Street props

[Mr. Toad]

I recently came across an article about the Can-am Spyder. My first reaction was that you'd never catch me dead on that. It's like water wings, or training wheels. Then the more I read about it, the more it began to grow on me. I emailed my buddy about it, who rides an R6, and he ripped me up and down about even thinking about getting one.

He said the thing about a motorcycle rider that separates him from everyone else is "taking a canyon turn at 60+ MPH hard over knowing that the contact patch of your tire is merely 2 inches wide", and the uniqueness of a rider is what makes one rider wave to another.

I thought he captured it pretty good, but it got me thinking. His two points were the 'risk' and the 'props' that would keep him from getting a Spyder. (I'm only using the Spyder as a point of reference and not endorsing the thing.)

I like riding because of the feeling of freedom I don't get in a car. If you want the great outdoors you flip up your visor. I like the feel of being in touch with the machine. Every part of me has something to do with controlling one thousand three hundred cc's of speed. Both hands, both feet, how I sit or lean, etc. There's something about being on a bike to me that says, "Just point my wheel someplace and lets go see what's out there." I don't get that in a car.

It doesn't matter to me if other riders wave. Heck, Harleys never do, same with squids. And two inches of surface friction between me and calling 911 doesn't make me smile, either.

So, if the Spyder was a good machine (and the jury's out about this) what would keep you from riding it? The lack of danger, or being teased by others, or what?

 

[vectervp1]

The fact that it looks like they took a snowmobile and stuck wheels on it.

Just like I presonally don't care for trikes, side cars, and Wingabegos this just isn't something I'm interested in. In theory this could be a great alternative to a trike configuration for those who cannot balance a bike due to physical limitations, but want something more agile than a trike.

It could also be great for people who want a motorcycle, but are afraid of the whole balance thing.

I think it could have a real market, I'm just not a part of it.

 

[rogdeb]

The thing looks pretty cool - I wouldn't be adverse to owning one, I'd even ride it

 

[pickax]

Roger

Although I did not ride(drive) it, the spyder looked like a fun machine. It would call for some M/C sikills to master it.I bet you and Debs would tear up some road!

 

[Fencer]

After reading about the Spyder, I would be inclined to own one if the test ride tickled my fancy.

While it has three wheels it is not the traditional trike. The front wheels pivot and you do have to balance it.

 

[timk]

A fellow member from one of my other mc clubs ishaving one of these made. Looks like a lot of fun.

https://www.carver-worldwide.com/Home/Index.asp?nc=1