New guy here, looking for advice

[Alt Eisen]

Hello to everyone. New guy here to, well put simply, everything involving riding on less than 4 wheels with a motor. I've been spending quite a bit of time doing research, and been asking questions. I found the Maryland Spyder Web, who are also helping me, and have in turned, also pointed me here to get more advice.

So, here's the deal, I'm actually asking these questions, not just for my self, but for my father as well, who's taken some interest as well. Like me, he's also completely new to all of this. So here's some questions we have.

Riding gear:
So, I've learned about ATGATT from other riders. (Yep, I know the rule on this one, it's not about whether you can drive safe 99% of the time, it's about that 1% of the time when you, or someone else on the road isn't paying attention, or some other catastrophe occur). Helmet, Gloves, and Jacket I have a general idea of what to look for, with helmets being suggested that I look for something at least 3/4ths protection, preferably with a visor/faceshield, or a modular helmet for the combination of full face, and 3/4ths. Also, in my case, I wear prescription glasses, so suggestions for helmets that I can wear them with, and without having to worry about fogging would be appreciated.

Pants and footwear however, I need a bit of advice on. What would you all suggest?

Which Spyder to get?:
So, my father's has said that if he decides to get into riding, the RTs are the ones he would go for, so that he and my mother can ride comfortably. I'm however, more of a fan of the F3s, with the RT being my 2nd choice due to its practicality for longer road trips. But I'm definitely biased towards the F3, especially since if I get one, I plan on trying to ride it as much as possible within reason.

So, I'd like to hear people's opinions on them, and what you all think are "must have" upgrades, or options to heavily consider on the Can-Ams (And GPS, and fog/auxiliary lights are a definite pick already if I get into riding. And I'm heavily leaning towards getting a passenger backrest as well). If you all think the ST or RS might be a good first pick instead, then please, post here and tell me why. I'm certainly open to suggestions.

Thanks everyone.

 

[crazycanuck]

Uncle Bob will be here soon enough to give you some helpful advice.

 

[ARtraveler]

Test driving is the best way to find the :spyder2: that appeals to you the best. There are now four choices out there--eight if you break them down into manual or semi automatic.

Gear is a personal choice. There are many threads in the search engine that will discuss helmets and other types of gear almost to the point of overkill.

Have worn prescription glasses all my life. Never found a helmet that was so constricting that the glasses were a problem. You will find that test fitting helmets in person is the way to go.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[Darren111]

Hello to everyone. New guy here to, well put simply, everything involving riding on less than 4 wheels with a motor. I've been spending quite a bit of time doing research, and been asking questions. I found the Maryland Spyder Web, who are also helping me, and have in turned, also pointed me here to get more advice.

So, here's the deal, I'm actually asking these questions, not just for my self, but for my father as well, who's taken some interest as well. Like me, he's also completely new to all of this. So here's some questions we have.

Riding gear:
So, I've learned about ATGATT from other riders. (Yep, I know the rule on this one, it's not about whether you can drive safe 99% of the time, it's about that 1% of the time when you, or someone else on the road isn't paying attention, or some other catastrophe occur). Helmet, Gloves, and Jacket I have a general idea of what to look for, with helmets being suggested that I look for something at least 3/4ths protection, preferably with a visor/faceshield, or a modular helmet for the combination of full face, and 3/4ths. Also, in my case, I wear prescription glasses, so suggestions for helmets that I can wear them with, and without having to worry about fogging would be appreciated.

Pants and footwear however, I need a bit of advice on. What would you all suggest?

Which Spyder to get?:
So, my father's has said that if he decides to get into riding, the RTs are the ones he would go for, so that he and my mother can ride comfortably. I'm however, more of a fan of the F3s, with the RT being my 2nd choice due to its practicality for longer road trips. But I'm definitely biased towards the F3, especially since if I get one, I plan on trying to ride it as much as possible within reason.

So, I'd like to hear people's opinions on them, and what you all think are "must have" upgrades, or options to heavily consider on the Can-Ams (And GPS, and fog/auxiliary lights are a definite pick already if I get into riding. And I'm heavily leaning towards getting a passenger backrest as well). If you all think the ST or RS might be a good first pick instead, then please, post here and tell me why. I'm certainly open to suggestions.

Thanks everyone.

You are in the best place right now has Spyder owners are the best people to talk too. I am still new to this site and by hec have had some great advice. You will learn something new every day on here and never stop learning. I am going for F3 because both my brain and heart are singing from same hymn sheet.
I treat this site has my best friend, bible and handbook for anything to do with Spyder ownership and love the people on here especially Bob because they put a smile on your face. Enjoy the website and goodluck with whatever Spyder model you go for:thumbup:

 

[Darren111]

You are in the best place right now has Spyder owners are the best people to talk too. I am still new to this site and by hec have had some great advice. You will learn something new every day on here and never stop learning. I am going for F3 because both my brain and heart are singing from same hymn sheet.
I treat this site has my best friend, bible and handbook for anything to do with Spyder ownership and love the people on here especially Bob because they put a smile on your face. Enjoy the website and goodluck with whatever Spyder model you go for:thumbup:

Oh forgot to mention Akspyderman a favourite of mine too

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

I agree that at least a 3/4 helmet is best. But, keep in mind that that being open to your lower face you'll get a lot of high wind hitting you. The sun and wind can really do a job on your skin if you ride often. So I recommend a full-face or modular helmet. (You and your dad may not care, but your mom probably will.) I think most helmets now will accommodate glasses unless you get one too small. I have had trouble bending up wire-frame glasses, though. I'd say don't buy a lot of gear right away. Get a helmet, gloves and maybe boots and ride a while and see what kind of gear you'll want.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:
Helmets...

Where whatever you like best; but please take a look at what the studies have shown us...
Pants...
Definitely: wear pants! :thumbup:
Hopefully; they'll even have some Kevlar reinforcing in them. I like Diamond Gusset Jeans. :thumbup:

The bike...
You didn't mention how old you are...
If you like the F-3; BUY the F-3. If it's coming out of your pocket; who cares what other people think?
(Although your Dad seems like a pretty smart fella!)

You're gonna find that mistakes along the way will happen; do what you can to minimize them, and enjoy the ride!

 

[Peter Aawen]

When you go to put any helmet on (full face or modular that will close to full face strongly recommended if you like your face!!) open the visor or modular chin bar first & take your glasses OFF; put your forehead into the helmet & then pull it firmly down & over your head, angling the back down last, and settle it firmly in place; THEN put your glasses back on thru the open visor/modular chin bar & only once that's done should you do the chin strap up.

The helmet should be a firm fit that doesn't move around much or pull off your head, especially if you try lifting the back edge, but it shouldn't be un-comfortably tight or grab your ears so hard your glasses won't readily slide on & into the right spot. But believe me, trying to put your helmet on while your glasses are still on is not recommended at all!! :yikes:

 

[IGETAROUND]

enroll yourself and your father in a Motorcycle safety foundation course.
They will give you the skills needed to survive and prosper on the mean streets!nojoke:yikes::2thumbs::clap:

 

[Deanna777]

:welcome: like everyone has said" Take a motorcycle Safety Coarse first. Good Luck Deanna

 

[MCML]

I am new here, also. No longer new to riding, though, as I now have 16 years in the saddle....and I did not start until I was almost 50.

While I cannot offer informed opinions as to Spyder models, I have formed some definite opinions about riding gear. So, FWIW, my 2 cents:

Regarding helmets, do the math above. Almost half of the impacts are in places many riders do not even bother to protect. Go with a full face or full face modular. Period. You will find DOT, SNELL and ECE certifications and can do homework on the differences on line.

Good quality pants and jacket are must haves, also. After trying gear from Draggin' Jeans, First Gear and Cycloak, among others, I ended up settling on gear from Motoport (www.motoport.com). Their products work. I found that out one morning a long, long, long way from home. I use the mesh kevlar gear (think of it as 21st century chain mail) but they have other material choices, too.

Gloves? Held is among the best. Or was, according to some. Apparently, they have outsourced production and, again according to some, their quality may have slipped. I would not hesitate to purchase another pair of Helds when the time comes but, there are many good glove manufacturers out there.

Boots? I have more than a dozen years, and about 100,000 miles on a pair of Daytona (Road Stars, I think) boots. Had to have them factory resoled and have had some other minor work done at the shoemakers but still riding with them.

Is this stuff expensive? You bet your ass it is. Literally.

Oh, and definitely take that MSF course that Igetaround and Deanna mentioned above.

 

[Vt. Rider]

You only have to protect those parts of your body that you want to use tonight.

That's my philosophy.

ATGATT is a good way to go.

Start with a good helmet....(I stay away from the cheap Chinese made ones).

You'll need a warm weather and a cold weather jacket. (I like Joe Rocket mesh w/liner, and also a
good leather jacket)

Gloves

Good pants...Kevlar is a good material....

Boots.....Good, waterproof, and over the ankle.

Last, but not least.....Eye Protection......Helmet shield, and if not, then a good pair of riding safety
glasses...clear and tinted.

 

[Alt Eisen]

Right, full helmet it is (That 1 vote for "Maybe" on the 3/4th with face plate/visor, from a nearby Motorcycle shop, and everyone, even the Motorcycle shop suggesting over the 3/4th, Full Helmet/Modular Full Helmet)
And the Motorcycle Safety course is pretty much the first thing we would take

Any brands of helmets you can all recommend, or if there is, which ones to avoid? The local motorcycle shop pointed out primarily Bell helmets to me, and a few from Icon
As for the other gear, yea, Joe Rocket brand jackets were pointed out to me as well before asking here. (particularly one which has high reflective panels in the shoulders)

Also Bob, to answer your question on age, mid-20s for me.

 

[Bob Denman]

Also Bob, to answer your question on age, mid-20s for me.

:clap:
That gives us some background for the model choices...
The F-3 should definitely be on your list! :thumbup:
As should the RS, and ST models... :shocked:

Think "RS" as the sporting model
The ST is a bit more of a Sport-Tourer
and the F-3 is the "Cruiser-Bruiser"

As to helmets: if you buy a helmet that meets or exceeds the Snell standards; it will have more impact attenuation capability than one that only meets DOT standards.

Beyond that; you need to shop based upon which one fits you correctly. nojoke

 

[Alt Eisen]

And now I'm back to playing around with the Build and Price tool on Can-Am's website some more.

Ok, aside from the creature comforts/touring additions for the ST, any internal or mechanical differences between the ST and RS. Looking at the specs page and options, seems like they're pretty much the same, just that ST's electronic controls are set up to also ride with the trailers. And upgrades or parts you can all recommend for those as well?

The more I look at the F3, the more it seems that it would be best if I keep it simple at first (passenger Backrest, fog/auxiliary lights, GPS), and then after riding for a while, decide what way to upgrade it. I see the upgrades for the shocks as well, are those recommended?

 

[Bob Denman]

They are pretty much the same; it comes down to the ergonomics, and how the treatment around the headlight housing works for you... :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Here's a couple of pictures that show the differences in the seating positions of the two bikes...

 

[Cognac]

If your folks want to ride together, but are not going to do a lot of long distance touring, they might want to look at the ST. We added the factory backrest and aftermarket armrests for the passenger. Very comfortable for day trips.

 

[MCML]

Bob Denman, is there graphic showing the riding position for the F3 to add to the comparison? If so, where can I find it? Thanks.

 

[Bob Denman]

Bob Denman, is there graphic showing the riding position for the F3 to add to the comparison? If so, where can I find it? Thanks.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

And they finally have added the F-3 to their database: