Test Rides (sort of a report)

[dchicks]

Hi gang,<br />
<br />
Today, I went up to R &amp; R Trikes in Jasper, GA to have a first-hand look at the Stallion. I thought I'd leave a little note about my experience.<br />
<br />
First, I want to say that I have never been so well treated at any bike shop, ever! I spoke with Andrew. He essentially took the next hour just chatting with me about the Stallion and other trikes in the shop. No pressure. Just information. I could not have asked for a better customer service experience.<br />
<br />
He also let me take an '08 model out for a test ride, followed by a test ride on an '01 GL1800 Motor-Trike Spyder conversion.<br />
<br />
Both trikes were definitely a bit of a let down for me. I'm truly going to miss the feel of riding on two wheels. It was nice to be on the road with the wind in my face, again, but it's nothing at all close to the feeling of leaning into the corners. Bummer.<br />
<br />
The GL1800 was mostly what I expected.

I had a little trouble shifting gears for two reasons. 1) The aqua-guards (running boards) on the conversion have a little "foot protector" part that I found getting in the way. 2) My left foot doesn't obey my commands as well as it used to, due to my MS. I think I would have been more at ease with it had the aqua-guard not been in the way, but still it was a bit of a struggle. All in all, though, the Motor-Trike Spyder conversion is very nice.<br />
<br />
The Stallion was like nothing I've ever ridden (driven?) before. What a cool ride! I had just a little trouble getting in and out, but nothing that would be a serious impediment. Like the GL1800, I was let down by the "feel" of the ride, but again I reminded myself that this is not a motorcycle. I'm just going to have to get over that. My only hesitation with the Stallion came, again, at the "whims" of my left foot. Braking was awkward, at best. I managed it just fine, but it would take some getting used to.<br />
<br />
I did enjoy the up-right seating position.

The engine appeared to have more than enough power, and the brakes were awesome despite my lack of left-foot coordination. Andrew led me up a high that heads into the mountains northeast of Jasper. We only went a few miles, but it was enough to get into a couple of decent corners. I felt a bit uneasy, but I think the machine was more than willing to handle them.<br />
<br />
All in all, I see advantages and disadvantages in both solutions, for me. It's going to be a tough decision to make, but I feel like I need to get myself out on the road again. I think the Stallion is probably a slightly better choice for me, given that the only real obstacle to overcome is left-footed braking. That's just a matter of time, though. On the other hand, that solution is also significantly more expensive than converting my existing GL1800. I'm not going to rush into it, though.<br />
<br />
If you happen to be in this area, keep R&amp;R in mind. I get the feeling that they try to treat everyone like they did me!<br />
<br />
Ride safe!<br />
Dave

[Nana]

Hi Dave. Sounds like you had a great test drive experience! Good to know, and good for the dealer who provides that kind of service...they all should!<br />
<br />
About the ride. I cannot tell you that a trike will ever corner like a motorcycle. I think all of us who used to be on two wheels remember that feeling fondly! What I can tell you with great assurance is that there is a learning/comfort curve when you move to three wheels. I'd say 500 miles on average. Then there is a day when you suddenly realize you never even noticed the steering. In fact you didn't just not notice it, you had a fantastic time!!!!!<br />
<br />
And the pleasure of stability...<br />
not having to rely on short legs (in my case), or MS-affected legs (in your case) to steady the bike on uneven ground or gravel or sand...<br />
your kickstand sinking into soft ground...<br />
and a dozen other pluses...<br />
<br />
It isn't the same as two wheels, but for most of us it is as good as two wheels, just a little bit different. And the secret most two-wheel riders don't want to admit is that us trikers actually do as well or better than them in the corners, which is a hoot!!!!<br />
<br />
Whichever direction you choose to go, it's a good one <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />.

Any questions you have can probably be answered by your new friends on this forum, and I assure you we'll all be behind you all the way! Make your choice to meet your personal needs, and ride safe and happy!

[Lunchbox1983]

Dave<br />
Not knowing your full challenge with MS, you may want to look into adding a hand brake control for the stallion, Ford has programs where they help people who need adaptive vehicles, maybe they would help out. My best friend is a quad and he takes advantage of this to outfit his vans.<br />
<br />
No matter what do not give up on your efforts to ride again.:yes:

[Ozarkryder]

Hey Dave!

Some decision ahead of you! I don't want to say anything negative about the Stallion, if I had the bucks one would be in my garage next to the Harley and our GL1500 Motor Trike. The choice is only yours and what works best for you.

But....

Having test ridden a Stallion a few times, I must say that the Spyder is much more of a motorcycle experience because, well, it is a motorcycle from those 2 wheels forward. As far a the shifting goes, Pingel and Kliktronic (and others, geared to racing) make electric shifters that use the push of a thumb to shift. Most kits only use the clutch to start moving or to stop.
Here are some links:

Kliktronic -

Electronic Shifters for Disabled Motorcycle Riders

Pingel-

Pingel All Electric Up/Down Shifters

And some more information on adapting motorcycles with more on the shifters and automatic transmission comversions-

Disabled Riders Resource list

And Ridley makes 750cc automatic transmission bikes, including a trike-

Ridley : America's Automatic Motorcycle : Models

[John Luciano]

Woe Ozark you took the words right out of my mouth and I had it closed.

[dchicks]

Awesome stuff, guys! Thanks for all the tips! I really appreciate it. I'll definitely check out all of those options. Maybe there is a good answer out there, after all! <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<br />
I'm psyched about getting back on the road. Having attended my club's national rally a couple of weeks ago just got the blood boiling. It's just time to expand my horizons.<br />
<br />
Thanks again!<br />
Dave

[Gorilla]

Dave good luck on your decision. Very good suggestions put out there by the fellow members.<br />
<br />
My wife and I had a great experience with R &amp; R on our ride in May. Great people.<br />
<br />
Ted

[jimjel]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Ozarkryder</strong>
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<div class="message">Hey Dave!<br />
<br />
Some decision ahead of you! I don't want to say anything negative about the Stallion, if I had the bucks one would be in my garage next to the Harley and our GL1500 Motor Trike. The choice is only yours and what works best for you.<br />
<br />
But....<br />
<br />
Having test ridden a Stallion a few times, I must say that the Spyder is much more of a motorcycle experience because, well, it is a motorcycle from those 2 wheels forward. As far a the shifting goes, Pingel and Kliktronic (and others, geared to racing) make electric shifters that use the push of a thumb to shift. Most kits only use the clutch to start moving or to stop. <br />
Here are some links:<br />
<br />
Kliktronic -<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.disabledmotorcyclerider.com/shifters.html" target="_blank">Electronic Shifters for Disabled Motorcycle Riders</a><br />
<br />
Pingel-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pingelonline.com/eshifter.htm" target="_blank">Pingel All Electric Up/Down Shifters</a><br />
<br />
And some more information on adapting motorcycles with more on the shifters and automatic transmission comversions-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/DISBresourcelistings.asp" target="_blank">Disabled Riders Resource list</a><br />
<br />
And Ridley makes 750cc automatic transmission bikes, including a trike-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/motorcycles/" target="_blank">Ridley : America's Automatic Motorcycle : Models</a></div>

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</div>The Spyders now have an electronic shift version available. It is a paddleshifter controlled from the handlebars. The brake pedal on a Spyder is on the right hand side, so you don't use the left leg for any control functions.<br />
<br />
JJ

[Ozarkryder]

Something didn't seem right, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Went back and read the thread and found it - The original post was about a Stallion and a MotorTrike Spyder conversion, as opposed to the Can Am Spyder reverse trike. Got to ride the new Can Am Spyder touring model this last fall,liked the upright riding position, the paddle shifting worked well and it was a fun ride.

[Gorilla]

dchicks did you ever make a purchase?

[hitime]

I just saw this thread with the bump to the top. My first thought was that the aqua shields are just an option. You can get the conversion without them. I have them on mine, but did that to keep the rain off, and 'cuz I just like the way they look.

Other than that, buy what makes you happy, mod it as needed, and have a ball!

[Nauga Mok]

Probably the trike with the closest feel to being a motorcycle is built by Mystery Design. They offer an option that allows the trike to tilt like a bike. It's a bit pricy at $5,000, but if you MUST lean in the curves, it IS possible on a trike. Why so pricy? The tilt is computer controled with gyros & sensors & all that high tech stuff. I looked long & hard at Mystery Design, but finaly came to the conclusion the tilt option was just out of my price range even though it can be added later. But, if you still need the tilt to feel more at home on the trike, couple the Mystery Design with the push button shift options Ozark mentioned & you'd be set. I haven't had the chance to ride a tilter, but they look awsome.

NM