Is my new machine just NOT made for those twisty-turnies?

[JacqueTanis]

Well, I learned what The Angel can and CANNOT do. I went riding up in our gorgeous mountains today and took a twisty-turny I ride regularly. OMGosh, what a work out ... I was so sore and tired when I got home last night I just collapsed. Of course it didn't help that the more tired I got the more I gripped those handle bars and fought my machine. After a few hours (lots of breaks) I just couldn't seem to relax and enjoy the ride. It seemed like I had to go sooooo slowwww on those tight curves and it took me forever to get where we were going. Everyone was cool and had lots of patience with me but I finally told them to just go on ahead and I'd meet them there. So, will it get better or is The Angel just NOT made for that sort of road? After yesterday I've decided to ride my BMW on those twisty-turnies and The Angel on roads with more gently curves and straight roads ahead, longer trips ... Any tips would be appreciated!:gaah:

[Saluda]

A tight grip is definately what you don't want to do. It definately should get better. I'm real happy with mine and the way it performs in the turns. Best of luck.

[DrewNJ]

Relax and concentrate more on your "whole body" ergonomics when riding. It's not like a car, you do have to move around on the seat and work the turns when riding harder. If you try to ride sitting upright on the seat in the turns, the spyder will wear you out pretty quick and makes for a not so fun ride....

[danlnc]

Well, I learned what The Angel can and CANNOT do. I went riding up in our gorgeous mountains today and took a twisty-turny I ride regularly. OMGosh, what a work out ... I was so sore and tired when I got home last night I just collapsed. Of course it didn't help that the more tired I got the more I gripped those handle bars and fought my machine. After a few hours (lots of breaks) I just couldn't seem to relax and enjoy the ride. It seemed like I had to go sooooo slowwww on those tight curves and it took me forever to get where we were going. Everyone was cool and had lots of patience with me but I finally told them to just go on ahead and I'd meet them there. So, will it get better or is The Angel just NOT made for that sort of road? After yesterday I've decided to ride my BMW on those twisty-turnies and The Angel on roads with more gently curves and straight roads ahead, longer trips ... Any tips would be appreciated!:gaah:

I accidentally rode the Rattler to Lamonts, and I know what you mean. I have ridden for 40 years and by no means do I consider myself the best, but I do know my way around a bike. And anyone that says that they can out perform a two wheeler on the twisties is just blowing hot air.

[Motorcycledave]

Riding the Spyder in the twisties is way different than on my ST1300 Honda or any other bike for that matter.
It is more of a work out than on a bike but it's still fun but like above if I want to get some place fast and the road is
very windy I take the bike every time if I am out for a Sunday type of ride the /Spyder is the way to go.

__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

I accidentally rode the Rattler to Lamonts, and I know what you mean. I have ridden for 40 years and by no means do I consider myself the best, but I do know my way around a bike. And anyone that says that they can out perform a two wheeler on the twisties is just blowing hot air.

[Derek Paisley]

Blowing Hot air.... I don't think I'd take it that far.


I can out perform many local riders who are on 2 wheels. It's not the vehicle that defines this, it's the rider and their vehicle specific proficiency.
Take a 40 year conventional MC rider on a Spyder and we typically hear the "It tried to kill me in the corner...", "My arms and whole body took a beating"..




JacqueTanis, give it some time to adjust to the riding style. There are many great contributors here @ Spyderlovers that will provide some useful direction.


D

[asp125]

The Spyder is happiest in sweepers and higher speed curves, definitely not the best in tight hairpins. You can't fight physics of muscling a 900lb machine around a first gear corner as easily as you can on a 500lb motorcycle. There is just too much mass to call it "flickable" in the twisties. That said, you can do things to help it corner, like improving the suspension, and using active body weighting, and sticky tires.

Even in RS RSS form, it's more a sport touring rig than a backroads brawler. You won't keep up with sport bikes (BTDT) without Nanny telling you to "act your age". ;)

But on the bright side, think of the free upper body workout you're getting without going to the gym! :thumbup:

[danlnc]

The Spyder is happiest in sweepers and higher speed curves, definitely not the best in tight hairpins. You can't fight physics of muscling a 900lb machine around a first gear corner as easily as you can on a 500lb motorcycle. There is just too much mass to call it "flickable" in the twisties. That said, you can do things to help it corner, like improving the suspension, and using active body weighting, and sticky tires.

Even in RS RSS form, it's more a sport touring rig than a backroads brawler. You won't keep up with sport bikes (BTDT) without Nanny telling you to "act your age". ;)

But on the bright side, think of the free upper body workout you're getting without going to the gym! :thumbup:

I agree. That's all I was saying. I love my Spyder, but it is what it is.

[SpyderAnn01]

Don't leave the ST at home it will not be happy with you! As the others have said a tight grip is your enemy you need to relax and give yourself a chance to get used to the differences in the Spyder vs a two wheeler.

Try leaving your sport biker friends at home and give it another try without the pressure of keeping up with the others. Good luck.

[Bob Ledford]

Janis

Do like the previous posters told you. It all comes together with time and practice, practice and more practice comes experience and then you find, pure enjoyment and you don't even notice it happening.


You made mention that you took your Beemer out and did better. You should have because you probably had it longer, right?


As "saluda" mentioned you have to unthink your normal two wheel skills and learn new three wheel skills. Like the Spyder does not require you to counter steer into a corner. But it does require that you lean your upper body mass into the corner to counter the g-forces trying to pitch you off. If you go into a corner on your Beemer to hot what happens? You fall down. What happens on your Spyder? You just wet your drawers and go on.


As a newbie rider myself 50 years on two wheels and only a year an a half on three at the age of 72, just take it slow and watch the body language of those with more 3 wheel experience. You will find yourself blowing the paint off those 2 wheel hotdoggers in no time at all.


Don't forget to come back periodically for more Q&A.

[JacqueTanis]

Relax and concentrate more on your "whole body" ergonomics when riding. It's not like a car, you do have to move around on the seat and work the turns when riding harder. If you try to ride sitting upright on the seat in the turns, the spyder will wear you out pretty quick and makes for a not so fun ride....

So I think I'm just so used to my two wheels I'm having a hard time adjusting to three. I was leaning on the seat but I'm so new (less than two weeks but 1500 miles - yay) the road was off camber and I would just feeze up and let off the throttle. I can take 15 MPH turns doing 25 to 30 on my BMW but on The Angel I found myself slowing wayyyy down to even 10. Also, I was riding behind a 2 wheel rider who is pretty paranoid and kept adjusting their up and down and all over the place. :banghead: I finally got in front of them and did a little better. Should I move off the seat like I do on my ATV?

[JacqueTanis]

I accidentally rode the Rattler to Lamonts, and I know what you mean. I have ridden for 40 years and by no means do I consider myself the best, but I do know my way around a bike. And anyone that says that they can out perform a two wheeler on the twisties is just blowing hot air.

I've just decided that I'll have to choose my depending on the route, although I am hoping to at least get comfortable enough on The Angel that I can at least ease around those tight turns without freezing up and yelling (inside my head very loudly) PANIC

[JacqueTanis]

Blowing Hot air.... I don't think I'd take it that far.


I can out perform many local riders who are on 2 wheels. It's not the vehicle that defines this, it's the rider and their vehicle specific proficiency.
Take a 40 year conventional MC rider on a Spyder and we typically hear the "It tried to kill me in the corner...", "My arms and whole body took a beating"..




JacqueTanis, give it some time to adjust to the riding style. There are many great contributors here @ Spyderlovers that will provide some useful direction.


D

Thank you so very much ... I have soooo much to learn - LOL and unlearn!

[JacqueTanis]

The Spyder is happiest in sweepers and higher speed curves, definitely not the best in tight hairpins. You can't fight physics of muscling a 900lb machine around a first gear corner as easily as you can on a 500lb motorcycle. There is just too much mass to call it "flickable" in the twisties. That said, you can do things to help it corner, like improving the suspension, and using active body weighting, and sticky tires.

Even in RS RSS form, it's more a sport touring rig than a backroads brawler. You won't keep up with sport bikes (BTDT) without Nanny telling you to "act your age". ;)

But on the bright side, think of the free upper body workout you're getting without going to the gym! :thumbup:
:clap: You made my day and gave me a big smile. Now to show my newbie genes ... what do you mean by active body weighting and sticky tires and how do I improve the suspension? I do think The Angel is a perfect touring machine ... I did 2400+ miles on my BMW F650Gs in January and it was great but nothing compared to the 1350 miles I did when I picked The Angel up last week and drove it home. Talk about comfort (LOL, except the seat - I'm getting a Russell for this girl).

[Jeriatric]

The reality is. Riding the spyder aggressively in twisties is a work out.
At first, if I spent a day - 10 or 12 hours - in the twisties. I'd be toast.
It takes time for your body to adjust because it is a work out.
But, if you stay with it. You'll be glad you did. jmy2c

[asp125]

So I think I'm just so used to my two wheels I'm having a hard time adjusting to three. I was leaning on the seat but I'm so new (less than two weeks but 1500 miles - yay) the road was off camber and I would just feeze up and let off the throttle. I can take 15 MPH turns doing 25 to 30 on my BMW but on The Angel I found myself slowing wayyyy down to even 10. Also, I was riding behind a 2 wheel rider who is pretty paranoid and kept adjusting their up and down and all over the place. :banghead: I finally got in front of them and did a little better. Should I move off the seat like I do on my ATV?

Two weeks (1500mi) is still "new" to you, get some more seat time and you'll find it easier. I still ride two wheels and have learned to make that mental switch every time I get on the Spyder. Yes you'll find riding the Spyder more like your ATV to help, not always necessary but if you are comfortable riding that way it will help make the switch easier.

[JacqueTanis]

Thanks for the info ...



Blowing Hot air.... I don't think I'd take it that far.


I can out perform many local riders who are on 2 wheels. It's not the vehicle that defines this, it's the rider and their vehicle specific proficiency.
Take a 40 year conventional MC rider on a Spyder and we typically hear the "It tried to kill me in the corner...", "My arms and whole body took a beating"..




JacqueTanis, give it some time to adjust to the riding style. There are many great contributors here @ Spyderlovers that will provide some useful direction.


D

[JacqueTanis]

Thank you ... I WILL stick with it for sure!


The reality is. Riding the spyder aggressively in twisties is a work out.
At first, if I spent a day - 10 or 12 hours - in the twisties. I'd be toast.
It takes time for your body to adjust because it is a work out.
But, if you stay with it. You'll be glad you did. jmy2c

[JacqueTanis]

Yes you're right Bob, I needed that reminder - when I went from my Honda Shadow to my BMW I about had a stroke, I was so scared but now, after a year riding it I'm fine - so, I'll give it some time and enjoy one day realizing how comfortable I am - :bowdown: thank you so much!


Janis

Do like the previous posters told you. It all comes together with time and practice, practice and more practice comes experience and then you find, pure enjoyment and you don't even notice it happening.


You made mention that you took your Beemer out and did better. You should have because you probably had it longer, right?


As "saluda" mentioned you have to unthink your normal two wheel skills and learn new three wheel skills. Like the Spyder does not require you to counter steer into a corner. But it does require that you lean your upper body mass into the corner to counter the g-forces trying to pitch you off. If you go into a corner on your Beemer to hot what happens? You fall down. What happens on your Spyder? You just wet your drawers and go on.


As a newbie rider myself 50 years on two wheels and only a year an a half on three at the age of 72, just take it slow and watch the body language of those with more 3 wheel experience. You will find yourself blowing the paint off those 2 wheel hotdoggers in no time at all.


Don't forget to come back periodically for more Q&A.

[lookerjdc]

I have to agree with the other posters

it does take time and practice - and it will come

you learn to shift your weight, you learn to pick your line going in to and coming out of turns to set yourself up for the next turn, etc, etc

but in the end, its all about you having a good time, not trying to pass the person in front of you (unless they are doing 10 mph.......) lol

[waytootall67]

I dont lean in the twisties...I hang off the side. Last year I did some mountain twisties in Montana with a Goldwing and a C90 cruiser following me and I had to stop LOTS to let them catch up and these are 20+ years of riding. I wouldnt do as well keeping up with a sport bike.

One guy I was riding with hadnt ridden with me before and his comment at the first stop was "Wow you really have to work that thing."

[donec]

JacqueTanis, I wrote a long response and decided to just cut to the chase. You need to remember the first time you rode 2 wheels and how long it took to become comfortable. Now for your Angel you need to give her that much time and enough time for you to over come your bad 2 wheel habits. Straight smooth slow rides don't count to learning to stay on. They just give confidence allowing you to trust Angel. Practice at your own speed on some bad back country roads until you are comfortable staying on and riding these bad roads as they are a challenge.

Time in the saddle and miles will help The Angel run all over that Hussy BMW :trike::roflblack:

Hang in there The Angel is worth it.

[Tony99]

I have 6000 miles on my 2013 rt limited and the handling is nothing like my Yamaha Super Tenere however it is not supposed to be. I to rode the dragon and pushed to HD's up and down the Dragon. But once again HD's are not made for the sharp turns either. Every bike has its advantages and disadvantage.

[spyderpoop]

I agree with you the twisties is not very comfortable with the spyder especially with two up large size people on it compared to a two wheeler I did the demo ride on a new 2013 rt and we stayed well behind the group on the short ride on the twisties as I felt like we was gonna fall off it in a curve I get the same feeling some times on my own spyder also but I ,ll be surpised if anyone can keep up with a two wheeled bike on a long twisty road I no I wont be able too

[lookerjdc]

on the Dragon, we got passed by a crotch rocket and a Honda (who was riding on his skid plates on the turns)

I had no inclination to keep up with them - I was there to enjoy myself, not set a speed record, but I did keep pressing myself to MY limits

on the Rattler there was one long lopping right turn and I slipped outside of my line and in trying to get back on it, I lifted my right wheel off the ground, but apparently since I had my weight shifted, the nanny didnt kick in and I was able to get back on it and continue

[murphybrown]

So I think I'm just so used to my two wheels I'm having a hard time adjusting to three. I was leaning on the seat but I'm so new (less than two weeks but 1500 miles - yay) the road was off camber and I would just feeze up and let off the throttle. I can take 15 MPH turns doing 25 to 30 on my BMW but on The Angel I found myself slowing wayyyy down to even 10. Also, I was riding behind a 2 wheel rider who is pretty paranoid and kept adjusting their up and down and all over the place. :banghead: I finally got in front of them and did a little better. Should I move off the seat like I do on my ATV?

I (now) consistently run curves 10 to 15 above posted. And I am definitely no "hot" ryder. Did learn on the Tail of the Dragon...not to be a show off and try to wave and the camera dudes and go tight into a corner....:roflblack::roflblack:..after that no waving...but did enjoy the twisties....liked the Rattler even better. Keep practicing follow advise of previous posts and you will conquer!!! Definitely would, when able, add the elkas, swaybar or Len's relocators...definitely makes a difference IMHO...
Enjoy the ryde...you are the master of your world...:thumbup:

[bullant12]

Did the Dragon with the 2010 RT in the Owner's Event in 2011 and last Saturday with my 2013.

Short and sweet: I COULD DO IT A THOUSAND TIMES!!!:yes::yes::yes:

Too bad we were running short on time... I would like to do it on my wife's 2011 RS-S.

[NancysToy]

The Spyder does take some adjustment on the rider's part. First, be sure your suspension is set up for the load and the type of riding you do. For the twisties another notch or two on the front spring preload can help. Aftermarket accessories like BajaRon's swaybar or Elka shocks can also be of help if you ride hard. With your suspension set correctly to reduce the body roll, you will feel less need to move slowly through the corners. It sounds like you are trying to use good technique. The Spyder likes you to lean in, or even to shift your weight off the seat in the tight curves. It seems to like a bit of trail braking, and responds well to accelerating out of the apex. Some time in the saddle should increase your confidence and your technique. You will never beat the sport bikes through the mountains, but you should be able to leave most of the cruisers and tourers behind. You will get a workout doing it, though. It is a physical machine.

[ataDude]

Well, I learned what The Angel can and CANNOT do. I went riding up in our gorgeous mountains today and took a twisty-turny I ride regularly. OMGosh, what a work out ... I was so sore and tired when I got home last night I just collapsed. Of course it didn't help that the more tired I got the more I gripped those handle bars and fought my machine. After a few hours (lots of breaks) I just couldn't seem to relax and enjoy the ride. It seemed like I had to go sooooo slowwww on those tight curves and it took me forever to get where we were going. Everyone was cool and had lots of patience with me but I finally told them to just go on ahead and I'd meet them there. So, will it get better or is The Angel just NOT made for that sort of road? After yesterday I've decided to ride my BMW on those twisty-turnies and The Angel on roads with more gently curves and straight roads ahead, longer trips ... Any tips would be appreciated!:gaah:

Riding the Spyder aggressively takes some time to learn. And... it is a very active ride that can wear you out quickly.

For moderate riding, leaning well into the turn (I call it "kiss the mirror") may be enough.

For riding twisties really aggressively, "kissing the mirror" in addition to significant "butt shifting to the inside" is required. By that, I mean physically changing your seating position by 4-6" to the inside. Watch pro motorcycle racers and how they "butt shift". That's what's needed.

And... you must plan and adjust your position in advance of the curves... not once you're already in them.

Finally, use your brakes... if needed... before the curve. Not after you're in it.

[Goblyn Gyrl]

The majority of my rydes are on very curvy mountain roads, that is really all I like to ride. My 2012 RSS handles great and is really fast on curves. It may be the fox shocks that help. I test rode a ST and did not like the wobbly feel of it. The curves take practice and definitely a lot of leaning and adjusting of your body weight. I lean forward and shift weight to the side quite a bit. Let off the throttle a little going in and then I like to really accelerate out. I can take curves well above the suggested speed. I can ride faster than my car but not as fast as a true sport bike. I ran up on 2 wheelers multiple times going slower than I prefer and this includes on the Dragon. It is a little bit of a work out which is something that I actually enjoy about it. Even on curvy roads, I have to pay really close attention to make sure I am not exceeding the speed limit by too much, I try really hard not to speed excessively but it is hard to do on the Spyder. Keep practicing, I think the curvy roads are the best!

[Marker]

Blowing Hot air.... I don't think I'd take it that far.


I can out perform many local riders who are on 2 wheels. It's not the vehicle that defines this, it's the rider and their vehicle specific proficiency.
Take a 40 year conventional MC rider on a Spyder and we typically hear the "It tried to kill me in the corner...", "My arms and whole body took a beating"..




JacqueTanis, give it some time to adjust to the riding style. There are many great contributors here @ Spyderlovers that will provide some useful direction.


D


:agree: I have to agree with Derek. When I ride , I lean a little in the corners it helps you not slide off the seat , you are also not fighting the cornering forces when turning and it also helps the spyder turn. I ride my spyder like I ride snowmobiles and ATV's not gripping the bars too tight and at the end of the day my arms and hands are not tired. I can keep up to my friends that ride two wheels even on the twisties.:thumbup:

[asp125]

A lot of you hit on the right points. Tiredness / soreness is due to gripping on the bars too tightly, trying to muscle the machine instead of just steering it. But to maintain a light touch on the bars and not fall off, requires more lower body involvement beyond just sitting on the saddle. Like in other threads here, it's been mentioned for the need to brace using a combination of knee against the tank and body lean or hanging a butt cheek off the inside.

[Bob Denman]

"Patience", is the one virtue that none of us can wait to acquire... :gaah:
But with a little patience and a softer grip; it'll all come to you with a bit more time in the saddle, and miles on the odometer... :thumbup:
Or should I have said, "kilometres"? :shocked:

[ARtraveler]

[QUOTE=Bob Ledford;641263]Janis

Do like the previous posters told you. It all comes together with time and practice, practice and more practice comes experience and then you find, pure enjoyment and you don't even notice it happening."

It does get better with more time in the saddle. I love doing the twisties and some roads here provide the experience for miles at a time.

[rayeade]

I am a new owner also and I have no doubt that with time just like my first motorcycle that
I will get faster in the curves.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Chupaca]

It is, are you...? :roflblack: It takes time patience and practice. When you ride both you will always be more comfortable with the one you know..Get to know your spyder and you will see how well they do the curves. Don't use your spyder as a parade bike..it would be a sad end for a fine machine...!! :lecturef_smilie:

[StanProff]

First of all Welcome to the Spyderlovers kingdom :clap:. I've had my RTS almost 2 years with going on 18,000 miles. At first the curves are tough on you, I also have two wheelers in the garage and have ridden for over 40 years. I ridden sport bikes, standards and cruisers, Sport bikes are made for the curves, standards as well will be hard to beat. There's not a cruiser out there that, after experience, you won't leave in your dust if you so choose. Those machines will run out of ground clearence way before they can run off and leave you on a spyder. Anyway, it will get better and you will get the confidence to push your machine a little more. By the way, none of the above bikes will stay with you on a curvy wet road or a road that has some gravel laying around in the curves, the Spyder ignores these conditions. So feel good knowing your on the safest machine overall.

[mob133]

you mentioned off camber turns ,did it seem like it was rolling over to the outside and that's what you were fighting, if so I would definatly get Baja rons swaybar installed it will flatten out those turns

[rthomp32]

I have ridden 2 wheelers for 35 years. On the spyder I learned to push downward on the inside handle bar and push down hard on the outside foot, all the while leaning into the turn. That helped me tremendously.

[JacqueTanis]

Sometimes it feels like there is an uneven spot in the road and it just sucks me over. Scares the bejeesees out of me!


you mentioned off camber turns ,did it seem like it was rolling over to the outside and that's what you were fighting, if so I would definatly get Baja rons swaybar installed it will flatten out those turns

[NancysToy]

Sometimes it feels like there is an uneven spot in the road and it just sucks me over. Scares the bejeesees out of me!

That is usually a sign that there is insufficient toe-in, as far as the alignment is concerned...provided the tire pressure is correct and the same on both sides. Your dealer should align the front end, using the proper procedure, specs, and tools for your Spyder. The specs, tools, and procedures for the 2013s are different. If your dealer refuses to align it properly, seek another dealer and complain directly to BRP.