Geez - I get on the road and out of touch for a couple of days, and all hell breaks loose.
You know, "fordguyupnorth," you COULD have just emailed or called and ASKED me about all this before creating this little firestorm. It's weird watching everyone postulate on what they "think" I meant or said. But now that the damage is done, I'll try to answer all the questions. First of all, though, if you're looking for apologies or retractions - forget it. I still believe in and stand behind everything I wrote.
So for starters, the book manuscript was submitted to the publisher about eight months before the first time I ever threw a leg over a Spyder. That right there should explain a lot. And I have no control over the printing and distribution schedule. When the economy hit the fan, Motorbooks International put all new releases on hold for a year, so the book was nearly 18 months late coming out. Please don't give me any more flack about not including the Spyder - I hadn't ever ridden one when I wrote that book.
It was noted that I said that I figured the minimum fuel range of a touring bike should be 175 miles. That puts the Spyder right on the fence as barely acceptable. But for the record, I like so much else about it, this would not be enough to keep me from riding it all over the country, which I have done and am doing again right now.
As far as not buying the first generation - I still believe in that. My early production RT has had a half-dozen "teething problems," but as I noted elsewhere, of the 300-plus vehicles I have tested in my career, the Spyder ranks in the top two or three for having the least amount of problems. That's really saying something, but not much solace to those who plunked down $30,000 and then had to have their DPS replaced, or a clutch upgraded, etc. If I had bought this Spyder, I still would have loved it, but I wouldn't have been too happy with the early problems. And yes - I am getting a new 2011 RT in about two weeks - and I'm excited about it.
By the way, I don't consider my book the "bible," or myself a "god." I HATE the title of the book, but like most of our politicians, I didn't read the fine print on my contract, and the publisher got the final say on the title. I wanted to call it "The First Million Miles."
Oh, and another thing, I have already proposed writing a book strictly about the Spyders. The publisher and I are in negotiations about it.
Did I leave anything out? Feel free to ask, but do me a favor and don't make assumptions on my behalf. I'm perfectly willing to answer any questions, as honestly as possible.
Final note for now -- before riding the Spyder, I had tried at least six other three-wheelers and hated them. I never expected to like the Spyder. In fact, my intention was to ride one for a while and then tell all my readers why they shouldn't buy one. I'm man enough to admit I had preconceived prejudices, but also that the Spyder surprised and amazed me. I am a total convert, and hope never again to be without a Spyder in my garage!
Fred
Good friends are always worth waiting for and bjt and I consider you a good friend. nojoke
hyea:
