Well, a new to me Spyder will soon be mine next week. It's a 1700+ mile drive to pick it up and haul it back on a 2 + center rail Kendon. Buying from the original owner with 2100 miles since new with color matched factory bags, heated grips, passenger back rest, fog lamps, Battery Tender and cover.
It's going to be tight on the trailer with the rear wheel tied to the mc chock at the front of the trailer and the front wheels almost to the back of the trailer. The trailer is the same width as the Spyder and the nose will overhang the back by a few inches.
I was going to do a fly and ride but with many posts noting the need for laser alignment, etc. I didn't feel comfortable mixing it up in California traffic. My only experience on a Spyder has been two hours on an early model RT that I rented after getting my WA trike endorsement several years ago.
I'm hoping that my co-pilot can adjust from being on the back of a motorcycle for the past 40 years.
To both the spyder world and this site. Great choice in a ryde... do suggest that if you are putting her on backwards that you remove the windshield. Lot of stress on that going down the road back wheel first...Long drive but well worth it...be safe
Gene and Ilana De Laney Mt. Helix, California
2012 RS sm5
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
I was a thinking while reading the post , " what a thrill of excitement " that would have been , 1 st ride ,and it was the ride home , excitement wrapped in a little bit of fear ... before I purchased our 2012 , only ridden the friends bike ( of same year and model ) twice , bought our cycle it was 2 hour drive back home through Louisville ky, man what a rush ! good luck on your purchase , really a great machine , learn a lot fast when in the forums it comes in handy ! happy rides !
Well, a new to me Spyder will soon be mine next week. It's a 1700+ mile drive to pick it up and haul it back on a 2 + center rail Kendon. Buying from the original owner with 2100 miles since new with color matched factory bags, heated grips, passenger back rest, fog lamps, Battery Tender and cover.
It's going to be tight on the trailer with the rear wheel tied to the mc chock at the front of the trailer and the front wheels almost to the back of the trailer. The trailer is the same width as the Spyder and the nose will overhang the back by a few inches.
I was going to do a fly and ride but with many posts noting the need for laser alignment, etc. I didn't feel comfortable mixing it up in California traffic. My only experience on a Spyder has been two hours on an early model RT that I rented after getting my WA trike endorsement several years ago.
I'm hoping that my co-pilot can adjust from being on the back of a motorcycle for the past 40 years.
How does everyone here know you need the alignment?
Love my Spyders
2016 F3L Steel Black purchased 7/16/2016 Sold 3/11/2023 (22,500 mi)
2014 RTS Circuit Yellow purchased 3/2/2018
2020 RTL Petrol Blue purchased 1/27/2023
Girls on Spyders #3195
No more 2 wheels
2020 RTL , Lamonster floor board riser Petrol Blue
Is yours a generic question to anyone or is it directed to nwrider? If me, I don't think mine is particularly out of alignment -- more that after installing a BajaRon sway bar and noting than some have come set up from the factory miss-aligned, I want to be sure to get the best handling I can. From reading other posts, if your Spyder tracks true on a good flat road surface, then it's probably within tolerances -- unless you note uneven tire wear, etc. Hopefully, others with more personal experience will chime in.
How does everyone here know you need the alignment?
Because the BRP production alignment procedures are notoriously sloppy and inaccurate. Have a laser alignment check, at least from Squared Away and if you don't need one there usually is no charge.
Look for front tires wearing unevenly,pulling badly to one side or the other, steering problems,same things you feel in your car.
Happy TRAils/NSD
Paul
2012 RT L
AMA 25 years Life Member
TRA
PGR
Rhino Riders Plate #83
Venturers #78
TOI
I've spent the last several days adding farkles. Spyderpops belt guard and bump/skid plate (already contacted pavement with it twice), Bajaron swaybar and heim links, and a touring windshield. I got the brand new windshield as NOS for $56 delivered about $220 under retail even at that, I'm not too sure it's any better than the stock shield. With both I've ended up running them in the lowest position to get smoother airflow.
The Bajaron swaybar/heim links do seem to make quite an improvement. Has anyone added the Fox Podium shocks after having installed the swaybar to note the difference?
I have a 2013 ST that has a BaJaRon sway bar. I added spring preload adjusters and felt handling improvement.
The ST is notoriously undersprung. Finally at Spyderfest I had stage 2 Elka shocks and spring added to replace my stock shocks and springs. The Elka's made an amazing improvement in stability and highway high speed tracking. No more dive in cornering or issues with cross winds or truck passing. New shocks and springs are my best farkle so far.
David C
2016 F3T
DIY Garage Door Opener & GPS Mount
Battery tender cable
Rear IPS Pack Rack