While I hope to be on two wheels for years to come, I've sometimes wondered what I might do if I couldn't ride a motorcycle anymore, like if I had a problem with my balance.
I can't see myself on a traditional trike, like a Goldwing or Harley trike, but I can see myself on a Can-Am Spyder. I wouldn't want the big touring version with all the hard bags, and while they've released a stripped down roadster version that looks very cool and a bit smaller overall, I'd probably go with the standard model with the passenger seat (in case my wife ever wanted to actually try riding with me) and which I could sling a set of soft-bags over for trips.
How about you? What would you ride instead if you couldn't be on two wheels?
My therapist would have me so medicated that I'd probably have to take public transportation lol [image: emoji1787.png]
Slingshot looks kinda cool though
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I never paid the Spyder much heed, niche item, sort of a snowmobile for the road. I saw one parked while at a cruise night a few years back and went for a closer look. It belonged to a gentleman in his '80s who had ridden his whole life and his wife was with him through much of it. She was there as well and he said he reached the point you describe where he started to feel he was putting her at risk, just with slower reactions and declining strength to catch a tip over etc. The Spyder was a new lease on life for both of them and allowed them to continue their favourite shared past time. He figured he could ride that until he could no longer walk. They were an inspiring pair, really enjoyed meeting them, and I certainly view the Spyders differently since.
Can Am would definately be of interest, but so would Miata, and Slingshot....
But I am waaaaay far from that, 2 wheels is life.. :beer:
I have a family member that recently suffered severe vertigo. Through observation, I realized that if that happened to me my riding days would abruptly end as there's no telling when or if it could strike again. Even a mild case would result in a crash. When I've seen CanAm's, it's seemed to me that they share disadvantages with motorcycles (little crash protection), with none of the advantages - small footprint, the ability to lean, takes up little garage space, etc, and none of the advantages of a car - carrying capacity, weather protection, climate control, possibly longer range, etc. I figure that if I can / want to ride, then I'm going to ride. If I can't do that, then my next option would still be a Honda, but it would be an S2000. Or possibly an old hotrod I could take to car shows. I don't think I would get much out of riding (or is it driving - or both?) a CanAm.
I would probably go the route of a convertible or maybe euthanasia if I couldn't ride anymore. The trikes like the Can-Am would be a close second depending on *why* I couldn't ride anymore.
21 hours ago, jstehman
My therapist would have me so medicated that I'd probably have to take public transportation lol [image: emoji1787.png]
Slingshot looks kinda cool though
For me, riding *is* my therapy! I'd go nuts if I couldn't ride.
As for the Slingshot, I just can't get into them for some reason. I think they look cool, and I'm finally starting to see a few out on the roads, but it's just not for me.
10 hours ago, Cogswell
I have a family member that recently suffered severe vertigo. Through observation, I realized that if that happened to me my riding days would abruptly end as there's no telling when or if it could strike again. Even a mild case would result in a crash. When I've seen CanAm's, it's seemed to me that they share disadvantages with motorcycles (little crash protection), with none of the advantages - small footprint, the ability to lean, takes up little garage space, etc, and none of the advantages of a car - carrying capacity, weather protection, climate control, possibly longer range, etc. I figure that if I can / want to ride, then I'm going to ride. If I can't do that, then my next option would still be a Honda, but it would be an S2000. Or possibly an old hotrod I could take to car shows. I don't think I would get much out of riding (or is it driving - or both?) a CanAm.
Good points about motorcycle vs. Spyder. But I think if I couldn't ride a bike but could ride a Spyder, at least I'd have much of the sensation of riding a motorcycle.
Also, I'm a little spoiled, because my daily driver is an ND Miata. The top is down every chance I get. I just love that open cockpit feeling. So maybe I would dig the Slingshot, but the Miata is at least a little more practical.
"For me, riding *is* my therapy! I'd go nuts if I couldn't ride."
Exactly [image: emoji106.png]
But I think that nothing will really substitute for the exhilaration and freedom of being on two wheels.
For me, if I couldn't ride I would move on to something else instead of trying to replicate that feeling.
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I figure that I have another ten good years maybe. I've already decided that it will be an old pickup with modern running gear and A/C. I've always wanted something that will melt tires at will. One day I will have it. I'll try to remember to come back and post it on VFRD but you know, I'll be OLD and may forget.
40 minutes ago, Sweeper
I'll be OLD and may forget.
We know where you live.......
For me there would be no replacement or substitute. So I guess I'd just walk.
In a small way I'm nearly there. I realized at the end of 2018 my arthritis was too painful for continued long-distance riding. So I got my self a Siberian Husky puppy. She keeps me moving.
And when I get my rollerblades I'll have replaced my hydrocarbon power with animal power. And my ATGATT gear will come in handy because I've never been on rollerblades. And I have old downhill skis for winter, her specialty. :pinocchio:
1 hour ago, MaxSwell
And when I get my rollerblades I'll have replaced my hydrocarbon power with animal power. And my ATGATT gear will come in handy because I've never been on rollerblades. And I have old downhill skis for winter, her specialty. :pinocchio:
Rollerblades + husky would be an awesome combination, but not significantly safer than motorcycles. I have had experience of rollerblades plus a border collie that I think may have been a sled-dog in a previous life, and that was exciting!
Remember: pictures or it didn't happen.
15 hours ago, Terry
Rollerblades + husky would be an awesome combination, but not significantly safer than motorcycles. I have had experience of rollerblades plus a border collie that I think may have been a sled-dog in a previous life, and that was exciting!
Remember: pictures or it didn't happen.
That's why I would not do it without my leather suit and helmet. At one and a half yr. old she is not totally under control. 🙂
My best use of motorcycle protective gear in a non-motorcycle application was the luge at Rotorua. Rode down with my mates, and took a ride while wearing leathers and boots; a good thing too as there was a highly competitive spirit in place and I got shunted off the track at high speed, fairly sure I would have broken an ankle if not for my boots. This video is not mine but gives an idea; Kind of like riding a plastic tray down a mountain.
https://youtu.be/rS-qG2hqrHo
1 hour ago, Terry
My best use of motorcycle protective gear in a non-motorcycle application was the luge at Rotorua. Rode down with my mates, and took a ride while wearing leathers and boots; a good thing too as there was a highly competitive spirit in place and I got shunted off the track at high speed, fairly sure I would have broken an ankle if not for my boots. This video is not mine but gives an idea; Kind of like riding a plastic tray down a mountain.
https://youtu.be/rS-qG2hqrHo
Interesting to watch them lean in to and look through the curve like on a bike. At least initially I would probably have to overcome the instinct to counter steer. It looks like a lot of fun!
15 hours ago, Terry
My best use of motorcycle protective gear in a non-motorcycle application was the luge at Rotorua. Rode down with my mates, and took a ride while wearing leathers and boots; a good thing too as there was a highly competitive spirit in place and I got shunted off the track at high speed, fairly sure I would have broken an ankle if not for my boots. This video is not mine but gives an idea; Kind of like riding a plastic tray down a mountain.
That looks like great fun. And reminds me a little of the go cart racing at T-Mac. I also noticed the similarities with mc riding.
I think for the right price tilting motor works will turn your bike into a self standing 3 wheeler. Not cheap, but rides more like a bike than a Can-Am.........
Cogswell, 7/25/2020 at 8:28 PM
Interesting to watch them lean in to and look through the curve like on a bike. At least initially I would probably have to overcome the instinct to counter steer. It looks like a lot of fun!
I agree. A couple VFRD friends did test rides on CanAm Spyders several years ago, and said it was hard to remember at first to turn in the direction they wanted to go, rather than countersteer. I wish I'd done the test ride with them back then.
I think what makes countersteering a bit more intuitive is that by pushing the bar away from yourself, you're creating a little more room for your upper body to lean in that direction, plus straightening that arm out a bit, allowing for easier application of force. I think it would be harder to apply the force while pulling the bar inward, especially if you're also trying to lean in that direction.
I’m much closer to this reality than I’d like. At 52, I’ve developed a progressive and degenerative neuro condition, which is having its way with me. At some point, the strength and balance required to manage a tall, heavy motorcycle like my ADV bike will become too much. I’m currently going through everything on it, so it’s closer to being ready for sale. That’ll leave a VFR and SV, which are much easier for me to manage. My next trip into my local dealer probably should include a closer look at a CanAm.
21 minutes ago, ducnut
I’m much closer to this reality than I’d like. At 52, I’ve developed a progressive and degenerative neuro condition, which is having its way with me. At some point, the strength and balance required to manage a tall, heavy motorcycle like my ADV bike will become too much. I’m currently going through everything on it, so it’s closer to being ready for sale. That’ll leave a VFR and SV, which are much easier for me to manage. My next trip into my local dealer probably should include a closer look at a CanAm.
Sorry to hear about that Ducnut. Enjoy your freedom while you can, I think we all take good health too much for granted.
for a smaller, lighter bike the '88-'90 VTR 250 is great, feels just a bit heavier than a bicycle and handles nice. this 250 is not slow, 13,000 redline.
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ducnut, 7/31/2020 at 6:25 PM
I’m much closer to this reality than I’d like. At 52, I’ve developed a progressive and degenerative neuro condition, which is having its way with me. At some point, the strength and balance required to manage a tall, heavy motorcycle like my ADV bike will become too much. I’m currently going through everything on it, so it’s closer to being ready for sale. That’ll leave a VFR and SV, which are much easier for me to manage. My next trip into my local dealer probably should include a closer look at a CanAm.
Sorry to hear about your condition. But at least you're still able to manage the smaller bikes. And if at some point you need to go lower to stay on two wheels, there are many nice bikes while lower seat positions. But I think the CanAms are definitely worth looking at. And the good news is now that they've been out for several years there are some nice, low mileage examples out there for sale!
ducnut, 1 August 2020 at 8:25 AM
I’m much closer to this reality than I’d like. At 52, I’ve developed a progressive and degenerative neuro condition, which is having its way with me. At some point, the strength and balance required to manage a tall, heavy motorcycle like my ADV bike will become too much. I’m currently going through everything on it, so it’s closer to being ready for sale. That’ll leave a VFR and SV, which are much easier for me to manage. My next trip into my local dealer probably should include a closer look at a CanAm.
Good luck with everything ducnut. I agree with Terry, we can want for every bike in the world but our best possession in life is good health. Grab the CanAm sell the SV if needed, but hang on tightly to that beautiful 5th gen. Glad we have your expertise and advice to tap into on this forum.
Thank you.
Yeah, I’ve always blown-off all the cliches the old folks have repeated for years and pushed on through. But, this deal is something else. I spent every weekday going into one of USA’s premier research hospitals, for an entire month. There were all manner of illnesses/conditions, of all age groups. The worst of the worst are in these places; many hanging onto their last days. That experience really drove home the idea: without one’s health, one has nothing. The old folks have been right, all along.
MaxSwell, 7/23/2020 at 4:42 PM
And when I get my rollerblades I'll have replaced my hydrocarbon power with animal power. And my ATGATT gear will come in handy because I've never been on rollerblades. And I have old downhill skis for winter, her specialty. :pinocchio:
Made me think of a former co-worker who was rollerblading along the paved riverside trails in London Ontario when he was in his 50’s. Someone else’s dog ran him off the trail in a turn and he went off the edge into the wire cribbed rocks that formed the riverbank at that point. When he got to the emergency room covered in blood the doctor asked him what kind of motorcycle he had been riding to make such a mess of himself.
10 minutes ago, Dangeruss
Made me think of a former co-worker who was rollerblading along the paved riverside trails in London Ontario when he was in his 50’s. Someone else’s dog ran him off the trail in a turn and he went off the edge into the wire cribbed rocks that formed the riverbank at that point. When he got to the emergency room covered in blood the doctor asked him what kind of motorcycle he had been riding to make such a mess of himself.
That story reinforces my belief that ATGATT is appropriate whenever there is a danger of having "a close encounter of the tarmac kind", no matter the means of propulsion. :wheel:
As I sit on my patio, isolated by pandemic, I watch all the wheeled passers-by on scooters, new learning bicycles, skate boards, and Razors (some electrically powered), etc, I imagine the potential injuries from a fall and see skinned knees, hands and noses and see a distinct lack of imagination for what could happen.
One of my favorite quotes is from a famous Formula One driver (Jackie Stewart?) "It takes a certain lack of imagination to drive these cars." Or something like that.
I used to be an avid cyclist. I never felt safe, wearing lycra, gloves, and cycling helmet, especially coming down mountains or long grades. May as well be naked.
19 minutes ago, ducnut
I used to be an avid cyclist. I never felt safe, wearing lycra, gloves, and cycling helmet, especially coming down mountains or long grades. May as well be naked.
I still cycle every saturday moning 6AM for 2 hours. But we have dedicated bicycle roads here and where the're none traffic is light. And each and every Dutch(wo)man probably owns 2 bicycles as well...
No worries, no Dutchy lycra pictures, unless by polular demand... :laugh:
57 minutes ago, ducnut
I used to be an avid cyclist. I never felt safe, wearing lycra, gloves, and cycling helmet, especially coming down mountains or long grades. May as well be naked.
Same and same, espically the nudist part, except I never went lycra.
MaxSwell, 8/14/2020 at 3:45 PM
Same and same, espically the nudist part, except I never went lycra.
I used to do a lot of cycling, too - bike helmet, lycra, and gloves, that was it. I had a few minor spills over the years, but did no damage to me or the bikes.
But the most "naked" I've felt on a moving vehicle was on a friend's ATV several years ago. Cookout at their house, they have a couple big ATVs, and a huge yard to ride in. They said go ahead for a ride. I didn't have my helmet, and boy did I feel exposed and nervous. I probably only got the thing up to 10-15 mph, and that was enough for me. If I ever do that again I'll definitely want my lid.
TimC, 7/22/2020 at 8:53 AM
While I hope to be on two wheels for years to come, I've sometimes wondered what I might do if I couldn't ride a motorcycle anymore, like if I had a problem with my balance.
I can't see myself on a traditional trike, like a Goldwing or Harley trike, but I can see myself on a Can-Am Spyder. I wouldn't want the big touring version with all the hard bags, and while they've released a stripped down roadster version that looks very cool and a bit smaller overall, I'd probably go with the standard model with the passenger seat (in case my wife ever wanted to actually try riding with me) and which I could sling a set of soft-bags over for trips.
How about you? What would you ride instead if you couldn't be on two wheels?
Honda Civic which I have. 40+ mpg., goes well, and while plain Jane, is the best buy I ever made in a car including a Z06 piece of garbage quality.
1 hour ago, Bent
Honda Civic which I have. 40+ mpg., goes well, and while plain Jane, is the best buy I ever made in a car including a Z06 piece of garbage quality.
+1 on a Honda Civic. I just love driving my '08 five speed.
Had a ‘90 Civic EX Sedan, 5-spd. The absolute best car I’ve ever owned. At my now ex’s insistence, it got traded on a ‘96 Accord Sedan LX. What a letdown of a car. Honda really lost their way, for awhile.
Fast forward ~15 years and I find myself sitting amongst a bunch of Honda automobile assembly workers, at a MotoGP race. Their commentary on Honda’s quality downfall mirrored my impressions. They say everything went to shit, mid-90’s. When I commented the newer stuff seems nice again, they say the quality is nothing like the earlier cars and they’ve become nothing but complexity. They say Honda have cheapened everything we can’t see and touch, trying to offset weight of all the government-mandated safety stuff.
I’d love to have a brand new ‘90 Civic Si Hatchback, right now.
I've owned two Honda automobiles I loved: an '05 Civic Si (the 2-door hatchback, which wasn't very popular here), and a '14 Acura ILX 6-speed manual, which had the previous generation Civic Si engine. I only had the ILX about 2.5 years, but traded it when I got a killer deal on my ND Miata a couple years ago, otherwise I'd have kept it much longer.
I had a 99 civic 5 speed. Hated that car. D16 sohc was a dog. [image: emoji1787.png]
Wife's 97 Geo Prizm blew that Civic right out of the water. Even with the AC on
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I had a 99 Civic LX four-door also until someone with no experience with roundabouts totaled it. That was much more fun to drive that my current '08, which has gained too many pounds and inches.
(I've always had the philosophy that Small Is Beautiful)
However, the best Honda-built cage I ever owned was an Integra GS-R four-door. And I had two of them. The first year available, 1994, and the last year, 2001. And the '01 was hot-rodded with a aluminum front strut tower brace, cold-air box and .22mm rear sway bar. I loved that cage and had my feelings seriously hurt when it was stolen from my driveway in 2005.
I believe it was the first VTEC engine following the NSX exotic.
I still mourn the '01's loss.
And, the unfortunate thing about the Integra GS-R is the Fast & Fuckhead crowd have destroyed the majority of them, just like the kids are cutting up all the nice, air-cooled bikes, now. Zero appreciation for enjoying stuff for what it is.
I beat the snot out of my VFR Sunday, put her up and always wonder how they take it without blowing up. The Angel GT rear is holding up amazingly well too. Tires are better than they used to be.
3 hours ago, Bent
I beat the snot out of my VFR Sunday, put her up and always wonder how they take it without blowing up. The Angel GT rear is holding up amazingly well too. Tires are better than they used to be.
I can't wait to get my VFR back from the shop this week and do some snott-kicking my own darn self. These machines are a sure cure for the COVID blues.
Good advice for all of us VFRDers Bent.
55 minutes ago, MaxSwell
I can't wait to get my VFR back from the shop this week and do some snott-kicking my own darn self. These machines are a sure cure for the COVID blues.
Good advice for all of us VFRDers Bent.
My favorite times on my VFR have been those Dragon-like sections of road where there turns are so close together I'm just modulating the throttle in 2nd or 3rd gear, running 6K to 10K rpm instead of actually changing gears. What awesome experiences! It's nice never having to worry about whether your engine will blow up.
Leaning on the Can-Am offering, I like the idea of a Spyder or Ryker when the time comes for me to give up 2 wheels. My dad is 75 and has a Ryker. He’d originally bought a Spyder in 2008, rode it every year, across country and finally traded it in last year for the Ryker. He even rode that from home here in NY down to the Dragon and back earlier in the summer.
I know it’s not everyones cup of tea but it’s not a bad option either.
I stopped in the Can Am dealer, last Saturday, and had a look. The Ryker seems much more reasonably sized.
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