Hi from a new Spyder owner

[AJKOK1]

Hi everyone,

just wanted to introduce myself having spent far too many hours reading posts on this forum over the last month. While the Can-Am seems really very popular in North America, here in the UK, it still seems a well kept secret. Anyway, i found a dealer very close to where i live and took an RT out for a test drive. I was originally looking for an RSS as i figured it would be "more fun", but they didn't have one available. A week later i went back to try an RSS once the dealer had sourced one, and took that for a drive too. Both are a great bit of kit, but as many seem to have indicated, it's really not fair to compare the two, they are focused on two different styles of riding with one common goal....making you smile.

I've never ridden a bike, so i didn't come to the test drives with any preconceptions, The RSS had loads of ooomph, but i found the seating position for the rider a bit harder work and as it was a windy day, quite exposed heading out for the drive. The RT was much more "comfortable", the seating position suited me better ( i feel more like Eric Estrada than Valentino Rossi) and the big windshield kept things nice and civil. Without the confidence of riding bikes before, i also felt the RT was a safer option for having the wife or kids on the back. So after an extra test drive again on a new RT-S and armed with a wealth of knowledge from this forum, i made the decision and purchased it. It was their demonstrator, has 200 miles on the clock and although it's registered new, it's a 2011 model.

I collected the Spyder on Saturday, and as is the way in the Uk, it hasn't stopped raining since .

I did do a few miles on Saturday, and i find it very stable and planted out on the road, i really don't feel too vulnerable coming from being a car driver. I will confess i still feel a bit "top heavy" on tight corners, as you turn in, there is a slight sense it will tip over, but i'm putting that down to my inexperience and probably learning to move my body with the turn.

Anyway, i just wanted to pass on my thanks for this great resource that really helped me research the Spyder before i made the decision, and i'm really looking forward to doing the miles in the coming weeks.

As it's been raining so much, the best i can offer for now is a photo of it in my garage...but hey, it's a start !!

IMG-20120422-00102.jpg



Thanks again

Al.

[Saluda]

Good luck & congrats. Hope the weather improves so you get more used to the bike. Once that period is over you will feel much more comfortable.

[GloryRyders]

and to our web.............Ryde Safe and "let the mods begin".

[Dwanton]

Congratulations

[Paula(Butch2025)]

You are going to love being a part of this great group!!!

[J. Mark]

Welcome...i have seen a number of threads on this site from riders in the UK...hope you will be able to connect with a few of them.

[murphybrown]

Sounds like your first extra needs to be good rain gear!!! I find my RT handles fine in the rain and I haven't melted yet...

[SDM]

and

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Welcome Aboard Mate, now the fun begins... Mike.....

[Yfactor]

[SpyderAnn01]

Welcime and I hope it stops raining so you can ride.

[larrymz3]

Congrats!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Bob Denman]

Rain... Tears from the Angels who don't have Spyders yet!

[spyderrock]

Congrats and yes Welcome to the greatest Spyder source on the web.....oh and by the way is the Spyder right hand drive there just kidding that's like a photo floating around here with a kick stand on a Spyder. Enjoy the new ride love mine.

[ARtraveler]

on the new ryde. To the site with the best information.

[Sarge707]

Congratulations!! And Welcome aboard.

[Chazzman]

Al that's 'AWESOME I am so happy for you.... Many miles of smiles!

[Big Iron]

Welcome Ryder!!

[TOPDOGJIM]

Welcome from Connecticut USA.

[samewok]

You will really like the after some miles.
Good luck and have fun.

[minerdoug]

Enjoy yourself and keep the smiles on!!

[CyncySpyder]

& . Depending on your height & weight, you may want to follow the directions in your Owners Manual & set your front shock settings to a higher setting. Here in the US they are preset to 3 out of 5, with 5 being the stiffest setting, but setting them stiffer can help in the twisties. Also, best advice ever given to me about taking high speed corners on the RT, is to lower your center of gravity (chest towards glove box) and you want your chin over your knuckles leaning into the turn. Once I started doing this, along with learning to grip the seat with my knees, it opened up the twisties to me like never before. Always have to triple check Teddy's harness connections or the lil guy would most definately go flying with how we can just ZIP through the twisties now before learning this approach, I had the same top-heavy feeling in the turns & didn't care for that uneasy feeling. But now, its sweet, like tea Glad to have you in the family. Enjoy the ryde 20120422_231851.jpgIMG_20120322_185825.jpg

[elixermixer]

Giddy up

[smurfette]

and welcome to the Spyderhood!!!

[AJKOK1]

Thanks you to everyone for your kind comments. Amazing to have so many kind and encouraging comments from people i have yet to meet. So far from all your comments i have learnt the following :

(1) Modding the Spyder is clearly compulsory....so i will start my search for the best accessories
(2) I need to re-check just to make sure mine is right hand drive
(3) Whenever i add anything....photos are compulsory on Spyder lovers
(4) Not to sweat about about learning to ride the bike or get the most from it...there are plenty of Spyder lovers who are happy to help and reassure

Thanks again for all your kind comments, nice to be part of the family.

Al.