Dan_Ashley
New member
Learning to ride a Spyder is not as easy as it looks. Here are some pointers to get you going as a Spyder Ryder:
1. Except for the lack of a hand brake, the Spyder SM's controls are exactly the same as on a motorcycle. The Spyder's SE controls are just a little different. Sit on the Spyder for a few minutes and work the controls. Make sure you AND your hands get used to the differences.
2. Also, the steering is different and you need to get used to it.
3. Start out driving the Spyder in a parking lot with your right hand in your back pocket. Leave the Spyder in first gear, steer it around the lot and do some figure-8s. Get used to the long pushes to turn corners.
4. You steer a Spyder much like a car. You will find it easiest to use a push-pull steering technique. That is, when you want to turn right, pull the right grip toward you while pushing the left grip away from you. Similarly, for a left turn, pull the left grip toward you while pushing the right grip away from you. This technique is especially useful making turns on twisties. You will find it much easier to pull the grip on a hard turn than trying to only push the grip.
5. You need to spend some time getting familiar with steering and evasive maneuvers. Your mind will keep telling you that you are on a bike. Train yourself to steer, not countersteer. Also, relax your grip on the handlebars. This will help eliminate fishtailing at high speed. Fishtailing is almost always a technique problem.
6. Don't try to put your foot down when you stop. Unless you have 50" legs, you probably can't reach the ground when sitting on a Spyder anyway.
7. Remember that the Spyder is wide and you have to compensate when you pull in next to a gasoline island or a toll plaza.
8. Drive the Spyder in a traffic lane positioned much like a car. Usually you will want to keep your body smack dab in the middle of the lane.
9. Turning long sweepers will be easy. Doing twisties will take some technique and a certain amount of muscle. Start practicing slowly, then learn how to lean your body to keep the inside wheel on the pavement. When you get comfortable with how the Spyder Rydes, then speed up. Don't rush the learning process.
10. Tight turns or decreasing radius turns on entrance and exit ramps are noticeably more difficult and require steady pressure.
11. Take a MSF Safety course. If you can't find one for 3 wheel motorcycles, then take one for two wheelers. The course will help a lot.
Tips:
Do not assume that since you've been riding motorcycles for 30 years, that you already know how to ride a Spyder. You may find yourself in the ditch.
1. Except for the lack of a hand brake, the Spyder SM's controls are exactly the same as on a motorcycle. The Spyder's SE controls are just a little different. Sit on the Spyder for a few minutes and work the controls. Make sure you AND your hands get used to the differences.
2. Also, the steering is different and you need to get used to it.
3. Start out driving the Spyder in a parking lot with your right hand in your back pocket. Leave the Spyder in first gear, steer it around the lot and do some figure-8s. Get used to the long pushes to turn corners.
4. You steer a Spyder much like a car. You will find it easiest to use a push-pull steering technique. That is, when you want to turn right, pull the right grip toward you while pushing the left grip away from you. Similarly, for a left turn, pull the left grip toward you while pushing the right grip away from you. This technique is especially useful making turns on twisties. You will find it much easier to pull the grip on a hard turn than trying to only push the grip.
5. You need to spend some time getting familiar with steering and evasive maneuvers. Your mind will keep telling you that you are on a bike. Train yourself to steer, not countersteer. Also, relax your grip on the handlebars. This will help eliminate fishtailing at high speed. Fishtailing is almost always a technique problem.
6. Don't try to put your foot down when you stop. Unless you have 50" legs, you probably can't reach the ground when sitting on a Spyder anyway.
7. Remember that the Spyder is wide and you have to compensate when you pull in next to a gasoline island or a toll plaza.
8. Drive the Spyder in a traffic lane positioned much like a car. Usually you will want to keep your body smack dab in the middle of the lane.
9. Turning long sweepers will be easy. Doing twisties will take some technique and a certain amount of muscle. Start practicing slowly, then learn how to lean your body to keep the inside wheel on the pavement. When you get comfortable with how the Spyder Rydes, then speed up. Don't rush the learning process.
10. Tight turns or decreasing radius turns on entrance and exit ramps are noticeably more difficult and require steady pressure.
11. Take a MSF Safety course. If you can't find one for 3 wheel motorcycles, then take one for two wheelers. The course will help a lot.
Tips:
Do not assume that since you've been riding motorcycles for 30 years, that you already know how to ride a Spyder. You may find yourself in the ditch.
Last edited:
pps:
