I have been thinging about getting a spyder. I have never rode on three wheels, always two. How does the Spyder handle in curves, twisties hairpins and switch backs? Does it handle like a two wheeler, better or worse?
The Spyder handles the twisties rather well
once you get used to it. It is a more active ride... you alone are doing the leaning/butt shifting. Continuous switchbacks can be draining on you... more effort is required to manipulate the Spyder.
It handles like an off-road quad or snow machine... not like a two-wheeler at all. Forget counter-steering. You'll have to "unlearn" that. And, forget the front brake lever... the braking system is integrated and incorporates ABS.
From a safety view, the Spyder's ABS, traction and handling controls all contribute to a safer ride, IMHO.
How is it on speed and power. Acording to what I've read top speed is only 100. I currently have a 1700cc RoadStar. It's quit often cruse at 85. I'm a big guy, How would it handle me and my wife. I read that it only gets 30 to 35 miles per gallon? I am really interested in getting one but i'd like to ride one first.
Top speed approaches 130 mph indicated. I also have a Valk and the SPyder is pretty comparable... albeit a tad slower... from a performance perspective. The Spyder will cruise at 85 mph all day if that's what you want. The stock Valk is a low-to-mid 12 second 1/4 mile bike... the stock Spyder is a mid-13 second bike. A few mods (exhaust, air box and fuel management), and a way to really "hook up" with the rear tire (easy to spin), would bring them much closer together.
I can't help on the "big guy" thing. I'm just a 5'10" shrimp and shrinking. :roflblack:
MPG is indeed in the 30-35 mpg range... for me. Some have gotten more... some less. That spread depends on your right hand. I have gotten as much as 39-40 mpg with a tailwind and as little as 25 mpg with abuse of the right hand.
All Spyder dealers have demos to try out. It's a BRP requirement. Walk in... show your license... and probably safety gear... and ride away for a while.
Again, the Spyder takes a while to get used to. For me, it was a couple of weeks. Don't depend solely on the demo ride for a decision... it only gets better after that.
Three wheels eliminate the possibility of the dumb stuff... like parking lot maneuver accidents, and slipping on gravel and oil slicks. However, your biggest danger... as on a two-wheeler... generally comes from other folks on the road.
And... as a bonus, you don't need a smushed beer can to put under your kickstand on soft parking surfaces.
You'll probably want a different windshield and seat so... plan and budget for that. The Spyder is no different than the two-wheelers... they're always a compromise to fit the majority of riders. I've never fit that category, regardless of manufacturer.
Also, I suggest that you get the extended BEST warranty. There are a lot of little expensive sensors and processors on the Roadster. Negotiate the warranty in as you're buying. It becomes more expensive after 60 days.
Good luck!