rbrannum
11-04-2007, 06:47 PM
I got tired of waiting and bought the Spyder that came up for sale on EBay.
Took delivery last Thursday and rode it from Tampa to Key West and then back to Tampa for the 600 miles service. Had about 850 miles on it at this time. As I said, I left on Thursday and returned on Saturday. The seller was Barneys Motorcycle as an agent for a gent who backed out due to a death in the riding family. I found Barney's to be one of the most up front dealers that I have ever dealt with. I recommend them to anyone!!!
About the Spyder. I also have a VRod and an FJR 1300 that I ride. As far as the ride, it is very similar to the VRod. Lots of wind due to the small windshield. the Spyder is very quick and is easy to handle in traffic. I was disappointed in the gas milage as it was mostly 25 miles to the gallon.
After Barney's serviced the bike I rode it home to Guntersville, Alabama. The total trip was about 1,550 miles. On the last leg, from Atlanta to Guntersville the gas milage improved slightly to about 30 MPG. I hope this is evidence that it will continue to improve.
More about the Spyder. I have a heavy foot and that is probably what is wrong with the milage. I can attest that it will go from 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds, and at 90 MPH it is just as smooth as the VRod, but not quite as smooth as the FJR. Both the other bikes top end at a much higher speed. I never completely opened up the Spyder but know that it will do 100 MPH. On the trip, where possible, and after the break-in service I cruised at 80 MPH. I found the seat to be comfortable for the long ride and do not intend to make any changes.
One big surprised is the amount of storage in the turtle deck on the front. I carried one of the FJR saddle bag inserts and a tank bag. I could have left the tank bag home as all my gear could be packed around the FJR bag. Since I did have the tank bag I put it on the passenger seat and anchored it with a net - worked out real nice as I could still raise the seat to fuel the Spyder. Thought about buying the optional case that is made to fit the passenger seat, but realized that with it you would have to take it loose to fuel the Spyder.
If anyone has any questions I will be glad to give you my opinion. By the way I insured it with State Farm and the premium was about $750.00 annually. That even after I had totaled two cycles in the last 3 or 4 years.
Please excuse the typos.
Ray Brannum
rdb@mindspring.com
Took delivery last Thursday and rode it from Tampa to Key West and then back to Tampa for the 600 miles service. Had about 850 miles on it at this time. As I said, I left on Thursday and returned on Saturday. The seller was Barneys Motorcycle as an agent for a gent who backed out due to a death in the riding family. I found Barney's to be one of the most up front dealers that I have ever dealt with. I recommend them to anyone!!!
About the Spyder. I also have a VRod and an FJR 1300 that I ride. As far as the ride, it is very similar to the VRod. Lots of wind due to the small windshield. the Spyder is very quick and is easy to handle in traffic. I was disappointed in the gas milage as it was mostly 25 miles to the gallon.
After Barney's serviced the bike I rode it home to Guntersville, Alabama. The total trip was about 1,550 miles. On the last leg, from Atlanta to Guntersville the gas milage improved slightly to about 30 MPG. I hope this is evidence that it will continue to improve.
More about the Spyder. I have a heavy foot and that is probably what is wrong with the milage. I can attest that it will go from 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds, and at 90 MPH it is just as smooth as the VRod, but not quite as smooth as the FJR. Both the other bikes top end at a much higher speed. I never completely opened up the Spyder but know that it will do 100 MPH. On the trip, where possible, and after the break-in service I cruised at 80 MPH. I found the seat to be comfortable for the long ride and do not intend to make any changes.
One big surprised is the amount of storage in the turtle deck on the front. I carried one of the FJR saddle bag inserts and a tank bag. I could have left the tank bag home as all my gear could be packed around the FJR bag. Since I did have the tank bag I put it on the passenger seat and anchored it with a net - worked out real nice as I could still raise the seat to fuel the Spyder. Thought about buying the optional case that is made to fit the passenger seat, but realized that with it you would have to take it loose to fuel the Spyder.
If anyone has any questions I will be glad to give you my opinion. By the way I insured it with State Farm and the premium was about $750.00 annually. That even after I had totaled two cycles in the last 3 or 4 years.
Please excuse the typos.
Ray Brannum
rdb@mindspring.com