Disc'd by your riding buddies

[PCBeachBum]

On a Thursday just before Thunder Weekend, My housemate wanted to go for a ride. We stopped at the local biker bar and the parking lot was full of HD, Yamaha's, Victory, BMW's, crotch rockets and a few Honda and HD Trikes.

This one guy asked why I bought this thing? I told him I'm a disabled veteran with bad knees, ankles and a problem in my left ear, that sometimes throws me off balance, when walking and on two wheels.

Giving up motorcycles in 1977, after meeting the ex, riding never got out of my blood. I told him, I didn't give a Rats :cus: about what other's thought of my :spyder2: I bought it because at my age now, its less painful than a two wheeler and I don't have to worry about my balance.

I asked what he was riding? as if I didn't know and he said a black HD. Looking out in the parking lot, I said 90% of them are black, it must be one of those. I gotta say though not all were put off by the :spyder2: and many had questions about it. A few said they were going to check them out further. So not all were as snobby as the first guy and many understood why I chose the :spyder: after learning about my disabilities and what the cost of it was, compaired to the conventual trikes on the market.

I ride for me and no one else. My buddy has a chopper from OCC and wants to take my :spyder2: for a ride. He stopped by today and we went for a ride and he wanted a drink, so we stopped at this biker bar. Not one asked why I bought it and like most places I stop at, I get a lot of questions about it, from those that ride and those that are interested in getting one themselves.

 

[Smylinacha]

Nope, NOTHING sporty about it - they are just down right scary to me. Normally screaming kids in there and moms talking on cell phones while driving the screaming kids to dance, soccer or what have you. I'm glad I was never like that! Nice to have our kids ride in convertibles and cars w/ race engines in them and trucks w/ big stupid tires on them.:thumbup:

Thanks aubie....yes, that's all the intent was, nothing malicious or demeaning.....

BTW, I think the japanese cars and minivans plastered with "Harley-made in the USA" stickers are comical, too....

and speakin of minivans, any minivan model called a 'sport', is really funny:roflblack:......There is NOTHING sporty about a minivan....:roflblack: :roflblack:

 

[SpyderWolf]

I am in the same boat as you PCBeachBum. When I was a young Marine in the mid to late 80's I was a crotch rocket pilot. I sold the bike when I got married, for the sake of safety and finances at the time. It never left my blood though. Now, 7 knee surgeries later and I cannot trust them to hold up a motorcycle at a stop. The Spyder was actually the answer I needed as I wanted something sporty, but could not see getting another sport bike.

I don't care what anyone else thinks of my Spyder either. I post pictures of it on here to share with you all, but that is about it. I also have no problem talking to those who have questions about it. The funny thing is the most people I have had ask me questions and want to know more about it so far have been Harley riders.

I also wave at every other bike I meet, if it is safe to do so at the time.

 

[Smylinacha]

I never had a wave problem. Sometimes I just get tired of waving all the time. Everyone waves around here. But never had a problem w/ anyone being snobby - guess my group is a good group. I won't ride w/ people that are Harley snobs. There's this one couple we stopped riding with - Harley this, Harley that - oh please - they can't even ride them - when we ride w/ them we all try to get in front of them cuz they suck at riding. The guy rides at a snail's pace and his wive is all over the road - pretty much in the middle alot and you definitely don't want her riding behind you - can't see her in the mirrors. I just love the ones that put bikes on their credit cards and waste all their money on all doo rags, boots, shoes, etc to ride on the weekends where everyone wants to get away from them.

I am pretty shocked at this. Around here, the BMW riders are very friendly. I would be totally flabbergasted at a "one finger salute". I almost always get a wave from a Beemer rider, even if I am not riding one of my BMWs. Around here, the sport bike riders and the Harley posers (not the real Harley riders) seem to be least likely to wave. I will excuse the sport bike guys. Sometimes it is hard to do more than lift a finger when you are leaning forward on your hands and often going like a bat out of Hades. I will say this in defense of many BMW riders. They put on a lot of miles, are generally older, and are very safety conscious. Sometimes it is just not prudent to wave...and you can't see them smile inside a full face helmet. Odd how things are different from place to place.

 

[Toys42]

BMW Wave

BMW / FJR / Concours wave -- a simple nod. These riders are serious bikers who aren't going to get distracted from their travels. Definitely the best group to go on a ride with because they'll always stay serious, safe, and fast (but not dangerously fast!)


Maybe that is my problem, I am looking for the wave and they are giving a nod! I maintain a serious grin while riding the Spyder in the North Georgia mountains regardless of who waves.

 

[PCBeachBum]

I am in the same boat as you PCBeachBum. When I was a young Marine in the mid to late 80's I was a crotch rocket pilot. I sold the bike when I got married, for the sake of safety and finances at the time. It never left my blood though. Now, 7 knee surgeries later and I cannot trust them to hold up a motorcycle at a stop. The Spyder was actually the answer I needed as I wanted something sporty, but could not see getting another sport bike.

I don't care what anyone else thinks of my Spyder either. I post pictures of it on here to share with you all, but that is about it. I also have no problem talking to those who have questions about it. The funny thing is the most people I have had ask me questions and want to know more about it so far have been Harley riders.

I also wave at every other bike I meet, if it is safe to do so at the time.

Hey SpyderWolf, When I was a kid and very limber, I did some crazy things that I'm paying for today. I remember an uncle telling me not to get old kid. I didn't know what he meant than but, I do now with all the aches and pains. I broke my right leg in 2004 in both bones, below the knee. The worst being the fibula just above the ankle joint. This took 6 months to heal in a cast and another 3 months in a boot. I still walk with a limp and when the weather changes, I know something is coming long before it gets here. The most painful bone I broke was the kneecap. I fractured it and opted to have it heal natually, instead of the surgery. I didn't want some intern going in and cutting tissues at the VA.

In 2005 I found out I had type 2 diabetes and after loosing 68 pounds, I'm no longer a diabetic. Than this year had three stints and a pacemaker put in and now!!! I really know what my uncle meant. I feel great now, even with the aches and pains and have learned to live with it and without the Spyder, I would be sitting around doing nothing or working around the house, which I hate.

The Spyder is therapy for me and getting out as much as I can, it takes my mind off of what I may be feeling at that time and the normal things going on. The boat did the samething for me, when I was able to get out and talking to my friend Tami, I told her I get more out of the Spyder and am going to sell the boat. She loves the Spyder and would rather be on that, than out on the boat on her days off. I told her I was going to get dog food and leaving the store, I knew the Spyder dealer was around the corner. I just went to look and the next thing I knew I was signing the papers. She found out about it, when she saw it sitting in the yard a week later.

I also have a drawer full of pain killers but never take them and may break one in half, if I can't sleep at night. I'm awake at all hours it seems.

I too wave at everyone and if they don't wave back, that's okay I'm not going to loose any sleep over it, I can do that myself

I get a lot of questions from other bikers, mostly from Harley, BMW owners and women, that want to know about it. The last women I talked to was at Walmart and she wanted to know where the dealer was. She said her children and grandchildren, live a thousand miles away and she is sick of riding her big scooter and wants "More Power". I told her about the new RT-S and she thought Wow! Would my kids flip out if I showed up on one of those. She thanked me and said tomorrow, I'll go check them out.

I had the trunk open and another guy asked if I was having engine trouble? :roflblack: So wherever I go, I expect a lot of questions and on several occassions while at a stoplight, I'll hear hey! Looking over, I'll see someone with a camera and I'll smile and wave, while they take a picture of the Spyder.

 

[BumbleBee]

In Missouri you have to wear a HELMET, have a MOTORCYCLE ENDORCEMENT on your license and you have to have MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE. It's a MOTORCYCLE!!!!

So what would you call a trike then? Just because we have more then 2-wheels...

People's attitude stink, just laugh it off. Who cares what they think, I am going to enjoy every minute of my spyder ryding, I don't care what other people think, :2thumbs:

 

[PCBeachBum]

Shakes hairy old head, Chevette owner's have graduated to the Mini Vans. Get by one going 25 in a 45 mph speed zone and there's another one, with a HD sticker in the back window along with the yellow caution sign, that says Child On Board. Looking at the inside, there's no child and still they go 20 mph below the speed limit. :gaah:

How I would love to have fog lamps, that flip down and 50 cal. twin machine guns come out, just for Mini Vans. :clap:

 

[2Gunns]

Thanks aubie....yes, that's all the intent was, nothing malicious or demeaning.....

BTW, I think the japanese cars and minivans plastered with "Harley-made in the USA" stickers are comical, too....

and speakin of minivans, any minivan model called a 'sport', is really funny:roflblack:......There is NOTHING sporty about a minivan....:roflblack: :roflblack:

no offence taken ...it's all good :2thumbs:

 

[2Gunns]

Since I live on the NC/SC border (live in NC work in SC) I asked my SC law enforcement bud enlightined me a bit. As far as the "man" is concerned:

"In ALL but 3 states (Cali, CO & SC) it's a motorcycle...thus you are required to have a motorcycle endorcement etc. In the mentioned 3 states it's a three wheeled vehicle so no endorcements neccessary.
Coincidently, these three states do not require a motorcycle helmet."

I asked about trikes..nope, that's still a motorcycle (in SC anyway). He thought it was because the Spyder is offered as a automatic transmission.

 

[PCBeachBum]

After 32 years of not riding, I had to go take a safety course to get my endorcement for my FL license. I dropped the bike once doing a U-turn in a box and knew I was going down, so rolled off of it. I hurt my ankle and a couple of toes but, got back on.

The day of the riding skills test I aced it and the instructor who was pulling his hair out for a day and a half, told me I should have brought out the stop watch and clipboard yesterday. I told him I was messing with him and we both laughed. His hair is now growing back and said I'd love to take you to the track with your Spyder.

During the two biker weekends, one at the beginning of the season and the other at the end of the season. Bikers come from many states, some as far AZ, CA, KY, TX, NY. MI and points inbetween. I can honestly say that 99% are great and only occassionally I may find a snob, that thinks his :cus: doesn't stink.

It doesn't matter if its biker weekends and most times its just everyday people, that may live around here. Everyone of Tami's biker friends wants me to go riding with them and they think the Spyder is a cool looking machine. When asked why I bought it, manytimes I'll just say its the closets I'll ever get to owning an old Porsche. My brother mentioned he was thinking of selling his 64 Porsche 356C Outlaw and found out he did last week. He knew I wanted it but got a better deal. I thought well I got the Spyder and thats a lot of fun to ride, so it doesn't bother me and I'm glad he got his price.

 

[SpyderWolf]

PCBeachBum, an intern at the VA very kindly removed all of the tissues in my left knee for me. A civilian doctor took care of the right one. :shocked: I am glad to hear that the Spyder gives you so much enjoyment and helps you get through the aches and pains as well.

Keep on ryding and stay safe out there. :thumbup:

 

[caser]

Since I live on the NC/SC border (live in NC work in SC) I asked my SC law enforcement bud enlightined me a bit. As far as the "man" is concerned:

"In ALL but 3 states (Cali, CO & SC) it's a motorcycle...thus you are required to have a motorcycle endorcement etc. In the mentioned 3 states it's a three wheeled vehicle so no endorcements neccessary.
Coincidently, these three states do not require a motorcycle helmet."

I asked about trikes..nope, that's still a motorcycle (in SC anyway). He thought it was because the Spyder is offered as a automatic transmission.

I don't know where you got the no helmet thing for Cal. trike riders. We are required to wear one like all mc riders.

 

[Desert Spyder]

I thought Calif. & Delaware were the only states that did not require MC permits? Now CO & SC?

 

[BajaRon]

I don't know where you got the no helmet thing for Cal. trike riders. We are required to wear one like all mc riders.

:agree: If you don't believe it....just try riding a few blocks without one! Good Luck! :yikes:

 

[PCBeachBum]

PCBeachBum, an intern at the VA very kindly removed all of the tissues in my left knee for me. A civilian doctor took care of the right one. :shocked: I am glad to hear that the Spyder gives you so much enjoyment and helps you get through the aches and pains as well.

Keep on ryding and stay safe out there. :thumbup:

SpyderWolf, I had the feeling that after 7 knee surgeries, the Spyder was giving you the same kind of freedom it gives me and that's great. :thumbup:

No matter how far I go, when I get back, I feel great. Its a natural high for me and often lasts for a day or so. I'm gonna need it now as it's supposed to rain for the next 4 days.

This nurse at the VA said to me, your lucky you just fractured your kneecap. I'm in pain everyday with my knees and ankles. Looking at her, I told her that knee and ankle joints, aren't built for the weight your putting on them and getting rid of that butt of yours, would help you a lot. She says what are you my doctor now?:roflblack:

My ex, a RN worked for the VA, she was in the room when I told this nurse that and she says to her, Did you hear what he just told me? My ex says, he tells it like he sees it and that's one of the things, I love about him. This nurse stormed out of the room saying, "Well I never" and of course I said, "I bet you have".

SpyderWolf, you stay safe out there as well and who knows, perhaps one day we will be in the same area. One of my childhood friends, that I went through school with lives in SC, Greenfield or something like that. He was a Marine Corp Pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom, A-7 Crusader and ending his career with the F-18, after getting out of the Pentagon. We've been talking about getting together either here or there for about a year and who knows it could happen. He knows it like pulling teeth to get me off the beach and knows why, with all the hotties here as a friend down under calls them.

 

[SpyderWolf]

The SC Governor changed the law last year so now a Motorcycle Endorsement is not required for 3 wheeled vehicles. Before that we needed an automobile license, motorcycle endorsement, and a 3 wheeled vehicle permit. Helmets are not required for anyone over 21 here. I wear one at all times, but most of the other people I ride with only take one with them if we are going to cross the state line.

PCBeachBum, there is a good chance your friend lives in either Greenville, or Greenwood, and I can make it to both of those within 3.5 hours or so. If you happen to come to SC sometime let me know. Although I think he would be much wiser to head to your place. :thumbup:

 

[jsmiley]

Hahahah.....damn snobs. I have a few buddies who ride HD and they give me ***** all the time. It pissed me off in the beginning a little, but then i thought about the reality of the situation.....and I think they have begun to realize it as well.

I ride my :f_spider: in the rain, at night, in the city, during rush hour, on ice yesterday in some spots, and will continue to do so through the winter. Guess where their bikes are? Yup, in the garage under a cover on trickle charge waiting for the spring.

They have both admitted the envy now and have seen the folly of their ways.

Now I know some HD riders are hard core and ride all year round, but joe average rider does not.

You are making the right choice....IMHO

 

[PCBeachBum]

Hahahah.....damn snobs. I have a few buddies who ride HD and they give me ***** all the time. It pissed me off in the beginning a little, but then i thought about the reality of the situation.....and I think they have begun to realize it as well.

I ride my :f_spider: in the rain, at night, in the city, during rush hour, on ice yesterday in some spots, and will continue to do so through the winter. Guess where their bikes are? Yup, in the garage under a cover on trickle charge waiting for the spring.

They have both admitted the envy now and have seen the folly of their ways.

Now I know some HD riders are hard core and ride all year round, but joe average rider does not.

You are making the right choice....IMHO

In the beginning I took it to heart, what other bikers thought of my Spyder and now I know its just jealousy. They can have a tricked out whatever and you show up on your :spyder:and get all the attention from those with open an mind, that ride and those that haven't ever rode or did and want to get back into it.

Its like when another driver flips me the bird. I don't get mad or even, I just smile and two things come to mind. 1) the song by Jimmy Buffet, Were you born an :cus: Or have you been working at it all your life? 2) Sure your young enough to give it but, just wait till you get older and your doctor starts giving it to you. Than you'll really learn, what giving the finger is all about :shocked::roflblack:

My buddy with the chopper from OCC asked me if I was going to winterize it? I told him, I don't winterize anything here. I use everything year round. Winter lasts about 2 1/2 months here and I want to take advantage of ryding in the cooler weather, before the heat of global cooling moves in.

 

[PCBeachBum]

The SC Governor changed the law last year so now a Motorcycle Endorsement is not required for 3 wheeled vehicles. Before that we needed an automobile license, motorcycle endorsement, and a 3 wheeled vehicle permit. Helmets are not required for anyone over 21 here. I wear one at all times, but most of the other people I ride with only take one with them if we are going to cross the state line.

PCBeachBum, there is a good chance your friend lives in either Greenville, or Greenwood, and I can make it to both of those within 3.5 hours or so. If you happen to come to SC sometime let me know. Although I think he would be much wiser to head to your place. :thumbup:

SpyderWolf, Greenville looks familiar and I believe that's where he now lives. He was here once before and because of a hurricane, that hit close by, he had to go to Pensacola to get some action, with mostly every buisness closed and boarded up.

He's in the process of getting re-married after his first wife passed away, several years ago and said they may head this way. If I get to SC, I'll let you know for sure.:thumbup:

The last time I went through SC was back in 2002, heading to Marion, NC w/my late friend Mark, to be with Tami for Christmas and New Years, who lived there before moving here, to be with him.