Is training really needed to ride a Spyder?

[mecsw500]

Honestly, the only reason I'd take the course is if it was required by the state, or if it'll save me money on insurance.

I just don't believe there's any NEW things I can learn....especially on some dinky parklng lot where you can't get any speed going and practice emergency/evasive maneuvers to its full effect.

In my opinion, of course.

I did it just go to get familiar with the controls, lack of front brake, no counter steering, semi auto shifting, no clutch, and no left foot gear shift. It helped me figure out the inherent limits of the machine. Despite being in a parking lot, it was surprisingly challenging and helped me overcome the "death grip" and the "oh my it's going over" feeling. I saved the $99 on my insurance premium so it was a wash. Just 12 or so hours of my time and I made some new friends too. I already had my motorcycle license so I didn't need the course for that - but I admit it was fun and essentially free. If it didn't teach me a lot of new life saving skills, it certainly made me, as a new Spyder rider, get a lot more enjoyment out of my machine in a shorter period of time, so for that it was worth it alone. I would recommend it just for the laughs I had.

[beerandchips]

Rode my Honda Shadow Phantom to the dealership. Waited about 2 hours to sign the paperwork because they were "busy". The sales guy took me out back where I saw my Spyder for the first time (bought sight unseen). He bluetoothed my phone, showed me the gears, brake, etc. and off I went. Rode an hour and a half home. No problems ever with looking for front brake, foot shifting, etc. The only issue I had was the left/right sway from gripping the handlebars too tight. Took about 300 to 600 miles to kill that issue. These things are easy to ride....and fun.

sn

[Peacekeeper6]

Rode my Honda Shadow Phantom to the dealership. Waited about 2 hours to sign the paperwork because they were "busy". The sales guy took me out back where I saw my Spyder for the first time (bought sight unseen). He bluetoothed my phone, showed me the gears, brake, etc. and off I went. Rode an hour and a half home. No problems ever with looking for front brake, foot shifting, etc. The only issue I had was the left/right sway from gripping the handlebars too tight. Took about 300 to 600 miles to kill that issue. These things are easy to ride....and fun.

sn

That takes guts to buy something like a Spyder "sight unseen". What if you really hated it ??

Me ?? I tried to test ride one in our Reno dealership. The guy said, "Sure, you can test ride it. But you can't leave the parking lot".

I'm thinking to myself, "Just what kind of bull**** test ride is that ?? I can't even get out of 2nd, for crying out loud"

So I did the next best thing and rented one in Vegas. (Don't think that outfit is there anymore). There, I took a Spyder through its paces: in-town 25-35 mph putts, all the way to 80 mph blasts down an interstate.

It was then and there that we decided that a Spyder will somehow make its way into our garage. And a few months later, a 2018 RT Limited found its way there !!

[UtahPete]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

[Woodenfish]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

I totally agree with this statement. Illinois Department of Transportation offers motorcycle and three wheel motorcycle training throughout the State for $20. My class was three days, a Thursday evening and eight hours on Saturday and Sunday. We rode Rykers on an enclosed course at a local community college and used one of their classrooms. It was a wonderful event for my wife and I to attend. The instructors were phenomenal and said they teach the same class to motorcyclists at a local Harley Davidson dealer for $250.

The classroom part was eye opening for all who attended whether they were new or experienced riders who never took a safety course. They drive time in the supplied Rykers was fun and a good time to learn about how they operate and handle through a variety of traffic situations. My wife and I attended the class which I must warn you fills up fast and the classroom sizes are small. After going through our program we received a card to bring by to our IDOT DMV license facility. Our written and driving test were all performed at the training event so all we needed were photos. With possession of the motorcycle safety training course we were entitled to a small discount on our insurance. A week after we took our safety class we purchased a new Spyder RT Limited and began driving her upon the roads.

I would highly recommend this program to others. We were told about it at iMotorsports in Villa Park. The class was through Harper College in Palatine. They have multiple training sites in Northern Illinois. If you’re not in this area check at the IDOT website for motorcycle training to find a location throughout the state. It was a good choice for us because we did not own a Spyder at the time nor did we know a owner who did and would allow us to take the test at the DMV using their bike.

[Azbronco]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

I second this. I took the MSF course before I got my first M license and it was great--I used skills learned in that class more than once over the several years I was riding. Anyway, life happens and I found myself without a motorcycle for a period of 3 or 4 years, so I took the class again when I was able to buy another bike--just to refresh my skills (I still had the M endorsement on my license, so I didn't need it for that). During the class, one of the guys who'd never ridden asked me why I was there since it seemed I already knew how to ride. I just told him there's no substitute to practicing those skills because when you ride a motorcycle long enough, you're going to need to know how to avoid a collision. I never took the class again when I switched from 2 to 3 wheels, but I still rely on evasive maneuvers I learned from MSF. Plus there's the insurance discount.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

Several years ago I took the state sponsored basic training course even though I'd ridden my Goldwing for a few years already. A telling testimony about it's worth was the fact, according to the instructor, there was a cadre of senior riders who took the course every year simply for the refresh value.

[beerandchips]

That takes guts to buy something like a Spyder "sight unseen". What if you really hated it ??

Me ?? I tried to test ride one in our Reno dealership. The guy said, "Sure, you can test ride it. But you can't leave the parking lot".

I'm thinking to myself, "Just what kind of bull**** test ride is that ?? I can't even get out of 2nd, for crying out loud"

So I did the next best thing and rented one in Vegas. (Don't think that outfit is there anymore). There, I took a Spyder through its paces: in-town 25-35 mph putts, all the way to 80 mph blasts down an interstate.

It was then and there that we decided that a Spyder will somehow make its way into our garage. And a few months later, a 2018 RT Limited found its way there !!

I did research before I purchased but I had faith on the experience. I just wish I had known about the fitment issues. I'm furious over that still. But, that is another issue

[Northofthesix]

I did research before I purchased but I had faith on the experience. I just wish I had known about the fitment issues. I'm furious over that still. But, that is another issue

I bought mine sight unseen as well. After a couple decades riding 2 wheels, at 65 I was finding the weight of my Yamaha Venture to be a bit much in parking lot situations. I had guys I ride with who have Spyders but I had not ridden one; had not even sat on a RT. Found a fabulous deal on a demo 2018 RTL about 900 miles/ 1500km away, so a hopped on a plane, picked up the bike and rode it home over 2 days. First 100 km I thought "What the hell did I just do?"... by the time I got home I was totally hooked. As others have said, unlearn counter-steering and the death grip on the bars and just enjoy!

[Longtimer]

I rode two wheels for 50 years; after riding 25 years I took a two wheel course; it suprised me what I learnt and was doing wrong. It made me a better rider, they pointed out just little things I was doing wrong. Having someone watch while you are on course so they can see things sure helps. Then when I got my Spyder I took a class and learnt things that Spyders like and do not like. Enjoyed the class, met some new friends. I feel you can always learn something new that can help you ride better. Just like on this Forum, there's a lot of info to maybe help you and your Spyder ryding better.

[BillyBobBevis]

I took the Can Am rider course in Memphis recently and really enjoyed it. I originally took it to see if I would like Can Am's, but also because of my lack of meaningful experience with 2 wheel motorcycles, I felt it was necessary. I think the most valuable thing it gave me are the exercises to practice on for when I am able to purchase a new Spyder. I know nothing is as good as real live riding on roads for experience, but the practice exercises will help me in getting comfortable with riding a Spyder.

[Mazo EMS2]

Training...probably not..practice, absolutely, especially transitioning from 2 wheels. My wife never rode 2 wheels, but she hopped on a Ryker and just "got it"....Now she's on a '21 RT and doing awesome.

[Little Blue]

....You can do what want for training.
I have always been a Safety First type of person.
The Life you Save might be Yours.
Only have One Life to Live ....

[GrampaEJ]

Kind of hard to go to training when the closest is over 400 miles away.

150 miles isn't much better. I'd be willing to take a training class. But, that's too far away.

[Adventurer]

....You can do what want for training.
I have always been a Safety First type of person.
The Life you Save might be Yours.
Only have One Life to Live ....

I’ve always been a 2342D631-C3FA-4E2D-8A52-1593591D8AA6.jpeg kinda guy not really I’m a big safety proponent

[Adventurer]

150 miles isn't much better. I'd be willing to take a training class. But, that's too far away.

I hear you, although I drove 175 miles to attend the Three Wheel Basics class sponsored by BRP. I don’t regret one mile of the trip nor the cost of the motel. Plus I’ve been riding 2 wheels for many years and have been thru 3 safety classes on two wheels and have learned something useful at each and every class, including the Spyder class. I’d urge you and any one else to attend the class regardless of your prior experience, we’re never too old to learn until we’re dead

[Snoking1127]

Experience riding a snowmobile is the closest thing to driving a Spyder. I last rode a motorcycle in like 1984(Kawasaki 650 SR), however rode snowmobiles for years up until around 2006. In end of Oct 2020 I bought the used 2018 Spyder and took the $99 course here in Arizona in early November that year. Washington State would not except the Arizona course for my drivers license endorsement, so I just took the course again in Washington when I got home last spring. I do not regret either course.

The thing about the Spyder is DO NOT try to steer it on the open road, just guide it! That is to correct to the left, push forward lightly on the right handle bar and the other way around to correct the right. I run cruise control most of the time on the open roads and just rest my hands on the handle bars. Twisties, shift your weight to the inside on a corner like the snowmobile and look to where you want the trike to go.

[mecsw500]

I work on the basis that you might get to the same level as taking a course, but the course accelerates getting to that level of comfort and proficiency. This reduces the chance something bad might happen during the extended period of gaining the experience. Here in Utah you can ride a Spyder or Riker with a full motorcycle license, but I think as we now have a tiered scheme for motorcycles you might have to have the second tier bike license to ride an engine over 600 cc, but I’m not sure about that detail. If you however do not have a motorcycle endorsement you have to get a 3 wheeler endorsement, easily done through the training. However going this route does not cover you for motorcycle. Now 3 wheelers need a license depending of what kind of trike you have. 3 wheel vehicles with side by side seating and a steering wheel class as auto cycles so you only need car license. So Vanderhalls and Polaris vehicles are effectively classed as cars for licensing purposes in Utah. Complicated, but this has all happened piecemeal and nobody thought this out from a clean sheet of paper as these various generations of vehicles became type approved. I’ve no idea if there is a state testing ground that exists for trikes? Even for motorcycles it has a test for tier two motorcycles that is very difficult to pass unless you use a big bike with limited steering lock. I took my bike examiner had to tell me where to lose the minimum ate the Triumph Thunderbird Sport could not physically turn the tightest corners. It was just stupid. The course was set up for a moped or very small bike. I’ve no idea how they cope, if at all with trikes. I asked these questions of the licensing bureau and the person had absolutely no idea of how it all worked. How did the license tie ring apply to trikes, they had no clue and they said that would probably make up what they thought was sensible. Heaven help us in how that would all work in places like California or New Jersey?

[cravenfun]

Total newbies take the course. It will instill proper habits.
My wife got her M/C license at 50 by taking the MSF course. She only 2-wheel M/C'ed for a few years and took a break until she turned 65 and said I need a Spyder. Since we snowmobile the Spyder was an easy transition for her, ''it's like a sled on asphalt'' is her comparison.
For me when I take her Spyder for a spin it's the no hand brakes mental flag that has to be stuck in my old head since I'm still on my Road King.
The HD is getting heavier by the year now, no gold in those golden years for sure.
Hopefully the market will get better next year either new or used so I can transition over to a F3 for myself.
Nothing like being ''in the wind''.

[Ex-Rocket]

I had no trouble switching from 2 wheels to 3 wheels. Traded my 2 wheeler in and drove off with a 2012 RTS. Only two things took a little getting used to was, reaching for the clutch handle and secondly not putting my feet down when stopped. As far as driving & cornering with it I caught on pretty fast.

[EdMat]

I think the value of the course is way more than 50% defined by the instructor or maybe lack thereof.

[pegasus1300]

I was quite surprised to find that the owner's manual of my 2012 RTL contained a training course layout with several different exercises diagramed. I went to Walmart and bought a couple of packages of big red plastic drink cups to use as cones. I have found that many churches have large parking lots and they are mostly empty Monday thru Saturday, so I set up in one of those and had lots of fun with the practice. That was what helped me make the transition from 47 years on 2 wheels. As for a class, especially if you have not been a rider before, you could learn attitudes and awareness that you might not pick up except thru hard experience. It will also point out bad habits that have crept in over the years and remind you of things you should be doing but may have been neglecting. I've had my M/C license since they started issuing them in Utah in 1970. The course they used back then was the parking lot of the driver's license office on 5th West in Provo, very small. The only part that really unnerved me was when the examiner had me go to the far end and accelerate as hard as I could then stop on a line. And he stood behind the line. I made the stop. Oh I was on a Norton that could accelerate pretty hard.

[Quickdraw]

My wife was thinking about taking the course but it was a 2 day event and where it was being offered was a bit too far for her to go. I took her out to a parking lot a few times to get used to the trike but it didn't take long before she was riding highway speeds. The course may have helped but me taking her out and her having riding time, I think, was much more advantageous to her.

[Snoking1127]

Funny thing happened Wednesday. I offered to haul a friends golf cart from the East Valley up to Show Low where they summer out of the valley heat. We stopped at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon, and use the restroom and stretched our legs. There were two HD guys in the parking lot and I thought about saying I had a three wheeler as I was getting to old for a two wheeler. As I came out of the restroom I watched one of the guys drop his Harley!!!! Guest my thoughts jinxed him!

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I offered to haul a fried golf cart from .......

A fried golf cart???

I know you meant "friend's golf cart" but some typos are just too good to ignore!!