OMG...I Rode A Motorcycle!

[NancysToy]

OK, with a fleet of motorcycles in the garage, that doesn't seem unusual, but the fact of the matter is that I have not thrown my leg across a conventional motorcycle yet this year up until now. Every mile has been spent on a Spyder...mostly my RTS. Last year I was about evenly split on mileage between my RTS and my BMW, with the vintage bike rides putting the bikes a little ahead. This year has been very different.

Riding the bike felt good, I have been doing it most of my life. I had to fumble around to remember how the turn signals worked, which gear was best under which conditions, and to remind myself to use the hand brake, but that was to be expected. I didn't even forget to put my foot down when I stopped. So what's the verdict? Am I a motorcycle rider or a Spyder ryder?

I felt right at home on the bike, even after the long layoff. I did not feel ill at ease in the least. That being said, I did not have that overwhelmingly comfortable and safe feeling that I seem to have on the Spyder. I felt good to lean again, but I actually missed the G-forces in the turns that are experienced on the Spyder. I also missed the physical exertion of turning. I guess I have gotten very used to the Spyders, and what they bring to the table.

I have been contemplating selling off the BMW sport tourer, or maybe trading for a lightweight dual-sport. A decision is still not clear in my mind, though. I am convinced that my touring days from here on will be limited to the Spyders, however. I just can't imagine doing our ten state, eleven day, 2,300 mile Maggie Valley trip two-up on any other vehicle. I have been spoiled for these road trips, even though the BMW is a freeway flyer. I did enjoy the added available power of the BMW, the added available torque, and the lighter weight. Sooner or later, I will make up my mind, but for now the two rides will still share the garage, I guess. Each is fun in its own way.

 

[BajaRon]

OK, with a fleet of motorcycles in the garage, that doesn't seem unusual, but the fact of the matter is that I have not thrown my leg across a conventional motorcycle yet this year up until now. Every mile has been spent on a Spyder...mostly my RTS. Last year I was about evenly split on mileage between my RTS and my BMW, with the vintage bike rides putting the bikes a little ahead. This year has been very different.

Riding the bike felt good, I have been doing it most of my life. I had to fumble around to remember how the turn signals worked, which gear was best under which conditions, and to remind myself to use the hand brake, but that was to be expected. I didn't even forget to put my foot down when I stopped. So what's the verdict? Am I a motorcycle rider or a Spyder ryder?

I felt right at home on the bike, even after the long layoff. I did not feel ill at ease in the least. That being said, I did not have that overwhelmingly comfortable and safe feeling that I seem to have on the Spyder. I felt good to lean again, but I actually missed the G-forces in the turns that are experienced on the Spyder. I also missed the physical exertion of turning. I guess I have gotten very used to the Spyders, and what they bring to the table.

I have been contemplating selling off the BMW sport tourer, or maybe trading for a lightweight dual-sport. A decision is still not clear in my mind, though. I am convinced that my touring days from here on will be limited to the Spyders, however. I just can't imagine doing our ten state, eleven day, 2,300 mile Maggie Valley trip two-up on any other vehicle. I have been spoiled for these road trips, even though the BMW is a freeway flyer. I did enjoy the added available power of the BMW, the added available torque, and the lighter weight. Sooner or later, I will make up my mind, but for now the two rides will still share the garage, I guess. Each is fun in its own way.

Congratulations! One of my New Years Resolutions was to ride 2 wheels again this year! It's been about 2 years since I've taken this...

And done this! Yes, me on 2 wheels doing The Dragon! Made front page on Kilboy!

Do I look 2 years younger in this picture? Don't answer that!

 

[2Gunns]

Scotty,

I completely understand your post. I have two 2 wheelers sitting jeolusly in the garage...the Spyder gets all the attention.

Had a riding freind say just the other day "maybe when I can't hold one up any longer, I'll concider a Spyder"..... if that was ONLY it.

Hard to explain to others what this Spyder does to a man, It's not that I can't, I just don't want to hyea:

 

[mxz600]

That being said, I did not have that overwhelmingly comfortable and safe feeling that I seem to have on the Spyder.

I felt the same same way when I would ride the Harley. That is why last year I probably didn't ride it more than 300 miles. And this year it is no longer taking up space in my garage. I could not care less if I ever ride on two wheels again.

That being said, one has to be careful not to let the Spyder lull you into a false sense of security. It is a jungle out there and Spyders, like motorcycles, are at the bottom of the food chain.

 

[Bob Denman]

You see; you CAN go home again! :2thumbs::congrats:

 

[cougar]

BajaRon,

Not much ground clearance there on the Dragon shot. :lecturef_smilie:

 

[MouthPiece]

Scotty, for me it was a personal decision as I see you're contemplating as well. Although I feel I'm completely capable and have been on two wheels over the years, I just felt it time to "start a new chapter". I'm loving this new ride and have enjoyed the many people associated with it.

Chris

 

[cougar]

Three wheelers for me. Next time you see me on a two wheeler this will be it. And not any time too soon. opcorn:

 

[Bootie]

So what's the verdict? Am I a motorcycle rider or a Spyder ryder?

I had a BMW K1200GT, my last 2-wheeler before I bought my first Spyder. I was on a trip to Nova Scotia in 2008 and I dropped the BMW 3 times.:gaah: The first time was as I was pushing to back out of my garage. My foot slipped on the sandy floor and over we went:cus:. Wife was watching and said "Why don't you get one you can handle" as she helped me pick it up. The other two times were up in Canada. I then swore a swear that I would look into one of these funny looking 3-wheelers when I got back to Ohio. I got my RS in Sept. of '09 and ordered my RT for March '10. I now have 25K miles on my RT and I never dropped it even once. For me, the answer to your question, Scotty, is a no-brainer.:clap::yes:
Also, one could throw out a knee trying to prevent one of those Heavy, High center of gravity BMWs from tipping over.

 

[ARtraveler]

:congrats: on that first two wheeled ride of the year. I too feel a little less comfortable and safe when riding my two wheeler.

I have not taken mine on any longer trips yet this year--but take it to work for the daily commute at least 4 days a week (40+ miles round trip). So I get my fix of two wheels in pretty regular.

I am now doing a lot of two-up riding on the :spyder2: and would not feel comfortable with an adult on the back of the two wheeler. Just to much strain on my back.

It is good to have a choice of rides though.

 

[bikeguy]

I can relate to your experience, Scotty. The last time I rode my R1100RT was to take it in to get a state inspection sticker just before I sold it. It still felt really nice on the highway but it was as top heavy as it always was at low speed when stopped. I love riding the RT because of the low speed stuff but I just don't want to give up two wheels.

My 1975 R90/6 still needs some work to be road worthy but I try to ride my dirt bike every week or two. As long as I can do that, maybe I won't lose all my two wheel skills.

Cotton

 

[Cliff-Co.]

2 or three wheels

OK, with a fleet of motorcycles in the garage, that doesn't seem unusual, but the fact of the matter is that I have not thrown my leg across a conventional motorcycle yet this year up until now. Every mile has been spent on a Spyder...mostly my RTS. Last year I was about evenly split on mileage between my RTS and my BMW, with the vintage bike rides putting the bikes a little ahead. This year has been very different.

Riding the bike felt good, I have been doing it most of my life. I had to fumble around to remember how the turn signals worked, which gear was best under which conditions, and to remind myself to use the hand brake, but that was to be expected. I didn't even forget to put my foot down when I stopped. So what's the verdict? Am I a motorcycle rider or a Spyder ryder?

I felt right at home on the bike, even after the long layoff. I did not feel ill at ease in the least. That being said, I did not have that overwhelmingly comfortable and safe feeling that I seem to have on the Spyder. I felt good to lean again, but I actually missed the G-forces in the turns that are experienced on the Spyder. I also missed the physical exertion of turning. I guess I have gotten very used to the Spyders, and what they bring to the table.

I have been contemplating selling off the BMW sport tourer, or maybe trading for a lightweight dual-sport. A decision is still not clear in my mind, though. I am convinced that my touring days from here on will be limited to the Spyders, however. I just can't imagine doing our ten state, eleven day, 2,300 mile Maggie Valley trip two-up on any other vehicle. I have been spoiled for these road trips, even though the BMW is a freeway flyer. I did enjoy the added available power of the BMW, the added available torque, and the lighter weight. Sooner or later, I will make up my mind, but for now the two rides will still share the garage, I guess. Each is fun in its own way.

Hey (nancys toy) , this old feller in colo., got the same-o feeling, after a 1 1/2 yr. lay-off with a new art. left hip, I jumped on the Harley V-Rod, & altho it was funnnzy's, I also feel more compfy on three wheel's, So guess it must be time, too turn them 2-wheeler's over too the grand-kid's, soon as they get home from the marines.

 

[BajaRon]

BajaRon,

Not much ground clearance there on the Dragon shot. :lecturef_smilie:

I was just coming off the apex there so I'm starting to stand the bike up in that picture! :yikes:

I'm always amazed at how much I think I'm leaning vs. how much I'm actually leaning. Camera angle has something to do with it too.

I was probably scraping something just before this picture was taken. The 109 doesn't have a ton of clearance but it will get around corners pretty nicely for a bike that size.

Looking at that picture makes me want to go riding... but it will probably be my Spyder again. :gaah:

 

[Bob Denman]

Three wheelers for me. Next time you see me on a two wheeler this will be it. And not any time too soon. opcorn:

Uhhh.... technically that's got 4 wheels... :f_spider: Unless you count the 2 up front as training wheels! :roflblack:

 

[Mo Lee]

Sorry but I don't think I'm ready to give up two wheels yet. I do love the Spyder however the Valks are great as well. I do try to equally share myself between them just like a good polygamist.

 

[MarkLawson]

Uhhh.... technically that's got 4 wheels... :f_spider: Unless you count the 2 up front as training wheels! :roflblack:

Nah, he'd be riding wheelies all the time!

 

[retired1]

2 or 3wheels?

My '99 Triumph Legend has been at my sons, in Wisc. He called last night and suggested selling it, I think because of the maintenance on the three carbs. I sent him the title and told him to sell it. I still have my "01 Sportster and my "07 Tri. America which probably got a combineed 50 miles on them last year. I just want something to ride if my RTS gets tied up at the dealer.

 

[Mr. White]

I sold my '03 Burgman 650 two weeks ago as I always jumped on my Gold Wing trike or Spyder. It was a great machine, but I don't miss it. Having it gather dust and insurance cost was determining factor. I am going to keep the GW, at least for a while.

:spyder2:

 

[BajaRon]

Sorry but I don't think I'm ready to give up two wheels yet. I do love the Spyder however the Valks are great as well. I do try to equally share myself between them just like a good polygamist.

I'm not giving up. Lamont promised we'd get our 109's out this year, and the year isn't over yet! Lamont never breaks a promise.... stretch, bend, torture maybe.... but never break!

 

[Mo Lee]

I'm not giving up. Lamont promised we'd get our 109's out this year, and the year isn't over yet! Lamont never breaks a promise.... stretch, bend, torture maybe.... but never break!

:clap::clap:opcorn:opcorn: