Some Questions from a Potential New Buyer

[jarrett]

So all this great advice is coming from owner/riders?

Nah, its from the same people (who don't ride anything) that told me I was going to die when I bought my first jetski nine years ago

I can't imagine going 80+ MPH through a narrow creek on a modified jetski is any safer than doing 60 MPH on an empty highway with a Spyder.

 

[jeuchler]

....Everyone I know is working hard to try to talk me out of buying one of these....

Everyone WHO? I want NAMES!

 

[jeuchler]

...I had a guy run into me while I was driving a fire truck. He said he didn't see me. ...

:roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack:

(I'm sorry Ron. Not really funny...)

 

[jeuchler]

Hey - we got lost in North Hampton yesterday - pretty ride!

Huh.

I checked my phone but it seems to be working...Let me check messages...

Hmm, nope.

No messages from anyone from Connecticut even though they were right down the road.

Huh. :dontknow:

 

[Tom in NM]

I agree with Ron . . . .

. . . great re-cap.

The only thing I can add is, in general if you like riding a jet ski or a snowmobile, you can ride one of these.

The one thing you may be assuming though is that the Spyder does off road. No, not until you modify it. Not enough ground clearance. So, some of the farmer and ranch trail "road/paths" may be a problem. And as much fun as it may sound, using it to round-up cattle or bring the cows in, it won't really work.

Also, gravel and sand roads present a challenge to the high torque rear wheel. But there are people on this forum who do it, I do, but it requires a lot more attention then cruising a back road.

And finally, I would not buy a vehicle ( of any kind ) from any dealer who would not let you test drive it. They may require that you have a motorcycle endorsement, but that is probably just their lawyers talking. Plenty of other dealers within 200 miles of you.

Tom
( a former Texan )

 

[DannyS]

I have run into this no test drive thing also any dealer should let you test drive the bike. The dealer here will not let you take it on the road if you don't have the endorsement.

Danny I have never lived in Texas but my Spyder is from there you can tell by the drawl in the exhaust note!:thumbup:

PS, the brakes are so good I worry more about the idiots behind me than the ones in front of me.

 

[Smylinacha]

Huh.

I checked my phone but it seems to be working...Let me check messages...

Hmm, nope.

No messages from anyone from Connecticut even though they were right down the road.

Huh. :dontknow:

That was all Roaddog's fault you know

 

[Smylinacha]

Thanks for all the good info so far. Everyone I know is working hard to try to talk me out of buying one of these. Despite explaining the safety features to them, they ensure me that a car will not see me and run over me or pull out in front off me at high speed. I also just talked to one dealer who doesn't allow test rides. If I can't get on one of these before I buy it, there is no chance. This dealer said they did the SE5 at $16,700 OTD. Is that a decent price for one of these?

Never test drove mine. Bought it w/out riding it first. Dealer had a test ride later and I rode it then and it was fun! Any other dealers around where you can make a roadtrip out of it to go test one? But you can trust us on this - you'll love it:thumbup:

 

[RodO]

I started riding (650 Suzuki V-Strom) last year at 56. I read about the Spyder over the winter and thought it 'sounded' OK. Tried one this summer and traded my Strom the next week.

If it speaks to you, listen. If, not, ride on. hyea:

Cheers,
Rod.

 

[jeuchler]

That was all Roaddog's fault you know

No donuts for him.

 

[bjt]

Never test drove mine. Bought it w/out riding it first. Dealer had a test ride later and I rode it then and it was fun! Any other dealers around where you can make a roadtrip out of it to go test one? But you can trust us on this - you'll love it:thumbup:

Same as me. Paid my deposit then test rode about a month later.

 

[jeuchler]

Same as me. Paid my deposit then test rode about a month later.

Me three. Don't regret it a bit.

(Even, sadly, as an investment. I think I could unload it pretty darn quick if need be.)

 

[jarrett]

Wow, it seems a few here didn't test ride it first. I'm kinda dead set on getting on one before I drop the coin on it. Also, I live in a state where I need a motorcycle license (endorsement) to ride it legally. Are those weekend motorcycle safety classes worth while? Or should I just show up at the DMV and give it a whirl? Not that it is so important, but just wondering how are Spyder riders treated by other motorcycle riders? Shunned/accepted?

 

[BajaRon]

Wow, it seems a few here didn't test ride it first. I'm kinda dead set on getting on one before I drop the coin on it. Also, I live in a state where I need a motorcycle license (endorsement) to ride it legally. Are those weekend motorcycle safety classes worth while? Or should I just show up at the DMV and give it a whirl? Not that it is so important, but just wondering how are Spyder riders treated by other motorcycle riders? Shunned/welcomed?

Every state I know of requires you to ride to get your MC license. Do you have something you can ride now?

I think it is a crime that you can get a MC license using a Spyder. Riding a Spyder DOES NOT qualify anyone to ride a 2 wheeled vehicle.

But states have painted themselves into a corner with this one. They require a MC license to ride a Spyder so they have to let you qualify on one. Very bad idea in my opinion.

I think a whole lot of people have purchased Spyders without ever even sitting on one, much less riding it. I know Lamont and I are both in that boat. I don't think either of us ever did that before. Maybe Lamont has but I know I haven't.

It was not a problem for us. But now that they are common it should not be a big problem to test ride one. Surely they can let you putter around in the parking lot.

 

[jarrett]

Do you have something you can ride now?

No, I have zero motorcycle background. I found a local class where they provide the motorcycles. I guess I will need to take that first. Hoping I can get a quick test ride without spending the money on the license beforehand.

 

[bjt]

Wow, it seems a few here didn't test ride it first. I'm kinda dead set on getting on one before I drop the coin on it. Also, I live in a state where I need a motorcycle license (endorsement) to ride it legally. Are those weekend motorcycle safety classes worth while? Or should I just show up at the DMV and give it a whirl? Not that it is so important, but just wondering how are Spyder riders treated by other motorcycle riders? Shunned/accepted?

Back when some of us decided to buy a Spyder, they didn't have any available for test rides.

 

[Smylinacha]

Wow, it seems a few here didn't test ride it first. I'm kinda dead set on getting on one before I drop the coin on it. Also, I live in a state where I need a motorcycle license (endorsement) to ride it legally. Are those weekend motorcycle safety classes worth while? Or should I just show up at the DMV and give it a whirl? Not that it is so important, but just wondering how are Spyder riders treated by other motorcycle riders? Shunned/accepted?

Well in CT you have to have MC license and you either go to the course to get it or you have to demonstrate you are proficient on a two wheeler at the DMV. I don't think you can ride a Spyder for the test here in CT. I'd call your state first. If you can use the Spyder at DMV for an MC license, then why bother with the course. Course is meant for 2 wheels, not 3. Just my opinion.:dontknow:

 

[bone crusher]

I bought my Spyder without ever trying one...in fact, the first time I rode it, I went 80 miles...over the Bay Bridge!!! Yikes! Talk about stressful!

In MD, you need a motorcycle license or you can test on your Spyder for a motorcycle license with a J restriction...meaning, for 3 wheelers only...

I plan to take a class at Harley for the two wheelers as I can't find any safety classes on a three wheeler...want to take one so I get a break on insurance...

 

[3wheeldemon]

I had the same issue. They did not let me test ride it because I did not have the M endorsement in my license. I took the leap of faith and bought it anyway. I have not regretted it for a second. In Texas, you can test for the motorcycle endorsement using your Spyder, I did it after few days of practice around my neighborhood.

J

 

[BajaRon]

Well in CT you have to have MC license and you either go to the course to get it or you have to demonstrate you are proficient on a two wheeler at the DMV. I don't think you can ride a Spyder for the test here in CT. I'd call your state first. If you can use the Spyder at DMV for an MC license, then why bother with the course. Course is meant for 2 wheels, not 3. Just my opinion.:dontknow:

It does vary from state to state. But in at least some states they do not distinguish between a 2 wheel and 3 wheel if they are both classfied "Motorcycle".

I agree with the requirement to demonstrate 2 wheel ability to get a license to ride a 2 wheeler. Seems like a no brainier to me.

And I also agree. If you don't need to show 2 wheel ability then that course will largely be a waste of time in regards to the Spyder.