Have you thought about adding seat belts to your Spyder

[otter28169]

I work for The Raymond Corporation building forklifts for a living. In the early days of forklifts there were no "cages" around the forklift operator, and seat belts were not installed. This was so that if something fell back toward the operator, or if the forklift tipped over the operator could get out of the way. When cages were added to fork lift design to protect the operator, fatalities actually increased, because the operators were leaving the seat when the forklift tipped and would get caught under the cage. Seat belts were then added to keep drivers from leaving the seat during a tip-over.

My point is that seat belts are a good idea in certain situations, I just do not believe that they are a good idea on my spyder. I tend to slide from side to side a little on the seat when I am cornering, which makes me feel more comfortable. I would also hate to limit my mobility without having something around me for protection.

Just sayin'............

 

[jthspace]

BMW made a city trike that had a seatbelt which allowed drivers to ride it with no helmet. It did have a kind of roof.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=b...X&ved=0ahUKEwjrrMj3qqDNAhUILsAKHbS3DokQsAQIGw

I think a jacket with in-built airbag is the way to go. O.K., you may bounce into the next county . . . .

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_cat/1672

Jeff

p.s. Helmets are not compulsory on a vehicle registered as a "Trike" in the U.K.

 

[pitzerwm]

Though a seat belt might give advantage in a few scenarios, it would be a negative in the great majority of incidents. The air bag vest would probably be a better way to go.

What some of you are missing is that in the last 9 Spyder accidents, 7 stayed upright and the people flew off and most were killed.

I've rolled a car and yes the seat belt saved me. But I've put a bike down at over 120mph if I didn't get away from the bike I wouldn't be here. I'm thinking if something happens even with a spyder I want to be able to get away from it. Air bag OK maybe but I'd still have to say no to a seat belt. Some spyders have gone up in flames and I wouldn't want to be strapped to one that did. IMHO

The fire excuse was used when seatbelts were put in cars, Fires don't happen like they do in the movies, you have plenty of time to get off, belts ALMOST never jam. Ask SpyderAnn, she knows all about fires.

Those of you who suggest that its better to be able to JUMP off, at our age get real, we would be lucky to leap off a park bench.

Seems that most are still thinking in a 2 wheel situation and I agree you have no chose there. But with 7 out of the 9 Spyders staying upright in the accident (77%) AND most of the people died from being thrown off. Maybe its time to think about it. Yes the airbag/airbag vest is a great idea but more expensive than most can afford.

Ask the people that have had an accident here like hitting a dear or something else that knocked them off. No one just got up and walked away. Two friends here on 2 wheelers, doing about 2-3MPH in a round about, raining apparently with the oil on the road went down. Broken ankles, one leg etc. They had their gear on, it just happened. That is why we ride Spyders, knowing that mostly they won't go over.

Thanks for all the thoughts and ideas. Time will tell if its a good idea and I hope I don't turn out to be the poster boy. :doorag::doorag:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: I hate to say this...

But perhaps you should just stay in your car: it's much safer. :shocked:

There's no denying that motorcycles are more dangerous than cars...
No matter WHAT you do to your bike: that won't change. :banghead:
What WILL help: a change in your riding habits and situational awareness skills! :thumbup:

I'm sorry, to be sounding a bit harsh about this...

 

[Devious56]

Do it yourself

After all of this discussion I think if I felt a seat belt would be a good idea, I would do it myself. They are relatively inexpensive, in fact, I installed them in my custom 1956
Ford F=100 pick up. I guess I've ridden motorcycles too long, as it just doesn't seem like a good idea to me to have seat belts on my Spyder. I'm certainly happy the Can Am didn't find it necessary to put them on the Spyder, I'd still be riding (or trying to) a motorcycle.

David