Ray&Charlotte
10-24-2012, 07:26 PM
Hi all! My name is Ray and we bought a '12 RT A/C SE5 a few weeks ago in Augusta, Ga - finally drove it home (near Shaw AFB, SC) last weekend and took a ride to NC this week. Learned a great deal about riding for 5 hours in one day too! lol - esp the helmet choice...
I've been reading SpyderLovers as the primary source of Spyder ownership and experience! I feel like I know some of you already - like RB1, Bobdenman, Nancystoys, and many many many more. Reading the years of woes, joys and insight really set us up for going into this w/ as best a foundation as possible imo. Still much to learn of course.
Many times while out there ryding, I would think about posting pics, sharing our/my excitement; like, on the day we picked up the spyder w/ 1mile on it...we drove it to a large church parking lot behind the dealership, and finally confident enough after 3 additional miles in parking lot(!) to go out on the rode/interstate...and at mile 16 - finally feeling the freedom and love for cycling that has been missed for nearly 20 years. Had it not been for my daughter asking, "What was that?" (Spyder going by a few evenings before buying one) we may not own one right now. My wife & I grew up on MCs - me on street, she on trails...we married and bought matching Rebels! lol - eventually daughter was born, sold the bikes, and we turned away knowing/respecting motorcycles as we do..and for years, child would say, "No no motorcycles..." but that all changed when she laid eyes on the Spyder!
I bought one w/o sitting or laying eyes on one - still in crate - and learning something new everyday. I've so much to share/ask. I'd like to share my MSF experience, the dealership/buying experience, the first ride, mods, (we pre-purchased HJC Modulars/SenaSMH10 System/Tourmaster Gear/Spyder Caps/Full Cover/Hi Rear Mount Light/LED Mud Flap lights/etc), wanted to go see lamont! lol, regretted not posting invites to our Friday ryde from Sumter to Aberdeen NC, want to ask for reputable dealers, wanted to ask about a leak (but found it on the forums) after parking it at mom's home near Augusta on the first 22miles on it...with so much to discuss, not sure exactly where to post threads appropriately...and still learning! I've read the new ryder's forums and the must reads for rpm's etc, I've read my owner's manual twice too.
I'll cut it off here, but here are some of the things that I'd like to throw out quickly: I found zero psi on the rear shock (added air as MOM said) - was not given a thorough PDI on purchase, can't seem to trust dealer after the pick up - ethics seems to lie w/ sales and showing me how to start and ride it away...Now it's due for the first 600mi service and found today's notes about the wide difference in service/dealership behaviors...I've even had grandiose thoughts of opening a Can Am Spyder franchise here simply because I believe a full-on Integrity Filled, Spyder Dealership would do very, very well. Went too long! Ray of Ray&Charlotte!! I'll prompt the wifey to get in here and add her thoughts occassionally...nice to meet you all!!!! :)
I've been reading SpyderLovers as the primary source of Spyder ownership and experience! I feel like I know some of you already - like RB1, Bobdenman, Nancystoys, and many many many more. Reading the years of woes, joys and insight really set us up for going into this w/ as best a foundation as possible imo. Still much to learn of course.
Many times while out there ryding, I would think about posting pics, sharing our/my excitement; like, on the day we picked up the spyder w/ 1mile on it...we drove it to a large church parking lot behind the dealership, and finally confident enough after 3 additional miles in parking lot(!) to go out on the rode/interstate...and at mile 16 - finally feeling the freedom and love for cycling that has been missed for nearly 20 years. Had it not been for my daughter asking, "What was that?" (Spyder going by a few evenings before buying one) we may not own one right now. My wife & I grew up on MCs - me on street, she on trails...we married and bought matching Rebels! lol - eventually daughter was born, sold the bikes, and we turned away knowing/respecting motorcycles as we do..and for years, child would say, "No no motorcycles..." but that all changed when she laid eyes on the Spyder!
I bought one w/o sitting or laying eyes on one - still in crate - and learning something new everyday. I've so much to share/ask. I'd like to share my MSF experience, the dealership/buying experience, the first ride, mods, (we pre-purchased HJC Modulars/SenaSMH10 System/Tourmaster Gear/Spyder Caps/Full Cover/Hi Rear Mount Light/LED Mud Flap lights/etc), wanted to go see lamont! lol, regretted not posting invites to our Friday ryde from Sumter to Aberdeen NC, want to ask for reputable dealers, wanted to ask about a leak (but found it on the forums) after parking it at mom's home near Augusta on the first 22miles on it...with so much to discuss, not sure exactly where to post threads appropriately...and still learning! I've read the new ryder's forums and the must reads for rpm's etc, I've read my owner's manual twice too.
I'll cut it off here, but here are some of the things that I'd like to throw out quickly: I found zero psi on the rear shock (added air as MOM said) - was not given a thorough PDI on purchase, can't seem to trust dealer after the pick up - ethics seems to lie w/ sales and showing me how to start and ride it away...Now it's due for the first 600mi service and found today's notes about the wide difference in service/dealership behaviors...I've even had grandiose thoughts of opening a Can Am Spyder franchise here simply because I believe a full-on Integrity Filled, Spyder Dealership would do very, very well. Went too long! Ray of Ray&Charlotte!! I'll prompt the wifey to get in here and add her thoughts occassionally...nice to meet you all!!!! :)