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CRUISE CONTROL W/TRAILER
Good morning Spyder-Lovers, I have a question and I know this is the place with answers and advice. I recently purchased a RT622 trailer, and I read in the owners manual not to use cruise control. We are headed to Eureka Springs next week, and I really like the cruise control on long rides, as my 76 year old wrist and hand get really tired if I don't use cruise. Any comments, advice, etc. appreciated.
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GOS member (Girls On Spyders)
uh oh, Hubby and I rode 2,000 miles with a non BRP trailer and used cruise w/o problems but didn't know we shouldn't have. Waiting to hear the answer to this.
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Active Member
CRUISE CONTROL W/TRAILER
Originally Posted by Harley
Good morning Spyder-Lovers, I have a question and I know this is the place with answers and advice. I recently purchased a RT622 trailer, and I read in the owners manual not to use cruise control. We are headed to Eureka Springs next week, and I really like the cruise control on long rides, as my 76 year old wrist and hand get really tired if I don't use cruise. Any comments, advice, etc. appreciated.
Hmmm. I didn't know this and have used the speed control all the time since I bought my '10 RT-S with no problems.(15k+ miles)
Spyder Phyl
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Cruise Control
I am not sure about the safety factor with Cruise on with a trailer... I personally would use on long flat straights and easy curves in dry conditions... But on the hills and mountains direct control would probably be best...
DEFFENENTLY DON'T USE CRUSE IN WET OR SLIPERY CONDITIONS.
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Its lawyer-ease for BRP to Cover Their *sses
While this is only my personal opinion and experience and I'd NEVER suggest someone do something that is in direct conflict with a Manufacturers suggestions, as stated, be smart about it and you'll be fine
We've had the RT-622 trailer and it handles like a dream, even with cruise control. We now have a Moto-Mate camper and still have no issues with long distance road-trips and using the cruise control, but we only use it where it makes sense to do so and we've now logged a collect 50,000 miles with no ill effects.
Not everyone has 'Common' sense tho, so BRP suggests not using it to cover their which from a corporate standpoint, totally makes sense for them. Its your machine, do what's best for you.
Also, as someone else suggested for me, you may want to look into a cramp-buster as another alternative Awesome $10 mod used when needed can really help alot on those long rydes. Again, be smart about it and only use when appropriate See, now I'm covering my own ...........................
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I used it all the time. I have a non-BRP trailer with 6,000 mile on the spyder with no problems. When the wife and I pack alot of stuff I use the trailer mode. If lite no.
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Dave Said it Best!
Too many lawyers. Not a crack nor crevasse anywhere, or in this case, cruise control, is exempt .. How many people rode to and from the Fest, pulling a trailer and did not, at some point, use the cruise..
GUILTY HERE!!
Last edited by Mad Mike; 05-30-2013 at 08:41 AM.
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According to the manual's wording: "It is not recommended to use the cruise control when towing a trailer". It does not say DO NOT USE... Now, that being said, I believe truck manuals tell you the same thing and explain the reasoning behind it: because of braking, it is more difficult to control speed when you are pulling extra weight thru the frame than on the frame itself.
By using the underlined wording, I believe this was a legality BRP had to include... Not that I am saying to do it, but just to consider the reasoning behind WHY you have to use cruise control while trailering...
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I don't use it in rain or mountains which is the same thing I do in my car.
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
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I take the "trailer mode" off once out on the road. Put it back on when nearing any town. Need the extra control of the trailer then, but not really out on the highway at higher speeds. normally don't need to slam on the brakes because some idiot pulls in front of you. The 622 is a dream to pull and doesn't phase my RT-S at all. But with what most have said. Just use common sense that usually works the best for anybody.
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I use cruise control about 95% of the time with and without my trailer, the only exception being heavy or stop and go traffic. I lock in as low as 18 mph in 1st and 26 mph in second and so forth. The bike will not let you lock in low enough to hurt the clutch since cruise is controlled by RPM not speed on our bikes. I do have to shift a bit in the mountains as normal so I drop a gear and hit resume and continue along my way. Using cruise for me is just one less thing to worry about. Because I use it so much with all my vehicles I never overlook that its on. Go for it! lol.
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Very Active Member
The manual states 'not recommended' and that is 'lawyer speak' for "use your cruise control for common sense driving conditions where steep hills and/or twisty curves will not cause undue strain on the power train."
Unfortunately some riders do not possess common sense.
Penny and Rick have owned many motorcycles starting in 1974 with Honda’s, then to Suzukis, Gold Wings and ultimately Spyders.
‘74 Honda 360T (pair); ‘78 Suzuki GS 1000 (pair); ‘’82 Honda Aspencade; ‘84 Honda 400; ‘87 Yamaha 1100; ‘99 Honda Valkyrie; ‘01 Suzuki Burgman(triked); ‘02 Honda GL 1800(triked); ‘10 Spyder RTSE; ‘11 Spyder RTSM; ‘12 Spyder RTSL (pair); ‘20 Spyder RTL (current)
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2011 RT SM5 pulling a non-BRP trailer and I use cruise all the time - when common sense dictates. I use it in any vehicle that has it, including the 18 wheelers I have driven. Since I don't have "trailer mode" (not even sure what it does) I just click on the cruise once I am at the speed I want to keep. I have even used it on mild hills but that is on a good road. Never, never use it in the rain.
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I have never experienced a problem doing so on the highway. You may have to supplement the cruise with a little wrist action, towing the trailer up mountain grades. Be sure to keep the rpm up so you are in the power band, and you won't have much difficulty. JMHO
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I rode towing the trailer from St Louis to Melbourne, FL and used the cruise control 90% of the time with no problems.
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Thanks for all the good info. I knew I would get some good answers from you good people. Again thanks and God Bless !!
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by captblack
2011 RT SM5 pulling a non-BRP trailer and I use cruise all the time - when common sense dictates. I use it in any vehicle that has it, including the 18 wheelers I have driven. Since I don't have "trailer mode" (not even sure what it does) I just click on the cruise once I am at the speed I want to keep. I have even used it on mild hills but that is on a good road. Never, never use it in the rain.
Trailer mode sets the shift points at a higher RPM for the SE5.
JT
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RT-S PE#0412
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Originally Posted by jthornton
Trailer mode sets the shift points at a higher RPM for the SE5.
JT
Thanks, JT. I just use the sound of the engine and the feeling in the seat of my pants ...
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by CyncySpyder
While this is only my personal opinion and experience and I'd NEVER suggest someone do something that is in direct conflict with a Manufacturers suggestions, as stated, be smart about it and you'll be fine
We've had the RT-622 trailer and it handles like a dream, even with cruise control. We now have a Moto-Mate camper and still have no issues with long distance road-trips and using the cruise control, but we only use it where it makes sense to do so and we've now logged a collect 50,000 miles with no ill effects.
Not everyone has 'Common' sense tho, so BRP suggests not using it to cover their which from a corporate standpoint, totally makes sense for them. Its your machine, do what's best for you.
Also, as someone else suggested for me, you may want to look into a cramp-buster as another alternative Awesome $10 mod used when needed can really help alot on those long rydes. Again, be smart about it and only use when appropriate See, now I'm covering my own ...........................
Well said: IMO
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by captblack
Thanks, JT. I just use the sound of the engine and the feeling in the seat of my pants ...
On the SE5 the nanny has to have something to do or it gets bored... it won't even talk to me like siri will. I use my ears to shift with as well.
JT
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I keep the RPMs around 5K when towing up grades so If I lock the cruise on it stays precisely at the set speed with no lugging. When going down hill I lock it in at 3.5 to 4K. I let the RPM dictate the gear. On flats 4.5K feels good
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