New to Can Am

Don't yet own a Can Am but planning to soon. Thought this forum might be a great way to borrow wisdom.
I have been a 2-wheel rider for 30+ years. Had my first wreck last summer, Honda F6B, insurance totaled the bike (sounds worse than it was) and I have been without a motorcycle since. The Can Am has always intrigued me and now in my mid-60's I think a Spyder my be next for me. I would enjoy hearing for any regarding your transition from 2 to 3 wheels, learning curves, likes/dislikes....anything you might do different, etc. Essentially I would enjoy anything "Can Am" you want to share.
At this stage I am drawn to the F3-T. Don't need 2 up equipment (wife doesn't ride anymore), do want windshield, radio, side luggage bags, cruise. Probably other stuff I am leaving out....Am I looking at the right model? Glenn

:welcome:
Ask anything that you like: somebody in here will have an answer! :2thumbs:

My wife bought a Spyder RT last fall after six 2 wheelers and 140K miles. She is short so all the challenges of being vertically impaired sometimes made it hard to handle the bike. Her last bike was an Indian Chieftain which isn't a small bike and neither were her bikes before that one. After dropping the bike after a long ride, she decided that maybe it was time to consider 3 wheels. Fast forward 2 months and our local Indian dealer had a 2017 RT that was traded in with only 700 miles. I encouraged her to take it for a spin. She had ridden one of the early 990 models and hated it. The improvements since then are quite noticeable. After riding it she started to look in earnest at 3 wheels. She had ridden a couple GW trikes and just wasn't that impressed and kept coming back to the Spyder. Her concerns were that she would miss cutting through the twisties and not be able to "keep up" with the other riders. She pulled the trigger last fall and hasn't looked back. I added a sway bar and bump skid plate within a few weeks of buying the bike. It took her about 1,000 miles to figure out the best way to ride it. Now she wouldn't trade it for anything. Now as for me, I ride it on occasion. Being from a snowmobile background, riding it came pretty natural to me. I can honestly say that I enjoy riding it as much as she does. That says a lot coming from a guy who rides a BMW R1200RT sport touring bike.

Ride them all before you decide which model to buy.

I gave up after 15k and went back to a wing. The spyder has some really good features but it's a different kind of ride. I would advise to rent one a few times to gain some knowledge. Opinions are good but seat time is better.

Definitely do a good test ride. For the first 300-500 miles, I thought I had made a $18k mistake. But after the first 500 miles were under my belt, I knew this was what I wanted. Really loving this thing more and more each time I ride it. I only have 12+ years experience riding, but I am currently on bike number 15 & 16. I think I will always have a spyder in my stable. And when I decide to get rid of my 2 wheeler, I will pick up a 2nd spyder to go with my F3T, probably another RSS, as I still miss that bike.

I was in the same boat as you 50 years of 2 wheels. I'm 69 always road sport bikes . After a few falls getting on and off due to bad knees my better half said get something that doesn't fall over. Looked at all options and decided on a 2018 F3 T. I've had it for a year now. I live in Texas around Houston . So far I love this ride. Does take a bit to get used to. Have taken two trips. Last August went to Colorado with my son and grandson. 2500 miles. April took a 3500 mile trip to New Mexico and Arizona. The best addition to the bike was floorboards. Being able to move your feet around makes the trips much better. The ride is very comfortable. We left Sufford Arizona and drove to Junction Texas on Interstate 10. Ready to go again!!!

Having ridden everything from minibikes to roadbikes, I had to try and get back riding after a non-motorcycle accident left me permanently disabled in 2001. Years later I opted for a pre-owned 2008 GS with very little miles. I had tested two different trikes, set up the traditional way with two wheels in the back, before making my decision. And while, for now, the more aggressive sporty ride of the GS fulfills my desires, I may opt for a more cruising type of set up later on. I enjoy everything about my GS, and have added the mods that I feel complete the package I was looking for. I now have 15K miles on the Spyder, since 2014, minus a few months due to some medical issues, and I really do have a blast riding again, something I was told would never be possible.
As suggested, test riding will be a step in the right direction. I attended a Demo Day, which helped seal the deal on getting into the Can Am world. There are also riding courses available, similar to the same courses offered to get you license in some states. That too may be a real good way to test out and see the differences. And if you do decide to purchase a Spyder or Ryker, I recommend taking a look at the suggestions when it comes to operating one. I purchased a bunch of 4 inch cones, went to a local gigantic parking lot, pretty much deserted during the week because it is at a state park, and set everything up according to the owners manual. A Spyder isn't a motorcycle, and as mentioned above, if you have ever ridden a snowmobile or four wheeled ATV, you may have an advantage when first starting out. But, it is important to realize that there is a learning curve when coming from 30+ years of two wheel riding.
Good luck, you have already made a wise decision opting to post on one of the best sites for enthusiasts who really want to help one another. Please keep us posted, and maybe start your own thread about your search!

:agree: What they said. I can add that you should definitely sit on the different models. The RT and RT Limited are very different than the F3. The RT series are taller, with a more upright seating position. Some riders have said it's easier to get on and off of if you have age or injury related issues. The F3 is a more sport bike/cruiser seating position, feet forward rather than under you, lower seating position. The one I sat on had pegs instead of floorboards. You will have to try each one out to make a good decision.

It is a different ride, there is no doubt about that. I switched from a goldwing 2 years ago and have never regretted it once. You must remember that it isn't a car and it isn't a "motorcycle". At least not like you're used to riding. Try to go into the decision with an open mind and find one a dealer or seller that will let you ride one on your own with out an escort. I found one at a local hd dealer and they gave me the bike and said "we close at 6" meaning to be back before then. I was able to ride for an hour and a half with over 100 miles. This really made up my mind. The little idiosyncrasies can be unimportant at this time and can be adjusted to or correct to your liking later. Good luck Chris.

I ride both a motorcycle ( V-Max) and my wife and I tour on a RTS. So I have to switch back and forth between riding techniques. I have adapted. So have many of the thousands of :spyder2: ryders here.

BUT: test ryde before throwing down big bucks.

Lew L

What everyone is saying about sitting on a bunch of them is spot on. I haven't bought one yet and am still looking, but I've found that FOR ME I don't like the RT - I'm 6'2" and have long legs and my issue with the RT is that the fairing Jeeyps me from being able to stretch my legs out like I can on the F3. It's the same reason I never liked the gold wing. Not trying to sway anyone or put the RT down in any way, just stating my Orton observations, and the importance of finding what you like. If you buy something and don't love it, you'll be less likely to ride it.

You have a good start above and will get more no doubt. The test ryde is the best guide for you and the transition is really fun and easy. Once you put a few miles, 300 or 500 you will be most comfortable and a old pro....happy shopping and hope to see you out there soon....:thumbup:

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Originally Posted by Bob Denman

:welcome:
Ask anything that you like: somebody in here will have an answer! :2thumbs:

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TURN LEFT NOW!!!! Sometimes you should ignore our advice! :joke:

Spyders are really just snowmobiles on wheels. So, riding one is like that without the cold (usually--depends on how hardy you are!). They're more stable than a mortorcycle, or conventional trike, and every passenger I've had on either of mine has said they felt safer on the Spyder than on any motorcylce they'd been on (almost no leaning in the turns--hence no departure from a vertical sitting position etc). If she's happy-------you're happy! Just sayin..............:doorag:

Good luck with whatever you decide!

PS: If you get the jet dragster-----------------I want a ride!

In general. everyone coming off two wheels will say it takes between 300-1000 miles to feel comfortable and unlearn what you are used to. Most are then fully adapted and enjoying their new Ryde. There are a few that just don't find it as enjoyable and go back to two wheels or something else, which is the right choice for them. The best advice is everything posted above; especially test ride the heck out of the different styles. If you decide to go forward consider buying used, there are some good values and good Spyders to be had. If you want to buy new, buy new. The whole point is to end up with something you want to ride and have fun with.

It will take time to learn, but once you dooo…!
I think we almost all come from a fairly serious motorcycle background.
The spyder is different, but not necessarily in a bad way.
Take your time getting used to it, and it will treat you very well.

So much like you, I came off 2 wheels after riding for years. I'm in my mid 60's, and got my first Spyder RT in 2013. I've only ridden the RT and many long trips 2 up. My wife loves it, and will not go back to two wheels. I'm now on my 4th Spyder RT, but I remember the first ride after I purchased unseen and unridden. I thought I made a terrible mistake first time out. The thing was twitchy and all over the road. After reading Do's and Don'ts, it got much better (after I realized I was the problem). Now I ride like I'm on rails and love the ride. I'm only 5' 8" at 190 lbs, so if your longer, the F3 might be a better fit for you. F3 does have a windshield (much shorter than the RT) so you get a lot more wind for the feel. I've ridden the standard trike, and I have to say for me the Spyder is much better handling, but again it's a preference. Good luck with your selection and happy riding.

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Originally Posted by seagravesg

Don't yet own a Can Am but planning to soon. Thought this forum might be a great way to borrow wisdom.
I have been a 2-wheel rider for 30+ years. Had my first wreck last summer, Honda F6B, insurance totaled the bike (sounds worse than it was) and I have been without a motorcycle since. The Can Am has always intrigued me and now in my mid-60's I think a Spyder my be next for me. I would enjoy hearing for any regarding your transition from 2 to 3 wheels, learning curves, likes/dislikes....anything you might do different, etc. Essentially I would enjoy anything "Can Am" you want to share.
At this stage I am drawn to the F3-T. Don't need 2 up equipment (wife doesn't ride anymore), do want windshield, radio, side luggage bags, cruise. Probably other stuff I am leaving out....Am I looking at the right model? Glenn

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Thought i had made a mistake buying my F3 LTD. Still wondering a bit but the advice and support from members on here has been fantastic.

Using the tips and techniques i've learnt from the 'dos and don'ts' and everyone's advice here i took her for a short ride yesterday and going on a longer one this coming Saturday i feel much more confident and relaxed, rode much better than my initial rides.

Thing is for me and everything considers, it's a great machine, everything i want and i can't drop it because of weight and balance issues. With backrest it is the most comfortable bike i've ever ridden.

Enjoy!

:welcome: I am going to let my friends handle this one. :yes: