Considering a Spyder - Can I Ask You Some Questions?

[jarrett]

Hi, I'm not new to the forum. Apparently, I joined 16 years ago when I was looking at a Spyder back then. I did a test ride that scared me off.

Since then I got my motorcycle license back in 2018 and have done 65,000+ miles on motorcycles now including multi-day/state trips and such. So not scared of being on the road with cars on 2 (or 3) wheels anymore.

My GF and I want to start doing some two up riding. My first thought was a Gold Wing, but she really wants three wheels for stability. So we are looking into used Spyders and wondered if I could ask you some questions. We'd like to get something reliable that we can hop on and ride on the weekends. And possibly some multi-day trips at some point when the moons align.

Is RT Limited the right model to go for long 2 up rides?

I'd like to buy used, is there a year model/mileage cut off you'd suggest? Like say only 2020 and newer models with less than 6,000 miles on them, something like that? I see a ton of them for sale near me, which concerns me a little, but they are like 2013 models with 10's of thousands of miles on them usually. Newer ones seem to be for sale used less.

Any other tips to consider before purchasing one?

Any tips for 2 wheel riders making the jump to 3? Like how do you go around a corner without leaning?

We're going to do a test ride on Thursday to make sure I enjoy driving and she enjoys riding on the back. Thanks in advance!

 

[racoon]

You don't lean the bike, but you do shift your weight into the turn...depending on your speed going around the turn.

Consider taking a 3-wheel Basic Rider Course, as it teaches you a lot about how to handle a three wheeler.

Basic RiderCourse – 3-Wheel - Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Learn core 3-wheel riding skills and earn your 3-wheel motorcycle license.

msf-usa.org

 

[baxter]

I would say get a 2020 or newer Spyder because of the changes made.

It takes some miles in the seat to really understand the characteristics of the Spyder as opposed to other like s before making any decisions as to whether it is a bike for you. This may be why you see newer bikes for sale with low miles, because new riders buy one then do not ride it enough to appreciate it’s uniqueness, so then sell it.

 

[jarrett]

You don't lean the bike, but you do shift your weight into the turn...depending on your speed going around the turn.

Consider taking a 3-wheel Basic Rider Course, as it teaches you a lot about how to handle a three wheeler.

Basic RiderCourse – 3-Wheel - Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Learn core 3-wheel riding skills and earn your 3-wheel motorcycle license.

msf-usa.org

Thanks. I called one of them and asked about this class and they said if I already have an M endorsement on my license that much of it would be a waste of my time/money as it is prepping riders with zero experience for their restricted M endorsement. Interesting to learn that taking that class gets your a restricted M, meaning you can only ride a trike, but taking the 2 wheeled class will allow you to ride either.

 

[jarrett]

I would say get a 2020 or newer Spyder because of the changes made. ...

2020 and newer it is, thanks!

 

[ollicat]

Since no one really ever "drops" a Spyder, miles on the odometer is really not concerning. I would try to get a 2020 or later model RTL for 2 up riding comfort. But an F3 Limited would also be good. Both are very comfortable machines and will eat up the miles on the open road. And no worries about loose gravel.

 

[troop]

Thanks. I called one of them and asked about this class and they said if I already have an M endorsement on my license that much of it would be a waste of my time/money as it is prepping riders with zero experience for their restricted M endorsement. Interesting to learn that taking that class gets your a restricted M, meaning you can only ride a trike, but taking the 2 wheeled class will allow you to ride either.

I think you talked to a terribly uninformed person. The 3 wheeled class is to let a rider, new/experienced, learn the nuances of riding a 3 wheeled vehicle. Ask to talk to someone else.

 

[2dogs]

In short, you have to get into the water before you can learn to swim. Buy one, and if you don't like it, sell it. My GF has been 2up with me for over 50 years, both on 3 wheels and on 2 wheels. She's the one who chose the RT Spyder over the Harley. If the GF is not happy, no one is happy!

 

[jarrett]

Yeah, the test drive Thursday will answer a few questions.

She's unsure if she wants to ride at all, but thinks if she did ride, she'd want to be on one of the RT's. We're about to find out

 

[JayBros]

In words with as few syllables as possible to avoid misinterpretation, you must test ride both the RT and the F3. Why? Because you, and pillion sit on the RT and in the F3. That opens a world of difference between the two. 2dogs' last sentence is in the bull's-eye.

 

[jarrett]

In words with as few syllables as possible to avoid misinterpretation, you must test ride both the RT and the F3. Why? Because you, and pillion sit on the RT and in the F3. That opens a world of difference between the two. 2dogs' last sentence is in the bull's-eye.

Hmm, I don't see a lot of used F3's for sale, at least not ones that are configured for two up. Seems to be a lot of RT's in this area.

 

[Mandorallen]

Hmm, I don't see a lot of used F3's for sale, at least not ones that are configured for two up. Seems to be a lot of RT's in this area.

Take this with a grain of salt (my opinion), but don't take that to mean F3s are "better" than RTs, and I say that as a F3 2-up owner. I found that dealers try to sell / are able to sell a lot more RTs than F3s - whether they're incentivized to do so or they're just reading the market demand, don't know - so therefore you're just organically going to end up with more used RTs on the market I think. I'm a new owner of my F3LSS and had to look high & low to get it; pretty much every dealer had 3-5 RTs on the floor/in inventory for every F3 (and a lot of those F3s were the 1-up "standard" F3 model).
As stated above by others - both the F3L and RTL are setup for longer distance touring. They have very different driver seating (F3 is lower slung - you ride "in" the Spyder vs. "on" it; RT you ride "on" it vs. "in" it), different passenger/pillion seating (RT passenger seat is bigger), and different front-end fairing/protection (RT has more wind/road hazard deflection built-in). You will need to test-ride both models, with both of you on it ideally, to really get a sense of which you prefer/which meets your needs.

 

[BajaRon]

Generally speaking, the RT is the 'Go-To' ride for 2 up. I'd try both before deciding to get an F3. Nothing wrong at all with the F3. It's my favorite Spyder model. But I ride 1-up and tend not to need much storage.

I wouldn't sweat the mileage. 20 or 30k+ on a 2020+ RT is no big deal if it has been maintained. And can make a big difference in price.

Happy Hunting!

 

[Jackhartjr]

Thanks. I called one of them and asked about this class and they said if I already have an M endorsement on my license that much of it would be a waste of my time/money as it is prepping riders with zero experience for their restricted M endorsement. Interesting to learn that taking that class gets your a restricted M, meaning you can only ride a trike, but taking the 2 wheeled class will allow you to ride either.

That person is absolutely wrong. I had a class A. I wanted to learn about the Spyder. I took the course and was blown away with the education that I received.

And I wouldn't rule out anything from 2014 forward. The 1330 engine along with the 6 speed transmission is in my opinion better than the 998 and 5 speed from 2013 down!

And please get rid of the Kenda tires and go with 'car' tires when you get a chance. There are scads of information on this site why car tires are many times better than the kendas!

 

[racoon]

Thanks. I called one of them and asked about this class and they said if I already have an M endorsement on my license that much of it would be a waste of my time/money as it is prepping riders with zero experience for their restricted M endorsement. Interesting to learn that taking that class gets your a restricted M, meaning you can only ride a trike, but taking the 2 wheeled class will allow you to ride either.

Interesting, but not my understanding of the class. Although it may be a difference in Texas vs Tennessee.

I took the 3wheel basic course. Upon completion I was given two documents. One I took to the BMV and they added the motorcycle endorsement to my driver's license. No restrictions.
The second document I took to my insurance company, after I bought my Spyder, which gained me a discount on my insurance rate.

I visited the msf-usa.org website and then entered my zip code, which led me to the training organization for my area.

Home | Cookeville Crossville motorcycle license | Upper Cumberland Motorcycle Training

Based in Cookeville and equipped to provide Motorcycle Rider Courses to the Upper Cumberland. Valuable training designed to help you begin or improve your motorcycle ride and to become licensed.

www.uppercumberlandmotorcycletraining.com

Their description of the 3-wheel Basic Rider Course is:

Two=day course designed to learn the basics of 3-wheel motorcycle operation and safety-oriented mental strategies.

3-Wheel Motorcycle Provided
Successful Completion = "M" License

The msg-usa.org website information is a bit different:

Successful completion of this course, consisting of five hours of classroom activities and ten hours of on-cycle riding exercises, plus knowledge and skill tests, may waive the license test in your state. The course may also earn you an insurance discount. You may bring your own 3-wheel motorcycle, or one may be provided.

Which took me to the Tennessee BMV website, which says this about the motorcycle license:

A Motorcycle Only License allows the holder 16 years of age or older to operate any two- or three-wheel vehicle of more than 125 cubic centimeters (125 cc).

The Texas DPS website does says you have to complete a motorcycle safety course, and lists a whole bunch of restrictions for driver's under 18 years of age. But I couldn't find anything about 2 vs 3 wheels for motorcycle licensing.

AH HA! Delving a little deeper, I visited the website for a Texas based training company. I found their website through the msf-usa.org website. Their description of the 3-wheel basic rider course is:

This course meets the requirement for licensing. Your Class M driver license will be restricted to 3-Wheel motorcycles only. Minors will still be required to pass the DPS on-road test.

So apparently Texas does distinguish between 2 and 3 wheel motorcycle licenses.

 

[Ex-Rocket]

After you decide on which model pleases both of, you may want to look at iMotorsports in Elmhurst, IL. They have a website for new and used Spyders. They even have free shipping on most bikes they sell. I have bought two Spyders from them with trade-ins both times. They are easy to deal with. As far as a model that will eat up some miles, both the RT & the F3 Limited will do it for you. I just recently came back from a 8 day, 3400 mile trip on my F3 Limited.

The way I explain how it feels on both, as I have owned 2 RT's before I bought my F3 Limited, is that the RT feels like you're sitting on top of the bike and the F3 feels more like your sitting in the bike, more like most 2 wheel cruisers. Like everybody has said , try to ride both models first, then decide which is best for you both. Happy Hunting.

 

[djh3]

We came off a Victory Cross Country Tour. I like the seating position of the F3 Limited. Same rear trunk as the later RT's. I’m 5’6” and ours has highway pegs on the driver floorboards so I can stretch if needed. But there's plenty leg room. Steering will be a learning curve, as you’ll have a tendency to hold on too tight.

 

[Yowzer]

Any tips for 2 wheel riders making the jump to 3? Like how do you go around a corner without leaning?

Welcome (back), Jarrett.

As a 2-wheeler jumping to 3 myself, my two cents would be to keep it really slow and simple on your test ride. Like, a big empty parking lot for at least the first 5 or 10 minutes, then simple back roads from there, if you can.

And in case they just turn the bike over to you with no explanation or instruction, here's a useful excerpt (a cheat-sheet) from the famous thread https://www.spyderlovers.com/threads/dos-do-nots-for-new-spyder-owners.41346/ :

NOTE MOTORCYCLISTS: Motorcyclists are seemingly most affected by the lateral movement associated with the Spyder. They are just going to have to realize the Spyder is not a two-wheel vehicle and it is going to feel different. Also motorcycle riders need to "unlearn" counter-steering when riding a Spyder. It simply doesn't apply to a Spyder.

CORNERING:
Read the manual and follow the suggestions. Lean toward the handlebar closest to the inside of the corner. (Right-bar on right turns; left-bar on left turns.) This shifts your weight on the machine and also puts your head slightly lower to the center of gravity; causing you to have less of the lateral-pull associated with cornering with a Spyder.
You may find it easiest to push on the handlebar opposite of the turn you are making; while pulling somewhat on the other. Be sure to push harder than pulling. Push the right handlebar for left turns; push the left handlebar for right turns. A little practice and you will get better at it. Pushing is much easier when you are leaning into your corners.
Use your knees on the sides of the seat to help secure yourself on tight-fast corners.
Your passenger can lean some also if they wish; however, they should hang onto their grab-rails in corners.
Read the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s guide on cornering a motorcycle. The setup they suggest prior to entering a corner applies to the Spyder.

 

[Peter Aawen]

After you decide on which model pleases both of, you may want to look at iMotorsports in Elmhurst, IL. They have a website for new and used Spyders. They even have free shipping on most bikes they sell. I have bought two Spyders from them with trade-ins both times. They are easy to deal with. ...

Agree! ^^ And don't forget that they pretty much always do a very good (if not the best ) price for the extended BEST Warranty on new Spyders too!

 

[rjinaz86323]

2020 and newer it is, thanks!

I ride almost exclusively 2-up and the F3 Limited suits our needs just fine.