First Time Poster Long Time Lurker Hi Everyone!

[Motorcycledave]

Hey Left Coaster.....

I am also a left coaster from San Francisco....
call me some time, I may be able to help you out
with your Spyder search. 209-887-3283
Welcome to the bunch
Dave

Hi Spyderlovers!

Just thought I'd introduce myself as I hope to become a regular member of the group. Hail from the San Francisco Bay area for the last 20+ years or so but have spent a decent amount of time in Colo. and Oregon as well. Mid 50's semi retired (I think, quit my job a few weeks back we'll see how I feel in 6 months) and really want to get a Spyder. The conversations have started with the wonderful other half but it's going to be a process. Conversation got a bit quiet with I told her I wanted an RT and the response was "that's as much as a car". Bless her

When we get closer I will definitely be here for more advice. I got the M on my license 3 years ago after taking the safety course for the explicit purpose of meeting my brother, a two wheel guy, for a trip in AZ. I rented a 2008 (not even sure what model it was, looked like a sport model) from a local guy in Tempe and we went from Tempe to Sedona to Flagstaff over two days where my brothers bike broke down. I'm not too proud to say I was pretty nervous for the first 2 hours but after we got on open road and I loosened up I loved every single minute of the trip. Everyone we met asked about the Spyder. We hit everything from rain to hail to light snow, warm and chilly so for a first ride it was a really good experience. We cut the trip short a day when his bike broke down and the weather was prohibitive for the day we wanted to get to the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately that sort of forced us to return to Tempe a day early and we rode two up on the way back; we were able to get his and my stuff in the Spyders frunk and storage. Freeway riding with semi's is definitely NOT the part I enjoyed as speeds ranged from 55 to 80 while watching a Kenworth barrel closer in the mirror but again good experience and I loved the bike. I even kept the bike a day we didn't need it because i didn't want to turn it back in. I now have $1500 worth of gear that has been sitting in the closet: it needs a purpose.

Since then I've been lurking here and fantasizing about the day and hoping that my wife will also ride with me. We have one in college in North Dakota in the flight program but still have a 14 year old at home so I don't think she would do much until he too is in college. In the meantime that will create an interesting purchase decision when the time comes so as to not overbuy and decide used vs new.

Like I said I've done a bit of forum reading and it seems like the first decision would be to find a reliable dealer out here that really knows how to service these and provide good customer service. If anyone reading this has had positive experiences with any dealers in the NoCal area I'd like to hear about it, or what to look for and ask when I stop in. I assume asking if they have a trained Spyder mechanic would be one of the questions.

Thanks for allowing me to join the community!

Steve

 

[Deanna777]

Leftcoast,

:welcome: Glad you could join us!

We are here to help, ask questions.

I would like to say Welcome! from the North East!

Deanna

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

I think manual (SM) or semi-auto (SE) is also one of the first things to decide. I don't know what the rental Spyder was, but if you haven't tried the SE, you should. You may find you like it.

As to dealers, I agree it's good to find a dealer you trust and that does good work in their service department. But there are dealers all over the country you can get a good deal from on new Spyders. I know of many folks who go half-way across the country to buy theirs.

This is a good place to get an education. I think you'll find us all pretty helpful.

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome:

I think manual (SM) or semi-auto (SE) is also one of the first things to decide. I don't know what the rental Spyder was, but if you haven't tried the SE, you should. You may find you like it.

As to dealers, I agree it's good to find a dealer you trust and that does good work in their service department. But there are dealers all over the country you can get a good deal from on new Spyders. I know of many folks who go half-way across the country to buy theirs.

This is a good place to get an education. I think you'll find us all pretty helpful.

RE: SM5 vs. SE5. There was talk of the SE5 here in 08. I was not given the option. Could have anything I wanted as long as it was an SM5.

The SE5's showed up here in 09, and I ordered an early one for the spouse.

I am one of the few diehards that actually prefer the semi auto on the Spyder. After that first SM, the other four have been SE's.

When I need a manual fix, I just get on the Vulcan these days.

The cost is about $1,500 more but you get it back when reselling or trading. Manuals seem to take longer to sell.

 

[LeftCoast]

I am also a left coaster from San Francisco....
call me some time, I may be able to help you out
with your Spyder search. 209-887-3283
Welcome to the bunch
Dave

Thanks very much Motorcycledave. When I’m able to actually get serious about buying i’ll definitely take any advice you have to offer.

 

[LeftCoast]

Leftcoast,

:welcome: Glad you could join us!

We are here to help, ask questions.

I would like to say Welcome! from the North East!

Deanna

Thanks Deanna, I’ve started a list and will research the board first but will be interested in insurance rates. An initial quote was $1400 gulp!

 

[Roadster Renovations]

:welcome: You are going to love ryding on three! Nothing like it!!

 

[LeftCoast]

:welcome:

I think manual (SM) or semi-auto (SE) is also one of the first things to decide. I don't know what the rental Spyder was, but if you haven't tried the SE, you should. You may find you like it.

As to dealers, I agree it's good to find a dealer you trust and that does good work in their service department. But there are dealers all over the country you can get a good deal from on new Spyders. I know of many folks who go half-way across the country to buy theirs.

This is a good place to get an education. I think you'll find us all pretty helpful.

Someone above said it was a GS. I just remember the rental guy said it was an 08 but it was a semi auto. I would probably go that route again but I see the attraction to a manual too.

 

[LeftCoast]

:welcome: You are going to love ryding on three! Nothing like it!!

Cant wait! :thumbup:

 

[Hypurone]

Thanks hypurone, ignore my post in your other thread, we must have been replying at the same time.

Hah! Too late! :roflblack:

 

[Deanna777]

Thanks Deanna, I’ve started a list and will research the board first but will be interested in insurance rates. An initial quote was $1400 gulp!

Leftcoast, Who gave you the "initial quote of $1400?

Be sure to check around, for quotes ( check with Geico, Dairy land, Progressive, Foremost ( thru AARP).

Be sure to take a look at the sponsors/venders on the "Homepage" of this site.

Also, take a look at the "Spyder Events on the "Forum" page.

Deanna

 

[LeftCoast]

Leftcoast, Who gave you the "initial quote of $1400?

Be sure to check around, for quotes ( check with Geico, Dairy land, Progressive, Foremost ( thru AARP).

Be sure to take a look at the sponsors/venders on the "Homepage" of this site.

Also, take a look at the "Spyder Events on the "Forum" page.

Deanna

Thanks Deanna, initial was from Safeco, they did a good job with auto and home but I’ll shop elsewhere for the Spyder

 

[HayRog]

LeftCoast ..

... Three dealers in N.Cal that I know of .. hope any of the following helps.

Elk Grove Power Sports, Elk Grove --- these guys I can vouch for. Bought our Spyder from them and serviced there ever since. I like them.

Marina Boat and Power --- no experience with them but have heard good things. Nearer to you.

Roseville Powersports, Roseville. ---- been in business at this location just a short while. Great looking showroom but no experience with them.

As for insurance, and this is just my experience. I've been with Geico for many years for my bikes. Thought I'd make a change last year to do some insurance consolidation. I had many quotes from many companies but none could beat Geico.

Good luck with your upcoming Spyder ownership.

 

[ARtraveler]

Thanks Deanna, initial was from Safeco, they did a good job with auto and home but I’ll shop elsewhere for the Spyder

I have State Farm for my car, home, and three motorcycles.

2014 RTS--$523 per year.

2011 RT--$416 per year. Both full coverage.

 

[Flamewinger]

I just bought my RT from Spirit Motorcycles on Meridian in San Jose. There is also Cycle Specialies in Modesto, Elk Grove Powersports and a dealer in Holister. Spirit just got a bunch of new '18s as well as a few earlier models and a few used ones. Ask for Martin, he's the owner. SRA SF chapter meets on, I believe the first Saturdays at Spirit. A special event will be in Tracy March 3. Check https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRABayArea/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/162255490493110/

 

[LeftCoast]

... Three dealers in N.Cal that I know of .. hope any of the following helps.

Elk Grove Power Sports, Elk Grove --- these guys I can vouch for. Bought our Spyder from them and serviced there ever since. I like them.

Marina Boat and Power --- no experience with them but have heard good things. Nearer to you.

Roseville Powersports, Roseville. ---- been in business at this location just a short while. Great looking showroom but no experience with them.

As for insurance, and this is just my experience. I've been with Geico for many years for my bikes. Thought I'd make a change last year to do some insurance consolidation. I had many quotes from many companies but none could beat Geico.

Good luck with your upcoming Spyder ownership.

Thanks very much for this HayRog, actual experience with Elk Grove is a great endorsement. Their Yelp reviews are good too, although I take Yelp with a grain of salt.

 

[LeftCoast]

I have State Farm for my car, home, and three motorcycles.

2014 RTS--$523 per year.

2011 RT--$416 per year. Both full coverage.

Thanks akspyderman, those rates may one of the many pluses of living in Alaska. I guess until I actually have a bike I don’t have to stress about this one too much.

 

[LeftCoast]

I just bought my RT from Spirit Motorcycles on Meridian in San Jose. There is also Cycle Specialies in Modesto, Elk Grove Powersports and a dealer in Holister. Spirit just got a bunch of new '18s as well as a few earlier models and a few used ones. Ask for Martin, he's the owner. SRA SF chapter meets on, I believe the first Saturdays at Spirit. A special event will be in Tracy March 3. Check https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRABayArea/ or https://www.facebook.com/groups/162255490493110/

Thanks for these flamewinger. I’ve already checked out the Facebook page and will check out Spirit as well.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Couple of Dealers

Left Coast welcome to the site. You have lots of options for quality dealers in your area. Closest would be Spirit Motorcycles in San Jose. Martin ( pronounced Marteen ) is the owner there. Seems to be a great guy. They also support the Bay Area Chapter of Spyder Ryders of America, and that club actually meets at the dealership. Great ryding group! Also BRP has just started a 3 wheel Motorcycle Saftey Course out of Santa Clara. I am sure you can get information from the dealer in San Jose.

Also consider Elk Grove Powersports, ask for Allen, Marina Boats and Powersports, Greg is the owner, Shawn is the GM. Decide on the motorcycle you like and then see where you get the best deal. Also consider where you would have it serviced when you buy. I would say that all of these dealers are of high character, they have quality service departments that are committed to the Spyder line with BRP Certified, and Master Mechanics. I will PM you with contact information and you may feel free to call me regarding anything Spyder! Hey just buy the 14 year old their own Spyder in two years and you can ryde as a family!

 

[LeftCoast]

Left Coast welcome to the site. You have lots of options for quality dealers in your area. Closest would be Spirit Motorcycles in San Jose. Martin ( pronounced Marteen ) is the owner there. Seems to be a great guy. They also support the Bay Area Chapter of Spyder Ryders of America, and that club actually meets at the dealership. Great ryding group! Also BRP has just started a 3 wheel Motorcycle Saftey Course out of Santa Clara. I am sure you can get information from the dealer in San Jose.

Also consider Elk Grove Powersports, ask for Allen, Marina Boats and Powersports, Greg is the owner, Shawn is the GM. Decide on the motorcycle you like and then see where you get the best deal. Also consider where you would have it serviced when you buy. I would say that all of these dealers are of high character, they have quality service departments that are committed to the Spyder line with BRP Certified, and Master Mechanics. I will PM you with contact information and you may feel free to call me regarding anything Spyder! Hey just buy the 14 year old their own Spyder in two years and you can ryde as a family!

Thanks very much Pirate, I will talk to a few dealers when the time comes, hopefully sooner than later, but having names to work with is very helpful.