Newbie Questions

[KyleKruko44]

Ive always been a water person being as a live on Lake Michigan and have owned jetskis and boats. Im ready to make a change though since I just cant get my boat out as much as I would like to. I have always owned BRP products and have never had a problem with them so I have been interested in the can am spyder since it came out. I have never ridden a motorcycle before so it seemed like a great place to start. Ive been trying to do some research on them but all i can find is people bashing them, but it seems like its always motorcycle riders doing the bashing. So coming here made more sense to ask questions since you guys ride them. I'm all ears for whatever suggestions or info you guys have about models, safety, problems, etc. Any help is greatly appreciated
~Kyle

 

[Dragonrider]

You'll always see the folks with problems on the forum - looking for help or commiseration… Anyway, I've had two, and my RT is the most comfortable bike I've owned - and I've owned a lot. I had a RS before the RT, and neither have had any real problems in thousands of miles. Better quality than my BMW.

I highly recommend you test ride several Spyders - most dealers allow that, but w/o an endorsement, you might not be allowed off the lot.

If you get one, spend your first couple of hours in a parking lot - run through the drills in the manual. Then go for a long ride on country roads - 200 or so, and by the time you get home, you'll have the technique down.

 

[spydrluvr]

:congrats: you have come to the right place for information! it will be biased...(cuz we all love our spyders)...but truthful. the ryders on this forum are the best:bowdown: :bowdown: if you have never ridden a two wheeler the spyder would be a great place to start....you won't have to unlearn any two-wheel habits, and because of all the safety features--it really lends it self to learning....now that is not to say that these bikes are not spunky....cuz they most certainly will get your heart pumping....

keep reading, find yourself a good dealer, and take a test ryde...be careful though cuz if you touch one.........

good luck:f_spider:

 

[KipDM]

have not ridden motorcycles since 87/88 and had no problem learning my new :spyder:.
there is a huge difference from a car, but that should be expected.
be forewarned if you love driving with all your windows down, and think of it as riding in the wind, you will totally lose that and driving a car with the windows down only makes you want to get on your :spyder: more.

also, when it is time to take in your new baby for your 600 mile break-in maintenance you will find you miss the :spyder: like a dear departed friend.

if you have ridden jetskis or snowmobiles you will have no problems adjusting at all. the ryde is different, but there are so many safety features built in you never feel out of control.

just my opinion. course i only have 608 miles on her so far....and cannot wait until the dealer is done with the maintenance...and a few more mods :thumbup:

 

[Pandy]

Rider

You are probably better off not having a motorcycle. .I, on the other hand have never driven a snowmobile or a 4 wheeler, had a lot of motorcycle to get out of my system before the:spyder2:became less than a handful. By all means, test ride any one you can get your leg over and review the cd that comes with the machine, it's there for a reason. \Some folks don't realize what a complex machine a Spyder is and the issues that can come with that. But, like any other complex mechanism, with diligent and proper maintenance you shouldn't have any more issues than anyone else. Oh, :spyder2: do bite and the result is usually a purchase.

Patrick

 

[SpyderRyder2B]

Welcome! The Spyder is an awesome rydehyea:. I just logged 5K this past weekend on the RT.
Two things I would pass along to you:
Make sure you check out the service department of the dealer.

Watch out for what I call the "death grip" ie - gripping the handlebars too tight. It took me several hundred miles to stop doing that.

Since you ride other BRP products I would think you wouldn't have much of a problem.

 

[Texmac1011]

:welcome:
One important piece of advice I received from a Spyderlover was "after your purchase, make sure your Visa is paid in full".

There will be aftermarket items you may need, items you will want and items you GOTTA HAVE.

Depending on the model you buy, things like a backrest, windshield, different/highway pegs, etc. may be purchases that figure into the cost of your Spyder. Our vendors have many quality products, bu they don't come cheap.

I hadn't been on 2 wheels in 30 years, bought my :spyder2: 2 years ago and headed off to Colorado on my 1st long ride. I have had no problems and no regrets. If you want to ride, I don't think you will either. Good Luck!

 

[NancysToy]

:welcome:

I wouldn't worry about the bashing. They bash Miatas, too. To learn, you haver to go to the folks that own and ride the vehicles. You have come to the right place. As to models, etc., it is as personal a choice as what color of shirt to wear. I'd suggest you test ride each. If you don't have the endorsement to ride, at least sit on each for an extended period. My wife sat on the Spyder in the showroom floor so long they had to dust her daily. :joke: I think you would love a Spyder.

 

[Bob Denman]

Do you think that we might all be just a wee bit biased??
Welcome to our little corner of the universe! :2thumbs:

 

[M2Wild]

Its high performance jet ski on pavement.:2thumbs: I have XPL, RXP and RX-Di.

 

[COOLMACHINE]

Glad to have you here.

Welcome Kyle,
This is a great place to learn about the Spyder. My only suggestion is to make sure you purchase an extended warranty if you decide to get your ride. They are a blast to ride and are very stable. Love the anti-lock brakes too. Read up on them and make an educated decision.

 

[ezduzit]

Having no Two Wheeler expierence means no BAD habits!!! I've always been a Four wheeler rider and now I LOVE my Spyder riding time!!!:welcome:

 

[KyleKruko44]

Thanks for all of your input guys, it is much appreciated. Off hand does anyone know what a extended warranty runs? thanks again for all your suggestions.

 

[M2Wild]

Thanks for all of your input guys, it is much appreciated. Off hand does anyone know what a extended warranty runs? thanks again for all your suggestions.

A 3-year BEST runs around 800-900. That price might differ since I bought mine. Check eBay.

 

[Mr. White]

A 3-year BEST runs around 800-900. That price might differ since I bought mine. Check eBay.

Yep, it is dealers choice...but 800-900 should catch it. I paid $800 a month ago. My dealer gives a discount if purchased with the Spyder.

:spyder2:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: Not much I can add to the above. You can always find negatives about any product. It all comes down to what YOU want. Do be sure to check out the various models..they are different. Do you want sporty or do you want comfort options? Test sitting, or even better--test riding, is the way to determine what you want. Spyder is different from motorcycles--but in your case, you will not have anything to unlearn.

I have had 3 spyders, a 2008, 2009, and 2010 RTS. One spyder was a manual transmission, the other two are semi-automatics. Over 55,000 miles--mostly free of mechanical issues.

I would recommend Spyder to anyone.

Advice about dealer service is important. Lowest price is not always the best place to get the Spyder from.

 

[Bob Denman]

Advice about dealer service is important. Lowest price is not always the best place to get the Spyder from.

:agree: Good service will always beat a great price! :thumbup:

 

[tofriendscreek]

:welcome: my similar concerns and the like are posted on other threads. I firmly believe you've already been :f_spider: bitten. It's now a matter of time, cash, preferences. You'll know what's right for you when you feel it. Keep asking questions cause this is the place to get answers. :thumbup:
Good luck on your hunt. The rydes are awesome!