New to the Site and Seeking Advise

[Ph2ocraft]

I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al

[C3517C]

Well as you might expect there is no correct answer to your question. First, most people will tell you whichever Spyder they have is the best one. That's fine, we all bought the one that we liked best. It just depends on what your main purpose for the bike is. If you like taking trips, you want an RT. If you want to cruise around town with a sporty attitude, probably an F-3. If you want to feel the road beneath you and the wind in your face, probably an RS. They all have their place.
I've had an RS and now have an RT. For my personal preference I like the creature comforts and storage of an RT. Your going to have to take some test drives to see what suits you, and how much money you want to spend. I'm sure you'll find the right one in short order after that. Good luck, have fun.

[Bob Denman]

We can't tell you what to buy...
But most of us will offer an opinion anyway!
It all comes down to comfort: what do you need, to make you and your Better-Half feel the best after a day in the saddle.
The RT is the mileage-gobbler" of the bunch. It offers the best two-up long distance comfort.
The RS is at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's the sportiest, but the seating position might be too aggressive for a long day in the saddle.
The ST is a compromise. It gives a more relaxed seating position in the sportier bike.
The F3 offers cruiser seating. It is the latest design, and sits you down into the bike much lower.

The vee-twin is a "revver"; let it climb up into the rev range that it likes, and it'll SING!
The triple is a "torque", and offers about a 20% increase in fuel economy...

Your choice... Happy Shopping!!

[SPIDR1]

The previous posts give very good input on the model of bike you would like to own. Like it was said, it depends on where you ride, if you have a rider with you and comfort. At my age, the RTL model fits my needs. I like to tour the back roads and the country side but yet it handles very well on the open roads. Best advice is to try out the different models and go for it. We would welcome you to the club!

[AY4B]

All you need is your Gut feeling. Go to the Spyder store near you and look. If there is one there you cant live with out, then show interest and they will make you a deal you cant refuse. That is where the adventure begins.

[Myron Ah]

Remember, you get what you pay for! I have knee, spinal cord, shoulder, hand and wrist issues. All that and arthritis everywhere. Sitting in the crotch rocket type position was never an option so I never thought I would be able to ride one. With my issues I finally got a bolt on trike kit for my Midnight Venture. It was nice but the shoulders did not like steering and the riding was not as fun especially for my wife; choppy/rocky on the pasenger. Sat on a 2013 RT and liked it. Tried it out and was sold. One reason I tried one was the electric assisted power steering!!! With my shoulders and neck issues, it was a chore to steer the Venture and I was ready to give up riding. The Spyder is more two wheel like in that you want to "lean" in turns. My wife says it is the best riding bike of the 4 we have owned; '81 Honda CB 900, '85 Goldwing Aspencade and the Venture which was my favorite until this RT. I added highway pegs so I could stretch out my 6'0" 250lbs. (I'm lowballing my weight!) frame. Floorboards and heel toe shifter and Bead rider cushions. However, the most important thing I did was make the seat my own! I doctored mine after reading remarks and reviews on this great sight. Cut out the lunbar support to give me more room and added a back rest. I even replaced the stock foam in the back rest with softer foam because it was too stiff. Trial and little error. For some the after market seats are great. For me the after market/retirement wallet did my refining. Good hunting and try many models.

[Bob Denman]

"Every picture tells a story..."


http://cycle-ergo.com/

[AY4B]

If you have leg problems like some of us, get one that you can move your legs around. Floorboars with pegs are what I like. if I cant move to different positions, my hips start to cramp.

[PrairieSpyder]

We can't tell you what to buy...
But most of us will offer an opinion anyway!
It all comes down to comfort: what do you need, to make you and your Better-Half feel the best after a day in the saddle.
The RT is the mileage-gobbler" of the bunch. It offers the best two-up long distance comfort.
The RS is at the opposite end of the spectrum. It's the sportiest, but the seating position might be too aggressive for a long day in the saddle.
The ST is a compromise. It gives a more relaxed seating position in the sportier bike.
The F3 offers cruiser seating. It is the latest design, and sits you down into the bike much lower.

The vee-twin is a "revver"; let it climb up into the rev range that it likes, and it'll SING!
The triple is a "torque", and offers about a 20% increase in fuel economy...

Your choice... Happy Shopping!!

"Every picture tells a story..."


http://cycle-ergo.com/

I agree with Bob's post about the different models. The egos illustrated will depend on your height and inseam. Another choice you didn't mention is manual (SM) or semi-automatic (SE) transmissions.

I just say test drive them all and then decide which fits your needs the most.

[Motorcycledave]

I am sorta local not far from you with just about all the replaced body parts as you
I may be of some help in the info dept. Give me a call. 209-887-3283
Dave



QUOTE=Ph2ocraft;1114889]I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al[/QUOTE]

[Ph2ocraft]

I am sorta local not far from you with just about all the replaced body parts as you
I may be of some help in the info dept. Give me a call. 209-887-3283
Dave



QUOTE=Ph2ocraft;1114889]I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al

[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the chat and info Dave

[JagHag]

I've liked the Spyder since seeing a green 08' at my local dealer.
Problem was I couldn't get any of my friends interested in even looking at one much less buying one.
I currently own 11 1000cc and above motorcycles with most of them being early 80's street bikes.
I've also gone the route of a couple sport cruisers in the way of a Kawi Concours and a BMW K1200s
I've always preferred a basic straight up riding position.
Im turning 56 this May and due to a little crazier past I have a complete replacement right hip and right knee along with a repaired severed ACL in the left knee.
My wife and I are very active on PWC and cruising the Delta.
Well, I think you know where I'm heading with all this.
I want a Spyder!!
My real question is what do I need??
Sport, touring, twin, triple?
I'm kind of lost but know I want to tool around town
Take some long rides
Enjoy the mountains
I'd love to get some help narrowing the field.
Suggestions or ideas very WELCOME.
Thanks
Al

I finally got my 2012 RS, btw, I live in Saratoga! So close. I have a love affair with my Spyder, being Canadian and all. The best thing is to take a test ride. The dealership in Livermore does test rides but you should call to see if someone is available to take you out. That's the closest that does service, and they're kind of douchebags, so it really helps if you can work on it yourself. The Spyder is a unique beast, kind of temperamental, but too much fun! Completely different from a 2 wheeler, the first time I went around a corner I thought I was gonna fly off! But now I zip around pretty good. If you plan on taking your wife, the RS is kind of uncomfortable for the passenger without a backrest.
let me know if you have any questions

[Ph2ocraft]

I finally got my 2012 RS, btw, I live in Saratoga! So close. I have a love affair with my Spyder, being Canadian and all. The best thing is to take a test ride. The dealership in Livermore does test rides but you should call to see if someone is available to take you out. That's the closest that does service, and they're kind of douchebags, so it really helps if you can work on it yourself. The Spyder is a unique beast, kind of temperamental, but too much fun! Completely different from a 2 wheeler, the first time I went around a corner I thought I was gonna fly off! But now I zip around pretty good. If you plan on taking your wife, the RS is kind of uncomfortable for the passenger without a backrest.
let me know if you have any questions

Good to know somebody local!!
Ive actually decided on an F3-S or T
i was settled on a T until I found a helmet doesn't fit in the rear bags.
I think I'd rather purchase an S and install my own bags (that fit a helmet) and fairing (even if it's oem to the T model).
I can at that point have somebody set up some shock for me:-)
PS The new guys in San Jose let you test ride.