Hellooooo.*coughs* :D

[SheWolf]

I'm new. Yup. Don't have one of these machines, but, seriously looking at heading that direction. So...
Well, I figured I'd throw myself at the mercy of the bike gods and see what kind of sign I get back.
To begin with, I'm an avid rider; been riding since I was 13. Owned an array of bikes starting from an 80cc up to a HD Police Cruiser. I currently own a 250 dual sport; and have been toying around the idea of maybe switching.
I'll run a bit of a history check, so be forewarned that I might ramble, but will eventually get to my main reason for being here.
When I started road riding I was on a 2oo2T Yamaha. I then graduated to cruisers, and sport/super sport bikes. I sold my last sport bike back in 09, because I just wasn't really happy not going off road when I felt like it, and bought the bike I have now. Don't get me wrong; I LOVE (in every sense of the word) this bike. It'll do 100 mph easy, and I've modded it about as much as I can. What I'm realizing now is, that I'm spending more time on the tarmac than I am on the trails. I like to still go out there and play, but I'm finding that with nobody to ride with when I go, and I'm not really doing the hard core stuff that I used to do...yeah I dunno.

I don't really miss my sport bike, to be honest. I'm just kinda at a crossroads in my life I'm realizing.
Enter the Spyder. When I first saw this thing back when they released it, I was like..."Holy crap, someone finally nailed it on the head! A cross between a sled and a bike!" At that point I wasn't really interested in going out and getting one, but I did check one out at the dealer and was intrigued with what I saw. I'm still doing some digging on it to find out everything; I like to know every nook, cranny and available mod that can be done to it.
So, to to all who might be able to lend some informative insight...

Can this bike be taken off road? By off road I don't mean jumps and single track and mud holes (that I do with this bike I have now), I mean hard pack fire/logging roads. I've talked to two people who have taken theirs off road but I didn't really get much more than a 'yeah, it's been off road' before they ride away. Reason being is, I do like to go to fishing lakes or camping, and wonder if this bike can do that. Yeah yeah, I know it's not a dual sport machine and there are bikes better suited for that (I own one

), but like I mentioned before, as off road as it would get would be just that. Hard pack.
I did try to do a search but it split everything up and I never got what i was looking for, so forgive me, being a noob on here, if there was a thread that I ignorantly missed.

That would pretty much be my biggest question. The others I can go and pick the forum apart. I like to research things fully when my interest is piqued.
The only negative thing so far...is the price tag.

I don't like buying used, simply because I'm leery of buying someone else's headache. I have to admit, this thing definitely has me interested enough to sell my beloved 250, and possibly my vintage truck to get...but I'm on the fence still. I am looking for honest, unbiased comments on this. I know coming to a forum that is nothing but spyder riders is going to get the 'this bike is the best thing out there' comments...but this is also the place where people who have experience owning one of these machines are, and will most likely be able to help. Lol...my husband is like..."you can buy a car for that price! That's absolutely retarded dropping that amount of cash on a bike!"

Hey, it's not a Harley. Been there, done that, kaynothxbai.:thumbup:

 

[daveinva]

:welcome:

I don't know if I'm a good candidate to vouch for the Spyder, seeing as our riding histories couldn't possibly be more different (you *have* one, I had very, VERY little before I bought the Spyder).

I can say, for a road machine, it's about the most fun you can have under 100 mph. You'll never compete with a sportbike, and you won't have the chrome pizzaz of a HD, but you get something in exchange: a really unique riding experience. Some compare it to snowmobiling or ATV riding on the road. Me, however... I compare it to owning a street-legal go-kart. Thing makes me smile every time I ride it. That's the point, right?

That said, as others will surely note, it's NOT a cheap bike. Far from the most expensive, but it's a good chunk of change to buy, and mods get expensive in a hurry.

Likewise, there's the choice between an RS or an RT-- if you're going touring, the RT is the way to go, but the RS (what I own) can do that in a jif-- but in the meantime around town is more spirited off the line.

RE: adventure touring, that's one semi-downside to the Spyder, it's not built for off-road riding. Hard-pack gravel is fine; the computer stability and traction control (a.k.a. the Nanny) might freak out a bit on loose surfaces, but nothing too crazy (and again, you can't drop it!). But the ground clearance is poor, and you've got a LOT of real estate underneath the Spyder, not to mention *three* tracks that manage to hit every bump in the road. It's one thing to dodge the occasional pothole on the highway; riding the Spyder over dirt ruts, however, feels like skiing moguls-- it's not something you want to do on a regular basis, even if the suspension could handle it (and I'm not sure the stock suspension CAN handle it for long stretches).

That said, keep searching, folks have "roughed it" with the Spyder. There's a great Alaska trip write-up around these parts, the rider had to deal with ice-broken roads, it read like it got REAL bumpy at times, but they made it through with a smile.

Anyway, take a test drive, see if you like it. Do realize that a computer-assisted reverse trike rides VERY different than two wheels. Frankly, it's rare for many motorcyclists to quickly take to what makes riding the Spyder unique, but it seems to grow on everyone in time.

(Lastly: you're an early adopter, so find the best dealer with the best service department you can find. Many owners, like me, never have any problems, but unfortunately, the ones that do usually have them in spades-- and those problems are only compounded by having a bad dealer. Oh, and buy the extended warranty-- even if you don't own the Spyder beyond the two-year factory warranty, those extra warranty years will help you sell it later on).

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: I also have been around awhile--motorcyling since 1965. Owned over 30 including 3 :spyder2:'s. Everything from 80cc to 2000cc.

I don't recommend the :spyder2: for off road like you asked. Too much equipment and plastic to get torn up.

I lost a drive belt by going down a gravel road--a rock got stuck in the belt and caused it to tear. A $300 mistake on my part.

There have been other braver souls that have done some pretty rugged rides on :spyder2:--but I will leave that excitement to them.

 

[WackyDan]

I've been down plenty of gravel roads on the Spyder with no stones in my belt. The roads ranged from fairly hard pack to looser gravel. Very deep, freshly spread gravel was not fun. I've also had mine on the beach, and with rider the Spyder tended to dig down in the loose sand forcing me to dismount and walk her out by feathering the clutch.

So... If you plan on keeping your dual sport for the hard core stuff, but accept the fact that the spyder doesn't like real loose pack, and lacks the ground clearance then the Spyder might still be a fit for you. The Spyder will take you to 100MPH fairly quick enough for a touring bike, but don't expect much more spirited acceleration above 100. You'll make it to 115 if you have enough road.

The Spyder is really a blend of bike classes to me. It is sporty, but will not hang with a super sport. It is a fantastic tourer, but lacks the polish of the BMWs and Goldwings. A full bagger harley will not keep up with the Spyder in the twisties unless said harley rider is a pro. The Spyder is probably one of the most affordable trikes on the market, and due to it being a reverse trike, tends to be a bit more stable.

Is it worth the price? Considering that it is unique in the market which not much to directly compare against, I'd say the cost is probably fair.

 

[GloryRyders]

:agree: with Dan and if you figure in the fun factor it is priceless:2thumbs:. :congratsn finding this sight.

 

[Bob Denman]

Smart move! :2thumbs: It's always wise to get the questions answered before the signing of the checks... :shocked:
"off-road" no... "bad road" yeah; but then ground clearance and the aforementioned adventures with drive belts become an issue.
So which 250 have you been busy modding??? A buddy of mine has the proverbial "herd" of motorcycles in his basement(!), and his favorite axe is a KTM 620... He's got a couple of 250s that he swaps back and forth for the dirtier duties though! :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

:welcome: I can't really add anything to the good advice that has been offered already. If you could keep the dual-sport, you'd have the best of both worlds. BTW, the Spyder RT can haul a lightweight motorcycle, if need be.

 

[daveinva]

:welcome: I can't really add anything to the good advice that has been offered already. If you could keep the dual-sport, you'd have the best of both worlds. BTW, the Spyder RT can haul a lightweight motorcycle, if need be.

Dangit, now I'm *REALLY* jealous of the RT owners!

BTW, you do know that reading this thread is hazardous to my health, right? I spend waaay too much time reading the ADV forum, I'm really itching to get a DS-- maybe a nice used "Wee Strom"-- as my second ride. I adore the Spyder, but I'd love to have something I can take to places the Spyder can't (or doesn't like to) go.

Problem is, at this point in my life, +1 bike = -1 girlfriend. :joke:

Hmmm... maybe I can get *her* to buy the DS, and think it's her idea... :doorag:

 

[GASpyderLady]

Her Idea?

Dangit, now I'm *REALLY* jealous of the RT owners!

BTW, you do know that reading this thread is hazardous to my health, right? I spend waaay too much time reading the ADV forum, I'm really itching to get a DS-- maybe a nice used "Wee Strom"-- as my second ride. I adore the Spyder, but I'd love to have something I can take to places the Spyder can't (or doesn't like to) go.

Problem is, at this point in my life, +1 bike = -1 girlfriend. :joke:

Hmmm... maybe I can get *her* to buy the DS, and think it's her idea... :doorag:

Be careful - she may never let you drive!

 

[SheWolf]

Wow, awesome replies!:clap: It's great to see the responses, as it makes one really take note on what to look for and expect. What better way to get true, honest answers than by the ones who own and ride them? Thank you very much!:thumbup:
That said, and to answer your question Nancy, it's a Yamaha WR250R. Every bike I've owned I've modded to some degree, but not as much as this one. I've got somewhere in the ballpark of 4k invested in just mods (after having to go thru all the receipts and pics for insurance purposes):shocked:. It's in the 2011 digital poster for Yamaha, and was also featured in Dirtbike Magazine back in April after I tore the editor apart for not giving it a fair review.:cus: I have to admit, getting rid of it would probably be stupid and keeping it for the more off-roady rides would be a smart move.
I'm going to hit the Can Am dealer in the other city near me because the one I went to yesterday didn't have any in stock, and apparently the other dealer (owned by the same guy) is set up more for the Spyders. I'm pretty sure that once I ride this thing it's going to bite me like the Yamaha did. I've ridden sleds over the years and also own a quad which I ride every so often (have ridden them since I was a teen), so shifting weight while cornering won't be an issue. I still remember racing a Greyhound bus on an old 110 Honda trike when I was out on a friend's property (the highway was right next to a good part of the field) and learned real fast where you throw your weight when going around a corner. Good thing I have fast reflexes! Just have to wait until fire season slows down so I get time off to actually get on one. I'm going to take a peek at the Alaska ride, because now you mention it, one of the sales guys from the Can Am dealer mentioned some guys rode to Top of The World and one was on a Spyder; apparently left the other bikes behind because it went when the others couldn't.:yikes:

Lol Dave...I'm on ADV as well, although I don't post much there because the one thread that is centered on my bike is so damned long! Due to that I admin another forum specifically for my bike. MUCH easier to navigate.

 

[Yazz]

:welcome: Have done some dirt road Spyder riding. Hubby was on a BMW R1200 GS with knobbies and Spydee had a fresh set of stock tires. Didn't have any problems, just alot of fun. Here's the link, middle of the way down page 9 and page 10...

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?27462-To-Alaska-and-Back.../page9

If going on dirt and gravel roads, it might be a good idea to get SpyderPop's missing belt guard.

 

[SheWolf]

O M G...:yikes: If you EVER get to BC look me up! Dammit I want to go ride one NOW.:gaah: Forestry work calls...until the ban gets lifted I won't be anywhere near the dealer. I love the dual exhaust on that bike, that is sexy.:thumbup: Looks like I'm going to have to see what mods you've done to that thing. Hmmm...couldn't find Spyderpop's belt guard. Where's he hiding those pics of that?

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

She Wolf I'm 64 been riding bikes since I was 18 {and I know I'll catch flack for this but} the spyder is not a motorcycle ...it's a three wheel ultimate convertible car and that's how you drive it. That said I would not go back to two wheels for anything {bad leg, bad arm, bad balance that's why I traded my beloved Gold Wing for my:spyder2:.} I have an 08 SM-5 that I added a home-built 40 liter size, hard side trunk with back rest [total cost with rack $90], combined with the front trunk I can pack a lot of stuff for touring purposes. I get much better gas mileage than the RT model [ approx 37 mpg vs. 31-32 ] This I believe is due to my severly raked raked windshield [which is also home-made and attaches to the handle bars , cost $125). I would recommend you try real hard to hook with up with someone who owns a :ani29: and get some seat time. 15 minutes at a dealer just isn't going to do it!!! Spyderlovers are great people and extremely generous with there knowledge and helpfulness. Spyders ROCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome aboard

 

[Neez]

Shewolf, I don't know where in BC you live, I live in Mission and have done a lot of time on BC logging roads. Used an old Honda XL250 dual purpose with an XR enduro sprocket and loved the convenience of not having to trailer it. I have also used a number of modified flat-fendered Willys jeeps, the one I liked best had a 302 Ford motor in it. Then there were the Dodge Powerwagons and a number of F series 4wd Fords, etc., etc. Occasionally, I hear a 2wd Ural with a sidecar calling my name, another story, maybe someday.
But, would I take my Spyder out there? Only if I absolutely had to, and then only on the main line logging roads. You want a chain, not a belt, more ground clearance, greater shock travel, different tires,and the list goes on.
By all means, buy a Spyder, and use it for what it was it was intended. You won't be sorry. Just don't get rid of that dual-purpose machine. A lot of beautiful BC lies beyond the pavement!

 

[SheWolf]

I live in the Okanagan...lots of places to ride on road as well as off. There are definitely roads I wouldn't take a machine like that around these parts, but for logging roads and fire roads that lead to some really beautiful lakes, there are many. I patrol a lot of them with my job, so I've been able to see what's a good viable option.
Sadly, I don't know anyone locally with a Spyder who would allow me some seat time in these parts. I've seen maybe 3, if that, and I don't even know if they were local where I am. They were too busy fueling up and then took off to go ride. Still, I would gather some seat time on a demo is better than none. I might be able to rent one off the dealer, apparently he has done that from time to time so maybe I could do that for a weekend.ray:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Your welcome to come down and ride mine [cops and firepersons hang tight] However I do live in Vermont unfortunately [for you --not mehyea::clap::clap::gaah:..

 

[Yazz]

O M G...:yikes: If you EVER get to BC look me up! Dammit I want to go ride one NOW.:gaah: Forestry work calls...until the ban gets lifted I won't be anywhere near the dealer. I love the dual exhaust on that bike, that is sexy.:thumbup: Looks like I'm going to have to see what mods you've done to that thing. Hmmm...couldn't find Spyderpop's belt guard. Where's he hiding those pics of that?

You've got some beautiful scenery up there. Nice area to be having fun on the dirt roads. :2thumbs:
If I'm in the area again, will look you up for sure!

The pipes are dual Two Brothers. They have a nice rumble to them.

SpyderPops missing belt guard worked great! Went over lots of crud and never caught anything in the belt.

Scroll down to the second one... http://www.spyderpops.com/

Hope the ban is lifted soon! ray:

 

[SheWolf]

Thanks for the link!:clap: I couldn't help but laugh with Mr Bill taking the hits for you. I needed a good laugh.

 

[SheWolf]

Well...I *think* I finally got a day off. *Think* as in it's been raining off and on the past few days, snowing higher up:yikes: and with that the fire ban might get lifted. So I'm going to chance it and hit the dealer and see if I can get my bum on a Spyder, even if it's for a short ride. I'm thinking my sled/quad riding experience will help a ton with cornering. You know, throw my weight around.:roflblack: But yeah, here's to hoping I can pull it off before the witching hour hits.ray:

 

[Beon1]

Test Ride

I read some of the replies to your questions. I like the go-cart on pavement analagy. Good luck with your search. Onlookers either love the looks of a spyder or hate it. But most don't understand it. They are just lookers and form their opinion solely on looks. It really isnt a trike in any aspect. I call it a reverse trike. I didn't invent that label but think it is a fitting label. One thing that you are used to is moding. The spyder is another machine that is rarely left stock. Most mod the rs/gs for first comfort and second for performance/sound. I have to agree that just a test ride doesn't give you enough time to make a formulated opinion but it all starts somewhere. You have arrived to the right place to get answers(Spyderlovers) good people.
Ps I wouldn't off road the spyder without expecting some problems with ground clearance issues and busted plastic. To costly of a machine to be treated to that kind of riding.
Again good luck!!!