Results 1 to 25 of 25
  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    11
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default Steering... whaaat?

    I bought a 2012 Spyder RED SE5 a couple months ago.
    Since that time I've been going through the whole thing,
    top to bottom end to end. I've only driven it up the street
    a couple times. Well I finally decided to take it out, ran it up
    in first shifted to second and promptly ran off the road. I'm okay
    the bike not so much. I get this side to side thing going on and he do
    before I knew it I was headed for a very large oak tree which I
    Luckily missed but in doing so I hit two smaller oak trees. I guess
    they were 2 to 3" in diameter and probably 8 to 10 feet tall. Took
    em both out. Anyway all this to ask is it me or the Spyder. I'm
    going along fine and suddenly I'm weaving side to side.
    Remembering to relax my death grip on the handle bars which
    helps, but, geez are they that hard to ride? I'm a life long
    motorcyclists which I understand doesn't help in the least,
    to the contrary. At this point I can't imagine riding this at
    highway speeds. I'd appreciate everybody's input, as I repair
    the Spyder, Thanks
    (Not so) extremebob sorry for the broken text, I'll do better next time.

  2. #2
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    300
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Man that's tough luck, I'm pleased your ok though. It does sound extreme so it's very difficult to determine what might have happened.

    Coming from a motorbike your brain will automatically countersteer which is the exact opposite of what is needed for a Spyder. For most bike rider folk it feels strange at first and gives the impression of the Spyder darting about because each steering input is opposite to what is required, after a while the brain adjusts and one simply flips from bike mode to Spyder mode much as is done when changing from a car to a bike.

    If there was nothing faulty or maladjusted with the Spyder, perhaps you just kinda got lost in the rush of needing to steer quickly but did it in the opposite sense to what was required.

    However, if you're using the OEM kenda tyres they have a characteristic where they steer if one edge of the tyre runs against a ridge or a raise in the road surface, even along the edge of the centre road markings. They can easily take you over a ridge so quickly you don't have time to react. If you are unlucky enough to encounter a series of ridges you can be taken many feet off course in just a moment of time. This is even worse if your front wheel alignment is toeing out. The steering tie-rods are also a bit too flexible and add some to the poor steering when something produces a tendency to remove your control.

    The only thing I can suggest is to analyse what happened and also have a look at the road surface where the incident took place.

    There have been reports on Spyderlovers where folk have been taken off track by what they thought was a wrong reaction of the vehicle stability system. I've no experience of this but you might want to check it out too.
    Rule#2: Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level & then beat you with experience.
    Rule#1: Refer to rule #2.

  3. #3
    Active Member fjray's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    central oregon
    Posts
    420
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    You will get lots of pontificating on this telling you what to do. Some of it may be the machine. Check all the parts for wear. They can be twitchy on the road. I never made friends with my 2015 so it is in a neighbor's garage and I'm back on two wheels. Now break out the popcorn.��

  4. #4
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Valley Springs, AR
    Posts
    41,273
    Spyder Garage
    8

    Default



    Since this is the first posting of this type of accident, I am going to mention that I do not think the Spyder is totally responsible for running off the road and hitting a couple trees. It sounds like you are very new to the Spyder and some of its quirks.

    They can seem a bit "twitchy" at first...but that is usually due to the death grip by those who are new to it. And yes, I took 1500 miles before I was comfortable. Most get it figured out at 500 miles or less.

    The manual has suggestions for new riders, as in parking lot riding at slow speeds, etc. If your Spyder did not come with a manual, you can go to the BRP site and get one for free.

    I see you are from somewhere in Texas and that you are new to the site. More information about location might be good. There are a lot of riders in and around Texas, and you may be able to hook up with someone that can help you get started on a track to safe and enjoyable riding.

    Hope the Spyder did not take to much of a hit.
    Last edited by ARtraveler; 02-18-2020 at 04:52 PM.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  5. #5
    Very Active Member ThreeWheels's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Danbury Connecticut
    Posts
    3,468
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    It may be you, to some extent, you may have over corrected, but something started the bobbing and weaving.

    Make sure all the mechanicals are in good shape. The Kenda tires can cup, the ball joints or tie rods might be loose.
    Tire pressure on the front tires should be around 17 psi. If the pressure is too high, the bike "stands up on the balls of it's feet" and can be twitchy.
    On a 2012, my guess would be the alignment. If there is too much toe-out, riding the Spyder is like riding a two wheeler over a metal grate bridge. It just bobs and weaves wherever it wants to go.
    If the front alignment is good, the Spyder handles like it's on rails.

    As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.
    If it ain't broke, don't break it.
    IBA #47122
    2020 RT Limited Asphalt Grey

  6. #6
    Active Member Raprider's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Central NJ
    Posts
    494
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Extremebob...
    So sorry to hear about your 'incident', but glad you are okay.
    Many of us here have come from 2 wheels, and as ARtraveler points out, there IS a learning curve...steepness will vary from individual to individual.

    My suggestion is for you to take a 3-Wheel Beginner Rider Class...find more info at this link...it's discounted to $99 and well worth every penny.
    https://can-am.brp.com/on-road/learntoride.html

    Good luck in completing any repairs and learning the ins-n-outs of ryding your Spyder!
    Raprider (Rich)

    2016 Can-Am Spyder ST-S SE5 Steel Black Metallic (Blackbird)
    BRP Audio, Heated Grips, Fog Lights, Passenger Backrest, Givi Saddlebags/Top Case
    BajaRon Swaybar, TricLed Wide-Vu Mirrors, Lamonster Ram mount and X-grip, Sena 20S Evo Dual
    TricLed Sequential Front SpyderFenderz, Dual Color Run/Brake/Turn LEDs, Brake Flasher
    Kumho Ecsta AST installed on rear 4/2021


    1996 Yamaha Virago 750 (Vera) - still riding
    1987 Honda Shadow 500 (Shady) - sold
    1982 Honda Rebel 250 (Little Reb) - sold

    2016 ST-S , Steel Black Metallic

  7. #7
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2019
    Location
    Land of Lincoln
    Posts
    216
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    First, happy you are OK.
    Machines can be repaired, humans, sometimes not so much.
    I came from 2 wheels too. First test ride was challenging, and I fought it at first. A persons nervous system is trained after so many years on 2 to counter-steer, and that does not work on the Spyder. I bought one, and the first 500 miles were interesting. I did get it, and have many many enjoyable miles since. But nothing like what you describe.
    All that being said, I don't think it was all you. I had over 200k on two wheels, and did not have an experience like you describe. I'd have that thing checked for steering issues: ball joints, tires, alignment, and see if there are nanny faults. The "tank slapping" you describe just isn't normal.
    "At this point I can't imagine riding this at
    highway speeds." There has to be something wrong. I've been at highway speeds the majority of the time, and occasionally slightly above, and my 12 was solid. My 19 is even better.

  8. #8
    Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    11
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Thanks to everyone for your help. Spyder, post accident will have a new frunk, New skid plate, New right front panel and light. I'm pretty sure the suspension is ok. But as you can see it took quite a hit. Thanks again for your interest. Oh by the way I'm located in central Texas, the "Hill Country" about 50 miles east of Austin.
    extremebob

  9. #9
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,269
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Extremebob View Post
    I bought a 2012 Spyder RED SE5 a couple months ago.
    Since that time I've been going through the whole thing,
    top to bottom end to end. I've only driven it up the street
    a couple times. Well I finally decided to take it out, ran it up
    in first shifted to second and promptly ran off the road. I'm okay
    the bike not so much. I get this side to side thing going on and he do
    before I knew it I was headed for a very large oak tree which I
    Luckily missed but in doing so I hit two smaller oak trees. I guess
    they were 2 to 3" in diameter and probably 8 to 10 feet tall. Took
    em both out. Anyway all this to ask is it me or the Spyder. I'm
    going along fine and suddenly I'm weaving side to side.
    Remembering to relax my death grip on the handle bars which
    helps, but, geez are they that hard to ride? I'm a life long
    motorcyclists which I understand doesn't help in the least,
    to the contrary. At this point I can't imagine riding this at
    highway speeds. I'd appreciate everybody's input, as I repair
    the Spyder, Thanks
    (Not so) extremebob sorry for the broken text, I'll do better next time.
    Of course I'm very, very sorry to here about this ….. I read your post a couple of times and considering how fast this occurred, I believe if it was mechanical you would have noticed that something was not right fairly soon in the ride...… " IF " it was something in the steering it would have to have been " catastrophic " for this to occur. As others have said there is a " learning curve " to Spyders. But they do operate and handle quite similar to Auto's...… I drove motorcycles for about 50 years before my first Spyder ride …. It took about 15 minutes to begin to feel comfortable. ( I was in normal street traffic and it was a test ride with a dealer owned Spyder ). I can now drive my Spyder at highway speeds with one hand at times and feel quite confident I can safely drive it at those speeds ….. I suggest you read the " Do's & Dont's " thread before venturing out again ….. good luck …. Mike
    Last edited by BLUEKNIGHT911; 02-18-2020 at 02:21 PM.

  10. #10
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    indpls in
    Posts
    851
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    alignment and sway bar check tire pressures

  11. #11
    Very Active Member IdahoMtnSpyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    9,767
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    As others have said I believe it is a mix of tires, alignment, and you. How many miles are on the Spyder? After you get it repaired double check the suspension parts for wear, especially if you're closer to 100k miles than zero miles. How much tread is there left on the tires? If it looks like they're original replace them with good car tires. You'll find lots of discussion here about which ones are best. Get a laser alignment done, even if you have to ride halfway across TX to have someone like JCThorne do it for you. Excessive toe-out can easily cause erratic steering. Then practice, carefully, until you get a good feel. If you've never ridden an ATV see if you can find one to ride for a bit. That will help condition your mind to the handling of the Spyder which is very nearly the same as an ATV and greatly different than two wheel steering.

    It'll all work out! As for me, I feel safer on my Spyder at 80 mph on the Interstate than I ever did on my 2005 Goldwing at 70!

    2014 Copper RTS

    Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
    2014 RTS , Copper! (officially Cognac)

  12. #12
    Very Active Member Peteoz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Harrington, Australia
    Posts
    4,143
    Spyder Garage
    2

    Default

    Welcome Bob. Sorry to hear about your accident, but glad you are ok.
    As I headed out of the dealership for my first ride, I found myself turning into the oncoming traffic, automatically counter steering the bars from my 2 wheel experience. I had to force myself to concentrate on deliberately turning the bars in the direction I wanted to go. I was also weaving. After 50 miles or so, I no longer had to concentrate on turning with the curve, it became automatic. It took about 500 miles though before I relaxed a bit and loosened up my death grip on the bars. I have never had a problem since.

    That does not mean that there is not something wrong mechanically, but my first experience was very similar to what you describe above, minus the Oak trees.

    Pete
    Harrington, Australia

    2021 RT Limited
    Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.

    HeliBars Handlebars
    Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
    Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
    Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
    Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
    Kenda Kanine rear.
    2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red

  13. #13
    SpyderLovers Sponsor merlot's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    Tasmania
    Posts
    209
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    hi Bob
    as previously mentioned check your front tyres.....they can give a good indication to the wheel alignment

    if they show excessive wear on the inner edge(left or right wheel),then you could need a wheel align

    take the wheels off,then take them to the tyre shop for new rubber.....after re-fitting you then need to take the bike for an alignment(within 300mls pref)

    if your tyres are worn they may have been swapped and so running backwards,so check for direction too

    if you do go new tyres then the ride will feel much better but if you dont wheel align the tyres will soon wear incorrectly again affecting the handling

    be sure to look straight ahead when you change gears(not down at the gear selector)...remember,you will usually head toward where you are looking

    good to hear you missed the big tree

    i took 500kms before i was game to take bike out onto freeway(above 80kph)so you may need to give it time

    russ
    pres ride
    2014 RT-S
    bike is WIP
    bike has endured elect spike (was jump started incorrectly)
    still a WIP but bike is now running and registered....swapped out 5 modules mostly sourced from Canadian wrecker

  14. #14
    Very Active Member fireplug98's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Arden Hills, MN
    Posts
    503
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Sounds like you need to find a huge parking lot and practice, practice, practice !!!

    Tommy J.
    F3L SE5 Black -- F4 windshield w/wings, Reggie LED headlights, driving lights & Cyclops LED, Ultimate seat, Fox shocks, BajaRon swaybar, Lamont highway centerline pegs & 3rd peg, Lamont belt tensioner, K&N air filter, Baker air wings & cup holder, CanAm hitch.
    2019 F3L , Black

  15. #15
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    331
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I believe it was driver error.Taken from experience my test drive I started off from the curb and went directly into the front fender of a truck parked on the other side of the street. My bad was I turned too fast and promptly applied the right hand front brake ! Which we all know doesn't exist. Don't give up you will get used to it.

  16. #16
    Very Active Member Revalden's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Claremore, Ok.
    Posts
    683
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    If the tires on the front are still original Kenda tires, they were CRAP tires even when new. Now they are 8 years old. Do a Search for "Car Tires" that will fit your Spyder, even available from Walmart for about $55.00. NEVER put Kenda back on the Spyder!!! See if the ball joints are tight. How many miles on your new Mistress?
    2015 RTS SE6 Special Series Red/Black w/Magnesium front fenders(bought in Nov. 2018 w/9,400 miles)
    Dynojet Power Commander V, Power Commander POD-300 Display, PCV Map Switch, Pedal Commander (WOW)
    Passenger Arm Rests, Windshield Air Wing
    Baja Ron's Sway Bar & Spring Adjusters
    Air Scoops, LaMonster's Hiway Pegs
    Magnetic Mirror Mounts, Air Innovations Seat Cushion
    Red Chrome pin striping on Black hood
    Federal Formoza AZ01 front tires (they're GREAT)
    Kumho Ecsta AST KU25 All-Season Tire - 225/50R15 91H
    LED bars above radiator inlets
    LED brake/running/turn signals on license plate frame
    Tag-Along trailer
    LED headlights LED fog lights (WOW)
    2" x 2" Road Lights inside front fenders
    7' x 10' Cargo trailer
    Garmin 396 LM GPS
    RLS Cat-delete resonator with China Akropovic muffler
    New Banshee AGM
    M3 TPMS on front tires
    Remote Control for Heated Jacket and Heated Riding Pants
    Analog Clock and Analog Volt Meter
    Loose Nut Behind Handlebars
    2015 RT-S Special Series , Stock Spark Plugs Brake Pedal Extension Cherry Red/Black

  17. #17
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Jacksonville
    Posts
    145
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Extremebob View Post
    I bought a 2012 Spyder RED SE5 a couple months ago.
    Since that time I've been going through the whole thing,
    top to bottom end to end. I've only driven it up the street
    a couple times. Well I finally decided to take it out, ran it up
    in first shifted to second and promptly ran off the road. I'm okay
    the bike not so much. I get this side to side thing going on and he do
    before I knew it I was headed for a very large oak tree which I
    Luckily missed but in doing so I hit two smaller oak trees. I guess
    they were 2 to 3" in diameter and probably 8 to 10 feet tall. Took
    em both out. Anyway all this to ask is it me or the Spyder. I'm
    going along fine and suddenly I'm weaving side to side.
    Remembering to relax my death grip on the handle bars which
    helps, but, geez are they that hard to ride? I'm a life long
    motorcyclists which I understand doesn't help in the least,
    to the contrary. At this point I can't imagine riding this at
    highway speeds. I'd appreciate everybody's input, as I repair
    the Spyder, Thanks
    (Not so) extremebob sorry for the broken text, I'll do better next time.
    Its you.

  18. #18
    Active Member AVBIZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2019
    Location
    Roswell, GA
    Posts
    296
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Just signed up for the $99 two day training course- seems like money well spent.

  19. #19
    Very Active Member blacklightning's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Apex, N.C.
    Posts
    3,231
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Glad to hear that you were not injured. Going to a short wheel based 3 or 4 wheeled machine can be a little tricky. I had a couple of issues in the learning curve for my spyder, but they were worked out within about 200 miles, and then I felt comfortable. I also purchased a 4 wheeler from my uncle and it actually was a lot more difficult to learn how to ride. At speed, it was all over the place. Just the mix of learning something new with a short wheelbase and having 3 or 4 wheels can be tricky. Just practice, and be careful.
    2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white

  20. #20
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    California
    Posts
    41
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    When I read your post, my first thought was that could have been me. I have been riding 2 wheels for over 5 decades, so, assuming there was nothing wrong with the trike, I have a pretty good idea what happened. You started drifting right and your body automatically made the correction. The drift worsened and the body increased the correction. This made it still worse and the mind and body froze and just rode it out. All this happens without conscious thought. I am so glad there wasn't something more dangerous in your path.

    I need to go to 3 wheels if I am to continue riding. When I went on the test ride behind the salesman it was like the trike had a mind of its own. It seemed to want to do exactly the opposite of what I wanted. We had to stop several times to reset my head. By the time we got back to the dealer I was a nervous wreck. Another post mentioned a training class. Locations are listed on the Can-Am website. If you are determined to ride the beast, please find one. I took this class before making the purchase and, believe me, it is worth every penny and mile you have to drive to get there.

    I have almost 1000 miles on my F3L and still have to continually think explicitly about what I am doing. Recently on a ride a car pulled up quickly to a stop sign on my right and I found myself heading right at it. In an instant I realized what I was doing and steered the other way. Not close, but still a bit unnerving. Several other times when pulling up to stop, I found my foot off the brake and my hand reaching for the hand brake. I was going very slowly, so I could quickly correct it.

    These unconscious reactions developed over decades are not going to go away over night. In 2014 I downsized to a Honda CTX700 with the DCT. Two years later I still occasionally found myself reaching for the clutch when I had to make a quick stop.

    The trike is naturally twitchy and eventually you will make corrections automatically. I installed the Baja Ron sway bar and that has made a big difference, greatly reducing the twitchiness. Or maybe I am just getting better adjusted.

    Anyway, good luck. Just be very cautious, go slower than usual and give yourself plenty of room to stay out of situations that could trigger automatic reactions.

  21. #21
    Active Member BRPcare's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Québec, Canada
    Posts
    209
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Extremebob View Post
    I bought a 2012 Spyder RED SE5 a couple months ago.
    Since that time I've been going through the whole thing,
    top to bottom end to end. I've only driven it up the street
    a couple times. Well I finally decided to take it out, ran it up
    in first shifted to second and promptly ran off the road. I'm okay
    the bike not so much. I get this side to side thing going on and he do
    before I knew it I was headed for a very large oak tree which I
    Luckily missed but in doing so I hit two smaller oak trees. I guess
    they were 2 to 3" in diameter and probably 8 to 10 feet tall. Took
    em both out. Anyway all this to ask is it me or the Spyder. I'm
    going along fine and suddenly I'm weaving side to side.
    Remembering to relax my death grip on the handle bars which
    helps, but, geez are they that hard to ride? I'm a life long
    motorcyclists which I understand doesn't help in the least,
    to the contrary. At this point I can't imagine riding this at
    highway speeds. I'd appreciate everybody's input, as I repair
    the Spyder, Thanks
    (Not so) extremebob sorry for the broken text, I'll do better next time.
    Hi Extremebob,

    Good to hear no one was injured, and that you are okay.
    This incident sounds like something worth looking into.

    Would you be able to e-mail brp.care@brp.com with your contact information and VIN number?
    We would love to look into this to ensure the safety of your unit.

    We look foward hearing from you.

    Kind regards
    BRPcare
    Social Consumer Experience Team


  22. #22
    Active Member rugercharger's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    ohio
    Posts
    72
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    hi extremebob, when i took my first test drive on my 2010 rt, it wanted to go all over the road. i hesitated to take it past 50 mph. the test drive was about 5 miles. i got off and the only thing i thought was i wanted no part of it. but since the whole reason was getting my wife on a bike again, i bought it. if this catches a person off guard, i can see a person easily over correcting for this and getting into trouble especially with the "sensitive" steering. when i got it home one of the things on my list was checking the alignment. i just coudnt believe that a spyder could be THAT twitchy! i did find the alignment way off on the right front. after correcting the alignment. no more scary mind of its own twitchy road manner.

  23. #23
    Active Member MonPaul's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Central WI
    Posts
    255
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by fireplug98 View Post
    Sounds like you need to find a huge parking lot and practice, practice, practice !!!

    Tommy J.
    I was going to say the same thing. I would tell the dealer you are new to the spyder and don't feel comfortable and want to practice in their parking lot. If there isn't enough room maybe they can drive it or drop it off at a nearby parking lot so you can practice until you feel comfortable. It is easier to gain confidence when you're not worried about traffic or trees! I think you might have just oversteered, I remember how easier to steer with 2 wheels than the one I was used to. It took me about 1500 miles to feel comfortable, so you are not alone.

  24. #24
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Location
    Oakley Utah
    Posts
    8,126
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Extremebob View Post
    I bought a 2012 Spyder RED SE5 a couple months ago.
    Since that time I've been going through the whole thing,
    top to bottom end to end. I've only driven it up the street
    a couple times. Well I finally decided to take it out, ran it up
    in first shifted to second and promptly ran off the road. I'm okay
    the bike not so much. I get this side to side thing going on and he do
    before I knew it I was headed for a very large oak tree which I
    Luckily missed but in doing so I hit two smaller oak trees. I guess
    they were 2 to 3" in diameter and probably 8 to 10 feet tall. Took
    em both out. Anyway all this to ask is it me or the Spyder. I'm
    going along fine and suddenly I'm weaving side to side.
    Remembering to relax my death grip on the handle bars which
    helps, but, geez are they that hard to ride? I'm a life long
    motorcyclists which I understand doesn't help in the least,
    to the contrary. At this point I can't imagine riding this at
    highway speeds. I'd appreciate everybody's input, as I repair
    the Spyder, Thanks
    (Not so) extremebob sorry for the broken text, I'll do better next time.
    I'd have to say that's a fairly common experience with Spyders. They just won't stay on the road ....
    2014 RTL Platinum


  25. #25
    Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Peter Aawen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Australia; Sth Aust, Adelaide Hills
    Posts
    9,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by UtahPete View Post
    I'd have to say that's a fairly common experience with Spyders. They just won't stay on the road ....

    I dunno 'bout that! Mine just wont stay OFF the road!

    Pretty much every day that I manage to crawl outta bed & discover that it's not freezing, absolutely pouring, or scorching hot, my Spyder somehow seems to be able to entice me to want get out & ON the road!! So I do...

    That said, almost all new/only ever factory aligned Spyders really do need a 'proper' wheel alignment done by someone skilled in the process; and for most 'new Spyder Ryders', and possibly more so (or maybe especially more so) for those with lotsa 2 wheeler experience, there definitely IS a learning curve!

    I reckon it's cos Spyder Ryding is nowhere near as much of an 'intuitive skills transfer' for those with extensive 2 wheel riding experience as those without, there's just too much ingrained 'muscle memory' & instinctive reactions that accomplished 2 wheelers need to conciously overcome before they'll become really comfortable on a Spyder... and even if many don't like to admit it to themselves & would rather blame the machine, those ingrained 2 wheel responses can sneak up & grab you at the most inopportune times! Often, moving your body weight across to the inside of a turn is just as important as on a 2 wheeler, but it has virtually NO impact on where the Spyder is headed! You need to look well ahead at where you want go/the path you want to take, and lightly but actively steer the Spyder that way!

    So if you relax & don't push too hard for it to become more natural & comfortable too quickly; keep your shoulders down & loose with light hands on the controls, look waaaay out ahead & plan where you want to go instead of concentrating on correcting every little deviation that the 2 wheels up front give you sooo many more of, and just give yourself the time & miles to settle in, it shouldn't be too long before the Miles of Smiles start rolling by!

    Enjoy!
    2013 RT Ltd Pearl White

    Ryde More, Worry Less!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •