View Poll Results: Which section of road do you usually ride your Spyder ??
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Left of center (middle of road goes under my right foot)
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Right of center (middle of road goes under my left foot)
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Right smack in the middle
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Very Active Member
Which section of road do you usually ride your Spyder ??
Just got our RT-L last September and am trying to figure out where exactly is the best section of road to ryde on that decreases incidence of getting a flat tire.
Here's what I do: On a two-lane road, I'm usually on the right (slow) lane. However, I tend to let the center of the road go under my left foot. My reasoning for doing this is that I believe that is where a lot of road debris tend to accumulate. Also, if I happen to jam on the binders, all 3 wheels will have the most traction available, since oil tends to settle in the middle of the road as well. It also helps that if a car on the left decides to cut me off (blind spot), I have some cushion to react.
SIGNATURE PIC CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
2016 Toyota Sienna SE - hers
2002 BMW 325i - his
1994 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Sportside Z71 - whoevers vehicle is in the shop
2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Low (Vivid Black) - his
2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited - hers
2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Low (Pearl White) - hers (SOLD 02/29/20)
2011 Tao Tao 50 - whoevers bike is in the shop
2007 Reinell 186 FNS - the dog's
1995 Fleetwood Flair 27R - EVERYBODY'S !
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Very Active Member
I was taught it's best to ride to the left of your lane so that your lights are seen in both the rear view and side view mirrors of vehicles ahead. When there is no traffic ahead of me, I am all over the lane. On curvy roads, I'm picking off apexes.
Ours is a red, black and chrome 2017 F3 Limited. Bought new in 2/2019. The avatar is my first bike back in 1952, a Simplex Servi-Cycle. Photo taken at the Barber Museum.
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Very Active Member
Kind of an intricate question to answer. Your own post has many reasons of its own.
For us, #1 priority, assuming forward visibility around another vehicle or vehicles is good, I try and find the sweet spot of the roads crown in conjunction with worn in rutts. Simply prefer to have the Spyder neutral in steering effort to hold a line.
#2 is avoiding the slippery groove if possible.
The honest answer in my opinion, to your poll is it just depends on the road and conditions at the moment.
I am careful to keep a reasonable distance to those in front of us since the Spyder is not the shortest vehicle in stopping distance and gets squirmy under hard braking as the front wheels toe out. At night even worse as the lights drop and decrease forward visibility.
So, it just depends, easier to adapt constantly.
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Very Active Member
For me, it varies with the condition of the road and the proximity of the road kills. We try to avoid them. Saw three road killed armadillos yesterday within a one mile stretch, and a dead vulture who probably got hit by an oncoming car also laying next to one.
And yes, we apex the curves on the twisties.
Last edited by ARtraveler; 05-11-2020 at 06:10 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.
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Very Active Member
Here in WI we ride where the potholes haven't opened up just yet......near the center line for better visibility for all traffic
2021 RT Limited
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Very Active Member
Situational awareness and road strategy vary with every road I ride, every time I ride.
Artillery lends dignity to what would
otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
******************************
Cognac 2014 RT-S
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Very Active Member
If I'm riding alone I'm in the middle.
If I'm riding with 2 wheelers I take the appropriate staggered lane position
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Very Active Member
I like to keep the center line under my left wheel on the left twisties and hang to the right on right twisties, but usually all over my lane. The only time I drive the twisties at or under the posted speed limit is when there's a Cruiser or cage I haven't been able to pass before the Twistie, or if I'm riding with the old folks club.
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
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by ARtraveler
Saw three road killed armadillos yesterday within a one mile stretch, and a dead vulture who probably got hit by an oncoming car also laying next to one.
Why did the chicken cross the road? To prove to the armadillo that it can be done! Sorry, (not) for the momentary hijack!
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.
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Very Active Member
You need a 4th option "all of the above". When on my own I don't worry too much about lane position. When with a group of two wheelers I ride the middle and don't stagger. They can stagger in front and re stagger behind me.
Happy TRAils/NSD
Paul
2012 RT L
AMA 25 years Life Member
TRA
PGR
Rhino Riders Plate #83
Venturers #78
TOI
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Very Active Member
Sarcasm alert-----------
I ryde where all three wheels touch the road ( most of the time). When on the V-Max---- I'm fly'ng low.
Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.
2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Revalden
I like to keep the center line under my left wheel on the left twisties and hang to the right on right twisties, but usually all over my lane. The only time I drive the twisties at or under the posted speed limit is when there's a Cruiser or cage I haven't been able to pass before the Twistie, or if I'm riding with the old folks club.
Yes on the twisties. I am very comfortable with posted plus 10 on most of the twisties. I have found a couple sets marked 15 mph and 10 mph that really mean it though.
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.
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Active Member
The roads around here are so rutted from chains,studs and heavy trucks in the winter It is a challenge at times just to keep it between the lines. When I had the Spyder I just let it wander within reason. With the wing it's a bit easier to keep a line and its usually left.
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Very Active Member
When I'm by myself, I'm wherever the road is smoothest and fitting the line through the curves. When leading ahead of my wife or others, I usually favor the right side of the lane so the spyder behind can see past me for oncoming traffic and hazards, and so that cars that may be wanting to turn left can see the bike behind me and wait 'til clear.
Plus by being offset, our lights and width present a larger and wider appearance to side roads or approaching traffic. The worst in my opinion is to trail directly behind the rider in front of you...
07 Shadows, Aero, Spirit gone but not forgotten
03 Harley Sportster, 07 RK moved on
11 RT- 76,000 mi, 15 RT-S- 44,000 mi, traded for current 15 base RT and 16 F3T
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Since I've only had mine a couple of weeks still trying to stay on my side of the road.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by ARtraveler
Yes on the twisties. I am very comfortable with posted plus 10 on most of the twisties. I have found a couple sets marked 15 mph and 10 mph that really mean it though.
Try to find AR185.Take the TWISTIES WIDE Up top in the gift shop(might be open only on weekends these days) you hafta buy the sticker/patch "I Survived 185".
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
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by IdahoMtnSpyder
Why did the chicken cross the road? To prove to the armadillo that it can be done! Sorry, (not) for the momentary hijack!
Around here, "It' to show the possum that it can be done"
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
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Very Active Member
wherever the holes are not do hug the left line when in town (especially on two wheels),
hopefully helps be seen as people exit parking lots or whatever leads them to my lane Interstate however usually dead center. Dodging holes & road kill as always
Thanks to all local roadworks it's all Zig ~ Zag~*SWERVE currently.
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
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Active Member
Dodging buggies and horse poop is a hazard in Lancaster County, PA. Motorcycles are often seen swerving to avoid these common obstacles.
All the best,
John
2022 RT Limited
- Garmin XT (I would be lost without it)
Driving Lights (Very bright to improve my sight)
Floorboard Lights and Turn Signals (I like to be seen)
Passenger Armrests (So my wife doesn't fall off)
Trailer Hitch (So we can bring more stuff with us)
Chrome Wheels (Because the beautiful stock wheels just weren't good enough)
Front Fender Sequential Reflector Lights (I was wondering what to do with my paycheck)
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Very Active Member
I try to ride on the part of the road that no other vehicles or critters are currently using.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Revalden
Try to find AR185.Take the TWISTIES WIDE Up top in the gift shop(might be open only on weekends these days) you hafta buy the sticker/patch "I Survived 185".
How about a clue? the AR MC ride guide is not giving it up??? A computer search turned up the highway# but no information. The town of Lexa is mentioned but no maps show 185??
Last edited by ARtraveler; 05-13-2020 at 06:08 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.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by ARtraveler
How about a clue? the AR MC ride guide is not giving it up??? A computer search turned up the highwayt # but no information. The town of Lexa is mentioned but no maps show 185??
Try google maps ..... I often use that to determine how Twisty a particular road is ..... I found Highway " H " in lower Mo. near Branson using this method .... It's the best Twistie's I have ever been on in MO. ( and that's quite a few roads ) .....PS it's an off-shoot of Rt. 125 that's a popular way to get to Peel's Ferry ...... which connects to Arkansas ...... Mike
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Very Active Member
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Very Active Member
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Active Member
I adjust my position as needed. To the left of the lane with oncoming traffic to be seen. When going in the same direction as traffic with multiple lanes, I ride to the side of the lane as the vehicle as I am passing or closest to so they can see you in their mirrors.
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