• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Testing Spyder tomorrow morning!

G

GoodHouse

New member
Hey everyone!

First time post, lurking for about a week. I am from Connecticut, i'm visiting a dealer tomorrow who has a couple spyders in stock. i do not have a motorcycle license but they are letting me test drive in parking lot. I am a bit nervous about a traditional bike, dont like the danger aspect of it, So i have been looking at Piaggio MP3 500 and now recently the spyder's. I like the idea that they are safe and cool looking. Something i can putz around with on a sunday afternoon. So basically I am a first time rider / possible buyer. Obviously I am on a Spyder forum but i am looking for honest opinions. The mp3 is about 9k and the spyder about 15.5k. Big money difference, yes i know one is a 500 cc scooter and one is a 1000cc motorcycle. But what should my expectations be? Since i have no motorcycle experience and I am just looking to occasionally joyride whats the pros and cons ? I have not seen an mp3 500 in person since none seem to be available.

Any comments would be appreciated. thanks
 
welcome

I know nothing about the mp3 or your finances but if you ride it tomm and can afford it in your budget consider yourself an owner and those Sunday trips will turn into anytime I can you will be on the :spyder:...
 
Hi! I'm from CT too- what dealer are you going to? Spyder DEFINITELY over the Piaggio- my girlfriend got a Piaggio and returned it - had to push too many buttons to lean, unlean. I'm in Shelton and got mine from Garganos- nicest people. Spyder is the way to go!:2thumbs:

I have motorcycle experience and I had to "unlearn" some mc stuff- such as leaning. Clutch is very easy or operate or you can order an SE5 versus an SM5. Well worth the money - it's safe and it's FAST. Lots of fun!
 
My opinion on short notice is, do the demo ryde. Actually there is NO comparison between the 2 machines. By the way, once you have it you will be doing a whole lot more than "putzing around on a Sunday afternoon" as once you have been bitten you will not recover. You will look for and find a reason to ryde the :spyder: . Have fun on your test ryde and remember there is no other machine or ride that you will be able to compare the :spyder: to. If you have ever ridden a quad keep that mind-set as you steer the :spyder: , but since you have no bad habits to overcome from riding 2 wheel motorcycles like so many of us had it may be easier for you. One other thing, spend the $16k up front and avoid the loss on the mp3 on trade or aftermarket sale before ending up spending the $16k or so later because you "just have to have the Spyder. :D
 
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I am in the Danbury Area. I am going to Gargano's in East Haven. I sent them an email this week and a guy named Stew called me back. He said they have 2 yellow and 2 silver in stock. Came in this week. He said there is no difference between the 2, just color.
I can afford the bike but I try to be conservative and not waste money. So to rationalize it is tough. I am a bit nervous about shifting an everything. I know it sounds stupid but I had a bad experience with dirt bike when i was a teenager.
 
If you're going to see Stu then you are in GOOD HANDS :2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:. He'll give you a little quick lesson. Call me if you like, I'll pm you my number.
 
Smy - I am unfamiliar with the SM5 version, i am assuming thats an automatic? And is it true there are no options to buy all spyders are the same? Any other reason your friend did not like the mp3?
 
That is me on the website LOL! Friend got the MP3 - she didn't like the fact that you had a button to shut off/on lean/unlean - was a pain in the ass. Believe me, with all the safety features on this thing, you won't have a problem. If you've never rode w/ a clutch, it's easy to learn - real easy. You can get an automatic but you'll have to wait for it. Garganos only has standards now. It's not hard - I'll teach ya!
 
Ok i just checked it out, i see the auto vs manual. If i get one i dont want to wait. The clutch for bike is what i am most nervous with. The thing that happened to be was when i was teenager on the dirt bike, i guess i had it in second gear or something and when i hit the gas it jerked and went WOT and it flipped on me. Also the same day since the gas and brake was on the same handle i hit the gas while pressing the brake and ran into the garage. Its odd, because i am a very coordinated person but i guess just an awkwardly bad situation.
 
When are you going down to test ride it? Sm5 is the standard - you gotta clutch & shift but it's not hard. Se5 is automatic - they won't come til end of summer. I can go down and meet you if you want.
 
This is nothing compared to a dirtbike. Believe me, I dropped bikes before, this is nothing compared to it - you CAN DO THIS:2thumbs:
 
Well I definitely appreciate the support. I am getting down there before they close, i have work to do so it depends when i get out of work. I did watch a video and they said you brake with your foot on the spyder, so thats different. The video also stated you do not lean to turn on this bike. So I am sure it will be interesting. I talked to a couple people but i think stu said the price is about 15.5, sound right?
 
The front break thing bugged me before I got it but when I got it, it took me 10 minutes to get used to the no front break thing. Not a problem at all. 15.5 sounds right - I paid more though because I got yellow. It's more for yellow and red.

Hubby is installing my foglights right now - been in the garage for a while. Next thing I'm redoing is an exhaust - I don't like the stock exhaust - I want something a bit louder.
 
I'm loving my spyder. I got it 2 weeks ago and am having a ball. Why? All my balance issues are gone! I can just get on and ryde. I'm not just a passenger behind my hubby any more (not bad thing but it's fun to be on my OWN bike). I didn't have any trouble at all with just a foot brake, either. Have fun with your test drive! I'm betting you sign back on tomorrow and tell us you put one on order!:2thumbs:
 
Welcome to SpyderLovers GoodHouse. My wife, dltang on these boards, was shopping for a 500 cc scooter before I decided that I would get the Spyder. Within two weeks, she decided that the Spyder was a safer choice for her and she just loves the thing now. She might have liked the scooter but his and hers Spyders really work out for us and the trips that we are planning on. I'm interested in hearing how your Spyder test ride turns out. :popcorn:
 
bjt said:
Welcome to SpyderLovers GoodHouse. My wife, dltang on these boards, was shopping for a 500 cc scooter before I decided that I would get the Spyder. Within two weeks, she decided that the Spyder was a safer choice for her and she just loves the thing now. She might have liked the scooter but his and hers Spyders really work out for us and the trips that we are planning on. I'm interested in hearing how your Spyder test ride turns out. :popcorn:
Click to expand...

GoodHouse, I almost have to requote Brian, here, regarding safety and changing level of interest:

We ordered the Spyder over a year ago, bought the Spyder, then the lovely bride and I rode from Massachusetts to Canada. We both had a great first big ride, but then (partly bjt's and dltang's fault!) she is now interested in buying her own!

I have even made room in the garage for two...

I know it's tough to believe when people who don't know you say "you'll love living in Utah" or "you'll love the chocolate covered french fries."

But when it comes to the Spyder, it's really not worth comparing it to your dirtbike experiences.

I'll say what any Spyder owner will tell you: test ride one. Then relax a bit more, and test ride one again. I think you're pretty close to the dealer, so I'd recommend test ride one a third time.

Invest a bit of time reading this message board, and you'll learn a ton. Heck, you can even read the operator's guide if you like!

Good luck. :thumbup:
 
jeuchler said:
GoodHouse, I almost have to requote Brian, here, regarding safety and changing level of interest:

We ordered the Spyder over a year ago, bought the Spyder, then the lovely bride and I rode from Massachusetts to Canada. We both had a great first big ride, but then (partly bjt's and dltang's fault!) she is now interested in buying her own!

I have even made room in the garage for two...

I know it's tough to believe when people who don't know you say "you'll love living in Utah" or "you'll love the chocolate covered french fries."

But when it comes to the Spyder, it's really not worth comparing it to your dirtbike experiences.

I'll say what any Spyder owner will tell you: test ride one. Then relax a bit more, and test ride one again. I think you're pretty close to the dealer, so I'd recommend test ride one a third time.

Invest a bit of time reading this message board, and you'll learn a ton. Heck, you can even read the operator's guide if you like!

Good luck. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
We like to think of it as taking credit not taking blame for getting Barb a Spyder. Let us know when she gets hers, I think another trip might be at hand. What is half way between us? Hmmm, we'll have to make some plans. Oh yeah and Goodhouse, welcome to the forum and have a great test ride.
Deb
 
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