Interstate Cruising

[Questions]

Love my Spyder but until this recent trip I avoided interstate ryding. But I must say the Spyder RT-S is a dream machine to cruise on the Interstate. I averaged 70 to 85 mph over about 1500 miles of interstate and I felt incredibly safe and was not even a little uneasy. So to anyone worried about high speed interstate ryding, worry not, it is really a breeze and quite fun.

[SpyderAnn01]

[kinggeek]

+ 1

[TOPDOGJIM]

Yes I enjoyed some slab on the way home last night for sure.

[Bob Denman]

BUT... finding a secondary road with scenery is still better!

[SpyderDon]

Unless I'm in a hurry.

[Y Rider]

I generally avoided interstate riding because of the way the Spyder would rock when getting buffeted by truck traffic or crosswinds. However, after I replaced the stock shocks with Elkas it is a totally different machine and now is very stable at highway speeds. I feel very comfortable on interstates now but still prefer the 2 lane roads primarily for the screnery.

[ARtraveler]

No slabs here in AK. We do have some stretches of road where they allow 65 mph--but most do not even have a center median.

In reply to Bob D.--you would probably like riding here--because everthing else is "secondary road" with plenty of scenery to go with it.

I don't use my cruise unless I am driving the 65 mph stretches.

[Bob Denman]

When I had my 'Wing I ALWAYS wanted to ride to Alaska one day... but then those days got around me somehow!

[SpyderAnn01]

No slabs here in AK. We do have some stretches of road where they allow 65 mph--but most do not even have a center median.

In reply to Bob D.--you would probably like riding here--because everthing else is "secondary road" with plenty of scenery to go with it.

I don't use my cruise unless I am driving the 65 mph stretches.

But he rides too slow! Are there plenty of passing zones on the 65 mph stretches?

[ARtraveler]

Yes--the 65 mph stretches do have passing lanes. You need them to get around motor homes and vehicles hauling really big boats. Mostly a summertime problem though.

[WingmanRT]

I generally avoided interstate riding because of the way the Spyder would rock when getting buffeted by truck traffic or crosswinds. However, after I replaced the stock shocks with Elkas it is a totally different machine and now is very stable at highway speeds. I feel very comfortable on interstates now but still prefer the 2 lane roads primarily for the scenery.

Glad I'm not the only one rocked around. So Elkas, huh? I don't know if it's the high profile, the shocks, or the fact that I haven't ridden in 13 years, but the turbulence on the highway ,now, seems more pronounced on the Spyder than it did on my Goldwing. Most of the time I just write it off to pilot error. But it's good to know that there are products out that can help.

[woodchuck]

Love my Spyder but until this recent trip I avoided interstate ryding. But I must say the Spyder RT-S is a dream machine to cruise on the Interstate. I averaged 70 to 85 mph over about 1500 miles of interstate and I felt incredibly safe and was not even a little uneasy. So to anyone worried about high speed interstate ryding, worry not, it is really a breeze and quite fun.

WE went to State College PA for a ride and to get some of their delicious ice cream. If you are in the area you must try the ice cream.
Coming home on interstate 80 about 75 mph and watching the mirrors. In my mirror I can see a motorcycle light coming. Still keeping the same speed and watching mirror for motorcycle coming and I was shocked at what passed me. It was a motorscooter flying by me. Wasn't long he was out of my sight. Talk about a let down.

[Enuftruck]

I too had that bit of unstable feeling on interstates, especially in a metro area like Phoenix, with 5 or 6 lanes in each direction. I went with the Works Shocks, and like everyone reports... What a difference.

Ray

[boyallie]

Bought my 2008 RS SM5 in Prescott, AZ and rode it home in 5 days to Philly. Lots of cruising between 80 and 85. Having a cruise control helped greatly. I don't know why they BRP calls it a 'touring windshield' because it was not high enough for someone 6' 4". Not nearly tall enough. My head took a pounding from being in the slipstream. Was able to have all of my gear in my GIVI trunk and frunk on the RS. Gas mileage totally sucked...but I rode it hard. I'm finding it still sucks at moderate speeds while home. The highway pegs were a must have as well as the upgraded suspension.

[Mr. White]

I read of unsable rides with 2011 RT-S (limited). Mine was somewhat, but I fooled around with air pressures
and front shock settings. Mine is like a rock on all roads. JMHO

[exwinger]

Just did a trip from the Ohio border to Knoxville on I75. Very few trucks give me any trouble but certain types do , auto carriers for some reason. Didn't have a problem with any trucks this trip but there was a section where the wind was really strong ( trees were really moving ) and the affects were really noticable on the bike handling. once we cleared that short area everything was fine again .Only mod to the susspension was adjusting the front shocks all the way to 5.

THe thump thump I hear as a I pass a big rig worries me a lot more than the cycle wobble.

2011RTSS

[retiredsquid]

Glad I'm not the only one rocked around. So Elkas, huh? I don't know if it's the high profile, the shocks, or the fact that I haven't ridden in 13 years, but the turbulence on the highway ,now, seems more pronounced on the Spyder than it did on my Goldwing. Most of the time I just write it off to pilot error. But it's good to know that there are products out that can help.

We had issues with turbulance and went with Elka shocks and that fixed the problem. We had messed with air pressure, etc., too. Elka shocks made the biggest difference and worth every dime.

[WingmanRT]

We had issues with turbulence and went with Elka shocks and that fixed the problem. We had messed with air pressure, etc., too. Elka shocks made the biggest difference and worth every dime.

If you don't mind my asking... what's a ballpark for a Can-Am's Elka Shocks? (I'm okay with being told "none of your damned business!" too) The web site doesn't put prices on and that makes me think, if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Besides more than a bit of sway on the highway, I also get a bit of a 'tipping' sensation on uneven roads (especially where the right shoulder dips down a few inches). Now, granted, I am 260 lbs and have an intense sensitivity to 'level', but even still... the bike feels like it's 'giving' too much. I'm not talking about g force in a turn, this is more about 'crowned' or tilted roadways & changes in angle. I think stiffer shocks would help minimize that tipping sensation. I have my stock shocks all the way up right now and have been playing with the rear suspension settings to find a better feel. Also adjust my tire pressure to 18. Just looking for more stability and less sway.

I'm thinking about ordering some Elka shocks and having my dealer install them (I am close to learning which end of the screw driver to hold!)

[MouthPiece]

If you don't mind my asking... what's a ballpark for a Can-Am's Elka Shocks? (I'm okay with being told "none of your damned business!" too) The web site doesn't put prices on and that makes me think, if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Besides more than a bit of sway on the highway, I also get a bit of a 'tipping' sensation on uneven roads (especially where the right shoulder dips down a few inches). Now, granted, I am 260 lbs and have an intense sensitivity to 'level', but even still... the bike feels like it's 'giving' too much. I'm not talking about g force in a turn, this is more about 'crowned' or tilted roadways & changes in angle. I think stiffer shocks would help minimize that tipping sensation. I have my stock shocks all the way up right now and have been playing with the rear suspension settings to find a better feel. Also adjust my tire pressure to 18. Just looking for more stability and less sway.

I'm thinking about ordering some Elka shocks and having my dealer install them (I am close to learning which end of the screw driver to hold!)

$700.00 ball park, but one of our sponsors handles the Elkas so I'd inquire with the source.

Chris