Spyder now-- thinking about a Slingshot

[jbuffalo]

Over 50+ years riding motorcycles and medical problems I bought a Spyder 3 years ago and still do not like the ride. Many things have been tried, tire air pressure, better stability bar and 1000s miles of trying. I do like the Spyder-looks- stability -power-braking and seating but it is time to try something else. I am seriously thinking about the Slingshot for this spring. Most of the complaints about the slingshot seem to be about the open cockpit. wind, noise, rain-not a problem if it is a motorcycle. I see a lot a people working on their Slingshot and many aftermarket items. My first visit to the dealer was to see if I could get in and out-I could. Anyone else go from a Spyder to a Slingshot? thanks Jim

[paws]

Jim....just wondering....I am possibly considering changing from a conventional trike to a Spyder. Have you ridden a conventional trike before or did you go from a 2-wheeler directly to the Spyder?

Sorry, I have no Slingshot wisdom - just trying to gain as much background data I can to make MY decision. Thanks for your reply. Carla

[rhino 2]

Over 50+ years riding motorcycles and medical problems I bought a Spyder 3 years ago and still do not like the ride. Many things have been tried, tire air pressure, better stability bar and 1000s miles of trying. I do like the Spyder-looks- stability -power-braking and seating but it is time to try something else. I am seriously thinking about the Slingshot for this spring. Most of the complaints about the slingshot seem to be about the open cockpit. wind, noise, rain-not a problem if it is a motorcycle. I see a lot a people working on their Slingshot and many aftermarket items. My first visit to the dealer was to see if I could get in and out-I could. Anyone else go from a Spyder to a Slingshot? thanks Jim

Just for the heck of it, You might want to take a look at the Vanderhall....

[jbuffalo]

Carla: The Spyder-I would try one out. Some(many)have had no problem with the ride and handling, mine was a 2009 and the new models are handling better, I hear. Part of my problem is the 50+ years on 2 wheeled motorcycles. The Spyder is not a motorcycle or a car-it just feels different. You sit on a Spyder,a little lower on the new F3 model. You sit in a Slingshot.

The Vanderhall is out of my price range and no local dealer-it does look good. The 3 wheel Morgan also-looks like a good vehicle -high price.

[rhino 2]

Carla: The Spyder-I would try one out. Some(many)have had no problem with the ride and handling, mine was a 2009 and the new models are handling better, I hear. Part of my problem is the 50+ years on 2 wheeled motorcycles. The Spyder is not a motorcycle or a car-it just feels different. You sit on a Spyder,a little lower on the new F3 model. You sit in a Slingshot.

The Vanderhall is out of my price range and no local dealer-it does look good. The 3 wheel Morgan also-looks like a good vehicle -high price.

Yep i had an 08 Spyder.....Definitely Different......

[jbuffalo]

Any comments about adjusting to the Spyder handling or the Slingshot.

[Bruce]

Any comments about adjusting to the Spyder handling or the Slingshot.

Don't know if you can pm on this site anymore but if you can shoot me a message and will talk Slings

[rhino 2]

Don't know if you can pm on this site anymore but if you can shoot me a message and will talk Slings

PM'S Have been discontinued .......

[Carbon_One]

I had 2 Yamaha Venture trikes with the first one (2005) being totaled in an accident. Got another one cause I loved the bike. However with back and hip injuries I could only ride rather short distances , a couple hundred miles or less, before back issues made me get off the bike. I checked out the CanAm's but no real relief there. My son has one too so I was able to get some longer rides in for evaluation. About that time .late 2014 Polaris came out with the Slingshot, bought one and never looked back. Because it rides more like a sports car with the bucket seats I can ride all day without problem's. Love this machine. I also checked out a couple Stallions but the company was having issues so passed on them. Besides the fact that a used one still cost more than a new Slingshot at that time.

Sure there were a few new product growing pains with very little accessories available but all that has changed now. Polaris has taken care of problems as they have risen. Now there's more dealers thru out the country as well.

Bottom line wife & I both enjoy riding/driving the Slingshot

[bikerbillone]

My ride is a 2005 GS, Road Smith conversion, I too have lusted after the Spyder RT, but dismissed it for one reason or another. The Sling Shot has a 2018 tourer just out as I see in my Sling Shot emails, very interesting machine to be sure with an affordable price compared to other trike type machines. I have not tried getting in out of the new tourer, but have other Sling Shot models, may I say "difficult" if you're not agile and flexible. Yes, I'd like to read more about Sling Shots on this forum, folks that actually own one and drive the thing. Could be forum over on Delphi, not sure, but I'll be Googling. Another down side of Sling Shot as I see it, is lack of space for luggage, not sure that can be fixed.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

When I went to pick up my new to me Ultra, they had a slingshot. Really different. I tried to get my big b$tt in it, but, with the knee issues, I quickly thought better of it. It was pretty cool looking though. Would of loved to test ride it.

Bottom line, as with every purchase and for that matter, decision we make, it all comes down to what speaks to your heart. Test ride one for as long as you can and see what your heart says to you. My only observation is that there are a ton of them (at least in my neck of the woods) for sale used. Not sure what that means, maybe people get bored after a time with the look or ride, not sure. but, way more used for sale than I see on the road. The decision you face is so wildly personal, that I hesitate to give any advice.

[bikerbillone]

Fuzz, wildly good advice right there.

[Pegasus1300]

Jim....just wondering....I am possibly considering changing from a conventional trike to a Spyder. Have you ridden a conventional trike before or did you go from a 2-wheeler directly to the Spyder?

Sorry, I have no Slingshot wisdom - just trying to gain as much background data I can to make MY decision. Thanks for your reply. Carla

I went from 50+ years on 2 wheels to a conventional trike (1990 GW 1500 SE). I did not like it. It handled like a dump truck and rode about as bad. I did put 40,000 miles on it trying to get used to it but never did. I sold it and bought a 2012 RTL and loved it. It rode great,steered great once I quit fighting it,was fast enough for me and carried all my stuff. 35,000+ miles and no major problems.

[bikerbillone]

What conversion was that 1500?

[jbuffalo]

Still looking hard at the Slingshot. Two things are holding me up. One-dealer prices and extra charges-even on demo models. I thought I had a price and then freight and other costs were added. Two-The discussion that is ongoing on Slingshot sites about the improved handling of the 2018 models and problems with previous years.

[trikermutha]

Any comments about adjusting to the Spyder handling or the Slingshot.

What is it about the Spyder handling are having issue with? Mine is smooth and straight for handling.

MAy need to go the the Spyder forum before we catch flack..

[rhino 2]

Jim....just wondering....I am possibly considering changing from a conventional trike to a Spyder. Have you ridden a conventional trike before or did you go from a 2-wheeler directly to the Spyder?

Sorry, I have no Slingshot wisdom - just trying to gain as much background data I can to make MY decision. Thanks for your reply. Carla

I went from a two wheeler....VTX 1800.....To a Spyder without any driving problems..

That said, I owned ATC'S Snowmobiles And ATV's And put thousands of miles on them...

The only problems most newbies to Spyder's have is to learn NOT to keep a tight grip on the handlebars... Let the tail wag the dog a little' So to speak. The DPS=-AKA power steering is very sensitive to inputs...

[Capt.Bob]

Still looking hard at the Slingshot. Two things are holding me up. One-dealer prices and extra charges-even on demo models. I thought I had a price and then freight and other costs were added. Two-The discussion that is ongoing on Slingshot sites about the improved handling of the 2018 models and problems with previous years.

In addition to your concerns about dealer pricing, you might want to contact the insurance company you plan to use and see what amount of money they want to extract from your wallet. I have heard in some venues that the insurance pricing for the Slingshots is quite expensive.

[Burnerboy]

That Slingshot is BADAZZ, I've test rode a couple, sure is cool.............I want one!

My wife already told me that if I do decide to buy one she would leave me, "then she asked": Where are you planning to park it? My answer was: "right where your car used to be"

Well that didn't go over too well.........I now have a black eye! LOL

Ronnie

[ulflyer]

Over 50+ years riding motorcycles and medical problems I bought a Spyder 3 years ago and still do not like the ride. Many things have been tried, tire air pressure, better stability bar and 1000s miles of trying. I do like the Spyder-looks- stability -power-braking and seating but it is time to try something else. I am seriously thinking about the Slingshot for this spring. Most of the complaints about the slingshot seem to be about the open cockpit. wind, noise, rain-not a problem if it is a motorcycle. I see a lot a people working on their Slingshot and many aftermarket items. My first visit to the dealer was to see if I could get in and out-I could. Anyone else go from a Spyder to a Slingshot? thanks Jim

Buffalo; I went from 60 years on 2 wheels to a Can Am in '11, then another in '14. Loved them both, but when a friend bought a '15 Slingshot and let me drive it, I was hooked. Finally got one in '16, did some mods to make it more comfortable....tall windshield, better shocks were the big items. I then made an implusive trade for an '18 Vanderhall Venice last October....which I traded a couple weeks ago for the Slingshot SLR LE model. Basically the same as the '16, just diff colors, GPS system, Bilstein shocks, bigger rear tire. I knew the moment I hit the highway from the dealer that I had made the right decision. Blew a lot of $$ in the process, but I have the comfort, room, and easier maintenance. I like the look of the Venice best, but it is smaller, has less creature comforts and storage, and hardly any vendors producing aftermarket products.

The SS, like the Spyders, have gone thru growing pains like any new vehicles but in my opinion, both BRS and Polaris have done a reasonable job of recalls and fixing stuff under warranty when needed. BRS has been at it since '08, Polaris since '15. They both seem to have bugs worked out.

SS uses the GM 2.4L motor which was made for 8 or 10 years, so its a solid motor. If you like to do your own oil/filter; raise hood, lean down over right wheel to get at drain plug. Filter is a cartridge on top side, east to lift out with no drips.

Put a tall windshield on and the air blows well over your head. I used one from F4, called the F5 model that I look thru. He has an unusual product that resists scratching...after 18K there were NONE on my '16 when I traded. I have the same one

coming

for my new '18, along with a set of Baker wind winds that can be used to flow air into the cockpit in summer. Or put a roof on if you like! LOL. You prob know of him as he makes WS for Can Am also.

Prices on the SS are comparable to the Spyders. I believe Polaris is offering some decent discounts now on the '18's. I had one cash price offer of $27995 OTD for one like I now have, 3K under MSRP. There's a few '17's around much less.

Like Fuzzy said, its all about what floats your boat. Don't make a dam what others like or dislike, its what works for you at your stage of life. BTW, I'm 83YO, still enjoying open air.