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  1. #1
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    Default How can I make a 900 more Rally-like?

    I'm just starting to learn about the Ryker, but fairly certain I'll be making a purchase. Thought at first I was stuck on a Rally, but now I'm not so sure. I don't intend any off-road riding, but I'm guaranteed to ride some gravel. I've been reading about modifications to these bikes - taller shocks, a skid plate, suitable tires, anything else I'd need to make a 900 gravel-ready? What am I overlooking? I think it'll have to be a '22 for the factory cruise control. I understand some folks have added aftermarket cruise, but that's way over my head. I appreciate any thoughts, opinions, experiences you all might share. Thanks!

    Sarah
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 12-13-2022 at 06:54 PM. Reason: Expanded Title to more clearly ask the question ;-)

  2. #2
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    6,000 mile report, May 7 to Oct 22, 2020 (5 1/2 months)

    Positive
    1. The Ryker is a lot of fun, whether instant acceleration from any speed or aggressive cornering.
    2. Many design aspects are very practical, from exhaust layout to a bit of storage in the glovebox.
    3. The driveshaft/swingarm design is streamlined and very smooth, as a Moto Guzzi V7II
    4. Solo seat is actually comfortable, especially compared to stock seat on 2012 Triump Bonneville or 2003 Sportster XLH 883.
    5. Engine oil and transmission is easy to drain, if on ramps. Refilling easy, with proper funnel.
    6. Cooling system very efficient, even in ambient over 110F.
    7. Amazing price point ($9,999 for base 900)
    8. Excellent turning radius and at a higher speed than a M/C at same radius

    Concerns
    A. Changing CVT belt every year for a 1,000 mile per month rider makes maintenance costs a bit high. $220 for belt is OK, but if not DIY, then expensive labor. No provision to monitor belt life / width without removing cover.
    B. The Rotax 3 cylinder 900 motor delivers HP well, but cruising at 6,000 to 7,000 RPMs will likely affect life expectancy.
    C. Can-Am recommended service interval of 6,000 miles is extremely optimistic and most likely marketing driven. First service at 1,000 miles and every 5,000 miles, thereafter, with pure synthetic oil would likely prolong engine life.
    D. No parking / emergency brake. Transmission only equipped with cable operated parking pawl.
    E. Large axle nuts may impede roadside assistance for tire repair/replacement.

    Negative
    a. 33 MPG (likely due to high RPMs) for a 611 pound machine does not provide a long range for a 5.28 gallon fuel tank.
    b. Probably due to higher RPMs, ear plugs are essential for rides above ~35 MPH.
    c. Stock front shocks do not control the front tires as should be expected. Replacing with 400 mm shocks, with full length springs, is a huge improvement and an extra 2" of ground clearance (base 900). Thank you Chris56 and Tslepebull.
    d. The mounting angle of the rear shock provides very harsh reaction on a rough road. The Rally model has a better mono shock, but same angle.
    e. Draining the final drive is a bit messy, but refilling through the disc brake slot is not an issue with tube from 75W90 bottle.
    f. Changing the oil filter is messy, especially cleaning out old oil. Any oil that spills is difficult to wash away and may drip from the bottom pan for a few days, even after attempting to clean in a coin-op car wash.
    g. Starting sequence is annoying: Key popped on, stop run on, press start button, roll throttle forward, press start button AGAIN, while foot on brake.
    h. Parking lever rattle annoying.
    i. Fuel pump whine slightly annoying, but probably not life expectancy issue.
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  3. #3
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
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    The Ryker is not an "Off Road" vehicle. It is an "Off Pavement" vehicle. Big difference. No matter what you do, you're going to find the rear wheel lacks the traction needed for real off road riding. And the 3 wheel stance does not lend itself enough articulation or ground clearance to get over much of a hump. You could jack it up and improve on this aspect. But you're going to drastically change its on-road characterizes for the worse without really gaining all that much.

    The Rally comes out of the box with enough ability for most reasonable gravel and even dirt roads. I think I'd get one and start out with mild expectations (and modest off pavement trips). Then try more challenging escapades a little at a time and adjust as needed. You might be surprised that you really don't need all that much to do what you want.

    If you want to do real off-roading. Get an adventure bike or off road quad.
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  4. #4
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    Coming back from Bryce Canyon along highway 12, I stopped for lunch in a parking lot with deep gravel.
    To climb the incline back to the highway, I had to approach at a angle to get traction.
    That was my only traction issue.
    It did fine on several miles of rough road on my 6 day 1115 mile NV-AZ-UT trip and no issues off paved roads any other time.
    4-Warm Springs summit 29 June 2020.jpg
    5-Lee Canyon 8000 ft 17 July 2020.jpg
    6-Cedar Breaks sign 28 July 2020.jpg
    7-Duck Creek pond 28 July 2020.jpg
    9-Lee's Ferry boat ramp 17 Sep 2020.jpg
    10-Vermilion Cliffs National Monument 17 Sep 2020.jpg
    Last edited by SportsterDoc; 12-13-2022 at 11:10 AM.
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  5. #5
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    As much fun as I found the Ryker to be, my decision to sell was due to:
    1. High RPM cruising
    2. 33 MPG average
    3. 10K mile belt replacement

    ...but it was comfortable for 460 mile days (Extraterrestrial Highway)
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  6. #6
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    Ron, she is not looking for an "off-road vehicle" per her statement of " I don't intend any off-road riding"

    This is her history

    http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread...ighlight=greer
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  7. #7
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  8. #8
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SportsterDoc View Post
    Ron, she is not looking for an "off-road vehicle" per her statement of " I don't intend any off-road riding"

    This is her history

    http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread...ighlight=greer
    Ooops! Missed the 'Don't' part! My bad! Then I don't think she will need to do anything suspension or tire wise. Maybe some undercarriage protection and better lighting.
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  9. #9
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    400 mm full length spring shocks HIGHLY recommended
    https://www.amazon.com/GZYF-Motorcyc...00XVH4NVG?th=1

    Auxito H4 LED (2 singles are currently less than a 2 pack on Amazon)
    https://www.amazon.com/AUXITO-Motorc...%2C129&sr=1-10

    No regrets on standard 900 over Rally
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  10. #10
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    Further on Auxito LEDs
    I used on last Triumph, XVS950, XT250 and Nissan Frontier.
    For the XT250, I should have ordered the one with metal tabs, as the one I ordered is plastic (thicker) and required minor holder mods.
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Markubis's Avatar
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    Longer springs and better headlights are a must.

    I don't think you'll get that "rally mode" option available that defeats all the safety features though. Not much can be done there as far as I know.

  12. #12
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    Thanks everybody. I'm not a slowpoke, but I'm not a hooligan either, so I don't know if I'd ever be one to take advantage of Sport and Rally mode. Honestly, the simpler the machine the better as far as I'm concerned. I'll keep reading and studying and keep in mind the cost of cruise, shocks, and Max Mount for the Standard 900. But I'll need a full rear fender for the Rally, so that's at least $100 plus the hassle. Markubis, do you mind telling us what front shocks you're using?

    Sarah

    Edit. I just caught on, folks recommend longer front shocks for the Rally, too.
    Last edited by greer; 12-14-2022 at 07:24 AM.

  13. #13
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    Options for 400 mm shocks as posted above and from the Tire sticky at the top


    https://www.amazon.com/GZYF-Motorcyc...00XVH4NVG?th=1
    I think these are the 400 mm RFY shocks mentioned by chris56 in the tire sticky


    https://www.amazon.com/Wotefusi-Abso...57&sr=8-4&th=1


    Sarah

  14. #14
    Very Active Member Markubis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by greer View Post
    Options for 400 mm shocks as posted above and from the Tire sticky at the top


    https://www.amazon.com/GZYF-Motorcyc...00XVH4NVG?th=1
    I think these are the 400 mm RFY shocks mentioned by chris56 in the tire sticky


    https://www.amazon.com/Wotefusi-Abso...57&sr=8-4&th=1


    Sarah
    Those 400mm RFY shocks on Amazon are what I use. It's like night and day compared to my original Rally front shocks.

    I did have to pop out out the inner sleeve on the bushings to fit the Ryker bolt diameter. The shock set comes with multiple sleeve sizes.
    Last edited by Markubis; 12-15-2022 at 07:01 AM.

  15. #15
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    Thank you, Markubis!

    So, I'll be looking for any of the '22 900 cc bikes, and add factory cruise to the standard. Nice to have more options.

    Sarah

  16. #16
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    Cruise, Maxmount and full fender come on the Sport model.
    Also only has the Eco and Sport modes, no Rally mode.
    If you are going to change the shocks and springs, why spend more money for a Rally.

  17. #17
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    The standard 900 has a full fender, which can support a small bag, secured with lashing straps and footman loops.
    Also a gallon of extra fuel for the Extraterrestrial Highway ride.
    Cruise would have been a plus on my 2020, but the ECU did not support it, at that time.
    It is easy enough to smoke the rear tire in normal mode and for 2020, I actually preferred the standard wheels.

    https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...an#post1520573

    Both standard and rally benefit from 400 mm shocks.
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  18. #18
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    If you decide you really need different shocks and springs.
    Can-Am has Fox shocks front and rear for the Ryker.
    This would not void the warranty on a new bike.
    Fox makes some good stuff, and is found on some high end BRP sleds and side by sides.
    Just a thought.

  19. #19
    Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Peter Aawen's Avatar
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    Interesting stuff....

    But AFAIK/Can see from all that lot^^ you juuust might be better off simply to buy a Rally in the first place, then mod IT to suit your specific needs/wants/desires

    Looking at the list of things to do/get, that'll probably be cheaper too!
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 12-15-2022 at 11:58 PM.
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  20. #20
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    Thanks so much, everybody. We're headed out to look at a lightly used Sport today. I'll keep you posted

    Sarah

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  22. #22
    Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Peter Aawen's Avatar
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    Congratulations!

    Now the fun & the serious wallet emptying really begins!
    2013 RT Ltd Pearl White

    Ryde More, Worry Less!

  23. #23
    Very Active Member SportsterDoc's Avatar
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    Should not be too expensive, Peter.
    She already has a luggage rack and full fender.
    Just replace shocks, if not already done, change fluids and maybe upgrade lighting.
    23 Moto Guzzi V7-850 SE 23 Yamaha XT250 18 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 22 Triumph Street Twin 20 CanAM Ryker 900 14 Honda CB1100 18 Yamaha XT250 16 Moto Guzzi V7 II 17 Yamaha TW200 12 Triumph Bonneville 02 Sportster 1200 Sport 03 Sportster 883 76 Honda CB750F 75 Honda CB360 70 Yamaha CT1 72 Yamaha CT2 72 Yamaha AT2/CT2 70 Honda SL350 70 Honda CL350 67 Honda CL160 67 Honda CB160 62 Honda CA110
    2020 900 , NGK 4218 iridium CR8EIX Matte black

  24. #24
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    Enjoy.
    Ride it for a while and then decide what changes you want to make.
    The joke around our house is that I buy "STARTED KITS"

  25. #25
    Very Active Member chris56's Avatar
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    I tested a new 22 Rally - first I prefer the higher handlebars on my 900 std (2018 - 28T miles) - next the tires (no grip) - the three shocks are longer now, which is OK .. but the only difference is the "rally" mode, I love it, but not for this price-difference !
    (maybe I invest in the mapping of my VSS - we have a company here who is offering that ..)
    Outlander fairing - Fox-shock - BajaRon Swaybar - Hankook tire/ back - 165/50 Imperial tires front & longer front shocks - GIVI Topase - Shad sidecases -heated grips - new seats

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