Ladies (or men) on two-wheelers, some help?

[Siara]

Hey everyone,

I apologize for the weird title in advance but it will become clear in just a minute. I currently drive a wonderful BMW F800GT which I worship and adore. I couldn't imagine living without it. Unfortunately my body doesn't agree with me. I've been diagnosed with ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia a few years back and I'm finally starting feeling the drain it's taking on my body. I really don't want to part with my two-wheeler but I'm afraid in the end I'll have no choice. Since I absolutely loathe driving a car and it's in no way a replacement for a two-wheeler, I'm kind of looking for an alternative for when it becomes 100% impossible to ride a two-wheeler.

Well, most trikes look horrid to me and the ones that I do seem to like (GG Taurus, certain two-wheelers converted to a trike, ...) all cost me way more than an arm and a leg. I'm not saying that the Spyder is affordable but it should be reachable in the long run, especially when older models get lowered in price. Now, the title...are there any girls or boys here that used to drive a two-wheeler (or still do) and can comment on how 'fun' the spyder is to own in everyday life?

My beloved one is taking me for a testdrive on an RT this Saturday at a 'local' dealer to ease my mind and cheer me up a little. It should be fun since I'm allowed to drive for a little while too. I have no idea what to expect either way but I am reluctant to accept something else than my beloved bike at the moment. I feel so reluctant to accept that I might not be able to drive it anymore that I just can't see myself liking the Spyder either. I don't even like the way it looks and I can't see any benefits to it.

Can you guys/girls perhaps help me get a more neutral image on the Spyder as I really do want to like it though. I'd love it if you could give me some benefits of the Spyder so I can try to focus on those. Also I'm having a hard time choosing between the different models. The RS, ST and RT all seem so alike. Would the RS be useless if I wanted to go for longer trips with sleepovers? What about that new F3?

Thank you in any case for trying to help me and I look forward to your replies!

[Highwayman2013]

My wife has an RT and it's a great bike. I ride a 2 wheeler but also enjoy the spyder. The Rt has the most storage although there is a trailer available for touring. Once you ride one I think you will like it.

[Dgjason]

I' ve driven two wheelers for over 40 years, and still have one. Now that I have arrived at the ripe old age of 71 my two wheeler just sits in the garage gathering dust. I find myself checking out the sky each morning to see how the driving weather will be that day. I really enjoy riding my spyder. I never suffered a learning curve like many people have reported. It may be because I have spend hundreds of hours on a 4 wheeler. Just relax and have fun.

Good Luck
Dennis

[Eagle1]

We have a 2010 rt and enjoy the Ryde. I drove a 2 Wheeler for, 50 yrs and the change was easy. I also drove snow mobiles, which is what we now have on wheels.
For you this should give you a better feeling of safety and control, given your medical condition. I have a sister with the disease and she gets very tired easily. Good luck and keep ryding.

[Siara]

Thank you kindly for the feedback so far~!

It seems so far I've only gotten wise advice from older experienced riders than myself which makes me feel blessed. I am 'only' 27 spring young so I'm still finding my way in life. I feel fortunate that these diseases are the only I have so far, it could have been way worse.

Fatigue and muscle pain is indeed the main reason for needing to change over to a different vehicle in the future. If I've ridden for about an hour or two I feel the bike literally becoming heavier and heavier for me to hold at a stoplight (which is ridiculous I know) and the pain from handling the clutch and brake levers usually gets to me at that point causing my concentration and focus on traffic to falter. It doesn't seem safe for me to keep riding my bike like that. A three-wheeler with automatic gears might relieve that I guess.

[cyclekid58]

I rode 2 wheelers for 38 years and finally gave it up. Last year we had the opportunity to test drive an RT during Can Am demo days on the area raceway road track, we were hooked! This year at Easter I made the final decision due to medical problems with Severe Rhuematoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis to trade the 2 wheeler in since I could no longer operate it safely. My wife still rides her 2 wheeler for short runs but is reaching the same point. We both took a 3 wheeler (trike) course taught by an instructor on a Spyder, it has helped considerable and we are glad the change was made. I would not go back to 2 wheels again, the Spyder is the ultimate touring machine, and we spent a little extra having a drivers backrest, and the tri-axis handlebars installed. I also had a BajaRon sway bar installed which made a big difference. After 150 miles on a 2 wheeler I could barely move for days, on the spyder:ani29: 300-400 is no big deal. My advice to you is, what kind of value do you put on your life? Is it worth the risk to continue to try and do the 2 wheeler, or move forward to the wonderful life of 3 wheels and enjoy the "Golden Years"! I never regret my decision, and neither does my family. :thumbup:

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Is that the Belgium in Europe ????.....You may have trouble finding a NEW Spyder ......never mind a USED one ..........................Good Luck.....Mike :thumbup:

[NJArachnyd]

I still ride a 2-wheeler, and technically the Spyder is my wife's ride. While I'm still a devoted fan of "normal" bikes, I've found the Spyder to be a blast ride, I really like it. Everyone's experience is different, but after the initial adjustment, I've had no problem switching between the two.

[Siara]

Is that the Belgium in Europe ????.....You may have trouble finding a NEW Spyder ......never mind a USED one ..........................Good Luck.....Mike :thumbup:

Is there another Belgium perhaps? ;) Off course I'm talking about the land of chocolate, beer and french fries. What makes you think I'd have trouble finding one? I know about at least 2 dealers in this country. Granted they're not very close by but around an hour drive and I'm there. Your comment actually startled me o_o are they that rare in Europe? I've only seen one driven before here in Belgium so far but I'm sure there are more.

[Pennyrick]

Is there another Belgium perhaps? ;) Off course I'm talking about the land of chocolate, beer and french fries. What makes you think I'd have trouble finding one? I know about at least 2 dealers in this country. Granted they're not very close by but around an hour drive and I'm there. Your comment actually startled me o_o are they that rare in Europe? I've only seen one driven before here in Belgium so far but I'm sure there are more.

My wife bought the first Spyder in our family, a 2010 RT SE. She had been riding two wheels since 1974 but an accident in 1979 sidelined her for a few years. She moved from a Suzuki GS 1000 down to a Honda 400 as the lighter machine was easier to handle but even that grew to be a problem. She has one arm that is paralyzed, rotator cuff problems and has some nerve damage in her back.

Next she tried a Suzuki Burgman 650 that we triked for her but even that wore out her arms and shoulders after a few hours riding. When she test drove the Spyder with the power assisted steering it was a Godsend.

She put 50,000 miles on her 2010 and when she traded it in on a 2012 RT Limited, I decided to give up on two wheels and join her. She now has 20,000 miles on the '12 (mine just turned 25,000) and we are sold on Spyders.

At age 27 you have at least another 70 more years of great adventure ahead of you. Might as well start enjoying a Spyder right away.

[Vrooom]

Siara, have no fear, I'm sure Hercule Poirot could locate a great Snyder dealer for you in Belgium.;) If you plan touring, go with the rt. comfort and cargo space make a difference.

[ARtraveler]

I have come from 45 + years of driving two wheelers and over 40 makes and models, from 80cc up to 2000cc. I loved each and every one.

My first :spyder2:, a 2008 GS with Manual transmission was purchased because I wanted to try something new. I loved it, and until 2012, had two wheels in the garage as well as my :ani29:.

Medical issues caused me to give up two wheels in 2012 and I had to bid goodbye to my last Vulcan.

I recently purchased my fifth :spyder2:, a 2014 ACE 1330 triple with Semi Auto transmission. I still long for a two wheel ride occasionally, but the :ani29: gets me through the pain. :yes::yes:

[2dogs]

You are contemplating a good move and a good decision considering your situation. I have had to do the samething. Believe me you will never regret it. Research the 2014 RTS SE6 :spyder2:. BRP has worked out almost all the bugs on the 14 RT’s and so far, they have a good/excellent reputation. Prices on the 14 RT’s are beginning to fall as the F3’s are coming out and winter is approaching. I’ve seen prices in the US recently as low 23K on the 14RTS SE6. Keep up with this site as you will you will find your best help and advise here. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?62646-2014-Spyder-RT-S-SE6-First-day-250-mile-ryde-report
:2thumbs::yes::yes::cheers:

[asp125]

My wife has health issues that leave her tired and experiencing mild vertigo sometimes. She still has her two wheeler (Yamaha FZ6R) for her good days, but rides our RS on her "off" days, because three wheels removes the need to balance. If she is really feeling off though, she doesn't ride. To her, the Spyder is an optional back up plan. She still craves the lean but having a back up plan is a good thing, for us.

[ivanlee]

Hey everyone,

I apologize for the weird title in advance but it will become clear in just a minute. I currently drive a wonderful BMW F800GT which I worship and adore. I couldn't imagine living without it. Unfortunately my body doesn't agree with me. I've been diagnosed with ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia a few years back and I'm finally starting feeling the drain it's taking on my body. I really don't want to part with my two-wheeler but I'm afraid in the end I'll have no choice. Since I absolutely loathe driving a car and it's in no way a replacement for a two-wheeler, I'm kind of looking for an alternative for when it becomes 100% impossible to ride a two-wheeler.

Well, most trikes look horrid to me and the ones that I do seem to like (GG Taurus, certain two-wheelers converted to a trike, ...) all cost me way more than an arm and a leg. I'm not saying that the Spyder is affordable but it should be reachable in the long run, especially when older models get lowered in price. Now, the title...are there any girls or boys here that used to drive a two-wheeler (or still do) and can comment on how 'fun' the spyder is to own in everyday life?

My beloved one is taking me for a testdrive on an RT this Saturday at a 'local' dealer to ease my mind and cheer me up a little. It should be fun since I'm allowed to drive for a little while too. I have no idea what to expect either way but I am reluctant to accept something else than my beloved bike at the moment. I feel so reluctant to accept that I might not be able to drive it anymore that I just can't see myself liking the Spyder either. I don't even like the way it looks and I can't see any benefits to it.

Can you guys/girls perhaps help me get a more neutral image on the Spyder as I really do want to like it though. I'd love it if you could give me some benefits of the Spyder so I can try to focus on those. Also I'm having a hard time choosing between the different models. The RS, ST and RT all seem so alike. Would the RS be useless if I wanted to go for longer trips with sleepovers? What about that new F3?

Thank you in any case for trying to help me and I look forward to your replies!

Take your check book with you. Once you sit on it. :ohyea::ohyea::ohyea:

[Siara]

I don't have a checkbook so I think I'm pretty safe. I also don't have a penny to my name at the moment so it's going to hurt to leave that store empty-handed if I do like the Spyder. If I do decide to give this a go I'll have to start saving up but I can hardly save up 400$ a month so it might take a while. Tips and tricks to make extra funding is much appreciated. Off course if I sell my beautiful bike I'll have some funding but not nearly enough...

Oh well, money is a worry for later. Let's see if I actually like it during the test ride. My partner said he'll drive my bike in pursuit and I can drive the RT so if I really don't like it I can always hop on my own bike instead and he can continue riding the RT to the dealer. Is there anything I have to be sure NOT to do on a Spyder?

Also I had a question for all of you, what kind of license do you need in America for the Spyder? Here in Belgium you need a bike license to drive one but I heard that in the Netherlands a car license is enough. The laws here are so confusing sometimes. Luckily I have both licenses anyway...

[loisk]

One extra tip if I may - go for the SE5 or SE6, the semi-auto flappy paddle model. I had a hand problem after too many decades on the computer and found that having no clutch lever / gear pedal made a huge difference. It's still a blast to change up / down through the gears, so you don't have to let the spyder have all the fun. I switched from 2 wheels as I found it beginning to be too heavy at stop lights and in gravel (stone) carparks, and have not regretted it for a moment. Have just changed from RS to ST, for a bit more comfort and ergonomics which suit me better. Enjoy your ride, but make sure, if possible, that it is a good, long ride - a few minutes or even half an hour isn't enough, it'll just feel totally weird, so try to go for longer if you can. Regards from Oz.

[Siara]

Thank you kindly for the good advice, loisk. I love the words 'flappy paddles', haha~

I work on a computer at work so I guess I'll be more than sure to go for the SE models. If I happen to win the lottery I'm sure to go for the RT model because driver floorboards, heated grips and fog lights are actually what I'm looking for in these models but apparently those are all options on the more expensive models. Quite dissapointing actually...

I think the dealer will let us ride the machine for about an hour, maybe two. I guess that should give me a basic idea of what makes it tick and how suitable it would be for my needs.

[Bfromla]

97109


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[loisk]

Thank you kindly for the good advice, loisk. I love the words 'flappy paddles', haha~

I work on a computer at work so I guess I'll be more than sure to go for the SE models. If I happen to win the lottery I'm sure to go for the RT model because driver floorboards, heated grips and fog lights are actually what I'm looking for in these models but apparently those are all options on the more expensive models. Quite dissapointing actually...

I think the dealer will let us ride the machine for about an hour, maybe two. I guess that should give me a basic idea of what makes it tick and how suitable it would be for my needs.

Hi again - the ST Limited comes standard with driver floorboards and heated grips. Foglights - I don't know because in Oz the foglight position is used-up by the low or high beam headlights, as our "authorities" don't think the standard/USA lights are good enough - maybe too high to spot wombats on the road (mobile sugar bags, if you hit them..). Anyway, ST Ltd is another option for you, depending on foglights I guess. Or STS (cheaper) and just have floorboards etc added to suit you -- guess you can "add" to basic RT too to get what you need, just need to do the costings... Worth chatting to your dealer about such options, so that your hip pocket copes! RT of course has the nice, big motor!

[Tazzel]

I am female also. I rode a 2 wheel for about 10 years. I felt pretty confident on the 2 wheelers but in some situations I did not feel safe or lacked the strength. I am considered young compared to a lot of the Spyder riders (mid 40's). I own a 2012 RS SE5. I choose the RS because I still like to ride a little aggressively and the RS seat position allows for that. The longest ride I rode on was an 8 hour day and I was feeling it in the Butt for sure. However most everyone else were either on RT's or 2 wheelers and they were not doing so well either. The reasons below is why I sold my 2 wheeler and purchased a spyder.

On windy days I would get blown around a lot on the highway. It would scare the piss out of me sometimes when those wind gust would hit or a Semi would pass, So bad that I had to jump off and take the side roads.

If I happened to park on a downward incline (even a slight incline), it was a struggle and embarrassing sometimes trying to back the bike up.

I used my bike for commuting and the stop and go traffic and using the clutch and brake, killed my hands.

I had a couple of close calls when I would hit sand, gravel, wet leaves and large pot holes

[AppleSpyder]

I found the Spyder to be a much more comfortable ryde than 2 wheels. It is like riding in a Cadillac rather than a farm truck. Its just "softer" and actually a lot more fun!!!

Please keep us updated on what you thought about the ride!!

[Siara]

Hey everyone,

Just a little update on the test drive I managed to do on the Spyder RT 2014. It was alright but I'm not really impressed. I did like not having to put my foot down at traffic lights and the automatic transmission on the 2014 did its job pretty well. I'm dissapointed at the sky high prices however...there is no way I'll be able to afford one new and I'm not sure about the secondhand models

There's currently a black 2010 RT-S and a brown 2012 RT-Ltd for sale but both have the SE5 transmission. How are they compared to the newest model regarding shifting and fuel mileage? I'm really worried about spending all my savings towards a second-hand model and ending up with a 'lemon' as everyone seems to call them here.

Can you perhaps give me some feedback on the older models?

[ttc]

Hiya, sorry to hear about your health problems :(

I have a 2006 Z1000 which weighs about 220kg, and I also have a 2012 rss.

They're totally different machines, you dont ride the spyder like a bike, and it can be hard to 'unbike' it. Mine is twitchy, hoping to have that sorted by a wheel alignment.

My zed tried to fall over one day, and I had to have a hip operation afterwards as holding it up with one leg messed it up. Advantage of the spyder us you can park it anywhere, grass, hills etc, it simply won't fall over. When I sit at lights sometimes I sit on the back seat and wave at the children in the cars :D

[Siara]

Hiya, sorry to hear about your health problems :(

I have a 2006 Z1000 which weighs about 220kg, and I also have a 2012 rss.

They're totally different machines, you dont ride the spyder like a bike, and it can be hard to 'unbike' it. Mine is twitchy, hoping to have that sorted by a wheel alignment.

My zed tried to fall over one day, and I had to have a hip operation afterwards as holding it up with one leg messed it up. Advantage of the spyder us you can park it anywhere, grass, hills etc, it simply won't fall over. When I sit at lights sometimes I sit on the back seat and wave at the children in the cars :D

Haha, thanks for cheering me up~! I can just imagine you sitting on the back waving while the front seat remains ghostly empty...rofl...

Thank you for the feedback. I believe a Spyder will be a good alternative but it's a fight now to decide whether I'll spend some agonizing years saving up for the 2014 RT or go for a secondhand RT of the lower years.

[Yazz]

Hi Siara,
Understand your situation completely. Had fibromyalgia myself and know the pain and fatigue you are going through. I put the kickstand down for good after a nice ride that went bad. Muscle memory and Guardian Angels got me safely home that day.

I like riding my own and don't like riding as a passenger. A few years went by, bought my Spyder and got my face back in the wind. Freedom!



There's currently a black 2010 RT-S and a brown 2012 RT-Ltd for sale but both have the SE5 transmission. How are they compared to the newest model regarding shifting and fuel mileage? I'm really worried about spending all my savings towards a second-hand model and ending up with a 'lemon' as everyone seems to call them here.

Can you perhaps give me some feedback on the older models?

The SE5 is the paddle-shift transmission, easy on your hands. The pre- 2014 models had poorer fuel milage, but still a great Spyder. Personally, I would go for the 2012 RT-Ltd because it might be still under warranty. (Don't know how things work across the puddle...)

As for any being a 'lemon', are these RTs being sold at a dealership? If so, in my humble opinion, the dealership should warranty anything that is sold out of their store for a certain amount of time.

Sometimes people will buy a Spyder thinking it's cool, but don't put the miles on it to learn how to ride it correctly. Their loss is your gain.

Private Message sent...

[bandreassen]

I also rode 2 wheels for a long time (30 years). Had everything from a Gold Wing to sport bikes, but was getting to a point where I just didn't want to "tip toe" a bike anymore. Had my share of cruisers, and did not want to go that route again. Test road a RSS at Americade, and I was hooked. Ended up buying a 2010 RTS, that was in mint condition with low miles. It is more comfortable than 2 wheels, has storage, and is a blast to ride. I live in western NC, with some of the best roads east of the Miss., and this thing is a hoot in the curves.

Got with the Spyder, you will not regret it.

[Paula]

You found a Spyder! Yeah! Don't see it as a step down from 2 wheels but a step towards freedom!:yes: I am a new Spyder owner myself. My 2 wheeled machine was fine, never got sore riding it (well... my hips sometimes from Fred flintstoning it through intersections while cars beeped at me... ).

I feel sore riding the Spyder. As I learn how to ride it that has decreased. Also it is a different set of muscles for me and I will get stronger. You will love it! The 2012 is a good year :ohyea:

[Msmoto]

This is my first post on the forum, but most appropriate.... I think. First, I have been solo across the US twice, BMW K1200RS, Suzuki DL1000, the last in 2008 so i guess I could be called experienced. Have owned several bikes from 400cc Supermoto to Hayabusa the latter sold when I was 66 years old. Last bike, Suzuki DR650SE, modified by race shop. I could fly either end of the Busa... just too much fun to be terrified...LOL

Of note, I also had Can Am Spyder Serial Number XXXXXXX003008. This was sold to purchase a Smart ForTwo....LOL

However, now, at age 74, some say an old lady, I have some arthritis and other aches and pains, but also, some thoughts that holding a bike up in traffic may not be the best idea. So, in a few days, off to the local dealer to purchase a new F3 something..probably with bags, etc., but at least to get onto three wheels. Absolutely NOT a motorcycle, but an excellent alternative if you like the fresh air blowing in your face. I found with my first one that once the technique used by the four-wheelers is mastered one can run the stability control system to the edge before it messes with the performance.

So, if being in the open is what you want, go for the Spyder. Huge fun even if it is not a "part of you" like a two wheel bike is. Best wishes, happy trails and good luck

[Yazz]

MsMoto, Welcome to our little corner of the web. :2thumbs:

Looking forward to a picture of your new F3!

[R FUN]

I also had to switch from two wheels to three. I have a 2012RT Limited and it has been a great machine. It has over 53,000 kilometers and running strong.
I am from Canada.
Roger

[Msmoto]

Picked up the new one yesterday. Much improved over my first Spyder No. 3008. A lot less storage in terms of only small sized item fits in any of the compartments, but I can manage this with a rear seat bag when necessary.

Will be adding a GPS unit, hopefully the instructions on installation can be figured out...LOL

Eventually, I will start a new thread with photos of this as I have been known to capture a few images with Nikon equipment.

See ya' soon....

[Ron2andia]

Looks by you tag that you got one so:congrats::welcome:.. Hope all works out with your health issues.

[Msmoto]

I have discovered several improvements on the new Spyder, even the anti-sleep function about 70 mph.... :clap:

The vibration is something which can be corrected. The biggest difference is the less touchy steering, much easier to drive fast.

My only health issue is my age, and I consider this far better than the alternative.

[hypurone]

Hey everyone,

I apologize for the weird title in advance but it will become clear in just a minute. I currently drive a wonderful BMW F800GT which I worship and adore. I couldn't imagine living without it. Unfortunately my body doesn't agree with me. I've been diagnosed with ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia a few years back and I'm finally starting feeling the drain it's taking on my body. I really don't want to part with my two-wheeler but I'm afraid in the end I'll have no choice. Since I absolutely loathe driving a car and it's in no way a replacement for a two-wheeler, I'm kind of looking for an alternative for when it becomes 100% impossible to ride a two-wheeler.

What about that new F3?

I am in a similar situation. I have been riding for 40+ years. Just recently was involved in a life threatening/altering accident. Died twice en route to the hospital they tell me and now I have enough hardware in me to open my own hardware store! The location and proximity to vital organs and arteries make it extremely hazardous to ride on 2 wheels with the higher possibility of a fall. I, like you, couldn't live without the "wind in my face" so to speak and was quite disconsolate about my riding future or lack thereof.

Then the Spyder dawned on me and it has been an awesome trip. I have more than enough fun on it. If you want to ride it hard you need to lean with it and have very good technique. It can be quite invigorating. You can also just kick back and cruise and wave back at all the folks that point/stare/wave at you. I spend as much time talking about it to complete strangers as I did with my bikes.... I am partial to the sportier F3 line but go with what grabs ya and fits your needs.... Here's to hoping you have the same great experience I did! :thumbup:

[Yazz]

I have discovered several improvements on the new Spyder, even the anti-sleep function about 70 mph.... :clap:

The vibration is something which can be corrected. The biggest difference is the less touchy steering, much easier to drive fast.

My only health issue is my age, and I consider this far better than the alternative.

Glad you like your F3!

IMHO, age is not a health issue. Your mental age is what counts.
I've been 24 for a few years now... :ohyea:

[Msmoto]

About ten years ago I rode my bike down through San Antonio, have very good friends in the Woodlands. Was there in January, this year.

[Jenfz09]

Honestly- not as fun as two wheels.

I still really enjoy the Spyder and put many more miles on it compared to my sport bikes. You don't need to worry about road conditions nearly as much, single vehicle accidents are less likely, you are much more visible, it holds tons, you can listen to the radio, go on trips, take it food shopping, keep your hands warm, feel safer and feel like you are on a unique toy.

I just read that you got one. Hope you are enjoying it!

[Msmoto]

Love discussions which are based only on our individual opinions.....i.e, everyone is correct!

My perspective on the Spyder in terms of "fun"... no where near as exciting as backing a Hayabusa into a corner at about 120 mph, or the acceleration, passing a V-Rod at 132 mph....getting north of 150 mph.... but, maybe the Spyder is just different fun. Or, maybe at my age reality says a lot of the things I used to do several years ago are simply not possible due to the changes we incur above 70 years old.

But, the Spyder does give me a lot of enjoyment riding in the open air, rather quick acceleration, albeit nothing like a Busa, and as I develop the exhaust system, a very nice sound when twisting the throttle.

It is the Spyder's advantages, the three wheels eliminating the balance required to ride two wheels, and the huge stopping power provided by lots of rubber on the road, which extend the riding careers of those of us who should not be on two wheels.

However, as one who has some riding in her background, two solos across the US, I will attest to the fact that the relationship with a motorcycle with two wheels where one is a part of the bike and the controls are extensions of one's central nervous system, is decidedly different where on a Spyder one holds it with the knees, rides with the Spyder moving about under one's tail while very gently putting steering input to adjust the trajectory. And, the weight shifting to ride quickly on a Spyder is where the real "disconnection" occurs although in one sense the weight shifting creates a new relationship with the vehicle.

Thus I would conclude the Spyder is quite different but may actually prove to be as much fun in a different way than two wheels. It sure beats not riding at all....LOL

[Two cats]

We have a 2011 RT. My wife use to have a 500 scooter but sold it after it fell over on her. Now she wants s RS or a st. She has health issues also but she loves to ride. So what ever you get should suit you fine. Some people like the 998's others like the 1330's. Just look for the one the gives you that want to get out and ride feeling. Happy Trails:riding:

[Gwenngee]

My husband had an accident on a motorcycle and to continue to ride with me, broke down and went with a Spyder RT Limited. It is semi-automatic and was a great way to be involved with riding without loosing the total feel of riding. He convinced me to start riding a Spyder as well and I have a F3S, which is manual. There are numerous differences in the rides as the F3S manual has you shifting and the wind factor is a consideration, the RT Limited is like the Cadillac of them and the ride is smoother. The RT has an adjustable windshield that allows for your comfort, along with some hand warmers. The floorboards allow for a more comfortable ride. A few months ago someone did a uturn infront of him and took out the left side wheel, which ended up totaling the Spyder. He is was fine just upset that he lost his favorite ride. It had the most storage as well when traveling. He would carry all the gear we needed for a week and I was free to play.
Good Luck finding the ride that will be the best fit for you. Just remember we all give advice from where we are at in our life and what we prefer, you must make the decision that is the best fit for you. You are the only one who can make that decision.
Gwenn