Texas motorcycle license

[Chief2]

# wheel course

I'd suggest you find a dealer who will at least instruct you and let you ride around the parking lot. Another option would be to attend a BRP demo event, where they let you do a closed course ride. You can't blame them for not wanting to let you go out on the road illegally and untrained. You may also ask if someone in the dealership can take you on the road for a long ride as passenger. At least that will give you some additional feel for the machine.

My wife and I took the 3 wheel course two months ago with Marcus Renfro In Lufkin TX (the Cycle Shop) 936 637 7555. If you dont have your own 3 wheel he does have a trike and a side car that is furnished.:yes:

 

[Michael211_2000]

Thanks... still no luck though. Have not so much as sat on a Spyder to date. (sigh!)

ps. I wasn't getting e-mail notifications on this Topic, I finally came back to the topic just to see if anybody else had said anything and what do you know! LOL! Some days you're the dog, some days you're the fire hydrant.

- Michael

 

[54spyder]

On this same topic, are there Spyder-friendly courses offered in the Cleveland/Livingston area that don't require the use of a 2-wheeled motorcycle (which terrify me!)?

I seem to be in a catch-22 situation, while I want to purchase a Spyder RS I've never so much as sat on one and the dealerships won't allow a prospective buyer to test-drive a Spyder without the motorcycle endorsement on license which obviously I lack since I do not and never have owned a motorcycle... soooo I'm supposed to purchase the thing without ever having driven one and just hope I like the Spyder Y-Factor ride? :banghead:

I'm stumped it's a catch-22... any advise would be greatly appreciated ya'll!

I do have and love my '06 supercharged SeaDoo RXT which does ~70 mph on calm water so that's the closest I've come to the Spyder ride I suppose. Though I also rode my grandfather's 3-wheeled Honda ATV when I was a teenager a few times before they were outlawed because so many idiots were flipping them over and breaking their necks... and my John Deere F525 lawn mower has 3 wheels come to think of it though it steers by it's single rear wheel and has no suspension or "nanny" to speak of but only goes 5mph max soooo.... LOL!

- Michael

My wife & I just completed a three wheel class that was held this past Monday & Tuesday. The class provided three Spyders :thumbup:. The class was held at the Greyhound racetrack in Lamarque. We live north of New Caney so it was a pretty far ride for us. We had one participant that came all the way from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. These classes are hard to find. Try contacting Keith Rovell ([email protected]). If you are interested, he could point you in the right direction for an upcoming class in our area.

I would recommend this course to anyone even thinking about buying a Spyder. The cost is high (250.00) but the course really introduces you to the Spyder and how it handles :thumbup:. If you pass, not only will you have experienced a great test ride and learned good motorcycle safety, but once you purchase a Spyder, all you will have to do is take the written test at DPS.

 

[Michael211_2000]

My wife & I just completed a three wheel class that was held this past Monday & Tuesday. The class provided three Spyders :thumbup:. The class was held at the Greyhound racetrack in Lamarque. We live north of New Caney so it was a pretty far ride for us.

I live just north-east of New Caney also, out in the Plum Grove neighborhood. Kinda not liking it here the neighborhood is going downhill pretty fast I need to move...

I believe I have spoken with Keith at Mancuso about 2 months ago, he wasn't that helpful really... his only suggestion was that I do the paperwork to purchase a Spyder and take it somewhere and ride it and if I don't like it bring it back in 3 days and he'd tear the paperwork up and cancel the sale. That seemed like a lot of hassle to go thru to me, honestly... and then on top of that they didn't have a black RS (my preference) in stock and would have had to order 1 direct from Can-Am with a 3-4 week wait. Of course that was 2 months ago and I had no idea this quest was going to be 1 hassle after another I swear... :banghead:

Did you buy yours new from Mancuso (or another dealership) or pre-owned from a private seller?

My next issue has turned out to be financing: even with a 700 credit score owning my home (no mortgage or anything) and with up to roughly 50% cash (~$7K +) to put down on a Spyder, I can't get financing because (they tell me) I haven't had anything financed recently so I have no history of making payments on time on anything. My last new vehicle was paid off in 2003, and I haven't come across anything I wanted to buy since then (till now!); I've purchased new from dealers 3 personal vehicles and 2 Peterbilt 18-wheelers in my adult life, but I can't get financing on a little 3 wheeled "roadster"?
Does this ever end? :gaah:

- Michael

 

[SPYD3R]

coast

just keep moving in an easterly direction, until you hit the coast of South Carolina.... we don't need a motorcycle-endorsement to ride a SPYD3R here....hyea:

 

[54spyder]

I live just north-east of New Caney also, out in the Plum Grove neighborhood. Kinda not liking it here the neighborhood is going downhill pretty fast I need to move...

Hi Michael..We actually live in Roman Forrest. We moved here from Atascocita. It was the best move we could have ever made. We love it here.

Our only contact with Keith was for the motorcycle safety class. My mentioning Keith was not necessarily an endorsement for him or Mancuso South, even though my wife did purchase our Spyder new from them, on her own. It was a surprise anniversary gift. Our salesperson was an older gentleman by the name of Todd. My wife said he was very helpful.

Trying to get a test drive on a Spyder is next to impossible, unless you already have a motorcycle licence, from what we have found out. But, I am not sure how they could stop you from taking the class whether you own a Spyder or not. The safety class is definitely an option and is probably much less expensive than renting a Spyder (if you can find a place to do that).

BTW.....My wife went to Mancuso North (I-45 north) and they ignored her while she was looking at a Spyder, so she moved on to Mancuso South where they greeted her within the first two minutes she entered the dealership. One dealers loss was another's gain :shocked:.

 

[54spyder]

Thanks... still no luck though. Have not so much as sat on a Spyder to date. (sigh!)

Not sure why you have not been able to sit on one. Every Spyder dealership that I have ever went to, had no problem letting me sit on one in their showroom.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Ok, I've sat on one now.... it's in my driveway!

I got home with it late last night (trailered it from Baton Rouge behind my truck). I-10 has some really awefull stretches over there I swear I thought my dash was going to fall to pieces I was being shaken so hard by that roadway for so long! Going over the tall bridge at Lake Charles was pretty neat, and crossing the "basin" was interesting... but I do not EVER want to do that again! LOL! It took a Spyder to finally get me out of Texas for a day. :ani29:

I'm now the proud owner of a solid black 2012 Spyder RS SE5 with under 800 miles (21 hours) on it. I was in a rush to begin the return drive yesterday, so I didn't try to drive it myself before loading it on the trailer but I watched the seller drive it and the engine sounded fine and the thing is practically new so... we broke part of the lower belt guard off getting it up on my trailer, but it should be a cheap easy item to replace. Otherwise not a scratch on it.

I'm looking forward to riding it around (inside my neighborhood only, intially) shortly. I live outside of Splendora, if you ever wanna meet shoot me a PM I can use all the help I can get I've never driven a motorcycle of any flavor before (though I have driven and owned everything from a supercharged SeaDoo PWC to a Peterbilt 379 18-wheeler, so I'm well versed in machines).

ps. While it's still on the trailer strapped down I'm about to run to Cleveland and see if I can get the inspection done on the trailer so I can get temporary tags for the Spyder while I wait for the title to come in (2-3 weeks, there was a loan on it which I paid off yesterday when I bought it so all I have is the bill of sale right now).

- Michael

Not sure why you have not been able to sit on one. Every Spyder dealership that I have ever went to, had no problem letting me sit on one in their showroom.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Test drive!

Ok HELP! I've been bitten, and it's awesome!

Well I only took it thru my neighborhood streets this evening before sunset, very little traffic 35 mph speed limit but plenty of S-curves... rides great, very stable very smooth. The brakes squeal a little when applied (I think I've read that that's common with the OEM pads), I looked at the calipers and there seems to be very little pad left are they supposed to be really thin? It has 880 miles on it (I may have mistyped earlier), surely the pads should last longer.... or maybe the previous owner (and his son) were inadvertantly driving it with their right foot on the brake pedal the whole time? IDK.

Anyhows, it's great can't wait to take it to lunch tomorrow.

- Michael

 

[54spyder]

Ok HELP! I've been bitten, and it's awesome!

Well I only took it thru my neighborhood streets this evening before sunset, very little traffic 35 mph speed limit but plenty of S-curves... rides great, very stable very smooth. The brakes squeal a little when applied (I think I've read that that's common with the OEM pads), I looked at the calipers and there seems to be very little pad left are they supposed to be really thin? It has 880 miles on it (I may have mistyped earlier), surely the pads should last longer.... or maybe the previous owner (and his son) were inadvertantly driving it with their right foot on the brake pedal the whole time? IDK.

Anyhows, it's great can't wait to take it to lunch tomorrow.

- Michael

Congratulations on the new addition :thumbup:. I am no expert on the brakes but from what I have read on SpyderLovers, they are very thin to begin with. If I remember correctly, someone said they are about as thick as a dime when they are brand new. Yours are probably OK.

We drove ours around the streets of Roman Forrest for the first few days and then worked our way to short trips on FM 1485 and 242. With over a 1000 miles under our belts now, There are not too many highways around Houston that we have not been on.

I highly recommend the 3 wheel motorcycle class that Mancusso puts on down in Lamarque at the Greyhound racetrack. They have three :spyder2:'s they use or you can bring your own :spyder2:.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Thanks, I'll call them and find out when their next class is scheduled and if they have openings left. I want to do the safety course, obviously I have no desire to get myself hurt on this thing... for the next week or two though I'll be keeping to the backroads where there's little to no traffic and I can practise a little. I still keep opening the seat when I mean to open the frunk for instance... lol!

Is there any way to skip having to press the M button to acknowledge that start up message to read the safety card? I read the darned card already, it isn't that impressive.

And is there any danger of catching the machine on fire when filling up still, or did Can-Am address that issue in the later models? I remember reading a post somewhere about someone who "topped-off" the tank and the Spyder burst into flames just a few minutes after leaving the gas station... :-(

- Michael

 

[AbNormy]

congrats

Congrats! Welcome to Spyderhood!

 

[54spyder]

Thanks, I'll call them and find out when their next class is scheduled and if they have openings left. I want to do the safety course, obviously I have no desire to get myself hurt on this thing... for the next week or two though I'll be keeping to the backroads where there's little to no traffic and I can practise a little. I still keep opening the seat when I mean to open the frunk for instance... lol!

Is there any way to skip having to press the M button to acknowledge that start up message to read the safety card? I read the darned card already, it isn't that impressive.

And is there any danger of catching the machine on fire when filling up still, or did Can-Am address that issue in the later models? I remember reading a post somewhere about someone who "topped-off" the tank and the Spyder burst into flames just a few minutes after leaving the gas station... :-(

- Michael

You will feel so much better after taking the course. Besides, I believe it is a state requirement now. It will also allow you to skip your driving test when you go to get your motorcycle license (if you don't already have one).

FYI: You always have to press the mode button to start your Spyder. You do not have to check out the card (ever). Your Spyder will start after hitting the mode button even if you never pull out that card.

As far as a Spyder catching fire after filling the tank, I have never heard of that but I would imagine if you overfill your tank and get gas all over the engine, it could be a possibility. I would be sure to never overfill the tank.

Enjoy the ride!

 

[Michael211_2000]

Safety gear?

What safety riding gear did the Mancuso safety course require to take the course? I'm sure a helmet is required (yes, I have a brand new one that fits snug)... what else though? Would it be better to wait till September to take the course, when it's not quite so blasted hot outside? How much of the course was spent outside on the bike?

What safety riding gear do ya'll recommend for our Texas summertime riding? I want to be safe, but I don't want to be a baked-potato if I can help it!

Funny story: When I took it (on the trailer still) to get the state inspection done yesterday, the inspector asked if I could start it up (still on the trailer)... I said "sure thing" (I'd spent all morning reading the owners manual and practising starting and putting it in gear and operating the lights and all), hopped on it and HOPPED OFF instantly... HOT HOT HOT! I had summertime shorts on and didn't realize the seat was baking hot, LMAO! ROF! That was NOT a fun experience I swear! :yikes:

Any advise on realistic safety riding gear much appreciated! Thanks guys!

- Michael

 

[54spyder]

What safety riding gear did the Mancuso safety course require to take the course? I'm sure a helmet is required (yes, I have a brand new one that fits snug)... what else though? Would it be better to wait till September to take the course, when it's not quite so blasted hot outside? How much of the course was spent outside on the bike?

What safety riding gear do ya'll recommend for our Texas summertime riding? I want to be safe, but I don't want to be a baked-potato if I can help it!

Funny story: When I took it (on the trailer still) to get the state inspection done yesterday, the inspector asked if I could start it up (still on the trailer)... I said "sure thing" (I'd spent all morning reading the owners manual and practising starting and putting it in gear and operating the lights and all), hopped on it and HOPPED OFF instantly... HOT HOT HOT! I had summertime shorts on and didn't realize the seat was baking hot, LMAO! ROF! That was NOT a fun experience I swear! :yikes:

Any advise on realistic safety riding gear much appreciated! Thanks guys!

- Michael

Yes, I would recommend cooler weather when taking the course but the teachers supply plenty of water while you are on the track riding, so it is at least bearable if you were to take the class now. They also recommend that you bring plenty of drinks. For the riding portion of the class, they require a helmet, long pants and a long sleeve shirt. My wife & I both wore gloves. I can't remember if they required gloves or not but I think they do. We spent about 8 hours outside riding & testing and about 8 hours inside. The course goes on regardless of the weather conditions.

I have to be honest, we have purchased all kinds of safety gear, less pants. We have two different kinds of motorcycle jackets, one even has a thingy that holds fluids and has a hose you can drink out of. Both types have layers that you can peel out. My wife has a full helmet and a half helmet. My helmet is a half helmet. After saying that, we have discovered that it is just too darn hot right now to ride around in anything but shorts and short sleeve shirts. A lot of Spyder riders are having problems with heat coming out from the Tupperware (left and right side depending on the model). I can't say that we do not feel it, but it is not unbearable. I think it bothers my wife enough that she is going to start wearing long pants though. I still see some 2 wheel riders wearing full gear so I would say you need to wear what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Michael211_2000]

Thank you for all the good info! I appreciate it to no end! :2thumbs:

- Michael