Suggestions for a big guy buying a Spyder?

[kytten]

Hi everyone. I'm new here and a new Spyder owner. I brought it home Friday night and so far my boyfriend has ridden it more than I have! He's pretty convinced he'll be getting his own soon and we're starting to think about what he might need/want in the way of mods/upgrades, etc.

He's 6'6 and a big guy with size 15 shoes. Right now he's looking at the manual, though the one he's been riding (and getting used to) is an auto.

I'm a little concerned that he's going to find shifting difficult with his big feet. He's already having problems with the emergency brake location. I think getting one of the bar risers is almost a must (agreement, disagreement?).

Anyone have any other suggestions or stories to tell about the comfort of someone big and tall riding a Spyder?

Thanks!

[Capt John]

welcome & I'm only 5'9" so I can't help you with the "big man" question, but there are a few big guys on here, that I'm sure will chime in on the recommended mods.

[bone crusher]

Hi everyone. I'm new here and a new Spyder owner. I brought it home Friday night and so far my boyfriend has ridden it more than I have! He's pretty convinced he'll be getting his own soon and we're starting to think about what he might need/want in the way of mods/upgrades, etc.

He's 6'6 and a big guy with size 15 shoes. Right now he's looking at the manual, though the one he's been riding (and getting used to) is an auto.

I'm a little concerned that he's going to find shifting difficult with his big feet. He's already having problems with the emergency brake location. I think getting one of the bar risers is almost a must (agreement, disagreement?).

Anyone have any other suggestions or stories to tell about the comfort of someone big and tall riding a Spyder?

Thanks!

I'm 6'1" and have size 13 shoes...no problems with braking and shifting. As far as posture goes, he'll most definitely want a riser and likely a higher windshield.

[xraypat]

welcome I'm 5'2" and I found it difficult to release the
parking brake. I found a shop in Mich. that had a cool looking cover and
its much easier now. As for the risers I think there are a whole bunch
of owners that put them on. Really helps with the steering

[Some Guy]

I'm a little concerned that he's going to find shifting difficult with his big feet. He's already having problems with the emergency brake location. I think getting one of the bar risers is almost a must (agreement, disagreement?).

It's not an "emergency brake"...it's really a parking brake. It would scare the **** out of me if I hit that peddle while riding.

You're right about getting risers. I like love my No Magic Neon (a.k.a. ESI Cycle Products) risers, but there are other options. Ryde safe!

[Brevet05]

I'm 6'6" and 225 with (drum roll, please) size 16 shoes. I've ridden my SM5 in combat boots, running shoes, and high top cross trainers. I've not had any difficulties shifting, and haven't ever incidentally tapped the parking brake.

I have 3" risers, which gives me a perfectly upright posture (I have long arms, too). I've never ridden without them, although the model I tested only had 1" risers, I wanted more.

Make him get his own, so you can get back to ryding!

[Motza]

I'm 6'1" and have size 13 shoes...no problems with braking and shifting. As far as posture goes, he'll most definitely want a riser and likely a higher windshield.

Stop bragging..Buster Brown

[Trickie Dick]

6'6" here-size 13s. I ride an SE and have no problems with the parking brake. I use my heel to set and release it. I also have the 4" risers from NMN/ESI. I highly recommend those. Have the dealer(or do it yourself) set the front and rear suspension to the max. Next thing is to ride like you stole it.
Dick

[Firefly]

You know what they say about guys with big feet---------


BIG SHOES!

Plenty of big riders our here that can give you good advice.

I would think risers and CHAD will be must-haves.

One of my best friends wears a size 22 shoe !

Yeah--- huge freaking feet!

[bone crusher]

Stop bragging..Buster Brown

Hey...I didn't talk about my body-building past...was on a few catalogs too!

[bubbahetzel]

I am 6'4" and wear a size 13 shoe. I still have the stock handlebar position. My arms are long enough to reach the handlebars comfortably and do not feel the need for risers. Its just what feels comfortable for each individual rider. Some people like to sit more upright, I prefer a slight bend to the bars.

[kytten]

It's not an "emergency brake"...it's really a parking brake. It would scare the **** out of me if I hit that peddle while riding.

You're right about getting risers. I like love my No Magic Neon (a.k.a. ESI Cycle Products) risers, but there are other options. Ryde safe!

Sorry 'parking break'.

[kytten]

I'm 6'6" and 225 with (drum roll, please) size 16 shoes. I've ridden my SM5 in combat boots, running shoes, and high top cross trainers. I've not had any difficulties shifting, and haven't ever incidentally tapped the parking brake.

I have 3" risers, which gives me a perfectly upright posture (I have long arms, too). I've never ridden without them, although the model I tested only had 1" risers, I wanted more.

Make him get his own, so you can get back to ryding!

The problem isn't that he accidentally hits it, it's that he can barely get to it. He has to wedge his feet in weird ways to get between the driver foot peg and the passenger foot peg to be able to press/release it.

As far as getting his own, I'm working on it.

[Dragonrider]

6'4" and 270#, with 14's. I would recommend the floorboards, 4" risers, and an F-1 31.5 windshield. The ISCI floorboards come with tour pegs, which are also nice.

I opted for the Kwel tour pegs, because I like Kury pegs, and I can hit the brakes with my heel from the tour pegs...

Just my $0.02

[czdaryle]

I'm 6'6" and 225 with (drum roll, please)

That's a big guy. Remind me never to make you mad

[Brevet05]

The problem isn't that he accidentally hits it, it's that he can barely get to it. He has to wedge his feet in weird ways to get between the driver foot peg and the passenger foot peg to be able to press/release it.

Oh. I usually dismount before hitting the parking brake. If he buys the SM5, he can do this as well simply by leaving the tranny in 1st gear. Also, with you on yours, he can leave the passenger pegs folded in.

Good luck!

[bjt]

The problem isn't that he accidentally hits it, it's that he can barely get to it. He has to wedge his feet in weird ways to get between the driver foot peg and the passenger foot peg to be able to press/release it.

As far as getting his own, I'm working on it.

Oh. I usually dismount before hitting the parking brake. If he buys the SM5, he can do this as well simply by leaving the tranny in 1st gear. Also, with you on yours, he can leave the passenger pegs folded in.

Good luck!

Like Brevet05 says, it's easiest to operate the parking brake when standing next to the Spyder instead of sitting on it. With an SM5 he really won't need to use the parking brake at all, many don't (including me and my wife). Only SE5s require the use of the parking brake.

[jnt]

welcome !! Cool about Spyders - if it doesn't fit perfectly, many options are available - risers, seats, peg relocaters, etc.