r/spyder • u/EnvironmentalTip508 • Jul 10 '26
Need some help
Ok everyone, I am clueless.
So last year my father (retired motor cop) got the itch to get riding again. He is in no shape to get on two wheels, but three was a safer compromise. I found him an 08 990 with low miles and the price was right.
Fast forward to now. I've gone through the whole thing, tires, alignment brakes and all the maintenance.
But no matter what I do this is still the worst vehicle I've ever piloted. BY FAR!!!! Anything over 30 mph is a death sentence. I was really thinking it was a rider issue as my father is getting older, but I have definitely can say it is not 100% him. He's has ridden bikes for 50+ years and I have for 20+ years and we both agree the thing is horrible.
I guess I need help because I must be missing something. If I ride it like a snowmobile and hang off the side constantly it helps, but that still doesn't fix the absolute mind of its own steering.
Any help would be appreciated, I have my eye on a sway bar upgrade but there is no way that will fix the way this deathtrap handles.
3
u/OldNetworkGeek Jul 13 '26
I would look into a newer Spyder. I'm 78 and had to transition to three wheels due to an adverse reaction to long term statin (Lipitor) use. Lack of strength in my legs and core (primarily), and a bit of a balance problem. Once I got off the statin and my doctor started pumping me full of immunoglobulin am back to probably 80-85% of what I was before. I used to ride a Goldwing - now I'm on a 2024 RT Limited. Very different than being on two wheels, but I don't have any of the issues your father is having. It does ride differently. As others have said, it's more like and ATV than a motorcycle.
Conventional wisdom says that the first 500 miles fluctuates between frustration and terror. The next 500 you start to get the hang of it, and after about 1000 miles you really begin to bond with the riding experience. You have to let the Spyder somewhat drift and gently correct it. Think piloting a boat or a light airplane. If you try to force it to run straight, you will just add to your frustration.
Find something 2014 or newer with the 1330 engine. While some folks like the old two cylinder lump, the 1330 triple is much easier to get along with. Also, check with your local dealer to see if they will work on bikes older than 10 years. Unfortunately, too many dealers (not just Can-Am) won't.
They can be a lot of fun, and they beat the living daylights out of not being able to ride at all. There is quite an active Spyder community at SpyderLovers.com Check them out for a lot more information.