[manarch]

Hi,

Having just got back into biking and am loving it , want to get into touring, and have been wondering how to get SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) involved as well.

Have looked at a BMW R1200RT (weight, protection, gadgets, style), haven't ruled out FJR, ST, GTR etc., but am nervous about pillion on two wheels (hence interest in low weight tourer) - as I was when I was riding many years ago.

While I haven't ruled out 2 wheel 2 up touring (there's nothing like practice to get balance back), I've started to look at 3 wheels.

Of the 3 wheel variety there's trikes, sidecars and the Can Am Spyder.

I have to say I'm very tempted by the Spyder - love the look, love the stability, love the idea it retains many of the things I love about biking, but have read some issues to do with steering, fuel use, tyre wear.

Would appreciate any comments, experiences, etc.

[Donzo]

I have ridden bikes since I was a kid - I bought the Spyder and my bikes are going. The Spyder is a blast to ride and gives you such a sense of safety w/o giving up the seat of your pants fun that you expect from a bike. It's something you have to check for yourself with a test drive if you don't --------you will miss it by "this much" ( As Max Smart would say)

Do some more research on Trikes and you will be back -- good luck on your decision

[Jinx]

Got my motorcycle licence in 1973 and had a lot of large capacity road bikes. Had a Z1300 sidecar outfit for a while and even ridden trikes. The Sidecar was ok but could be a handfull with no passenger. Trikes seemed to be a little unstable pushing through the twisties. When I rode the Spyder it felt very stable and confidence inspiring once you get used to the steering. If I was after a very safe and capable touring 3 wheeler it would be a Spyder for certain.

[BeRight]

Spyder is the best bang for the buck 3 wheeler. Not to mention allot of fun and is still fairly uncommon to see others around.

I have been riding motorcycles (2-wheelers) for many years (30+)-OK I am old-and my present motorcycle Yamaha FZ1 will be for sale this April.

Only the Spyder for me.

Take some test rides.

[Martin]

I came back to motorcycling after a break of 30 years with a BMW R1150R about 4 years ago. Found I was using it less and less as I was becoming nervous on two wheels. Put my deposit down on the Spyder sight unseen 9 months before they hit Australia. Have been riding it now (with my wife who feels happier to be on 3 wheels) for a year. We love it - its not perfect but no vehicle is really.

If you test ride don't expect to like it for the first hour or so. Its an acquired taste but definitely fun and much safer IMHO. I have to admit I have always like the less common vehicles, my first car was a Goggomobile Dart.

Have you checked out Australian Spyder Ryders ??

This post has been edited by Martin: 19 March 2009 - 04:50 PM

[janice]

I have had my spyder since November 08, and i love it.
I can relate to your problem about confidence with a passenger, i hated the thought of carrying anyone on 2 wheels, but had to express, that i have had everyone and anyone on the back of my spyder, it really does instill that extra confidence.
I think you will find you SWMBO will want her own spyder, are you ready for that, every women, i have spoken to wants one. So easy to ride, and so much fun.

[manarch]

Hi folks,

thanks for your comments and encouragement .

I'm pretty comfortable (for now) on two wheels on my own and purposely set about sticking to a mid range bike (BMW F800S) for my return bike. I'd love a BMW R1200RT if I was single but the bulk of them puts me off for two people.

I think I'll take SWMBO to see a Spyder demo and see how she likes the look of it. I'm pretty set on at least taking a test ride as I can easily imagine both of us setting off for weekends in the country feeling some comfort on 3 wheels, but still having the privilege of experiencing motorbike style fun .

[manarch]

janice, on Mar 20 2009, 07:17 AM, said:

I have had my spyder since November 08, and i love it.
I can relate to your problem about confidence with a passenger, i hated the thought of carrying anyone on 2 wheels, but had to express, that i have had everyone and anyone on the back of my spyder, it really does instill that extra confidence.
I think you will find you SWMBO will want her own spyder, are you ready for that, every women, i have spoken to wants one. So easy to ride, and so much fun.

Hi Janice,

thanks for your comments... ... I'd love the idea of SWMBO getting her own Spyder as this would mean her having to go through her two wheel licence.