Has Anyone Gone Back to 2 Wheels

[Bangorbob]

I'm sure there has been a few people gone back to 2 wheels from a Spyder. If you have, why and what age did you do it?
Just curious.

 

[RayBJ]

I'm 77. I've been riding 2 wheels off and on since I was 17. In 2020 I moved from a 1200cc sport tourer to the RT for comfort on long trips (and stability going slow).
Last year I picked up an 850cc Aprilia Mana (2 wheels) for day tripping in hot days. Going back and forth between the 2 has been no issue at all as far as handling and familiarization. The RT is my go-to for 3 seasons and the Mana is the summer ride.

(PS: Fly Navy!)

 

[ARtraveler]

I did it. Five years after selling my Kawi 900 Classic, I bought another one (two years old but NEW), for a very, very good price. Drove it for two more years, let it sit mostly undriven the third year, and then traded it off on a Kawi Mule which we still have.

Laying the 900 down twice while at a stop sign was Gods way of telling me that I could not handle that heavy (735#) of a two wheeler any more. I still miss it, but I am still in one piece. I did find that the 900 was the "perfect" for me Cruiser. I put a lowering kit on #2 so I could touch the ground with both feet flat on the ground. I prefer the ride of two compared to three...but that was just not to be.

Now I am to the point where both of the Spyders are for sale. Health issues this go around. :bowdown:

 

[canamjhb]

I went from (many) years on 2 to a Spyder when I turned 70. Personal reasons caused me to part with my Spyder after 3 1/2 years. I went back to my old Goldwing that I reacquired from my (now) ex-wife. I rode that for one season which is about 9 months here in the desert S.W. I didn't crash or dump it. But I did find that in my mid 70s, I was not as strong or comfortable riding it as I thought I should be. I was overly cautious knowing my skill level had declined somewhat. So, it was back to 3 for me. Two wheels are now forever in my rear view..... Jim

 

[blacklightning]

I went to 2 wheels at the urging of my wife after dumping my 2 wheeler. It was not my fault, but the wife saw it as being a danger. After riding 3 wheels for 2 years, I convinced her I should have another 2 wheeler. After about 6 months of riding, I somehow lost my confidence and sold it. 2 years later, I felt comfortable again and picked up another 2 wheeler. I now have 2 spyders and 1 BMW K1600B that I ride. I feel good riding either one.
BTW, age is 57.

 

[ARtraveler]

I went to 2 wheels at the urging of my wife after dumping my 2 wheeler. It was not my fault, but the wife saw it as being a danger. After riding 3 wheels for 2 years, I convinced her I should have another 2 wheeler. After about 6 months of riding, I somehow lost my confidence and sold it. 2 years later, I felt comfortable again and picked up another 2 wheeler. I now have 2 spyders and 1 BMW K1600B that I ride. I feel good riding either one.
BTW, age is 57.

The BMW K1600 was on my secret want list. And I REALLY, REALLY, like their new 1800cc Cruiser. Five years ago, I would have had that in a heartbeat. :bowdown:

 

[Woodaddict]

I been riding Spyder since Mar 2017 and been forever on 2 wheels. The Honda NT700V is my work buddy commute, the Spyder is the Luxury tourer

 

[CloverHillCrawler]

Don't know if he is still visiting the site but Slice just went back to 2 wheels.

 

[Bangorbob]

I just sold my 14 CTX700 non-dct. I don't miss the clutching and shifting cus arthritis all over ain't fun. I might have a chance to pick up a 15 CTX DTC ABS which would be my 2 wheel fix.

 

[Peteoz]

The BMW K1600 was on my secret want list. And I REALLY, REALLY, like their new 1800cc Cruiser. Five years ago, I would have had that in a heartbeat. :bowdown:

Yes, that 1800cc cruiser really appeals to me, AR, and I thought about getting one once my knee replacements come up to speed.
Unfortunately, after a test “sit”, I found two obstacles. The first is that size 15 boots negate you from using the foot controls (no room under the cylinders), and the second is that long legs are stuck in a single position unless you buy the “highway plates” that sit on top of the cylinders to stretch you legs straight out in front of you. That position does not appeal to me for both comfort, and more particularly, it’s remoteness from the foot boards and controls:yikes:

Pete

 

[Woodswoman]

I just sold my 14 CTX700 non-dct. I don't miss the clutching and shifting cus arthritis all over ain't fun. I might have a chance to pick up a 15 CTX DTC ABS which would be my 2 wheel fix.

Just to let you know, Bob, the DCT shift pattern is the opposite of that on the Can-Am. Two years after switching to the Spyder, I still sometimes flash back to my 2014 CTX700ND and upshift when I mean to downshift. Just takes practice.

 

[Bangorbob]

Just to let you know, Bob, the DCT shift pattern is the opposite of that on the Can-Am. Two years after switching to the Spyder, I still sometimes flash back to my 2014 CTX700ND and upshift when I mean to downshift. Just takes practice.

Overall, how did you like the semi auto honda?

 

[JohnRuckus]

Never had 2 wheels. Maybe 1 day. For now 3 for me

 

[Ex-Rocket]

I stopped riding on two wheels in 2013 at the age of 63. At the time I had a 2007 Triumph Rocket which I traded in on my first Spyder, a 2012 RTS. Since then I've had two other Spyders, a 2015 RTS and currently own a 2017 F3 Limited. Back in 2020 I got the urge to be back on 2 wheels, I missed the lean in the corners. So I bought a used 2002 Honda VTX 1800 which I kept for 2 years and then give the VTX to my son when I found a nice 2008 Triumph Rocket which I still own and ride just as much as I do the F3 Spyder. I really enjoyed both of my Rockets. That brings me up to my current age of 73.

 

[pegasus1300]

After 50+ years on two wheels I went to Three in 2011 after an accident at 65. I knew that I had lost enough situational awareness at that point and a loss of balance from the accident let me know that I was either done riding or done with 2 wheels. I chose to be done with 2 wheels but I do miss it. For those of you who can go back and forth good on ya.

 

[UPSMAN]

I just made the decision at age 60 to put the 2012 Gold-wing up for sale, it only has 8900 Miles. I recently bought a 2014 Spyder and really enjoy the semi automatic tranny and the idea not worrying about holding up the bike when stopped. But I will say,.... I do miss riding the Gold-wing already but I rather sell it in pristine condition then selling it after I have layed it down, one thing that I have had to come to terms with, is my Gold-wing never had a mechanical issue in the 10 years. Just some yearly maintenance and some upgrades. However buying the Spyder, I have a few worries of breakdown issues but that didn't stop me from buying.

But owning a Gold-wing and having Breakdown issues are rare, and I do miss the confidence that I had riding my Honda. But I am new Spyder rider and only time will tell.

 

[Bfromla]

:hun:opcorn: Not “Gone back”. But alternate when possible. :2thumbs: AGE¿:lecturef_smilie:

 

[Navydad]

I have been riding for over 50 years. I never left two wheels as the RT is just an addition to the stable. I did recently sell a Moto Guzzi and added a Suzuki Burgman 400.

 

[blacklightning]

The BMW K1600 was on my secret want list. And I REALLY, REALLY, like their new 1800cc Cruiser. Five years ago, I would have had that in a heartbeat. :bowdown:

I actually had all intentions on buying a 2018+ goldwing. But the salesmen were so rude and didn't want to even talk to me. 2 of my buddies purchased a 2020 and a left over 2019 K1600 and suggested I give BMW a try. I figured they were way too expensive. But I come to find out that they were cheaper than the Goldwing, by anywhere from $2k-$7k. I sat on the 1800 cruiser and the large jugs on the side were very uncomfortable. The in line 6 is silky smooth and the 160 hp is nothing to laugh at. I have been riding 17 years and been through 18 bikes (or spyders), and this is by far the most comfortable and best all around bike that I have ever owned. It handles better than anything but possibly my 600 cc sport bikes that I owned. But being 6'-2" and 260 pounds, this is so much more comfortable. In fact, it is the only bike that I have ever owned that I actually don't look too big for. Lol!

 

[Bangorbob]

Great stories. At 73 I really can't handle the larger/heavier rides anymore. Maybe if I worked out to increase my strength that would help. Once in a while I just gotta ride 2 wheels. Like someone else stated. I miss the leaning and all that comes with riding 2 wheels.