I may have to forfeit my "motorcyclist" membership card!

[vito1943]

I really, really enjoy riding my Spyder RT. But I must admit that deep down I know it is not a "real" motorcycle. And in some ways that is a very good thing. The stability and comfort of my Spyder far exceeds what I used to feel on the biggest and best motorcycle that I had ever owned, a Honda Goldwing. The lack of anxiety that my wife feels when a passenger on the Spyder is alone enough to make me glad that I went from the Goldwing to the CanAm Spyder RT. But a part of me felt that I needed to still have a two wheeler, i.e., a "real" motorcycle that requires me to lean through curves, and know how to use both hands and both feet simultaneously to pull the clutch in, downshift the gear, and apply both rear and then front brake to come to a safe and rapid stop.

So two years into my Spyder ownership I added a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 to my garage. This little single cylinder traditional motorcycle is a hoot to ride, and at only 400 pounds is not too much for my almost 81 year old body to handle. I've only had this bike a short time, and yesterday I had the chance to take a somewhat "longish" ride, i.e., about 100 miles on one of my favorite routes. I had a good ride, and did get a kick out of only using about one and a quarter gallons of fuel for the entire ride. But at the end of the ride I had to say to myself that the enjoyment level of taking that exact ride on my Spyder was far higher. And I had been far less tired when the ride was over when riding the Spyder.

So while I don't plan on getting rid of this new Royal Enfield anytime soon, I feel that maybe it is time for me to admit to myself that I just like the Spyder so much better than I do a regular two wheel motorcycle. So maybe that means that I need to turn in my "motorcyclist" card and just be happy on 3 wheels.

 

[blacklightning]

I got my first spyder after the wife made such a scene over me having an accident on the 2 wheeler. So the next week I ordered a spyder. Eventually I went back and added another 2 wheeler. She hasn't protested too much, but I know in my heart that there are certain situations that I have come across that wouldn't be an issue on my spyder, but trouble on my 2 wheeler. With the drivers around here getting worse, I too lean more on riding my 3 wheeler, for comfort, safety, and just general piece of mind.

 

[Bangorbob]

I have to go along with y'all. I have both 2 & 3 wheelers. Wife does NOT like it when I am out on 2 wheels and says she doesn't worry much when I riding the spyder. I have the 2 wheeler just to satisfy the itch once in a while. Just enjoy yourselves while you can cus it will come to an end some day. Let's just hope not soon.

 

[JB62]

I got my first spyder after the wife made such a scene over me having an accident on the 2 wheeler. So the next week I ordered a spyder. Eventually I went back and added another 2 wheeler. She hasn't protested too much, but I know in my heart that there are certain situations that I have come across that wouldn't be an issue on my spyder, but trouble on my 2 wheeler. With the drivers around here getting worse, I too lean more on riding my 3 wheeler, for comfort, safety, and just general piece of mind.

I am in the same boat as you. I was hit by a car on the Kawasaki got it repaired then I tipped it over in the driveway while wife was watching and that was the end of that.

Therefore I bought my Spyder and really enjoy it more than 2 wheels, easier to ride wife on Spyder as well.I had always liked the Spyders and thought they were nice but expensive.I finally bought a 2024 Spyder RT Limited and really enjoy it.

 

[Navydad]

I have a Suzuki 400 Burgman for my two wheeled entertainment. I recently sold my Moto Guzzi and bought the Burgman and I like it a lot. So much that I have taken a few multi day trips on it. We always had large sport touring machines such as BMW's and a Triumph Trophy SE and when my confidence started wavering we bought our Spyder RT. It is a great touring machine and we have been all over the country on it, but that two wheeled itch is still there for me. The Burgman satisfies that itch and works very well as a solo touring bike. Looks like many of us Spyder owners are in the same frame of mind and keep a two wheeled motorcycle on hand just to scratch that itch.

 

[Lew L]

.

I also keep the poor, old, slow V-Max near at hand when I need the need for tilting horizons and much better acceleration than the Spyder.

Lew L

 

[BajaRon]

I really, really enjoy riding my Spyder RT. But I must admit that deep down I know it is not a "real" motorcycle. And in some ways that is a very good thing. The stability and comfort of my Spyder far exceeds what I used to feel on the biggest and best motorcycle that I had ever owned, a Honda Goldwing. The lack of anxiety that my wife feels when a passenger on the Spyder is alone enough to make me glad that I went from the Goldwing to the CanAm Spyder RT. But a part of me felt that I needed to still have a two wheeler, i.e., a "real" motorcycle that requires me to lean through curves, and know how to use both hands and both feet simultaneously to pull the clutch in, downshift the gear, and apply both rear and then front brake to come to a safe and rapid stop.

So two years into my Spyder ownership I added a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 to my garage. This little single cylinder traditional motorcycle is a hoot to ride, and at only 400 pounds is not too much for my almost 81 year old body to handle. I've only had this bike a short time, and yesterday I had the chance to take a somewhat "longish" ride, i.e., about 100 miles on one of my favorite routes. I had a good ride, and did get a kick out of only using about one and a quarter gallons of fuel for the entire ride. But at the end of the ride I had to say to myself that the enjoyment level of taking that exact ride on my Spyder was far higher. And I had been far less tired when the ride was over when riding the Spyder.

So while I don't plan on getting rid of this new Royal Enfield anytime soon, I feel that maybe it is time for me to admit to myself that I just like the Spyder so much better than I do a regular two wheel motorcycle. So maybe that means that I need to turn in my "motorcyclist" card and just be happy on 3 wheels.

Rode my friends Royal Enfield 350 in Kathmandu, Nepal. All 18 hp of it! A modern 1950's motorcycle. 350cc is a BIG motorcycle in Nepal where most are in the 150-185cc range. His was carbureted because fuel injectors choke on the nasty fuel they run there.

 

[Jesster72]

I may add a 2 wheeler back to the stable at some point..... but for now, and forseeable future, I am going to enjoy riding my Spyder, and maybe another one after this one!

I earned my "motorcyclist" card after 40-ish years on 2 wheelers. I'm not giving that up!
(for the record, my wife says the Spyder is the most comfortable bike we've toured on)

 

[Arion]

At 79 and 72 respectively, I and "she who must be obeyed" have - or are in the process - of transitioning from 3 to 3 wheels. We sold m Kawasaki 650 Versys and her CTX700 Honda several years ago and replaced them with my 2015 RT-S and her 2021 Sea to Sky. We now ride more than we have in years and enjoy it much more. We still have two small motorcycles - a BMW G310R and a Suzuki TU250X - we keep in Maine for back road rambles however they will probably be offered for sale this summer. Might replace them with a Ryker Rally - for logging roads - but it's just an idea at present. Time will tell.








rt-
s and her

 

[RayBJ]

I also felt the need to lean after getting the Spyder so I bought a used Aprilia Mana 850 as a stablemate. I run the Spyder most of the year (12 month rider) but for short rides on HOT days, I'm on the Mana. However, riding the Mana is less taxing on me than push-pulling the Spyder thru the twisties with me doing the leaning. Everything in life is a trade-off. :gaah:

 

[Bfromla]

Nothing wrong with happy & having both alternate between so keep up with skills for both. Have nice enough stable get some more:doorag::riding::riding::riding: ENJOY THE RYDE

 

[ARtraveler]

I really, really enjoy riding my Spyder RT. But I must admit that deep down I know it is not a "real" motorcycle. And in some ways that is a very good thing. The stability and comfort of my Spyder far exceeds what I used to feel on the biggest and best motorcycle that I had ever owned, a Honda Goldwing. The lack of anxiety that my wife feels when a passenger on the Spyder is alone enough to make me glad that I went from the Goldwing to the CanAm Spyder RT. But a part of me felt that I needed to still have a two wheeler, i.e., a "real" motorcycle that requires me to lean through curves, and know how to use both hands and both feet simultaneously to pull the clutch in, downshift the gear, and apply both rear and then front brake to come to a safe and rapid stop.

So two years into my Spyder ownership I added a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 to my garage. This little single cylinder traditional motorcycle is a hoot to ride, and at only 400 pounds is not too much for my almost 81 year old body to handle. I've only had this bike a short time, and yesterday I had the chance to take a somewhat "longish" ride, i.e., about 100 miles on one of my favorite routes. I had a good ride, and did get a kick out of only using about one and a quarter gallons of fuel for the entire ride. But at the end of the ride I had to say to myself that the enjoyment level of taking that exact ride on my Spyder was far higher. And I had been far less tired when the ride was over when riding the Spyder.

So while I don't plan on getting rid of this new Royal Enfield anytime soon, I feel that maybe it is time for me to admit to myself that I just like the Spyder so much better than I do a regular two wheel motorcycle. So maybe that means that I need to turn in my "motorcyclist" card and just be happy on 3 wheels.

Also been there and done that. About three years ago, I had to give up my beloved Vulcan 900. At 730# it was just to heavy for me. A couple times laying it over because my leg gave out and I could not hold it up convinced me it was time to get off two wheels. Sadly, last year I felt we could no longer do three wheels either. Some medical issues with Linda and myself caused us to divest of our F3L's.

I still get Rider magazine and this month up popped the new Rebel 1100 with semi auto transmission. Very tempting, but at 520# I think I am going to stay away from the Honda dealership altogether. I am afraid I would see a 250 and get sucked into that. Riding in the wind on two wheels are some of my best cherished memories. To those that are still doing it, take a ride for me sometime. :yes: :bowdown:

 

[pegasus1300]

First I have to disagree with the comment about the Spyder not being a motorcycle. It is not a 2 wheel motorcycle. It does everything a 2 wheel motorcycle does, except lean and fall over if you forget to put the side stand down. It has a semi-automatic transmission. So did Honda as far back as the late 70's. I rode 2-wheel motorcycles from 1964 to 2011. I now ride a 3 wheel motorcycle and can get the same thrills from it as I got from my 2 Wheel motorcycle. Oh except broadsiding. I could slide my Goldwing trike but I can't slide the Spyder.
Second I am not giving up my motorcyclist card. I still ride a motorcycle, a 3 wheel one but it is one.

 

[baxter]

I am like many others in that there comes a time where we have to realize the fact that we are older than what our memories try to make us believe. After riding all over North America- see map, mostly on Harley bikes(7), now I still have the feeling of riding with three wheels down instead of two. Still riding around this wonderful country with a older body but same feeling inside.

 

[troop]

I just sold my last two wheeler about a month ago, a 2022 KTM 390 Duke. It was a hoot to ride, but just came to realize that I don't ride one enough, let alone two.

 

[racoon]

It's been a few decades since I was last on a 2-wheel motorcycle, so I do have vague memories of leaning in turns.

But I do have to say that when driving my Spyder I lean into the sharp turns on the narrow, twisty, 2-lane road that runs up to the neighborhood where my home is.

 

[FrogmanDave]

I have never given up 2 wheels. I also have never given up being single. All of these stories about 'doing what the wife says' tells me both are the right 'never' decisions.

 

[Bfromla]

I have never given up 2 wheels. I also have never given up being single. All of these stories about 'doing what the wife says' tells me both are the right 'never' decisions.

 

[Quickdraw]

About 2 weeks ago, the wife and I went to get our bikes inspected and hers an oil change. While at the dealership, I sat on both a HD and I think it was a Kawasaki. Both were big touring bikes. I can honestly say, without conviction, that my spyder purchase was the right choice. Those 2 bikes had to weigh at least 900+ pounds. Plus, they sat a little higher so it was very uncomfortable trying to keep them upright. A lot of weight there. Maybe if they were a bit lower and I had a flat footed stance I could have handled them, but knowing I don't have to worry about that with the spyder, gives me solice in the fact that I made a good decision and didn't let my ego overrule my common sense.

 

[BamaJohn]

First I have to disagree with the comment about the Spyder not being a motorcycle. It is not a 2 wheel motorcycle. It does everything a 2 wheel motorcycle does, except lean and fall over if you forget to put the side stand down. It has a semi-automatic transmission. So did Honda as far back as the late 70's. I rode 2-wheel motorcycles from 1964 to 2011. I now ride a 3 wheel motorcycle and can get the same thrills from it as I got from my 2 Wheel motorcycle. Oh except broadsiding. I could slide my Goldwing trike but I can't slide the Spyder.
Second I am not giving up my motorcyclist card. I still ride a motorcycle, a 3 wheel one but it is one.

Agree with Paul. A Spyder has a MOTOR; It is a CYCLE; It has wheels and we sit astride the engine, riding ON, not IN it. It is not a BIKE, but it is a TRIKE motorcycle (In my opinion). Ride it with pride! :cheers:opcorn: