Rode a Spyder

[fjrob1300]

So I went on a dealer ride with a group of folks to test out the BRP Spyder. It's quite a ride. Smooth. Powerful. Fun. It'll light up the rear tire for 3 gears as long as you point it straight. As soon as the front wheels turn right or left the computer takes over and steals the power. It was very stable and was easy to hold the line. It didn't dart like a snowmobile but the ride was very similar. It only has a foot brake. It didn't take long to get used to that. Has a large trunk up front. Easily hold 2 helmets and some gear. It suffers from radiant heat to the ankles. Felt kinda familiar. Needs a bigger windscreen. On the fun scale I'd give it an 8. Would I buy one? Maybe as a 3rd bike. I don't know how it would hold up to a long haul but in short city trips I think it would be great.

My 2c

Rob

 

[cadman]

i saw one parked at a local wally world with a very tall narrow wind screen. this thing was close to 4 feet tall. it also had a bit of a flip.

just wish i'd have thought to snap a picture.

cadman

 

[7xray]

i saw one parked at a local wally world with a very tall narrow wind screen. this thing was close to 4 feet tall. it also had a bit of a flip.
just wish i'd have thought to snap a picture.

cadman

Clicky

 

[artistonFJR]

Rode one last week... it was fun, easy, and, yes, fast! I was kind of searching for a bike for the wife and I believe she could confidently learn and grow with one if these. The power is too much for her, initially, but the fact that she wouldn't be holding up 600 pounds at a stop light AND trying to futz with gears and such would give her a chance to learn to use the power and control the machine. She is not a motorcycle rider/driver, though she has ridden dirtbikes a few times, LOVES speed, and is quite capable of learning.

I'd love to have one as a second bike, or for her to commute/play on. But here they are quoting 18k OTD... Maybe a used one in a year or two..

C

 

[rogdeb]

Thought I'd ressurect this thread !!

Yup -- rode a Spyder today. Been wanting to try one for a while cause I think they look pretty cool. Wasn't a long ride so there won't be any "in depth" reporting here, just some seat of the pants thoughts.

Dealer took me over the machine's differences from a bike first of all, recommended a quick coupla loops round the parking lot before I hit the street. OK --- this is different -- not bad, just different. Took me past the second corner before I REALLY understood there is NO HAND BRAKE!! Down the straight the thing really moves -- impressive. Went into the 2nd corner a little too hot and my first thought was -- "hope the front wheel doesn't lift" -- hell no !! Just as the dealer said, the other wheel compensates and you stay grounded -- very nice . It has power steering assist but you still have to muscle that thing around the tight bends. The feel of it reminded me in a quick flash of the first car I owned -- a 1957 Ford Popular !! Chalk and cheese I know, but there ya go!. Couple of the roads were pretty potholed but it soaked them up decently. Like any new machine, there would be a learning curve, but I would think it to be rather a quick curve. Got a reverse gear - that would save Debs from dragging me out of some parking spots when we're fully loaded :lol:

Interesting thing I was told. There is a touring version in the works - couple of years away, with a taller screen (the screen on this one wasn't worth a damn) , heated seats and grips, foot boards, highway pegs, hard luggage and probably a more "cruiser" style seating position. Cool if that's what takes yer fancy -- for only -- $30,000.00 !!!!!!!!!! (the one I rode was $18,000.00 OTD) Per the dealer .. "I can't order enough of them, they're selling like crazy".. And apparently the "aftermarket crowd" is busy already. Corbin already has hard bags available, and Can Am make their own tank bags, back rests, etc.

Would I buy one ?? ------------------ mmmmm --- not right now -- I like two wheels too much at the moment. But if I was physically or mentally unable to handle two wheels (talk about putting a foot in it ) it would be a good alternative -- a lot better than sticking a side-car on the FJR.

That's it folks.

 

[fjrboomer]

I rode one over about an 8 mile course in Longmont CO, July 07. It performance was impressive and although I have never ridden a traditional trike I have to believe the performance and handling of the Spyder would be much better. It has stability control which will help keep the inside front tire from lifting on a tight turn. I have the standard windshield on my FJR and I felt like I got similar protection by the shield on the Spyder. I ride the FJR with the shield in the lowest position and wear a full face helmet. On either I would get a lot of bugs on the shield.

I thought the handling of the Spyder was impressive and if I had to give up 2 wheels it would definitely be on my radar as a replacement. Unlike many on this forum I cannot affort but one ride at a time. The salesman for the Spyder said he had ridden from Longmont (northern suburb of Denver) to Estes Park on rte 72 with 2 friends on large sports bike and he was able to keep up with them. If you have not ridden that road it has a lot of good twisties. Of course you have to accept he was trying to sell one. At present there are no dealers in OK so it was not ever an option for me at that time.

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

Well, I just don't get it! Why would anyone want a motorcycle that can't lean into a turn?

Maybe, if you're handicapped or disabled.

I passed a guy on a touring equipped Spyder (bags, big windshield and hippo hands?) last week while commuting to work on the 58 freeway thru the mountains. Guy had to brake for every curve!

Have you seen all the tacky JCWhitney-esque boltons that Corbin makes for the things? What's up with that?

Ditto for the faux-trike training wheel mods for other bikes!

Like P.T. Barnum is alleged to have said, 'There's a sucker born every minute'!

Rant over. Thanks.

 

[evil_henchman]

No surprise Corbin's making parts, they've been building similar machines for years. Their factory showroom/museum is full of 'em.

Kinda cool looking but just an expensive novelty with way too many limitations.

 

[Old Michael]

...Maybe, if you're handicapped or disabled....
... Guy had to brake for every curve!...

... 'There's a sucker born every minute'!...

Well.

.

Okay then.

.

.

[SIZE=8pt](I hope they'll give me my deposit back.)[/SIZE]

 

[artistonFJR]

Old Mike... not to worry. You will be gettin' all the chicks on this thing!

I rather enjoyed the one I rode. If I had an extra 18k it would maybe be sitting at my house now.

People, don't be afraid of things that aren't FJRs.

C

 

[Crash Cash]

Hey, I actually saw one of these on the road today, here in Orlando. I waved, and he waved back. I should have bagged a demo ride at the last Bike Week.

 

[isuace]

I saw one at a local dealership ( was a customer's not for sale) and another (possibly the same one) riding around on the street. I also saw one of the other ones with the front wheels really close together, but I can't remember what that is called. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd probably get buy one.

 

[Walden]

After years of chastising motorcycles for nearly paralyzing my father, my mom (pushing 60) tells me that she's interested in getting a little scooter. I think I would be much more comfortable with her riding one of these, rather than a Vespa that doesn't have enough power to get out of its own way! Ooo, and it has a spacious trunk too!

Not my cup o'tea , but there must be a good market out there for biker wannabees.

 

[RatoneMuerto]

Rode one.Wont buy one.It was pricey,touchy at speed,sensitive to grooved pavement or uneven pavement and handling the beast is very DIFFERENT!If I wanted a 3 wheeler then I would be more inclined to buy the Aprilia MP3.A lot more comfortable,stable to me,a few dollars less and my five foot tall bride can handle it too.