Transition from Two Wheeler to a Spyder

[trikermutha]

I went from 2 to 3 wheelers back in my 30's and at one point had a two wheeler and a 3 wheeler..since then its all been 3 wheels since..
I got tired of putting my foot down in oil at a stop lights along with trying to hold up the bike when its windy out etc etc..

Went from the Harley Tri Glide to a 2014 Spyder and have not been happier..

But before you decide I recommend test driving different types of trikes to see if it is for you..

Good Luck

 

[robmorg]

Eric,

My story is very much like yours, but my "accident" was likely not as significant. I didn't start riding until I was in my 40's but since then I've enjoyed it a lot. I've always ridden larger cruisers. My last bike, which was my overall favorite, was a Yamaha Royal Star Venture - a large, tall touring bike, with a V-4 engine, that weighed over 900 lbs. with all the farkles I'd added. I bought it new in 2002.

I enjoyed long rides on that comfortable big bike, and sometimes, just for fun, rode that bike aggressively, often scraping the floor boards on the road. But as with most folks, as I got older, my legs and knees got weaker, and I started feeling a bit uncomfortable with such a big top-heavy bike, even though it fit me like a glove. About 18 months ago, I was making a slow U-turn at a back road intersection and came too close to the edge of the pavement. The bike started down and I couldn't get my foot off the floor board quick enough to catch it, so I went down with it. First time in my life I ever had an "accident" or put a bike down. Burned my leg on the hot engine, but my pride was hurt MUCH more!!

I'd had my eye on the Can-Am and had test driven one the year before. I liked it, but it felt "awkward" compared to my cruiser. But after the fall, I figured it was time. I gave my big Yamaha to my oldest son (who loves it as I did), and bought a 2013 Spyder RTL at "end of season" pricing. I've grown to love my RT. I was entirely comfortable with the ride after about 500 miles and the addition of a BajaRon anti-sway bar. (I'm a big guy, so I needed that extra stability in turns to counteract the centrifugal force.) Now, I simply love it and can't get enough of riding it. I also often ride it aggressively in the turns "just for fun", just like the Yamaha. Don't really miss the twisties on two wheels, like I thought I would.

 

[jerpinoy]

I am lucky and loved. I used to ride two wheel but no more. Like others suggestions take your time and test ride the :ani29: few miles to support your decision. Good luck.

 

[MyEleanor]

Thanks

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, experiences and input. I rode many years ago and had a Kawasaki ZL1000 but had to sell. Then got married, had kids, etc. finally bought a house in 2007 and felt justified in getting a bike. Started after 15 years on a Kawasaki 900. Three years later went to a Victory Vision. I loved that 900+ pound behemoth but had to sell to pay off a divorce. Then I got a wild hair and had to have a BMW R1200RT sport tourer. I also loved that but had the accident on that and totaled it. I won't go into dirty details but after the accident at 70 on the freeway I found myself laying on the side of the freeway in great pain. It is that image I have a hard time ridding myself of. After three months of recovery I thought I should get back on the "horse" and did with a Victory Cross Country, another large cruiser. But now, as I explained previously, I don't feel that was the right decision. But I want to keep riding something. Enter the Spyder. Thanks again to everyone. I'll let you know what I decide.

 

[dlby]

Ive been riding since I was 8 yrs old
Bridgestone 90cc
Honds 305
Kawasak500 1st powerbike
Sportster
Goldwimg
Fatboy
Roadking
Ultra classic
Etc
After 52 years all sudden did not feel comfortable- hard to believe

350 miles on 2014 Spyder
I like it much
I do not feel at ease yet on it

Yet is the key word, I know it will come, but it was gone on two wheels.

 

[Siara]

I've been riding motorcycles ever since I was allowed to. I love two-wheelers and would still be riding those if my physical condition would allow me to. I've had some incidents on them as well but probably nothing as grave as you. Deciding to make the transition to three wheels is one you should make for yourself and it's not an easy one.

Try to figure out just why you feel different on two wheels at the moment. Insecurity or fear after an accident is nothing to be ashamed about. The question is whether you'll be able to conquer whatever it is that's holding you back and whether you want to conquer it. A Spyder is the easy way out and a very enjoyable ride by itself but it doesn't resemble riding a motorcycle at all. Try to find out what you are looking for personally.

Also don't worry about age! I'm only 27 and the youngest owner of a Spyder RT at my local dealer. They keep joking I bought a grandma-mobile but I couldn't care less. I loved the test ride and will be enjoying lots of miles in the future.

 

[den1953]

At that Point in Life

I'm getting to the point of having to make the switch from two wheels to three. As much as I love my current bike (2012 Victory Cross Country) and want to keep it, the reality of having two bad knees and a bad back is forcing me to possibly give up on a big heavy touring motorcycle. The Can Am Spyder is a cheaper alternative to a Harley Tri-Glide or Goldwing trike. Not inexpensive but cheaper. Harley now has a 2015 Freewheeler trike which is a stripped down Tri-Glide for around 25 grand. The other alternative is to go to a lighter and smaller two wheeler. These are mostly Japanese bikes 1300cc and smaller although Victory has a couple stripped down basic models that would work. Indian has the new Scout which is very low & lightweight and Suzuki has the 650 Burgman scooter which is another alternative on my radar. Time will tell when Spring finally arrives and I try out riding the Cross Country again. The big thing will be leg strength, especially with my wife on the pillion. It won't take long to determine whether or not I can continue with my current ride. When it comes to three wheels a Spyder would win out hands-down but my mind is still open to the alternatives as well. Getting old sucks, but at least I can still ride something.

 

[satownsendsr]

I guess I fall into both categories, old and surgery. I had a Ultra Classic Harley and the wife and I rode it a good bit. I had to have back surgery in July 2013 and was off my feet for about 4 months. When I finally got where I could walk without a walker and my back wasn't hurting too bad, I tried riding the HOG. Not too much trouble until I hit a bump in the road and it jarred my back pretty good. Adjusted the rear shocks, didn't do any good. Tried riding the wife, wasn't going to happen. I sold it thinking our riding days were done. I'm 58. My wife suggested we go look at the spyders. The rest is history. I miss my HOG, but I really like the Spyder and enjoy riding it. It is easy on my back and rides smooth. My wife even went and got her Motorcycle rating so she can ride it when she wants. (I see another one in my future)

Thanks,
Steve

Sent from my Galaxy Note Pro 12.2