[doctor]

jetskier, on Mar 23 2009, 05:46 PM, said:

I voted no. The Spyder just gets too much attention when out and although I'm a friendly guy I'm getting pretty fed up with the constant questions and people literally stopping me going about my daily business. Bikers are always interested and I don't mind talking to them all day about the Spyder but when it's average Joe or kids down the shops it gets irritating. In addition, the Spyder is fast but just not as exciting as I thought it would be. Two wheels are so much better than three when it comes to sunny rides out! I reckon she'll be sold by the end of this year.

I have to agree. We got it for my wife. She doesn't care for it. I've been a biker for 40 years, and my legs are too long for it. Nothing in the after market yet to make it fit better. I did put Elkas on it and that help quite a bit. No front brake lever, and getting it comforable for more than a hundred miles isn't working. So I voted no. It's just not made for me. sorry for all of you that love it, I just don't. That doesn't make it a bad thing.

[Arachnid]

I vote yes,
It is a stable, eye-catching, not too noisy means of transportation.
Mine has never broken down. Or let me down by not starting.
I plan to trade up to a cruiser should one become available in the next few years.
But that will probably be called some type of a Spyder so - yes - I would do it again.
Mike

[Dudley]

Most definitely. With over 6000 miles since 11-18-2008, it's been the most fun "motorcycle" we have ever owned. SE5 trans "fix" and parking brake "fix" and all is well. The only thing I can't get "fixed" is riding more than we do now, but we're working on that. Also, this week I tried what someone else had done and it works wonderfully. I sprayed some oil on the key/spring on the parking brake. Now when I apply the parking brake, it only takes a smooth downward push (no more standing up on the bike to apply enough pressure to engage it). When releasing the brake, a slight downward pressure, it releases and goes all the way back to disengage the brake blinking light, which resets the brake for when you need it again. I have had to re-educate myself in applying the brake, it works so smoothly.

[Dudley]

doctor, on Mar 23 2009, 06:31 PM, said:

I have to agree. We got it for my wife. She doesn't care for it. I've been a biker for 40 years, and my legs are too long for it. Nothing in the after market yet to make it fit better. I did put Elkas on it and that help quite a bit. No front brake lever, and getting it comforable for more than a hundred miles isn't working. So I voted no. It's just not made for me. sorry for all of you that love it, I just don't. That doesn't make it a bad thing.

Why is the hand brake such an issue? Do you have that issue with your car? It doesn't have a hand brake. I would rather have only on place to react to for brake application. Having a hand brake on a Spyder, unless you have physical limitations that prohibit you using the foot brake, serves no purpose in providing better braking.

[Dudley]

jetskier, on Mar 23 2009, 03:46 PM, said:

I voted no. The Spyder just gets too much attention when out and although I'm a friendly guy I'm getting pretty fed up with the constant questions and people literally stopping me going about my daily business. Bikers are always interested and I don't mind talking to them all day about the Spyder but when it's average Joe or kids down the shops it gets irritating. In addition, the Spyder is fast but just not as exciting as I thought it would be. Two wheels are so much better than three when it comes to sunny rides out! I reckon she'll be sold by the end of this year.

If people who are curious about your Spyder irritate you, WOW! what can I say! Maybe you shouldn't have a Spyder. If your life is that busy, you don't have time to relax! I hope you can sell it and make someone happy.

This post has been edited by Dudley: 24 March 2009 - 11:40 PM

[jetskier]

Dudley, on Mar 25 2009, 04:39 AM, said:

If people who are curious about your Spyder irritate you, WOW! what can I say! Maybe you shouldn't have a Spyder. If your life is that busy, you don't have time to relax! I hope you can sell it and make someone happy.

Maybe you should try it for yourself. I guess some people are happy being gawped at all day long. Perhaps some people are so lacking in self confidence they have to buy something that makes them appear interesting. I'm not bothered myself. I bought the Spyder for the thrills and it certainly gives me that to a degree, but the endless questions from people at gas stations, shops, work, does eventually drive you mad!

[sleepman]

Dudley, on Mar 25 2009, 12:39 AM, said:

If people who are curious about your Spyder irritate you, WOW! what can I say! Maybe you shouldn't have a Spyder. If your life is that busy, you don't have time to relax! I hope you can sell it and make someone happy.

Seriously you've never gotten annoyed by the attention it brings you? It's rubbed me the wrong way plenty of times. I've got people coming into my office when they see the Spyder parked out front wanting to ask questions about it. Heck I had one guy come in asking me questions about it and then he asked me to stop at his place of work on my way home that evening because he wanted to ask me more question but he didn't have the time to do it right then. Needless to say I never stopped at his workplace. And yes I'm that busy at times that I don't need everybody coming up and asking me questions.

[Saluda]

I would not hesitate to do it over again. Don't mind the attention or the questions. Some of those people want to buy and enjoy what I am already doing.

[Marc]

jetskier, on Mar 23 2009, 06:46 PM, said:

I voted no. The Spyder just gets too much attention when out and although I'm a friendly guy I'm getting pretty fed up with the constant questions and people literally stopping me going about my daily business. Bikers are always interested and I don't mind talking to them all day about the Spyder but when it's average Joe or kids down the shops it gets irritating. In addition, the Spyder is fast but just not as exciting as I thought it would be. Two wheels are so much better than three when it comes to sunny rides out! I reckon she'll be sold by the end of this year.

That's a very interesting answer. Thanks for the honesty. The Spyder does draw attention, that's for sure.

[doctor]

Dudley, on Mar 24 2009, 11:29 PM, said:

Why is the hand brake such an issue? Do you have that issue with your car? It doesn't have a hand brake. I would rather have only on place to react to for brake application. Having a hand brake on a Spyder, unless you have physical limitations that prohibit you using the foot brake, serves no purpose in providing better braking.

The handbrake issue is some who bought spyder's are motorcyclist, and the hand brake is the one most used. If you ever rode a motorcycle you would know that. Or maybe not if you had harley's.

[SpyderOwner]

The only question that ever bothers me is "how much did that set you back?", and that one only bothers me when it is one of the first questions.

If someone asks a bunch of legitimate questions about everything else first, then that one doesn't even bother me.

[Spyderjockey]

dprange, on Mar 25 2009, 11:41 AM, said:

The only question that ever bothers me is "how much did that set you back?", and that one only bothers me when it is one of the first questions.

If someone asks a bunch of legitimate questions about everything else first, then that one doesn't even bother me.

Ya, I agree with you on that. Then when you tell them an approximate figure rounded off to $16000, the ones that say "WOW, I think that is way too much".... then you really don't feel like answering any more questions about the Spyder, because you know that they would never buy one any how and you feel rather insulted by the comment and the looks of disgust on their faces. Generally though I get 99% positive feed back about the Spyder and then I am more than willing to talk to people about it.

[doctor]

Director, on Mar 25 2009, 10:33 AM, said:

As a long-time sport-touring motorcyclist (40 years), and a motorcycle riding instructor, I was very accustomed to using considerably more front than rear brake. My rear brake pads always lasted twice as long as my fronts. However, with the Spyder, I don't feel the need for a front brake lever at all. I quickly adapted to the use of the foot brake only. I understand that riders with some physical challenges may require a handlebar brake lever, and for that purpose it would be a nice factory option, but I personally wouldn't need it.

Bruce

I don't know how often you switch back and forth between motorcycles and a spyder, I do quite often, and the frist thing I miss is the hand brake.

[sleepman]

doctor, on Mar 25 2009, 01:20 PM, said:

I don't know how often you switch back and forth between motorcycles and a spyder, I do quite often, and the frist thing I miss is the hand brake.

+1, I jump back and forth every couple of days. Always either looking for the handbrake on the Spyder or forgetting about it on my V-strom.

[Trickie Dick]

dprange, on Mar 25 2009, 11:41 AM, said:

The only question that ever bothers me is "how much did that set you back?", and that one only bothers me when it is one of the first questions.

If someone asks a bunch of legitimate questions about everything else first, then that one doesn't even bother me.

If that's the first question our of their mounth, I tell I paid About 5 for it, but of course, I have an uncle in the business. Like you said they are not going to buy one anyway.

[hevnbound]

The jury is still out? I haven't been posting much lately mainly because I'm not as enamored with the Spyder as I was at first. Also - I'm a biker through and through. Purchased a Suzuki B-King in Sept and haven't paid much attention to the Spyder.
* Loved it a first but started to wear thin after awhile.
* Yes ... after a couple of thousand questions about the Spyder, I'm also tired of the attention. I made some info cards to pass out and that has helped a lot.
* I decide to sell the Spyder then, I get off of the two-wheeler and ride the Spyder and change my mind?!

[Marc]

hevnbound, on Mar 25 2009, 09:58 PM, said:

The jury is still out? I haven't been posting much lately mainly because I'm not as enamored with the Spyder as I was at first. Also - I'm a biker through and through. Purchased a Suzuki B-King in Sept and haven't paid much attention to the Spyder.
* Loved it a first but started to wear thin after awhile.
* Yes ... after a couple of thousand questions about the Spyder, I'm also tired of the attention. I made some info cards to pass out and that has helped a lot.
* I decide to sell the Spyder then, I get off of the two-wheeler and ride the Spyder and change my mind?!

Say it ain't so Sam

[Spyderjockey]

hevnbound, on Mar 25 2009, 09:58 PM, said:

The jury is still out? I haven't been posting much lately mainly because I'm not as enamored with the Spyder as I was at first. Also - I'm a biker through and through. Purchased a Suzuki B-King in Sept and haven't paid much attention to the Spyder.
* Loved it a first but started to wear thin after awhile.
* Yes ... after a couple of thousand questions about the Spyder, I'm also tired of the attention. I made some info cards to pass out and that has helped a lot.
* I decide to sell the Spyder then, I get off of the two-wheeler and ride the Spyder and change my mind?!

So if I am reading this right, you got back on the Spyder and changed your mind about selling it ........Hope so!!

This post has been edited by Spyderjockey: 25 March 2009 - 10:03 PM

[hevnbound]

Spyderjockey, on Mar 25 2009, 11:00 PM, said:

So if I am reading this right, you got back on the Spyder and changed your mind about selling it ........Hope so!!

Yes ..... for the time being I'm not selling!! But that's my problem - I'm vacillating.

[chrisboerman]

Director, on Mar 26 2009, 02:40 PM, said:

I understand where you're coming from Sam. I have ridden and loved motorcycles for many years now, and if I could afford it, I would have a two-wheeler in my garage too (ideally a Moto Guzzi Norge or a Concours C14). However, that's not an option, and I am continuing to thoroughly enjoy the Spyder experience. I still get a kick out of using the reverse gear and not putting my foot down at a stop. Also, as a motorcycle instructor, I have the opportunity to satisfy my "need to lean" by riding around the campus of our training college on a regular basis. Granted, they are only little 125CC Hondas, but motorcycles nevertheless!

If you can swing it financially, I would recommend you keep both your B-King and your Spyder, living together in peaceful coexistence.

Bruce

I voted yes!!!!! Ride it like you stole it!!! I love it!!