When I took my new-to-me CanAm Spyder out for a test run yesterday I never expected I’d throw a shoe. Isn’t that an event reserved for horses?
And yet as I pulled into a parking lot in Mariana, Florida, in search of a place to have lunch I felt an odd sensation on the bottom of my left foot. The entire sole of my boot had detached and slipped off onto the asphalt.
Fortunately there’s a layer of leather between my foot and the sole; otherwise, I’d have been in a barefoot pickle! I guess I could’ve bought a pair of tennis shoes or cheap work boots at the local Beall’s department store, but I’d have had to ride the mile or so back in that direction and then gone limping inside to shop. Maybe it’s time for new boots. Or a good glue–has anyone ever tried that on motorcycle boots?
I put about 150 miles on the bike today. The ride is a bit different from that of a two-wheel motorcycle. One doesn’t counter steer on the Spyder, and there’s no front brake handle. I know eventually I’ll stop reaching for the handle and feeling ridiculous when I grasp nothing but air, but it may take awhile.
The bike “walks” a bit from side as opposed to a two-wheeler, and it catches wind in ways I’m not accustomed to, but it never feels unstable. Plus, not having to put my feet down upon stopping is priceless.
Additionally, one doesn’t lean into turns on the three-wheel Spyder. I was never a knee dragger, but I caught myself in leaning mode a couple of times today, and the bike is having none of that nonsense. I kept expecting it to rap my knuckles and admonish me to “sit up straight, for pity’s sake.”
I am in love with the reverse gear, the cruise control, and the radio. My windshield is adjustable and the bike has heated handgrips, as well! Those are all accoutrements I’ve never had on a bike before.
After my ride my shoulders and thighs were pretty tight and sore. Those are sure signs I need to relax a bit more. And for those of you who don’t ride motorcycles, 150 miles on a bike can feel like 350 if you’re tense.
Experienced Spyder owners tell me it’ll take about 500 miles to really appreciate everything the bike can do, so I’m off to a great start. If only I had boots, I’d ride again today.
Peace, people.
Praying for Eyebrowz 
I’ve never seen a shoe do that before! We need a pic of you on that bike, btw… – Marty
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I’ll get one soon!
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Gorilla Glue is perfect for the soles of your shoes. I love your stories about the Spyder. I’m intrigued, and also excited on saving for one. There’s many events to go too. I found one for sale in Florida used to $5,000. I don’t see any for sale in my state, but I’m sure the motorsport store can have one shipped from another state to mine.
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Have someone you trust look over the Spyder before you buy one. They aren’t quite as straightforward to work on as motorcycles are. My husband is one of the best motorcycle mechanics around, and the Spyder makes things interesting. The one we bought was in good condition, but it’s needed some tuning up.
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Oh, another thing, if you use Facebook there’s a group for Spyder owners. They have good advice and often there are bikes for sale on the site.
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Thank you Sweetheart, Great info. What’s the group name? so I know I have the right one. Maybe I should go to Mechanic school so I know how to fix my own bike or trike!
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It’s Can Am Spyder Owners. You’ll have to respond to a couple of questions to be added to the group. BTW, my name is Leslie Noyes, so once you’re in, tag me and I’ll make sure to welcome you.
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You can go to a can am riding class. That’d be a great experience
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