RE: PH2: The Spyder Club

RE: PH2: The Spyder Club

Author
Discussion

SpyderMark

27 posts

172 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
It's been very interesting reading the comments today and as we've always known Spyder Club isn't for everyone, it would be a dull world if we were all the same! It is good to see that many of our members have provided positive feedback as we've worked hard and listened so that Spyder Club works for them.
Over the past four and a half years we've owned over 45 bikes, run trips to the Alps, southern Spain, southern France, Scotland and many other destinations, IOM next year, but the purpose of Spyder Club was never to replace bike ownership in fact the very opposite, many members buy bikes as a result of riding ours.
Whether trip guests or members, the common fact is they all love riding bikes and want to experience more, Spyder Club just makes it more convenient and cost effective when considering what we run.
Some of the issues suggested just don't arise, very few run out of miles or find there isn't a bike to try. It does need a little planning so that's why the majority own bikes as well.
Thanks to everyone for commenting, please say more!
We are still working hard to put Spyder Club out there and if nothing else you all now know we exist!
Happy to answer any further questions!

PILCH 23

170 posts

201 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
Dr Jekyll said:
It's only 100 miles per day though. Hardly a good day out.
You can ride as far as you like but if you ride 400 miles per day you'd use up your mileage allowance more quickly than your points or days allowance.

I took a Triumph Sprint ST1050 sports tourer two up around the Scottish Borders, and a Moto Guzzi Griso SE to Snowdonia for the same type of long weekend. Sometimes I only get the chance to ride for 100 miles over a weekend (due to other commitments) and then can make it up by taking another bike further on a subseqent one. I think that I did a 1,000 miles in one week on the BMW S1000RR when I took it to the 2010 Isle of Man TT.

PILCH 23

170 posts

201 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
Spyder Club bikes that I have ridden so far:

MV Agusta Brutale 910S
Ducati 1198S
BMW S1000RR (2010)
Ducati Streetfighter S (1098)
Aprilia RSV4 Factory
Ducati Hypermotard 1100S
Triumph Street Triple R
Triumph Thunderbird (1597cc)(2010)
Ducati 1198
Triumph Daytona 675
Moto Guzzi Griso SE
Yamaha R6 (track bike)(at California Superbike School)
Suzuki GSXR 750 (track bike)(at California Superbike School)
Triumph Sprint ST1050
MV Agusta F4 (2010)
Ducati 848
Suzuki SV650 (Cyril - the reliable spare bike in Spain)
Ducati 749S
Ducati 848 (with Ohlins)(at CSS)
Kawasaki Z1b (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
Suzuki GT750 Kettle (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
Laverda Jota 1000 (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
Triumph Trident (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
KTM RC8R (2011)
Ducati Diavel Carbon
Ducati Multistrada 1200
Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC
Triumph Speed Triple (2011)
Ducati 1199 Panigale
Bimota DB4

Shurv

956 posts

161 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
That is one serious list of highly desirable bikes. Yes, you could own a (pretty old) Fireblade for £ 3k and have to run it, BUT,it'd be far more fun to tick off bikes from this list than have to ride the same old stter all the time.I have 2 bikes, but sometimes you get a little bored of them and it'd be great to have a choice of bikes to ride. My two cost around £700 pa to run ( excluding any depreciation and purchase cost) as I do my own servicing. So, for not much more I could run far nicer bikes and not have to worry about securing them in my garage. I may need to do less miles pa but with some planning you could have a great time.So what if it is raining on a day when I'd planned to have a club bike,I'd get a bit wet.Great idea,good luck with the venture.

Hobo

5,764 posts

247 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
Isn't the joy of biking, seeing the weathers fine & deciding on a blast. In the uk it's hard to 'schedule' good weather & that would be my main issue with such a club, ie you spend a quarter of your points on hiring say the panigale for the weekend & it turns out the weathers crap.

I can see the reason peoe sign up for the overseas trips though if you fancy a couple of long weekends on a bit of exocita for a change, relatively cheaply.

Personally, I'll stick with choosing the bike I want & buying it.

3doorPete

9,917 posts

235 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
I can see the market for this - if you fancy guilt free (ie not messing dealers about with test rides) goes on lots of bikes many dream about, I can't see why not? Not many people will lend you a Bimota or Z1 for a blast or try and many don't want the headache or expertise to look after a specialist classic bike.
You get to experience many different bikes for a fee which is not massively exhorbitant given gym memberships, parking charges, insurance premiums, Sky TV and all other sundry things people spend similar money on a year.
If you decide you then want to buy a classic or modern bike, you have a wealth of comparitive, personal experience to draw on in making your decisions.

Pothole said:
I don't think you've understood that I don't have "a garage full of bikes I never use as I don't want to take them out in the rain and one that I hack around on whatever the weather." (because that's bloody stupid apart from anything else)
Pothole - please explain why this is 'bloody stupid' as for most this is an ideal? You can have a hack or disposable bike you can park anywhere and run into the ground over the years and then some 'special' hobby bikes for fine days and fun.

I get it's not for you - it's not for me either as I am one of those people doing the 'bloody stupid' thing above, but you seem quite aggressive towards its value. They are running a fleet, delivering and picking up bikes and trying to make a living out of it. It's not going to be pennies.

VidalBaboon

9,074 posts

216 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
I emailed them today and it looks to be a cracking deal. You can buy extra miles for not a lot so that's not an issue, also 5 members per bike so availability shouldn't be too much of an issue. To be honest, given their stock, I couldn't care less which one I borrowed- they're all awesome!

I am very interested. Saves being lumbered with the same bike and by the time you've factored in depreciation on top of tax, servicing, insurance, its actually not bad at all.

As Pete says above, keep a another as a hack (FJ1100) or even a classic, I quite fancy something old if I signed up.

btdk5

1,853 posts

191 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
PILCH 23 said:
Spyder Club bikes that I have ridden so far:

MV Agusta Brutale 910S
Ducati 1198S
BMW S1000RR (2010)
Ducati Streetfighter S (1098)
Aprilia RSV4 Factory
Ducati Hypermotard 1100S
Triumph Street Triple R
Triumph Thunderbird (1597cc)(2010)
Ducati 1198
Triumph Daytona 675
Moto Guzzi Griso SE
Yamaha R6 (track bike)(at California Superbike School)
Suzuki GSXR 750 (track bike)(at California Superbike School)
Triumph Sprint ST1050
MV Agusta F4 (2010)
Ducati 848
Suzuki SV650 (Cyril - the reliable spare bike in Spain)
Ducati 749S
Ducati 848 (with Ohlins)(at CSS)
Kawasaki Z1b (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
Suzuki GT750 Kettle (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
Laverda Jota 1000 (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
Triumph Trident (on the classic trip to south wales)(RIP Vince)
KTM RC8R (2011)
Ducati Diavel Carbon
Ducati Multistrada 1200
Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC
Triumph Speed Triple (2011)
Ducati 1199 Panigale
Bimota DB4
That is an impressive list.

Instead of a second bike it does look a pretty attractive proposition.

John D.

17,887 posts

210 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
slevin911 said:
John D. said:
slevin911 said:
950 quid!! are they mad,what A waste of money if you done this 3 or 4 times A year you could buy A pretty good bike.
Its not £950 per day though is it? If you actually read the article it states it works out about £100 per day as long as you don't want the Panigale every time.

Doesn't seem bad to me but can't see it replacing actually keeping a bike of your own in the garage.
I did read the article its for 10 days which I still think is A rip off.Maybe its just not for me,I would rather spend that money on A bike that I couse you whenever I want.One of the best parts of biking is the ownership.
Ah. Your post read like you meant 3-4 days at £950 each would buy you a nice bike. I agree £2850 would buy you a nice bike!

Still think you're missing the point somewhat.

blade7

11,311 posts

217 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
I'd rather have one good bike I know inside out than succession of the latest hot shots I could never really push, sounds like a poseurs paradise to me.

VidalBaboon

9,074 posts

216 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
blade7 said:
I'd rather have one good bike I know inside out than succession of the latest hot shots I could never really push, sounds like a poseurs paradise to me.
Riiiight, cos if you're not on the ragged edge, you're a poseur.


John D.

17,887 posts

210 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
VidalBaboon said:
blade7 said:
I'd rather have one good bike I know inside out than succession of the latest hot shots I could never really push, sounds like a poseurs paradise to me.
Riiiight, cos if you're not on the ragged edge, you're a poseur.
Bit harsh VB. I know what he means. It takes a good while to learn a bike or so theres no substitute for ownership to really get to know it. I guess the time it take to be confident to push varies on your personal skill level, but still. Trouble is lifes too short to own everything you might wish!

nsleigh

2 posts

141 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
PILCH 23 said:
Spyder Club bikes that I have ridden so far:
Suzuki SV650 (Cyril - the reliable spare bike in Spain)
Ducati 749S
I'd forgotten these two, add these to my previous list.

Reading the comments so far I agree the club is not for everyone; I don't see it as a replacement for owning a bike but for me a way to try some interesting and exotic bikes. This year my most surprising bike was the the Husqvarna Nuda R, I wouldn't have looked twice at it but it is great fun bike. Personally I like the trips, a chance to ride great bikes on great roads, my favourites Spain and Scotland without the long motorways journeys to get there.

Pothole

34,367 posts

283 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
3doorPete said:
I can see the market for this - if you fancy guilt free (ie not messing dealers about with test rides) goes on lots of bikes many dream about, I can't see why not? Not many people will lend you a Bimota or Z1 for a blast or try and many don't want the headache or expertise to look after a specialist classic bike.
You get to experience many different bikes for a fee which is not massively exhorbitant given gym memberships, parking charges, insurance premiums, Sky TV and all other sundry things people spend similar money on a year.
If you decide you then want to buy a classic or modern bike, you have a wealth of comparitive, personal experience to draw on in making your decisions.

Pothole said:
I don't think you've understood that I don't have "a garage full of bikes I never use as I don't want to take them out in the rain and one that I hack around on whatever the weather." (because that's bloody stupid apart from anything else)
Pothole - please explain why this is 'bloody stupid' as for most this is an ideal? You can have a hack or disposable bike you can park anywhere and run into the ground over the years and then some 'special' hobby bikes for fine days and fun.

I get it's not for you - it's not for me either as I am one of those people doing the 'bloody stupid' thing above, but you seem quite aggressive towards its value. They are running a fleet, delivering and picking up bikes and trying to make a living out of it. It's not going to be pennies.
I consider not wanting to take a bike out in the rain ridiculous. And no I can't have that because I can't bloody afford it, just like I can't afford (a minimum) of £80 a month.

I only started getting aggressive when other people started trying to convince me I don't know enough about my own situation or hadn't thought it through.

Once again, for me it does not represent value for money.

VidalBaboon

9,074 posts

216 months

Thursday 23rd August 2012
quotequote all
John D. said:
VidalBaboon said:
blade7 said:
I'd rather have one good bike I know inside out than succession of the latest hot shots I could never really push, sounds like a poseurs paradise to me.
Riiiight, cos if you're not on the ragged edge, you're a poseur.
Bit harsh VB. I know what he means. It takes a good while to learn a bike or so theres no substitute for ownership to really get to know it. I guess the time it take to be confident to push varies on your personal skill level, but still. Trouble is lifes too short to own everything you might wish!
It's not meant to be aggressive. It was more a silly comment aimed at what I consider a silly comment. Plus I'm coming to the end of a 65hr week, sorry if it came across that way.

You can enjoy biking quite easily without going ballistic. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a good blat, but I've never taken a bike out and not been able to figure it out within a few miles. It's not rocket science. It's a bike.

Anyway, I'm a lover not a fighter. Kisses x

Edited by VidalBaboon on Thursday 23 August 22:39

Fleegle

16,690 posts

177 months

Friday 24th August 2012
quotequote all
I generally keep quiet in these sort of posts, but its a forum, so heres my thoughts

PRO

good for those that only want to ride on a sunny day without insurance and ownership costs

CONS

dheads with a bit of money and a bike licence that want to have the biggest cock of the day, and ultimately all the gear, fk all idea


A harsh summary I'm afraid. I'm not rich enough to consider this luxury, but thats purely and simply because bikes are already a big part of my life. Its in my blood.

I have no issue with the service you are offering, but as a long term biker and probably a life long biker, cant help but feel that the majority of the people that subsribe to your service think that having the money to hire a powerful bike exageretes their ability and talent. If not, and they ride like a fanny, pray, whats the point

I dont get it. Cheapeat option a year is £950. My road hack, enduro and a back up cost less than that each year to tax, insure and maintain. And I can ride each one like i was born with it between my legs

I wish your business well, but I really dont think the people that you're aiming this service at are really bikers, more the people that need to have another club card in their wallet and 'the' photo shot of them on the Paniwanake

Unfortunately for the regular bikers, we meet tossers on bikes not suited to their confidence all the time. It's very frustrating yet quite funny

I appreciate you are a business and want to hire bikes out as much as you can, but do you carry out any vetting regarding ability before lending out a bike of 170+hp?

Only asking like

Hobo

5,764 posts

247 months

Friday 24th August 2012
quotequote all
I would assume the vetting is do they have a licence. Why should it be anything else ? Would a BMW dealer not sell a newly licensed rider an S1000RR if they went into the showroom with the money.

By the way, I agree with 'most' of fleegles points. Not for me, but no doubt for others.

John D.

17,887 posts

210 months

Friday 24th August 2012
quotequote all
Hobo said:
I would assume the vetting is do they have a licence. Why should it be anything else ? Would a BMW dealer not sell a newly licensed rider an S1000RR if they went into the showroom with the money.
Does a dealer even go as far as checking you have a license?

SpyderMark

27 posts

172 months

Friday 24th August 2012
quotequote all
The great British public, I wish you well but.....!
Today I’m delivering an R1 to a guy who started life riding 50,000 miles a year as a courier, then the 1199 to a guy who attends every BSB round, then picking up the 657R from a guy who rides an ZX6R day to day and has an original Norton Commando and finally the Bimota to a guy who’s own bike is a 600 Bandit! All these guys have been riding since the day the law allowed.
Further, and as stated by Pilch23 and nsleigh, they are just as happy to experience my wife’s SV650S as they are the latest Ducati, many of them have.
BMW can sell anyone an S1000RR, however they don’t insure the bike and therefore we vet our members (experience, bike history, no claims, age, etc) as we don’t let anyone ride our bikes, for a start Spyder Club isn’t for everyone and we don’t like show offs, they fall off!
The majority of members have their own bikes and can still easily afford Spyder Club membership however we have plenty who save every year. The common factor is they are all bike enthusiasts who just want to try more, variety is the spice of life after all. They also like to improve their riding and enjoy the club they have helped us establish.
My frustration is that you have commented on Spyder Club members and their riding, how many of them do you ride with?
Off to spend the day posing in my X reg sprinter van!

John D.

17,887 posts

210 months

Friday 24th August 2012
quotequote all
SpyderMark said:
The great British public, I wish you well but.....!
Today I’m delivering an R1 to a guy who started life riding 50,000 miles a year as a courier, then the 1199 to a guy who attends every BSB round, then picking up the 657R from a guy who rides an ZX6R day to day and has an original Norton Commando and finally the Bimota to a guy who’s own bike is a 600 Bandit! All these guys have been riding since the day the law allowed.
Further, and as stated by Pilch23 and nsleigh, they are just as happy to experience my wife’s SV650S as they are the latest Ducati, many of them have.
BMW can sell anyone an S1000RR, however they don’t insure the bike and therefore we vet our members (experience, bike history, no claims, age, etc) as we don’t let anyone ride our bikes, for a start Spyder Club isn’t for everyone and we don’t like show offs, they fall off!
The majority of members have their own bikes and can still easily afford Spyder Club membership however we have plenty who save every year. The common factor is they are all bike enthusiasts who just want to try more, variety is the spice of life after all. They also like to improve their riding and enjoy the club they have helped us establish.
My frustration is that you have commented on Spyder Club members and their riding, how many of them do you ride with?
Off to spend the day posing in my X reg sprinter van!
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