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

[iotanet]

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)

Love it!

I see your photo and its looks like you are running the same play that my wife and I have called, namely the His & Hers Spyder & Ryker combo. I'm curious to know how that plays out for the two of you -- what is your actual use case for the two bikes and how often do you both ride what?

As an aside, I see you with the Lensmen "Britannia" reference. I read those long ago, but I'm really a "Starship Troopers" kinda guy. I re-read that one every year. :thumbup:

 

[Stache]

Love it!

I see your photo and its looks like you are running the same play that my wife and I have called, namely the His & Hers Spyder & Ryker combo. I'm curious to know how that plays out for the two of you -- what is your actual use case for the two bikes and how often do you both ride what?

As an aside, I see you with the Lensmen "Britannia" reference. I read those long ago, but I'm really a "Starship Troopers" kinda guy. I re-read that one every year. :thumbup:

I ride whenever weather permits, from spring melt to first snow. I tell my family it's because taking the Spyder leaves another car home for them to use. It's more that any excuse for a ride is the perfect excuse for a ride. My wife is an occasional rider, very weather dependent. Gives us an activity to share. coffee (tea) runs, local area touring, occasional weekend trips.

Neither of us are anything that could be considered small. We can ride 2-up on the RTL if i take the rider backrest out, but its not as comfortable, so she has her own. When we travel there's not quite enough storage for everything she thinks we need to bring, so I tow a 4'x4' trailer. I'm at 20000km after 3 seasons, she's at 4000.

Planning a cross-continent round trip, 4600km each way, Westward through Canada, returning through northern US. Just as soon as I can figure out how to take a month off work. Intending 500km/day with slack in the schedule for local points of interest, or weather delays.

 

[cptjam]

If you are not comfortable on 2 wheels, get the Spyder. Then go ride it!

 

[Jesster72]

I don't think you are missing anything. I have been riding for 40+ years, the last 2+ on my RT S2S. I've never regretted purchasing the Spyder. We typically do one or several 500+ mile days to get to anywhere interesting. While do-able on the touring bikes we have had before, there is no comparing it to those long days on the Spyder. And, quite capable in the twistys. Good luck on your decision!

 

[iotanet]

Glad to see this thread still getting attention. My wife and I actually bought our Spyders in the Summer of 2023 — very shortly after I made the original post.

After two full riding seasons, I can concur with all of the positive recommendations— it’s been loads of fun and one of the best decisions we ever made.

If anyone is on the fence about getting a Spyder, do it!

 

[Deanna777]

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.

HI iotanet,

Be sure to ask the dealership about the extended warranty. The Rykders, F3's and the RTS'S, S2S Spyder models you are more visible on the road, compared to the 2 Wheel motorcycles( I was a passenger on a 2 wheel motorcycle for 16 years, in 2012 I bought my first brand new 2012 Spyder RTS-SE5 Traded up/sold to a 2014 Spyder RTS SE6, then traded up/sold and now I am on my 3rd Spyder model, which is a 2023 F3 LTD SS.I have not looked back). Also, check out the Spyder events in your area. You meet interesting people on the Spyders.

Good luck!

Also, Welcome to this site.

We are here to help and ask questions.

Deanna

 

[Mikey]

If you are not comfortable on 2 wheels, get the Spyder. Then go ride it!

You have brought this post back up out of 2023!!! I know we all want to help people out and guide them, but we have to watch the dates of the posts!!!