|
|
Cruiser
Posts: 77
Virginia Beach, Virginia | Ok, honestly I don't know if it is my id or my cahones. Riding for a long time, never had a major mishap, 2008 VV with all the accessories following a string of bmws, paramedic for twenty years, yada yada. Hung up the spurs in November figuring I would probably sell the bike in the spring, and just drive the convertible. Forty two so not an old fart, but three kids and recently widowed mother and law practice, so hands are pretty full. Rode on Saturday at the behest of my bike group, and was almost hit by minivan driver two miles from my house. Ran into snow on way back from 90 mile round trip. Can't get out of my head that I am asking for trouble, and that convertible covers the "wind through my hair (thinning)" need. Looking seriously at the can am rt as an alternative. My dealer covers both brands and would love to trade for my ssg. But I can't help but feel slightly enfeebled by a reaction such as this, as wonder if the canam is just a duplication of efforts. So I am wondering what you all think, as I have a feeling that several of you have been in similar scenarios. This board seems to possess riders with serious saddle time and the ability to provide sage advice, so I'm asking.
Ben Cohen |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | The day it's not fun anymore, I'm done. You're still exposed on the Can-Am but psychologically it would feel more substantial and stable (especially 2-up). You would be much more likely to take the kids out on a jaunt for some special 1-on-1 time with Dad. There is a definite Vision vibe with it because it is so different so you would still get the stares and comments at every stop. Not a typical trike by any stretch. The riding position would probably feel like a BMW RT/LT (no stretching the legs). They seem to have a pretty good forum: http://www.canamspyderforums.com/ It wouldn't be the long distance luxo-tourer that the Vision is but I think you would have a blast on it for what it is. I think it would be a good transition for you before you go totally 4-wheels (at least try to wear out your riding gear). |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | Ben, can you afford both? Maybe the Vision takes a back seat for a bit, but doesn't get sold. Accidents can happen in any vehicle and since people will never get their heads out of their butt, you will always have this risk. I think you have to follow your gut on a day-to-day basis. If it is time for the cage, take it. If you feel like riding, ride.
I agree with Tom on the Spyder too. I rode one in Daytona last year and will buy one if I have problems when I get older with balance or holding up a bike.
Edited by ScoreBo 2011-01-10 9:43 AM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 77
Virginia Beach, Virginia | I could technically have both, in addition to the car, but I am not sure of the utility of that. And yes, I know that a bunch of the riders in this forum have multiple bikes. My main concerns actually go towards the balance thing (I am diabetic and will sometimes get more tired than I should) and also the fact that my 2008 does not have abs, reverse or traction control. I am still afraid of sliding sideways, a concern I never really had with my BMW's, because I always had full interlink and abs. Am I just overthinking things, or have I lost my nerve completely? |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | I, for one, think you are over-thinking the situation. If you are are having problems with balance then go for it. Spiritually speaking you aren't going any where before your time. A friends mother died from the results of a fall. A cousins ex boyfriend died with no known cause(34yo). What I'm trying to say is only you can make the right choice for you, but don't let a close call make the choice. We aren't promised tomorrow, have the most fun you can while your here.
Wayne |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 215
orrick, mo | Seeing how we VV riders obviosly like to ride something unique check out the Stallion at WWW.throughbred-motorsports.com Its a cool trike car combo. they are really cool looking in person.
I say trike bike combo becuz it has a car engine and tranny. It even has a steering wheel. Different
but still cool.
Edited by buzz64077 2011-01-10 11:19 AM
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | Ben, if you are uncomfortable, then sell it. You will be worrying everytime you ride. Given your situation, I would take a good hard look at the Can-Am scooters. It's a different experience than a motorcycle, but very fun. The touring model has all the goodness of the Vision, plus reverse, ABS, traction control and stability control.
http://en-us.spyder.brp.com/discover/discover-roadster.aspx
Edited by ScoreBo 2011-01-10 11:39 AM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | One, I don't want to be one to tell YOU what you should do, but rather what I would do in the situation. Frankly, if I was afraid everytime I was out I would stop riding. Having a level of fear is good to keep you on your toes, but being afraid will cause you to do something against your training and cause certain problems, and perhaps irreversible damage. (read: crash).
I had a literal close call where a cage ran a redlight and we nearly collided had I not caught the vehicle out of my peripheral and thankfully dropped when the front wheel cocked as the truck came within inches of the front of my bike. It was so close that the lady behind me chased down the redlighter and told her she had hit me. I happened to be going to the bbq place at that same intersection and was ordering when a police officer came in and told they had the offender. I assured them there was no contact, nor any damage from dropping the bike (thank you Victory for TOP). But I came away from the whole incident shaken, and thinking as to whether it is worth it all. To this day, the wife knows nothing of the incident because it would be the end of my riding days.
I can rationalize that I can slip in the tub, fall off the ladder, step off a curb and get hit by a bus, and have chosen to be even more aware of my surroundings when riding. As I learned as a paratrooper, a second nature response will save your life, if you train to do it, but being overcome by fear will get you killed. Taking this seriously I want everyone that rides, to ride another day. Your risk doesn't change on a three wheeler only the characteristics of the ride.
I hope I have contributed to your decision process. Keep us posted on what you decide.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-01-10 11:39 AM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I have fears of ever winning a BIG lottery - you know - Mega-Millions. I would be deathly afraid to ride my Vision out of fear that I would never get to spend all that delicious money! So I would quit doing anything that might get me killed. Buy a bullet-proof Hummer - all that stuff.
But - I'm poor, so I might as well enjoy my remaining years - 10 or 20 - riding my Vision and enjoying each outing. That's life, 'eh?
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 80
| I would wait for winter to pass. Cage drivers are just not looking for motorcycles in January. See how you feel about riding after the weather warms up and more bikes are on the road. I agree, don't overthink this too much. They say that 75% of what we "fret about" never happens. Your Vision will take care of you!
Denny Pink
2008 Tour Premium
Edited by Denny Pink 2011-01-10 12:05 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | We all know the risks of what we're doing. I for one have ridden for a number of years and have trained for the riding experience...just like you. But when it really comes down to it, it's what's on your mind, and that seems to be a lot for you. You cannot ride well with all of that hanging on your every ride. It doesn't make any difference if your on the VV or the CanAm...or even the BMW, your mind is not into it, so you don't enjoy it. When I stop enjoying the ride, I will be off the bike. So, Ben, if you don't enjoy it, move on, it is just not worth it to do something that you don't enjoy 100%. Take care and hope your decision comes easy for you. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 111
Prairie Dog Heaven, CO | You may want to chat with Andy on the other forum
http://www.thevog.net/Andy/
He used to have a can-am spyder IIRC |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Always said I'd trade in my bike for a Cessna if I ever started fearing the idiots around me. I still enjoy piloting the Vision for now. Never got excited about going for a car drive. |
|
| |
Need help with my id
