the country who ride RS's and a few with wives who ride RT's. I think the real issue is that young folks want to ride the Spyder but do not know how or have the nerve to step out on their own to buck the peer pressure and that only truly independent self assured are able to go their own path.

:agree:

[timeless]

I couldn't agree more! My bikes sit, my hotrod sits, Nancy's Falcon sits. I'd rather ride the Spyder than work on a car or bike. That says a lot, given my track record. When they are all side-by-side in the garage, and you consistently pick the Spyders, there has to be more to it than a ride for the geriatric set. The Spyders never fail to bring smiles to our faces.

:agree: It is especially fun riding 2 up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zrc]

The only thing I waited for was to actually be able to make the payments, I do like the repo man around here.

Also, I sold my car yesterday, I now only own a Spyder for transit.

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Hardcore... :2thumbs: :clap:
Are you sticking to "tripod transit", or is this transitory?

[zrc]

I have no intent to purchase another vehicle at this point, if I did, it would be another spyder. Sonja has a car (Mazda 6) and will be replacing it soon with a '13 Camaro most likely.

So if push came to shove I could use that, at some point I will puchase an old truck to do farm work in, however, that is in the future and that truck will be for working, not driving around (older, big engine for pulling trailers / cattle / etc)

[GeoffCee]

Got to be honest, I'd still be riding on 2 wheels if the stroke I had in 09 hadn't left me with a balance problem.

I can no longer drop a bike into a corner at speed and be confident of bringing it upright again, my balance when the horizon tips becomes too confused to cope. Being safe is a huge factor, not for myself so much as for the sake of other road users.

But the good news is I CAN corner safely on my RT because it takes its corners flat, or as flat as makes no difference. My brain can cope OK with a level platform, it enables it to keep in touch with where the horizon is and that's all it needs for stability. No surprises works best.

We sold our bike and the RT came to our attention at just the moment when we were considering selling our helmets and riding gear. Truth is, it's great to get dressed up and go riding, to climb aboard and disappear down the road.

In so many ways it feels like we are back on 2 wheels again. Not quite, but almost... :thumbup:

[Harley]

After owning two-wheelers most of my life, I retired from riding about ten years ago.
I recently re-married after my wife passed with cancer. We saw a Spyder at Johnson's Shut Ins State Park and both fell in love with it. My wife informed me
in no uncertain terms that would be the only kind of bike she would feel comfortable riding, so five years later we became HAPPY KAMPERS, with a new Spyder, and loving every minute. Thanks Lamonster for this site, as it is the first thing in the morning I pull up on the computer.