Highway riding

[SPYDERJERRY1]

Pegasus 1300 thanks.

[JayBros]

I heartily concur in the recommendations others have offered and, most important IMO, RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE -- ALL THE TIME!!! To hell with the speed merchants, they can tempt you to ride over your head and that can get you dead!

[SPYDERJERRY1]

JAYBROS, I agree.

[Bangorbob]

The one thing I haven't read is the road conditions. A lot of roads are slightly crowned. A lot of highways have groves you can't see very well. On some highways my RV wanders mostly due to the condition of the road.

[SPYDERJERRY1]

The one thing I haven't read is the road conditions. A lot of roads are slightly crowned. A lot of highways have groves you can't see very well. On some highways my RV wanders mostly due to the condition of the road.

Yep I've learned it's far more noticeable on 3 wheels.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Today was my 4th ride on my Spyder RT Limited. I bought it with approximately 2600 miles on it couple weeks ago. It's kinda scary on highways going about 70 mph or higher. It wants to shift me left to right in the seat. It's not a smooth straight line in the lane I'm in. I've read they are really nice to take a trip on. I would be fighting it the whole trip. My tires had 18 lb. each in front. 25 in back. It has elka(?) shocks that look brand new. I bought it to take some longer rides. I need some advice because it sure isn't a relaxing comfortable touring bike like I've read about. I've ridden motorcycles since I was 19. I'm now retired with left leg problems. I want the Spyder to work out ok for me.

Prior Mtc. experience is actually a detriment to Spyder riding ..... When I did my first Test ride the Dealer told me forget everything you learned on your Gold Wing .... just drive the Spyder like a Car and you'll be fine .... I did and traded on the spot .... I have driven me Spyders at 90+ on the highway with one hand and had No issues with control..... As others have said relax and Get your Spyder :LAZER aligned. .... good luck and ...... Mike

[fatboy]

there is a training course check out moto mark1

[AZCanAm]

There are a lot of older Syders with low miles. What year is your Spyder? If it is older than 2016, seriously consider replacing the tires. Check the date codes on your tires.

[RayBJ]

If you have Elka shocks you may already have an upgraded sway bar. If you have the oem Kenda tires that may be part of the problem. Like all have said, get the laser alignment. I had similar complaint at 80+ until I started to 'guide' the RT instead of steering it at high speeds. Replacing the tires will also make a dramatic improvement.

[Rocketman 2012]

My 2021 RT SE6 only has 400 something miles on it and it handles fine but I'm braking it in easy and rarely exceed 60 mph but I will offer this explanation: It probably isn't the machine itself making you feel slightly out of control, it is more than likely the ROAD you are on, like Cambers and off-Cambers and Crowned roads and those worn badly by heavy Big-rig usage.

If the aforementioned conditions worry you then try this: Find a section of GOOD flat highway or interstate and notice the difference in ride quality.

As was mentioned, slow down 5 or 10 miles per hour and the bike becomes super easy to ride/ drive.

After 88 Motorcycles and 58 years of riding, the transition has been an easy one for me because I am realistic regarding my abilities on this my first 3 wheel vehicle since my Radio Flyer Tricycle 70 years ago and my Race-Spec Honda 3 wheel ATV's that I raced in the deserts of Southern California. The same leaning and weight shifting that was used on the 3 wheel ATV's helped my learning experience to a large extent.

What pray tell does a professional Laser alignment cost??

Sam

[canamjhb]

All the above comments are spot on. Invest in a laser alignment first. The chances are, your bike needs it. Most do if it has not been done. DO NOT take the word of any BRP mechanic who may tell you your alignment is within spec. Get it laser aligned. Secondly make sure you have correct tire pressures. If you have the OEM Kendas, go with what your bike says they should be. If the bike is still not ridable at speed, it is probably your tires. They may look good but in reality be "broken". That happened to me. I tried EVERYTHING and still my Spyder was not ridable over 65MPH. I replaced all 3 tires with good quality tires and instantly I was in Spyder heaven. I was able to set the cruise control to freeway speeds and comfortably sit back with finger tips only on the handlebars and enjoy the ride. It can happen. Good luck..... Jim

[ricford]

I was somewhat scared of my 2014 early days. I took a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. They teach a lot of great safety info but they corrected my riding through curves. Look ahead, not down. That was the best info I got. It made the ride for me, feel safe and I learned. Now I can go through 90 degree turns at 90. OKOKOK. I play it safe and still know the Spyder is actually in charge of the ride.

[SPYDERJERRY1]

I was somewhat scared of my 2014 early days. I took a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. They teach a lot of great safety info but they corrected my riding through curves. Look ahead, not down. That was the best info I got. It made the ride for me, feel safe and I learned. Now I can go through 90 degree turns at 90. OKOKOK. I play it safe and still know the Spyder is actually in charge of the ride.

things are getting better in Spyder land.

[Gwolf]

Look down the road and not at the road...................

The Spyder will go where you are looking.........

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Look down the road and not at the road...................

The Spyder will go where you are looking.........

I started riding seriously in 2006 when I got my Goldwing. Even yet I have to often fight the urge to watch the road close in. What I've done when I catch myself looking close in is pretend there is a rabbit running down the middle of the lane about 300 or more feet ahead of me. I keep my eyes on him and thus see the whole scene up ahead. It can be a challenge keeping that rabbit in view while going around curves!

[RayBJ]

I started riding seriously in 2006 when I got my Goldwing. Even yet I have to often fight the urge to watch the road close in. What I've done when I catch myself looking close in is pretend there is a rabbit running down the middle of the lane about 300 or more feet ahead of me. I keep my eyes on him and thus see the whole scene up ahead. It can be a challenge keeping that rabbit in view while going around curves!

I keep running over the damn rabbits! Need faster rabbits!!!