Should the Spyder Require a Motorcycle Endorsement

[Dave S]

Just curious what your thoughts are on the Can Am Spyder requiring the motorcycle endorsement. I could see more people getting into riding if they could only take the test on 3 wheels instead of 2 or not even need the endorsement to begin with.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but if I've heard correctly, even the new trikes require the endorsement, but the skills test isn't set up to accomodate them. My other half has expressed interest in riding her own bike as long as she could be on 3 wheels vs. 2.

[leech~~]

Just curious what your thoughts are on the Can Am Spyder requiring the motorcycle endorsement. I could see more people getting into riding if they could only take the test on 3 wheels instead of 2 or not even need the endorsement to being with.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but if I've heard correctly, even the new trikes require the endorsement, but the skills test isn't set up to accomodate them. My other half has expressed interest in riding her own bike as long as she could be on 3 wheels vs. 2.

This is a very good question? I wonder how they handle this new one?

[merkman]

If it is handled like any other trike it requries the motorcycle endorsement with a 3 wheel restriction.

People with the full endorsement can ride them but if you have a 3 wheel restriction you can not ride 2 wheels.

The test is the same test as a car would use, from my understanding.

[Dellfin]

A little bit off-topic, but if it isn't required it should be. It's been many years since I got my endorsement after taking the motorcycle rider safety course which may or may not be mandatory now...I'm not sure? Either way, I believe that the defensive safety characteristics of riding a 3-wheeled bike would be nearly identical to a 2-wheel bike. It's generally the people driving in cars that don't see you on a bike that contribute to accidents, particularly those making left turns in front of you while approaching. Granted, there is a bit more mass in a 3-wheel bike approaching for a car turning left to observe, but there are still too many inattentive drivers. From taking the safety course, being cautious of cars turning left in front of you while on a bike is the #1 safety tip I think about time and time again.

[merkman]

I just looked it up.

Same written test but the skills test could be different if you want to be restricted to 3 wheels (spyder, trike, or sidecar).

Motorcycle Endorsement Skills Test

When you feel that you have reached an acceptable skill level, you

may return to a driver examining station and take the skills test on your motorcycle.

You can schedule your test in person, by phone or online at

www.mndriveinfo.org. If you test on a three-wheeled motorcycle, you

will be restricted to operating threewheelers only. You can remove

restrictions by taking the skills test on the type of motorcycle you want to operate.

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/DLTraining/DLManual/PDF/MotorcycleManual.pdf#page=6