Spyder or Trike

[MrBones]

Looking to the future. I know I will be riding my Valk till I'm 80 which is a year and a half. Then I'm not sure I'll be able to handle it in slow manuvers. So was wondering if anyone has rode both the CanAm and a trike? If so which in your opinion is best, or is there a best? And the difference in handleing. Thanks for any input.

[cookiedough]

Go into your local Can-Am dealer and test ride a Spyder.  Some say they ride more like an ATV.   
If you got the dough, just trike your Valk and best of both worlds, although reverse would be nice like the Spyder and Goldwings have.
I'd think you would be more comfortable on a trike whether Valkyrie or Goldwing riding for sure since when I sat on a Spyder at a dealer, I wasn't very comfortable.

[Valker]

Spyder is safer (harder to turn over) because of the computers. Spyder also has power steering.
Have you looked at a Piaggio MP3? That's what I'm going to when the time comes since it still leans.
http://www.piaggiousa.com/innovation.html
It will hold itself up at stops also.

[cookiedough]

Valker, almost 9 grand for a 493cc sized scooter?  Downsizing by quite a bit from 1520cc's don't you think?  I really admire (right word?) though anyone 80 and over still riding on 2 tires.  I highly doubt I will be riding cycles if and when i make it to even 70.  I've seen some really nice very low mileaged used Spyder's for around 11 grand and would expect in the next few years as more and more are sold, there will be more good used low mileage ones even cheaper than that under 10 grand. 

[ossvalk]

have you ever ridden an ATV?

I had not before testing a spyder up at americade a few years back and I really did not care for it

But I know of a Valk pilot (Lamont) who went from a blower valk to a blower M109 to a spyder (blower?) and he loves it

YMMV

I have not been on a trike yet so no opinion either way

Maybe look at a lighter bike like a 650 vstrom with aftermarket seat

[Jack]

I drove a Goldwing trike and a Spyder with saddlebags RT? this summer. I didn't like the wing it felt slow and wobbly I liked the Spyder a lot! fast, handled good and about $10000 cheaper

[MrBones]

Come on Cookie dough if yor a rider you will still be riding at my age. And I started at the ripe old age of 12. Had to get to work!! 1945

[cookiedough]

I've got to hand it to you Mr. Bones, pushing 80 and still going strong.  It is just with my family history that seeing 80 is highly unlikely.

[jrhorton]

The Burgman or other larger scooter might be a better choice.  Riding a trike and the Spyder will still take some leg and upper body strength, especially a Valk trike without reverse.

Look to the Silverwing or Burgman.....and by all means take a test ride.

[larswlvs]

 @ cookiedough
  "Valker, almost 9 grand for a 493cc sized scooter?  Downsizing by quite a bit from 1520cc's don't you think?"
 If you where refering to the cam Am Spider that machine is 900cc  I must agree its still a bit of down sizing,I'm not sure of the cost.
Oooops  my mistake  you were refering to the Piaggio and I have to agree with you 100%
Have a nice day
 

[cookiedough]

@ cookiedough
  
Have a nice day
 

You too!   

[JetDriver]

I'm with Valker on the Piaggo.  The key thing is that it still leans.  Take the lean away, and I'll drive my Miata, thank you.  Back when I started, 500cc was a BIG bike.  It's certainly not 1500, but if I'm using Mr. Bones as a model, I'M GOING TO BE 80!!!   Don't know for Mr. Bones or not, but I'm figuring by the time I hit 80, somebody will have taken the idea of the Piaggo and made a full size bike out of it.

[Valker]

If you haven't ridden a modern 500cc bike, I recommend you try one. That 500cc Piaggio will FLY! As JetDriver said, it's the lean that's the key, but it will hold itself up when you stop.

[MrBones]

Thanks for all the input guys. Lots to think about for the next couple years (I hope) Now something for you to mull over. When I was riding back then there were NO freeways or interstates. Nice traveling. 

[oldman]

I have some 14 years to go before I hit 80.  I too am beginning to think about something other than a Valk.  Not sure my old legs will still hold one up when I reach that point.   Right now I am not sure I like the trike/spyder either, might as well be driving a 4 wheel vehicle.  The Piaggio does sound interesting.  Haven't had a chance to ride one, but should in the next 14 some odd years.

Mr Bones, I am some 90 miles from the nearest Freeway/Interstate.  Lots of two lane roads, some of the county roads have littel or no traffic.  Plus lots of Mountain type roads to ride.  So don't do much Freeway riding.  That keeps the smile going year round.