Ok...I have had the Spyder for a couple of weeks now and have ridden a handful of times (Ohio weather 
). This machine is a blast to ride. Compared to a traditional motorcycle, the Spyder is much more comfortable and easy to operate (I have the semi-auto). The power is more than enough and shifting is seamless and very smooth (I really like not having to throttle-down while shifting). The automatic downshifting is very smooth too and seems to always be in the right gear if you need to accelerate before coming to a complete stop. The heated grips make riding in cold temps very comfortable and sometimes even get too hot even on the "low" setting. Having only ridden 2-wheelers, I could never have imagined how useful it would be to have a reverse gear! Now I'm sold...all large bikes should have a reverse gear standard!! As others on this site have mentioned, there is definitely a learning curve when it comes to turning. To me, it feels like if you turn sharp enough (normal speeds for the conditions) you will tip over. Probably just a result of previous motorcycle experience and the urge to lean! Turning is becoming easier, but I still have a ways to go!! My other observation (can't decide if I like it or not) is the attention this thing gets! Kids stare, parents point for the kids to stare, drivers stare, walkers stare, bikers stare....I even had two strangers in cars wave at me yesterday!! Pretty funny!!! Just my two cents so far. Happy riding!!
). This machine is a blast to ride. Compared to a traditional motorcycle, the Spyder is much more comfortable and easy to operate (I have the semi-auto). The power is more than enough and shifting is seamless and very smooth (I really like not having to throttle-down while shifting). The automatic downshifting is very smooth too and seems to always be in the right gear if you need to accelerate before coming to a complete stop. The heated grips make riding in cold temps very comfortable and sometimes even get too hot even on the "low" setting. Having only ridden 2-wheelers, I could never have imagined how useful it would be to have a reverse gear! Now I'm sold...all large bikes should have a reverse gear standard!! As others on this site have mentioned, there is definitely a learning curve when it comes to turning. To me, it feels like if you turn sharp enough (normal speeds for the conditions) you will tip over. Probably just a result of previous motorcycle experience and the urge to lean! Turning is becoming easier, but I still have a ways to go!! My other observation (can't decide if I like it or not) is the attention this thing gets! Kids stare, parents point for the kids to stare, drivers stare, walkers stare, bikers stare....I even had two strangers in cars wave at me yesterday!! Pretty funny!!! Just my two cents so far. Happy riding!!
