DID Make My Mind up! - Big D's Mighty Red Baron has Arrived!

[flapjackandbeans]

Hi
thanks for the add I've been pondering on a Can Am Spyder RT Ltd 2024 for a few months now. I live in the UK, and I was an avid motorcyclist riding some 15,000 miles per year until late 2020, when a friend stuffed his BMW K1600 into my back end & I suffered a leg injury, and it's made my left leg a tad weak. But carrying on from that I continued to ride, and I rode KTM 1290 Super Adv and even bought my second new one last December. However, my right leg is now giving me sciatica from January and after an MRI and Hip scan it seems a new hip may be needed. Here in the UK, it's a waiting game unless you throw £14k at it private. So as I'm now 71 and been motorbiking over 55 years. I did a trip last month to Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany; some 2,000miles, but my 3 pals were having to lift my right leg over the saddle, and whilst riding I was in a lot of pain even with the meds doctor gave me. This can be seen on my youtube channel which I don't know if I'm allowed to show the link, so I have not.

NOW, to the point; as I'm not as confident, not as balanced, not as strong as I was riding 2 wheels, so should I try 3? That led me to ask my wife if she would come on the back like she used to do many years ago when I had a GL1800 Goldwing. I bought it home with me to the UK from Las Vegas whilst on holiday Stateside. The reply was maybe? That led onto going to 3 of our 5 or 6 Can Am UK dealers, and I rode a spyder for 10 mins, then I thought NO, it's not for me, the steering, the cornering was so wrong!

Then at a later date, I had another go, didn't grip the bars like a gorilla, leaned and pushed me leg into the turn and found it slightly better... So, without rambling on further before we all fall asleep, here are my questions to you experienced Spyder Riders....

1. Do long term 2-wheel lovers/riders get used to the Spyders quirks and get to learn to ride them?
2. Does the feeling of being an old, has-been biker fade away?
3. Are they any good on England's poor roads?
4. If I don't like it, does it become an unsellable white elephant?

I welcome your thoughts, good or bad...

Big Derek

 

[Little Blue]

:spyder:....Welcome to the Spyder Forum. All of your questions are welcomed.

So first off, I am a lifer on two wheels. Then I started having some crazy issues with holding up the bike. My wife was not happy about riding anymore.

Second... I saw my first Spyder in 2013. It was a very challenging experience coming from the 2-wheelers world. My wife and I decided to give the Spyder a chance. So, in 2016, we did.

I took the BRP Spyder Ryding course that same year (2016).
For me, I really learned a lot from the course and ryding.

There are a lot of good Tips on this Forum.
So do check them out.

Good luck on learning the skills to ryde your Spyder... :thumbup:

 

[AstroTom]

I'll answer number one. I'm 70, been riding on two wheels for 55 years also, and purchased my 2020 RTL last month. It wasn't long before I adapted the change and absolutely love the Spyder. Now, I did do a lot of reading, and watched quite a few YouTube videos. I also spent quite a bit of time in the month before my switch, imagining the difference while riding my 2-wheel bike. I felt I was mentally prepared when I purchased the Spyder. Of course, imagining how something behaves, can't compare to reality, but it really helped. I spent my first week doing casual rides around town, and one key for me was not trying to compare the Spyder to all my other bikes. I simply saw it as a new vehicle that I needed to get to know. Every bike I've owned was different, and that's how I approached riding the Spyder.

Within about a week, riding it felt natural. The next step was to take it on a local highway that is full of curves going up the side of a ridge to another town, then turning around and riding back down. I did this for a few days, with each day riding the curves a little faster. This taught me how it handles and improved my confidence. I'm very happy with my decision and find riding the Spyder to be an absolute blast. In some ways, it reminds me of my old Goldwing, and at other times it reminds me of a sports car I had a few years back. It's comfortable, smooth, and fun in the curves. Can't beat not having to put my feet down when stopping and I love having a reverse.

Of course, your experience may be different. They aren't for everyone.

 

[RiderDuke]

1. Do long term 2 wheel lovers/riders get used to the Spyders quirks and get to learn to ride them.
2. Does the feeling of being a old has been biker fade away
3. Are they any good in Englands poor roads.
4. If i don't like it does it become a unsalable white elephant.

Welcome your thoughts good or bad,,,

Big Derek

I've been on two wheels for approx 42years. A shoulder injury at 60yo MADE me switch to a three wheeled bike. (I'm not ready to give up riding).
To answer you 4 questions.

1. Stop comparing to a 2 wheeled bike. When I stopped, I was able to enjoy the quirkiness of the Spyder... Twisties and Riding are no longer a problem.
2. Old is a state of mind... We are getting older so embrace it.. My two wheeled riding buddies sometimes rag on me but, also envy me at times.
3. ENGLAND?? Never been. We have ours rough roads here. A light grip and don't fight the bike makes it much more doable and fun
4. I love mine... It has kept me in the wind and riding. It's been a blast... In my mind I'm still a biker and I've embraced the extra wheel..

 

[Mikey]

:welcome: You will get used to it and learn it's quirks and enjoy it for what it is! There are some things that you'll want to most likely do to the bike after you get a little bit of seat time, shocks, sway bar, tires, they will improve the handling and comfort. Some say that the 2024's come out of the box pretty good handling well, some say not, you'll have to be the one to judge that! If after a while you decide you don't care for it, it will not be hard to pass it on to some one that wants it! It's a fun ride, it's not a pop a wheelie and see how far you can carry the tire ride, but it's a fun way to get your face in the wind and see the countryside. Three wheels are getting more popular as time goes on, I am seeing a lot more every year. Good luck with your soul searching! I believe you will like it!!:2thumbs: PS if you have ANY questions about your bike, there are a bunch of good people here on this site to help with about anything that may come up, just ask the question!!

 

[JayBros]

I agree 100% with RiderDuke, age is absolutely a state of mind. If you can and WANT do it, get out on three wheels and twist that throttle.

 

[Dochatley]

I too was in your same shoes. Getting older and my back has issues which makes riding 2 wheels very painful at times. I have been riding 2 wheels for over 55 years and about 9 years ago purchased a 2015 Spyder RT Limited at a Rally after taking a demo ride with my wife. The comfort was fantastic. After I had it for about a year I wanted a 2 wheeler again. Missed leaning into the curves. So, I sold the Spyder and went back to 2 wheels. But about 3 months ago while on a trip into Arkansas it was getting difficult to get on and off the bike. I decided it was time to go back to 3 wheeling. The ONLY THING I am not crazy about riding the Spyder is tight corners because there is no lean and it feels different. Otherwise I love it. Push button gear changes, no holding it up, very smooth ride with tons of storage And easy getting on and off. The turns become no big deal. I think you will come to love the Spyder as it will let you continue riding for many more years.

 

[blacklightning]

I am relatively young when it comes to the age of spyder riders (58 in 8 days), and didn't even get into riding bikes until my 40th birthday. So I have been riding less than 18 years. But I am on my 6th spyder and have owned 13 or so 2 wheelers in that time. Got my first spyder in 2014 after having an accident and the wife wanted me to give up riding all together. I currently have 2 spyders and a 2 wheel cruiser in my garage. I will always have a spyder. It is just so much more confidence building and something that I can feel good about riding 2 up on. I have never ridden 2 up on a 2 wheeler. I love 2 wheels, but 3 wheels are definitly for me.

 

[pegasus1300]

Hi Derek. Welcome to the insanity. After an accident at 64, I was no longer sure of my balance or my situational awareness, but I was not ready to quit riding even after 50+ years. My friend was leaving riding and selling his trike at a really good price, so I bought it and rode it for 4 years, but never really liked it. Then I saw a used Spyder again at a great price, sold the trike, bought the Spyder, and never looked back. At 78 and 12, both the owner and the Spyder are getting long in the tooth, so to answer your questions:

1. yes, you can and do get through the transition. By relaxing your grip, you have already made a major transition. The rest will come with time. And as your wife comes to trust you and the Spyder more, the joy of having her back with you will be immense.
2. My arthritis, bad back, and more etc. remind me that age wear and tear are not a state of mind, but being old is. I can still get my leg up and over, I can still see good enough to drive, I still remember where I live and how to get back. I can't do 500-600 miles a day, day after day anymore, but that's ok, I can still push the starter button, I can still change the oil, tires, do other maintenance, and I enjoy what I can.
3. I can't say, never been to England, but plenty of rough roads here. The Spyder does fine.
4. I bought mine used from a retired Marine who could no longer ride because of Dementia. I see used Spyders on this forum that get sold all the time. So the answer is no, you'll find that if you want to sell, you can.

So buy it, ride it, enjoy it, enjoy still being in the wind, and enjoy whatever time you have left. Tomorrow is promised to no one.

 

[WRCLVR]

It will be the right size for those tiny English one lane back roads !!!!!

 

[ARtraveler]

Remember, you came to the Spyderlovers site to ask for recommendations on to buy or not to buy. :bowdown:

I am also a die hard two wheeler driver since 1965. Owned way over 20 rice burners from 80cc to 2000cc. Also owned seven Spyders. See my signature line below. :yes: Bought my first Spyder when they first came out. Got the first one sold to a customer in Alaska. Just had to have it. Eventually, I could not balance my 700# Vulcan 900 so sold the last one in 2021 and it was spyders only.

I say go for it. You know you want one. You know you need one. After five hundred miles or so, you will even figure out how to drive it. It will be the best move you ever made. :firstplace:

 

[broderp]

......

1. Do long term 2-wheel lovers/riders get used to the Spyders quirks and get to learn to ride them?
2. Does the feeling of being an old, has-been biker fade away?
3. Are they any good on England's poor roads?
4. If I don't like it, does it become an unsellable white elephant?

I welcome your thoughts, good or bad...

Big Derek

I'll throw my 2 cents here even though I am not as old and relatively "young" for the demographic. At 55, I need two new knees and have had back surgery, so I have some of the same issues you have. For me, coming from a "sport-like Bike" (Kawasaki Z900) to a Spyder F3S (Gotta stay sporty! ) has been unique experience so far. I have very few miles on my new Spyder, but I can easily say that it's going to be a keeper!

Riding a motorcycle is like being one with the bike during turns and maneuvers. Super cool. Riding a Spyder is like being in a slot car that at every turn wants to throw you off. Once I realized that, it was easy to stay connected in my brain and riding became fun. I find myself looking for the clutch lever and pedal during stopping and maneuvering as well as the right-hand brake lever... I'm fine with this, as I don't want to lose those instincts as I plan on riding my Z900 when my body feels up to it. I also bought the F3 to spend more time with my wife. She's afraid to lean on a motorcycle (has her endorsement though) so I bought her a Ryker. We can travel better on similar vehicles.

Never feel old. I know I'm slowing down physically, but my brain and mind are still 18 ~ ask my wife... hyea:

 

[LesGrossman]

If you need to split lanes in heavy traffic, pull in a clutch to rev-up an engine when going under a bridge, or just simply can't live without the leaning/counter-steering because that's what makes you a 'real man' on 2-wheels... well, then the Can Am is probably not for you.

If you want all the comfort bonuses of being on a reverse-trike, then the Can Am is probably for you. Personally, occasionally I do miss putting a knee down in the twisties... but the Can Am offers so much more to the whole riding experience.

 

[ollicat]

1. Do long term 2 wheel lovers/riders get used to the Spyders quirks and get to learn to ride them. - It will take you about 500 - 1000 miles and then the Spyder will feel totally natural. Be warned you may HATE the first 200 - 400 miles. That is normal because you have so much to unlearn

2. Does the feeling of being an old has been biker fade away - riding a Spyder is much the same a bike but there are some differences. I always feel like I glide on a bike but feel like I drive a Spyder.

3. Are they any good in England's poor roads. - no problems at all.

4. If I don't like it, does it become an unsalable white elephant. - no way!

 

[liv2cod]

Be sure you order the left-hand drive model for riding on the wrong side of the road...

I rode two-wheel as a youngster, mostly off-road and way too fast. I enjoyed getting "air" and flying over the humps at the time. Obviously, my Spyder is not the vehicle for that.

My preference for the Spyder comes from several things:

1. It's easier to drive safely than 2 wheels. You never worry about the bike suddenly vanishing underneath you on a curve with sand you didn't see. You don't need any tricky steering or braking techniques to ride safely. The stopping distance rivals a car and is far superior to any 2-wheeler. The ABS actually works. You're always in the right gear at stops (semi-auto transmission). You never need to hold the sucker up. It is nearly impossible to tip over. All in all, a much safer "wind therapy" experience.

2. It's comfortable for long distances. Almost like a Lay-Z-Boy on wheels. This can even be improved with aftermarket parts for the shocks and seat cushion (although the standard RTL seat is not bad).

3. It's highly visible. The wider front end, with many lights, makes it more visible to cages who might otherwise turn in front of you. The wider stance prevents any side-by-side riding with friends, but overall makes the vehicle more visible and thus safer. In safety class, they taught half of accidents are from being hit by cars, usually as they turn in front of you. The width and lighting make that less likely.

Are there bad things? Eh, maybe bad, maybe just different:

1. It's no speed demon. It weighs over 1000 lbs. (sorry, dumb non-metric American here) and has 100 HP. The top speed is governed at something over 100 mph, as I recall. But the torque band is really wide, from 2200 rpm up which makes it a great cruiser.

2. "You can't lean in turns." Or, more accurately, you don't NEED to lean in turns. Prolly the most difficult aspect for 2-wheelers to get used to. You'll find that you actually DO lean somewhat like the monkey in a sidecar race. You put your body weight on the inside of a turn and it just feels more stable and natural.

3. Some 2-wheelers will disrespect you. Just let it roll off your back. It's "mind over matter". I don't mind because their opinions don't matter.

4. Spyders DO NOT off-road. At all. The belt drive is prone to picking up gravel and rocks if you do, and it will shred the belt and crack teeth off the cog. I see gravel, I turn around.

 

[rjinaz86323]

AS stated it takes around 1000 miles to get used to it. I rode HD for decades, but now at 76 2 wheels are not practical. I really like my Spyder. Tried a HD TriGlide for a few years, but I didn't ever bond with it.

 

[FrogmanDave]

Spyder

 

[AstroTom]

Re: Leaning in curves.

I have played with different styles, one riding upright, and the other leaning my upper body forward and toward the inside of a curve. Either works for general riding but for more aggressive riding in the Twisties, leaning into the curve works better. What impresses me about the bike is when hitting a decreasing radius curve at a spirited speed, instead of the tendency to drift toward the outside, I pull the inside bar toward me and lean a little more and the Spyder just goes tighter in the curve. Even my stock 20 RTL surprises me how well it'll turn in the curves. By leaning forward and inside, I don't even notice the body roll because I'm lower, and looking ahead into the curve. I find even with a stock bike, I'm the weak link. I can be much more aggressive with the Spyder than I could with two wheels. There's a lot more rubber pulling that front end around.

As others have said, don't expect a Spyder to be something it isn't, a two wheeled motorcycle. To me, it is more like a combination bike/sports car/gocart with some Honda Goldwing tossed in for comfort. I see way more positives than negatives. Like any vehicle, it has its quirks.

I have some very poor roads in my area and I feel my Spyder handles them better than my old bike. Only drawback is the width and three wheels means less ability to dodge the bad spots. However, when I hit them, they are less jarring, and I worry a lot less about something grabbing or pushing my front wheel to the side.

 

[Snoking1127]

The Spyder RT is excellent of older riders. I turned 80 in June and in May I did a bucket list 1780 mile 6 day repositioning ride with one of my 2018 RTL's. Which included hitting a German Shepperd dog in California which did 4-4.5K damage to the Spyder, however I was able to complete the ride from Arizona to Washington via the Northern California, Oregon and Washington coasts.

On the open highway you just glide the Spyder. Try to steer it and it will be all over the road. Twisties and you ride it like a snowmobile, moving your weight to the inside of corners. Do they have those in England?

 

[PDXRTL]

I've been on two wheels since 2006 (V-Strom 650). As I neared retirement, I started thinking about a new bike to celebrate. I've had a long-time admiration for GoldWings and took a friends for a ride last summer. Great bike. But I'd also been looking at Spyders, knowing their advantages for stability. So, I rented one and took it out for several hours on familiar roads to give a fair comparison vs. my V-Strom. And then, a few days later, I took the V-Strom out on the same ride just to be sure. Yes, the Spyder is different, but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I knew I'd be buying a Spyder in the future. Picked up my 2024 RTL in May. Have 9600+ miles on it now. Still smiling. Absolutely love it. While the bike no longer leans, when I get aggressive in the curves, I'm having a lot of fun moving my body and leaning to the inside. Cornering is still a skill to enjoy. I will be selling the V-Strom.