What's wrong with this picture(s)?

[Derwin]

Smylinacha..

Now why did you have to go and say that? Crap! Now I'm all confused again! I bet you can tell I am a very decisive person, right?

Oh, Nuts! I don't know what to do now. :banghead: I just hate the idea of getting less miles per gallon than I get with my car. I'm really looking for vehicles that will get GREAT mileage, not less.

Well, I already sent Brett at Lake Effects Powersports an email about canceling my order. He is probably sick from me going back and forth about this over the past 7 months!

Anyway, thanks for the "head up". Now I am back to being indecisive!

Oh brother.....to have a mind that blows with the wind is a real liability!

Derwin

 

[BRPjunkie]

I bought the Spyder without riding it as I had plenty of input from test riders and early owners and lots of respect for BRP based on my previous first year purchase of 1988 Sea Doo and 1994 Speedster Jet Boat. Unless you have ridden a Piaggio or have access to those who have, be careful. My only input is from one rider as noted in my earlier post, but he was unimpressed. Lots of good scooters out there with easy operation, reliability decent power and did I mention, good gas mileage.

 

[NancysToy]

Well, that's probably a fair assesment. But I did place an order for the SE5 way back in December of last year. But this was only after many on this forum convinced me that this would be the way to go. I was considering getting the Piaggio MP3 500 also. But the Spyder one out after much discussion here. I'm never "committed" to anything purchase until I actually OWN it!

This is actually what I have ALSO been thinking about. I would think that the SE5 may get worse mileage, not better. And this is something that I just don't want.

Please don't get me wrong....I LOVE THE SPYDER. I think it is one of the most unique vehicles on the roads at this time. I have NOTHING negative to say about it. I just think that the mpg has become more important to me recently.

I am most probably going to go with the Piaggio MP3 500 now. I know this is NOT the place to talk about that, so I will refrane from doing so. When people begin to get their SE5's and ride them, I'll be checking back on what they will be reporting. If the mpg reports are good, I'll place another order! Don't say it....I know....You all think I'm nuts! :shocked:

Anyway, thanks again for all the great information, and for the warm conversation.

Derwin

I actually think that the SE5 will get better mileage, or the same. Smoother has to help. Not like an automatic transmission with a slipping torque converter. Some of the cars with lock-up converters rival the stick shifts in mpg.

If gas mileage is your main focus, the Spyder is not a good choice. Many standard motorcycles do better...scooters much better. Can't have 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and the Shell gas mileage champ at the same time.

I have ridden the Piaggio, and I think you would find it intimidating. My wife considered both, and chose the Spyder for its ability to get down the highway like a normal vehicle, and for the safety features built in. The Piaggio is busy, even for an old biker like me, and it is underpowered. Even the larger dispalcement versions will barely do highway speeds. Your scooter does that.

Hope this all settles out soon. I know you are struggling, but you are over-analyzing it again, I think.

I doubt you would be unhappy with a Spyder, however. Very few are.
-Scotty

 

[Derwin]

If gas mileage is your main focus, the Spyder is not a good choice. Many standard motorcycles do better...scooters much better. Can't have 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and the Shell gas mileage champ at the same time.

I have ridden the Piaggio, and I think you would find it intimidating. My wife considered both, and chose the Spyder for its ability to get down the highway like a normal vehicle, and for the safety features built in. The Piaggio is busy, even for an old biker like me, and it is underpowered. Even the larger dispalcement versions will barely do highway speeds. Your scooter does that.

Hope this all settles out soon. I know you are struggling, but you are over-analyzing it again, I think.

I doubt you would be unhappy with a Spyder, however. Very few are.
-Scotty

Scotty,

Over the past couple months gas mileage has gone up dramatically on my "importance" list. I understand completely that people do NOT purchase the Spyder because of mpg, and that most likely nobody here would make this a deal breaker. But I think I'm a little different than most, and maybe a bit stranger! I now am focusing my attention on vehicles that will get great gas mileage.....such as alternative vehicles. I still absolutely LOVE the Spyder, but I don't know if it's the right choice for me anymore.........I just don't know now. :dontknow:

I'm willing to give up power for mileage, but I still want a vehicle capable of going on the highway. You said the the Piaggio is "intimidating". Please be more specific. I really am open to anything that you have to tell me. I need good advice from somebody who has experience, and not just people giving opinions about what they "think" it would be like. I would like feedback from somebody that has actual experience on the thing. So please give me your thoughts about what you experienced. I value your opinion.

What did you mean when you said it is "busy"? And which model did you drive? Was it the Piaggio MP3 500? This is the model that I am considering. It seems to have as much power as I will ever use. But I would like your opinion.

Like I said, I still really love the Spyder, and I'm sure I would love the SE5. But I'm concerned about the mpg, and one other thing that I hesitated to mention...... the tilting factor. I know that I ride my scooter now, and I simply love tilting with it. It is really exhilarating. As you know, I just got the 150cc scooter about a month or so ago, and it is the very first time on 2 wheels. I have been getting a real kick out of riding in the open and LEANING into turns. For some of you this may be "old hat", but for me it is new and fresh, and I am enjoying every bit of it. The Spyder does not tilt. This is one of the other things that I have been thinking about recently.

Well, that's about it. I am like a groom right before wedding day. I'm getting cold feet! I know some of you have heard this before, but I am just being open and honest with all of you every step of the way. Please don't hate me for it! I just want some honest feedback. Thanks.

Derwin

 

[spyryder]

Hate to say it Derwin, but I just don't think you're Spyder material.....good luck with whatever you choose to buy...just remember this...you had a chance to own a VERY unique machine!

 

[Derwin]

Hate to say it Derwin, but I just don't think you're Spyder material.....good luck with whatever you choose to buy...just remember this...you had a chance to own a VERY unique machine!

Well, thank you. But please explain to me what you mean by "spyder material". It sounds a bit condescending if you ask me. For your information, I've had my eye on this thing for quite a long time, and had it on order for the past 7 months.

All it takes to be "spyder material" is to go to your nearest dealer and pluck down the money. That's it. Doesn't take much talent. All it takes is money and a desire to have one. Just like any other product on the market.

If you read my posts, you would know that I also LOVE the Spyder. This has not changed. I am simply considering the WHOLE picture now (something I should have done BEFORE ordering one!). There are also other "unique" vehicles out there. The Spyder being one of the most notable.

Derwin

 

[NancysToy]

Derwin,

Given the fears you expressed previously, worrying about your ability to handle an SM5 manual clutch, and your resulting decision to order an SE5, I was worried that there might be some intimidating features for you. Your newfound comfort with your scooter indicates this may not be so. The MP3 is a bit busy. You have to pay attention to the button that locks it upright, and the speed, since it will not lock above 5 mph. Took me some conscious thinking about the controls, but I only did a test ride. When you don't lock, it tips, of course, and it is wide, like all scooters, so you have to spread your feet a bit farther. All take getting used to. I can't really say why, but the Spyder felt more natural to me, as a 50 year biker, for some reason. Maybe it is because the Spyder is so different, that you don't try to do things you learned elsewhere.

Only rode the Piaggio 250, the bigger models hadn't been introduced last year. Can't speak directly to them, but I heard that the advertised top speed for the 500 was only 79 mph, and the 400 less than 70. You don't want a machine to be wound flat out, and allowing for wind, hills, and passengers, I don't think there is enough speed cushion there to make me comfortable on a highway. I don't often exceed the speed limit, but sometimes you need to use the Interstates and feel comfortable doing it. The Suzuki Burgman 650 will easily do 80 with two aboard, by comparison.

I understand your sudden concern for mileage. Maybe you should hold out and wait for the first hybrid cycle to come along. Best of luck with your decision. It's been a pleasure having you with us these past months.
-Scotty

 

[Derwin]

Thanks, Scotty. I really appreciate your incredibly kind responses, not only toward me, but toward everyone else in this forum.

I HAVE really come to enjoy the leaning aspect of the scooter. I was out riding it around our small town today, and as I was leaning, I thought about the Spyder. It just began to dawn on me that I will not have this sensation anymore on the Spyder.

Scotty, I know you have been riding motorcycles since before I was even born. So what is your honest opinion about this? Do you "miss" the leaning when your on the Spyder? Or do you just accept it as another experience, and you always have your other bikes to ride and have fun leaning with?

I want to make it clear.....I'm NOT asking anybody to "talk me into" anything. All I want is some honest feedback. This is a forum for discussion, so I figured it's the best place to be asking these questions.

Derwin

 

[spyryder]

Well, thank you. But please explain to me what you mean by "spyder material". It sounds a bit condescending if you ask me. For your information, I've had my eye on this thing for quite a long time, and had it on order for the past 7 months.

All it takes to be "spyder material" is to go to your nearest dealer and pluck down the money. That's it. Doesn't take much talent. All it takes is money and a desire to have one. Just like any other product on the market.

If you read my posts, you would know that I also LOVE the Spyder. This has not changed. I am simply considering the WHOLE picture now (something I should have done BEFORE ordering one!). There are also other "unique" vehicles out there. The Spyder being one of the most notable.

Derwin

It just seems you're looking for reasons to back out of this deal....you know yourself that the thing will get more than 22MPG!!....then you added in your previous post that you love the way your scooter leans in turns...if you want something that leans, then the Spyder ain't for you.

 

[Derwin]

It just seems you're looking for reasons to back out of this deal....you know yourself that the thing will get more than 22MPG!!....then you added in your previous post that you love the way your scooter leans in turns...if you want something that leans, then the Spyder ain't for you.

I'm not looking for any reasons to back out. Please read my posts. I am just now reconsidering everything. Maybe you never did this before. Well, God Bless ya! I happen to jump into a lot of things before actually considering everything involved. It's one of the flaws that I have always had.

I am now simply asking people to give me some feedback about not only the gas mileage, but also the leaning aspect. Believe it or not, I never considered these things when I ordered it. Since I've been riding the scooter around, it has been coming to my mind. That's about it.

The Spyder may indeed not be for me. I don't know. That's the point of my posts. I am having serious questions about it, and I'm asking people for some feedback.

Derwin

 

[czdaryle]

Didn't we go through this a couple months ago? Just kidding. But seriously if you want this to save on gas...I am spending alot more on gas and I drive a 4x4 f150. The problem is I save gas when I ride the spyder when I would normally drive the truck, but its all the joy rides I take with the spyder. I am definelty spending more on gas. I look at the spyder like a boat...and luxurey item...not something to save me money on gas. Good Luck with your discussion, but as I said last time when you didn't want to wait the extra two months..I don't think you really want this and at $19,000 thats alot of money to spend on something you are not sure of...at least for me it is. Good Luck

 

[GoodHouse]

Derwin and others:

My concern is not gas mileage. I think 30+ is good. If i think about my 07 altima getting more mileage than a spyder i think thats strange since it weighs 4 times as much. But... i have similar apprehensions as you derwin when it comes to price. I can afford the spyder easily but its a question of wanting to throw 20k on a toy in my opinion. Because to me this is just a joy toy to putz around in. Its not my main mode of transportation, i will never rely on it as my vehicle to get me from point A to point B.
I started looking at the piaggio mp3 500 then i found the spider. the mp3 tops out at 89MPH. So i heard it has plenty of power. The mp3 would end up around 10k and the spyder around 20k. So to have a toy, is it worth it? For you derwin i think your asking yourself is the mpg worth it? The answer is i just dont know.
I have never driven either of them, just researched and i did see and feel a spyder in person. I have no motorcycle experience. They are both unique. The spyder is cooler, more powerful, but worse mpg and twice the price. I dont know exactly why one is considered a scooter and one a motorcycle besides how you sit on it.
Anyone else with opinions?

 

[Smylinacha]

OK, here goes.....:dontknow: This is why this forum is so good - we all :chat:, share opinions - nobody is trying to sway you any way about getting or not getting a :spyder:. Yup, it's a purchase you gotta think about.:cheers:

Anyway, I never personally rode the mp3 Piaggio but after what my girlfriend told me, I don't want to ride it and my decision is with 5 other bikes that I have owned previous to the :spyder:. I don't mean to confuse you in any way but she never had an mc license and didn't take the course. So she got the thing, spent weeks in a church parking lot on it and just didn't like it - it's that "lock" button she kept talking about - and like Scotty said - it's a "busy factor". Why do you need something else to complicate a ride?

Reason I went to a :spyder:from 2 wheels? Neck/back pain which totally took away every ounce of confidence I had on 2 wheels after a long day's ride. Sure, I could ride a two wheel machine, I rode my Harley just fine - at least that's what everyone tells me but with the pain and how tired I got, I was so afraid to stay "balanced" on those damn two wheels after like 6 hours of riding. Heck, I ride w/ people who ride HARD, basically the only girl and after 3 hours of no potty breaks, I was done for the day and was a biatch and realized I had a whole nother 3 hours to go w/ these people. Wasn't for me but riding on the back wasn't for me either. Then the :spyder: came alone. My brotha Roaddog2 got one - I went thru the entire process w/ him - me and HDXBones (hubby) went and looked at them w/ him, and when I first saw it I was like, "WTF is that?" Then it just grew on me the more he talked about it. The thing grew on me. And I bought one without test driving one. The test drive w/ the clutch was nothing - but I do have mc experience. So I can see someone w/ no experience a little shakey with an SM5. But still 30 miles to the gallon for me anyway, beats my Charger - hell I get 12 miles to the gallon w/ that thing! But I didn't consider the mileage because my Harley didn't get much more but it was a fun thing to do in life. Damn, I work all day, pay my bills, I DESERVE to have a little fun! Not trying to talk you out of it but gas ain't gonna get any cheaper and no matter what, a Spyder or another bike will still be cheaper than a car - at least the kind of car I drive. I will not drive a Hybrid - I need AWD at least or 4WD where I live or I couldn't go anywhere in the Winter.

So with that said, I chose the :spyder:. Now I posted to you before that I had to "unlearn" all the leaning and other stuff that a 2 wheeler does to ride this thing but I LOVE IT - low to the ground. Cornering is an absolute breeze to me compared to my other bikes - I feel SAFE on this thing. Now you are posting that you are out and about on a scooter - why not take the MC course? It's cheap, and when you pass you will get a break on insurance and won't have to take the test at DMV - at least they do it that way in CT - AND it is a confidence booster. You've just come so far so that is why I menioned it.

Now I know you have those other websites and maybe if a :spyder:isn't for you, maybe you'd be better off w/ a TRex or something or even a sports car. Scooters are alright but you still gotta pay the same attention when riding them as you do riding a :spyder:. You gotta watch out for cagers, gotta watch out for idiots on cell phones, soccar moms in those big mini vans w/ the screamin kids - same thing as any bike. Spyder means to me a little more stability which gives me personally, "peace of mind" when it comes to all instances on the road. My neck pain is GONE, and I still spend less on gas w/ that. I ride it to work, ride it home, ride it when I can - I'm saving $$$ instead of dumping it constantly into my Charger.

but it's up to you. Not trying to talk you into it but you've been so interested so far and I'm telling you from just my own bs opinion that if you think you might not like the Spyder, you're DEFINITELY not gonna like that MP3. noway.
:dontknow: Sorry if I confused you in any way.

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks, Scotty. I really appreciate your incredibly kind responses, not only toward me, but toward everyone else in this forum.

I HAVE really come to enjoy the leaning aspect of the scooter. I was out riding it around our small town today, and as I was leaning, I thought about the Spyder. It just began to dawn on me that I will not have this sensation anymore on the Spyder.

Scotty, I know you have been riding motorcycles since before I was even born. So what is your honest opinion about this? Do you "miss" the leaning when your on the Spyder? Or do you just accept it as another experience, and you always have your other bikes to ride and have fun leaning with?

I want to make it clear.....I'm NOT asking anybody to "talk me into" anything. All I want is some honest feedback. This is a forum for discussion, so I figured it's the best place to be asking these questions.

Derwin

I do miss leaning into a turn sometimes, and yes, I have lots of bikes to satisfy my cravings. 22 in all, not counting Nancy's Spyder. It is a totally different thing to me. Sometimes I want to steal the Spyder, sometimes I crave a bike ride, sometimes the hotrod truck, and now and then my wife's classic convertible. Can't have too many toys, or ways to get from Point A to Point B.

I don't know the state of your finances, or the amount of storage space you have available, but one solution would be to keep the scooter for the joy of leaning into the turns, and for the mileage, and get the Spyder for the unique ride, the attention, and the fun. Lots of joy from either, twice the fun from both. Now that I have confounded you by adding yet another option, I'll say "Goodnight." What are friends for if it is not to confuse the brains right out of your head?

-Scotty

 

[Derwin]

OK, here goes......
Not trying to talk you into it but you've been so interested so far and I'm telling you from just my own bs opinion that if you think you might not like the Spyder, you're DEFINITELY not gonna like that MP3. noway.
:dontknow: Sorry if I confused you in any way.

Nah....you didn't confuse me! :shocked:

Seriously, though.... THANK YOU very much for taking the time to talk to me through this forum. It means more to me than you know.

I read every word that you have said, along with others, more than 1 time. One thing that stands out more than anything else is the "safety factor" and the "comfort factor" which the Spyder has over other products on the market. If what you are saying is true, than I definitely want to stick with the Spyder. But what do you think about the leaning aspect? You are a biker, and are used to leaning. Do you miss this? Do you feel like you are really missing something when you are riding the Spyder since you can't lean with it?

I went and took the driving exam with my scooter. I already have my Motorcycle endorsement on my drivers license, and I have been driving my scooter all around town over the past month or so. As I said, this is all new to me. I am LOVING the sense of freedom on the scooter, and the leaning when turning really feels incredible! So I would like to know what you think about this. Please give me your HONEST opinion. Do you miss leaning in corners or when making turns?

Well, right now I just sent my dealer another email canceling my cancellation! pps: Heck, he is probably getting so ticked-off at me, it's crazy. I would think he'll be very happy when this is all over, and I'm not going back-and-forth anymore.

So, as of now I'm back on board with the Spyder. I know..... None of you are ever going to talk to me again. You probably think I have a screw loose, and you'd probably be correct! :shocked:

Anyway, thanks again for the input. Dang, if that delivery date would just get here, I wouldn't have time to get all creepy nervous about this! Now just sit back and wait to see what happens next in my little mini-drama. opcorn:

Derwin

 

[SpyderBrett]

Hey Derwin,

just to chime in here. I think you mention that you might get the mp3 500, then see how mileage on the SE5 goes, and then if it goes well, go back and get a SE5. One thing to consider is that you will spend 10K (with setup, delivery, etc.) out the door with a MP3 500. If you later decide to get the :spyder:, I would assume you would sell the MP3 500. If that's the case, be prepared to loose many thousands of dollars on the MP3 500 (bikes, including scooters, dramatically loose value once driven off the lot - people always think they were abused and dropped). Now consider the amount of money you would loose (lets say $3500 if you sold it after a year) and see how much gas that would have bought for the spyder over the same amount of time. This again assumes you will already be spending the 20K for a spyder later on. It comes to a lot of extra miles..

As for the MP3 500 - its a nice machine. I have ridden one, and it is busy like others have mentioned - but that didn't bother me since you trade off the clutch for the locking mechanism. I was considering buying one, and instead bought a Yamaha virago to tie me over until the spyder comes. Why? The MP3 500, while it has some get up and go - it wasn't awesome get up and go; the MP3 felt very "top heavy" like it was easier to drop than the virago; the gas mileage was about the same on the virago (getting about 70) but the center of gravity was lower and the bike lighter, so I didn't feel like the sucker would drop. All of that along with all I have read about mechanical/electrical failures shortly after delivery (all under warranty, but frustrating nonetheless), the poor service from many piaggio/vespa dealerships (most of their techs don't know much about them since so few are sold) and difficulty with warranty service from dealerships that you didn't buy from - made me shy away from the MP3 and into a Virago. I was considering the spyder and once I drove one AND I found out about the SE5, my order went in and I am anxiously waiting delivery.

 

[Derwin]

I do miss leaning into a turn sometimes, and yes, I have lots of bikes to satisfy my cravings.

-Scotty

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. I am getting so used-to leaning in turns, that I am now scared about the Spyder. This, along with the gas mileage, got me all worked up lately. NUTS! Well, like you said...I can always keep the scooter, or even get a Piaggio MP3 next year sometime. This will be enough to satisfy my longing to lean. Hey....that's a great catch-phrase..."Longing to Lean"!

Anyway, thanks again for the feedback. One thing is for certain.....the Spyder is something so different from anything else, that it's kind of like a "must have" product.......Even if you DO have other bikes.

SpyderBrett....Good information. The MP3 500 being "top heavy" is something I definately would not want to deal with. I think I better just settle down and stick with Spydy for now. If I have to wait much longer I think I may blow a gasket in my brain!

You have been very helpful.

Derwin

 

[Smylinacha]

Honest Derwin, I do not miss the leaning factor - to me the Spyder gives me more fun - I literally have to work w/ this thing - sure it's easy w/ the steering and stuff but it's "different" from two wheels - hard to explain. Yeah leaning is fun but this I feel I have to "manuver" - I lean into the turns with my body, not the bike itself. It's a workout for me, keeps me alert, makes me want more and it's total fun but WITH THE SAFETY FACTOR. Sure I can cream into a pole or a soccar mom or some idiot on a cell phone but I can do the same thing in my car or on any other bike - Spyder is peace of mind to me - it's STABLE. I NEED stability right now - I can't go through another year of neck pain and doctors and pain killers. Even the engineers where I work are amazed w/ the :spyder: and we manufacture the best damn helicopters in the world. These guys can't get enough of the thing when I take it to work. Now those people got those brains that know the inner workings of things - I can care less - I just wanna ride it but to see brainiacs actually want to pick this thing apart with info is amazing to me - it's gotta be good and I think in the next production years to come it's only gonna get better - we are the first to have these things - it's a whole new way of travel. And I didn't know you already had your MC license.

Derwin, you're gonna love it. And maybe for the first 5 minutes you'll be cautious but after one ride around the block you're gonna have the thing rippin and your scooter is gonna sit in the garage or get sold on Ebay. If you can buzz around on that thing, lean, feel free, then you can ride this and boy hold on cuz when you gun it IT GOES.

So that is why I love my :spyder:so much - when I traded that Harley in - days before I felt SO BAD but once I got on the :spyder:I forgot all about the Harley! For me it was a good thing anyway.

Congrats - and I think with all the hell you are putting your dealer thru (LOL), he should hurry up and expedite the delivery so you'll get out of his hair and just buy the damn thing!:thumbup:

 

[BRPjunkie]

I think you really have to be committed to the Spyder. At $16k -$18k this is not a good trial marriage. If you go into it with the thought that I can learn to love it, it's likely to end in divorce. After 30 years on two wheels, we sold our two wheelers and decided we would like the stability and safety of the Spyder and knew we would give up the lean and some of the acceptance by certain two wheelers. If you are unable to have a fleet of toys like some posters, then you have make the decision and don't look back. If you are looking back before you jump in, I don't think it will work out. The upside is, if you don't like it, you still can recover more of your initial cost on a Spyder than you would on a Piaggio as that is a very limited market.

 

[Smylinacha]

I think you really have to be committed to the Spyder. At $16k -$18k this is not a good trial marriage. If you go into it with the thought that I can learn to love it, it's likely to end in divorce. After 30 years on two wheels, we sold our two wheelers and decided we would like the stability and safety of the Spyder and knew we would give up the lean and some of the acceptance by certain two wheelers. If you are unable to have a fleet of toys like some posters, then you have make the decision and don't look back. If you are looking back before you jump in, I don't think it will work out. The upside is, if you don't like it, you still can recover more of your initial cost on a Spyder than you would on a Piaggio as that is a very limited market.

I'm having NO problems w/ the big bad ole 2 wheeler dudes not liking my ride and if I did I'd tell them to go suck an egg! (actually I'd say worse but I don't wanna get kicked off here).:doorag:

they LOVE my bike.