Some Questions from a Potential New Buyer

[BajaRon]

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

Exactly! Same in Tennessee and several other states as well. If you don't need the 2 wheel endorsement then just get the Spyder and go take the test. Once you get a little bit of time on your Spyder (even in a parking lot) you should be able to pass the DMV test.

 

[orangespydiegirl]

I never rode a 2 wheeled bike either, the spyder was my first motorcycle and it's been a great experience. I drove around in my back yard ( 3 acres) on my husbands and decided I needed one. I love every minute I'm on it.hyea:welcome

 

[BajaRon]

I never rode a 2 wheeled bike either, the spyder was my first motorcycle and it's been a great experience. I drove around in my back yard ( 3 acres) on my husbands and decided I needed one. I love every minute I'm on it.hyea:welcome

I honestly think it is at least a short term advantage to have no 2 wheel experience with the Spyder. My long motorcycle experience was not only a detrement but made my first hours on the Spyder less than enjoyable.

I'm not saying everyone with a lot of motorcycle background will have the same issues I did. But I must say it was difficult for me at first. Lamont also had problems getting adjusted to the Spyder at first. So it is not uncommon for MC riders trying to convert.

Part of the problem is that I'm used to throwing my leg over just about anything and being able to ride it hard after a very short time. When the exact opposite happened with the Spyder it kind of shook my confidence.

As it turned out it was all mental. The Spyder is not a motorcycle and when my brain adjusted my body had no problem.

Now that I'm used to the Spyder I can switch back and forth from 2 to 3 wheels with no problem. But there was a learning hump for me on the Spyder.

 

[Smylinacha]

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...

Yup - took my state class at the Harley Dealer - it was fun! A very little break on insurance, nothing major but something.

 

[Smylinacha]

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.

Yup - waste of time if it's just Spyder Ryding. But alot of us came off two wheelers. I still miss it but don't miss the weight of my old bike! If I had the $$$ to get another 2 wheeler, I'd still keep the :spyder:but I'd also have a Ducati Monster in the garage too :thumbup: That's like 400 something pounds versus 750 pounds!

 

[jarrett]

I found a dealer today that allows test drives. Hopefully going to give it a whirl this weekend. Thanks again for all the info.

 

[jarrett]

Has anyone performed their riding test to get their motorcycle license/endorsement on their Spyder? Was this allowed?

 

[bjt]

Has anyone performed their riding test to get their motorcycle license/endorsement on their Spyder? Was this allowed?

You need to contact your DMV to find out what they allow. Some states allow you to test on three wheels, some don't. Some say they are supposed to but don't have the facilities or training on how to do it. :dontknow: Some states you have to go to a certain branch or office of the DMV to test on three wheels. Unless one of the SpyderLovers here says, "I live in the same town and I went to the DMV on .... street and tested and passed on my Spyder", I don't think what we say concerning this will help you much.

FWIW, I was an illegal (no motorcycle endorsement) motorcycle rider 20 years ago. Sold the bike without a thought of riding again. When I decided I was definitely getting a Spyder, I tested and passed Michigan's motorcycle endorsement on my wife's 150 cc scooter. If I ever do decide to get a motorcycle, I'll take one of the riding skills courses offered throughout the state to get up to snuff on two wheels.

 

[Smylinacha]

:roflblack: That's just impossible........:roflblack:

You need to go over 100 on an empty highway with a Spyder!

 

[jarrett]

Hey guys, I went and test drove the Spyder this evening and as fun as it was, its not for me. I'm fairly sure if something whipped out in front of me and I had to make an emergency turn on that thing that I would come flying off the side. And with a daughter that I still have to support, I can't take that chance right now. Maybe later down the road.

Thanks again for all the advice and input.

 

[BajaRon]

Hey guys, I went and test drove the Spyder this evening and as fun as it was, its not for me. I'm fairly sure if something whipped out in front of me and I had to make an emergency turn on that thing that I would come flying off the side. And with a daughter that I still have to support, I can't take that chance right now. Maybe later down the road.

Thanks again for all the advice and input.

Too bad, I'm sure that would not actually be the case. First impressions on the Spyder can be very deceiving.

I've done some pretty crazy things on my Spyder and never have I even come close to getting off.

 

[Smylinacha]

Hey guys, I went and test drove the Spyder this evening and as fun as it was, its not for me. I'm fairly sure if something whipped out in front of me and I had to make an emergency turn on that thing that I would come flying off the side. And with a daughter that I still have to support, I can't take that chance right now. Maybe later down the road.

Thanks again for all the advice and input.

Glad you got to test ride it! Not to sway your or anything but it's very safe. You can stop on a dime with it, if you hit anything strange in the road like oil or sand, the computers kick in and stabilize you. But I totally understand where you're coming from when it comes to the kids.

 

[czdaryle]

Hey guys, I went and test drove the Spyder this evening and as fun as it was, its not for me. I'm fairly sure if something whipped out in front of me and I had to make an emergency turn on that thing that I would come flying off the side. And with a daughter that I still have to support, I can't take that chance right now. Maybe later down the road.

Thanks again for all the advice and input.

I would take it again cause I bought it without test driving it and I think if I would of taken a test drive first I might not have bought it. The first times riding it I thought "what did I waste my money on" Then it just kept getting more fun everytime I went out. Now I love it, never road a motorcycle before, just snowmobiles, and the wind in your face and the smell of cut grass when you ride by on a sunny day...umm do yourself a favor and try it again. I have three kids 18, 14, 13 and I don't feel like I am letting them down riding this. I try to make it as safe as I can and I have a rule I don't drive at night.

 

[NancysToy]

Hey guys, I went and test drove the Spyder this evening and as fun as it was, its not for me. I'm fairly sure if something whipped out in front of me and I had to make an emergency turn on that thing that I would come flying off the side. And with a daughter that I still have to support, I can't take that chance right now. Maybe later down the road.

Thanks again for all the advice and input.

The first ride, in fact the first hundred miles or so, can be unnerving. As soon as you learn to lean your body into the turns or shift your weight on the seat, it becomes a whole new experience. Not out of control, but invigorating like a high speed turn in a spots car. Adding the NMN risers and an aftermarket or BRP seat with more lateral support helps even more. Several people have needed multiple test rides to convince them. Only you can make that choice, but don't be too quick to judge.
-Scotty

 

[BajaRon]

I would take it again cause I bought it without test driving it and I think if I would of taken a test drive first I might not have bought it. The first times riding it I thought "what did I waste my money on" Then it just kept getting more fun everytime I went out. Now I love it, never road a motorcycle before, just snowmobiles, and the wind in your face and the smell of cut grass when you ride by on a sunny day...umm do yourself a favor and try it again. I have three kids 18, 14, 13 and I don't feel like I am letting them down riding this. I try to make it as safe as I can and I have a rule I don't drive at night.

I am absolutely sure that if I had test ridden my Spyder I never would have bought it. No Joke. Serious as a heart attack!

Because I bought it without a test ride I was forced to give it a fair chance (well, more than a fair chance). Otherwise there is no way I would own one now.

I can't think of anything in my life that I have done such a 180 on (from absolutley hate to absolutely love) other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

I know it has not been such a drastic experience for most. I'm just saying that's how it was for me.

Lamont had ridden his back from Tampa, FL and owned it for over 2 months when mine finally came in. We drove down and trailered mine back so my first ride was on a familiar (windy) road here in East Tennessee.

No joke, I was trying to keep up with Lamont and I was NOT a happy camper. I thought I was doing 65mph when I looked at the Speedo which said 45mph. I was actually more than a little scared to go any faster!

This from a guy that has no problem going over 140 on a motorcycle (it wouldn't go any faster).

So, like you, on my 1st ride I was thinking the same thing. What kind of evil, misguided person engineered this thing? But it was all me and it was all mental.

Once reality set in I was hooked. Have not ridden my M109R (which I also love) much since.

There is no question that the Spyder is as safe as an open vehicle could be. Why it scared me so at first is still a mystery. And, it is every bit as much fun as a 2 wheeler. A very different kind of fun but still, in some ways, the same.

My feeling is, anyone who gives the Spyder a chance will be sold. It may take a little longer with some than others but in all but a very few cases, it will happen.

 

[Tom in NM]

Why am I not surprised????????

FWIW, I was an illegal (no motorcycle endorsement) motorcycle rider 20 years ago.

Have you put a license plate on your Spyder yet?

 

[bjt]

Have you put a license plate on your Spyder yet?

Why, I didn't need one for 5,000 miles through 11 states. :dontknow: :joke:


Yep. Got the replacement plate the Tuesday after we got back in town

 

[Director]

Spyder Questions

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?

Take the MSF course. It is more than just worthwhile. What you learn there could save your life one day. Although the Spyder is inherently safer than a two-wheeled motorcycle, it is still an open-air vehicle and subject to the same threats from inattentive/drunk/stupid drivers as any bike.
Is the Spyder accepted by motorcycle riders? In my experience, generally it is. Just this morning on my way to work I got a big thumbs up from a young guy on a Ninja. Most motorcyclists will wave, often enthusiastically.
I have ridden motorcycles for about 40 years now, and the Spyder has been more fun for me personally than any of them. :thumbup:

Bruce

 

[Director]

Why, I didn't need one for 5,000 miles through 11 states. :dontknow: :joke:


Yep. Got the replacement plate the Tuesday after we got back in town

Brian, I don't know why I bothered renewing my tag last week! :roflblack:

Bruce

 

[bjt]

Brian, I don't know why I bothered renewing my tag last week! :roflblack:

Bruce

Move to the U.S. Bruce, license plates are optional here. :2thumbs: