Considering Going From 2 to 3 Wheels

[mzflorida]

Hi everyone. My wife and I are considering moving on to a Spyder, probably an RT. I am currently on a VFR1200X and she is on a CTX700. Both are DCT (we thought we would hate it but absolutely love the DCT...so much more enjoyable on long trips). We are both capable touring riders and have never wrecked and can only recall two or three driveway drops ever. That said, we think we might want to be on top of a little more stable platform. Anyhow, I recall coming here some time back and seeing a list of considerations on switching from two wheels to the CanAm three wheel platform. I cannot seem to locate it...any help would be appreciated. Any input or observations on moving to a Can Am would be great. I like the technical side of riding...right gear, right speed, lean angle, line, exits and entries. I'd be interested in hearing from other riders who enjoy the technical side on thier opinions of the transition. I also like moding and working on my own bikes. One last thing, I am 602 wife is 510 we both have long inseams. Opinions on geometry for tall riders would be great. Anyhow, that's a lot of stuff...hope it's not too much. Thanks!!! Mike.

[johnv50]

try the following link for a multitude of Spyder info for both newbies and seasoned ryders.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...-Spyder-owners

[mzflorida]

Thank you very much! Blue Knights...If it is the same club as in Chicago, I 'm retired from CPD and then another agency in Florida.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Hi everyone. My wife and I are considering moving on to a Spyder, probably an RT. I am currently on a VFR1200X and she is on a CTX700. Both are DCT (we thought we would hate it but absolutely love the DCT...so much more enjoyable on long trips). We are both capable touring riders and have never wrecked and can only recall two or three driveway drops ever. That said, we think we might want to be on top of a little more stable platform. Anyhow, I recall coming here some time back and seeing a list of considerations on switching from two wheels to the CanAm three wheel platform. I cannot seem to locate it...any help would be appreciated. Any input or observations on moving to a Can Am would be great. I like the technical side of riding...right gear, right speed, lean angle, line, exits and entries. I'd be interested in hearing from other riders who enjoy the technical side on thier opinions of the transition. I also like moding and working on my own bikes. One last thing, I am 602 wife is 510 we both have long inseams. Opinions on geometry for tall riders would be great. Anyhow, that's a lot of stuff...hope it's not too much. Thanks!!! Mike.

I moved to the Can-Am's starting back in 09 because of balance issues .... even if I could handle a Wing now I wouldn't go back ....I have the semi=auto trans RT, and wouldn't go back to manual - EVER ...... I tried a HD and Wing trikes first and they su*ked badly .... the Spyders handle as well as Auto's do ( I also have a Shelby Cobra ) ..... If possible go test ride some first .... just drive it like a CAR and you will love it ..... Mike

[mzflorida]

Thank you very much! Yes. I have test ridden a Spyder in the past (long time) but not recently and never two up. That is on the schedule for this week.

[FastOldGuy]

I moved to the Can-Am's starting back in 09 because of balance issues .... even if I could handle a Wing now I wouldn't go back ....I have the semi=auto trans RT, and wouldn't go back to manual - EVER ...... I tried a HD and Wing trikes first and they su*ked badly .... the Spyders handle as well as Auto's do ( I also have a Shelby Cobra ) ..... If possible go test ride some first .... just drive it like a CAR and you will love it ..... Mike

And we're damn near Clones of each other... I've been riding since 1972. I've owned a lot of different motorcycles but more Harley's (still own 2.5). My knees are about shot at 64 11/12's years old. My GF started looking at H-D Trikes early in the Summer and I told her, "Look my 2018 M8 Runs HOT As HELL and a New H-D Trike is Going To Run HOTTER and I think they look like a Wheel Chair for old Harley Riders". I started looking at Trikes and liked the Spyder but I knew she would Not Be Happy If I Bought an F3 (no Radio, stripped). I found a 2016 RTs made the Deal and then told her. Her reply was "Noooooo, Call Them And Tell Them You Changed Your Mind"! I said "Can't Do That. I Gave Them A $500.00 Deposit and We'll Pick It Up Tomorrow". At this point She can Tell You Why She Likes The Sypder Better than the H-D. We've put close to 3,000 miles on the Spyder this year (about 300 on the 2018 StreetGlide) and 3,000 on my Shelby. The Semi-Auto Transmission is great, it RIDES better than any motorcycle I've ever owned. No Regrets!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

And we're damn near Clones of each other... I've been riding since 1972. I've owned a lot of different motorcycles but more Harley's (still own 2.5). My knees are about shot at 64 11/12's years old. My GF started looking at H-D Trikes early in the Summer and I told her, "Look my 2018 M8 Runs HOT As HELL and a New H-D Trike is Going To Run HOTTER and I think they look like a Wheel Chair for old Harley Riders". I started looking at Trikes and liked the Spyder but I knew she would Not Be Happy If I Bought an F3 (no Radio, stripped). I found a 2016 RTs made the Deal and then told her. Her reply was "Noooooo, Call Them And Tell Them You Changed Your Mind"! I said "Can't Do That. I Gave Them A $500.00 Deposit and We'll Pick It Up Tomorrow". At this point She can Tell You Why She Likes The Sypder Better than the H-D. We've put close to 3,000 miles on the Spyder this year (about 300 on the 2018 StreetGlide) and 3,000 on my Shelby. The Semi-Auto Transmission is great, it RIDES better than any motorcycle I've ever owned. No Regrets!

.... good for ( both ) ..... your Cobra looks like an FFR, ( like mine, I have pics in my Album page titled Porsche 917 ) ..... your's looks sweeeeeeeeet ...... Mike

[Piratezz]

I am not a Motordriver, I went straight on the spyder f3s, and just love it, i put on luggagepack, big windscreen, I own it since june, and I drove 6800 Kms with it. As for driving goes it's a blast, but coming from two wheels it is a major difference ( I think )
A spyder does not lean in corners, but you can drive the hell out of it, also for cruising it's quite OK, furthermore it's an easy machine to work on, also lot's of things you can modify.
I welded a complete exhaust, with an acropovic endpipe, no catalitic converter, also tuned it, the 1330 is more capable at lower revs, the torque went up by a whopping 30 newton, also it runs quicker to the redline (Factory BRP, is downtuning the engine)
I wrapped the fenders, wrapped the panels left and right, they scratch easily.

Your length should not be a problem, on a RT you more in the bike, f3 more on the bike, excuse my bad english, am from the netherlands, need more info, just give a shout.

[mzflorida]

I am not a Motordriver, I went straight on the spyder f3s, and just love it, i put on luggagepack, big windscreen, I own it since june, and I drove 6800 Kms with it. As for driving goes it's a blast, but coming from two wheels it is a major difference ( I think )
A spyder does not lean in corners, but you can drive the hell out of it, also for cruising it's quite OK, furthermore it's an easy machine to work on, also lot's of things you can modify.
I welded a complete exhaust, with an acropovic endpipe, no catalitic converter, also tuned it, the 1330 is more capable at lower revs, the torque went up by a whopping 30 newton, also it runs quicker to the redline (Factory BRP, is downtuning the engine)
I wrapped the fenders, wrapped the panels left and right, they scratch easily.

Your length should not be a problem, on a RT you more in the bike, f3 more on the bike, excuse my bad english, am from the netherlands, need more info, just give a shout.

Very much appreciated! Your English is just fine. Sounds like a lot of effort you put into the bike!

[ARtraveler]

I have been and am still a very happy two wheel owner. Have had many over the years beginning in 1966. Had everything from 80cc one lunger to 2000cc V-twin, and some big touring bikes in between. I am still driving a Vulcan and will have almost 10K miles on that this year.

Bought my first Spyder in 08. I got the first one sold to a customer in Alaska. Bought it sight unseen and no test drive. I loved it and have not looked back since. I am now on Spyder number six and soon to be number seven. I have over 170,000 combined Spyder miles.

As with all products there have been ups and downs. At this point in time, I believe BRP has most of the issues solved. The current 1330 platform is very good. It is in both the RT and F3 models. The basic difference is that RT is similar to a gold wing in ride, and F3 is a very nice cruiser. You owe it to yourself to try both out. I was a dyed in the wool RT person until I started riding the F3. I was won over very quickly. Let us know what you decide.

[Piratezz]

Ar traveler is so right, test drove em both, the f3 and certainly the " s" is, much more fun, as to an rt.
bit like an rt being an old cadillac, and a f3, more like a hotrod.
But both machines have their own charms, I find the f3 more suitable for my needs.

[mzflorida]

Ar traveler is so right, test drove em both, the f3 and certainly the " s" is, much more fun, as to an rt.
bit like an rt being an old cadillac, and a f3, more like a hotrod.
But both machines have their own charms, I find the f3 more suitable for my needs.

Thanks for the input! I don't need speed really. I did get my VFR up to 100+ MPH on a closed road about 4 months ago just because I got a hair up my hindside, but I usually cruise at 75 to 80. As long as it gets up to that, I am good to go! I am interested in learning more about the higher revving engines.

[Piratezz]

75/ 80, The machine will do that the whole day, and twice on sunday, Only thing, you need to go to a learning curve, before you make significant changes to the Can Am, Out of the box, it's a tremendous machine, some here on the forum may differ this opinion.
It's certainly a customizable machine, with plenty of suppliers/ aftermarket parts, who are willing to help.
I am on many forums active, but the atmosphere here, is surely good. Start riding one of em, you cannot go wrong...

[mzflorida]

I have been and am still a very happy two wheel owner. Have had many over the years beginning in 1966. Had everything from 80cc one lunger to 2000cc V-twin, and some big touring bikes in between. I am still driving a Vulcan and will have almost 10K miles on that this year.

Bought my first Spyder in 08. I got the first one sold to a customer in Alaska. Bought it sight unseen and no test drive. I loved it and have not looked back since. I am now on Spyder number six and soon to be number seven. I have over 170,000 combined Spyder miles.

As with all products there have been ups and downs. At this point in time, I believe BRP has most of the issues solved. The current 1330 platform is very good. It is in both the RT and F3 models. The basic difference is that RT is similar to a gold wing in ride, and F3 is a very nice cruiser. You owe it to yourself to try both out. I was a dyed in the wool RT person until I started riding the F3. I was won over very quickly. Let us know what you decide.

Thank you very much. Yes. We will ride them all. I have this 500 mile route we like to go watch the Gators play. Storage does come into play.

[RICZ]

I began riding MCs in 1952, so my body and brain were hardwired to them. In 2-2019 I switched to a Spyder F3 Limited SE6 because the ergos on the RT did not work for me. I'm so happy I went with the F3L, it's sportier, you sit in it and not on it, handles better then an RT and (like you, I like to do my own wrenching) it is a lot easier to work on in so many ways.
A riding friend told me I won't feel comfortable with it until about 1K miles - he was right. He also said you won't feel like you're in control for another 1K - he was spot on. The learning curve was steep and long, but I'm over it and tossing that puppy around like I'm a 19 year old who stole it.
You did one of the best things you could by getting on this forum. If you like oil and tire discussions, we will not disappoint.

[bigbadbrucie]

I began riding MCs in 1952, so my body and brain were hardwired to them. In 2-2019 I switched to a Spyder F3 Limited SE6 because the ergos on the RT did not work for me.

That’s why you should test ride both first. I have the RT, because the ergos of the F3 don’t work for me. I have put 45,000+ kms on my RTS and love it. I first started riding in ‘59, had a ‘49 Royal Enfield 500 cc single. My last 2 wheeler was a VTX 1300 cc and had to give it up because of the same ergo’s. I can’t say this too many times....TEST RIDE BOTH.

[mzflorida]

If you like oil and tire discussions, we will not disappoint.

That is hysterical! Those threads sure do get a lot of traction for some reason! My right hand to God, I'll never start an oil or a tire thread.

Thanks for the input.


Mike

[ButterSmooth]

Hi everyone. My wife and I are considering moving on to a Spyder, probably an RT. I am currently on a VFR1200X and she is on a CTX700. Both are DCT (we thought we would hate it but absolutely love the DCT...so much more enjoyable on long trips). We are both capable touring riders and have never wrecked and can only recall two or three driveway drops ever. That said, we think we might want to be on top of a little more stable platform. Anyhow, I recall coming here some time back and seeing a list of considerations on switching from two wheels to the CanAm three wheel platform. I cannot seem to locate it...any help would be appreciated. Any input or observations on moving to a Can Am would be great. I like the technical side of riding...right gear, right speed, lean angle, line, exits and entries. I'd be interested in hearing from other riders who enjoy the technical side on thier opinions of the transition. I also like moding and working on my own bikes. One last thing, I am 602 wife is 510 we both have long inseams. Opinions on geometry for tall riders would be great. Anyhow, that's a lot of stuff...hope it's not too much. Thanks!!! Mike.

I moved from an Indian Scout to a 2020RT two months ago. I've driven the RT 4200 miles since then, so the transition is fresh in my mind. My riding background is more of touring/commuting rider and the 'cruiser' image of the Scout isn't indicative of how I ride. Shaft drives and Windjammers are a more accurate picture.

Let me first say I'm not going back to 2 wheels. The Spyder is a unique experience and a test ride can be misleading if you expect it to be a variation on the motorcycle theme. Because of the irregularities of the roads around here, the Spyder moves around the roll axis quite a bit. That's motion you don't experience on a motorcycle, and it can be disconcerting at first. I related roll motion (leaning) to turning and it seemed at first like the Spyder was constantly trying to dart off in a new direction, while it actually goes quite straight. Since you aren't aligning the vertical axis of you body with the center of gravity while cornering, you have to hold yourself against the centrifugal (inertia really) cornering force with your arms and legs, so it can be more fatiguing in the twisties. Tar snakes, gravel, oil spots -- things that would get your immediate attention on the bike soon fade into the background. That and the bigger visual picture you present to motorists makes it feel safer, and in some respects you are.

Once I accepted that it was a different type of vehicle that I needed to understand, riding became more enjoyable. Now it's quite fun and I prefer the Spyder. One adjustment I didn't anticipate is the whole lane position thing. I was very conditioned to ride in the left wheel track most of the time. It took effort to stay in the middle of the lane and I would catch myself with the left wheel on the line, while riding in the track. The wind protection on the RT is at least as good as a Windjammer with lowers and has extended the temperature range for riding. It is not a rocket ship, but has adequate power for touring. To me, it performs like a good 500cc motorcycle.

I'm 5'5" and am at the bottom of the fit profile for the RT. Your sizes should be a great fit. Working on your own machine is a big plus with a Spyder. Dealers are expensive, and scheduling maintenance can be a real pain and leave you without your Spyder when you want it most. Be prepared for ramps, jacks, and a few special tools.

These are my opinions and observations, YMMV.

[mzflorida]

I moved from an Indian Scout to a 2020RT two months ago. I've driven the RT 4200 miles since then, so the transition is fresh in my mind. My riding background is more of touring/commuting rider and the 'cruiser' image of the Scout isn't indicative of how I ride. Shaft drives and Windjammers are a more accurate picture.

Let me first say I'm not going back to 2 wheels. The Spyder is a unique experience and a test ride can be misleading if you expect it to be a variation on the motorcycle theme. Because of the irregularities of the roads around here, the Spyder moves around the roll axis quite a bit. That's motion you don't experience on a motorcycle, and it can be disconcerting at first. I related roll motion (leaning) to turning and it seemed at first like the Spyder was constantly trying to dart off in a new direction, while it actually goes quite straight. Since you aren't aligning the vertical axis of you body with the center of gravity while cornering, you have to hold yourself against the centrifugal (inertia really) cornering force with your arms and legs, so it can be more fatiguing in the twisties. Tar snakes, gravel, oil spots -- things that would get your immediate attention on the bike soon fade into the background. That and the bigger visual picture you present to motorists makes it feel safer, and in some respects you are.

Once I accepted that it was a different type of vehicle that I needed to understand, riding became more enjoyable. Now it's quite fun and I prefer the Spyder. One adjustment I didn't anticipate is the whole lane position thing. I was very conditioned to ride in the left wheel track most of the time. It took effort to stay in the middle of the lane and I would catch myself with the left wheel on the line, while riding in the track. The wind protection on the RT is at least as good as a Windjammer with lowers and has extended the temperature range for riding. It is not a rocket ship, but has adequate power for touring. To me, it performs like a good 500cc motorcycle.

I'm 5'5" and am at the bottom of the fit profile for the RT. Your sizes should be a great fit. Working on your own machine is a big plus with a Spyder. Dealers are expensive, and scheduling maintenance can be a real pain and leave you without your Spyder when you want it most. Be prepared for ramps, jacks, and a few special tools.

These are my opinions and observations, YMMV.

Very helpful and informative. I really appreciate it!

[RICZ]

As Bigbadbrucie said....test ride them all. He's right. What works for me may not work for you.

[boz329]

I am 6'4" 240lbs. You may want to consider the F3 Limited over the RT as far as leg riding position. I know the 2020 RT has an improved (extended) floorboard, but riding both I felt more connected to the F3 because my center of mass feels lower compared to the feeling of sitting "on top" of the RT. Moved from a 2014 Harley Ultra Limited to my 2019 F3 T due to multiple surgeries... I can honestly say now with 5000 miles on the F3 this summer that I am enjoying it more because of stability, (no more worries of dropping it or hitting some gravel), visibility, etc. I haven't listed all my mods on this site yet, but with YouTube and the great folks on this forum, wrenching on my Spyder (and I am not a handy guy) has been a joy. Good luck!

[Arion]

We'll add our two cents to the discussion beginning with individual information. I'm 75 and stand 5'11" while my bride is 68 and stands 5'8". We've both been riding for many years and have had something in the neighborhood of 2 dozen two wheel machines. A few years ago I had an opportunity to buy a "pre-owned" (love that phrase) which is to say used 2015 RT-S with a whopping 436 miles on it for a very good price. Shortly after that my wife decided she wanted her own and we found a 2012 RT-L that had been treated very carefully by the original owner, again for a very good price in our opinion. We parted ways with my BMW K75S and her Honda CTX700 and, as others have said, haven't looked back since.

We both understand that the Spyders aren't perfect but they are much more enjoyable, at our age, than heavy two wheel machines. When a pair of Spyders pull up at a service station, restaurant, or attraction and people see a grey haired guy and a younger looking, but still middle age, woman get off and remove helmets, we almost always find people who are curious and ask questions. We believe, in part, it's because Spyders are much less intimidating than traditional bikes to the non-riding public.

We tour and travel much more now than we did on the BMW and Honda and now actively look for opportunities to go exploring. That's not a bad thing at all. Not to mention that, regardless of age, Spyders allow riders to continue to ride, and safely at that.

And, if you like making your ride very personal - performance, comfort, safety, or simply bling - there are enough providers of Spyder accessories to empty a healthy 401(k) account! I suspect there are very few completely stock Spyders in the known world.

[Possible]

I'm a sport bike rider, never had a cruiser, well my ex-wife had a 1982 Virago. Consequently my riding tends to be more "spirited" and
I revel in the connection between bike and rider in the corners. I've toured much on lots of different bikes, but starting in the 80's I
moved to the sportbike platform, and toured on them. I've ridden my '86 FJ1200 from coast to coast and north to south. I currently
ride a 1999 VFR Interceptor, and have had it since 2000.

The Spyder is a fun machine, but it will never take the place of a good handling motorcycle. If I get to the point where balance, and
heft preclude motorcycling, then a Spyder is the next best thing. It's fun, but it's not a motorcycle. Think of it as a very small
sports car that encourages you to move about while cornering.

We got the Spyder for my wife as she feels the Silverwing was getting too heavy, and the PCX is too underpowered to keep up on the
highway. She is still in the learning stages of the Spyder, but does like it a lot.

Definitely give the Spyder a try, you might find it ticks the boxes that make for a great ride.

[WilcoJunoHotel]

The Spyder is a fun machine, but it will never take the place of a good handling motorcycle. If I get to the point where balance, and
heft preclude motorcycling, then a Spyder is the next best thing. It's fun, but it's not a motorcycle. Think of it as a very small
sports car that encourages you to move about while cornering.

What he said.

[wmjweber45]

What he said.

That goes for me too. I am enjoying my Spyder, but if I could go back to 2-wheels, I would in a heartbeat.