Anyone know about Spyders?

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kuz · #1 Unread post by **kuz** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:07 pm

Not sure if the Can Am Spyder is mentionable on here, I just found this website and have been reading for the past hour and a half. Does anyone have any experience with them? I have no motorcycle experience, I am taking some private lessons starting tomorrow and then planning on taking the course. I've been wanting a spyder since I first read about them, and started looking in the showrooms and now I'm somewhat torn between staying with my original plan or going for a motorcycle instead. Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

CYNWAGON · #2 Unread post by **CYNWAGON** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:03 pm

My husband test drove a Spyder this summer. He thought it might be good for me after I took my course because I was a little nervous about the whole 2 wheel thing. After I took my course I bought a Suzuki M50.

He said the Spyder is a fun toy but not the same as a bike. The gearing is the same and it was fun in town. At highway speeds he didn't like how it handled because you pretty much have to drive it like a sled around turns - shift your whole body over. The other thing he said was hard to get used to is the integrated braking. He kept looking for the front brake lever and it isn't there!

If you are very uncomfortable with balancing a bike, it's an option but it's not exactly the same feel.

Take the course and see how you like 2 wheels!
Hope this helps - keep us posted!

slimcolo · #3 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:51 pm

When I rode one the handling was very impressive. The transmission was another story. The automatic down shift would almost throw you over the bars. I never knew at what RPM the clutch would release. Onetime it would release nice and easy next time it would rap motor then dump clutch. They also need to put a brake lever on the bars as well as the foot.

Gunslinger · Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:10 pm

You could get 2 or 3 brand new really nice bikes for the 20 large ones you will have to drop on that Spyder. They look like alot of fun to me but unfortunately that Wells Fargo truck doesn't roll over as much out here as it used to. Remember that this is a brand new product and like most products of this type there are going to be some issues and problems that still need to be worked out. Just something to think about before you sign on the dotted line.

kuz · #5 Unread post by **kuz** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:29 pm

Thanks for the replies. I've definitely started to think its best to wait until after a few lessons and the course before I decide what to get. Looking at bikes with a friend has given me the bug to get something so I'm looking forward to my first practice today. The Spyder is definitely the most expensive option, although I can get it at a pretty good price but it is still 2-3 times more expensive than any new motorcycle I would buy to start out with and from reading, used looks like a better way to go. Thanks for the replies. Hope to join you all out on the road in a few months.