How many times do you here this a week? I can't ever remember someone asking to take my car for a spin around the block. It seems like everyone ask to take the spyder for a spin and what do I hear, "I know how to ride". Then get mad when you tell them no.
I use the helmet excuse, it works. Unless they know I have an helmet for people who I let be a passenger with me (not very often), but a guy that is after me here wanted me to take him for a ride (I am avoiding him for this reason) and I told him you don't have a helmet. He de-inflated real fast! , too funny! The look on his face was classic.
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT SM6 with 400 miles 5/2015, 1800 8/5/2015, 3000 8/30/2015
Farkles: Techmount Cell Phone Holder, Drink2Go Cup Holder, Hopnel Saddlebag Liner, Hopnel Trunk Liners, Hopnel 3 Lid Net Set, Utopia Backrest, MIKE'S Brake Pedal, LED Pods Lights, LED Tip Bulbs, JT's Dash Mount & Special Selfie Stick on Bike, GoPro Camera, Bajaron Sway Bar, LED Skid Plate, Belt Protector Guard, Mike's Speakers
these are expensive machines not some cheap dirt bike that has already been beat to death
no different than asking to ride a guys brand new Harley or gold wing the answer will always be NO
It usually ranges from my insurance will not allow drivers other than myself to just saying--sorry, I don't do that. This is a $30K machine and to much responsibility to hand out to someone I just met.
I do point them to the dealer that will allow test rides. A few have actually shown up there.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
I have let several friends (with more riding experience than me!), take my RTs for rides.
It requires the typical explanation about shifting, steering and braking, but they all ride ATVs and snowmobiles also; it's an easy lesson for them!
They each have come back quite impressed by the bikes.
Different States have different rules...
in New York any operator of a vehicle is covered; as long as they have the permission of the named insured to operate it.
i have never had a stranger or some random friends say can i ride it. They must know me better than to even ask because i would assuredly say no and i bought mine used and only paid 7k . My brother and one of his kids i will let use it whenever they are around but they also have one so its no biggie.
Tony From Los Angeles
Current
2015 Spyder RT
2012 Yamaha FZ6R
Previous
2008 Premier GS #588
2005 Suzuki C50
2007 Susuki S40
In 2008 I let friends ride my GS [It was the only one on the road in the LA area for about 8 months]
Not going into details because it is too long
But a friend who is 24 years old [at that time] and is a fireman wanted to ride it so I gave him a helmet [thank god]
He ended up hitting a curb head on at about 50 miles and hour and caught the nose of the Spyder and it flipped head over heels
He only got a little road rash
Spyder was totaled
So my answer to anyone now is HELL NO
I replaced the Spyder right away with a new one exactly like the totaled one
The reason I say no now is not because of the bike but because I saw him flying threw the air and thought he was dead
Never again
Now 2014 RT Limited Cognac
Was 2008 GS SM5
Don Garbarino
Cup Holder
GPS locking holder
Mud flap
Modified KNOTT grill
Phone holder and charger
Trailer hitch
Dual air horn
Auxiliary fuse box with relays
Heated clothing controller
volt/oil pressure gauge
Sequential signals in mirror
Tri Axis Handle bars
Baja Ron anti sway bar/heim links
shorty antenna
And many more
If they want to borrow your helmet also, just tell them you are recently getting over a case of head lice. That should do it!
2011 RTS (Sold to a very nice lady)
1998 Honda Valkyrie
2006 Mustang GT. Varooooom!
US Navy Veteran
SC Law Enforcement Boat Captain
CNC Machine Service Technician
President: Rolling Thunder SC1
Member: Disabled American Veterans, Rock Hill, SC
Member: American Legion
Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it!
When I bought my Spyder the man I bought it from said I would never be able to park it or gas it up without someone asking me about it or talking to me about it. In three months of ownership I can count on the fingers of one hand and have fingers left over the number of people who have wanted to talk to me about the Spyder and no one has ever asked to ride it.
Happy TRAils/NSD
Paul
2012 RT L
AMA 25 years Life Member
TRA
PGR
Rhino Riders Plate #83
Venturers #78
TOI
Are there actually people who are so bold and so arrogant that they will think a total stranger will toss them the keys to their Spyder and say "Sure, knock yourself out. I'll wait right here for you to come back". Things must have changed over the years from back in the day because as today, I would never think to ask someone something like that.
Greg Kamer
"It's better to be not riding and wishing you were than be riding and wishing you weren't."
USAF, 20 years, retired
Sheriff's Office, 23 years, retired
I just stare at them and don't say anything back. No one has ever asked twice. Years ago my financial adviser told me that letting anyone ride my motorcycle would be an extremely bad decision on my part.
When I bought my Spyder the man I bought it from said I would never be able to park it or gas it up without someone asking me about it or talking to me about it. In three months of ownership I can count on the fingers of one hand and have fingers left over the number of people who have wanted to talk to me about the Spyder and no one has ever asked to ride it.
Hardly ever get get the questions,
this posting has been vetted, scrubbed and endorsed by the committee for postings
I would simply tell them.. "don't ask me to take my bike for a spin... and I won't ask you to take your wife for a spin" .. watch for their facial expression !!
let me take it for a spin!
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I always mention something about it being too bad, that they didn't bring a helmet with them... 
, too funny! The look on his face was classic.
. My brother and one of his kids i will let use it whenever they are around but they also have one so its no biggie.
Originally Posted by pegasus1300
