Serious about buying a Spyder but have questions

[WackyDan]

Hello Everyone.

I've had my mind on getting a spyder for several months now. I finally test rode one on Saturday. Mixed emotions on it. The turns got easier as the ride progressed, and I imagine that after a while it becomes old hat. Having ridden bikes for years, the turns were the most noticeable difference for me. Does the weirdness of that go away after a while?

My main concern is that I see an awful lot of spyders for sale on Craigslist and eBay. They all are anywhere from 150 miles to 1500 miles on the odometer. Seems like a lot of people are offloading them after not many miles. This concerns me. Does the novelty wear off for many purchasers?

I see the spyder as a great and safe touring bike. - something that the wife would feel comfortable on.

If I decide to buy, I'll probably lean towards used and get some Givi cases for it. The dealer I was at in Matthews, NC on Saturday quoted me just over $18k after shipping, processing, etc... all the extra crap they tack on. It was just over $20k with Givi cases, top and sides. Seems I might be better off hunting the right used Spyder for 13 to 14k and save some money.

My main concern still is the fact many seem for sale with so little miles on them. What gives?

Dan

 

[StarTraveler649]

what seems like a lot on eBay is very little compared to the total number of Spyders sold over the last 2 years. I looked on eBay and was surprised at how few Spyders were for sale. different points of view I guess.

 

[bone crusher]

Hello Everyone.

I've had my mind on getting a spyder for several months now. I finally test rode one on Saturday. Mixed emotions on it. The turns got easier as the ride progressed, and I imagine that after a while it becomes old hat. Having ridden bikes for years, the turns were the most noticeable difference for me. Does the weirdness of that go away after a while?

My main concern is that I see an awful lot of spyders for sale on Craigslist and eBay. They all are anywhere from 150 miles to 1500 miles on the odometer. Seems like a lot of people are offloading them after not many miles. This concerns me. Does the novelty wear off for many purchasers?

I see the spyder as a great and safe touring bike. - something that the wife would feel comfortable on.

If I decide to buy, I'll probably lean towards used and get some Givi cases for it. The dealer I was at in Matthews, NC on Saturday quoted me just over $18k after shipping, processing, etc... all the extra crap they tack on. It was just over $20k with Givi cases, top and sides. Seems I might be better off hunting the right used Spyder for 13 to 14k and save some money.

My main concern still is the fact many seem for sale with so little miles on them. What gives?

Dan

I wouldn't concern myself with how many are for sale...we are in a down economy and the Spyder is obviously a luxury for many people...if people need cash, they'll sell...take a look at how many honda accords are for sale...this doesn't mean it's a bad product...

IMHO, you should decide if you like the bike and not worry so much about what others think about it...I never buy anything based on what other people think...if that was the case, I'd never get anywhere!

If you biggest concern is why many are for sale with low miles, don't buy...if your biggest concern is getting the best price possible (which it should be if you really want the bike), then find one of those sellers and get a Spyder at a great price...you'll be happy you did!!!!

I wouldn't sell my Spyder...it's 100% fun!

 

[aka1004]

Does the novelty wear off for many purchasers?

i ryde my spyder everyday and i could not imagine my life without it now
it is not my main means of transportation but i am putting more miles on it than my pick up i use for work
yes it had tons of problems and it still does but when i ryde it just takes me to another world, world of my own....

 

[WackyDan]

Does the novelty wear off for many purchasers?

i ryde my spyder everyday and i could not imagine my life without it now
it is not my main means of transportation but i am putting more miles on it than my pick up i use for work
yes it had tons of problems and it still does but when i ryde it just takes me to another world, world of my own....

Have your problems been unique to your spyder or are there some core things that seem to go wrong with them?

I know there was the E-brake recall on the 08 models.

 

[aka1004]

Have your problems been unique to your spyder or are there some core things that seem to go wrong with them?

I know there was the E-brake recall on the 08 models.

lets see

spyder was pulling to right when i brake: fixed
brake pads replaced but still squeaks to a lesser degree
heavy gas fume: dealer has acknowledged the problem and still trying things
3 ecu replacement
3 evap canister replacement
parking brake still does not function properly
creeps forward when i am at complete stop: dealer has no idea how to fix it
check transmission light comes on sporadically
transmission gets stuck in neutral after restart (these 2 transmission symptoms comes separately. when check transmission light comes on i can still get it in gear but spyder dies soon after i take off. i learned that the hard way as spyder stalled while i was waiting to make a left on one of the busiest intersection in los angeles. getting stuck in neutral happens without check transmission light on) dealer sent the error codes to brp but have not heard from them yet.
transmission would not go into 5th from 4th
some times would not start, i turn the key and everything looks normal i hit the mode button and start nothing happens, i keep hitting start button and after few(3-10) times it starts. could be some sort of electrical problem as i already had to replace tail light bulb 3 times and head light bulb once in 3 and half month i had spyder in my possession.

this is what my service writer said half jokingly
"best thing for the this spyder will be if someone stole it"

 

[GI Jane]

I've had my Spyder for 6 months now. Even with a few minor problems I can't imagine selling her. There's a lot of other things I would sell first before the :spyder:if hard times hit. Life's too short.....go for it.

 

[rleathen]

I have had my 08 SE5 since August of last year. While I have had a few problems (squeeky brakes, creeping forward when stopped), I have always kept these in perspective when considering that the spyder is a brand new machine that truly will revolutionize the motorcycle/roadster riding industry. As time goes on I think you will see that the creation of the spyder will be a defining moment in the history of personal travel. When considering all this the problems I have experienced really are minor annoyances.

 

[John in PA]

Dan, to address your concerns about how it "feels"

after 35 years on motorcycles (and still riding!!) the Spyder feels weird to a biker because it leans slightly outboard in the turns.(as your car does, but you're used to that) The feel is comparable to an ATV or snowmobile. I knew I was going to enjoy the spyder and was prepared for a learning curve. I tell people that after about 300 miles, I pretty much "got it", meaning everything felt automatic and comfortable, I had a good feel for the ability of the machine to handle corners, etc. If you tend to ride aggressively, hanging off a bit in turns is useful, mild turns just lean forward over the inside handgrip, tighter turns hang butt and body off the seat (more mass!!!)

The sway bar from Evoluzione significantly reduces body roll, as does mild increase in preload up front. Also, many are running tire pressures 20 LB front, 30 LB rear.

The machine is well made, well designed, and tons of fun!! But it's a DIFFERENT kind of fun than a bike. In my mind it doesn't replace motorcycles, just adds a new dimension to the whole field of powersports.

 

[Jeff in Dallas]

I have ridden bikes for years. I had followed the development of the Spyder from the earliest news articles with great interest. When they finally came to Texas, I immediately got in line for both days of the demo ride. After the rides, I was underwhelmed and thought I'd gotten over my Spyder itch. I just wasn't crazy about the ride.

A week later, I just had to stop by the dealer again. He talked me into taking the Spyder out for the day. After an hour or so, I was hooked and ordered one the next day. I sold my Harley a month or so later. So, if you can, I would advise taking an "extended" test ride and see if that influences you.

As for maintenance, the only issue I had was squeaky brakes which was fixed by the dealer. No other problems. It's been a joy to own. I ride much more often than when I had the bike. And, for me it's a much more pleasurable riding experience when you're not scanning the road for every little micro hazzard that could result in a fall. I'm definitely sold on the reverse trike concept and BRP has created a robust design.

Good luck!

 

[Lamonster]

Hello Everyone.

I've had my mind on getting a spyder for several months now. I finally test rode one on Saturday. Mixed emotions on it. The turns got easier as the ride progressed, and I imagine that after a while it becomes old hat. Having ridden bikes for years, the turns were the most noticeable difference for me. Does the weirdness of that go away after a while?

My main concern is that I see an awful lot of spyders for sale on Craigslist and eBay. They all are anywhere from 150 miles to 1500 miles on the odometer. Seems like a lot of people are offloading them after not many miles. This concerns me. Does the novelty wear off for many purchasers?

I see the spyder as a great and safe touring bike. - something that the wife would feel comfortable on.

If I decide to buy, I'll probably lean towards used and get some Givi cases for it. The dealer I was at in Matthews, NC on Saturday quoted me just over $18k after shipping, processing, etc... all the extra crap they tack on. It was just over $20k with Givi cases, top and sides. Seems I might be better off hunting the right used Spyder for 13 to 14k and save some money.

My main concern still is the fact many seem for sale with so little miles on them. What gives?

Dan

Find any message board about any product and you'll read about all the problems first. That's mostly what people talk about on message boards, especially with a new product.

I have 26,000+ miles on mine now. I bought it site unseen and have no regrets. I've been cross country once and in a couple of months I'm be traveling cross country again on it. I love this thing and the only other ride I've own that comes close to it in it's stock form was my Boss Hoss. It's just fun to ride.

I don't why you're seeing so many for sale but I would buy a used one for sure and save the money for accessories. If I had the extra cash I would buy me a SE today, when I bought mine all they had was SM's.

 

[patches]

This may be a little far but I am in Raleigh and one our Spyder owners here saw a used yellow at the HD shop Ray Price. Might want to give them a call. I have no problems meeting you there one day and helping you take a look at it. I have no idea where they got it from. There is only one dealer in the area and I am going to go up there this week to pick mine up, I will check on the prices for ya.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9456

 

[bjt]

I've had mine for a year and have put about 12,000 miles on it. I don't know why people are selling them with low miles but I'm completely happy with mine and would only sell it if I was going to upgrade to the rumored touring model. One thing I would check into if buying a used one is to find out why the owner is selling. There have been posts by people who have gotten a troublesome Spyder (transmission and/or steering issues) who say they are going to sell it. I would hate to be the one who buys someone else's problem. :sour:

 

[FANG]

I've had mine since June 08 a SM5 and it has been the best purchase I have ever made. I have more fun with this ryde than I have ever had in my life.
My family and my co-workers tell me that when I ryde the :f_spider: I am like a diffierent person.
I have only had one problem with it and it is currently in the shop having that repaired. Failure codes diagnosed and currently waiting on the part - should be here today or tomorrow.
As Lamont said you really only hear about the problems because when we don't have our :f_spider:s we get CRANKY.
I hope to be up and running for the weekend. If not I will tough it out but would not consider sell this ryde.

By the way welcome.

 

[ataDude]

.
After riding two-wheelers (28 or so) since the age of 13, I bought the Spyder on innovation alone about a year ago.

During the first month, I wondered why I bought it. It is a different ride.

After getting used to it, I wouldn't go back. My custom Valk will be up for sale soon.

I ride with a small group of sport bike guys and have few problems keeping up with them... straights or twisties. That's at 90%... if they go for 100%, I'm riding my ride, they're running theirs. They are all impressed with the Spyder and what it can do.
.

 

[dragonheart]

Hello Everyone.

I see the spyder as a great and safe touring bike. - something that the wife would feel comfortable on.

Dan

Totally something the wife would feel comfortable on. I am a 5'1", 98 lb female. I decided at age 48 to get my motorcycle license and 5 years later have been through five cruisers and two sport bikes. I sold my last sport bike (an SV650) after deciding I was getting too crazy and reckless on it. Went a year without riding, then my husband had to show me the Spyder. I was impressed and even more so when I took about a 30 min. test ride. I have had my Spyder since October and have since put several mods on it which make the riding even more pleasurable. My husband and I took a 200-mile ride this weekend through the mountains of Virginia and I loved the fact as we went through the twisties and there was gravel in the road, I knew my machine could handle it no problem. I would give a warning to my husband who always follows on his GoldWing what to watch out for. We got onto narrow roads where our GPS led us astray we had to U-turn. Only spot - gravel roads. No problem for my Spyder. I LOVE THAT FREEDOM!!!! On my sport bike or even my cruiser, I probably would have been on the ground -- or my husband would have had to back the bike out for me as I wouldn't want to drop it in such a precarious situation.

I am also heading to L.A. from TN in June and looking forward to a comfortable ride.

I agree that the economy is probably a lot of the reason for the Spyders you find for sale. You can always ask the Seller why he is selling.

 

[gnkc]

I've only had mine a few weeks and the weather has not been very cooperative to put many miles on. But it is indeed a unique ride designed with a clean sheet of paper. The stability and monitoring systems add safety and confidence, a definite plus if you plan on passengers. It is an open air ride with most of the characteristics of a motorcycle, but not all.
As a former two wheel rider, there have been a few riding adjustments needed on my part, but no regrets. All of the shipping/handling fee nonsense was never part of my purchase; it's all about how badly a dealer wants to make a sale right now.
You didn't say if you are looking for an auto or manual, but on eBay, there is a brand new yellow 2008 with Hindle, chrome wheels front and back, sport windshield and risers for $15,399 at a dealer in Alabama. I think if you are willing to do a bit of legwork, you can get the right price for new and have $$ left after your mods.

 

[ddeyle]

PM Me

PM me. I live in Charlotte and just picked up my Spyder last Friday. I would be glad to discuss from a new riders perspective.

It takes a few miles to get used to the handling compared to 2 wheels. I only have 250 miles on and I like it better every time I ride it.

There are a lot of members here that have much more experience than I do. Before I bought I read what they had to say. It helped me make my decision to buy.

As for seeing units for sale I would say that a good percentage of this has to do with the economy.

Just my 2 cents being the new guy on the block.

 

[COOLMACHINE]

novelty wear off?

WACKYDAN ASKS, " Does the novelty wear off for many purchasers?"

:spyder: My answer is definately NOT!!!! I love this thing and will never own a two-wheeler again. (but that's just me.) :yes:
I've ridden motorcycles for 26 years and of course, " Love To Ride." That being said, what I love about the Spyder is the stability of it. Gravel....no longer an issue. Sand... no longer an issue. Salt... no longer an issue. And if you want attention, this is your ride. I bought mine used off CraigsList late Sept. "08" with 560 miles on it. Paid $13,500. Got 5200 on it now and loving it. The man I purchased mine from was a retired guy who was not in good health. I have the SM5. Only problem is squeeky brakes which I have not been to the dealership to fix yet.

 

[gnkc]

I wonder how many non-riders bought a Spyder for the novelty factor and then realized that there is the continual "dodging cagers" issue that all riders have to deal with? Every bike has that risk factor.
Could explain why there are a few out there with hardly any miles. Just my $.02.