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RT-S PE#0412
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Motorbike Professor
I haven't ridden my RT yet, but have about an hour of time on demos. The body/fairing issue is not applicable here. What your Harley friend was describing was the difference between a frame-mounted fairing and a handlebar-mounted fairing. With a frame-mounted fairing (or bodywork in the case of the Spyder) the entire vehicle has to be affected by the wind to cause unwanted movements. This is no different than a car or truck. As a result, the movements are usually smaller, are not confined to the steering, and are easier to compensate for. Remember that a two-wheeler steers very easily when "bumped", unlike the more stable Spyder or auto. You won't have to steer into the wind as much as a biker does, but you still may have to do so.
Handlebar-mounted fairings are tricky! That big sail can move the bars quite a way. If you had more bike experience, you would realize that very small handlebar movements can cause a lot of steering at the motorcycle. Remember that countersteering merely initiates the turn, then leaning takes over. If the windshield countersteers for you, you can get quite an exciting ride unless you are prepared to compensate for it.
The Spyder will swerve, and the Operator Guide has some practice exercises. Remember, though, that you have three tracks, and you have to swerve much wider for obstacle avoidance. Practice learning to take small obstacles down the "slot" between the front tire and the rear. That takes less steering. It will not work for larger or taller obstacles, or large potholes. Dead center may be the best way out in that situation. Try to ride well ahead of yourself, and leave lots of space to the vehicle ahead so you can spot any obstacles.
The Spyder is more visible than a regular motorcycle. Unfortunately, that is not always enough. A woman ran into my red F-150 SuperCab, claiming she didn't see me. The RT-S is black (for now) unlike the more visible silver, yellow, and red RS models, so it is not going to be as visible, despite being bigger, and having good lighting. It has been proven that the most effective accident deterrent for motorcycles is bright clothing that is always in motion, especially jackets and helmets,. If you want to be seen, wear the hi-vis colors. You can get other brands of riding gear besides BRP, and many are available in fluorescent colors, including some helmets. You can also wear a high-vis vest, like traffic workers. How visible you want to be, depends on you. Even on the Spyder, I believe in the value of full, proper protective clothing.
Good luck on your test, and with your practice. Don't worry, it will become natural quite quickly. And remember, the good habits you develop now will last you a lifetime.
-Scotty
2011 Spyder RTS-SM5 (mine)
2000 BMW R1100RTP, motorized tricycle & 23 vintage bikes
2011 RT-622 trailer, Aspen Sentry popup camper, custom motorcycle trailer to pull behind the Spyder
Mutant Trikes Forever!
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I have very little time on a Spyder RT. Only about 30 mihutes on a demo ride. It seemed to be a very stable ride but I don't know how high winds will affect it. I agree with Scotty that it's very important to wear protective gear, even on a Spyder. The fact that you have three wheels rather than two eliminates the prospect of just going down because of slick roads, gravel, or rider error but it doesn't eliminate other potential crashes. A good helmet, protective riding gear, and good boots can make a tremendous difference in a crash.
As far as visibility goes, my aproach is to ride as though I am invisible. Several years ago, a woman ran into a car in the middle of a funeral procession in San Angelo, Texas and claimed she didn't see it. If you can't see a funeral procession, what chance do you have of seeing a Spyder?
Cotton
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RT-S PE#0803
High Winds
Go to Fred Rau's trip reports because he hit tremendous and scary wind conditions and came through better on the RT than a tractor trailer on the same road. Lonnie
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RT-S PE#0412
Originally Posted by NancysToy
I haven't ridden my RT yet, but have about an hour of time on demos. The body/fairing issue is not applicable here. What your Harley friend was describing was the difference between a frame-mounted fairing and a handlebar-mounted fairing. With a frame-mounted fairing (or bodywork in the case of the Spyder) the entire vehicle has to be affected by the wind to cause unwanted movements. This is no different than a car or truck. As a result, the movements are usually smaller, are not confined to the steering, and are easier to compensate for. Remember that a two-wheeler steers very easily when "bumped", unlike the more stable Spyder or auto. You won't have to steer into the wind as much as a biker does, but you still may have to do so.
Handlebar-mounted fairings are tricky! That big sail can move the bars quite a way. If you had more bike experience, you would realize that very small handlebar movements can cause a lot of steering at the motorcycle. Remember that countersteering merely initiates the turn, then leaning takes over. If the windshield countersteers for you, you can get quite an exciting ride unless you are prepared to compensate for it.
The Spyder will swerve, and the Operator Guide has some practice exercises. Remember, though, that you have three tracks, and you have to swerve much wider for obstacle avoidance. Practice learning to take small obstacles down the "slot" between the front tire and the rear. That takes less steering. It will not work for larger or taller obstacles, or large potholes. Dead center may be the best way out in that situation. Try to ride well ahead of yourself, and leave lots of space to the vehicle ahead so you can spot any obstacles.
The Spyder is more visible than a regular motorcycle. Unfortunately, that is not always enough. A woman ran into my red F-150 SuperCab, claiming she didn't see me. The RT-S is black (for now) unlike the more visible silver, yellow, and red RS models, so it is not going to be as visible, despite being bigger, and having good lighting. It has been proven that the most effective accident deterrent for motorcycles is bright clothing that is always in motion, especially jackets and helmets,. If you want to be seen, wear the hi-vis colors. You can get other brands of riding gear besides BRP, and many are available in fluorescent colors, including some helmets. You can also wear a high-vis vest, like traffic workers. How visible you want to be, depends on you. Even on the Spyder, I believe in the value of full, proper protective clothing.
Good luck on your test, and with your practice. Don't worry, it will become natural quite quickly. And remember, the good habits you develop now will last you a lifetime.
Thank you Scotty, you always have good advice, and also to Cotton and lonnie for there in put.
I passed today at the DMV and have a motorcycle license coming in the mail
now when I go down to practice with the demo they will let me go out into traffic , well they will but i won't until I become proficient in the parking lot with the swerve maneuver scotty was talking about.
I looked at group photos of spyder riders and not too many have on bright colors, so I am gonna wear mostly black protective with florescent piping and just be the best defensive driver I can be.
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Motorbike Professor
-Scotty
2011 Spyder RTS-SM5 (mine)
2000 BMW R1100RTP, motorized tricycle & 23 vintage bikes
2011 RT-622 trailer, Aspen Sentry popup camper, custom motorcycle trailer to pull behind the Spyder
Mutant Trikes Forever!
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