Very New Novice Spyder RT Limited Rider

[Questions]

Hello to all. Just to let you know that I am a 62 year old woman and a brand new rider of a 2013 Spyder RT Limited. Went to check out the bike since I passed a dealer on the way when taking my daughter to the doctor's office. The first bike I sat on was a Limited and fell instantly in love......,.keeping in mind that I have never, ever driven a motorcycle in my entire life; didn't even have a license to drive one. Took me 4 days to decide that I really wanted the bike; the salesman said that he would teach me to ride the bike - I was able to ride around the parking lot with the salesman with me - did not get it out of first gear and nor more than 11MPH; still did not have a license when I bought it - the salesman had to drive it to my house and I took him back to the shop in my car. Bike was parked in the garage until I got my TIPIC. Decided to go to the State Basic Rider's Course but could not get a location that was close to home and not 4-6 months out as I wanted to ride ASAP. There is a very large bike shop about 14 miles from the house that offered the course but at a higher rate than the state but my hubby said he would pay for it. I told the instructors that I have never driven a bike 2 or 3 wheeler before and was sure to have trouble shifting gears and clutch and sure enough I did...I drove their bike, I think it was a Yamaha VStar 250; I decided that I did not like a two wheeler after I squeaked by on the course. Have gotten my endorsement three days after I completed the course and am now riding on congested roads but having difficulty gaining speeds up above 45 MPH; have not gotten on the interstate yet as I am still learning the bike and my limits. The higher speeds that I attempt feels like the bike is going to run off the road (I know its not) and then the ignorant drivers out there that want to show that they are dominant (an 18 wheeler road my butt this afternoon and scared the crap out of me. So if I ask questions of you all please be gentle on me as I am still learning and any and all hints, suggestions and tips will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[ARtraveler]

and on the new ryde. It takes about 500 to 1000 miles to get comfortable with the . I recommend some more practice in a parking lot type environment, then some additional riding on roads at less than 50's. Then, when you are feeling more confident, its time for the highway and beyond. Overcontrolling can lead to the feeling like it has a mind of its own, SOMETIMES. If it continues to happen, it could be set up, balljoint, or alignment issues, all of which a good dealer is/should be aware of.

Please keep us informed and don't hesitate to ask questions.

[JKMSPYDER]

Welcome Pam, and there are thousands of SpyderLovers on this site willing to help. If you haven't read the do's and Don'ts thread on this forum, that would be a great place to start. Keep riding and you will be a pro in no time!

[Questions]

Welcome Pam, and there are thousands of SpyderLovers on this site willing to help. If you haven't read the do's and Don'ts thread on this forum, that would be a great place to start. Keep riding and you will be a pro in no time!

Howdy all. I am Pam's husband we went over the do's and dont's thread last night. It was very informative. I keep telling Pam to RTFM, and now maybe she will.

The Spyder is her baby. I'm a two wheeler myself (please don't hold that against me). I really like her Spyder. I've driven it and have been a passenger with her driving it. I gotta say, as a novice ryder she is doing well. She has a tendency to try to over grip the handlebars, but we are working on that as a team.

I did the same thing the 1st time I drove it, and it causes some disconcerting control issues. She still gets a tad nervous at speeds over 45mph, but her improvement over the past couple of weeks has been dramatic.

I'm very proud of her.

[Illinois Boy]

I like your spirit Pam...

Read your manual. There is a section about riding skills. Take your Spyder to a large/empty parking lot and setup the tracks as they show and then practice.

A busy road/highway is not a place anyone would encourage you to practice. As you stated, other people are not going to be patient, and you can put yourself and others in danger by doing so.

Lastly, read the link in my signature. It is a collection of various advice (updated regularly) gathered from this site that might be helpful.

Ride often, safe, and alert. Have fun!

[WARWAGON]

Pam, congrats on your purchase. Just like everything else practice, practice. Was a little nervous on my first ride back in October, 2012. But after relaxing behind the controls it really got easier. Just returned from my longest trip, went to Minnesota from Cincinnati, oh. Just a great ride. I'm no spring chicken, 59. So keep after it.

[Questions]

I like your spirit Pam...

Read your manual. There is a section about riding skills. Take your Spyder to a large/empty parking lot and setup the tracks as they show and then practice.

A busy road/highway is not a place anyone would encourage you to practice. As you stated, other people are not going to be patient, and you can put yourself and others in danger by doing so.

Lastly, read the link in my signature. It is a collection of various advice (updated regularly) gathered from this site that might be helpful.

Ride often, safe, and alert. Have fun!

Thanks for the do's and don't's... I have copied them to a word doc so I can review a little better and often.

[Questions]

Pam, congrats on your purchase. Just like everything else practice, practice. Was a little nervous on my first ride back in October, 2012. But after relaxing behind the controls it really got easier. Just returned from my longest trip, went to Minnesota from Cincinnati, oh. Just a great ride. I'm no spring chicken, 59. So keep after it.

Pam and I have been trying to find some Spyder riding groups that she can go on trips with. Are you aware of any in central/southern Ohio?

We really want her to be able to maximize her riding experience on the new Spyder.

[Questions]

Pam, congrats on your purchase. Just like everything else practice, practice. Was a little nervous on my first ride back in October, 2012. But after relaxing behind the controls it really got easier. Just returned from my longest trip, went to Minnesota from Cincinnati, oh. Just a great ride. I'm no spring chicken, 59. So keep after it.

Really liking the bike but still have a long ways to go. We went on a short trip today (about 25 miles) and tried out the cruise control. I felt like I had lost control of the bike so that will take some getting used to. I will continue to get out and practice more.

[03hdjill]

Hello to all. Just to let you know that I am a 62 year old woman and a brand new rider of a 2013 Spyder RT Limited. Went to check out the bike since I passed a dealer on the way when taking my daughter to the doctor's office. The first bike I sat on was a Limited and fell instantly in love......,.keeping in mind that I have never, ever driven a motorcycle in my entire life; didn't even have a license to drive one. Took me 4 days to decide that I really wanted the bike; the salesman said that he would teach me to ride the bike - I was able to ride around the parking lot with the salesman with me - did not get it out of first gear and nor more than 11MPH; still did not have a license when I bought it - the salesman had to drive it to my house and I took him back to the shop in my car. Bike was parked in the garage until I got my TIPIC. Decided to go to the State Basic Rider's Course but could not get a location that was close to home and not 4-6 months out as I wanted to ride ASAP. There is a very large bike shop about 14 miles from the house that offered the course but at a higher rate than the state but my hubby said he would pay for it. I told the instructors that I have never driven a bike 2 or 3 wheeler before and was sure to have trouble shifting gears and clutch and sure enough I did...I drove their bike, I think it was a Yamaha VStar 250; I decided that I did not like a two wheeler after I squeaked by on the course. Have gotten my endorsement three days after I completed the course and am now riding on congested roads but having difficulty gaining speeds up above 45 MPH; have not gotten on the interstate yet as I am still learning the bike and my limits. The higher speeds that I attempt feels like the bike is going to run off the road (I know its not) and then the ignorant drivers out there that want to show that they are dominant (an 18 wheeler road my butt this afternoon and scared the crap out of me. So if I ask questions of you all please be gentle on me as I am still learning and any and all hints, suggestions and tips will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Pam, Welcome. This is a really great site. I think you will enjoy it.
I have been riding motorcycles since 2000, but when I bought my ST Limited in the end of May I had only ridden a Spyder once. (2 hours earlier while taking a test ride) Believe me. It is very different than a two wheeled motorcycle. The more that you ride, the more comfortable you will become and the more you will want to ride. My Spyder feels so comfortable that I am now selling my Harley. ( never thought I would ) Please feel free to pm me. I love to talk "Spyder" and can understand your feelings. Jill, Western Pa

[KeithInAurora]

Pam - welcome to Spyderhood. I, too, am brand new to riding of any kind and I picked up a pre-owned 2010 RT in June. I'm getting more comfortable every time I ride it, but I still don't care for the interstates with all the trucks...

Hang in there. It's been a lot of fun for me!!!

Keith

[Questions]

I like your spirit Pam...

Read your manual. There is a section about riding skills. Take your Spyder to a large/empty parking lot and setup the tracks as they show and then practice.

A busy road/highway is not a place anyone would encourage you to practice. As you stated, other people are not going to be patient, and you can put yourself and others in danger by doing so.

Lastly, read the link in my signature. It is a collection of various advice (updated regularly) gathered from this site that might be helpful.

Ride often, safe, and alert. Have fun!

Pam and I did take her Spyder to a large parking lot at a local movie theater to practice the basics. She did fairly well with them. But she needed to get out on the road to get used to speeds above what can be experienced in a parking lot.

Pam (love ya honey) overstated the congested roads part a tad. I've been out riding with her on back roads with limited traffic for the most part for the past couple of weekends.

I will now step back and let Pam talk to other Spyder Riders.

I am deeply thankful for the warm welcome that you folks have given her.

[WARWAGON]

Pam and I have been trying to find some Spyder riding groups that she can go on trips with. Are you aware of any in central/southern Ohio?

We really want her to be able to maximize her riding experience on the new Spyder.

Check out ohiospyderryders list members by regions. http://ohiospyderryders.org/forum/index.php

[SpyderAnn01]

Welcome Pam and Rich. You are doing fine and in no time will be hitting the highway and feeling comfortable. Ohio has a really great group of riders and you can check out the Ohio Forum here and I think you will find a link to their website. Also, Pam you should check out Girls on Spyders on Facebook. It is a private group but if you send a request to join you will be added to the group.

[PrairieSpyder]

Welcome, Pam and Rich! And , Pam on your new Spyder!

Just take your time and keep practicing. Like you'll surely read in the do's and don'ts - relax your grip and don't overcontrol. You'll get better and better as you learn.

And, mostly . . . . HAVE FUN!

[Questions]

Welcome, Pam and Rich! And , Pam on your new Spyder!

Just take your time and keep practicing. Like you'll surely read in the do's and don'ts - relax your grip and don't overcontrol. You'll get better and better as you learn.

And, mostly . . . . HAVE FUN!

I will do just that.......thanks

[Dan McNally]

Great choice, Pam . . . I have a 2013 RT Limited, too, and I love it. Its been many years since I rode a two wheeler, and I thought my riding days were over. My wife told me to go ahead and get the Spyder for my 65th birthday, and I am loving it more, every mile I ride. Be safe but have fun!

[Bob Denman]

Hi Pam & Rich! It'll take a while for you to gain confidence in a completely new experience such as this... It'll come; just take it slow and easy, and don't put yourself out into tougher situations than you want right yet.
Rich,
What kind of two-wheeler are you riding? )We like them too; even though we sometimes call them 'tipovers'...)

[Questions]

Check out ohiospyderryders list members by regions. http://ohiospyderryders.org/forum/index.php

Thanks.

[Questions]

Hi Pam & Rich! It'll take a while for you to gain confidence in a completely new experience such as this... It'll come; just take it slow and easy, and don't put yourself out into tougher situations than you want right yet.
Rich,
What kind of two-wheeler are you riding? )We like them too; even though we sometimes call them 'tipovers'...)

I have a 2013 Suzuki C50T Boulevard with white wall tires.

[Questions]

Great choice, Pam . . . I have a 2013 RT Limited, too, and I love it. Its been many years since I rode a two wheeler, and I thought my riding days were over. My wife told me to go ahead and get the Spyder for my 65th birthday, and I am loving it more, every mile I ride. Be safe but have fun!

I see that you retired from the USAF; I retired from the Army in 2000 and the federal govt this past December and loving every minute.

[FaranH]

So glad you're here and that you're riding! If you're also on Facebook, we have a great group of women in a closed group (just us gals) and we'd love to have you join us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlsonspyders/

Just click the link and ask to join and an Admin can approve you. We have celebrated with women of every age at every stage of learning to master their Spyders. We love this machine and know you will too!

[Questions]

Hi Pam & Rich! It'll take a while for you to gain confidence in a completely new experience such as this... It'll come; just take it slow and easy, and don't put yourself out into tougher situations than you want right yet.
Rich,
What kind of two-wheeler are you riding? )We like them too; even though we sometimes call them 'tipovers'...)

Your bike looks really nice Bob. The only thing that I want to do to my bike is to add an LED flag light. Saw one on a bike when I went up to the shop and it was really cool. Will definitely have to save up my nickels and dimes to buy goodies.

[Bob Denman]

Hi again, Pam & Rich!
Just so you know; we stopped over in Columbus this past April while on our way to SpyderFest.
We stayed at a Red Roof Inn kind out out near 70.
SpyderFest...
THAT's a party that you just can't miss in 2014!

[PrairieSpyder]

Your bike looks really nice Bob. The only thing that I want to do to my bike is to add an LED flag light. Saw one on a bike when I went up to the shop and it was really cool. Will definitely have to save up my nickels and dimes to buy goodies.

We call the goodies "farkles" and you will need some $ to farkle your ryde. Like Bob D. said, you need to come to Spyderfest next spring in southern Missouri. There will be lots of vendors there and you'll be amazed at the farkling possibilities.

I don't have much money to spend on my RTS, but I love shopping for other folks. You'll get plenty of opinions here about what to buy. And check out the Spyderlovers vendors for lots of ideas.