Spyder And Two wheels - how hard to switch back & forth?

[SpyderTx63]

Hey all. I’ve been riding bikes since 1981 and have had pretty much every type of bike there is (except Harley). I’ve had my 2014 Spyder RTS for about a year now and have enjoyed it here on the backroads in Arkansas. I’m now considering another Kawasaki KLR to go along with it for some off-road riding. My question to those with 2 and 3 wheels is how hard is the switch back and forth from one to the other. I know it took me some time to get used to the Spyder. I don’t suspect it would be too much of an issue with over 30 years on 2 wheels but wanted to hear some of your experiences.

 

[Jheck]

I don’t believe it will be that much of a problem. It’s like riding a bicycle. I’m doing the same thing. Except I’m getting a Honda CT125 trail.

 

[ARtraveler]

A skilled once learned is easy to "re-learn." I had two wheelers and spyders at the same time for years. Going from one to the other was never an issue. I just had to remember to shift the two wheeler and to put my feet down at the stops. Easy, Peezy. :yes:

 

[SpyderTx63]

I thought about one of those also. Looks like a fun toy.

 

[Bfromla]

Appropriate & good to help keep the skills in placeopcorn::2thumbs: May have some front brake/clutch lever goofs. Nothing horrible unless riding inappropriate speeds:lecturef_smilie:
About like pushing horn instead of blinker. opcorn:

 

[SpyderTx63]

Lol. Made me laugh with the horn comment. That’s the good thing about a KLR. Hard to get into trouble with 40+ hp. Lol

 

[Lew L]

.

Hi Tx,

I also switch between my 2014 RTS and my poor, old, slow V-Max nojoke. Don't have any issues with the controls or counter steering. The :spyder2: is a bit slower ( even with the ECU upgrade.)

Lew L

 

[BajaRon]

Once I got used to the Spyder. I found it easy to switch back and forth. I just pay a little extra attention to using correct riding methods for the first few minutes. And I'm good to go.

 

[SpyderTx63]

Lol. I’ve wanted a VMax forever. I was looking at them but decided to go off-road this time. That bike is one hell of a stop light to light bike.

 

[Lew L]

Lol. I’ve wanted a VMax forever. I was looking at them but decided to go off-road this time. That bike is one hell of a stop light to light bike.

I wish I could launch as hard as the Max does. The carbs can be a pain ( I've been lucky but kept after them also).

Lew L

 

[pidjones]

I bought an RTL in May and sold our GL1800 (with 123537 miles on it). Still have a '76 Yamaha RD400c and '78 GL1000 cafe. I try to keep them all exercised. The Spyder gets the most use and of course is the touring choice. Once learning the secrets to the Spyder like not locking arms, I don't have any problems transitioning.

 

[2dogs]

I've been on 2, 3, 4, and 8 wheels and you never really forget how. 8 wheels? Yes, roller skates. But I could never get the hang of 1 wheel. Lost interest in it real quick.

 

[Steve W.]

I don't get a lot of time on the Spyder because it's my WIFE'S bike.

However, for the times that I DO get to ride it, it's easy enough to remember which way to turn the bars for each vehicle. Some of you have a bit more experience than I have on two wheels, I have only been riding since 1974.

.

 

[blacklightning]

I have had a spyder and a 2 wheeler for the past 5 years. The only thing I need to do is get a little more seat time in on the 2 wheeler when I am going on longer mountain rides that have a lot of technical turns. Once I get a couple of days practice in, it is like normal. Same goes for when switching back to the spyder. Under normal conditions, there is not practice needed. But when I go to the mountains, I ride hard, therefore the practice needed when a switch is made. Going to Spyderadventures in Maggie Valley in 8 days. So I will probably stay off the BMW K1600 B for a few days before I leave next wednesday.

 

[Ex-Rocket]

Been off & on 2 wheels since the late 1970's. Got rid of the 2 wheels and got my first Spyder back in 2013. I'm currently on my third Spyder but I missed the 2 wheel feel. So back in 2019 I bought a 2002 VTX 1800. Granted the Spyder gets most of the mileage these days but it nice to get on 2 wheels every so often.

 

[Navydad]

No issues. Put in a full day on the Moto Guzzi on Sunday and a full day on the Spyder on Monday. Once you get the hang of three wheels switching isn't a problem.

 

[Mikey]

Just make sure you put your feet down on the right ride, or your going to look silly!!!!:roflblack:

 

[gkamer]

They say once you learn to ride a bicycle, you never forget. You know how to ride a bicycle, and 2 wheeled motorcycle and a three wheeled Spyder. Swapping between those skills and mindsets should be no problem, I mean it’s not like you’re going to forgot how to ride a motorcycle over the course of a year.

 

[beerandchips]

I have had my 2020 Spyder RT Base since February and I have to say that switching from Motorcycle to Spyder took about 300 miles before I fully got away from the left,right,left,right thing. I have zero problems going back and forth. Muscle memory with steering on both. At least that is my experience.

Steve

 

[Eviltwin]

I go back and forth between 2 and 3 wheels all the time, don't even think about it. I try and give each one a run each week so that is usually a weekend morning ride about 40+ miles. Never had a problem remembering hand and foot control on either one.