Considering switch from 2 to 3 wheels.

[RAM1961]

Hi all. New here, and am currently selling my Yamaha Venture of early 80's vintage. My Yamaha "widow maker" of the same era for MX has already been sold. Why? A right ankle fusion 5 years ago does not make a good braking device since it is locked in place. Further fusion surgery a month ago just confirms it that much more. Been riding/racing on dirt since late 60's and following asphalt trails since mid 70's.
But I don't want to quit riding. ATV's are fun for backwood poker runs and I use mine all the time for various chores. Sleds are fun for awhile but winter is a busy work season for me, so I sold them.
So here I am wondering if going the Spyder route is a good option. Been lurking and noticing you don't see a lot of them for sale. 2013 appeared to be a big change year and I do like the look and features of the ST Limited. Bigger engine in 2014 with better mpg also raises the bar. I know I need to ride one and see how it goes. Appreciateany thoughts in advance.

 

[ARtraveler]

Hi all. New here, and am currently selling my Yamaha Venture of early 80's vintage. My Yamaha "widow maker" of the same era for MX has already been sold. Why? A right ankle fusion 5 years ago does not make a good braking device since it is locked in place. Further fusion surgery a month ago just confirms it that much more. Been riding/racing on dirt since late 60's and following asphalt trails since mid 70's.
But I don't want to quit riding. ATV's are fun for backwood poker runs and I use mine all the time for various chores. Sleds are fun for awhile but winter is a busy work season for me, so I sold them.
So here I am wondering if going the Spyder route is a good option. Been lurking and noticing you don't see a lot of them for sale. 2013 appeared to be a big change year and I do like the look and features of the ST Limited. Bigger engine in 2014 with better mpg also raises the bar. I know I need to ride one and see how it goes. Appreciateany thoughts in advance.

I think you have answered your own question. Test drive is the way to go. You will save money on any two cylinder. They are now discontinued. Check out the 4-sale section here. Lot's of options. Due diligence will get you a good rig at a good price.

 

[Grandpot]

With the issue of your right ankle, you should consider adding a hand brake to any unit you decide on .

 

[Peteoz]

Along the lines of Granpot’s comment above, you only have a footbrake to operate all brakes on the Spyder. You can add a hand operated brake (ISCI) but you would need to do some research to see if it would work for you.

Pete

 

[Bill W.]

I owned a 1985 Venture for 10+ years, and loved it. Wife decided she wanted to start riding with me. As you know, the Venture was a great motorcycle, but was top-heavy. I'm not getting any younger, and I didn't want to have to hold both of us up on that Venture every time we stopped at a light. Jokingly, I told her we would have to buy a different bike, and she said "OK!" Soon after, we're proud owners of a 2014 RT Limited. Fast forward to now, and we try to get out for a ride a few times a week, and longer trips on weekends. It's a bit of a 'getting used to' on the Spyder, but you'll never have to worry about putting your feet down at a light ever again. Best of all, the wife loves riding, and you know what hey say - Happy wife, happy life!! :yes:

 

[Chupaca]

Agreed....

AKspyderman
:agree: it will, in the end, all be in the test Ryde. Your gonna find it a most interesting experience as it is different form all your past ryding...:thumbup:

 

[Haze]

2013 STS

I have a 2013 ST-S and love it. I bought it sight unseen and had never ridden a trike before.
I was lucky as after a few farkles she is perfect for my touring needs. Just rode from
Pittsbyurgh, PA to Carson City, NV. Plenty of power for me.
I agree with all above that a test ride is needed to determine
your fit and how the bike feels to you.
There are plenty of parts available for the twins and the older machines are
available at very reasonable prices.
A hand brake would be a very good investment.
Good Luck you are in for miles of smiles.

 

[4 MARIE]

there are plenty of low mile, creampuff Spyders out there. The twin is okay, the triple is awesome.
people buy these, and something medical or physical comes up. This is part of the demographic.
There are deals. You need a test drive or two, you will join the community .

 

[youngers]

here is a wonderment

if the automatics ( s-e models ) have the foot brake , and a paddle clutch switch , how hard would it be too have the foot brake moved too the left side ? I know the brake set-up in the rear on the right side , but maybe a carry over linkage from the left foot area too where the foot brake was on the right side ? has me thinking

 

[al0vely]

I see a Spyder in your future

I see a Spyder in your future :yes:.

There are many different models available - with some great pricing on used models if you are patient.

Try to understand the riding position of the various models before you buy - some are harder to retrofit to comfy than others IMO.

 

[Easy Rider]

A hand brake would be a very good investment.

I put a hand brake on mine......and then had to shell out extra $$$ for an adjustable lever for small hands.

Also the pull is too stiff because they went overboard with the extra return spring that is part of the "add-on".
I have a different spring but haven't installed it yet.

It appears that the hand lever will never give you quite the emergency braking that the foot pedal does but should be quite adequate in most non-emergency situations.

The brake pedal on an RT pushes pretty much straight down so you might be OK with it.

A test ride is required.

 

[asp125]

With the limited movement in your right ankle, you should test sit/ride all the models to see which one you can best operate the foot brake. Like others said the ISCI handbrake option might be a necessary $$$.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Just a note, in 2014 the ST still had the twin, and in fact, never was fitted with the larger 1330 triple with the improved mileage and reduced maintenance schedule. Like someone else said, test ryde them all ST, RT, and F3. They are all different in ryding position, and passenger ryding position! Good Luck!:yes:

 

[RAM1961]

Thanks for the replies so far. My biggest issue with an 800+ lb. 2 wheeled tourer was I could never get comfortable pushing the foot brake down with right foot, keep my balance and then get that foot down when stopped. Not an issue as much on smooth pavement, but bouncing around coming to a stop while just using heel or ball of foot to try to apply the right amount of pressure is a challenge in itself. Not really an issue with a dual purpose bike such as a KLR 650 which are half the weight, but this is what got me looking into the Spyders in the first place. They are far and few between up in these parts - a couple in Spokane area and then a few more out in Seattle (8 hours away).

 

[loisk]

If you wait a few weeks, brp are unveiling their <$10k usd Spyder - we're all guessing as to what it may be, but it will offer another (cheaper) way into the spyder world.

 

[RAM1961]

Sounds like a smaller trike is being introduced. I want more of a touring-feel when I get on vs. A crotch rocket feel. Both knees are replaced as well, so comfort and ergonomics will be important. Don't care whether auto or manual but will want floorboards of some kind rather than pegs.

 

[loisk]

Agree, it's a wait and see, but my bet is that it will have f3 ergonomics. My favourite....

 

[HeartHopper]

I made the switch in APR 2018.

Test ride is a must!

I'm a 57 years old male with very worn out body parts (feet, knees, hips & back). :gaah:
I had Yamaha V-Star 1100 Silverado.
I purchased a new leftover 2017 F3 Limited late April of 2018.
Love the F3 adjustability and the cruiser rider positioning.
Not a fan of the mirror location, all I see is my elbows.
It took me sometime to adapt but I'm riding with a smile.:riding:

2 up riding is a breeze, rain and sand is not as challenging too.

Best of luck in your search.
September Lake George, NY 2018 Spyderfest looking for bike option inspiration. :spyder2:

 

[Peteoz]

Not a fan of the mirror location, all I see is my elbows.

Great to hear you’re enjoying it HeartHopper. Hang in there with the mirrors. I have a 16 F3-L and it took me many rides to get the mirrors where I only just had my elbows in the mirror and a good view behind me. Also there are a couple of vendors out there who sell a convex mirror cover that slips over the F3-L mirrors that really helps with the rear view.

Pete