Is training really needed to ride a Spyder?

[fredgal]

Depends on the rider.

A total newbie, yes.

An experienced rider, no.

I hopped on a Spyder for the first time and quickly got the hang of it in 5 minutes, only because I’ve been riding motorcycles for a better part of 30 years.

I also got an F3L and had no problems at all, but I also rode 2 wheeler's, and did a lot of ATV riding, which my spyder reminds me of. If people have a lot of ATV experience, that helps... My Spyder has a fun factor which my 1500 Vulcan did not have any more for me... Gonna be 70 degrees this afternoon here in Northeast Pa... Gonna get out for the first time...

 

[K80Shooter]

Get the BRP sponsored training, if possible. Best 50 bucks I ever spent.

You must have gotten a deal because I paid 99 dollars.

As far as is it needed? That all depends on the individual. Some need it more than others but, I thought it was fun and don't regret spending the 99 dollars. Plus here in Ga you get to skip the driver & written test for the MC license with the certificate that you get upon completion.

 

[JohnRuckus]

To each their own. If you have $100 and ~16 hrs, do it. If you only learn/unlearn 1 thing, it is well worth it. Experience is a great teacher unless that experience leads to injury or worse.
BTW, congrats and welcome to the Spyderverse.

 

[Peacekeeper6]

Honestly, the only reason I'd take the course is if it was required by the state, or if it'll save me money on insurance.

I just don't believe there's any NEW things I can learn....especially on some dinky parklng lot where you can't get any speed going and practice emergency/evasive maneuvers to its full effect.

In my opinion, of course.

 

[gkamer]

i would say depending on the state you live in, training is not only needed but mandatory in order to ride legally. I live in Washington (the state not the swamp). Here you need a three wheeled endorsement on your license in order to ride a three wheeled motorcycle. A two wheeled endorsement will not cover three wheeled motorcycles. The state no longer conducts skill tests for motorcycles, so in order to obtain the two or three wheeled endorsement, you must attend and pass the motorcycle safety/training course. Of course the knowledge you gain from attending these courses is beneficial, but from a strictly legal aspect, you have to take the course.

 

[mecsw500]

Honestly, the only reason I'd take the course is if it was required by the state, or if it'll save me money on insurance.

I just don't believe there's any NEW things I can learn....especially on some dinky parklng lot where you can't get any speed going and practice emergency/evasive maneuvers to its full effect.

In my opinion, of course.

I did it just go to get familiar with the controls, lack of front brake, no counter steering, semi auto shifting, no clutch, and no left foot gear shift. It helped me figure out the inherent limits of the machine. Despite being in a parking lot, it was surprisingly challenging and helped me overcome the "death grip" and the "oh my it's going over" feeling. I saved the $99 on my insurance premium so it was a wash. Just 12 or so hours of my time and I made some new friends too. I already had my motorcycle license so I didn't need the course for that - but I admit it was fun and essentially free. If it didn't teach me a lot of new life saving skills, it certainly made me, as a new Spyder rider, get a lot more enjoyment out of my machine in a shorter period of time, so for that it was worth it alone. I would recommend it just for the laughs I had.

 

[beerandchips]

Rode my Honda Shadow Phantom to the dealership. Waited about 2 hours to sign the paperwork because they were "busy". The sales guy took me out back where I saw my Spyder for the first time (bought sight unseen). He bluetoothed my phone, showed me the gears, brake, etc. and off I went. Rode an hour and a half home. No problems ever with looking for front brake, foot shifting, etc. The only issue I had was the left/right sway from gripping the handlebars too tight. Took about 300 to 600 miles to kill that issue. These things are easy to ride....and fun.

sn

 

[Peacekeeper6]

Rode my Honda Shadow Phantom to the dealership. Waited about 2 hours to sign the paperwork because they were "busy". The sales guy took me out back where I saw my Spyder for the first time (bought sight unseen). He bluetoothed my phone, showed me the gears, brake, etc. and off I went. Rode an hour and a half home. No problems ever with looking for front brake, foot shifting, etc. The only issue I had was the left/right sway from gripping the handlebars too tight. Took about 300 to 600 miles to kill that issue. These things are easy to ride....and fun.

sn

That takes guts to buy something like a Spyder "sight unseen". What if you really hated it ??

Me ?? I tried to test ride one in our Reno dealership. The guy said, "Sure, you can test ride it. But you can't leave the parking lot".

I'm thinking to myself, "Just what kind of bull**** test ride is that ?? I can't even get out of 2nd, for crying out loud"

So I did the next best thing and rented one in Vegas. (Don't think that outfit is there anymore). There, I took a Spyder through its paces: in-town 25-35 mph putts, all the way to 80 mph blasts down an interstate.

It was then and there that we decided that a Spyder will somehow make its way into our garage. And a few months later, a 2018 RT Limited found its way there !!

 

[UtahPete]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

 

[Woodenfish]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

I totally agree with this statement. Illinois Department of Transportation offers motorcycle and three wheel motorcycle training throughout the State for $20. My class was three days, a Thursday evening and eight hours on Saturday and Sunday. We rode Rykers on an enclosed course at a local community college and used one of their classrooms. It was a wonderful event for my wife and I to attend. The instructors were phenomenal and said they teach the same class to motorcyclists at a local Harley Davidson dealer for $250.

The classroom part was eye opening for all who attended whether they were new or experienced riders who never took a safety course. They drive time in the supplied Rykers was fun and a good time to learn about how they operate and handle through a variety of traffic situations. My wife and I attended the class which I must warn you fills up fast and the classroom sizes are small. After going through our program we received a card to bring by to our IDOT DMV license facility. Our written and driving test were all performed at the training event so all we needed were photos. With possession of the motorcycle safety training course we were entitled to a small discount on our insurance. A week after we took our safety class we purchased a new Spyder RT Limited and began driving her upon the roads.

I would highly recommend this program to others. We were told about it at iMotorsports in Villa Park. The class was through Harper College in Palatine. They have multiple training sites in Northern Illinois. If you’re not in this area check at the IDOT website for motorcycle training to find a location throughout the state. It was a good choice for us because we did not own a Spyder at the time nor did we know a owner who did and would allow us to take the test at the DMV using their bike.

 

[Azbronco]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

I second this. I took the MSF course before I got my first M license and it was great--I used skills learned in that class more than once over the several years I was riding. Anyway, life happens and I found myself without a motorcycle for a period of 3 or 4 years, so I took the class again when I was able to buy another bike--just to refresh my skills (I still had the M endorsement on my license, so I didn't need it for that). During the class, one of the guys who'd never ridden asked me why I was there since it seemed I already knew how to ride. I just told him there's no substitute to practicing those skills because when you ride a motorcycle long enough, you're going to need to know how to avoid a collision. I never took the class again when I switched from 2 to 3 wheels, but I still rely on evasive maneuvers I learned from MSF. Plus there's the insurance discount.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I think MSF Basic training is good for anyone never having ridden a motorcycle because it teaches awareness more than actual riding skills. Plus, for those states where a motorcycle endorsement is required for a Spyder, a new Ryder still needs to know what's on the written test.

Several years ago I took the state sponsored basic training course even though I'd ridden my Goldwing for a few years already. A telling testimony about it's worth was the fact, according to the instructor, there was a cadre of senior riders who took the course every year simply for the refresh value.

 

[beerandchips]

That takes guts to buy something like a Spyder "sight unseen". What if you really hated it ??

Me ?? I tried to test ride one in our Reno dealership. The guy said, "Sure, you can test ride it. But you can't leave the parking lot".

I'm thinking to myself, "Just what kind of bull**** test ride is that ?? I can't even get out of 2nd, for crying out loud"

So I did the next best thing and rented one in Vegas. (Don't think that outfit is there anymore). There, I took a Spyder through its paces: in-town 25-35 mph putts, all the way to 80 mph blasts down an interstate.

It was then and there that we decided that a Spyder will somehow make its way into our garage. And a few months later, a 2018 RT Limited found its way there !!

I did research before I purchased but I had faith on the experience. I just wish I had known about the fitment issues. I'm furious over that still. But, that is another issue:bdh:

 

[Northofthesix]

I did research before I purchased but I had faith on the experience. I just wish I had known about the fitment issues. I'm furious over that still. But, that is another issue:bdh:

I bought mine sight unseen as well. After a couple decades riding 2 wheels, at 65 I was finding the weight of my Yamaha Venture to be a bit much in parking lot situations. I had guys I ride with who have Spyders but I had not ridden one; had not even sat on a RT. Found a fabulous deal on a demo 2018 RTL about 900 miles/ 1500km away, so a hopped on a plane, picked up the bike and rode it home over 2 days. First 100 km I thought "What the hell did I just do?"... by the time I got home I was totally hooked. As others have said, unlearn counter-steering and the death grip on the bars and just enjoy!

 

[Longtimer]

I rode two wheels for 50 years; after riding 25 years I took a two wheel course; it suprised me what I learnt and was doing wrong. It made me a better rider, they pointed out just little things I was doing wrong. Having someone watch while you are on course so they can see things sure helps. Then when I got my Spyder I took a class and learnt things that Spyders like and do not like. Enjoyed the class, met some new friends. I feel you can always learn something new that can help you ride better. Just like on this Forum, there's a lot of info to maybe help you and your Spyder ryding better.

 

[BillyBobBevis]

I took the Can Am rider course in Memphis recently and really enjoyed it. I originally took it to see if I would like Can Am's, but also because of my lack of meaningful experience with 2 wheel motorcycles, I felt it was necessary. I think the most valuable thing it gave me are the exercises to practice on for when I am able to purchase a new Spyder. I know nothing is as good as real live riding on roads for experience, but the practice exercises will help me in getting comfortable with riding a Spyder.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

Training...probably not..practice, absolutely, especially transitioning from 2 wheels. My wife never rode 2 wheels, but she hopped on a Ryker and just "got it"....Now she's on a '21 RT and doing awesome.

 

[Little Blue]

Training?

:shemademe_smilie:....You can do what want for training.
I have always been a Safety First type of person.
The Life you Save might be Yours.
Only have One Life to Live ....:thumbup:

 

[GrampaEJ]

Kind of hard to go to training when the closest is over 400 miles away.

150 miles isn't much better. I'd be willing to take a training class. But, that's too far away.

 

[Adventurer]

:shemademe_smilie:....You can do what want for training.
I have always been a Safety First type of person.
The Life you Save might be Yours.
Only have One Life to Live ....:thumbup:

I’ve always been a kinda guy :roflblack: not really I’m a big safety proponent