Switching between Spyder and motorcycle

[Woodswoman]

I have to say, I didn't really anticipate that it would be so, ah, interesting to switch back and forth between riding my Spyder and riding my motorcycle. While intellectually I know muscle memory is important, I underestimated just how important.

Purchased my F3-S over the winter. When the riding season kicked off this spring, I made a pact with myself to only ride the Spyder until my riding group's annual summer rally. I wanted as much saddle time as I could get to familiarize myself with riding on three before going to the gathering.

Well, during the rally last month, I had a brain white-out pulling a U-turn. Twenty years of motorcycling overrode 3 months of Spydering. I reached for handlebar controls that don't exist on my Spyder, and I winged my husband's saddlebag. No great harm done (except to my ego), but it was a chastening experience.

Now that the rally is over, I'm taking my Honda out for an occasional ride, and it's funny/sad that I have to remind myself to do things like control low-speed turns with my rear brake, and put my feet down at stop signs. Also, there's the part about being my own reverse gear ....

My niece would call this a first-world problem, and she'd be right.

But it's not a problem I imagined myself having at all. Wrong-O!

 

[rjinaz86323]

One problem could be easily solved if BRP would just add a handbrake to the Spyder. This and the turn signals (coming from decades of riding Harleys) were the two hardest to get used to.

 

[Woodswoman]

One problem could be easily solved if BRP would just add a handbrake to the Spyder. This and the turn signals (coming from decades of riding Harleys) were the two hardest to get used to.

Yes! When I clipped my husband's machine, I had reached for both a clutch lever that isn't there and a handbrake that isn't there. Finding neither, my brain ran out of ideas for about 3 critical seconds. Then <BANG!>

Also, I've hit the horn when I meant to hit the turn signal.

Well, I'll learn, given time.

But it makes me question the wisdom of keeping both my Spyder and my Honda.

 

[Luvs2Ride]

You're not alone! Migrated to a Spyder and sold my 2 wheeler (several years ago)... very happy with the move. However, I reached for that 'invisible' hand break for almost a year. It's a nice 'problem' to have, but sorry about the damage to your husband's bike.

Ride Safe,
Gina J

 

[ARtraveler]

A couple months ago I had to say farewell to my 735# Vulcan 900. Been riding assorted two wheelers since the early 60's. My first year with the Spyder (2008) was the worst. After I figured out the Spyder, I had no problems shifting from one to the other. I just had to think about which I was driving and put the right hat on. Guess I am one of the lucky ones.

Bad left foot caused me to get off two wheels. Could not support the weight of the Vulcan any longer. I miss two wheels, but at least the Spyder allows me to ride anytime, anywhere.

Your decision to keep or send two wheels down the road will be something to think about. Good luck.

 

[Woodswoman]

Thanks for the supportive posts.

Confession: I'm a bundle of conflict about motorcycling vs Spydering. I had really hoped that when I got the Spyder, I'd quickly love it, and would know it was OK to find the Honda a new home.

So far, I don't love the Spyder. I like it, but I don't love it.

My faithful Honda, I loved. Truly loved. Made me happier than any motorcycle I've ever owned.

But now when I ride it, I find I'm analyzing its faults: Modest power, poor suspension, fair-to-middlin' braking. And the general nuisance of backing it around my garage, plus feeling inconspicuous in traffic.

First-world problems, as I said earlier.

 

[canamjhb]

I really do understand about the like, love thing. I had several decades on Goldwings then went to a Spyder. Loved my Goldwing and just couldn't sell it. It took me longer than most to become competent and comfortable on the Spyder because of all my habits learned on two. But I finally did bond with my Spyder. After 3+ years of Spydering I went back to my 2 wheel Goldwing permanently. Somewhere along the line I got older and not as proficient on two. So, I made the decision to stay with what was familiar but go back to three. I transferred my custom seat, wind screen, hand grips, and wind wings from my much loved Goldwing to a new (to me) Goldwing trike. Now I feel at home when riding and I don't tip over. Good luck..... Jim

 

[Lew L]

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I switch between my :spyder2: and the poor,old, slow V-Max. Just used to both of them I guess.

Lew L

 

[BobbyJ]

I've been on the wife's F3 many times for about 100 miles or so , I recently sold my Indian Chieftain because of not having much leg strength to support the bike. I have a few hundred miles on my 2021 RT, and yes I miss the 2 wheels being in contact with the road thing. I was on the PA turnpike yesterday riding some of the "snake" areas and realized I've been driving my RT like I would a car, (not looking down the road a quarter to half mile ahead) my body wants to lean into bends -but a little bit of body lean is enough. higher speed riding on curved roads I'm not very good at.

be safe out there
Bobbyj

 

[twocams]

I cant say I love my Spider either. Only had for a few weeks & been ridding 2 wheels for 50+ yrs.
I wont sell my 2 wheelers yet. 69 BMW R69S, 92 BMW R100RT, 83 V65 Honda, 2018 Moto Guzzi, 2004 Aprilia Atlantic 500.
Bought them cause I like them. As my back gets worser I will ride them less. I know what you mean about trying not to hit things. First day getting on Interstate I tried to hit the guard rail....or not. Ride safe

 

[Navydad]

I can seamlessly switch between my Spyder RT and my two wheeled bikes. You will to with a bit more saddle time on the two machines.

 

[Pooch]

I never had a problem switching from years of being on 2 wheels (1978-2011) to a Gold Wing trike (2012-2021) and now to a 2021 Spyder RTL. To me its a mindset adjustment. I just told myself that I am now on a different animal, a new adventure,,,.treat him with respect, learn his ways, and go on down the road.
I have thought seriously about getting another small Honda just to be back on 2 wheels but my left knee tells me NO..ABSOLUTELY NOT YOUNG LADY!!
I will say that if BRP were to ask me for improvements the only thing I can think of on this animal would be to add a hand brake.
Hang in there with the Spyder… you will be ambidextrous between the two bikes soon!

 

[Motorcycledave]

I also ride both....

I have to say, I didn't really anticipate that it would be so, ah, interesting to switch back and forth between riding my Spyder and riding my motorcycle. While intellectually I know muscle memory is important, I underestimated just how important. ....

I have to switch back and forth to keep sharp on riding....

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[blacklightning]

For me, the transition to riding the spyder isn't too bad. My issues come when I have ridden the spyder a lot and then go to the 2 wheeler again. If I am going to do some serious twisty riding on my 2 wheeler, it takes about 300-400 miles of riding to get accustomed to hitting the corners properly again.

 

[hut1]

For the past 17+ years, 90% of my riding has been on 3-wheels; my Goldwing/sidecar rig, a Spyder RS, and now my F3s. I sold my 2-wheeler (Honda VTX1800) last year because I seldom rode it. Last week my boss, a car dealer, asked me to pick up a motorcycle, a 2019 HD Ultra Classic, that he recently bought. This was my first time on 2 wheels in quite a while, and my first time on a Harley dresser. My impressions: Beautiful bike! It took a minute to adjust to the heel/toe shifter and find both turn signals (which I like), but the biggest revelation was the weight! I didn't realize how much leg strength I've lost, and I'm now convinced that I'll be a 3-wheeler for life (except for the ocassional times I have to remove my sidecar for service/repairs).

 

[pidjones]

Not a big problem for me. I still have a '76 RD400c and '78 GL1000 that need ridden to keep them limbered. It's my wife that is having trouble learning to like the '21 RTL after 15 years on the back of a GL1800.

 

[Bfromla]

:2thumbs::yes::riding::riding: good to have a spare, yes helps keep one in practice. Alternate & enjoy. Glad was no major injuries or some stranger involved :gaah:

 

[Mikey]

I cant say I love my Spider either. Only had for a few weeks & been ridding 2 wheels for 50+ yrs.
I wont sell my 2 wheelers yet. 69 BMW R69S, 92 BMW R100RT, 83 V65 Honda, 2018 Moto Guzzi, 2004 Aprilia Atlantic 500.
Bought them cause I like them. As my back gets worser I will ride them less. I know what you mean about trying not to hit things. First day getting on Interstate I tried to hit the guard rail....or not. Ride safeView attachment 191016

My God, good thing you have a VW, your stables FULL !!!hyea::2thumbs:

 

[PistonBlown]

One problem could be easily solved if BRP would just add a handbrake to the Spyder. This and the turn signals (coming from decades of riding Harleys) were the two hardest to get used to.

That's why I added a handbrake to mine. The handbrake operates the footbrake so its still uses the same system but it makes me feel happier

Also why I got a manual RS as it still had a 'proper' motorbike clutch and gears.

 

[old Timer]

My wife and I have always had at least two ATV Quads since the mid 80's plus my between 3 and 7 motorcycles. Spyders are totally normal to us.

100% agree as to why Can Am chooses to not include a hand brake. Does anyone know why they don't include the Hand Brake?????????