I agree with all the replies,seems we all have had the same experience, at 71 years old I made the decision 2 weeks ago used f3s , 600 miles of backroad morning rides adjustable windscreen I am getting more comfortable with it,beginning to relax now.I bought a used one with 1500 miles on so if I made a mistake I could resale without too much loss. I am making a permanent spot for it.
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Transition from 2 wheels to 3
- Thread starter wmjkweber02
- Start date
Highwayman2013
New member
I ride both. It does take a while to get the hang of the spyder but now I can switch rides without thinking about it.
Brother, I feel for you!
Just this spring I made the decision to go from a big tourer (Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero) that I loved to a three-wheeler (2016 F3-T Spyder) for exactly the reasons you cite. (Interestingly, I also tried out a CTX 700--my wife's ride--and came to the same conclusion that you did.)
A year ago I had tested a Spyder F3 and found it scarily skitterish, just as you did. I remember that at the end of the test ride I was mightily relieved to climb back on my two-wheeler. Since then, though, I had it driven home very thoroughly that it was going to be three wheels or no riding, so I threw for the used F3-T, trading in BOTH my two-wheelers in the deal to be sure I had burned my bridges.
Two weeks ago I returned from my first rally on the three-wheeler, and have logged around 700-800 miles so far. I can tell you this: it gets better. I have not fully mastered the new ride yet. I am still fighting the same ingrained but now incorrect instincts that others have cited, but I have reached the point at which if I don't think about what I am doing, it all goes well.
Unfortunately I still think about what I am doing about half the time, but pretty clearly this will correct itself as time goes by and the miles pile up. There is hope!
And good on you for finding this forum. It seems to be a really good one, welcoming and informative. Good luck when you pull the trigger on your new ride!
Just this spring I made the decision to go from a big tourer (Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero) that I loved to a three-wheeler (2016 F3-T Spyder) for exactly the reasons you cite. (Interestingly, I also tried out a CTX 700--my wife's ride--and came to the same conclusion that you did.)
A year ago I had tested a Spyder F3 and found it scarily skitterish, just as you did. I remember that at the end of the test ride I was mightily relieved to climb back on my two-wheeler. Since then, though, I had it driven home very thoroughly that it was going to be three wheels or no riding, so I threw for the used F3-T, trading in BOTH my two-wheelers in the deal to be sure I had burned my bridges.
Two weeks ago I returned from my first rally on the three-wheeler, and have logged around 700-800 miles so far. I can tell you this: it gets better. I have not fully mastered the new ride yet. I am still fighting the same ingrained but now incorrect instincts that others have cited, but I have reached the point at which if I don't think about what I am doing, it all goes well.
Unfortunately I still think about what I am doing about half the time, but pretty clearly this will correct itself as time goes by and the miles pile up. There is hope!
And good on you for finding this forum. It seems to be a really good one, welcoming and informative. Good luck when you pull the trigger on your new ride!
Lew L
Well-known member
After 5 decades on 2 wheels I learned that there is more to turning than countersteering. At Laguna Seca I marveled at how smoothly Valentino Rossi shifted his weight in transition from left to right turns--- SO smoothly. I also learned to ski------- so-----
Be smooth. Push on the outside floorboard / foot peg and lean to the inside of the turn. I'm as fast on my :spyder2: on a tight mountain road as I am on my V-Max. ( But not in a straight line:riding::yikes
Best of luck,
Lew L
Be smooth. Push on the outside floorboard / foot peg and lean to the inside of the turn. I'm as fast on my :spyder2: on a tight mountain road as I am on my V-Max. ( But not in a straight line:riding::yikes
Best of luck,
Lew L
robhowen
New member
I'm currently 68 and in 2015 I purchased a 2015 RT Limited. My story is similar to yours and my getting used to the Spyder is about the same as everyone else. I went from hate to love. You will get used to it and my guess is you will love it giving it a month or so. I now put more miles on my Spyder than I ever did a 2-wheel bike and I love riding more than ever, and I make much longer rides. Everyone told me this would be the case, but I was doubtful. They were right.
Rob
Rob
Sarge
New member
I too was beginning to have problems when coming to a stop under less than ideal conditions, sand, gravel, uneven pavement, steep hills, etc. Sooo ... My wife, Deb, and I started looking at Spyders about two years ago at the American Voyager Association International Rally in Hurley, WI. One of the Spyder owners offered to give Deb a demo ride. She liked the stability and secure feeling of the trike. In the fall of 2018, we visited a Can Am dealer in Danville, VA for a scheduled demo ride. We rode it around town for just about 30 minutes and really liked it. Granted, it's not a motorcycle (two wheel) ride and I knew it would take time to adjust to the ATV type steering and pushing on the handlebar the opposite way I wanted to go. Well, Deb had a major stroke on 11 Feb this year and we agreed that she should not ride as a passenger on two wheels anymore. So I started looking for a Spyder. I got lucky and found a 2015 RT Limited with only 2,500 miles on it and a two year warranty for about half the price of a new one. Picked it up in the beginning of May and have already doubled the mileage and went to our rally, this year in Summersville, W.VA. I live 50 miles from my workplace and ride 100 miles each day I ride it to work. Still have my 2010 Voyager and ride it occasionally, but, it's up for sale. Love the Spyder. We will miss the feeling of leaning into a set of twisties on some back country road, but, at least we still ride.
:riding:
Who says we like yellow?!?
:riding:
Who says we like yellow?!?
wmjkweber02
New member
I want to thank everyone who took the time to respond with their experiences. I have not decided to transition yet, but I have signed up for a class in a couple of weeks. The closest I could find is about 60 miles away. There is a good chance I will get one if the training goes well for me.
Well, my 2 cents may/may not be helpful to your decision-making process, but I'll offer it optimistically.
I come from a background of riding more ATVs than 2-wheel motorcycles. I used snowmobiles, quads, and 6-wheelers a LOT in my career after the military. When I say "a lot," I mean hours/day x 7 days/week for a decade. It was a luxury to be able to get to where my work was in a pick-up truck or SUV. I literally had to take helicopters a few times, and used them even more for scouting. I was a hunting outfitter and farm & ranch Realtor who specialized in hunting, fishing, and golf course conversions from straight ag use, but most included a production ag business model as at least one major module of the overall dev/mgmt plan.
But I also grew up on dirt bikes and enduros without ever owning my own, mostly thanks to my best friend's dad. Then, my wife of 24 years of matrimonial bliss is a street biker who switched from sport bikes to cruisers 11 yrs ago. So I began riding cruisers then. I bought a Spyder RT a few years ago, after a long and arduous rehab for a broken neck and knee surgery. The former of which ended by career.
But enough about me...
I have several friends like you have recently followed me to the dark side for similar reasons to your own. It is not an easy transition, and the only things that seem to work well are an open mind, five hundred to a thousand miles of experience, and a desire for a new adventure that fuels perseverance. But out of the 9 or so of these old bikers, only 1 sold his Spyder. The others all think it was the right decision and are happy to still be riding.
The open mind thing -- realize you are riding something with 2-wheels up front for steering and learn what that means and how the mechanics work vs a 2-wheeler. Old bikers used to running 80 mph without a care in the world get very white-knuckle the first few times they climb on a quad and break 30 mph on an improved surface. Watch some videos of quad racing and watch the driving techniques used. It's a short list for maneuvering a Spyder at high speed: light touch, squeeze with your knees (like riding a horse), push on the OUTSIDE foot peg/board in a turn (just a bit), and do not over-correct. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast! Most of all, slow back down to beginner level and put the Spyder on an empty parking lot to get the feel for maneuvering, braking, and manipulation of the controls until you can do this stuff without thinking about it or looking for the turn signal button, etc. The start on residential streets at 10-30 mph for several short trips over a couple of weeks. Then drive it in low speed city traffic a bit. Next, take it on a county 2-lane that 45-50 mph is appropriate for...the less traffic the better. Finally, do it all over again 2-up with your girlfriend (but it won't take as long this time).
Girlfriend Factor -- chicks LOVE riding Spyders! They feel way safer and are more comfortable than anything else on the road. On a rear axle trike, they sit right over the axle and feel every little bump like a kick in the seat of the pants. And the RT passenger seat is both comfortable AND feels like it is surrounding you. Rider foot boards come standard. So they can press on the outside of a curve AND they have integrated, heated hand bars with a separate set of rear speaker controls for the audio. So no need to hold on to the driver. The rear suspension is an AIR shock under their seat over a horizontal suspension arm like a lot of the dirt bikes have. VERY smooth! Honestly, the "better half" approval is a HUGE part of why these guys are so happy with their Spyder RTs. And yes, they ALL ride RTs...not F3s or Rykers.
I come from a background of riding more ATVs than 2-wheel motorcycles. I used snowmobiles, quads, and 6-wheelers a LOT in my career after the military. When I say "a lot," I mean hours/day x 7 days/week for a decade. It was a luxury to be able to get to where my work was in a pick-up truck or SUV. I literally had to take helicopters a few times, and used them even more for scouting. I was a hunting outfitter and farm & ranch Realtor who specialized in hunting, fishing, and golf course conversions from straight ag use, but most included a production ag business model as at least one major module of the overall dev/mgmt plan.
But I also grew up on dirt bikes and enduros without ever owning my own, mostly thanks to my best friend's dad. Then, my wife of 24 years of matrimonial bliss is a street biker who switched from sport bikes to cruisers 11 yrs ago. So I began riding cruisers then. I bought a Spyder RT a few years ago, after a long and arduous rehab for a broken neck and knee surgery. The former of which ended by career.
But enough about me...
I have several friends like you have recently followed me to the dark side for similar reasons to your own. It is not an easy transition, and the only things that seem to work well are an open mind, five hundred to a thousand miles of experience, and a desire for a new adventure that fuels perseverance. But out of the 9 or so of these old bikers, only 1 sold his Spyder. The others all think it was the right decision and are happy to still be riding.
The open mind thing -- realize you are riding something with 2-wheels up front for steering and learn what that means and how the mechanics work vs a 2-wheeler. Old bikers used to running 80 mph without a care in the world get very white-knuckle the first few times they climb on a quad and break 30 mph on an improved surface. Watch some videos of quad racing and watch the driving techniques used. It's a short list for maneuvering a Spyder at high speed: light touch, squeeze with your knees (like riding a horse), push on the OUTSIDE foot peg/board in a turn (just a bit), and do not over-correct. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast! Most of all, slow back down to beginner level and put the Spyder on an empty parking lot to get the feel for maneuvering, braking, and manipulation of the controls until you can do this stuff without thinking about it or looking for the turn signal button, etc. The start on residential streets at 10-30 mph for several short trips over a couple of weeks. Then drive it in low speed city traffic a bit. Next, take it on a county 2-lane that 45-50 mph is appropriate for...the less traffic the better. Finally, do it all over again 2-up with your girlfriend (but it won't take as long this time).
Girlfriend Factor -- chicks LOVE riding Spyders! They feel way safer and are more comfortable than anything else on the road. On a rear axle trike, they sit right over the axle and feel every little bump like a kick in the seat of the pants. And the RT passenger seat is both comfortable AND feels like it is surrounding you. Rider foot boards come standard. So they can press on the outside of a curve AND they have integrated, heated hand bars with a separate set of rear speaker controls for the audio. So no need to hold on to the driver. The rear suspension is an AIR shock under their seat over a horizontal suspension arm like a lot of the dirt bikes have. VERY smooth! Honestly, the "better half" approval is a HUGE part of why these guys are so happy with their Spyder RTs. And yes, they ALL ride RTs...not F3s or Rykers.
grumpyoldretiredcop
New member
Reading this thread is like hearing my own story over and over again... when I began having problems getting my feet off the floorboards of my Victory Cross Country and holding the bike up at a stop with my wife aboard became more of a gamble than an adventure, I knew it was time to transition from two wheels to three. We looked at a couple of Harley trikes, but frankly I don't like the way the solid rear axles handle. I tried a couple of RTs, but couldn't sit on one for more than a few minutes without experiencing severe pain (more about that in a minute) but the F3's seating position works perfectly for me. I bought a 2017 F3T last year, added a factory trunk as my wife has been used to Gold Wings, Ventures, and other touring bikes we've had over the years and wants a solid backrest. She hasn't ridden it with me yet, as I bought the F3 at the end of the riding season here in NV and her having had a shoulder joint replaced earlier this year, but she's just about recovered and ready to go.
Turns out that the reason I can't ride an RT and why I was having trouble getting my feet down on the Cross Country is that both of my hips and one knee are basically toast, courtesy of arthritis and the wear and tear of 30 years of law enforcement and military service. Hip replacements are coming soon. Still, I've been having fun learning how to ride all over again; it's sort of like going back to your novice days and yet not. You have years of experience and judgement behind you, all that's involved is modifying some reflexes. I'm getting to a comfort level at which I'm now probing for the limits of the F3, looking for the edge of its performance envelope. I haven't found them yet! I still ride the Cross Country solo and have no trouble going back and forth from two wheels to three. We'll see about keeping the Victory after seeing how the hip replacements go, but I have no plans to divest myself of the F3 at this point.
I'm glad to hear that you've signed up for training. As a former MSF RiderCoach, I have the same thought to express to you that I've said to many students; in taking the training course you may find out how much you like riding a Spyder, or you may find out that it doesn't work for you. Either way, you win. Good luck, hope you enjoy the course and that a Spyder works for you!
Turns out that the reason I can't ride an RT and why I was having trouble getting my feet down on the Cross Country is that both of my hips and one knee are basically toast, courtesy of arthritis and the wear and tear of 30 years of law enforcement and military service. Hip replacements are coming soon. Still, I've been having fun learning how to ride all over again; it's sort of like going back to your novice days and yet not. You have years of experience and judgement behind you, all that's involved is modifying some reflexes. I'm getting to a comfort level at which I'm now probing for the limits of the F3, looking for the edge of its performance envelope. I haven't found them yet! I still ride the Cross Country solo and have no trouble going back and forth from two wheels to three. We'll see about keeping the Victory after seeing how the hip replacements go, but I have no plans to divest myself of the F3 at this point.
I'm glad to hear that you've signed up for training. As a former MSF RiderCoach, I have the same thought to express to you that I've said to many students; in taking the training course you may find out how much you like riding a Spyder, or you may find out that it doesn't work for you. Either way, you win. Good luck, hope you enjoy the course and that a Spyder works for you!
RICZ
New member
Almost ditto what Grump said. Couldn't lift my feet off the boards of my Victory Cross Roads, so graduated to three wheels. I never wanted a trike, want the two wheels up front where I can keep an eye on them.
I get my hip replacement today. Gonna be off the Spyder for maybe a month and this is our riding season. But when I heal, it's gonna be a whole lot better.
I get my hip replacement today. Gonna be off the Spyder for maybe a month and this is our riding season. But when I heal, it's gonna be a whole lot better.
This looks like a good thread to throw out my related question. I have been on two wheels for many years and have taken the CanAm training course and recently demoed an RT and F3L. The F3L seems to be the best fit for me and have begun the process of getting bids from dealers. Even with my limited experience the transition,(no clutch, braking, etc,) seems to be fairly natural. Howver, one question still seems to be on my mind concerning the Spyder. When riding on two wheels and I approach a curve I just lean a bit and the bike, mother nature and I feel as one as I go the curve. Again very limited experience, but when I approach the same curve on a Spyder it seems as if the bike , mother nature and I are working against each other. My question for you experienced Spyder riders is do you ever get to the point of where you and the Spyder and mother nature begin to feel as one going through the curves? I know it will not ever be the same because you are dealing with two different vehicles. I suppose I could hang on to my two wheels but I really don't want to have two bikes for various reasons.
Thanks
Poasttown
Thanks
Poasttown
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
The following has helped me a lot. RE: Riding the twisties....
Always enter a curve at a speed that will allow you to accelerate slightly. If you have to brake going into a curve...your going to fast.
I take curves by entering at the "inside" of the curve and viewing the line of sight (the outside of the curve).
I lean a bit "into" the curve and plant the "outside" foot on the pedal. Gripping the center section with the knees also helps.
A slight push/pull on the handlebars going through the curve also helps. You will find, when comfortable with the above...you can take most curves at 15 to 20 mph more than posted...if you are comfortable with it.
The important part is to stay between the lines and enjoy your ride.
RICZ
New member
I was all greased up and ready to roll, when the anesthetist looked at my chart and said, this guy is too anemic, we're not doing this today. Yeah, I'm a bit anemic, it came on after a couple of heavy dosed of chemo in '06 and '11. So my present numbers are my new normal. I have a chemically induced stress test tomorrow to see if the ticker can handle the hip replacement. I think it's BS cuz my heart has withstood much worse a few times while paying dues to the Senior Citizen Club.
The good news part of that is I get to take my great grandkids for outings on the Spyder and the hip replacement will happen after they are in school.
strykerAKAmack
New member
30 years on bikes 10 years off and now on an F3-S for a year with 6k or so up and it gets easier . Did numerous track days and Kieth codes' Superbike school numerous times
So might be a little bit more of a struggle to get used to 3 wheels but I got the SM6 so still can shift . For me I miss the front brake the most , that is the limiting factor for me
scooting round the backroads quick .You just don't get the precision with your foot as you can with your hand . Muscle memory is hard to overcome even after so long off 2 wheels.
Will get the ISCS front brake conversion as Yea its a keeper and should keep me in the wind and be as close to two wheels as I can get .
Its not that you don't you yourself lean into a corner its just a different sensation you need to overcome . If you just hang on you will be forced to the outside (your body) and that gets tiring quick , So if you lean into the corner and weight your opposite foot you can get pretty good rhythm thru the corners . No you will never keep up with a experienced sportbike rider on a real twisty road as it takes too much effort throwing the bike around . I figure I can get within 85% of my buddy on his multistrada b4 I call uncle but can have fun at 80% all day long . The worst is missing lanesplitting when stuck in traffic . Still best way to get back out on the road and get wet
ChicagoSpyder
New member
I rode dirt bikes from a teenager till my mid 30's, and have rode sleds since my teenage years, in any event I bought a used 2014 Honda CBX last year so I could have something to bomb around on locally and run dirt backroads up north, well my only issue with the Honda is that my wife would not get on the back of that bike..... Anyhow several years ago we test rode an RT at a local dealership and while she really liked it I was just OK with it, well when one of my sledding buds was showing us an on-line Spyder brochure on a sled trip this past March I took a liking to the F3L and showed the pics to my wife when I got home and she liked it so I bought a 2018 carryover.
Well now I have just under 3,000 miles on it and I like it!! It's a lot like riding a sled except that you can't side saddle thru the corners as easily as you can on a sled, and like everyone else has said "relax the grip" :cheers:
Well now I have just under 3,000 miles on it and I like it!! It's a lot like riding a sled except that you can't side saddle thru the corners as easily as you can on a sled, and like everyone else has said "relax the grip" :cheers:
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