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  1. #1
    Active Member hollybry's Avatar
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    Default New spyder owner with questions

    Just bought a 2011 RSS SE5 with about 9000 miles.
    Rode it 120 miles home today on mostly interstate. This was the first time I had ridden a spyder.
    I am coming from a Piaggio MP3 which is also a three wheeler, but it leans like a 2 wheeler.
    I cannot say I had fun on the ride home. I was scared to death! I had to keep telling myself to relax my grip and just ride.
    Turns are frightening to me. Even slow sloping interstate ones. Let alone making a left or right turn from a stop.
    What am I doing wrong? I feel like I am leaning in to the turn, but it feels like I am either going to fly off or tip over.
    Going straight I feel like I am weaving..
    How long does it take to get used to this?

    Also, I will have to be storing this outside for the time being. I need a cover for outdoors. I have a top case, saddlebags, and I tall windscreen. Anyone have any recommendations on a cover that can accommodate these things?
    2011 RSS , BajaRon Orange/Matte Black

  2. #2
    Active Member hollybry's Avatar
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    Default

    Also, has anyone hooked up a GPS to this model? Where and how?
    2011 RSS , BajaRon Orange/Matte Black

  3. #3
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    Default It just takes time.

    Its ok to be a little frightened at first. You will get use to the handling and the riding style you will need to feel comfortable. Go read the does and don'ts thread that Will help you a lot. Other than that. Just go out and ride for some long rides to get use to the new ride. on the new ride. Enjoy. Happy Trails. Ride Safe my friend

  4. #4
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    Default Take it easy.

    I remember when trying to do multiple 45 degree banks perpendicular to a road at low altitude it scared the hell out of me until I finally said, "damn it, I tell the plane what to do not the other way around". Then I started pushing it around saying under my breath, I'm the boss, I'm the boss. Hah! Anyway, I'd check the air in the front tires and make sure they are the same. If not you'll feel unsteady.
    Ease the push and pull in the turns even when going really hard in the sharp turns. When passing, ease it out and back into the lane slowly not quickly.
    It may sound silly but if you have a few roundabouts in the area, go through them repeatedly. I found them great practice and a good boost to the ego as I was able to go faster and faster.
    You may just be over-thinking this whole thing. You want to ride for pleasure so just do that, go out in the country or in town where there isn't a lot of traffic and just ride at a speed that you are enjoying it instead of going fast and being worried.
    You are NOT going to fly off and certainly not tip over, the yaw control won't let you. Drive slow and easy until you are ready to say, damn it, I'm the boss of this thing. But not until you are ready.

  5. #5
    Active Member vtown biker's Avatar
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    Excellent post!!


    Quote Originally Posted by JFD View Post
    I remember when trying to do multiple 45 degree banks perpendicular to a road at low altitude it scared the hell out of me until I finally said, "damn it, I tell the plane what to do not the other way around". Then I started pushing it around saying under my breath, I'm the boss, I'm the boss. Hah! Anyway, I'd check the air in the front tires and make sure they are the same. If not you'll feel unsteady.
    Ease the push and pull in the turns even when going really hard in the sharp turns. When passing, ease it out and back into the lane slowly not quickly.
    It may sound silly but if you have a few roundabouts in the area, go through them repeatedly. I found them great practice and a good boost to the ego as I was able to go faster and faster.
    You may just be over-thinking this whole thing. You want to ride for pleasure so just do that, go out in the country or in town where there isn't a lot of traffic and just ride at a speed that you are enjoying it instead of going fast and being worried.
    You are NOT going to fly off and certainly not tip over, the yaw control won't let you. Drive slow and easy until you are ready to say, damn it, I'm the boss of this thing. But not until you are ready.

  6. #6
    Very Active Member Peteoz's Avatar
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    Congratulations Holly.

    You’ll find that most Spyder riders have experienced exactly what you have experienced first up. I was exactly the same bringing my F3 home after trading my Victory Vision. Residual counter steering practices count for some of it. It seems to take anywhere between a couple of hundred and a couple of thousand miles to get completely comfortable. The loosest grip possible (which you have already discovered) is number one. You still have to get a bit of body weight to the inside of the turn. After a few weeks I found I was every bit as comfortable cornering the F3 as I was on my Vision

    The Do’s and Don’ts thread that Mr H mentioned should help significantly as there are quite a few good tips.

    Sorry, but I can’t help with the GPS or cover, but I’m sure others will be along shortly. They are a very, very helpful group.

    Pete
    Harrington, Australia

    2021 RT Limited
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    2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red

  7. #7
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    Default Cover recommendations

    I'll echo my congratulations on your new-to-you Spyder; hopefully you'll have half as much fun with it as we have already with ours (new to Spydering and motorcycling just a few months ago).

    The cover was the first thing we added to ours. If you search covers in the forums here, I believe you'll see the recommendations more or less coalescing around three major options: the BRP/Can-Am cover, Nelson-Rigg, and UltraGard, with both travel covers (covers windshield, dash, handlebars, seats and topcase) and full covers available.

    I don't think you can go wrong with any of them other than parting with more money for some vs. others, but for what it's worth, we went with the UltraGard travel cover and it's performed very nicely. I commute with our Spyder and have to park in an uncovered lot, so I deploy the cover 5 times a week and it's doing very nicely.

    Here's a link to a full cover from UltraGard that looks like it will take care of your 2011 RS:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...k_ql_qh_dp_hza
    Regards,

    Bret



    2017 RT-S Orbital Blue
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    2017 RT-S , Orbital Blue

  8. #8
    Very Active Member PistonBlown's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by hollybry View Post
    Also, has anyone hooked up a GPS to this model? Where and how?
    I've fitted a Garmin 590LM (its now called the 595LM but basically the same).

    It came with a ram-mount bracket that was supposed to mount to the bars but I connected it the handlebar central cover instead and its works well.

    I had already run some extra power to the front area to run an extra power outlet so just connected the GPS wiring to that. I'd powered this from of two terminals that are under the seat to the rear and intended for connecting battery chargers etc, I just put in a fuse and switch. However there is a spare outlet on the fuse box which will automatically switch off when turn off the ignition if you prefer.
    DSC00829.jpgDSC00832.jpg

  9. #9
    Active Member bushrat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by hollybry View Post
    Just bought a 2011 RSS SE5 with about 9000 miles......Also, I will have to be storing this outside for the time being. I need a cover for outdoors. I have a top case, saddlebags, and I tall windscreen. Anyone have any recommendations on a cover that can accommodate these things?
    Holly, just a word about covers. As bhern has already said, there are several cover makes available. From my experience, you may find that the BRP covers are designed more to snugly fit their standard windshields. So, if your Spyder has a larger aftermarket windshield like an F4, or similar, taller, wider shield, the expansion pocket of the BRP cover may not fit. That is to say, larger windshields can limit your choice, and certain covers may not fit well. I believe the UltraGard and Nelson-Rigg covers may give you more flexibility. I have a new, unused, waterproof, double-stitched UltraGard cover for an RT with topcase, burgundy and black (stock #4-475AB) for sale. I bought this knowing that it fit the RT, but hoping that I could also use it on my 2017 F3L. It will work as a light cover, but the fit is really too snug over the longer F3L top case and too loose at my windshield. Rather than keep, I have decided to sell, and just continue to use my heavier BRP trailering cover. This item should fit your Spyder well. It was taken out of package for trial fit and photos, but remains in as new, unused condition in original box. Offering at $70, shipping included (less than Amazon). Cover is mint, very nice and folds into small, light bag; great for overnight travel use or outside storage.
    cover.jpgcover1.jpg

    As for gaining experience and confidence in ryding your Spyder, I echo what others have said above. Relax; give yourself time to become acquainted with this wonderful new toy. In a very short while you will be amazed at how much fun you're having. There are many great hints and good advice in the posts here, and lots of kind folks available to help if you need it. Good luck, and be safe.
    Last edited by bushrat; 05-07-2018 at 12:25 AM.
    [SIGPIC]
    2017 F3 Ltd. Intense Red Pearl/Metallic Black topside
    2017 F3Limited , lowered brake pedal Intense Red Pearl w. Metallic Black topside

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by hollybry View Post
    J
    How long does it take to get used to this?
    Welcome to the "family".
    It varies from person to person.
    Some never seem to have a problem.......and a few just can't get over it.
    But most seem to get a LOT better with 1000 miles in the seat; it takes some longer.
    And there are some "maintenance" things that can make it worse.

    Please look for and read the existing threads about "stability" and a twitchy ride feeling.

    Doing your first ride on a freeway is probably the WORST thing you can do.

  11. #11
    Active Member hollybry's Avatar
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    Default

    thank you for the responses!
    I guess I was a bit worried yesterday when I rode my spyder home and it felt all twitchy and flippy.
    Sounds like I need to get alot more miles under my belt to get used to this new way of ryding.
    I really love the machine. I have drooled over them for years.
    I just didnt think it would be so scary feeling in the turns.
    But I will keep plugging along on it!
    I will try some more country roads and try to stay off the interstates and highways.
    2011 RSS , BajaRon Orange/Matte Black

  12. #12
    Very Active Member Lew L's Avatar
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    Thumbs up Try this

    I posted this (below) in another thread concerning ryders who were having a bit of trouble handling their ::::::::

    "Like
    thousands of other owners---- my handles great. Smooth and steady, no pulling or drifting out of the lane. Fast in the corners if I want to. It has Doc's spring stiffeners, anti-sway bar, General car tire at 19 # cold, and proper wheel alignment/balance. I've activated nanny a few times and found that smooth inputs really do help.

    In higher speed turns, I believe a good technique is:

    Push on the peg/floorboard with the outside foot.
    Bend the inside elbow and lean forward and to the inside of the turn. I sometimes ( really fast) slide over to the inside of the seat.
    Brace body with inside knee against the"tank".

    I know it seems like a dance---- but watching a fast 2 wheeler on a very curvy road is a exercise of fluidity in motion."



    Hope this helps some,

    Lew L
    Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.

    2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
    2014 RTS , Circuit Yellow

  13. #13
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    Everyone goes through some degree of what the O.P. experienced... (Holly: )
    Slow down, nd let yourself gain confidence with the feel of the bike.
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  14. #14
    Very Active Member Zip's Avatar
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    Holly, Do you have an industrial park near you? If so go on the weekend and practice circles, figure eights, turns, backing up, backing into parking slots etc.
    2010 RTSM5

    2010 RTSM5 , stock Stock Silver

  15. #15
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    and
    on your new ryde.

    What others have posted above is the same advice I give. Don't drive white knuckles or overcontrol. The Spyder is very sensitive to inputs. The 500 mile learning curve seems to kick in for most new drivers.

    It will get better.

    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.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by Zip View Post
    Holly, Do you have an industrial park near you? If so go on the weekend and practice circles, figure eights, turns, backing up, backing into parking slots etc.
    Good advice.

    And it's not really necessary to stick to "country roads" because they often have their own challenges.

    A good paved highway with low traffic is best.

    In my experience, shared by others I think, turning and curves initially were the worst and most scary parts but that got better quickly with a little practice.

  17. #17
    Active Member hollybry's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lew L View Post
    I posted this (below) in another thread concerning ryders who were having a bit of trouble handling their ::::::::

    "Like
    thousands of other owners---- my handles great. Smooth and steady, no pulling or drifting out of the lane. Fast in the corners if I want to. It has Doc's spring stiffeners, anti-sway bar, General car tire at 19 # cold, and proper wheel alignment/balance. I've activated nanny a few times and found that smooth inputs really do help.

    In higher speed turns, I believe a good technique is:

    Push on the peg/floorboard with the outside foot.
    Bend the inside elbow and lean forward and to the inside of the turn. I sometimes ( really fast) slide over to the inside of the seat.
    Brace body with inside knee against the"tank".

    I know it seems like a dance---- but watching a fast 2 wheeler on a very curvy road is a exercise of fluidity in motion."



    Hope this helps some,

    Lew L
    Went for a little ride this evening and tried the pushing down with the outside foot recommendation.
    That really made a difference! I wouldn't say I am fully confident in the turns yet, but this will certainly help me get there!
    Thank you all for the help!
    2011 RSS SE5
    2011 RSS , BajaRon Orange/Matte Black

  18. #18
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    Default Can Am Spyder Windshields

    Quote Originally Posted by bushrat View Post
    Holly, just a word about covers. As bhern has already said, there are several cover makes available. From my experience, you may find that the BRP covers are designed more to snugly fit their standard windshields. So, if your Spyder has a larger aftermarket windshield like an F4, or similar, taller, wider shield, the expansion pocket of the BRP cover may not fit. That is to say, larger windshields can limit your choice, and certain covers may not fit well. I believe the UltraGard and Nelson-Rigg covers may give you more flexibility. I have a new, unused, waterproof, double-stitched UltraGard cover for an RT with topcase, burgundy and black (stock #4-475AB) for sale. I bought this knowing that it fit the RT, but hoping that I could also use it on my 2017 F3L. It will work as a light cover, but the fit is really too snug over the longer F3L top case and too loose at my windshield. Rather than keep, I have decided to sell, and just continue to use my heavier BRP trailering cover. This item should fit your Spyder well. It was taken out of package for trial fit and photos, but remains in as new, unused condition in original box. Offering at $70, shipping included (less than Amazon). Cover is mint, very nice and folds into small, light bag; great for overnight travel use or outside storage.
    cover.jpgcover1.jpg

    As for gaining experience and confidence in ryding your Spyder, I echo what others have said above. Relax; give yourself time to become acquainted with this wonderful new toy. In a very short while you will be amazed at how much fun you're having. There are many great hints and good advice in the posts here, and lots of kind folks available to help if you need it. Good luck, and be safe.
    f4customs.com offers great windshields for the Spyder. Any questions please give us a call.
    F4 Customs, Inc.
    "The Motorcycle Windshield Folks"
    941-347-7496
    sales@f4customs.com
    <a href='http://www.spyderlovers.com/adserver/www/delivery/ck.php?zoneid=22' target='_blank'><img src='http://www.spyderlovers.com/adserver/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=22&cb=567846784' border='0' alt='' /></a>

  19. #19
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    While out for a short ride today, I remembered another "riding trick" for motorcycles that can be really important on a Spyder too:

    Don't start steering into a turn until you really NEED to.
    Anticipating the turn and starting to steer into it too soon isn't a problem at all with a car usually.

    It isn't MUCH of a problem on a bike either....usually but not doing it can make for much better turns.
    But it can be VERY important on a Spyder.

    So.....as a little experiment, on a deserted road with a bend in it......at low speed......try holding your line into the corner until you absolutely need to turn to make the corner. That doesn't mean to wait until you drift over to the outside line. It means don't actually start turning until you really need to.

  20. #20
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Easy Rider View Post
    While out for a short ride today, I remembered another "riding trick" for motorcycles that can be really important on a Spyder too:

    Don't start steering into a turn until you really NEED to.
    Anticipating the turn and starting to steer into it too soon isn't a problem at all with a car usually.

    It isn't MUCH of a problem on a bike either....usually but not doing it can make for much better turns.
    But it can be VERY important on a Spyder.

    So.....as a little experiment, on a deserted road with a bend in it......at low speed......try holding your line into the corner until you absolutely need to turn to make the corner. That doesn't mean to wait until you drift over to the outside line. It means don't actually start turning until you really need to.
    A bit akin to "enter from the inside and track to the outside." I would add, if you have to brake before the turn--your going a bit to fast. Rather than turning, It is more like a straight line through the curve.

    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.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by akspyderman View Post
    A bit akin to "enter from the inside and track to the outside."
    A bit but that's kind of a different thing.

    If you turn in too soon and then have to correct for that mid-turn, it doesn't matter what track you intended to take.

  22. #22
    Active Member mark4Jesus's Avatar
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    The Spyder has very responsive steering that takes some getting used to. Finesse is the key.
    2013 RT Limited.
    BajaRon Sway Bar.
    Refined Cycle's BPE2 brake pedal extension.
    Pedal Box
    2013 RT Limited , Refined Cycle BPE2 White

  23. #23
    Active Member SteveP's Avatar
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    Default First day was bad

    Or I should say the ride home from the dealership, thought I made a big mistake . Rush hour in Toronto ( which is actually about 4 hours);didn’t like my Ryde Home but went out on some clear county roads later and immediately got better . It still took a few times to feel comfortable even though I’ve ridden my whole life .... just keep going 👍

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lew L View Post
    I posted this (below) in another thread concerning ryders who were having a bit of trouble handling their ::::::::

    "Like
    thousands of other owners---- my handles great. Smooth and steady, no pulling or drifting out of the lane. Fast in the corners if I want to. It has Doc's spring stiffeners, anti-sway bar, General car tire at 19 # cold, and proper wheel alignment/balance. I've activated nanny a few times and found that smooth inputs really do help.
    Just wanted to add that until you finally get PO'd enough to spend the few dollars to actually implement the fix we all know about (or should know about) the anti-sway bar is number 1 and the Doc's spring stiffeners is a close 2nd ... and what a bang for the buck. Really just a few hundred dollars ... and way less than a muffler would cost!!!

    Anyone interested just needs to run a search on any of the forums there are hundreds of different posts on the topic ...

  25. #25
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    I have had a 2011 RTS for 2 years now and put about 6,000 miles on it since I have owned it. I previously had a 1800 Honda VTX and had a real hard time with the change. I did find doing a laser line up on it helped some and plan to put Baharon sway bar on in hopes the helps even more. I do like many things about the Spyder I have, like the stereo, cruise control, air ride and etc, then the fact my wife will go with me from time to time. But handling and/or power is not what I hoped for, the VTX just is so different, these are hard to get used to and enjoy a relaxed ride. I was hoping it handled more like a sports car.
    All that being said don't give up on it just yet, because I have ridden nice Goldwing trikes and they did not trip my trigger either, so?? Speaking for myself only, my Spyder is like driving an older Caddy compared to a Corvette. Don't take me wrong, I like my Spyder, just don't love it!

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