Is a Spyder considered a Motorcycle?

[JimVonBaden]

Long, often heated discussions on other forums, many saying no, others yes.

What do you think?

[RudyB]

Well if they class it as a motorcycle then the insurance company's can hose you[emoji51]


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[PapaHotel]

According to the Federal designation, three wheels is considered to be in the motorcycle class. here has bee a lot of work done by Elio motors to add a new class of vehicles that addresses enclosed tandem vehicles. So there is a new debate over vehicles such as the Polaris Slingshot, but the Spyder was before, is now and will be in the future, 100% in the motorcycle category.

[ARtraveler]

When I bought my first one in 2008, I did not care what they called it. Five of them later, I still don't. I just call it fun. :yes::yes:

[pegasus1300]

One and three are the same answer worded differently

[JayBros]

I don't care one large rat's rump what anyone calls it.

[loisk]

Considered a motorcycle - by whom?

Here in Victoria it is registered as a tri-car BUT a full motorcycle licence is needed AND it is insured and tolled as a motorcycle.

Just over the state border, it is registered as a motorcycle.

Over the Tasman in NZ it is a car.

So - the various authorities haven't a clue.

To me it's a motorbike, plain and simple. Within that category, it's a trike or even a reverse trike, but I go and ride my bike - KISS

People come up and ask 'what kind of bike is that?' Never what kind of car...

[Bfromla]

Long, often heated discussions on other forums, many saying no, others yes.

What do you think?

What we think really dont matter lol its what governing body per your location TELL's what it is. Hows that?
Gotta say
Kinda funny time to be asking AFTER your wife got that ST tho. are you encountering problems?

[JimVonBaden]

One and three are the same answer worded differently
Damn biased polls! :roflblack:

[JimVonBaden]

What we think really dont matter lol its what governing body per your location TELL's what it is. Hows that?
Gotta say
Kinda funny time to be asking AFTER your wife got that ST tho. are you encountering problems?
I agree.

I am asking now because my wife doesn't do forums and I do, plus I am the maintenance/accessory guy. On top of that, I am pretty well known on the BMW forums, and posted there about the Spyder, then took crap.

Personally I do not care that much, but find it funny how the two wheelers get all snobby about it. I have nothing to prove as I have been riding a long time on two wheels. I sure do like scooting around in traffic on the Spyder though. The auto-shift is a nice gadget in stop-n-go traffic!

[Bob Denman]

:D Ride more: worry less! :thumbup:

[youngers]

freaky ,deekiee , cool as heck , just looking at it is fun :yes: { unless you do not have one and are looking at it then I guess , not soo fun :lecturef_smilie:

[JimVonBaden]

:D Ride more: worry less! :thumbup:

Not worried at all. I was just curious about the perspective here.

I hope my curiosity doesn't cause you any distress!:D

[Chupaca]

it is what you want it to be....legally...depends...:banghead: as I see it..
unicycle
bicycle
tricycle
Moped
scooter
motorcycle
trike
reverse trike
autocycle
automobile
trucks...and all the models of.....

[Deanna777]

:D Ride more: worry less! :thumbup::agree: Deanna

[fjray]

The Washington state ferry system says the Spyder is a small car and charged me 65.00 to get to San Juan island and back:mad:. That won't happen again.

[wyliec]

139644

[SPYD3R]

I voted 'WHO CARES', because as i've said many X's b4, i call mine FUN.... :yes: :clap: :bowdown:
SPYD3R

[LateLifeCrisis]

Long, often heated discussions on other forums, many saying no, others yes.

What do you think?


More importantly - - what does your wife think? ........You know, the one riding the 2013 ST-S?

[Gumbeau]

Long, often heated discussions on other forums, many saying no, others yes.

What do you think?

I call mine Big Dawg. And I call it "MINE"😀

[JimVonBaden]

More importantly - - what does your wife think? ........You know, the one riding the 2013 ST-S?

She doesn't care, and is not riding it as much as me yet. I am taking it to work and getting used to it. She still needs practice before hitting the mean streets of DC with it.

For the record, the heated discussions were not primarily from me, but others who posted their spiders.

[jaherbst]

An old, old subject that has been beaten to death and hung out to dry. Who cares or even gives a damn.

In the words of a very negatively famous person "so what difference does it make".

Jack

[JimVonBaden]

An old, old subject that has been beaten to death and hung out to dry. Who cares or even gives a damn.

In the words of a very negatively famous person "so what difference does it make".

Jack
Well, it matters enough to get a bunch of votes and comments!:D

[dlby]

Motorcycle. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. ... A motorcycle (also called a motorbike, bike, or cycle) is a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long distance travel, commuting, cruising, sport including racing, and off-road

I love R&R put another dime in the jukebox baby!

[armyspydervet]

Why does this always come up. I propose an amendment to Spyderlovers that anyone who aska this question be banned. Anyone second?

[2Paw]

Here in Texas it is considered a motorcycle by the DMV and the insurance co, so at least in Texas it is a motorcycle. I live in Texas, so who cares what it is called elsewhere. I refer to it as my bike, Spyder, or Roadster. I'm almost 72 years old and have been riding 2 or 3 wheels sense I was 15, you do the math it hurts my head,:D I've learned that you can't change how people feel about you or what they say, so I tend not to give a rats patootie what other people think about me or my ride. I've also learned that other people don't think about you nearly as much as you might think, they are to busy thinking about themselves.

[JimVonBaden]

Why does this always come up. I propose an amendment to Spyderlovers that anyone who aska this question be banned. Anyone second?
Feelfree!:rolleyes:

[jaherbst]

Well, it matters enough to get a bunch of votes and comments!:D

Or----increase your post count. :D Look out Bob, by the way he is starting out you may have a contender!:rolleyes:

Jack

[jaherbst]

Here in Texas it is considered a motorcycle by the DMV and the insurance co, so at least in Texas it is a motorcycle. I live in Texas, so who cares what it is called elsewhere. I refer to it as my bike, Spyder, or Roadster. I'm almost 72 years old and have been riding 2 or 3 wheels sense I was 15, you do the math it hurts my head,:D I've learned that you can't change how people feel about you or what they say, so I tend not to give a rats patootie what other people think about me or my ride. I've also learned that other people don't think about you nearly as much as you might think, they are to busy thinking about themselves.

I salute you my friend. Anyone who can finish their 14 day diet food in 3 hours and 20 minutes is held in

high esteem in my book. KUDO's

Jack:D

[PaladinLV]

Answered you poll, but the correct response was missing

"Who gives a **** what other forums think!"

AJ


Long, often heated discussions on other forums, many saying no, others yes.

What do you think?

[RudyB]

Why has no one brought up the question what it cost to insure a motorcycle versus a car in British Columbia their is a 100% difference


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[JimVonBaden]

Or----increase your post count. :D Look out Bob, by the way he is starting out you may have a contender!:rolleyes:

Jack

Got a post count obsession? :roflblack:

[JimVonBaden]

Answered you poll, but the correct response was missing

"Who gives a **** what other forums think!"

AJ

I don't put a lot of stock in what anyone thinks, but I am curious. If all we ever did was discuss technical issues the forum would be a boring place, don't you think?:D

[JimVonBaden]

Why has no one brought up the question what it cost to insure a motorcycle versus a car in British Columbia their is a 100% difference


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It depends on where you live, but in the DC area similarly priced motorcycles are generally much cheaper than cars. My 2005 Mercedes CLK500 costs roughly double what my 2015 BMW R1200GS costs, despite the BMW value being almost twice as high as the car.

[Bob Denman]

139667

[Buckeye Bleau]

This is an interesting conversation even if it is a well beaten path.

It does amaze me that if it is a Honda, HD, or Victory with two wheels in the back and one in the front with the rider straddling the engine, they call it a trike but most certainly it is a motorcycle.

Put the two wheels in the front and they call it a reverse trike but probably not a motorcycle.

as many said, who cares, but when the others introduce their reverse trike, rest assured they will be motorcycles. This whole thing is a brand identity issue.

Joe

[dlby]

And we'll have fun fun fun till her Daddy takes her 4 wheeled vehicle called a Thunderbird away🎶♪♫♬😨
No fun in that #$%&^

I love R&R put another dime in the jukebox baby!

[sealfloorboards]

It's my understanding that in California, if a vehicle has only one tire in front, it's a motorcycle (trikes) but if it has two wheels in front, it's a car (Spyder reverse trike):hun:. Therefore, if you ride a Spyder, no motorcycle endorsement is required. If you ride a Honda Trike, you have a MC and need an endorsement:dontknow: However, you still need to wear a helmet on both. Nothin' logical, but hey, THAT'S OUR GOVERNMENT:yikes::roflblack::yikes:!!! Just sayin'.....
Ride in comfort;)
John

[Zip]

In NY it is considered a motorcycle by the DMV and the insurance, so its a motorcycle. I need a motorcycle license to ride it.

[Grandpot]

In South Carolina it's a motorcycle.
In South Carolina you need a motorcycle license to ride a two wheeler, but just a regular car License for a trike. Go figure!

[ingramwc]

Can AM says it is a "Roadster." In TN it is registered as a motorcycle, insured as a motorcycle, and drivers license has to have motorcycle certification. :yes::yes::yes::yes: Let's ride!!!

[tmcquain]

In the Great State of Tennessee:

1) You have to have a MOTORCYCLE License to drive one

2) You insure it thru a MOTORCYCLE insurance policy

3) DMV registers it as MOTORCYCLE

4) You ride on it like a MOTORCYCLE

5) You have to wear a MOTORCYCLE helmet


There is 1 common word.... does everyone see it ?

MOTORCYCLE.....

OF COURSE THAT IS JUST MY HUMBLE OPINION

[Rogue Hawk]

I have an F3 and a Ninja 650. They are very different animals.

[JimVonBaden]

I have an F3 and a Ninja 650. They are very different animals.

So is a Vespa 150 and a Harley Road King, still both motorcycles.

[tmcquain]

I have an F3 and a Ninja 650. They are very different animals.

Well a Chevy Citation and a Corvette are very different Animals as well....but both are cars.....just sayin

[Buggy]

This poll is rigged....bigley!:joke:

[JimVonBaden]

This poll is rigged....bigley!:joke:

Nah, maybe a bit biased! :D

[Fat Baxter]

I'm glad that the powers-that-be consider it a motorcycle. If they considered it a car (defined for the purposes of this thread as four or more wheels), then all the federal safety standards kick in. Air bags, crumple zones, seat belts, etc.

if it's a motorcycle, that keeps the machine much simpler, and retains the fun factor. IMO, the Slingshot and Elio (upright seats and a steering wheel, instead of straddling the machine and using handlebars) are pushing the envelope, and may eventually draw the unwanted attention of the full regulatory state.

As a sidenote, BMW once looked at an open-air four-wheel toy, the "Just 4/2 (http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/bmw_just_4-2.html)," using one of its motorcycle engines to move it. It remained a concept only, as (from what I heard) the corporate lawyers weren't about to let it enter production as it was, since it lacked a lot of the mandatory auto safety features. As an engineering exercise, it was fun, and a lot of folks drooled over it, but it was not to be. Once you built it up to safety specs, it would cost as much as a car anyway.

Thus, classifying three-wheelers as motorcycles, regardless of layout, is an escape clause for fun.

[GearHd]

Straight from Webster...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/c84bb5ce7fc61b4506bbef111979a8a1.jpg

[JimVonBaden]

Straight from Webster...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/c84bb5ce7fc61b4506bbef111979a8a1.jpg
That definition is out of date, like a lot of the Webster dictionary. Look up reverse trike, or trike. They don't even define one with a motor.

[Bob Denman]

Why not just call them "FUN", and let go of this thread? :dontknow:

[Dubld]

Here in Texas it is considered a motorcycle by the DMV and the insurance co, so at least in Texas it is a motorcycle.

It is the same here in Iowa. I will say though, that the insurance is pretty pricey, even though I have a clean driving record.

[JimVonBaden]

Why not just call them "FUN", and let go of this thread? :dontknow:
185 people voted, so far, so obviously people do have opinions!

[Bfromla]

Why not just call them "FUN", and let go of this thread? :dontknow:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/fe138a4f20654f8c8b6d0cd6f7c08dcf.jpg

[ussoldier]

Okay, I am having issues regarding is it a motorcycle or an automobile? I am using USAA, but the reality is they cannot determine if it is a motorcycle.

In California, you do not need a motorcycle license; however, you need a motorcycle helmet for the Can Am Spyder. This is like the Slingshot...need helmet no motorcycle helmet.

If somebody could provide me some type of information through DMV, State Law, or something that would be greatly appreciated.

[ARtraveler]

Okay, I am having issues regarding is it a motorcycle or an automobile? I am using USAA, but the reality is they cannot determine if it is a motorcycle.

In California, you do not need a motorcycle license; however, you need a motorcycle helmet for the Can Am Spyder. This is like the Slingshot...need helmet no motorcycle helmet.

If somebody could be some type of information through DMV, State Law, or something that would be greatly appreciated.

A new loan representative maybe? Since when did cars have handlebars. Slingshot is up for grabs in the argument--but I cannot see how they are trying to classify :ani29: as a car??? Has anyone shown them a picture of the :spyder2:?

[Bob Denman]

:agree: The problem that you're actually having, is with some nit-wit who lacks common sense! :banghead:

[LareBare]

When I bought my first one in 2008, I did not care what they called it. Five of them later, I still don't. I just call it fun. :yes::yes:
Ditto::::::Agreed the whole point of owning and riding is the fun and enjoyment you have NOT how may wheels it has. Nature's real is where it is at in riding.

[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

consider it whatever you want just don't touch or pee on my wheels

[Bob Denman]

consider it whatever you want just don't touch or pee on my wheels
:dontknow: Does that means that it's okay to pee on the seat? :D

140776

[Roadster Renovations]

Bykes - with the Y for 3 wheels

[dlby]

Mine is insured as a car. Cheaper than alternative.
Indiana says no MC endorsement needed. But if you do not have MC endorsement you have to get a Spyder endorsement.
Duh duh da!

I love R&R put another dime in the jukebox baby!

[dlby]

Have no idea what Fla. Is where we are a lot of time

I love R&R put another dime in the jukebox baby!

[Sarge707]

I ride a Roadster- I am Not a Biker!

[dlby]

Im a Road Star whoo hooo

I love R&R put another dime in the jukebox baby!

[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/fe138a4f20654f8c8b6d0cd6f7c08dcf.jpg

that sounds like a woman:yikes:

[meljr]

that sounds like a woman:yikes:
Hey, hey....careful there.

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[flaggerphil]

I consider it a motorcycle, as does the state of Florida.