Ladies (or men) on two-wheelers, some help?
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!
floorboards, heated grips, foglights models
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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.
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!
Three wheels.... when necessary
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
New Spyder F3 Limited Special Series
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....