New Rider Impressions and "becoming one" with the Spyder

[wvedec]

I ride a Harley Heritage Softail Classic motorcycle that I have customized to be very comfortable. However, I have been getting cramping and pains in my left leg from shifting, in my left hand from using the clutch, and in my right hand from using the front brake. Not all the time, but occasionally. Also, my wife is not interested in riding on the back of my Harley.

After doing a short test ride on a Spyder F3-Ltd and really enjoying it, I bought a 2016 Spyder F3-T SE6 (see photo below; click to enlarge). After about 200 miles I was afraid that I had made a very costly mistake. I found the steering to be "twitchy", that turns took more effort than expected, that bumps affected the steering, that it ran pretty hot, that the seat was not as comfy as expected, and that my neck hurt because the handlebars were lower than on the Harley (which has mini-ape hangers). I had a sinking feeling in my gut, wondering what to do. Should I just sell it, take a loss, and chalk it up to experience? But, after reading the "Do's and Do Nots for New Spyder Owners" sticky and many posts on this Forum, I decided not to panic. In particular, many Forum members said that you needed about 700 miles under the belt to get comfortable riding a Spyder, especially coming off a motorcycle. Well...700 mile IS the magic number. I now have a little over 800 miles on the Spyder. I passed the 700 mile mark while on my longest trip - 225 miles. That included the last 40 miles in a heavy rain shower on the interstate. It finally all clicked - just like it did a few years back with the Harley. I "became one" with the Spyder. It felt like an extension of my body. Turns became effortless - and FUN! The twitchiness went away as I used a lighter grip, and I became accustomed to the "liveliness" of the ride and the action on the front end. Actually, I have to be careful now, as the familiarity of the ride is starting to lead to a bit of "hooliganism" in my riding style as I start to push the limits a bit more. I am now quite pleased with my Spyder and enjoying its unique character.

With that being said, I am still going to be regularly riding my Harley on long rides. It's comfort level (except for the hands and leg) is exceptional. Perhaps with more modifications to the Spyder I will use it on long rides as well. I need to have the Baja Ron sway bar that I bought installed for sure. I probably will have to also eventually get an F4 Customs windshield, soft handlebar grips, and Pitbull highway pegs. I am also considering short reach bars that I might be able to adjust by twisting to lift my hands higher and relieve the neck pain (which actually has diminished recently). Finally, a Russell Day-Long seat might be in the future if I decide to make the Spyder my primary ride instead of the Harley. Of course, all that requires a significant financial investment. However, if my enjoyment in riding my Spyder increases even more, this will be well worth it.

I am so thankful that I decided to dive in and buy my Spyder. What a joy!!!


Spyder a.jpg

[papanorm]

I'm glad to hear you gave your Spyder some more time. It grows on you and becomes more and more fun to ride the more you do it, so keep it up. And congrats, she sure is a beaut!! This forum is a wealth of knowledge along with top notch vendors as well.

[PrairieSpyder]

on your one-ness with you F3T! That's exactly how I feel about mine.

As to getting comfortable and pushing the limits, that's half the fun for me!

[Chupaca]

Just needed to give it a chance. Glad you stopped by for some light reading and especially glad you tried out those points. Congrats on your choice.. you may find that you wilk slowly get yo using the spyder even on the long rydes...

[ARtraveler]

you are one of the lucky ones. It took me a full 1500 miles before I felt comfortable with my first .

I am good now.

PS. Just recently got back on two wheels. I am finding the riding a lot more fun and there is a bit of hooliganism setting in here also. I am already doing the twisties faster than before.

[Motorcycledave]

Welcome to this bunch of 3 wheeled riders ... ENJOY
Ride Safe
Dave

[drhunt204]

Congratulations on your new spyder! I wish you lots of smiles with your miles! Ride safe!

[Rattlebars]

I totally agree with you on the seat. It's terrible. Who would make a seat that has the "back rest" directly on your belt line?

I came to the Spyder after many years riding quads. No learning curve at all (pun intended?). Loved it from the git go.

Loosen your grip on the grips and let her have her way a little that she will treat you better.

[F4 Customs]

Great time to purchase your new F4 customs windshield as we have free shipping until July 5th.
330-968-4644
Don

I ride a Harley Heritage Softail Classic motorcycle that I have customized to be very comfortable. However, I have been getting cramping and pains in my left leg from shifting, in my left hand from using the clutch, and in my right hand from using the front brake. Not all the time, but occasionally. Also, my wife is not interested in riding on the back of my Harley.

After doing a short test ride on a Spyder F3-Ltd and really enjoying it, I bought a 2016 Spyder F3-T SE6 (see photo below; click to enlarge). After about 200 miles I was afraid that I had made a very costly mistake. I found the steering to be "twitchy", that turns took more effort than expected, that bumps affected the steering, that it ran pretty hot, that the seat was not as comfy as expected, and that my neck hurt because the handlebars were lower than on the Harley (which has mini-ape hangers). I had a sinking feeling in my gut, wondering what to do. Should I just sell it, take a loss, and chalk it up to experience? But, after reading the "Do's and Do Nots for New Spyder Owners" sticky and many posts on this Forum, I decided not to panic. In particular, many Forum members said that you needed about 700 miles under the belt to get comfortable riding a Spyder, especially coming off a motorcycle. Well...700 mile IS the magic number. I now have a little over 800 miles on the Spyder. I passed the 700 mile mark while on my longest trip - 225 miles. That included the last 40 miles in a heavy rain shower on the interstate. It finally all clicked - just like it did a few years back with the Harley. I "became one" with the Spyder. It felt like an extension of my body. Turns became effortless - and FUN! The twitchiness went away as I used a lighter grip, and I became accustomed to the "liveliness" of the ride and the action on the front end. Actually, I have to be careful now, as the familiarity of the ride is starting to lead to a bit of "hooliganism" in my riding style as I start to push the limits a bit more. I am now quite pleased with my Spyder and enjoying its unique character.

With that being said, I am still going to be regularly riding my Harley on long rides. It's comfort level (except for the hands and leg) is exceptional. Perhaps with more modifications to the Spyder I will use it on long rides as well. I need to have the Baja Ron sway bar that I bought installed for sure. I probably will have to also eventually get an F4 Customs windshield, soft handlebar grips, and Pitbull highway pegs. I am also considering short reach bars that I might be able to adjust by twisting to lift my hands higher and relieve the neck pain (which actually has diminished recently). Finally, a Russell Day-Long seat might be in the future if I decide to make the Spyder my primary ride instead of the Harley. Of course, all that requires a significant financial investment. However, if my enjoyment in riding my Spyder increases even more, this will be well worth it.

I am so thankful that I decided to dive in and buy my Spyder. What a joy!!!


Spyder a.jpg

[Lin]

I didn't see any further mention about your wife. Is she riding with you on the Spyder?

[Samson]

I think this story is so true for many Spyder riders. Glad you are liking it.