Spyder RSS advice needed....

[Queasyrider]

Hi! Great forum here, glad to be aboard!

I'm picking up my 2012 RSS SM5 tomorrow. It has 10k miles and is bone stock. It handles, accelerates, and stops well. It will replace my Suzuki Intruder 1400 with sidecar.
Is there anything I should be aware or watching for? I have done most of my own repairs, maintenance and tire work for many years. The brake fluid was low, topping it off put the warning message out. No stains or visible leaks could be found.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated..........

Art

[coz]

have a dealer check the vin for any history, updates or recalls. if it shows good, and the bike runs good, it's all good. you are buying
THE most trouble free spyder. rs/ manual clutch. good for you.

[Yeochief]

10K riding would likely result in brake pad wear sufficient to lower the brake fluid level without any leakage. I would advise checking the brake pads to ensure they still have the material required to stop without causing damage to rotors. pads are cheaper than rotors. Follow the owners manual for instructions as to how to check engine oil level. I check and adjust the air pressure in my tires the first of every month.

Welcome to the community. This forum is loaded with very knowledgeable people more than happy to offer assistance. The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked.

[ARtraveler]

and on the new ryde.

[Sarge707]

Check the rear pads- But my 09 GS has 29,400 miles and they are still like new.
I would put BajaRons Sway Bar for excellent handling and I,m not sure what shocks it has but you know there are options.
Use a JASO MA 2 oil for best results in the engine.

[Queasyrider]

have a dealer check the vin for any history, updates or recalls. if it shows good, and the bike runs good, it's all good. you are buying
THE most trouble free spyder. rs/ manual clutch. good for you.

Hey Coz, thanks for the good news! ...........Art

[otter28169]

I too have an SM5 RS-S and have 14000 miles and next to no wear on my brake pads. I have not had any issues with my spyder except the right front tire had uneven wear. I am getting a laser alignment done this spring and I have been told that will cure the uneven wear issues. Nice choice of rides, and I hope to see you on the road.

Just sayin'............

[Queasyrider]

10K riding would likely result in brake pad wear sufficient to lower the brake fluid level without any leakage. I would advise checking the brake pads to ensure they still have the material required to stop without causing damage to rotors. pads are cheaper than rotors. Follow the owners manual for instructions as to how to check engine oil level. I check and adjust the air pressure in my tires the first of every month.

Welcome to the community. This forum is loaded with very knowledgeable people more than happy to offer assistance. The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked.

Thanks Yeocheif. The fluid displacement by the worn pads is probably all that was wrong. Oil and filter change is at the top of my list. I have an automotive "pancake" lift that fits the sidecar hack perfectly. Gonna be fun figuring out a third ramp for the Spyder.........Art

[Queasyrider]

Check the rear pads- But my 09 GS has 29,400 miles and they are still like new.
I would put BajaRons Sway Bar for excellent handling and I,m not sure what shocks it has but you know there are options.
Use a JASO MA 2 oil for best results in the engine.

Thanks Sarge707. I tried an '09 with 15k miles, the front shocks were noticeably worn out. This bike still seems tight with 10k. The sway bar swap sounds good. What did you have to replace for wearable items in 29k?....Tires, battery?

[Queasyrider]

I too have an SM5 RS-S and have 14000 miles and next to no wear on my brake pads. I have not had any issues with my spyder except the right front tire had uneven wear. I am getting a laser alignment done this spring and I have been told that will cure the uneven wear issues. Nice choice of rides, and I hope to see you on the road.

Just sayin'............

I'll be lookin' for ya here in sunny FL..........

[spydaman60]

chad and I have the same ride. I've only got 12,500 on mine, but all trouble free!! like it was said before, you've got one of the most trouble free years and models out there. all I can add to this is, "ride safe and ride often!" and most of all have fun!!!

[Queasyrider]

chad and I have the same ride. I've only got 12,500 on mine, but all trouble free!! like it was said before, you've got one of the most trouble free years and models out there. all I can add to this is, "ride safe and ride often!" and most of all have fun!!!

Thanks, Spydaman60! People on this forum are having an incredible time with their "Spyda's". I haven't had so much anticipation since I bought my V-Max 10 years ago! Big day tomorrow!..............Art

[otter28169]

chad and I have the same ride. I've only got 12,500 on mine, but all trouble free!! like it was said before, you've got one of the most trouble free years and models out there. all I can add to this is, "ride safe and ride often!" and most of all have fun!!!

Best looking paint too.......

Just sayin'............

[spydaman60]

Best looking paint too.......

Just sayin'............

got that right bro!!! and by the way queasyrider, what color are you getting?

[Queasyrider]

got that right bro!!! and by the way queasyrider, what color are you getting?

Why, the appropriate color for today of course: St. Patrick's Neutron Green! I know, I know, but it grows on ya!

[spydaman60]

Why, the appropriate color for today of course: St. Patrick's Neutron Green! I know, I know, but it grows on ya!

that was my second choice, but the misses liked the can am red!! so I guess I didn't have any choice. my first choice was the two tone gray! oh well, the red grows on ya too!

[bobnaquin]

Brake fluid low will give an error when it needs about a teaspoon of fluid. Brake pads can wear down to a mm before needing changing. That is really thin but there you have it.

Change the oil every 5000 miles, ride it regularly and don't modify the electrics in any way. At least until you learn the proper way to do it-on here.

I am on my second RS and they are rock solid, strong and problem free since the power steering has been fixed. You should have a lot of fun.

[Bob Denman]

[Flanker]

!!

Just remember...........................if you try to jump MORE than 21 buses.................................it won't end well!

[Some Guy]

[QUOTE=Flanker;776912

Just remember...........................if you try to jump MORE than 21 buses.................................it won't end well! [/QUOTE]

It depends on which busese you use. I used Matchbox buses and all went well! Of course, that was also with my R/C Spyder!

[billrob71]

Congrats on the new ride , you will love it but get to know it , the spyder handles a lot different then a bike even with a side car

What color did you get?

[Queasyrider]

Congrats on the new ride , you will love it but get to know it , the spyder handles a lot different then a bike even with a side car

What color did you get?

Hey Billrob, thanks for the congrats! Yes it DOES handle differently but in a good way. The sidecar was a real challenge, right turns were the ones that got your attention. Accellerating and decellerating also caused a pull to the right or left. It was fun at the beginning then it was just a PITA.....
Neutron Green is the color. So far everyone comments positively without me mentioning it................

[Queasyrider]

!!

Just remember...........................if you try to jump MORE than 21 buses.................................it won't end well!

Thanks Flanker! Were those buses end to end, or side to side??

[billrob71]

That's great
Same color as mine the flat green and flat black look great

Enjoy the new ride and be safe

[Queasyrider]

Thanks Bob. Pics coming soon......Art