Should I Get a Spyder??

[bmccaffrey]

That's a really interesting question. It's easy to understand why your Mom doesn't want you to get a motorcycle. They are somewhat dangerous, especially where surrounding traffic is heavy, and she knows that statistics show that folks in their teen years tend to have more vehicular accidents. She obviously doesn't want to loose you or see you hurt.

But you knew that, and it doesn't answer your question. :sour: So let me try to answer it, since you've asked. My thought is that you would be getting a Spyder for the wrong reason. Here is what leads me to say that...

1. If you had the proper training on a motorcycle, and learned how to handle it properly and safely, then at your age a Spyder would not be much more safe, just because it has 3 wheels. You would still be subject to the dangers of riding near other vehicles, and the accidents that could happen on either a motorcycle or a 3-wheel trike, as a result of that.
2. Since you don't even have much experience driving a car yet, you are probably not sure if you would even like a Spyder. My guess is, from what you said, you probably would NOT like it as much as a motorcycle (which doesn't necessarily mean that you should get a motorcycle right now either - even if could convince your Mom.)

If you were my son or daughter, here is what I'd recommend to you. The best part here is that you can spend some time considering what I'm about to recommend, but you don't have to be obligated by it, since you are NOT my son or daughter.

Just like driving a car, riding a motorcycle or a Spyder will be MUCH safer, and you will be better able to avoid accidents, if you get the proper training on how to do it safely. I'd recommend you forget about a motorcycle or a Spyder for just a little while, and learn to drive a car safely (which, as you know, does not stop the day you get your license ). In doing that you will accomplish two things... First you will learn how to interact with other traffic safely, thereby avoiding accidents, AND you will prove to your Mom that you are a conscientious, safe, and responsible young driver. (Maybe she wont worry so much about a motorcycle in a couple of years IF you do that first.)

After that, maybe in just a couple of years, if you still want a motorcycle or a Spyder, there are free training programs that teach you how to ride them safely and how to protect yourself from all the dumb things other drivers do on the road - especially car drivers. These programs are usually sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and they teach classes all around the country. You learn with both classroom instruction, and by riding on of the small motorcycle they have available to train on. Take one of these courses, and at the end of it, if you pass, you will automatically have your motorcycle endorsement on your license.

THEN, if your Mom allows (and she likely will), you can then decide if you want a motorcycle or a Spyder. You will enjoy either MUCH more then, and you will be a safe rider, enjoying the bikes of your choice for years to come.

Yep i agree.
Good anology

 

[Sempyder]

Get the bike!!!


Sempert out,

 

[garb55]

How does a 15 year old kid afford a spyder?opcorn:

I don't know how it is today but
When I was a kid I knew my mom[ No dad ,divorced ]could never buy me a car even if I paid the loan
So when I was 12 I started mowing lawns and any other job I could get to make money
I saved every penny
On my 16th birthday my mom and I went to the car lot and I paid cash for a 1 year old Chevy
That was in 1963
If he has been planning ahead he can afford it:yes::bowdown::yes:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

Comparing the machines, the Spyder is inherently safer than a 2-wheeler. But it isn't as safe as a car. Mostly, your safety, no matter what you drive, will depend on you, your skills and other drivers. You have to assume everyone else on the road can't see you and/or don't care about you.

I also highly recommend the Motorcycle Safety course.

You only briefly mentioned your dad. Is he in favor of a motorcycle or Spyder for you and it's just your Mom that needs convincing?

 

[GreenSpyderGirl]

I think the advice of learning to drive a car safely first is good advice, also you should look into a motorcycle safety class before you get on a spyder. Look up the DMV site and they list the companies that are certified in your area to take a class with. It will be fun and well worth the time. It will teach you to look at the road differently with safety a top priority and issues of traffic and road conditions with more diligence than driving a car teaches you. I believe at your age the price of the class is discounted. You will ride on 250cc motorcycles in a controlled environment and learn valuable skills such as emergency swerves, braking and general motorcycle handling. The other advantage is that you will get a certificate that when taken to the DMV you will be able to get your motorcycle license by passing the written exam but the driving portion will be waived.
Yes,driving a Spyder is different than a motorcycle, but you are still exposed and at high risk driving amongst cars. I took the class and can't imagine driving on the road without this important safety training. It can be a lifesaver and is invaluable.

 

[MRH]

I ride in LA, and while I don't agree with another poster who said they won't care if they hit you, there are a lot of people more interested in their texts than in keeping an eye on the road.

There is usually an accident in the not too distant future when you begin to drive, and I would put in some serious mileage behind a wheel before moving to something that requires a helmet. In my late 40's, I found being on the freeway on a Spyder to be as terrifying as I recall it was at first to drive a car on the freeway at 16.

We'd all like to see you stay in one piece, so in a busy city this may be an investment better postponed.