Do you think a Spyder is for me? Need some advice from the Spyder Pros

[iotanet]

Quick Sanity Check: I’m about >this< close buying a Spyder RT but I want to make sure I’m thinking correctly.

Background: My wife and I are 60 and 61. Outside of me having two replacement hips, we’re in great shape and health. Our kids refer to us as “the cool grandparents.” We’ve been wanting to do “the motorcycle thing” since we met 20 years ago. She had her license, but I struggled. (It’s a long story and if you really want to know it, you can read this: https://www.ctx700forum.com/threads...tory-that-has-a-hopefully-happy-ending.82515/)

This year, we bought a couple of bikes and were going to go for it. Picked a private instructor and everything. On the first ride after our first lesson, my wife dropped her Honda Rebel 250. Twice. (It wasn’t all her fault – our practice space is a parking lot that isn’t really flat. It's full of dips and hills.) But she came to the conclusion that the manual-shifting thing is over-rated.

FYI, I am a big man. 6’3”, 270, with long legs. Most of the bikes I’ve ever tried are too small. ALL of the “learner” bikes are too small. My aspirational bike is (was?) a Honda Gold Wing. Not because I expect to ride hundreds of miles at a time but because it's BIG enough for my large frame. (And no, Harleys NEVER appealed to me. Too loud, hot, and stereotypical.)

The same day my wife dropped her bike, I took her to see some scooters -- thinking that might be a good alternative. After looking at the scooters, she was lukewarm. But then she saw something DIFFERENT on the other side of the showroom – a Can Am Ryker. She took a test ride and was immediately sold. We’ll be buying her a Ryker Sport no matter what happens. That’s not why I’m writing here, tho.

I happened to see three RT Limited’s in a row: A Black one, a Blue one, and a Red one. I’m like, “whoa – this is really cool. And look at the size of those FLOORBOARDS! A home for my size 15’s!" I had to leave on a business trip the next day but we both spent the next 4 days crawling the internet for info on Can Ams. When I got home yesterday, we took a test ride on a RT S2S. I have been grinning like an idiot ever since.

I may be missing something, but this bike seems to provide everything I’m looking for. Size. Presence. Stability. Style, Ease of riding. And a whole lot more mental comfort. Confession: I rode my bike with my wife last week and while I didn’t drop it, I was more than a little nervous about what MIGHT happen. "It's heavy, what if I drop it? What if I hit a patch of gravel? What if there’s some oil on the road?"

When I rode the Spyder (we took turns as driver and passenger. That was wild because I've never ridden on the back of a bike before), there was none of that. I still had to watch for traffic and for distracted idiots but there was an absence of FEAR. I know that over time, the fear goes away but it was nice not to have to START with trepidation. I understand that the Can Am experience is different than the 2-wheel experience. No counter steering, no leaning into turns. But I’m not a biker so I don’t know about any of those things anyway. I don't have anything to "un-learn."

What I do know is that the Spyder will let me ride in comfort, style, and safety – enjoying the wind, the smells, and the road. And that is enough for me!

To the group: Am I missing something or am I thinking correctly?

 

[CopperSpyder]

All thats left is pick the color you like. Make sure the wife tries the RT she may like that better than the Ryker because of the power steering and other features. Good Luck Shopping. :2thumbs:

You got it Right!!

 

[UtahPete]

You won't be sorry. You may have to try some other seats to give your legs more room, but the bike is highly customizable.

 

[BajaRon]

Sounds like the perfect ride to me. It doesn't seem like you are going to have the 2-3 wheel hump that so many of us had to overcome. You still have to keep your head on your shoulders and watch, continuously, for the other guy. This becomes reflexive, after awhile. Never trust them to do anything sane. Don't assume anything. But this is true of any vehicle, when you come right down to it.

I got broadsided in a fire truck running code (not through a red light). They guy said he never saw me. His blood alcohol was .16. Don't suppose that had anything to do with it.

 

[JohnRuckus]

Sounds like you already made a decision
I can't say that it's for you, but Can Am says everyone can ride
The RT line is great just like the other products.
A few things to consider is maintenance costs/time.
No these aren't quite the same as 2 wheelers, but you're still experiencing the open road
You might like it, you might not...I'm betting that you will and that smile will continue with more ride time and practice
The only other thing I'd say, is that it sounds like you don't have a lot of riding experience. Spyders don't operate the same 2 wheel motorcycles. So, you may want to take a course.
They're typically $100 or so. It won't give you full on road riding experience, but it will give you some more practice.

Enjoy and post pics when you get them

 

[chipveres]

My wife and I are in your age category and mostly agree with you. Just one caveat: Make sure to get your "ducks in a row" about the maintenance your Spyder will require. Do you trust your dealer? Is he nearby? Will he forget your name after the sale? Will you do your own maintenance? Is there an independent motorcycle mechanic nearby who can help?

I'm not saying that any one of these options is better than any other. Just that you have a plan to deal with the inevitable repairs.

 

[Wrongway]

It sounds like congratulations to both your and your wife are imminent. I’ve been back and forth between Spyder RT and 2 wheels since 2016 and am now on a Spyder Rt until my riding days come to an end.
I’m not an overly cautious person but ****PLEASE take my advice on this 1 thing………..always ride with your high beam lights on during daylight riding. You’d be shocked at how much more visible you become.****
As BajaRon said………there will always be someone who doesn’t see you coming……..watch for that person at all times.
Enjoy you Spyder and Ryker.
Sincerely
Greg

 

[Knizar]

Do IT! You WILL NOT regret it! The Spyder RT is the safest motorcycle you can own. This Spyder Lovers Forum is here to help you out with any future questions, welcome to miles of smiles. ...:thumbup:....Bill

 

[iotanet]

Wow -- thanks for the kind words and advice! Here are a couple of things:

* We have already signed up for the Can Am riding class. $99 per person is a cheap price to pay.

* I see that finding a reputable dealer and maintenance shop is a "thing." Maybe its Minnesota motorcycle culture but there are 11 authorized dealers within 100 miles of my home. (There are 3 MEGA dealers within 30 minutes.) I hope this gives me good odds. I will say that I asked the dealer I expect to purchase from to tell me how many trained Can Am techs they have. He told me they have NINE. :shocked:

* My wife drove the RT and loved it but in her mind's eye, she sees herself as "Cool Biker Chick," so the Ryker is her brand of bourbon. (FWIW, I see MYSELF as "Suave Urbane Gentleman." Not sure anybody ELSE sees that but that's another story.)

* I am accustomed to considering an aftermarket seat but what I found cool about the RT was that, due to the enormous floorboards, you can sit with your feet out in front, OR underneath you -- I thought that was neat.

* Check THIS out: As I mentioned, my wife is a "I'll ride my own, thank you very much" kinda gal. She's not one for riding on the back of anybody's bike. After our 40-minute jaunt on the RT however, we actually kicked around the idea of taking a weekend (or longer) trip on it. Maybe to the Minnesota North Shore. Thats how much we enjoyed the experience.

 

[Tourer]

Here is a link to a website that discusses all the models.

https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/can-am/spyder/

 

[Bfromla]

:congrats::welcome::clap:Annnnd you found your way hereopcorn::yes::firstplace: miles of smiles to come, not to mention FARKLES as well.

 

[BCNewell]

Sounds like the Ryker Sport is already picked for her. So, now, for you. Since she’ll be on her own ride, may look into the F3 line. A little sportier than the R/T’s and can be had in many different configurations (S, L, T). Occasional 2-up trips should be do-able. They also have the U-Fit system, which can help with ergos (you’ll need #5!!!).

And, looking at the 2-wheeled side ... might check out the 2014 Honda CTX1300. It’s basically a 3/4-scale GoldWing. 1261cc V-4, full LED lighting, killer good looks, rock solid on the freeways even in the wake of semi trucks, and about 100lbs lighter than the ‘Wing. The deluxe model has ABS, self-cancelling turn signals, and BlueTooth stereo system. It’s what I came off of before the F3-S. The wife bought her F3-S while I was still enjoying my CTX, but the Spyder experience was sufficient enough to decide to get one myself. Figure the chances of us taking some extended trips were better with us both on Spyders. Haven’t regretted it yet ...

 

[iotanet]

Sounds like the Ryker Sport is already picked for her. So, now, for you. Since she’ll be on her own ride, may look into the F3 line. A little sportier than the R/T’s and can be had in many different configurations (S, L, T). They also have the U-Fit system, which can help with ergos (you’ll need #5!!!).

Actually, I tried the F3 and had them extend the floorboards as far as they would go. No joy.

And, looking at the 2-wheeled side ... might check out the 2014 Honda CTX1300. It’s basically a 3/4-scale GoldWing. 1261cc V-4, full LED lighting, killer good looks, rock solid on the freeways even in the wake of semi trucks, and about 100lbs lighter than the ‘Wing. The deluxe model has ABS, self-cancelling turn signals, and BlueTooth stereo system...

I hear you on the CTX -- I actually have a CTX700 DCT. What sold me on the RTL was threefold:

1) The size and road presence. It's a big vehicle that commands attention and space.
2) The total absence of a clutch pedal -- no need to learn that particular dance.
3) The knowledge that you can't drop it. That freed me up to enjoy the riding experience almost immediately.

Here's another thing about the Spyder that really works for the wife and I. We are people who tend to live life OUT LOUD and by our own rules.

Don't get me wrong, we're law-abiding citizens but we like to color outside the lines. The Can Am bikes are a total "outside the lines " kind of deal and we like that.

One of our mottoes is "Do your thing your way." The Spyder/Ryker fits that vibe perfectly.

 

[al0vely]

Enjoy your choices … but ask yourself if you plan any long trips for the Ryker. IMO it will take a lot to get the Ryker touring comfy … as opposed to the RT which is touring ready by design.

 

[Little Blue]

Spyders

...Welcome and enjoy your Day. Remember the do your homework at the front.
Take everything in and make sure that you make the best choices for you and your wife.

My wife and I have been doing little trips for the past few years. We have enjoyed our Spyder Ryde Times. I have been the passenger a few times and it was just wonderful. So we only need one Spyder for us.

Stay Healthy and Ryde Safe. ....:thumbup:

 

[BajaRon]

Enjoy your choices … but ask yourself if you plan any long trips for the Ryker. IMO it will take a lot to get the Ryker touring comfy … as opposed to the RT which is touring ready by design.

I think they may do just fine with the RT & Ryker for day trips. Then go 2-Up on the RT for longer excursions. I can see this working very well. But get good radios! It will make a world of difference in your enjoyment level. I carry Cardio units, if you are interested. But whatever you do. A radio set is highly recommended. Especially when riding separately.

 

[K80Shooter]

Congrats on your soon to be new toy's!

 

[iotanet]

I think they may do just fine with the RT & Ryker for day trips. Then go 2-Up on the RT for longer excursions. I can see this working very well. But get good radios! It will make a world of difference in your enjoyment level. I carry Cardio units, if you are interested. But whatever you do. A radio set is highly recommended. Especially when riding separately.

You hit the nail on the head regarding our ride plans.

Regarding our comms, we each have the Sedici Sistema II Parlare Bluetooth Helmet. So far, they are nice units but like everything else, they’re probably subject to being upgraded as we discover our preferences.

 

[Navydad]

My wife and I have been riding together for near 50 years. She has never wanted her own bike so we travel two up. One thing about the Spyder is we have done several 600+ mile days and reached our destination feeling more relaxed on the Spyder than on two wheels. So, as you say. The knowledge that you can't drop it. That freed me up to enjoy the riding experience almost immediately. Is spot on, it's a more relaxing ride. As also stated you WILL have to be alert all the time. If an idiot will hit a fire truck or even a freight train for Pete's sake! they will hit you for sure. Maintenance on these machines shouldn't scare you away. They really don't require that much, no more than any other vehicle I have owned and if you are handy with a wrench you can do 99% of it yourself. I have 45,000 miles on my Spyder and it has been to the dealer twice. Once for the initial check up and last February for the pulley recall. I change oil, I change tires, even installing a new belt after mine was damaged wasn't difficult. If you don't care to do your own thing then I agree with those who say find someone that you can trust. Ride more, worry less.

 

[Stache]

Until 2020 I rode a 850# Yamaha Venture, but my knees had spent 29 years in the infantry. Got to the point that stopping the Venture was a coin flip whether I could keep it upright. I still enjoy occasionally scooting around on an old VSTAR 650 (nice and light), but my '20 RTL is amazing. The sheer comfort of the thing coupled with not having to hold it up is MAGICAL.

The RTL is like riding a couch down the highway. Distance, and time in the saddle, doesn't matter. Lean back, relax, enjoy the miles (and miles, and miles)