question for ST Limited owners

[03hdjill]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a 2013 ST Limited. Can anyone tell me what it is like going from a motorcycle to a Spyder. I currently have a 2003 HD Electra Glide Standard and am thinking about making the change. Has anyone done that? Did it take a while to adjust? Are the Spyders as fun to ride as motorcycles? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jill

[Justryde]

A Spyder is too much fun!

[Jharpo]

Many of our members if not most moved from 2 wheels to 3. For most of us, it was an adjustment. One big fact - Spyders Do Not Lean! Those who have ridden 4 wheelers seem to adjust immediately. Are they as much fun? Absolutely! Is it a different kind of fun? I believe so. You lose the fear factor. Spyders don't tip over or slip out from under you. You're still out, in the open air, you can still smell the roses, but you are more relaxed. I currently ride a RS, but come Saturday, I will be riding my new ST Limited and I can't wait! Just call me a Happy Spyder Ryder!

[aviscomi]

I still have my Harley FLHX (Street Glide), but bought my 2013 ST-Limited for longer (1000+ miles) 2-up rides. There wasn't much of a learning curve for me due to the fact that I had raced Quads (ATV's) for a number of years.

[03hdjill]

Well, I hope you will post to let everyone know how you like your new ST. I am really considering the Limited, also. I don't have a lot of experience on quads, only 13 years on motorcycles. It just looks like it would be perfect for road trips.

[03hdjill]

I still have my Harley FLHX (Street Glide), but bought my 2013 ST-Limited for longer (1000+ miles) 2-up rides. There wasn't much of a learning curve for me due to the fact that I had raced Quads (ATV's) for a number of years.
Do you like riding your Limited as much as your Street Glide? I wonder how it does in the rain and on gravel?

[Zenagirl]

I rode a Harley 1200 Sportster for a couple of years, loved the bike, but due to some physical issues, felt unsafe at times. Attended a 3-wheeler safety class intending to trade it in on a Harley Trike, but there was a green Spyder in the class. I fell in love with it! It felt really odd at first!!! But loved loved loved it!!! I had such great fun on it, and zipping around the cones was super. It does take some getting use to, and making long corners takes some practice to keep from being jerky, and you have to learn not to have a death grip on the handles. I bought the ST-Limited and I do love it!! I feel safer and more confident on it. The more I ride, the more I love it. And even though it is a bit spendy, I am SO glad I bought it. And most 2 wheeler bikers give me the wave or a nod, and I don't care about those who don't, or feel I don't deserve to be out there. I am doing what I am loving and that is all that matters. It rides differently, as was mentioned, but it is a lot of fun. Just different. :yes::yes::yes: Give it a try!! Good Luck! :clap:

[aviscomi]

Do you like riding your Limited as much as your Street Glide? I wonder how it does in the rain and on gravel?
I am currently in Daytona Beach, FL. I rode the ST down here from Philadelphia PA and the last 300 miles of my ride was in a steady rain. I could have never rode my Harley through that rainstorm for that length of time. Hell, I didn't even have to slow down. I do feel a bit strange riding the Spyder whenever a "roll up" next to a Harley; especially when I'm wearing a Harley Tshirt & jacket. I can honestly say that the ST is "hands down" a more comfortable ride than my Street Glide.

[donec]

As for the learning curve IMO the things you will have to work on are staying in the saddle in curves (unlike a 2 wheeler that leans and pushes you into the seat the spyder feels like it is trying to push you off the seat because it does not lean but the forces are still there), keeping the revs high. There is an excellent thread "Do's and Do Not's" for new Spyder owners that you should checkout as it has some very good advice.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?41346-quot-Do-s-and-Do-Nots-quot-for-new-Spyder-owners

[azjerry]

I have a Goldwing and a Spyder ST-S. We bought the Spyder for the wife but I enjoy riding it also. I still like my Wing but if anything happens to it, I think I would get another Spyder and say goodbye to 2 wheels. I was surprised how easily I adjusted to the spyder. My wife took a 3-wheel MSF course on a Wing trike then we bought the Spyder. She was afraid to ride it the 20 miles home so I had to do it. Even though I had never ridden a trike of any kind, I had no problem. I spent a few minutes in the dealer parking lot getting the feel for it and then rode home. We both had already read the Do's and Don't's post on this board several times so I was as ready as I could be. Not a problem.

And yes, it is fun. Different but still fun. No regrets for us.

[azjerry]

I will add one thing. We've only ridden the Spyder 2-up one time for about 20 miles. It is a little cramped compared to the Wing, according to my wife (she was on back).

[BMWpilot]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a 2013 ST Limited. Can anyone tell me what it is like going from a motorcycle to a Spyder. I currently have a 2003 HD Electra Glide Standard and am thinking about making the change. Has anyone done that? Did it take a while to adjust? Are the Spyders as fun to ride as motorcycles? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jill
What a coincidence. I was getting ready to post the same question when your post showed up. Just sold my 02 BMW K1200RS and I have been looking at the ST-S.

[03hdjill]

I am currently in Daytona Beach, FL. I rode the ST down here from Philadelphia PA and the last 300 miles of my ride was in a steady rain. I could have never rode my Harley through that rainstorm for that length of time. Hell, I didn't even have to slow down. I do feel a bit strange riding the Spyder whenever a "roll up" next to a Harley; especially when I'm wearing a Harley Tshirt & jacket. I can honestly say that the ST is "hands down" a more comfortable ride than my Street Glide.

Every time my husband and I take our bikes on long trips it rains. I know exactly what you mean. That is nice to hear that they do well in the rain. I have always thought my Electra Glide was comfortable, but the ST looks like it would be even more comfortable.

[03hdjill]

I rode a Harley 1200 Sportster for a couple of years, loved the bike, but due to some physical issues, felt unsafe at times. Attended a 3-wheeler safety class intending to trade it in on a Harley Trike, but there was a green Spyder in the class. I fell in love with it! It felt really odd at first!!! But loved loved loved it!!! I had such great fun on it, and zipping around the cones was super. It does take some getting use to, and making long corners takes some practice to keep from being jerky, and you have to learn not to have a death grip on the handles. I bought the ST-Limited and I do love it!! I feel safer and more confident on it. The more I ride, the more I love it. And even though it is a bit spendy, I am SO glad I bought it. And most 2 wheeler bikers give me the wave or a nod, and I don't care about those who don't, or feel I don't deserve to be out there. I am doing what I am loving and that is all that matters. It rides differently, as was mentioned, but it is a lot of fun. Just different. :yes::yes::yes: Give it a try!! Good Luck! :clap:
Glad you like yours. I saw people taking the MSF class on the Spyders. Looked like fun. How many miles do you have on your ST?

[03hdjill]

What a coincidence. I was getting ready to post the same question when your post showed up. Just sold my 02 BMW K1200RS and I have been looking at the ST-S.
Well let me know what you think if you get one. I am looking for a white pearl limited. Don't know if I will find one around PA.

[03hdjill]

I will add one thing. We've only ridden the Spyder 2-up one time for about 20 miles. It is a little cramped compared to the Wing, according to my wife (she was on back). I would be getting the Limited because I don't think we will be riding 2 up very often. I will be giving my husband my FLHTI and we will sell his Road King.

[KAPike]

It's as close to driving an ATV at 100 MPH as you're going to get. I have an RT and my wife is getting her cycle endorsement now and we are looking at an ST for her. We'll keep the RT for 2 up riding and the RT and ST when we ride individually.

[spydaman60]

well I don't own an st but I own an rss and all I can tell you is they ought to illegal, as they are just too much fun for one person to handle!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbu p: you just can't go wrong with a spyder. they are a lot safer when you hit the wet roads and the gravel on the corners too!:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

[ARtraveler]

RE: Differences: I rode two wheelers up until last summer. 48 years or so, and 35 assorted from a 80cc one lunger to the 2000cc Vulcan LT.

The Spyder is a totally different animal than a two wheeler. No lean, different operating proceedures, etc. Once you get past that--you should have no problem.

Those that try the :ani29: for the first time say they are a bit squirrly and hard to control. Most of this is caused by driver input. (Not taking into account the ball joint issue and subsequent fix on the 2013's).

There is a learning curve on driving the :spyder2:. Older bikers like myself, take about 1000 miles before it becomes natural. I took about 1500 miles. Non-bikers are pretty good at 500 miles or so.

Will it be right for you? Only you can answer that question. Recommend a test ride--a long one if possible. Then you will know.

Let us know what you decide.

[03hdjill]

It's as close to driving an ATV at 100 MPH as you're going to get. I have an RT and my wife is getting her cycle endorsement now and we are looking at an ST for her. We'll keep the RT for 2 up riding and the RT and ST when we ride individually.
LOL....I would have no idea what it would feel like to drive an ATV @ 100 mph..LOL That is the thing...I only have real experience with motorcycles. I have been on a quad only a few times and it was to do work around our farm.

[03hdjill]

RE: Differences I rode two wheelers up until last summer. 48 years or so, and 35 assorted from a 80cc one lunger to the 2000cc Vulcan LT.

The Spyder is a totally different animal than a two wheeler. No lean, different operating proceedures, etc. Once you get past that--you should have no problem.

Those that try the :ani29: for the first time say they are a bit squirrly and hard to control. Most of this is caused by driver input. (Not taking into account the ball joint issue and subsequent fix on the 2013's).

There is a learning curve on driving the :spyder2:. Old bikers like myself, take about 1000 miles before it becomes natural. I took about 1500 miles. Non-bikers are pretty good at 500 miles or so.

Will it be right for you? Only you can answer that question. Recommend a test ride--a long one if possible. Then you will know.

Let us know what you decide.
I will let you know. I am going to test drive one. I wanted to make sure it was the ST Limited, though. If I am thinking of buying it I want to make sure that is the model I drive. Even looking at the controls seemed so foreign and a bit intimidating....like no clutch or hand brakes...

[JKMSPYDER]

I bought my ST-S in January and have over 2300 miles on it. I had last owned a 2 wheeler in the '80's. It didn't take me any time to get used to the Spyder. I love not having to put my feet down when I come to a stop, and not having to worry about riding in the rain or watching out for loose gravel. If you buy one I think you will love it.

[03hdjill]

I bought my ST-S in January and have over 2300 miles on it. I had last owned a 2 wheeler in the '80's. It didn't take me any time to get used to the Spyder. I love not having to put my feet down when I come to a stop, and not having to worry about riding in the rain or watching out for loose gravel. If you buy one I think you will love it.
That is exactly what I was hoping. Plus, it would be nice to be able to get backed out of a situation ( which happens on occasion ) on a slight grade by having "reverse" instead of needing a push backward.

[Zenagirl]

Glad you like yours. I saw people taking the MSF class on the Spyders. Looked like fun. How many miles do you have on your ST?

I am barely over 600 and need to take it in for its first service. I work full time and weather hasn't been kind. I'm a nice weather rider. But plan on putting many many miles on it this year!!! I have been on the freeways at 75 and it handles beautifully, but prefer the slower lazier riding. :rolleyes: I have also started riding it to work and although it is chilly in the mornings as I leave the house at 6:00 am, when I hop on at 4:00 pm and its a warm day, its a great ride home!!!

[Edsts]

Now I can truly say there is a bike out here for every Physicall attribute a person can have . The Spyder accommodates every single rider in so many ways , my only regret is that I don't ride my sts as often as I want . You won't regret getting one ! ;)

[SpyderGAAZ]

My STS has 204 miles and is 2 weeks old....I already am giving it the throttle, leaning into the curve and she hugs the curves like a little sports car. Plenty of pep...I am always having to check the speedometer cause it is too hard to resist the acceleration! I did ride 2 wheels before but you will have no problem with the transition....just takes time to fine tune the corners.

[03hdjill]

My STS has 204 miles and is 2 weeks old....I already am giving it the throttle, leaning into the curve and she hugs the curves like a little sports car. Plenty of pep...I am always having to check the speedometer cause it is too hard to resist the acceleration! I did ride 2 wheels before but you will have no problem with the transition....just takes time to fine tune the corners.

LOL.......This post was from last May........9400 miles later I am still loving my ST Limited. (wish it was not as hot as it is, but I am having a blast riding it) I transitioned well from my Harley that I had ridden for 10 years (and thought that it was the perfect bike for me) We sold both Harleys and are a two Spyder family.

[Jeffsm69]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a 2013 ST Limited. Can anyone tell me what it is like going from a motorcycle to a Spyder. I currently have a 2003 HD Electra Glide Standard and am thinking about making the change. Has anyone done that? Did it take a while to adjust? Are the Spyders as fun to ride as motorcycles? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jill

I made the switch back in 2009, the Spyder is a fantastic machine and it's honestly not hard at all to transition between the two, a lot refer to the bike as being very similar to a quad or snowmobile, the best thing you can do is go test drive one, when you're finished, you won't be able to get rid of the smile on your face

[Larry t]

I have ridden 2 wheels probably 50 years, traded in a FJR 1300 for my ST-L, it is fun just got back from a 6700 mile trip from southeast Tx to Canada and back thru Sturgis and back. 2 up using mostly back roads there were times I wished for 2 wheels, good curves, but over all was very pleased with the ST especially when we were coming down from the run to the sun the road work gravel, rain and traffic, all made the ST so much easier to handle than the Goldwings I was with on the trip.One of the guys foot slipped in the gravel and he leaned it over I still am planning on a 2 wheeler for the times when I feel the need for the feel of the lean into the curves on a lone ride, but the ST is sufficient for my needs at this time so I am able to put off the expense of another bike

[Questions]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a 2013 ST Limited. Can anyone tell me what it is like going from a motorcycle to a Spyder. I currently have a 2003 HD Electra Glide Standard and am thinking about making the change. Has anyone done that? Did it take a while to adjust? Are the Spyders as fun to ride as motorcycles? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jill
I have a 2013 pearl white st limited with 2300 miles and like it. I have ridden motorcycles since the 1960's and the spyder is way different, the more miles you ride it the more comfortable with the handling you get, they are a lot of fun.

[AY4B]

My STS has 204 miles and is 2 weeks old....I already am giving it the throttle, leaning into the curve and she hugs the curves like a little sports car. Plenty of pep...I am always having to check the speedometer cause it is too hard to resist the acceleration! I did ride 2 wheels before but you will have no problem with the transition....just takes time to fine tune the corners.

Im at about the same point im my experience as you were at this post. I live in an area that has a lot of FM roads so with the GPS, I can just take off and try to get lost, the GPS can take me home. You compared it to a small sports car, Its more like a large go cart.

[cmungen]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a 2013 ST Limited. Can anyone tell me what it is like going from a motorcycle to a Spyder. I currently have a 2003 HD Electra Glide Standard and am thinking about making the change. Has anyone done that? Did it take a while to adjust? Are the Spyders as fun to ride as motorcycles? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jill
I'm 75 and have riden and owned 50 mc's and just got a st limited. it is totally different dynamic as opposed to a m/c. It will take you a long time (500mi)
or so, to get comfortable to the riding dynamic and also to the hihg reving engine.
Ive got @2k mi on mine now ND i LOVE IT. iT IS NOT A m/c and I dont want it to be. It is a 3 wheel sport vehicle and is a blast.
Carl