RE: PH2: The Spyder Club
Discussion
I've been a member for several years and I'll explain my reasoning:
I have a long commute to work in all weathers so I need a reliable, comfortable bike which is why I had a BMW K1200R and more recently a R1200GS. These are both great bikes and I wouldn't be without my bike. I had the K1200R for 6 years so I'm not the kind of guy who changes bike a lot. I also took the K1200R on track a bit (ok, not a "track bike" but it was still quick and a lot of fun)
All that said, I would see guys on sports and other bikes and wonder what each and every one was like: how would that be in traffic? what about in the wet? what about on the track? Spyder club gives me the opportunity to try a lot of thse other bikes out without the commitment of buying one. For those that say the dealers will let you ride anything, that might be true (your dealers are lot friendly than ones I've dealt with!) but it's still not living with the bike for a few days (or more), riding it in rain (or hot weather if its Italian!), in traffic as well as on an open road - that's when you learn to love (or hate!) a bike. I've ridden just about every bike the club has had (I'm guessing that's over 40, Mark will correct me I'm sure) which has improved my riding no end.
I would also say that it really is a club: without exception all the members are friendly bike nuts who are good fun to ride with. The club trips to Spain, The Alps and Scotland are all brilliant (I speak from experience) - I'm expecting the France trip in a few weeks will be just as good!
Finally, on the cost side, owning and running my K1200R for 6 years easily cost me more than 6 years membership of Spyder club (depreciation, insurance, servicing/tyres etc) so if you are considering a 2nd (3rd, 4th?!) bike then its worth a look.
I have a long commute to work in all weathers so I need a reliable, comfortable bike which is why I had a BMW K1200R and more recently a R1200GS. These are both great bikes and I wouldn't be without my bike. I had the K1200R for 6 years so I'm not the kind of guy who changes bike a lot. I also took the K1200R on track a bit (ok, not a "track bike" but it was still quick and a lot of fun)
All that said, I would see guys on sports and other bikes and wonder what each and every one was like: how would that be in traffic? what about in the wet? what about on the track? Spyder club gives me the opportunity to try a lot of thse other bikes out without the commitment of buying one. For those that say the dealers will let you ride anything, that might be true (your dealers are lot friendly than ones I've dealt with!) but it's still not living with the bike for a few days (or more), riding it in rain (or hot weather if its Italian!), in traffic as well as on an open road - that's when you learn to love (or hate!) a bike. I've ridden just about every bike the club has had (I'm guessing that's over 40, Mark will correct me I'm sure) which has improved my riding no end.
I would also say that it really is a club: without exception all the members are friendly bike nuts who are good fun to ride with. The club trips to Spain, The Alps and Scotland are all brilliant (I speak from experience) - I'm expecting the France trip in a few weeks will be just as good!
Finally, on the cost side, owning and running my K1200R for 6 years easily cost me more than 6 years membership of Spyder club (depreciation, insurance, servicing/tyres etc) so if you are considering a 2nd (3rd, 4th?!) bike then its worth a look.
Interesting thread. I've wondered for a while whether something similar would work with the old, British bikes. Not the 70s stuff, the earlier bikes (pre-70s). I knew the car system worked, didn't realise there was a bike version being run though 
I know there's a few hire and tour companies about, but I think they're more 'old fashioned'. And contrary to what a lot of people think on here, there's an awful lot of younger people getting into the fifties (and earlier) scene, who maybe don't want the hassle of maintenance but quite like the idea ofposing riding about on something like a 50s Thunderbird. There's also a lot of old bike events that people ould like to borrow a bike for, as theirs may not be eligable. That way, one van full of bikes and loads of customers in one place. Plus, no depreciation or service costs 
Sorry, thinking out loud now. Either way, good on you for making it work in what's a tough time for businesses
I know there's a few hire and tour companies about, but I think they're more 'old fashioned'. And contrary to what a lot of people think on here, there's an awful lot of younger people getting into the fifties (and earlier) scene, who maybe don't want the hassle of maintenance but quite like the idea of
Sorry, thinking out loud now. Either way, good on you for making it work in what's a tough time for businesses
No corrections required Adamk550, you've probably ridden 40 plus bikes through membership and at least another 10 on events. With the two new bikes coming next week: BMW HP2 Sport and Honda CB1100RC, we'll be nearing 50 bikes owned by Spyder Club over the last four and a half years, you've been with us just over 4 years
SROB, many thanks for your comments, a difficult business to establish as we are niche however thanks to loyal members and trip guests like AdamK550 we are very happy with our progression. Feel free to come and say hi at our Open Day on the 8th September near Oxford: http://www.spyderclub.co.uk/events/2012/04/25/spyd...
SROB, many thanks for your comments, a difficult business to establish as we are niche however thanks to loyal members and trip guests like AdamK550 we are very happy with our progression. Feel free to come and say hi at our Open Day on the 8th September near Oxford: http://www.spyderclub.co.uk/events/2012/04/25/spyd...
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