I can't get over it~~

[Blue Star]

As big as my truck is, people still pull out in front of me, run lights, and do other stupid maneuvers. I couldn't imagine dealing with that on 2 wheels. I think I would also feel more comfortable on a Spyder.

This does not have any relation to your issue of the two wheeler, but might help. At 50 years old when I bought my first Spyder I had very limited experience with anything other than a car/pickup. When I first started riding my RS I was always jumpy (not quite scared) of everything going on around me. Always on the look out for cars, trucks, and other objects that could cause me harm while out riding. Now two plus years later I find that I still find myself always aware of what is going on around me, and it has kept me safe several times. I then noticed that with all the metal around me I feel a safety that I don't on my Spyder, thus I am more relaxed in watching out for danger. I now drive my car with the same awareness, and this has saved me several times from a dangerous situation. My point is; use this feeling of danger not to keep you away from the Spyder for fear of another accident, but use the fear to keep you aware of your surroundings and safe.

[asp125]

I crashed at the track at about 75mph... broken ankle. 9 screws and 4mos of rehab later I was back on the bike because the passion to ride overcame the fear of falling. Take it a step at a time. Sit on a bike/spyder, try to breathe and relax. The first time I rode, I made it around the block and no more. I was nervous, wondering if I was crazy to be riding again. A couple of days later I made it to the nearby Starbucks, had a coffee and rode home. Gradually the butterflies went away. I eventually returned to the racetrack and tamed my inner demon.

The second time I crashed on a dirt bike and broke a tib/fib. This time I had no reservations about riding again. When I was well enough to walk with a cane, I rented a Spyder RT and two upped with my fiancee. I still have my two wheelers, I now have an RS as backup, too.

Don't shy away from doing what you love. The passion doesn't go away. Here's to baby steps.

[Mama Phoenix]

One thing that beat into our heads at ATV Instructor course was, if a unit is not in good operating condistion, DO NOT USE IT. It would be much better have one disapointed at not being to take the course, then have somebody hurt. In this case the poor condistion of the unit was a main cause in the incident. IMHO
Oldmanzues

I COMPLETELY agree!

This does not have any relation to your issue of the two wheeler, but might help. At 50 years old when I bought my first Spyder I had very limited experience with anything other than a car/pickup. When I first started riding my RS I was always jumpy (not quite scared) of everything going on around me. Always on the look out for cars, trucks, and other objects that could cause me harm while out riding. Now two plus years later I find that I still find myself always aware of what is going on around me, and it has kept me safe several times. I then noticed that with all the metal around me I feel a safety that I don't on my Spyder, thus I am more relaxed in watching out for danger. I now drive my car with the same awareness, and this has saved me several times from a dangerous situation. My point is; use this feeling of danger not to keep you away from the Spyder for fear of another accident, but use the fear to keep you aware of your surroundings and safe.

I'm always aware (sometimes I think too much). I even explain to my daughter how drivers have to be aware of everything around them. She has even commented on my ability to avoid accidents (she witnessed this). LOL! I don't want to ride another 2-wheeler, but I definitely won't let this experience keep me off a Spyder. Once I get over the revving sound of the throttle (really gets me right now), I think I'll be fine. Here's to awareness!

I crashed at the track at about 75mph... broken ankle. 9 screws and 4mos of rehab later I was back on the bike because the passion to ride overcame the fear of falling. Take it a step at a time. Sit on a bike/spyder, try to breathe and relax. The first time I rode, I made it around the block and no more. I was nervous, wondering if I was crazy to be riding again. A couple of days later I made it to the nearby Starbucks, had a coffee and rode home. Gradually the butterflies went away. I eventually returned to the racetrack and tamed my inner demon.

The second time I crashed on a dirt bike and broke a tib/fib. This time I had no reservations about riding again. When I was well enough to walk with a cane, I rented a Spyder RT and two upped with my fiancee. I still have my two wheelers, I now have an RS as backup, too.

Don't shy away from doing what you love. The passion doesn't go away. Here's to baby steps.

Wow! I'm glad you're okay!

I won't be getting on another 2-wheeler--not one that's running anyway. But, I'll still need to take it slow on Spyder... once I get one. Big time baby steps for sure. Getting past the throttle sound is a biggie. I don't have any friends that own Spyders, but luckily, I have biker friends that are willing to slowly help me through this.

---(As I was about to write this reply, I had another freaky flashback. Ugh! I hate those!)

[NancysToy]

One of the first things you will have to do is learn where the kill switch is, and get used to using it every time you want to turn off the Spyder (or motorcycle). had they taught you this in the class, and let ou practice until it came naturally, the bike wouldn't have been able to get away from you are drag you along. It might still have fallen on you, but instinctively killing the engine while your hands are still on the bars will prevent a runaway.

[Mama Phoenix]

One of the first things you will have to do is learn where the kill switch is, and get used to using it every time you want to turn off the Spyder (or motorcycle). had they taught you this in the class, and let ou practice until it came naturally, the bike wouldn't have been able to get away from you are drag you along. It might still have fallen on you, but instinctively killing the engine while your hands are still on the bars will prevent a runaway.

What an odd thing for you to say. Ya know... the truth! Sheesh. I hadn't even thought about that. That button/switch was discussed regarding starting the bike, but that's it. Nothing about after the bike is started or in motion. But honestly, I went from sitting still to full airborne in a second. Everything was out of control that fast, so I don't think I would've been able to even hit the switch. I didn't even have time to simply let go. Luckily, I don't remember actually seeing anything other than a big blur except for when my head hit the ground. So, realistically, I have no idea how long the entire thing lasted. But, seriously... thanks for that reminder!

[Oldmanzues]

One of the first things you will have to do is learn where the kill switch is, and get used to using it every time you want to turn off the Spyder (or motorcycle). had they taught you this in the class, and let ou practice until it came naturally, the bike wouldn't have been able to get away from you are drag you along. It might still have fallen on you, but instinctively killing the engine while your hands are still on the bars will prevent a runaway.

Thanks for bringing this up. As I remember the course, there start up instruction/drills, normal shut instruction/drills and emergency shut down drills with the kill switch. Then a few minutes later during some more training. I would yell "EMGENCY/KILL SWITCH. Usally about 2/3 or so of the class would react quickly.I would do it a couple more times during the class.

[Mama Phoenix]

Thanks for bringing this up. As I remember the course, there start up instruction/drills, normal shut instruction/drills and emergency shut down drills with the kill switch. Then a few minutes later during some more training. I would yell "EMGENCY/KILL SWITCH. Usally about 2/3 or so of the class would react quickly.I would do it a couple more times during the class.

The latter never happened in my class, and I actually only remember a couple of normal shut down drills-- if I could even call it that. Now, I'm even more frustrated. Sigh~~

[mick ruhdorf]

Hi i live my life from a wheelchair after being run over on my triumph by an 18 wheeler that ran a stop sign and i know that the fear of it happening again can be huge but my love of riding is even stronger so in the end i had to suck it up and get back on a bike (with help) and i rode again, as soon as i was rolloing all my fears were blown away with the wind and ive never looked back ,the first step is the hardest GOOD LUCK TO YOU
cheers mick

[NancysToy]

Mama P, another good reason to get a Spyder is the excellent skills course, in several steps, that they have in their manual. It is also on the DVD that comes with the Spyder (or at least it used to be) and can be seen on YouTube if you want a preview. In the course, they go over basic handling, as well as emergency evasive procedures. They also include drills where you kill the Spyder in motion, to learn how it reacts and get used to doing so if necessary. A few days with a Spyder in an empty parking lot, with some soccer cones or half tennis balls, will make you more comfortable and a lot safer in short order. I highly recommend it for all newbies...and an annual refresher doesn't hurt us old hands, either.

[Mama Phoenix]

Hi i live my life from a wheelchair after being run over on my triumph by an 18 wheeler that ran a stop sign and i know that the fear of it happening again can be huge but my love of riding is even stronger so in the end i had to suck it up and get back on a bike (with help) and i rode again, as soon as i was rolloing all my fears were blown away with the wind and ive never looked back ,the first step is the hardest GOOD LUCK TO YOU
cheers mick

Thank you, Mick! I'm so glad you made it through that, and are still rolling! I did ride another 2-wheeler for 2 or 3 hours after the accident (with help), but I have no desire to get on another 2-wheeler. Even though I will take it slow, I am anxious and excited about getting a Spyder which I think is the perfect "bike" for me.

Mama P, another good reason to get a Spyder is the excellent skills course, in several steps, that they have in their manual. It is also on the DVD that comes with the Spyder (or at least it used to be) and can be seen on YouTube if you want a preview. In the course, they go over basic handling, as well as emergency evasive procedures. They also include drills where you kill the Spyder in motion, to learn how it reacts and get used to doing so if necessary. A few days with a Spyder in an empty parking lot, with some soccer cones or half tennis balls, will make you more comfortable and a lot safer in short order. I highly recommend it for all newbies...and an annual refresher doesn't hurt us old hands, either.

That's a great reminder, Nancy. I have actually seen those videos, and they are very helpful. Yeah, when I first saw a Spyder, I went a little nuts reading and viewing everything I could get my hands on.

[Bob Denman]

Never lose the opportunity to learn something from a mistake. (If I could remember that; I'd be a genius! )

[asp125]

...but I have no desire to get on another 2-wheeler. Even though I will take it slow, I am anxious and excited about getting a Spyder which I think is the perfect "bike" for me.
..

Just because you go from two wheels to three, don't be lulled into a false sense of security that a Spyder CAN'T run away from you either. It just won't fall over.

Learn to use the clutch if it's a manual - pull it in and it disconnects the drive to the wheels, no matter what your throttle hand is doing. Become familiar with the foot brake and that you can reach for it quickly and smoothly.

[Mama Phoenix]

Never lose the opportunity to learn something from a mistake. (If I could remember that; I'd be a genius! )

Never! Or Always (depending on which way you read that).

Just because you go from two wheels to three, don't be lulled into a false sense of security that a Spyder CAN'T run away from you either. It just won't fall over.

Learn to use the clutch if it's a manual - pull it in and it disconnects the drive to the wheels, no matter what your throttle hand is doing. Become familiar with the foot brake and that you can reach for it quickly and smoothly.

Oh, I don't have a false sense of security for anything, especially bikes. I'm not even secure with my microwave. (Just kidding) IMHO, care needs to be taken with any motorized vehicle regardless of the number of wheels. I just know that with 3 wheels, I at least have a fighting chance.