**** "DO'S & DO NOTS" for NEW SPYDER OWNERS... ****

[Questions]

The manual will also tell you that higher preload settings are appropriate with heavy loads.

Sure. It doesn't say, though that it's as big an issue as it apparently is. It makes sense after-the-fact, but the Spyder is by far the most sensitive vehicle I've ridden in that regard. It's not a criticism of the bike, but a little more emphasis in the manual would be a good thing. It may sound like hyperbole, but the difference is a big deal and potentially a safety issue - in my opinion, of course.

--jim

[mdale46]

I just recently copied the "Do's and Do Not's (update from Oct). What changes have you added in the Nov revision?

[Illinois Boy]

I just recently copied the "Do's and Do Not's (update from Oct). What changes have you added in the Nov revision?

Besides making some adjustment to the wording in a few areas; and "fine-tuning" the shift-sugggestions; these are the three items added in late October and early November.

• Latest addition was added to "Get a Battery Tender" regarding the warning no to connect accessories or a battery-tender to the terminal connectors (found under the seat), but rather connect directly to the battery posts.
• Locking the glove-box...
• Cruise control...
• Confirmation of where the manual states you do not have to roll-off the throttle when shifting the SE5.

That is about all I think I added. Hope it helps you!

Ride safe, often, and alert!

[mdale46]

Thanks for the update. I have copied and will put these "instructions" to practice. Thanks again!

[sonicsix]

I had read this thread before purchasing my RT-S SE5 as well as reading an online owner's manual. The information here is very helpful. I rode home from the dealer using the shifting guidelines and maintaining 5000-5500 RPMs. Thanks so much to the experienced owners for helping out those of us with less experience.

I can't imagine why this isn't a sticky.

[Spyder Smyles]

Great information for a newbie like me. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

[Rotaxer]

bump for newbies

[Farmbanker]

Bumped again....

[Desert Spyder]

This is very good information. I passed it on to my chapter members of SRA.

[Bob Ledford]

Illinois Boy
I have read the manual. Attended the dealers you need to do the class. Picked the brain of the dealers service department. Paid attention to the forum.

But you kind sir.. Explained it in a format that I understand. For that, I say "Thank You,"

[spydermyke990]

Nanny is what kicks in when you go around a curve or corner to fast and the wheel starts to come up. Then Nanny kicks in and slows you down to bring that wheel back down. I have had it happen to me a couple of times. It will throw you a little forward if you are not expecting it.

Remember....nanny is watching you......

[Farmbanker]

Bump.

[oe3spyderguy]

This is a great thread thanks for the tips I pickup my 2012 RT-S SE5 Sat. and I haven't owned a 2 wheeler for almost 30 years so hopefully no bad habits there. I've already read the online owners manual once and will read the hard copy again once I get my hands on it ( shoulda thought to get it when I closed the deal) thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[Cruzr Joe]

When you get time, go to the Home Page and on the right hand side is a "SPYDERS TO THE RESCUE" link, read it and if you can, join it. Print it out just before a trip out of your comfort zone.

Cruzr Joe

[carajony]

This is great,,, Thanx,, I am new and really didnt know most of this. I felt I had to shift to 5th gear all the time... I usually would shift to 5th when doing 40mph n higher.. Thanx again.. learn something new everyday... Def printing this out and keeping it on my spyder...

[Kagey_98]

For the New ones in the Family!

[Jeriatric]

For the New ones in the Family!

[spydermedicrn]

Ok, so I took my bike in for service and was told that I am riding the brake and need to stop. Well I knew better, I wasn't riding the brake. I knew better because I rode with my right foot hooked under the brake pedal. What I found myself doing was pulling up on the brake A LOT!. Well you would think that would be OK but IT IS NOT!!! ANY TOUCHING OF THE BRAKE is engaging the brake. I went through a new pair of pads in a very short time before I figured out I was the problem. Now I just use the foot pegs like I should and only touch the brake to use it. Everything is great now.

[kubie]

This needs to be on top and stay Sticky!!!! SO BUMP!

[Rockwall]

As a new Spyder owner and rider thank you very much for AWESOME information. You can find numerous complaints on-line from Spyder riders who probably are doing a lot of things wrong! I second the motion for a new Spyderlovers sub-heading specifically for new riders.

I notice that much of what's written is slanted towards RT models, but it seems that most will translate to the RS.

Thanks again to everyone for a great site.

[Illinois Boy]

As a new Spyder owner and rider thank you very much for AWESOME information. You can find numerous complaints on-line from Spyder riders who probably are doing a lot of things wrong! I second the motion for a new Spyderlovers sub-heading specifically for new riders.

I notice that much of what's written is slanted towards RT models, but it seems that most will translate to the RS.

Thanks again to everyone for a great site.

There is a slant to RT's... and for that I apologize. There are still items that fit all the models though, and hopefully one or more of them will provide a benefit and more enjoyment on one's Spyder.

Ride safe, often and alert!

[Zenagirl]

As a new Spyder owner and rider thank you very much for AWESOME information. You can find numerous complaints on-line from Spyder riders who probably are doing a lot of things wrong! I second the motion for a new Spyderlovers sub-heading specifically for new riders.

I notice that much of what's written is slanted towards RT models, but it seems that most will translate to the RS.

Thanks again to everyone for a great site.

I agree, this is a super thread and the Do's and Don't and other info need to be easily accessible to new owners. I've read this several times and pick up something new each time, but I had a heck of a time finding it again to read the April 6th revision. (And I used the search function too!) Please put this where is it EASILY found by newbies.

[JkRbbt]

Now that I have a couple of hundred miles under my belt, I reread this list. Makes more sense. One question. With this being a hi rev-ing engine, do you experienced folks let the machine warm up before you take off? Usually I don't get into higher revs until everything is nice and toasty, but with this little fella, we are talking 3500 RPM just to keep the clutch fully engaged. I know. Ride it like you stole it!! But if I stole it I wouldn't have to pay for repairs!

[MRH]

It would just be so useful to take the advice from this thread, perhaps add another few posts from elsewhere, and put it where anybody new can easily access it on the site - I know it would have helped me. It tells you what you need to know, but don't even know to ask!

[Jeriatric]

Now that I have a couple of hundred miles under my belt, I reread this list. Makes more sense. One question. With this being a hi rev-ing engine, do you experienced folks let the machine warm up before you take off? Usually I don't get into higher revs until everything is nice and toasty, but with this little fella, we are talking 3500 RPM just to keep the clutch fully engaged. I know. Ride it like you stole it!! But if I stole it I wouldn't have to pay for repairs!

Always fire mine off and let it warm while I'm gearing up. If it's off the dead cold mark by a quarter or better then I'll slow roll it until it's running as warm as the ambient temp will allow.