Do I make the Switch?

[robshog]

Hello Forum members, I been lurking around this forum for quite a while, let me just first say, the way other member really look out for each other is impressive. Ok, I currently own a 2008 HD Street Glide, which I truly love, but due to some recent ear surgery, I have been plagued with Vertigo. Riding the Harley has turned into more of a labor of work than love. The problem starts about 30 mins into my ride, I start becoming disconnected from the bike and somewhat lightheaded. Then I sort of snap back to reality and overcompensate for the rest of the ride especially in the area of braking, non-abs. So i looked at a spyder today and will be test riding it on Monday. I just want to make sure Im following the right path from making a switch to two-wheels to three, understanding that the ride is different, I have ridden ATV and snowmobiles, as I understand that this is more like the spyder. The cost of triking my current ride or trading to a Tri-Glide is not cost effective, so I need some input on those individuals who switched from 2 to 3 wheels and was it worth it for you. Thank to everybody
Rob

 

[dltang]

I can't offer any input, but I can say welcome

 

[tnfleming]

I went other direction: spyder as first bike, now own 2 sport-touring triumphs (the sprint st and tiger). I rode a HD classic something or other super glide or some such. My buddy calls it a couch on wheels. And it rides like one. The spyder is much more zippy and fun than the HD couch on wheels but less than the two wheel triumphs. The spyder has enough stability that it might be better for you to ride if vertigo is a problem. Makes for a fun touring bike but not much of a sport bike if u like twisties. But with vertigo might be perfect.

 

[effgjamis]

We all have our own reasons etc, to ride a :spyder2: . Some still have the 2 wheels others have forsaken the 2 wheels, as I have, for the :spyder2:. I am glad that I can be on the open road riding again after too many years of not being able to... Thanks to the :spyder2: I am again scooting down the road and loving every moment of the ride.

 

[gjco]

welcomefriend

 

[bone crusher]

Hello Forum members, I been lurking around this forum for quite a while, let me just first say, the way other member really look out for each other is impressive. Ok, I currently own a 2008 HD Street Glide, which I truly love, but due to some recent ear surgery, I have been plagued with Vertigo. Riding the Harley has turned into more of a labor of work than love. The problem starts about 30 mins into my ride, I start becoming disconnected from the bike and somewhat lightheaded. Then I sort of snap back to reality and overcompensate for the rest of the ride especially in the area of braking, non-abs. So i looked at a spyder today and will be test riding it on Monday. I just want to make sure Im following the right path from making a switch to two-wheels to three, understanding that the ride is different, I have ridden ATV and snowmobiles, as I understand that this is more like the spyder. The cost of triking my current ride or trading to a Tri-Glide is not cost effective, so I need some input on those individuals who switched from 2 to 3 wheels and was it worth it for you. Thank to everybody
Rob

Rob,

Your ear problem might be an issue with whatever you ride...if the vestibulocochlear nerve is compromised by airflow, no matter what you ride, there might be problems...I'd check first with my EENT first to see if riding at all is permitted...inner ear problems can be quite serious.

 

[Dudley]

Hello Forum members, I been lurking around this forum for quite a while, let me just first say, the way other member really look out for each other is impressive. Ok, I currently own a 2008 HD Street Glide, which I truly love, but due to some recent ear surgery, I have been plagued with Vertigo. Riding the Harley has turned into more of a labor of work than love. The problem starts about 30 mins into my ride, I start becoming disconnected from the bike and somewhat lightheaded. Then I sort of snap back to reality and overcompensate for the rest of the ride especially in the area of braking, non-abs. So i looked at a spyder today and will be test riding it on Monday. I just want to make sure Im following the right path from making a switch to two-wheels to three, understanding that the ride is different, I have ridden ATV and snowmobiles, as I understand that this is more like the spyder. The cost of triking my current ride or trading to a Tri-Glide is not cost effective, so I need some input on those individuals who switched from 2 to 3 wheels and was it worth it for you. Thank to everybody
Rob

I have not had ear surgery, but have experienced Vertigo. It's a bit scarey when all is doing well, then BINGO, you're dizzy as a loon. I started experiencing that over 20 years ago but kept on riding. When the Spyder came out my wife and I were really glad. I am 65 years old, 5'8", 140 pounds and my legs were also getting a bit rebellious when having to support my last bike, a Kaw Nomad which weighed in at nearly 1000 pounds with my wife and me on it. The Spyder will not prevent your Vertigo (as I am sure you know) but when you get it, it will be a lot steadier for you to do what needs to be done until your Vertigo is gone. No fear of possibly falling over, etc. My wife and I enjoy riding, not racing, doing the twisties at what I consider ridiculous speeds, doing burn outs, etc. I don't condemn those that do, we just don't. The Spyder fits our bill to a "T". We have fitted our Spyder to tour and plan on doing that this summer. We have an SE5 and have no regrets about our decision. If you don't want to lose the feel of the wind and the open road, the Spyder is worth your consideration. If you would like to see some of our pics of the Spyder, go to my album.

 

[NancysToy]

I, too, have had severe bouts of vertigo, and it is no fun at all. Riding, sailing, or walking made me violently ill at some times. Oddly enough mine was cured by a bike accident that banged me on the head and knocked me unconscious. I am grateful! You will find the Spyder to be a safe, stable ride, that you can coast to a stop to recover, if need be. I would not be so sure that it will be a pleasant ride, though. You still have the motion, the moving visual reference, and centrifugal force to contend with. You also need to lean your body on the Spyder for maximum control, and to be comfortable. All-in-all, it is more stable than a trike, though. I guess it depends on the degree of your vertigo, and your comfort. Can't hurt to try one out, you seem to have few choices left. I wish you the very best of luck.
-Scotty

 

[SpyderRider2492]

Last year I have major surgery's and can no longer handle my Ultraglide. It stood in the garage for many months, it was hard to part with it being that I have ridden from the west coast to Sturgis twice on it plus the Millwalkie ride and many other great events.

Then along came the Spyder, I saw it just by chance when I passed a dealership and stoped in and made an appoinment for a ride. It is indeed strange to get used to if youve been riding bikes (in my case since early 60's) but on the first test ride I knew it was the only way I was going to be able to get back into the wind. That was almost a year ago and although I have only got about 5.500 miles on it at least its a safe bet for me know and I am enjoying it a great deal. Sure I miss the Ultra, but it was not going to happen to be able to ride it again. I kept my Buell X1 thinking that because it was lighter I might be able to one day get to ride it again but its going up for sale now as since I have the Spyder and have got used to the way it handles its my only ride now and I do not have any fears of dropping it when coming to a stop.

Once again it takes time to get used to it but once you get through this its a blast and there are lots of good people on this site to assist in any way for information too......I know first hand that this is a tough choice, but better be safe than sorry. Good luck on whatever you decide

 

[robshog]

thanks for the replies

Everyone has given me alot to think about. I am scheduled for a test drive with All Out Cycles in Chesapeake, Va, speaking of which has anyone on here heard any comments good or bad about this dealership? Thanks again for your replies and after Monday, I should be better informed of my choices.

Rob

 

[SpyderByter]

Rob,

I am unfamiliar with vertigo, but i do have balance issues and diminished motor control in my legs from a removed spinal cord tumor. Once I was able to walk again, then drive, the next logical step was to try to ride again. I bought a small 2 wheeler, that was ok, but I still had to forgo riding some days that my legs were not up to balancing a bike. With the Spyder, no worries! I went on a 300 mile trip with HDXbones and Roaddog last weekend for the banner run, we are doing it again this weekend. I would not even have tried that on my 2 wheeler. Even after 8+ hours of riding, I was still up for more.

Have you thought a side car for the Hog? Not as fun and wont handle like the Spyder, but still a possiblity.

The Spyder will feel strange on corners on your test ride, but after a while cornering that thing will feel as natural as it used to on your bike. I would try both the auto and manual, but recommend the manual if you are used to having a clutch on a bike. The corners and stops are smoother when you can use the clutch.

 

[Don in E Texas]

They make trike conversions for Hog's -- also one outfit makes a two wheel attachment to the rear (still use factory wheel to drive; two other wheels are outboard - I had one of these on a Honda..worked great - something like $3,000 for the unit).

And as someone else has mentioned, a Side Car is an option as well.

Pay attention to the doc's good advice:chat:

Ryde safe

don

 

[LDFIREWORKS]

2 OR 3 WHEELS

I HAVE HAD MANY BIKES, THEN I BOUGHT THE :spyder: DUE TO A BACK INJURY AT THE TIME I GOT THE SPYDER I HAD 3 BIKES AN ULTRA A V-ROD AND A BUELL , ONE AT A TIME I SOLD THEM , STILL HAVE THE BUELL THINKING THAT WAS LITE SO I WOULD BE ABLE TO RIDE IT IT HAS BEEN UNDER COVER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW [NOT RIDDEN] SO NOW THAT WILL BE NEXT TO GO [I'LL SURE MISS IT ] BUT THE :spyder:IS AWSOME TO RIDE AND NO LIFTING SO AGAIN HAPPY RIDDING:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::2thumbs:

 

[Jimmy Neutron]

Everybody rides the Spyder for different reason. If you do or don't pick one up you will be welcome here. They are great people. Ps Becareful I think they are weaving a web and trying to take over the country......

 

[Firefly]

Hello Forum members, I been lurking around this forum for quite a while, let me just first say, the way other member really look out for each other is impressive. Ok, I currently own a 2008 HD Street Glide, which I truly love, but due to some recent ear surgery, I have been plagued with Vertigo. Riding the Harley has turned into more of a labor of work than love. The problem starts about 30 mins into my ride, I start becoming disconnected from the bike and somewhat lightheaded. Then I sort of snap back to reality and overcompensate for the rest of the ride especially in the area of braking, non-abs. So i looked at a spyder today and will be test riding it on Monday. I just want to make sure Im following the right path from making a switch to two-wheels to three, understanding that the ride is different, I have ridden ATV and snowmobiles, as I understand that this is more like the spyder. The cost of triking my current ride or trading to a Tri-Glide is not cost effective, so I need some input on those individuals who switched from 2 to 3 wheels and was it worth it for you. Thank to everybody
Rob

Just got over a bout of Vertigo myself - not fun waking up in the morning and not being able to balance!

Mine was loose 'ear stones' (rocks in my head). Went away with time, but not sure I would have wanted to ride(even the Spyder) while it was acting up bad.

I would go take a test drive - maybe pick a day when your vertigo is BAD so you can see the worst it would be.

I'd stay away from the SE5 - too many problems popping up.