From two wheels to three...motorcycle thread.

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by flaggerphil

Have you ever driven a Spyder?

I have not .

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by Wengr

Nope. But I have four at present, and ride them all fairly regularly.

I have been a lifelong motorcyclist and was once a very active competitive road racer .
I still have 3 . The newest is a 1993 Ducati that has been on 2 continents .
A 1987 YSR50 with 28,000 miles on it and my second race bike , a 1983 Honda CB1100F . Yes , the red one , not the blue one .

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by Wengr

Yet you use the term "ridden".
When was the last time your car was ridden on?

Many racers drive their bikes . Of course , you would need to be in that world to know this .
By the way , you can ride a roller coaster or a rocket , but neither will ever be a motorcycle .

[Acousticado]

Otter...it was I who resurrected this thread after a number of years and I even PMed Phil asking him if he could please post an update about his experiences with the Spyder, which he kindly has. In so doing, I'm sad to see you taking away from the enjoyment he has shared. I've been a Harley lover and still lust for another RKC, but that may never come to pass. I had somewhat of a similar view as you about CanAms, but unlike you, I'm not going to be ignorant by trash-talking other guy's perspectives on what is and is not motorcycling. It is motorcycling...get over it. I'm being open-minded about what a Spyder may offer, including for my wife to be able to drive one if we do seriously consider another bike. Listen...by the very title of the thread, this one wasn't meant for "real cool bikers" like you in the first place. So instead of being a Debbie Downer about Spyders, try being respectful and just don't bother to post anymore to this thread...K?!

Thanks Phil! I appreciate your thoughts and am glad you're still enjoying your Spyder.

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by Acousticado

Otter...it was I who resurrected this thread after a number of years and I even PMed Phil asking him if he could please post an update about his experiences with the Spyder, which he kindly has. In so doing, I'm sad to see you taking away from the enjoyment he has shared. I've been a Harley lover and still lust for another RKC, but that may never come to pass. I had somewhat of a similar view as you about CanAms, but unlike you, I'm not going to be ignorant by trash-talking other guy's perspectives on what is and is not motorcycling. It is motorcycling...get over it. I'm being open-minded about what a Spyder may offer, including for my wife to be able to drive one if we do seriously consider another bike. Listen...by the very title of the thread, this one wasn't meant for "real cool bikers" like you in the first place. So instead of being a Debbie Downer about Spyders, try being respectful and just don't bother to post anymore to this thread...K?!

Thanks Phil! I appreciate your thoughts and am glad you're still enjoying your Spyder.

It is not motorcycling . This is not an offensive thing . It is a fact . I am trash talking no one .
I leave you to your illusion . CanAms were motorcycles of the 70's that used a Rotax power plant and featured adjustable steering head geometry . They were built and distributed by Bombardier . A Spyder simply is not a motorcycle . It is a type of tricycle .
Please notice that I have said nothing about Phil .

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by Otterhound

It is not motorcycling . This is not an offensive thing . It is a fact . I am trash talking no one .
I leave you to your illusion . CanAms were motorcycles of the 70's that used a Rotax power plant and featured adjustable steering head geometry . They were built and distributed by Bombardier . A Spyder simply is not a motorcycle . It is a type of tricycle .
Please notice that I have said nothing about Phil .

Whatever.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Otterhound

Since I realize that this is partly directed towards me , I will respond honestly .
In the apt words of an old friend " Hey buddy , where's the rest of your car ? " .
The bottom line is that sometimes we are forced to make choices . May you be as comfortable with yours as I am with mine . That goes for Phil as well .
A Spyder ridden by anyone is still far more car than motorcycle in my world and always be . Nothing personal .

No it was directed at Phil's post and highlighting the absurdity of someone making "negative" comments about his choice . But if you feel your comments are also "negative" then I guess it would apply there also.

[RP]

Let's see.

Handlebars - check
No doors or windows - check
Hand controlled accelerator - check
Motorcycle seat - check
Exposed to the elements - check
Fewer than four wheels - check
Driver sits on it, not in it - check
Passenger sits behind, not next to driver - check
Driver sits over engine - check

The jury left and returned with a quick verdict - It's definitely a motorcycle....

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by RP

Let's see.

Handlebars - check
No doors or windows - check
Hand controlled accelerator - check
Motorcycle seat - check
Exposed to the elements - check
Fewer than four wheels - check
Driver sits on it, not in it - check
Passenger sits behind, not next to driver - check
Driver sits over engine - check

The jury left and returned with a quick verdict - It's definitely a motorcycle....

In your dreams son . It's a snowmobile with wheels .

[RP]

Originally Posted by Otterhound

In your dreams son . It's a snowmobile with wheels .

Rides on wheels, not treads - check
Can't drive on snow - check
Rides on roads without snow - check

The jury didn't even have to deliberate - definitely not a snowmobile....

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by RP

Rides on wheels, not treads - check
Can't drive on snow - check
Rides on roads without snow - check

The jury didn't even have to deliberate - definitely not a snowmobile....

Put wheels on that orange thing .
Stevie Wonder could see that .
I'm dying to see the Supercross version , endure version , Speedway version or even the trials version .
Motorcycles are ridden on snow and ice just in case you forgot .

[Wengr]

It's a motorized tricyle.
Motorcycle for short.
I think the op realizes the the difference between two and three wheel versions.

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by Wengr

It's a motorized tricyle.
Motorcycle for short.
I think the op realizes the the difference between two and three wheel versions.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Wengr

It's a motorized tricyle.
Motorcycle for short.
I think the op realizes the the difference between two and three wheel versions.

No doubt most are aware
To clarify, technically a "tricycle" is by definition described as having two wheels in back and one in front. The Spyder however is in fact categorized by the NHTSA and numerous motorcycle publications as being a "three wheeled motorcycle" but that's just the objective reality and perhaps dull fare for a forum

[Otterhound]

Originally Posted by KevWind

No doubt most are aware
To clarify, technically a "tricycle" is by definition described as having two wheels in back and one in front. The Spyder however is in fact categorized by the NHTSA and numerous motorcycle publications as being a "three wheeled motorcycle" but that's just the objective reality and perhaps dull fare for a forum

A motorcycle has 2 wheels that are in line with each other .
It leans when you turn it unless it has a sidecar . Caveat : the Equalean sidecar setup leans the sidecar in tandem with the motorcycle .
A motorcycle falls over unless supported by something else like the rider , gyroscopic effect , side stand or center stand .
A motorcycle requires counter steering to initiate a turn when traveling faster than a crawl .
A Spyder has more in common with a Messerschmidt or BMW Isetta than it does with a motorcycle .
It is a fairly unique vehicle , but it will never be a motorcycle .