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Purchase the Spyder???

MissyKaye

New member
OK. So I just got my temp motorcycle license about two weeks ago. I have been looking at the Spyders for a long time now. But when we went to purchase me a bike to ride myself, the question was 2 wheels or 3??? hmmm. My husband test drove the Spyder for me since they would let me test drive the Spyder. He currently rides a HD Street Glide. When he returned from the test drive, he did not like the Spyder. So, after looking and looking and looking at bike after bike, we purchased a HD Dyna Low for me. After dropping the bike on my already bad leg, I have been very afraid of riding the Dyna. So, I would really really like to go on long trips with my husband and son. Currently my husband and I go on long trips on his street glide. But my son is becoming more and more interested in riding with us. So I need to get my own ride. But before I invest in another bike, I want to really make sure the "new" bike will be the right bike for me. :gaah:Any comments? Suggestions for me?
 
You will get many opinions, but the only one that counts is yours. I have a bad knee, which got worse. I triked my Gold Wing and love it. Got interested in a RT-S and now love BR1. Rode two wheels for over sixty years and would not go back to them. I sold both of my two wheel scoots and now have my GW trike and BR1.

You need to get whatever license you need and demo a Spyder. I did not like mine until I had 400 miles on it. This seems to be what most of us say....ya gotta ride one a while to really get attached to it. A few demo miles is seldom enough.

Your husband can't really make the ride decision for you....he can guide you, but it is gonna be your ride. Good luck.

Buy, ride and enjoy. JMHO

:spyder2:
 
Chances are your husband didn't like it because he was use to riding a motorcycle, this is nothing like a motorcycle, it's more like riding a 4-wheeler. You really need to find a dealer that will let you test drive one or ride one at a rally where Can Am has demo rides. It takes some getting use to but you'll never drop it that's for sure. :doorag:
 
If you are new to the bike world then you won't have the issues your husband has with riding the Spyder. Alot of hard core motorcycle people take a lot longer to adjust than we people that never (or rarely) rode one before. My advice is get the Spyder, you'll never have to worry about dropping it. There is an adjusment period on anything new...with every ride you'll relax more and more. That's the key RELAX!

I was only a passenger once on a motorcycle years ago (bad experience) and said I'd never ride one again! My husband bought the Spyder 3 years ago I love to ride with him, but I really LOVE to ride it myself and swipe it from him as often as I can.

On the Spyder you'll not only feel safer, but you'll be able to stay right up there with your husband and son on their 2 wheels with no problem. And when it rains...they'll be wanting to sit it out...you could very easily leave them behind, because the Spyder handles great in the rain too.

Go trade in that 2 wheeler and get yourself a Spyder girl!

--Paula
 
your new ride...

OK. So I just got my temp motorcycle license about two weeks ago. I have been looking at the Spyders for a long time now. But when we went to purchase me a bike to ride myself, the question was 2 wheels or 3??? hmmm. My husband test drove the Spyder for me since they would let me test drive the Spyder. He currently rides a HD Street Glide. When he returned from the test drive, he did not like the Spyder. So, after looking and looking and looking at bike after bike, we purchased a HD Dyna Low for me. After dropping the bike on my already bad leg, I have been very afraid of riding the Dyna. So, I would really really like to go on long trips with my husband and son. Currently my husband and I go on long trips on his street glide. But my son is becoming more and more interested in riding with us. So I need to get my own ride. But before I invest in another bike, I want to really make sure the "new" bike will be the right bike for me. :gaah:Any comments? Suggestions for me?

i just purchased a spyder. the first ride home was very scary for me and i had thought what have i done...spent all this money and i am not sure i like it...after riding it now for 2 weeks i love it. i was riding a 650 burgman 650 and as you i became afraid of it. i tipped it over but just because i didn't put my stand down all the way and another time i forgot to put my foot down:gaah:.duh....then while driving, i drive a tour bus i saw a motorcycle accident on 94 in ONE of the construction zones. that seemed to put the icing on the cake. altough the man had had some health issues happen it did scare me...and i know anything can happen no matter what you drive or ride....but from then on i was afraid to ride the burgman... and if you fear the bike or the ride it is no fun to ride...so i looked on line for reviews of the goldwing and the spyder. i chose the spyder rt limited....LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. :clap: YOU DO HAVE TO GET USED TO IT.... i ride most of the time well all the time so far by myself.... i will be taking her in for her 600 mile check up on wed.
do not know if this helps but this is my story..
good luck on what ever you do!!!!:2thumbs:

vicki:spyder2:
 
:spyder2:
i just purchased a spyder. the first ride home was very scary for me and i had thought what have i done...spent all this money and i am not sure i like it...after riding it now for 2 weeks i love it. i was riding a 650 burgman and as you i became afraid of it. i tipped it over but just because i didn't put my stand down all the way and another time i forgot to put my foot down:gaah:.duh....then while driving, i drive a tour bus i saw a motorcycle accident on 94 in ONE of the construction zones. that seemed to put the icing on the cake. altough the man had had some health issues happen it did scare me...and i know anything can happen no matter what you drive or ride....but from then on i was afraid to ride the burgman... and if you fear the bike or the ride it is no fun to ride...so i looked on line for reviews of the goldwing and the spyder. i chose the spyder rt limited....LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. :clap: YOU DO HAVE TO GET USED TO IT.... i ride most of the time well all the time so far by myself.... i will be taking her in for her 600 mile check up on wed.
do not know if this helps but this is my story..
good luck on what ever you do!!!!:2thumbs:

vicki:spyder2:


i agree with paula!!!!!!
 
Thanks to all of you for your responses! deep down I think the Spyder is the way to go, but I just dont want to make another purchase and not like it either. I had a three wheeler growing up. I am still trying to ride the Dyna, but really did not hve any fun riding around the local school parking lot last night. Ended up getting off the bike and crying. That is a lot of money to be sitting there in the garage and nobody riding the bike. It is too small of a bike for my husband and is looking to upgrade to a bigger bike himself.
 
OK. So I just got my temp motorcycle license about two weeks ago. I have been looking at the Spyders for a long time now. But when we went to purchase me a bike to ride myself, the question was 2 wheels or 3??? hmmm. My husband test drove the Spyder for me since they would let me test drive the Spyder. He currently rides a HD Street Glide. When he returned from the test drive, he did not like the Spyder. So, after looking and looking and looking at bike after bike, we purchased a HD Dyna Low for me. After dropping the bike on my already bad leg, I have been very afraid of riding the Dyna. So, I would really really like to go on long trips with my husband and son. Currently my husband and I go on long trips on his street glide. But my son is becoming more and more interested in riding with us. So I need to get my own ride. But before I invest in another bike, I want to really make sure the "new" bike will be the right bike for me. :gaah:Any comments? Suggestions for me?
If your husband is a die in the wool HD man AND
For Any one that rides two wheelers it will take a while to feel comfortable on the Spyder. I Think you should take it out for a long test ride' after you get your full licence.:thumbup:
 
Now that you have your license, perhaps it's time for you to take a test ride. Lamont mentioned that it feels more like a 4-wheeler; that's very true! These critters don't feel like a motorcycle at all... Not better or worse; just different! :thumbup:
It does take some miles to get used to it. Take a ride and let us know what you think of it!

Good luck making the right decision for you! :2thumbs:
 
:welcome: Here is a possible solution to your dilema.
BigRed1 and Lamont both had good answers to your question.

I go along with doing whatever it takes to get a test ride on a :spyder2:. Only you can determine what you like best. New riders, and two wheelers like your Dyna, generally do not go to well together. I had contact last year with a lady who was an inexperienced rider like yourself, but wanted to ride bad. The dealer convinced her that a Buell was the way to go for a beginner. She had the same problems you indicate. Did not like the bike, fell over several times, and was scared to death of the bike. Last I heard, it was still parked in the garage collecting dust.

Since hubby wants to upgrade his HD--use the brand new Dyna as the trade in on that. You folks decide to keep or sell the other HD. Unless you are dealing with a combo HD/Spyder dealer--the trade in process could be more difficult on the Spyder.

The :spyder2: brings a new dimension to riding. My ex, was also in your position. She would not consider motorcycles until I got a :spyder2:. She tried out one of the first semi-automatics and said "I can do this". We bought one, and the first year she put 13,000 miles on the :spyder2: between April and September. Now has over 20,000 miles on her :spyder2:.

There is a learning curve for two-wheeler riders--especially ones that look down on the :spyder2:, and their opinions can be clouded when test driving the :spyder2:.

I hope this all works out for you. Let us know what happens.
 
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I agree with everybody! No one can pick out a bike for you! You have to do it yourself! Only YOU will know what you are comfortable with.

I just traded my Honda Spirit 750 in 3 weeks ago for my Spyder. Best decision I've ever made!! I feel safer and more confident!! For me personally, getting used to the different steering and such.....like a duck to water!! I didn't have any issues!! I'd only been riding on the 2 wheelers for 5 years, but the change wasn't a problem for me.

I'd see about a test drive first to see if you will be ok with it, then go from there!!
 
I'll give you two pieces of advice, my opinion only, of course ;).

1. I briefly rode two-wheelers, unlicensed, nearly 20 years ago during my college years. I enjoyed them, but I never quite felt safe on them. I know that I needed more time on them, more patience with myself, but the learning curve for street riding can be steep, and very unforgiving (wish I had enjoyed the luxury of dirtbiking, but couldn't easily do that in city-living).

Fast forward to this year, I figured I'd finally go and get my motorcycle license. Signed up for the MSF two-wheeler course to get my license, but on a lark I also signed up for an MSF three-wheeler course. Part of me figured I might consider a trike-- I dug some of the Harley aftermarket conversions, and thought I could see myself on one.

While I knew about the Spyder, I hadn't really considered it. At first glance the styling wasn't my cup of tea, and it was such a new product, I figured it'd be too sketchy mechanically for the serious price.

Then, lo and behold, my MSF trike class was scheduled to occur before the two-wheeler course, and the company that offered it here in Virginia used Spyder RTs and RSs to teach the class.

(I did a write up of my experience here: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27303)

Bottom line: I had a blast.

Even after the class, however, I wasn't completely sold on the Spyder, mostly because it was more money than I wanted to spend this year. But it stuck in my head, and as I got closer to my two-wheeler course, I kept telling myself, "Why bother? You know you want the Spyder, so go get the Spyder, you dummy."

Which is exactly what I did. And I'm happy as heck that I did. Sure, it wasn't cheap, but I've had no serious mechanical problems (granted, I still have low mileage, <2000 miles). And I have tons of fun riding it.

More importantly... MOST importantly, I feel safe on it, in a way that I never felt on bikes.

A motorcycle has a steep learning curve, there are a million things to remember while riding one. Once you get the hang of it, that curve doesn't really lessen, however--- you just *think* that it lessens. Meaning, even an experienced motorcycle rider still has to occupy their attention span with all kinds of concerns even when just riding to the corner store: available traction, lean angles, sand and gravel and potholes, cornering lines, front vs. rear braking, etc., etc., etc.

And that's all before you worry about all the traffic around you trying to kill you. ;)

For many folks, they're comfortable with that much effort; they enjoy that level of involvement with their machine. And let's face it, when it all comes together perfectly, motorcycles are very, very fun. :doorag:

For me, however, I just find the Spyder removes a lot of the anxiety that comes with any two wheeler, which allows me to use my limited attention span focused more on the cars around me than on the condition of the road ahead, or the physics of my handling & braking. Yes, even the Spyder is still FAR more involved than driving a car around the block, but it is nowhere near as taxing as a motorcycle, particularly in heavy urban traffic (a.k.a., the Death Race 2000 that is D.C.).

Plus, again... what fun. :2thumbs:

2. As a general rule, I agree with the professional motorcycle educator consensus: your first bike should be a small bike.

The Dyna Glide is a beautiful bike, but it's not for a beginner; personally, I'm hesitant to even consider it a good *second* bike for most folks.

I second the recommendation to find a dealer will let you test ride the Spyder, which for its weight and power is a lot less intimidating to a comparable bike (you can't drop it on your leg, for one!).

But if you find the Spyder isn't for you, and you'd still like to use the Dyna Glide, I'd suggest shopping for an "interim" used bike, in the 250cc+ range (600-700cc max, if you stick to forgiving cruisers like the Suzuki Savage or Kawasaki Vulcan). I guarantee that you'll feel more comfortable on it, you'll get the hang of all the basics much faster, you'll be less likely to get into serious trouble when you screw up (and we new riders always screw up), and best of all, after a few months of practice, you'll be able to sell it for pretty much what you paid for it, i.e. it really will cost you nothing.

This way, you'll be able to make an informed decision on whether you want to stick with two wheels and keep the Dyna Glide, or whether you want to go in the Spyder direction.

Good luck, and safe riding!
 
been there....

Thanks to all of you for your responses! deep down I think the Spyder is the way to go, but I just dont want to make another purchase and not like it either. I had a three wheeler growing up. I am still trying to ride the Dyna, but really did not hve any fun riding around the local school parking lot last night. Ended up getting off the bike and crying. That is a lot of money to be sitting there in the garage and nobody riding the bike. It is too small of a bike for my husband and is looking to upgrade to a bigger bike himself.

I was working on learning to ride 2 wheelers, dropped it a few times, no injury - wasn't going very fast so bike went down, I basically stood up as it dropped. I wasn't having much fun in the parking lot either and actually did sit on it once almost in tears... then I test rode the Spyder. That's all it took, now my "knees are in the breeze" and hubby and son have their two wheelers and we all have fun! So, I agree with the others - find a dealer that will let you test ryde it. (I only needed my learners - and a person from the dealer rode on back) then decide - for me three was the way to go - no worries about falling and once I stopped the "death grip" I found/find it to be awesome!!:yes:
 
I agree with all the others. Highly recommend you take a MSF course if you haven't already. I've driven two wheelers, but I don't like to lean much. In a month, I've got 1,000 miles on my Spyder. I love it! I look for excuses to ride it. Seriously try to come up with the money for the semi-automatic. You upshift with your thumb and it downshifts by itself. No clutch, no hand brake, so much less the think about when stopping. I've had 2 fairly quick stops when the light changed--so easy and smooth.

Your husband may have felt the inevitable sway that many of us feel at first. It lessens as you get more comfortable and stop gripping the handlebars so tight. The power assisted steering senses tension in your arms. At least this has been true for me. You also lean your body when going around corners but you will quickly get use to it. I rode 70-75 mph on an interstate with our Gold Wing group and had no trouble.

It's a big financial decision, but even my husband who's use to a Gold Wing likes it. Good luck.
 
I agree with Lamont. Your hubby is probably accustomed to 2 wheelers, and the Spyder was just too different. They should have at least allowed you to ride around the parking lot or something...sheesh! If that dealer won't let you on one, go to another dealer. If their parking lot isn't big enough, they should take you to a large church parking lot or something. Ride around a bit, practicing curves, etc., and get a feel for it. I really think you'll like it, especially not having to worry about dropping it. You also don't really have to worry too much about gravel, dead squirrels, small potholes, or uneven pavement, either, at least, not nearly as much as if you are on 2 wheels. I have a really crappy sense of balance, and am quite a klutz, but I love my Spyder.

And as Big Red said, it's your ride; nobody else can make that decision for you.
 
I agree with Lamont. Your hubby is probably accustomed to 2 wheelers, and the Spyder was just too different. They should have at least allowed you to ride around the parking lot or something...sheesh! If that dealer won't let you on one, go to another dealer. If their parking lot isn't big enough, they should take you to a large church parking lot or something. Ride around a bit, practicing curves, etc., and get a feel for it. I really think you'll like it, especially not having to worry about dropping it. You also don't really have to worry too much about gravel, dead squirrels, small potholes, or uneven pavement, either, at least, not nearly as much as if you are on 2 wheels. I have a really crappy sense of balance, and am quite a klutz, but I love my Spyder.

And as Big Red said, it's your ride; nobody else can make that decision for you.

But you do have an awfully perdy spyder and did very well at Maggie Valley.

Chris
 
Excellent advice :2thumbs:


I'll give you two pieces of advice, my opinion only, of course ;).

1. I briefly rode two-wheelers, unlicensed, nearly 20 years ago during my college years. I enjoyed them, but I never quite felt safe on them. I know that I needed more time on them, more patience with myself, but the learning curve for street riding can be steep, and very unforgiving (wish I had enjoyed the luxury of dirtbiking, but couldn't easily do that in city-living).

Fast forward to this year, I figured I'd finally go and get my motorcycle license. Signed up for the MSF two-wheeler course to get my license, but on a lark I also signed up for an MSF three-wheeler course. Part of me figured I might consider a trike-- I dug some of the Harley aftermarket conversions, and thought I could see myself on one.

While I knew about the Spyder, I hadn't really considered it. At first glance the styling wasn't my cup of tea, and it was such a new product, I figured it'd be too sketchy mechanically for the serious price.

Then, lo and behold, my MSF trike class was scheduled to occur before the two-wheeler course, and the company that offered it here in Virginia used Spyder RTs and RSs to teach the class.

(I did a write up of my experience here: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27303)

Bottom line: I had a blast.

Even after the class, however, I wasn't completely sold on the Spyder, mostly because it was more money than I wanted to spend this year. But it stuck in my head, and as I got closer to my two-wheeler course, I kept telling myself, "Why bother? You know you want the Spyder, so go get the Spyder, you dummy."

Which is exactly what I did. And I'm happy as heck that I did. Sure, it wasn't cheap, but I've had no serious mechanical problems (granted, I still have low mileage, <2000 miles). And I have tons of fun riding it.

More importantly... MOST importantly, I feel safe on it, in a way that I never felt on bikes.

A motorcycle has a steep learning curve, there are a million things to remember while riding one. Once you get the hang of it, that curve doesn't really lessen, however--- you just *think* that it lessens. Meaning, even an experienced motorcycle rider still has to occupy their attention span with all kinds of concerns even when just riding to the corner store: available traction, lean angles, sand and gravel and potholes, cornering lines, front vs. rear braking, etc., etc., etc.

And that's all before you worry about all the traffic around you trying to kill you. ;)

For many folks, they're comfortable with that much effort; they enjoy that level of involvement with their machine. And let's face it, when it all comes together perfectly, motorcycles are very, very fun. :doorag:

For me, however, I just find the Spyder removes a lot of the anxiety that comes with any two wheeler, which allows me to use my limited attention span focused more on the cars around me than on the condition of the road ahead, or the physics of my handling & braking. Yes, even the Spyder is still FAR more involved than driving a car around the block, but it is nowhere near as taxing as a motorcycle, particularly in heavy urban traffic (a.k.a., the Death Race 2000 that is D.C.).

Plus, again... what fun. :2thumbs:

2. As a general rule, I agree with the professional motorcycle educator consensus: your first bike should be a small bike.

The Dyna Glide is a beautiful bike, but it's not for a beginner; personally, I'm hesitant to even consider it a good *second* bike for most folks.

I second the recommendation to find a dealer will let you test ride the Spyder, which for its weight and power is a lot less intimidating to a comparable bike (you can't drop it on your leg, for one!).

But if you find the Spyder isn't for you, and you'd still like to use the Dyna Glide, I'd suggest shopping for an "interim" used bike, in the 250cc+ range (600-700cc max, if you stick to forgiving cruisers like the Suzuki Savage or Kawasaki Vulcan). I guarantee that you'll feel more comfortable on it, you'll get the hang of all the basics much faster, you'll be less likely to get into serious trouble when you screw up (and we new riders always screw up), and best of all, after a few months of practice, you'll be able to sell it for pretty much what you paid for it, i.e. it really will cost you nothing.

This way, you'll be able to make an informed decision on whether you want to stick with two wheels and keep the Dyna Glide, or whether you want to go in the Spyder direction.

Good luck, and safe riding!
 
i just purchased a spyder. the first ride home was very scary for me and i had thought what have i done...spent all this money and i am not sure i like it...after riding it now for 2 weeks i love it. i was riding a 650 burgman 650 and as you i became afraid of it. i tipped it over but just because i didn't put my stand down all the way and another time i forgot to put my foot down:gaah:.duh....then while driving, i drive a tour bus i saw a motorcycle accident on 94 in ONE of the construction zones. that seemed to put the icing on the cake. altough the man had had some health issues happen it did scare me...and i know anything can happen no matter what you drive or ride....but from then on i was afraid to ride the burgman... and if you fear the bike or the ride it is no fun to ride...so i looked on line for reviews of the goldwing and the spyder. i chose the spyder rt limited....LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. :clap: YOU DO HAVE TO GET USED TO IT.... i ride most of the time well all the time so far by myself.... i will be taking her in for her 600 mile check up on wed.
do not know if this helps but this is my story..
good luck on what ever you do!!!!:2thumbs:

vicki:spyder2:

Vicki, Where did you get your's serviced?
 
OK. So I just got my temp motorcycle license about two weeks ago. I have been looking at the Spyders for a long time now. But when we went to purchase me a bike to ride myself, the question was 2 wheels or 3??? hmmm. My husband test drove the Spyder for me since they would let me test drive the Spyder. He currently rides a HD Street Glide. When he returned from the test drive, he did not like the Spyder. So, after looking and looking and looking at bike after bike, we purchased a HD Dyna Low for me. After dropping the bike on my already bad leg, I have been very afraid of riding the Dyna. So, I would really really like to go on long trips with my husband and son. Currently my husband and I go on long trips on his street glide. But my son is becoming more and more interested in riding with us. So I need to get my own ride. But before I invest in another bike, I want to really make sure the "new" bike will be the right bike for me. :gaah:Any comments? Suggestions for me?

Never let your husband decide what YOU are going to ride...it's a personal choice that the actual rider has to make. I wouldn't let someone pick out a car for me either, on that note. If you ride a Spyder, you'll likely buy a Spyder...they're a lot of fun to ride and the safety consideration is a major plus.
 
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