I'm a new owner, and effectively a new rider too (never rode trikes before, and VERY limited 2-wheel experience 20 years ago).
I'm a firm believer in "warts and all" assessments. Meaning, I'm not going to cheerlead for the Spyder, my dealer or BRP just because I spent $15,000 (to *start*) on a new bike. I don't need the approval of other buyers to validate my purchase, and I'd caution any prospective buyer to always considers stories, both good AND bad, with perspective.
That disclaimer out of the way, the pros and cons:
The pros:
--
Quite simply, I absolutely love it. It's fun to ride; it's easy, yet it's rewarding. It's unique, there's nothing else like it on the road, and (most) people love it, particularly once they come up close. It's the freedom of motorcycling with fewer of the risks.
(Please note I said "fewer"-- NOT zero; this isn't riding a car, and you can die riding a Spyder just as easily as riding a motorcycle. Sorry to be so grim, and yes, you can die driving a car, too. But the greater risk exists, regardless of how many wheels are underneath you).
The cons:
-- It's EXPENSIVE.
-- It's EXPENSIVE.
-- Did I mention that it's EXPENSIVE?
Not just to purchase, but to operate. And to upgrade and modify. And to maintain. Yes, it's a bargain for what it is (especially the RT when compared to a Goldwing or Harley trike), but if you're a new rider, it's definitely a steep price to pay for a first serious bike. If you don't like it, or if you experience a lot of mechanical trouble, that cost means that it WILL be stressful for you, that much is inescapable.
-- You are still an early adopter. Yes, the Spyder's been around a few years already. But in most respects, it's the same vehicle that was first released. Some bugs, like the dynamic power steering problems, have been diligently worked out. Others linger. New problems will surely pop up. It's the nature of every new beast. You are NOT buying a 20-year old design, which means that you, like every other Spyder rider, will be a test pilot to a certain extent.
-- The dealer network is hit or miss. Some dealers are fantastic. Some are good enough, and getting better. Some are abysmal and shouldn't be selling the product. Again, the nature of the beast-- the network is new, not just to the vehicle, but in many cases, new to supporting a daily rider. Supporting a Sea-Doo that goes in the water a few times a year is different than supporting a daily rider, and in some dealers this difference shows. Likewise, the dealers who already sell other types of motorcycles often don't know what to do with the Spyder-- it's a complex machine, and a new (read: finicky) machine, with a new rider base often consisting of people used to driving and maintaining cars instead of motorcycles.
-- To emphasize that point again: it's not a car, it's a motorcycle, and an extremely high-tech one at that. Dealers are used to fixing up thumpers and crotch rockets, the Spyder is a new beast. Additionally, if you expect to have car reliability and ease of maintenance, you're in for a rude shock. Bikes are not cars, and the Spyder isn't even a bike
.
-- BRP is new to this as well. They've invested a lot of $$$ in the Spyder, and all public reports suggest they're getting a good return on that investment. So the good news is, the profit motive will continue to incent BRP to take care of the Spyder. The bad news is, at this stage of the vehicle's history, *sales* will ALWAYS take precedence over support. This isn't unique to BRP; it's business 101-- you can't support what you don't sell. Over time, BRP will focus more on the continuing after-sale support and maintenance, but again: we're early adopters here.
Now, some owners feel that for the price they pay for the vehicle, they shouldn't have to face this reality. That's their choice, and none of us can make those owners happy, only their own experiences matter.
Personally, the best single piece of advice I can give is: keep your eyes open about what the Spyder is and isn't here in 2011, and if you do decide to buy, adopt a "zen" attitude towards it. Most owners have a wonderful experience with their Spyders. Yes, even the ones who may have had to take theirs into the shop more than once. The ones who don't have a good experience, well... I feel terrible for them, I really do, because I know how good it can be when the Spyder DOES fire on all cylinders, and I wish everyone had that same joy.
Bottom line: It's a serious $$$ investment-- resist the temptation to lowball or assume you'll spend less money than you really will-- and there exists a greater potential for mechanical frustration in comparison to more established motorcycles in the marketplace, but I have no regrets about purchasing my Spyder.
Honestly, I wish this thing was around 20 years ago. When I ride it, I wonder where this joyful machine's been all my life! :2thumbs:
hyea:
