There’s something uniquely freeing about the wind whipping past your helmet as you take a long stretch of open road. For years, that was the only kind of therapy I needed—riding on two wheels, gripping the handlebars of my cruiser or adventure bike, and feeling like I could leave the stresses of life in the rearview mirror. But life changes, and so does riding.

After eight years on a cruiser and another eight on an adventure bike, I started feeling less thrilled about tackling the twisty, hilly roads that came with our move to rural Southeast Ohio. I didn’t realize it at first, but I started riding less, and it hit me harder than I expected. That connection to the road, the stress-relieving moments of freedom, were dwindling, and it wasn’t something I was ready to give up. Enter the Can-Am Spyder. Moving to three wheels brought back the thrill and allowed me to rediscover my love of the road. But switching from two to three wheels isn’t as simple as just buying a new bike. There are some unique challenges that come with this transition.

Learning to Take Turns on Three Wheels

One of the biggest adjustments when moving from a two-wheeled motorcycle to a Can-Am Spyder is figuring out how to handle turns. On a traditional motorcycle, your body instinctively leans into the curve, which makes tight corners and twisty roads a thrilling experience. But on a Spyder, leaning doesn’t help. Instead, you have to steer your way through turns—much like you would in a car.

At first, it feels awkward, like your brain knows what to do, but your body is telling you something entirely different. It’s a whole new muscle memory you have to develop, and trust me, it takes some practice. Imagine driving a go-kart, but faster, and with more power beneath you. It’s fun, but you’ve got to learn to be strategic with your turns. I remember the first time I took my Spyder out on one of those twisty Ohio backroads. I kept trying to lean into the turn, and all it did was make me feel more off-balance. It wasn’t until I started consciously steering that I could really start enjoying those roads again. I use a combination of pushing out and pulling in on the handlebars to give me the extra leverage to take corners more aggressively.

Missing the Feel of Two Wheels

For many of us who’ve been riding motorcycles for years, there’s something special about balancing on two wheels. The feel of leaning into the wind and maintaining that delicate balance becomes second nature. When you switch to a three-wheeler like the Can-Am Spyder, that balancing act is gone, and it’s a strange thing to let go of.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it at first. The thrill of two wheels is one of the reasons I started riding motorcycles in the first place. On the Spyder, it’s more stable, more grounded, and while that’s great for the roads that once made me nervous, there’s a part of me that misses the wobbly dance of balancing a bike at stoplights. The Spyder is more like a souped-up ATV or snowmobile. It’s a different kind of fun, but still fun, nonetheless. The Spyder's unique riding experience has its own thrill, but for those who’ve spent years perfecting their balance on two wheels, the adjustment can feel bittersweet.

Dealing with the Bad Attitudes of Some Riders

Let’s be honest: not everyone in the motorcycle community is going to be excited about your switch to three wheels. There’s this unspoken thing among some riders that three-wheelers, like the Can-Am Spyder, aren’t “real” bikes. I’ve been on the receiving end of a few sideways looks and comments when I pull up on my Spyder at local meetups. And I get it—bikes are about freedom, rebellion, and individuality. For some, the idea of a three-wheeler just doesn’t fit that mold.

But you know what? I stopped caring about what others thought the moment I realized how much I was enjoying riding again. The Spyder put the fun back into my rides. So yeah, some of the hardcore two-wheel enthusiasts might scoff, but as far as I’m concerned, if you’re out there with the wind in your face and your knees in the breeze, you’re part of the tribe. Plus, the three-wheel design has given me more confidence to tackle roads I had started avoiding, and that’s worth more to me than anyone else’s opinion.

Finding Authorized Mechanics

One challenge that I didn’t anticipate was how tricky it can be to find a good mechanic for my Can-Am Spyder. When you ride a traditional two-wheeled bike, there are plenty of independent shops and mechanics that can help you out with repairs and maintenance. But the Spyder, with its unique design and technology, requires a bit more specialization. Not every shop is equipped or knowledgeable enough to work on them.

This has been a bit of a pain point. If you don’t have an authorized Can-Am mechanic nearby, you might find yourself traveling a good distance to get your Spyder serviced. It’s something I wish I had known before making the switch. Of course, with time, you learn to find the right places for repairs, and there are some great online communities where Spyder riders share recommendations for trustworthy mechanics. But initially, this was a challenge I didn’t foresee.

Getting Back in the Wind

At the end of the day, the reason I switched from two to three wheels was simple: I missed the wind. I missed the joy of riding. My Can-Am Spyder RT gave that back to me in a new way. Yes, there are some adjustments to make, and sure, I still get nostalgic for my VStrom. But the Spyder has allowed me to continue riding in a way that feels safe and enjoyable.

And for those of you thinking about making the switch, remember, the most important thing is the ride itself. Whether you’re on two wheels or three, it’s about that connection to the road, the freedom, and the sheer joy of being in the moment.

Elevate Your Spyder Style with Custom Patches

Speaking of the Can-Am Spyder, if you’re a proud Spyder rider like me, why not add some flair to your gear with Street Iron Gear’s vast collection of Can-Am Spyder and Ryker Embroidered Patches? These patches are the perfect way to showcase your love for your ride, whether you want to add them to your jacket, vest, or even your riding bag. They feature high-quality embroidery with bold designs that reflect your passion for three-wheel riding. Whether you’re customizing your gear or gifting them to a fellow Spyder rider, these patches are a must-have for any Spyder enthusiast.