Spyder in the snow

[Lone Spyder Ryder]

Does anyone know if there are any snow tires or chains for the Spyder. I have a 2013 se5 limited
Thanks

Leo

[Bob Denman]

Sorry: They're not designed for this application.
You've got two non-driving front wheels , trying to be pushed by a single driving wheel out back. This is a recipe for trouble!

[ARtraveler]

There was a recent thread (which I cannot find at the moment) discussing pros and cons of 's in the snow.

You might want to consider that the front tires are going to be like snow plows and the back tire will most likely break traction and spin out.

You can get most tires studded--but I don't think you will find either studded or winter rated snow tires specifically for the . I would not use chains. A chain coming off on the back tire could wreck a lot of stuff.

There have been a couple brave ones that I know of. Seth up in Bemidji MN. tried it back in 2008 or so. I do not know if he is a current rider in the snow.

My dealer also tried it when they first came out. He studded the tires. He gave it one 25 mile test on the highway and that was enough. My feeling, is that I do not want to play dodgeball with the big trucks and SUV's that permeate our main highway.

Mine got stuck in the driveway trying to back up a slight incline. Enough for me to park it.

There are a few who would like to try, so be sure to post what you find about winter tires.

[Bob Denman]

BRP has always had other machines available, that are MUCH better in the snow...

2016 Ski Doo.jpg

[SPYD3R]

GOODYEAR but BAD IDEA.....
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....161129203353:s



SPYD3R

[Peter Aawen]

I found that there really wasn't a heap of room between the tire & the swing arms, stone guards etc under there for chains on my 2013 RT Ltd SE5, but then I am running a slightly larger than stock 225/65R15 tire, so that may've been the final straw in the chain fitting stakes.... Besides, our usual snow depth on the roads here tends to be measured in inches, not feet; & most places below about 2500 feet altitude rarely get snow that actually stays on the ground or roads - so even if they get a full & 'deep' covering overnight (it's all relative, remember!), by about 10 am the next morning that's all just a wet memory!!

But taking a run in our 'Snowy Mountains' during the tail end of winter was great!! Even without chains (or studs) but wearing All-Weather tires with a M&S rating all around, the Spyder proved to be a whole lotta fun on a (very) early morning run in what little snow we do occasionally get in this country!! We beat the snow clearing teams out, altho there was still probably only 6" of snow at its deepest, mostly it would've averaged saaay 2" deep; but still, there was a full cover over some 30 or so miles of our Snowy Mountains Hwy & it hadn't yet had a chance to melt & then re-freeze, so it was pretty good going in/on a largely pristine snow cover. (I did take a detour onto a private airstrip too, which was even mor fun!! ) Reducing our speed, gentle control inputs, & leaving ourselves plenty of room for corrective &/or evasive actions from the set to proved to be a smart move, if not essential once the tourists in their cages hit the roads; the cages seemed to spend way more time 'out of control' than we did - but then they really don't ever get that much practice Snow driving in Aus, while those of us who've lived & worked above the snow line for a few years tend to find time to fit in some practice daily whenever there's snow & take every opportunity to go out & experiment!! And the Spyder proved it was a blast!!

Ice on the road tho, that's a whole 'nuther matter!! If it's snow that's had a chance to melt any and then re-freeze, so it's gonna be covering an ice slick; or it's on a road where there's lots of spots where black ice can develop, I'm just not playing!! Snow can be fun, riding on Ice covered roads without chains or studs is just painful!!

[asp125]

I'd imagine it would be frustrating to ride in circles all day, not going anywhere.

[JimVonBaden]

There are always people quick to dismiss an idea. Until someone tries studded tires, no one really know's if it is possible.

As for the front tires pushing snow, you mean like a car?

So many naysayers who would never even consider trying it.

[ARtraveler]

Before the issue gets pushed a bit to far, here is a direct paste from the owners/operators manual.

"Road Conditions and
Hazards
Ice, Snow and Slush
Do not ride on ice, snow or slush. Even
with VSS, there will not be enough
traction to maintain control on these
slippery surfaces. The Spyder roadster
is more likely than a car to spin out
of control in slippery surfaces."

It is still an individuals choice but you have BRP's "official" opinion on the subject.

[Chupaca]

I'm sure you could do it and fine what you need to do it. your choice but I, for one, would not do it....well maybe if I were rich, stupid and young...

[JimVonBaden]

Before the issue gets pushed a bit to far, here is a direct paste from the owners/operators manual.

"Road Conditions and
Hazards
Ice, Snow and Slush
Do not ride on ice, snow or slush. Even
with VSS, there will not be enough
traction to maintain control on these
slippery surfaces. The Spyder roadster
is more likely than a car to spin out
of control in slippery surfaces."

It is still an individuals choice but you have BRP's "official" opinion on the subject.

They assume stock tires. A good set of spikes could make all the difference. Besides, the manual is half warnings based on lawyer input!

[JimVonBaden]

You got to love the Aussies. Not afraid to try nearly anything.

By the way, I have ridden my two wheeler in worse than that!

[dlby]

I like to ryde standing on my head with a 45 apc in each hand, just shootin away.

Then I flip over,facing backwards & give er all she's got in 3rd gear---then hit the brakes for a reverse bat turn.

Thats just getting out of the driveway---in the snow---with the correct tyres.

Sorry,Margaritas do this to me

I love R&R put another dime in the jukebox baby!

[Bob Denman]

The video from Australia seems to be a pretty good reason to NOT try it...
After all: they turned around...

The fact is; you can even hook a thoroughbred race horse up to a plow, and he might even pull it...
But there's a BIG difference between doing something, and digging it!
That snow was not even all that deep; around here, nobody would slow down in conditions like that.
Those folks were all trudging along in first gear.

[JimVonBaden]

The video from Australia seems to be a pretty good reason to NOT try it...
After all: they turned around...

The fact is; you can even hook a thoroughbred race horse up to a plow, and he might even pull it...
But there's a BIG difference between doing something, and digging it!
That snow was not even all that deep; around here, nobody would slow down in conditions like that.
Those folks were all trudging along in first gear.

We get it Bob, you wont ride in the snow (or cold, or rain). Those guys were doing fine, even without studded tires.

If perfect safety and comfort are your goal, stay in your easy chair with your laptop. Some of us like to push the envelope a little and actually experience life, rather than just reading about it.

[PapaHotel]

As Minnesotan with 50 years riding experience, including motorcycling to college all winter, and riding across frozen lakes....I have nothing left to prove to myself so, yep...for me, the Spyder is in the garage until spring.

[Bob Denman]

We get it Bob, you wont ride in the snow (or cold, or rain). Those guys were doing fine, even without studded tires.

If perfect safety and comfort are your goal, stay in your easy chair with your laptop. Some of us like to push the envelope a little and actually experience life, rather than just reading about it.

Who the Hell are you: assuming that I don't ride in the cold or rain?
You keep pushing for studded tires; even though they're not legal in a lot of places...
While I DO have an easy chair (Best used for napping...); I don't own a laptop!
There is no such thing as "Perfect safety"...
Keep pushing the envelope: I look forward to hearing about it!

[rwc]

Soft snow not too deep may be okay but with frozen ruts I would be concerned with the lack of clearance.

[Lew L]

Snow is for SKIING ( well snow mobiling also). The mountain roads just above me are treacherous when snow covered. Usually snow falls afe measured in feet not inches. Could your imagine the "tail of the Dragon" with 6" of snow--- on a ????? Not me. I'll stick with AWD and snow tires to take me to the ski resort.

Kaos

[JimVonBaden]

Who the Hell are you: assuming that I don't ride in the cold or rain?
You keep pushing for studded tires; even though they're not legal in a lot of places...
While I DO have an easy chair (Best used for napping...); I don't own a laptop!
There is no such thing as "Perfect safety"...
Keep pushing the envelope: I look forward to hearing about it!

I assumed because you are so quick to dismiss anything that doesn't fit your definition of right. If snow is out of the question, I figured that your level of comfort is relegated to the easy chair. You keep defending the idea that snow riding is not safe or smart, but have never tried it, and are unwilling to allow that others might want to are anything but fools. Studded tires ARE legal in lots of places, so what is your point?

It isn't about "proving" anything to anyone but yourself, or myself. If the concept of snow riding offends your sensibilities, try something that appears to not be possible for you, ignore the subject. Others might have an interest in it.

[JimVonBaden]

Snow is for SKIING ( well snow mobiling also). The mountain roads just above me are treacherous when snow covered. Usually snow falls afe measured in feet not inches. Could your imagine the "tail of the Dragon" with 6" of snow--- on a ????? Not me. I'll stick with AWD and snow tires to take me to the ski resort.

Kaos

There is a level at which I would not even drive a car, but obviously I am not talking about 6" of snow, the bike would shovel until it got stuck, just like a car.

[Bob Denman]

I assumed because you are so quick to dismiss anything that doesn't fit your definition of right. If snow is out of the question, I figured that your level of comfort is relegated to the easy chair. You keep defending the idea that snow riding is not safe or smart, but have never tried it, and are unwilling to allow that others might want to are anything but fools. Studded tires ARE legal in lots of places, so what is your point?

It isn't about "proving" anything to anyone but yourself, or myself. If the concept of snow riding offends your sensibilities, try something that appears to not be possible for you, ignore the subject. Others might have an interest in it.

Once again: how do you know that I haven't tried it?
What makes you think that I'm not speaking from personal experience?
Have you tried it yet?

[rtlister]

I live in upstate SC. I got my 2014 RTL on Christmas eve 2014. Those first few weeks I was so anxious to ride it up in the mountains...and did...in the snow (OEM tires). Cars had worn the usual double tracks through the snow...you know where you have two tracks with little to no snow and you keep your tires in those two "ruts" !?!
Well that works ok for Spyder front tires (sorta kinda)...but the rear tire spins out in the middle where the snow and ice is still there. I got back from that ride ok but during that ride, several times took a deep breath and said a prayer. I would never reccomend to a Spyder rider to risk that. It's just not worth the risk.

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[rtlister]

Sorry, could't figure how to get the pic right side up :-) But then again, maybe that's a warning for how you end up driving in the snow Lol!

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[Bob Denman]

1610cfacb60a704f25ec4b1b38b00f4f.jpg


I'll bet that you feel better; without all of that blood rushing into your head.