My visit to SpyderPops in Pearcy Arkansas

[h0gr1der]

So I rode over to the SpyderPops shop in Pearcy Arkansas to get some work done. It was an 857 mile round trip with a lot of rain. My reason for going was to get a ROLO laser alignment and Baja Ron swaybar.

First off, I must warn the unsuspecting about Mr. Harvey's shop! Don't look too much, you could easily drop a bunch of money on all the cool stuff in there. I had to resist the urge to immediately upgrade my brake lights to the strobe LED's he offers.

Anyway, back to the shop. Mr. Harvey is an extremely courteous and gracious host, even when a knot-head like me is bombarding him with questions. His shop is immaculate, and every one of the employees I met and talked to were gracious and knowledgeable. Impressive. Wish my dealer was like this. In fact, he pointed out that my dealer prep guy (the one that your life is riding on) had failed to install the lower rear shock spacers. I had noticed the steel sleeve that goes over the bolt had a rubber band on it, but didn't have enough knowledge at that time to realize something was missing.

I rolled my bike in at 08:30, and even with me slowing things down jawboning I rolled out at just after lunch (I was scheduled, not just a walk in). Once again, impressive! I added a missing belt guard to the bike because I walked around looking too much.

The trip and additions were well worth the ride. As to the alignment and swaybar together I can say this. I drove the RTL in there handling and riding like a 1970's luxury car, all big and squishy, but competent nonetheless, and drove out in a 2010's model sports sedan. I like to install my mods one at a time so I can quantify each improvement, but did both of these because time and distance. I had learned to ride the pre-alignment/sway bar 2018 Spyder RTL comfortably, but it was like herding cats. It wallowed and the rear tire caused the Spyder to change direction depending on the road ruts. With both new mods complete, the thing runs like a slot car on the track. Getting rid of the Kenda's settled down the darting, but these 2 upgrades take it to a whole new level of stability, all without sacrificing comfort. The swaybar adds a little firmness to the front, but not in a bad way. Still very compliant and comfortable. But the turning ability after the bar is amazing.

I'm not too technical on alignment, but Mr. Harvey said mine, while being even on both sides, didn't have enough toe in to stop it from going to toe out at times, causing the wandering. I'll say he knows his stuff. This adjustment makes the bike track much truer over ruts and bumps. He also zeroed the steering torque and position sensors (not sure if I'm saying that right). My bike always favored the right, now it's almost hands off depending on the crown. This makes a big difference.

I'm now firmly in the "get the alignment and sway bar" camp. I think Baja Ron said to ride your stock Spyder until you're used to it, then try one out that has been set up with the sway bar and alignment. Amazing how different the bike feels. I'm a cruiser, not a racer, so I really don't think I can use all the potential of the sway bar addition, but I think it helps the alignment to keep the rear end from causing the front end to wander. For that alone, I give it a thumbs up.

I even got the shirt.

[Jeriatric]

Great report.

If only we could clone the good ones!

[h0gr1der]

Boy ain't that the truth. Cherish and respect the good ones, they're few and far between!

[ARtraveler]

Very good report. Glad to hear of another great servicing experience.

[Cruzr Joe]

Spyderpops is one of a very few people that i will allow to work on my Spyder, Lamonster is another one.

Cruzr Joe

[Lew L]

A big +1 on all the above.

[RICZ]

What a great read that was - many thanks. The best description of the improvement a sway bar and alignment make. Now I'm wishing Mr. Harvey had a branch here in Portland.