3 Wheeled Spyder Two wheels in front

[Fire Escape]

I demo'd a manual, sport two years ago with pretty much the same evaluation initially. We had a nice loop to test them on with everything but interslab to ride. As I headed out my thoughts were "This is cool, I'll have to try the auto when I get back". Before we had gotten back my arthritic knees were screaming at me to get off and straighten out so that second ride did not happen. The newer touring model would probably let me stay aboard much longer, feels great sitting in the showroom but in the end they are not for me (yet), I can still ride a bike and want to. The cornering was like nothing I have tried other than a Formula Ford SCCA car many years ago, that was different in that there was a cockpit and belts to keep you aboard but the feeling of turning on a dime with nine cents change was the same. I kept thinking that the machine was going to turn at some point but that I might not still be on it.
These were never designed to appeal to bike riders (and for the most part they don't), the intent was to bring a whole new group into "motorized outdoor recreation" (my description) and they are doing just that.
No doubt licensing regulations vary from state to state, in most locations you can get a MC license on three wheels but you are then restricted to three wheels if you do. Pretty much like other trikes or sidecar rigs, I have never seen any of them actually test but wonder how they would even fit through the cones of some of the conventional bike tests. I guess with the Spyder you could stop and back up to hit a space just right since the rule around here doesn't say no stopping just no feet down.

Bruce

Originally Posted by Ryan381

I just did a demo on one yesterday. I demo'd the manual sport.
What I liked
-a steady blast of air hitting my chest and helmet, no buffeting
-pretty peppy engine, but we only got them up to around 50mph
-lots of technology packed into them, traction control and stability cool stuff

What I didn't like
- since it doesn't lean its like riding a four-wheeler around a curve, it wants to throw you off. So you have to keep your balance with your legs, while still steering with your arms.
-Don't lean
-no front brake lever, but I guess I could get use to it.

I also rode the auto for a few mins, hated not having a clutch lever.

Different strokes for different folks

[Vertical C]

I always questioned why people said that it was good for people who couldn't hold a bike up. When I rode it, any spirited cornering meant that you had to hold onto the bike tight with your legs, if you had weak legs you couldn't ride the thing as you would fall off.

I liked the cornering though, would be fun. I thought that the engine could be more powerful though it's only a 1000cc twin. A Hayabusa engine in it would be better.

[James Adams]

I demo'd one (manual transmission version) on a very rainy day. It was a blast. No substitute for a motorcycle, mind you, but would be great fun in the snow with some good snow tires.

There's *always* a way to defeat traction control should you want to.

[Bueller]

Originally Posted by panhead_dan

Another problem is that you will be all the way downtown before you find out you are too drunk to ride.
On a two wheeler, you find out right there in the driveway.

I like the concept. In fact, I've had an idea for a long time of a similarly constructed project. Spyder's execution of the concept is way off the mark for me, however. Too much electronics and about 200 hp short. Also they have rear wheel drive. Too bad about that. It took all those electronics to make up for that mistake.

My idea? A trike with two wheels in front made from an Eldorado or Toronado. Front wheel drive, front wheel steer and naturally aspirated big block. Think about it - in a curve while running hard you would normally reduce throttle, turn in and increase throttle at apex. With this setup you do not have to reduce throttle. In fact it will go anywhere the front wheels are pointed under full power. It would be the fastest thing on the road.

Yes, and it would have a massively intrusive nanny box and electronics in an attempt to control the ridiculous amounts of torque steer, under steer, and inside wheel spin on corners.

In a nutshell, it would suck even worse than most front wheel drive cars do.

[Deans BMW]

Bueller, its rear wheel drive.

[ian03xl]

Originally Posted by Deans BMW

Bueller, its rear wheel drive.

He was talking about ahead fans idea which is front drive

[jmlmjmjm]

Originally Posted by Deans BMW

Bueller, its rear wheel drive.

never mind......beat by Ian.

[Bueller]

Originally Posted by Deans BMW

Bueller, its rear wheel drive.

Reading...it's not for everyone

[larryboy]

I hate the concept, but I keep thinking 33" mud tires and a skidplate might make it more fun.

[MiamiMotorcyclist]

Interesting comments about needing good legs to stay on, I hadn't thought of that but it makes sense now that I read it. I have certainly thrown myself off of a waverunner catching traction unexpectedly in a turn.

The other downsides are you are still in a bad spot to be hit by a car, you still get rained on or get real hot (easier to dress for cold) and you don't get the fun of two wheels as a reward for those possibilities. No lane splitting either.

I think I'd rather have a small convertible but if people like them, more power to them. It would get you into the wind more than a car and I guess the road going snowmobile (or waverunner) thing makes sense to a degree.

[Maytag Repairman]

Originally Posted by MiamiMotorcyclist

I think I'd rather have a small convertible but if people like them, more power to them. It would get you into the wind more than a car and I guess the road going snowmobile (or waverunner) thing makes sense to a degree.

My wife wants us to get one in a few years and start taking long trips together on it. At the end of a very long day it might be nice to have 3-wheel stability as we get older. For what they cost and the hassle of being in motorcycle gear all day, I'm trying to convince her we would have more fun together getting a used convertible with a stick shift. The Spyder might have more room for luggage though. Maybe I can figure out how to drill some holes and mount several Givi top boxes to the trunk of the car.

[Harry Backer]

I would like to set one on fire.

[BrianK]

Originally Posted by drcoopster

I demo'd one (manual transmission version) on a very rainy day. It was a blast. No substitute for a motorcycle, mind you, but would be great fun in the snow with some good snow tires.

Bingo! Living in lovely Boston, I can see the attraction during our mild, snow-free winters....

[DOD]

Originally Posted by panhead_dan

Another problem is that you will be all the way downtown before you find out you are too drunk to ride.
On a two wheeler, you find out right there in the driveway.

Important safety tip.





-dod

[allonsye]

.....I've always thought that if it comes down to needing more than 2-wheels (can't ride 2 anymore), I'd be very happy in a high performance 'lil open 4-wheeler. Here's a few that come to mind:

Lotus
http://www.lotuscars.com/en/lotus-range

http://www.arielatom.com/

From The Urban Dictionary of "3rd wheel". I think applies well to the Spyder:
"A person who can ruin a weekend, picnic, concert, sporting event, or any other kind of activity that you may have planned with your significant other by inviting themselves or guilting you into inviting them. These people are commonly refered to as a Third Wheel. Third Wheeling is not cool and is frowned upon.
Dude! She's such a Third Wheel, I cant believe she tried to go to prom with them.."