[jk@home]

What's your thoughts on the Can Am Spyders? I know they aren't motorcycles, more like snowmobiles for the pavement. And they don't corner like bikes. But they seem to have other advantages over two wheelers.

I'm entertaining the idea of getting back into riding in a year or so, looking at the options out there. Was riding many moons ago, quit when the kids were born,  now grown up and out on their own. Past bikes included a Triumph Bonneville and Suzuki GS1100. Will be using whatever I get for short recreational day trips on the weekend or whatnot. Not too many "twistys" here in southeastern VA, but some nice scenery once one escapes the urban areas. What would that be considered, short distance touring?

I'll be close to 60 when I go for it, so looking at the Spyders as a liitle more easier to mange. But in reserching these, I'm sensing a "stigma" from the regular motorcycle crowd. Justified?

[GentleBender]

I met up with a couple of guys in the CMA motorcycle club and two members had Cam Am Spyders. They loved them, but the others weren't sold. I would recommend a serious test drive before considering. One of them that test drove one said they felt like a snowmobile. I couldn't help but tease one of the owners, by telling him that the training wheels were on the wrong side. But honestly I don't care what people think, if you like it, who cares if others do unless you are worried about resell value.

[macrojack]

There will always be smug sneering purists who you will fail to impress with any non-purist approved choice you make. I don't have room treatments. Buy what you like. You will always have the option of joining them, ignoring them or letting them wreck your life. Put your finger firmly on the "ignore" button and push it at will. Most of that purist shit is philosophical rather than practical and it always represents a lame brained consensus generated by some arrogant phony like Harry Pearson.

Think of how confident you will appear on three wheels.

[FullRangeMan]

Past bikes included a Triumph Bonneville and Suzuki GS1100.

GS1000 & 1100 are even better than CB750, great engine.

[jk@home]

Yeah seems folks either love these things, or not. I imagine if one has been riding for years, it's harder to make the adjustment. I'll be testing both two and three wheelers when the time comes. It may come down to budget (those Spyders aint cheap, and resell may have an important role).

[Big Red Machine]

I lust for an '82 GS1100E in red!

[mcgsxr]

I know a few guys that have them.  They grew up riding bikes, but life took them away from it.  Getting back into it, they love the stability and control that the 3 wheelers offer.

Most of their buddies give them the gears for those, but they do have some great benefits.  Passengers really seem to like them.

The GS was a great bike.  The direct predecessor of the 14 GSXR's I owned back in the 90's.  Good fun.

[kenreau]

To each his own.  If you can rent, or borrow a Spyder for a couple of days, that would be ideal.  They aren't for me, but they have some appeal.

I purchased a Triumph Tiger 800 three years ago.  A few day tours during the summer and weekly work commutes when the weather is nice.  Not too big for around town, plenty of power on the highway and a blast on the windy roads.  Their triple engine is magnificent.  Absolutely love the Tiger.

Kenreau

[Early B.]

Those Spyders are awesome and on my wish list. Go for it!

I used to ride a Kawasaki Vulcan many years ago, but life happened. Now that I'm older, the Spyder would make a great gift to myself.   

[lowtech]

It's not any worse than being seen riding a Harley, IMO.   

There are a number of folks in their 60's and beyond who frequent the sportbike site I post on.

[Bill Baker]

As mentioned, try to get some riding time on one before making a decision. I have been riding for 30 years but still prefer 2 wheels while others I know really like the idea of having 3 wheels under them. Makes stop lights more convenient.
Just like there are people out there that say if it doesn't say Harley, it isnt a bike, you will here the same about how many wheels are on it.

Right now Im riding a customized Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and love it. I don't have anything against Harleys....just not my thing. Just like all the audio on this site...if YOU like and enjoy it, who cares what others think.

[jk@home]

 

I purchased a Triumph Tiger 800 three years ago.  A few day tours during the summer and weekly work commutes when the weather is nice.  Not too big for around town, plenty of power on the highway and a blast on the windy roads.  Their triple engine is magnificent.  Absolutely love the Tiger.

Kenreau

Mine was a 78' 750 twin, bought brand new when we first got married. I remember finding long stretches of road, taking off and getting the feeling I was in a WW1 biplane. Loved it, but it would vibrate my ass off.

I ended up doing a few cheap mods (handlebars, pipes etc.) to make it more cafe-ish style. That may be the biggest turnoff with the Sypder, when I go into a curve. Not going to discount it yet though.

I'm pretty sure if I get a big (heavy) two wheeler, and the sucker falls over, I'll be calling  AAA to right it. Is that being a wimp, or just realistic?  Sucks getting old

[lowtech]

It's all about technique.  A 100lb woman can lift a Harley if done properly.  http://www.womenridersnow.com/pages/Bike_Lift_Technique.aspx

[jk@home]

That's cool, thanks for the link.