jgwoods
09-27-2009, 09:52 AM
Hello everyone,
I just picked up a yellow 2009 SE5 last week at Rt 3a Motors in Chelmsford , MA and have been enjoying the process of getting used to it-scaring myself a few times, giggling like a fool a few times too- as I get such a kick out of riding something so different from the long list of motorcycles I have had over the years since I took up riding in 1964.
I traded in my Kawasaki 2000 LT for the Spyder and got what I thought was a very good deal overall as they added the backrest, luggage rack, Ultra Touring windshield and highway pegs to make the deal, plus excellent trade value for the 2000 LT.
I am slowly adapting to the handling differences that come with 3 wheels and no lean. I find myself wobbling through turns much of the time as I haven't settled into a cornering groove yet. At 6' 9" and 320lb I think I raise the center of gravity a bit more than most folks. As I practice getting myself positioned right and weighting the inside footpeg I find it really responds pretty well, but I haven't gained any of the moves as habits yet.
Things I have noticed so far in about 350 miles -
fuel/exhaust smell on upshift- I see notes about a vent hose modification/update and I hope the dealer knows what to do. It's not all that bad, but I don't guess it should be there.
Suspension settings- Preload is set in the middle now front and rear. I kind of like the ride that way even though it leans a lot in turns, it also eats bumps pretty well. I am asking them to put the preload up to one step below full stiff when I take it in next week for the first service. I'd do it myself but I am going to wait a little before I start doing my own fiddling around with it. I see a number of folks have added a swaybar. Something I will consider for sure depending on how it reacts to more preload.
Possible toe in problem...? - I can feel a little feathering on the front tread and I think it "hunts" in bumpy corners some as one wheel or the other takes the most weight.
What I like best - lots of things- no low speed handling issues, never having to put your feet down, reverse gear, great weather protection, impressive power (still getting used to riding at high RPMs after owning 2 cruisers recently), great brakes and braking stability, excellent lights- even the stock ones are darn good, and I find the seat to be the most comfortable ever.
Wish list- Givi bags, foglights, and a little taller windshield as the 23" Ultra Touring direct the air stream right at my adams apple. I ordered a Laminar Lip for it to see if I can fix that before the colder days get here. I see that BRP now has a 25" version of the Ultra Touring- too late.
This is a great website. I have been reading lots of interesting stuff and I see wonderful upbeat attitudes and lots of happy owners. I'm glad to be here.
best
jgwoods
I just picked up a yellow 2009 SE5 last week at Rt 3a Motors in Chelmsford , MA and have been enjoying the process of getting used to it-scaring myself a few times, giggling like a fool a few times too- as I get such a kick out of riding something so different from the long list of motorcycles I have had over the years since I took up riding in 1964.
I traded in my Kawasaki 2000 LT for the Spyder and got what I thought was a very good deal overall as they added the backrest, luggage rack, Ultra Touring windshield and highway pegs to make the deal, plus excellent trade value for the 2000 LT.
I am slowly adapting to the handling differences that come with 3 wheels and no lean. I find myself wobbling through turns much of the time as I haven't settled into a cornering groove yet. At 6' 9" and 320lb I think I raise the center of gravity a bit more than most folks. As I practice getting myself positioned right and weighting the inside footpeg I find it really responds pretty well, but I haven't gained any of the moves as habits yet.
Things I have noticed so far in about 350 miles -
fuel/exhaust smell on upshift- I see notes about a vent hose modification/update and I hope the dealer knows what to do. It's not all that bad, but I don't guess it should be there.
Suspension settings- Preload is set in the middle now front and rear. I kind of like the ride that way even though it leans a lot in turns, it also eats bumps pretty well. I am asking them to put the preload up to one step below full stiff when I take it in next week for the first service. I'd do it myself but I am going to wait a little before I start doing my own fiddling around with it. I see a number of folks have added a swaybar. Something I will consider for sure depending on how it reacts to more preload.
Possible toe in problem...? - I can feel a little feathering on the front tread and I think it "hunts" in bumpy corners some as one wheel or the other takes the most weight.
What I like best - lots of things- no low speed handling issues, never having to put your feet down, reverse gear, great weather protection, impressive power (still getting used to riding at high RPMs after owning 2 cruisers recently), great brakes and braking stability, excellent lights- even the stock ones are darn good, and I find the seat to be the most comfortable ever.
Wish list- Givi bags, foglights, and a little taller windshield as the 23" Ultra Touring direct the air stream right at my adams apple. I ordered a Laminar Lip for it to see if I can fix that before the colder days get here. I see that BRP now has a 25" version of the Ultra Touring- too late.
This is a great website. I have been reading lots of interesting stuff and I see wonderful upbeat attitudes and lots of happy owners. I'm glad to be here.
best
jgwoods