I took the MSF Safety Course in Albuquerque, NM. The requirements for the test at the end were:
1. Figure 8 in the box test
2. Swerve test
3. Stop in a box test
4. Cornering test
They would not let me use my own bike, so I was on a little 250cc Star. I had never ridden a motorcycle before, but they were good teachers and I passed the test on 2 wheels. (and the figure 8 was do-able). There are no "gimmees" though. We had one person fail and another guy (an experienced rider) almost failed.
I went back to the lot where I did the MSF course and test with my Spyder, and tried all the tests again. The Figure 8 test was impossible. Nothing to do with my skill--the Spyder simply won't turn that tightly. The swerve was harder on the Spyder, but the stopping and cornering were fine.
I can't believe they would expect anyone to do that figure 8 on a Spyder. There is just no way.
There hasn't really been a call for changing the tests to accommodate Spyders until recently. Hopefully there will be enough noise that the people who make the decisions will notice and do something about it.
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CONSUMER WARNING: Use of this Spyder may cause smiling, happiness, urge to ride, excessive wind in the face, desire to call in sick to work, or even extended vacations. Some riders have experienced double-takes, pointing, sudden camera flash, kids waving, and conversations with total strangers. Several instances of unplanned roadside visits with police officers have been reported, though are not common. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your Spyder forum to discuss.
In New York State we have two different motorcycle licenses, If you take the road test with a two wheeler, then you are licensed for both two and three wheel bikes. But, if you take the road test with a three wheeler then you are only licensed to ride a three wheeler. I'm sure the test is different for both, but i'm not sure.
The MSF course here has a three wheel course and they use standard trikes and spyder's.
That's good news! Hopefully the rest of the states will follow suit!
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CONSUMER WARNING: Use of this Spyder may cause smiling, happiness, urge to ride, excessive wind in the face, desire to call in sick to work, or even extended vacations. Some riders have experienced double-takes, pointing, sudden camera flash, kids waving, and conversations with total strangers. Several instances of unplanned roadside visits with police officers have been reported, though are not common. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your Spyder forum to discuss.
In PA. the dimensions for a figure 8 for a "TRIKE" is 40ft. x 45ft.I don't know if a Can-Am would be able to do a figure 8 in those dimensions but I can do it on my Goldwing Trike. I went to take my test 2 weeks ago and didn't know that I had to do a figure 8 so I didn't pass my test.I asked the examiner what the dimensions were so I could practice it and he told me 40x45 feet.I need to do it three times in a row to pass.My next test is on 8/4/11.I know what to do this time.
That seems a bit too tight for the Spyders... but that's why we've got reverse and I got licensed about a thousand years ago...
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2010 Blue RT Audio & Convenience model Se-5 transmision. Dealer-added foglights, accent LEDs and extra speakers. Some RTS chrome windshield, front spoiler and top trunk trim, RTS frunklight and frunk liner, Top Trunk liner, Chrome lower air deflector, fendertip LED bulbs and ISCI floorboards added by yours truly...
Taking the beginner's course and getting licensed on a 125 cc motorcycle is probably the best idea, since some folks are still having trouble with the restrictions and passing on the Spyder. It won't hurt, and certainly could help.
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CONSUMER WARNING: Use of this Spyder may cause smiling, happiness, urge to ride, excessive wind in the face, desire to call in sick to work, or even extended vacations. Some riders have experienced double-takes, pointing, sudden camera flash, kids waving, and conversations with total strangers. Several instances of unplanned roadside visits with police officers have been reported, though are not common. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your Spyder forum to discuss.
In PA. the dimensions for a figure 8 for a "TRIKE" is 40ft. x 45ft.I don't know if a Can-Am would be able to do a figure 8 in those dimensions but I can do it on my Goldwing Trike. I went to take my test 2 weeks ago and didn't know that I had to do a figure 8 so I didn't pass my test.I asked the examiner what the dimensions were so I could practice it and he told me 40x45 feet.I need to do it three times in a row to pass.My next test is on 8/4/11.I know what to do this time.
That box size is correct, after my buddy Aaron took the test a second time in Chambersburg, PA instead of Johnstown, PA, he passed doing 3 figure 8's, stop in the box and swerve test. The 40' x 45' box is too small but the Spyder corners alot closer than the manual states, he was outside of the box on 2 sides by about 3 feet and the tester admitted the test was flawed. Needless to say, he filed a formal complaint with PennDot against the test center in Johnstown, PA
They also only licensed him for 3 wheelers with a class M restriction 9 in PA
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Jeff M.
2009 BRP Can-Am SE5 Spyder, Roadster Red
BRP Sport Rack, BRP Back Rest, BRP Comfort Seat, BRP Ergonomic Passenger Foot Peg Extenders, CalSci Tinted Shorty Windshield, MMG Cool Air Intake, Green Performance Air Filter, Hindle Exhaust.
i failed the first time and didn't think it was possible, i returned that evening and tried it for an hour and a half, and yes its possible, only two turns really matter, the rest is a consequence of those two turns. I passed the second time and that day they made the box bigger. the stupid lady said it was for the new can am, that its bigger than mine. to no avail would she believe me that the bikes were on the same platform. ugh
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