I'm approaching one year as a Spyder rider, after 37 years of riding motorcycles. I'm finding that although it only took a very short time to feel comfortable on the 3 wheeler, some old habits die hard. I've ridden the Spyder about 4,000 miles so far, and sometimes still reach of the non-existent clutch lever when slowing down. Occasionally when stepping on the brake pedal, I find myself reaching for a front brake lever that isn't there. And avoiding obstacles in the road is certainly more demanding. I find I can avoid hitting things with my two front wheels, but almost forget about that back wheel in the middle of the bike. Ran over a dead raccoon this morning, but without any problem. My final old habit which shows up at times, is the motorcycle habit of riding in the left third of the lane. I mostly remember to ride in the middle of the lane, but occasionally notice my left wheel getting all too close to the center line. Just some observations at the 9 month mark.
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Old Habits die Hard
- Thread starter vito1943
- Start date
FloridaSTS
New member
I have a similar two wheel background and experiences on three wheels. Road obstacles are a greater challenge to negotiate on three wheels. I still like to ride on the left side of the lane and move to the right side for oncoming traffic when the lane is narrow. A lot of the roads I ride are bumpy in the center of the lane, so straddling the center with a front and rear wheel makes for a more comfortable ride. Muscle memory faded quickly for me. Gaining the reverse gear and losing the kickstand is good!
Gwolf
Well-known member
Yeah, takes a long time to develop new habits that do the job without thinking. When I bought the Spyder, I only switched from a single front wheel Harley trike to the Spyder dual fronts. Had been riding the old home-built Harley Sportster Trike for about 20 years. Reaching for clutch, and brake levers was about the worst habits to break. About 5,000 miles before the Spyder the controls came without any conscious thought.
Woodswoman
Member
I had a muscle memory moment last year, my first year on a Spyder after 20 years of motorcycling.
Reached for both clutch lever and front brake lever to slow down during a U-turn. Neither one being there, my brain fuzzed and couldn't remember what to do instead, and unfortunately I rear-ended my husband's F3-T.
An expensive and embarrassing lesson.
Reached for both clutch lever and front brake lever to slow down during a U-turn. Neither one being there, my brain fuzzed and couldn't remember what to do instead, and unfortunately I rear-ended my husband's F3-T.
An expensive and embarrassing lesson.
Last edited:
arade float!:clap::thumbup:....Bill
Motorcycledave
Active member
Welcome to the club....I have been riding 2 wheels since I was 14 I am now 80 "all most' AND I STILL REACH FOR THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE
I started out on 3 wheels in 2014 and I've done everything that's mentioned above, and I'm still doing it. Geezzzzzz when will it stop?
shakin_jake
Member
Pooch
Member
I guess riding a shy-prone horse for so many years before 2-wheel, then 3-wheel bikes created a muscle memory I am thankful for. Makes your body “ready” to circumvent quick unexpected moves by the vehicle…like this Spyder RTL..various unseen road anomalies which, at speed, grab the Spyder’s front tire (either one) and try to force the machine either into the ditch or oncoming traffic on a 2-lane unless you muscle to keep it on the path. This is about the only thing I dislike about the 2-up-front vehicle. I never had this happen on my traditional 2-in-back Gold Wing trike. Otherwise.. I like this machine. Additionally, in almost 6000 miles now I am past reaching for the hand-brake but still think they need to include one… Carla
Isopedella
Well-known member
Your not alone. Riding legal from 1972. Im trying to develop a whole new mindset for the Spyder. In 9 days of ownership I seem to have got no feet down at the stop. Clutch most times. But I really miss the front brake lever. Having to lift the foot and then apply the brake takes longer. But oh boy it works. I regard as a trade off for the quick shifting 6 speed.
Little Blue
SpyderLovers Ambassador
It Comes with Time
hyea:... I know about the Spyder learning curve. But it all comes with Time. For some people it may take a few months. Others may need help with this process.
I am doing good and enjoying the time and 'wind therapy'.
My curve was just at 2 months and 1,000 miles. ...:yes:
hyea:... I know about the Spyder learning curve. But it all comes with Time. For some people it may take a few months. Others may need help with this process. I am doing good and enjoying the time and 'wind therapy'.
My curve was just at 2 months and 1,000 miles. ...:yes:
cruisinTX
Member
We got our Spyder in the fall of 2017 and now at a little shy of 10K miles. The last big hurdle for transitioning is that I still reach for a front brake lever from time to time. I guess that's not too bad seeing as how I started riding two-wheelers in 1968 and am still riding them a lot more than the Spyder with my total mileage on bikes and the Spyder now at just over 500K miles.
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