Stingray69
New member
Hi, everybody. I am planing to buy a F3s . But I never ride a motorcycle. I wonder how difficult to ride it
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How difficult to ride
- Thread starter Stingray69
- Start date
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
Like everything else, there is a bit of a learning curve. Recommend taking a MSA safety course as this will help with much information and help you to build a skill set. Some places have special courses for three wheelers.
You can look up the owners manual on the BRP web page and do some reading there. You may also find that to be helpful.
Tom in NM
New member
all good advice . . .
. . . . but if you want something a little more specific, it would help to let us know your general age and any other vehicle experiences ( things like snowmobiles, water-craft, ect. ).
Tom
. . . . but if you want something a little more specific, it would help to let us know your general age and any other vehicle experiences ( things like snowmobiles, water-craft, ect. ).
Tom
Stingray69
New member
I am 45 years old.and I dont have any experiance with the other vehicles except cars
Dan_Ashley
New member
please taske the riders course. If one for three wheelers is not offered in your area, take it for two wheelers. Then use the certificate and get your motorcycle endorsement. Then go to a dealer and ask for a test drive. Even if you decide to not buy one, the class will make you a better driver.
bmccaffrey
New member
Yep i agree.
Looking for specifics in california talk with Chup about it . He lives there . Just ask him:roflblack:
Chupaca
New member
Not that hard...
In CA you don't need a motorcycle drivers license. You can go to any dealer with a valid drivers license (car) and test ryde them. I do recommend getting the motorcycle handbook and going over it because there are things about motorcyles on the road you need to know. Don't know of any courses for trikes...bike there are that are also helpful...:thumbup:
In CA you don't need a motorcycle drivers license. You can go to any dealer with a valid drivers license (car) and test ryde them. I do recommend getting the motorcycle handbook and going over it because there are things about motorcyles on the road you need to know. Don't know of any courses for trikes...bike there are that are also helpful...:thumbup:
ursamajor35126
New member
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a 3 wheel beginning motorcycle safety course. http://www.msf-usa.org/students.aspx#brc-rr.. Consider taking this if you're serious about ryding multiple miles ..... It also helps on your insurance.
SPYD3R
Active member
200 miles
i found i needed about 200 miles to get use to mine.....
i ride with another person, that has ridden his SPYD3R for 4 years & 20,000 + miles, and still finds it odd from his many years of 2 wheeling....
everyone is different.... take your time, and you'll find your niche sooner than you think....
Dan P
SPYD3R F3-S
PS: WELCOME to the group....
i found i needed about 200 miles to get use to mine.....
i ride with another person, that has ridden his SPYD3R for 4 years & 20,000 + miles, and still finds it odd from his many years of 2 wheeling....
everyone is different.... take your time, and you'll find your niche sooner than you think....
Dan P
SPYD3R F3-S
PS: WELCOME to the group....
Motorcycledave
Active member
I wish I could give you different info.
Hi Dave here,
Having been a motorcycle rider all my life since I was 14 and now 73 I have a somewhat
different opinion than some..... If you were to ask me that question about an FJR 1300 or
an ST1300 or a large cc motorcycle I would tell you to NEVER even think about starting out
on such a large and powerful motorcycle.... it is dangerous I would say go get a good used
smaller motorcycle such as a 250cc or maybe a 450cc to learn on then after you have mastered it
and taken the MSF course move up to a larger motorcycle that fits you..... However when you are looking
at a SPYDER you have little or no choice since they do not make a smaller machine in cc other than the earlier
year models that have the 990cc engine.
If you are going to get the F3 I would plan on starting your ride practice in a very large parking lot that has no cars
trucks or other things in it like light polls then ride slow making turns left right and stopping when you feel safe
to operate it then go and ride on the roads but not the main roads for a while. Your lacation says OC I guess that is
Orange County, there are plenty of back road areas there STAY OFF the 405-I5-101 and such for some time learn to ride
first......
Good Luck Ride Safe
Motorcycle Dave
Hi Dave here,
Having been a motorcycle rider all my life since I was 14 and now 73 I have a somewhat
different opinion than some..... If you were to ask me that question about an FJR 1300 or
an ST1300 or a large cc motorcycle I would tell you to NEVER even think about starting out
on such a large and powerful motorcycle.... it is dangerous I would say go get a good used
smaller motorcycle such as a 250cc or maybe a 450cc to learn on then after you have mastered it
and taken the MSF course move up to a larger motorcycle that fits you..... However when you are looking
at a SPYDER you have little or no choice since they do not make a smaller machine in cc other than the earlier
year models that have the 990cc engine.
If you are going to get the F3 I would plan on starting your ride practice in a very large parking lot that has no cars
trucks or other things in it like light polls then ride slow making turns left right and stopping when you feel safe
to operate it then go and ride on the roads but not the main roads for a while. Your lacation says OC I guess that is
Orange County, there are plenty of back road areas there STAY OFF the 405-I5-101 and such for some time learn to ride
first......
Good Luck Ride Safe
Motorcycle Dave
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daveinva
New member
Good advice above.
As I understand it, the challenge in California is two-fold:
1. Since the Spyder doesn't require a motorcycle license, I'm unsure whether there are any dedicated "three wheel" classes offered in the state like there is in states that *do* require an M / M3 endorsement for the Spyder;
2. While I know that MSF offers three-wheel courses elsewhere, California just ditched the MSF, Lee Parks / Total Control now owns the Basic Rider Course contract, and I'm 99.9% sure they *don't* offer a three-wheel class (trike or sidecar).
My advice would be that if you can, take a 2-wheel class (http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/). It won't directly translate to the Spyder-- a lot *won't*, in fact-- but it'll give you three invaluable lessons: confidence riding an exposed vehicle, useful strategies for defensive riding that work on a bike *OR* a trike, and lastly, you'll get your M license anyway, which will be nice to have either way!
BTW, I disagree with the argument about the Spyder being too powerful for a beginner-- the Spyder *isn't* a bike, it doesn't ride like a bike, and with a few exceptions, it can't go wrong like a bike. When it comes to two wheels, I'm a "Start with a 250cc" zealot, but that's because it's easier for 2-wheel riders to goof on heavy, fast bikes that can get away from them (oh, how the liter bike squids terrify me, but it's their life, not mine). On a Spyder, you ain't dropping it in a corner, you ain't lowsiding, you ain't highsiding, you can let go of ("chop") your throttle or stomp your brake and unlike a bike the result is very unlikely to be anywhere as catastrophic. It's definitely more involved than driving a car, but a motorcycle is a significantly greater set of challenges and responsibilities; on the Spyder, you simply have a MUCH greater margin of error as a new rider that you don't have on two wheels.
Anyway, take a test ride; if you like it, take the BRC (or good luck finding a trike class-- you can ask a BRC school for referrals, they may know of them), and enjoy yourself-- it's all GREAT fun. :2thumbs:
As I understand it, the challenge in California is two-fold:
1. Since the Spyder doesn't require a motorcycle license, I'm unsure whether there are any dedicated "three wheel" classes offered in the state like there is in states that *do* require an M / M3 endorsement for the Spyder;
2. While I know that MSF offers three-wheel courses elsewhere, California just ditched the MSF, Lee Parks / Total Control now owns the Basic Rider Course contract, and I'm 99.9% sure they *don't* offer a three-wheel class (trike or sidecar).
My advice would be that if you can, take a 2-wheel class (http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/). It won't directly translate to the Spyder-- a lot *won't*, in fact-- but it'll give you three invaluable lessons: confidence riding an exposed vehicle, useful strategies for defensive riding that work on a bike *OR* a trike, and lastly, you'll get your M license anyway, which will be nice to have either way!
BTW, I disagree with the argument about the Spyder being too powerful for a beginner-- the Spyder *isn't* a bike, it doesn't ride like a bike, and with a few exceptions, it can't go wrong like a bike. When it comes to two wheels, I'm a "Start with a 250cc" zealot, but that's because it's easier for 2-wheel riders to goof on heavy, fast bikes that can get away from them (oh, how the liter bike squids terrify me, but it's their life, not mine). On a Spyder, you ain't dropping it in a corner, you ain't lowsiding, you ain't highsiding, you can let go of ("chop") your throttle or stomp your brake and unlike a bike the result is very unlikely to be anywhere as catastrophic. It's definitely more involved than driving a car, but a motorcycle is a significantly greater set of challenges and responsibilities; on the Spyder, you simply have a MUCH greater margin of error as a new rider that you don't have on two wheels.
Anyway, take a test ride; if you like it, take the BRC (or good luck finding a trike class-- you can ask a BRC school for referrals, they may know of them), and enjoy yourself-- it's all GREAT fun. :2thumbs:
Last edited:
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
YOU ARE FORTUNATE
Because you don't have to UN-LEARN how to ride a motorcycle ........that may sound stupid, but it isn't ........because you can't drive a Spyder like a MTC....If you drive it like a CAR you will do fine.........It has touchy steering and brakes ( until you get used to them )..........Drive it in big parking lot first......have fun......Mike :thumbup:
Because you don't have to UN-LEARN how to ride a motorcycle ........that may sound stupid, but it isn't ........because you can't drive a Spyder like a MTC....If you drive it like a CAR you will do fine.........It has touchy steering and brakes ( until you get used to them )..........Drive it in big parking lot first......have fun......Mike :thumbup:
Tom in NM
New member
So true . . . . . .
. . . . . . your learning curve will take whatever time it takes.
I have seen motorcyclists get on a Spyder and have all sorts of trouble - sometimes it is unlearning and other times is is not respecting or underestimating the Spyder.
If you approach it with VERY healthy respect and care, you should be fine.
Be ready with the brake - always.
Then focus on using a throttle. Keep your touch EASY and smooth and no sudden twists or big movements. The throttle is very sensitive and different from the gas pedal in a car. Always be ready to turn the throttle all the way down to slow down. As you become familiar with the throttle, you will find you use the brake a lot less than you do in a car.
The advice above of staying in first gear in a parking lot and going slow is excellent. Depending on your aptitude, that may only take a few minutes.
New riders tend to over react. You will be surprised at how just reducing the throttle will slow the bike. Reducing the throttle and applying the brake will be the first really big coordination problem/learning you have to make. Expect it to be a little jerky at first until you learn to reduce the throttle and slowly apply the brake.
The second coordination challenge will be as you change gears - on the Spyder SE6, it is really an automatic clutch and you do not have to decelerate to shift up into the next gear. Just keep the throttle steady - and press the shifter and slowly continue to turn the throttle up.
If you got the feel of the steering bars in the lot, you should notice that as you go faster, the steering becomes more responsive - quick steering movements will have big effects - so go easy otherwise you can find yourself overcompensating and - yes, you can lose control.
As you throttle down, the Spyder ( SE6 ) will automatically downshift, but be aware that the F3 may surge a little bit when it does that - all us former riders have noticed that, but it is just different - not scary.
I would hope some of the other new F3 riders who are also new to Spyders chime in on what they found. Most of us here have been riding for years and we find so much automatic now and it is hard to remember that "first time".
If you are really interested, yes - do a test ride, maybe 3 or 4 before you take it out on the street. Make sure you tell the dealer you are new to cycles and that you would appreciate all the help they can give you. Take your time - Spyders are expensive, but no where near as valuable as your life and limb. Make sure they set up the F3 so it feels comfortable and the brake and steering bars are in easy reach. If they don't or can't - find another dealer.
It is more involved than a car - and different, so give yourself time - don't push. Start with an SE6, the manual clutch and shift is one more kind of distraction that a new rider does not need to see if they like or can control a Spyder. If you are curious or want a manual clutch and shifter, after learning the SE6 and basic riding skills, go for it.
A Spyder rider mentioned in another thread that they tried an F3. The brake was at a setting that was awkward for them to reach - the throttle and engine power was more than they expected, their foot lost the brake pedal and the "take off" pushed them back and they gave the F3 full throttle and could not stop. They finally got control back, but it was a close call. So I will say it one more time, SLOW, SMOOTH, NO BIG MOVEMENTS, R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
And yes, have fun.
Tom
. . . . . . your learning curve will take whatever time it takes.
I have seen motorcyclists get on a Spyder and have all sorts of trouble - sometimes it is unlearning and other times is is not respecting or underestimating the Spyder.
If you approach it with VERY healthy respect and care, you should be fine.
Be ready with the brake - always.
Then focus on using a throttle. Keep your touch EASY and smooth and no sudden twists or big movements. The throttle is very sensitive and different from the gas pedal in a car. Always be ready to turn the throttle all the way down to slow down. As you become familiar with the throttle, you will find you use the brake a lot less than you do in a car.
The advice above of staying in first gear in a parking lot and going slow is excellent. Depending on your aptitude, that may only take a few minutes.
New riders tend to over react. You will be surprised at how just reducing the throttle will slow the bike. Reducing the throttle and applying the brake will be the first really big coordination problem/learning you have to make. Expect it to be a little jerky at first until you learn to reduce the throttle and slowly apply the brake.
The second coordination challenge will be as you change gears - on the Spyder SE6, it is really an automatic clutch and you do not have to decelerate to shift up into the next gear. Just keep the throttle steady - and press the shifter and slowly continue to turn the throttle up.
If you got the feel of the steering bars in the lot, you should notice that as you go faster, the steering becomes more responsive - quick steering movements will have big effects - so go easy otherwise you can find yourself overcompensating and - yes, you can lose control.
As you throttle down, the Spyder ( SE6 ) will automatically downshift, but be aware that the F3 may surge a little bit when it does that - all us former riders have noticed that, but it is just different - not scary.
I would hope some of the other new F3 riders who are also new to Spyders chime in on what they found. Most of us here have been riding for years and we find so much automatic now and it is hard to remember that "first time".
If you are really interested, yes - do a test ride, maybe 3 or 4 before you take it out on the street. Make sure you tell the dealer you are new to cycles and that you would appreciate all the help they can give you. Take your time - Spyders are expensive, but no where near as valuable as your life and limb. Make sure they set up the F3 so it feels comfortable and the brake and steering bars are in easy reach. If they don't or can't - find another dealer.
It is more involved than a car - and different, so give yourself time - don't push. Start with an SE6, the manual clutch and shift is one more kind of distraction that a new rider does not need to see if they like or can control a Spyder. If you are curious or want a manual clutch and shifter, after learning the SE6 and basic riding skills, go for it.
A Spyder rider mentioned in another thread that they tried an F3. The brake was at a setting that was awkward for them to reach - the throttle and engine power was more than they expected, their foot lost the brake pedal and the "take off" pushed them back and they gave the F3 full throttle and could not stop. They finally got control back, but it was a close call. So I will say it one more time, SLOW, SMOOTH, NO BIG MOVEMENTS, R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
And yes, have fun.
Tom
Last edited:
Martin Slovakia
Member
never drove MTB and now I do have f3s
Hi,
I never drove MTB before. Before I bought F3s I never drove spyder neither any other 3weeler...
Now I did about 300km and I am all fine with it.
First I have to say I was scared as hell, did not know what the hell I was doing-went directly to crazy traffic as I wanted to get from dealer to safer place..., the acceleration was too much for me.. but now, I feel better and better every km I do. I may say I do already feel the bike now.. but of course more km are needed to find out more about it.
either do some safety course, either ask another guy that drove spyder to help.. or if you are more type of a person that DYS then go to road that you know, that has no or limited traffic and drive there..
good luck.
Hi,
I never drove MTB before. Before I bought F3s I never drove spyder neither any other 3weeler...
Now I did about 300km and I am all fine with it.
First I have to say I was scared as hell, did not know what the hell I was doing-went directly to crazy traffic as I wanted to get from dealer to safer place..., the acceleration was too much for me.. but now, I feel better and better every km I do. I may say I do already feel the bike now.. but of course more km are needed to find out more about it.
either do some safety course, either ask another guy that drove spyder to help.. or if you are more type of a person that DYS then go to road that you know, that has no or limited traffic and drive there..
good luck.
Went wrong
Now I know where I went wrong.:roflblack::roflblack: The first bike I ever rode was a Kaw Z1 900. My first bike to own was a Kaw KZ900. I bought my Spyder before I had ridden one.
Buy one. You will love it. I got used to mine in about 100 miles of non-congested county highways. I stayed away from any large traffic riding until I had around 600 miles on it. Some may disagree, but getting out on the highway, riding at speed and learning to take curves is most important. That is unless you are just planning to ride around town.
Have fun. Be safe.:yes::yes:
Now I know where I went wrong.:roflblack::roflblack: The first bike I ever rode was a Kaw Z1 900. My first bike to own was a Kaw KZ900. I bought my Spyder before I had ridden one.
Buy one. You will love it. I got used to mine in about 100 miles of non-congested county highways. I stayed away from any large traffic riding until I had around 600 miles on it. Some may disagree, but getting out on the highway, riding at speed and learning to take curves is most important. That is unless you are just planning to ride around town.
Have fun. Be safe.:yes::yes:
Bob Denman
New member
Do you have any experience riding ATVs? The Spyder feels an awful lot like they do... :thumbup:
Stingray69
New member
Thanks for the all the replies, I UNDERSTOOD THAT... I have to make a test drive first before l buy it
PrairieSpyder
New member
You've gotten the best advice already, so I'll just say: :welcome:
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