Considering purchasing Spyder ST with no experience_need encouragement

[spyder pilot]

Newbee,
I was in the same situation as you are. Virtually no cycle experience at all. No test ride prior to purchasing a RSS. My first ride on the Spyder was the ride home from the dealership. I planned the ride for a Saturday morning when traffic was light. Got comfortable with throttle, brakes and shifter in the parking lot next door to the dealer. For the first few weeks, I Googled farm roads in my area and then pre-drove the route in my car to determine road hazards and traffic flow. If in doubt, I had my wife follow me in the car. I never went anywhere that wasn't analyzed first. This allowed me to concentrate on the Spyder, not the road or traffic. Took about 10 trips to get my confidence up, but now it's a blast. I'm old and super careful. But what fun!

 

[Newbee93003]

Hi!

I just wanted to ask, why are you looking to get a Spyder? Give us a little more information, and I'm sure that there's someone else here in a similar situation.

For me, I can't stand being a passenger. Probably comes from my time being a pilot... If I had based any desire to ride on being a passenger, I never would have started riding.

-Fratz

Hi there:
Thanks for your response. I have always wanted to ride a 'motorcycle' but at 103 lbs, felt like I would fly off of it. With 3 wheels, I felt like--finally--I could have an opportunity. My husband thinks I will not like it because I don't like speed. Although I am a good driver and tend to drive faster than I probably should in my 4Runner. For $20K +, it would be hard to justify if I only rode it a few times per month.

 

[Ronbo]

Always wanted to......

Hi there:
Thanks for your response. I have always wanted to ride a 'motorcycle' but at 103 lbs, felt like I would fly off of it. With 3 wheels, I felt like--finally--I could have an opportunity. My husband thinks I will not like it because I don't like speed. Although I am a good driver and tend to drive faster than I probably should in my 4Runner. For $20K +, it would be hard to justify if I only rode it a few times per month.

Try it! You will love it!

ron

 

[Brettssunshine]

Hi there:
Thanks for your response. I have always wanted to ride a 'motorcycle' but at 103 lbs, felt like I would fly off of it. With 3 wheels, I felt like--finally--I could have an opportunity. My husband thinks I will not like it because I don't like speed. Although I am a good driver and tend to drive faster than I probably should in my 4Runner. For $20K +, it would be hard to justify if I only rode it a few times per month.

You don't have to spend $20k+ for a Spyder to see if you like it. I had never been in the "driver's" seat of a Spyder until I purchased mine 3 weeks ago. Knowing this, I searched on a daily basis Cycle Trader, Craigs List (I know, I know) and Ebay for a used Spyder. I found my 2009 RS SE5 with 2500 miles in show room condition on Craigs List. I have under $10k invested in her. Having done this, I would be able to get rid of her easily and probably not lose a dime. There have been quite a few Spyders posted in this forum for sale.

There's actually a 2010 Phantom Spyder posted in our forum that's for sale. Asking price is $10k and they are located in California!

 

[PistonBlown]

Hi,

Firstly I don't blame you for feeling a little intimidated by the idea of riding a Spyder. Despite having ridden motorbikes since I was 17 I was scared rigid when I first rode mine. It's a learning curve for everyone - in fact after my nervous start I found that part exciting and fun, it was like being 17 again

I wouldn't worry about having little or no motorbike experience because that's actually a handicap when you start riding a Spyder as there are so many habits you have unlearn or change.

It's easier coming from a car because:

• The brake pedal under your right foot just like a car - and lets admit, it knowing how to stop is reassuring Motorbike riders are constantly reaching out for a handbrake that's not there.
• You have to steer around corners, sounds logical to a car driver but motorbike riders are used to just leaning.
• The Spyder will feel smaller, more nimble and quicker to stop than a car so the size isn't intimating once you're on it.

If the dealer refused to let you test ride because you were nervous then they are an idiot - any normal person is going to be when trying something different. Personally if I was a dealer it would be the ones that weren't nervous that I'd be worried about

When you do ride for the first time you will worry and it will feel strange. It will wobble around because you'll be gripping the bars too tight (everyone says don't do it but we all do at first). It will take a while to get used to how it turns, goes and stops but it soon clicks into place. When you're in the front seat you'll find the power will feel very manageable and pretty smooth.

Obviously I can't directly comment on its suitability for the female rider However the two fastest, and smoothest, Spyder riders I know are both women.

 

[Scotts8826]

I did not see in your post that you have a motorcycle license. If you don't have one, take a beginning motorcycle class where you can earn you license. By the end of the course you will feel much more confident even though some of the skills learned will not apply to a Spyder. Better to spend a little money up front than to buy an expensive machine you cannot drive.

 

[Newbee93003]

Great video! Gorgeous scenery! Thank you very much for your encouragement!!

 

[Rawhide kid]

One other thought...is their a place nearby that rents Spyder's? Two here in Phoenix do and I almost rented before buying. (Bought anyway)

a bit pricey perhaps but worth a shot.

 

[bobgeorge]

I did not see in your post that you have a motorcycle license. If you don't have one, take a beginning motorcycle class where you can earn you license. By the end of the course you will feel much more confident even though some of the skills learned will not apply to a Spyder. Better to spend a little money up front than to buy an expensive machine you cannot drive.

+1 on this. I took a trike (Can-Am) course 2 weeks ago and learned a lot. It was a total of 16 hours...both classroom and on a closed course. Plus I got my Virginia M3 endorsement.

I think taking a class is the way to go!

 

[bobgeorge]

Also, the class cost $180...but well worth it.

 

[Newbee93003]

Took Test Drive TODAY! WOO HOO!!

I finally took a test drive on a gorgeous white RT Limited today and it was a blast! If you recall, I have absolutely NO experienced riding any type of 2 or 3 wheeled/motorized vehicle. Someone mentioned that I would have a smile plastered on my face the entire time, and they were correct! Oh boy, now I'm hooked. So much for the Mini Cooper...

 

[bobgeorge]

I finally took a test drive on a gorgeous white RT Limited today and it was a blast! If you recall, I have absolutely NO experienced riding any type of 2 or 3 wheeled/motorized vehicle. Someone mentioned that I would have a smile plastered on my face the entire time, and they were correct! Oh boy, now I'm hooked. So much for the Mini Cooper...

Cool. I hadn't road a bike in 30 years....but two weeks ago I tested a Spyder RT and two I ended up buying a White RT Limited :spyder2:

 

[wiredgeorge]

Cool. I hadn't road a bike in 30 years....but two weeks ago I tested a Spyder RT and two I ended up buying a White RT Limited :spyder2:

Do they let you drive a 3 wheel vehicle in California without an endorsement on your license? That may be why the dealer didn't want you to drive one (if you have no endorsement and need one). I suspect test drives involve a lot of liability.

 

[bobgeorge]

Do they let you drive a 3 wheel vehicle in California without an endorsement on your license? That may be why the dealer didn't want you to drive one (if you have no endorsement and need one). I suspect test drives involve a lot of liability.

I don't know about California, but in Virginia you can only drive in the parking lot without a 3-wheel endorsement. One dealer had a policy that you had to have your endorsement for 2 years before they let you test ride on the streets. The other dealer let you test ride once you had your endorsement.

 

[Mr. White]

I finally took a test drive on a gorgeous white RT Limited today and it was a blast! If you recall, I have absolutely NO experienced riding any type of 2 or 3 wheeled/motorized vehicle. Someone mentioned that I would have a smile plastered on my face the entire time, and they were correct! Oh boy, now I'm hooked. So much for the Mini Cooper...

Hmmmm, this is not good. You tested a RT-L and had a ball and admit you are hooked....now the fun (money) part starts, shopping for a 2015 (or new 2014 if available) as they are 3 cylinder and better than the two cylinder engines....in several areas. I had a 2011 RT-SE....good machine but not as good as the three cyl. Go back for a second or third test run and see if it is still fun. Check on licence requirements....ask the dealer or a friend....and get your license....even if you don't buy soon. Have fun and good luck.

When you get one, check the tire pressure....it makes a difference in how the machine handles. I like a firm ride and run 25 front and 30 rear in Mr. Cognac. Some like less, it is a personal thing....

:spyder2:

 

[Ronbo]

I agree

Look up on the BRP web site for the dates and location of their demo tour. The set up a course in the parking lot and you learn the basics under the instruction of BRP folks. That will tell you a lot.

BRP TEST RIDE at BRP event is the way to go. Start slow, but don't be afraid to do it. You can do it, and you will enjoy yourself

Ron

 

[Rockwall]

I highly suggest taking a motorcycle safety course first. They are for beginners and will get you acquainted with basic operations of any bike. Then absolutely get out to a dealer and test ride before you buy. You don't want a very expensive, unused toy sitting in your garage depreciating. :doorag: