Potential Newbe

[Dragonrider]

I'm looking at an '08 SM5 with 1K miles on the clock, and priced under $14K, for my wife. She has a MC endorsement, but fewer than 500 miles on the road, hasn't ridden at all for 5 years, and will be 60 this year.

With 40 years on two wheels, I would love for her to ride (her own bike) with me, but two wheelers put her off.

The issues within the electrics give me pause - Having had a lot of success with other forums in the past, I am asking for advice - is this worth pursuing for my wife, or should i Trike my V-rod for her???

Thanks!

 

[mike3069]

Sounds like a good deal. There have really been very few issues with the SM5 electronics. Most have been very reliable. Remember that what you see on the forum for problems are the "squeaky wheel". The silent majority are out happily riding there :spyder:.

 

[ataDude]

I wouldn't hesitate on the SM. Worst case, there's a $90 gear position sensor that may need to be replaced.

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I'm looking at an '08 SM5 with 1K miles on the clock, and priced under $14K, for my wife. She has a MC endorsement, but fewer than 500 miles on the road, hasn't ridden at all for 5 years, and will be 60 this year.

With 40 years on two wheels, I would love for her to ride (her own bike) with me, but two wheelers put her off.

The issues within the electrics give me pause - Having had a lot of success with other forums in the past, I am asking for advice - is this worth pursuing for my wife, or should i Trike my V-rod for her???

Thanks!

 

[NancysToy]

The Spyder SM5 was my wife's first road bike, with only a couple of years of using a Trail 90 as a pitbike before that. Bought it before she ever got her endorsement. She's 55, and a new rider. I'm older than dirt and have been riding 50 years. I don't worry at all when she's riding. She's always there in my mirrors, even pushing me in the corners. Not having to worry about her encountering gravel in a corner, and such, has made me just ride and relax with her on the road. Besides, I don't have to ride this top-heavy beast of a BMW two-up anymore.

I think your wife has exactly the right idea. You will be very relaxed and pleased, I'm sure. BTW, we have had no problems in a year with our Premier Edition SM5 except the sticky parking brake, which was easily cured, and the noisy brakes occasionally, which are manageable, too. No electronics glitches whatsover. Go for it!
-Scotty

 

[BeRight]

Spyder way cheaper than triking your VROD.

Also consider safety: What sets Spyder apart from anything on the market is what is integrated in the VSS: the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), the Traction Control System (TSC) and the Stability Control System (SCS).

Also the Spyder is way more fun to ride on the twisties than any two rear wheel trike.

 

[BajaRon]

Honestly, there are a lot of rides I would not recommend to someone in your wifes situation. There is more than potential fun to consider when someone takes on this kind of vehicle at a later age.

But I would say the Spyder is the perfect vehicle for this. My impression is that someone with less 2 wheel time actually adapts to the Spyder quicker.

I know some experienced 2 wheel riders say they got on the Spyder and it was a perfect fit right away. But I had some trouble getting used to 3 wheels and so did Lamont and other experienced riders.

My feeling is that someone with little or no experience does not have to overcome 2 wheel riding habits that just don't work with the Spyder. I think it makes for a much easier learning curve.

If you do decide to get the Spyder, Please let us know her 1st impressions and how it goes.

So, to a potential owner, Potential :congrats: and welcome

 

[Dragonrider]

Thanks for the comments - we'll pick it up next Saturday.

 

[babyanlee]

welcome :congrats: We have 3200 miles on our:spyder: & we are extremely Happy with our:spyder:. Enjoy:2thumbs::yes::yes::yes: