Coming out of the Shadows - time to say Hello!

[MRH]

I've been here for about two months, but haven't yet introduced myself. I picked up a pre-owned Silver 2010 RT with 16K miles that I'm absolutely in love with, and have finally found a great hobby. I've put about 2K miles on the bike since I bought it (the bike is due back from my local dealer today - it needed a tune up, and I replaced the reflectors with lights and added a brake light on the back).

Interestingly enough, I didn't even know Spyders existed until a few days before I bought mine. I rode an ATV on a cruise ship excursion, and began the search for one that was street legal in CA. A full day's worth of calls and research later, a Vespa dealer mentioned one in passing, and when I checked out the website I knew I'd found what I didn't know I was looking for. After I got over the cost (I'd planned on about 5K for an ATV), and with my wife happy enough that I'd found some type of hobby to occupy me to stand behind the purchase, I took the dive rather quickly and snatched up what seemed to be a great deal on a bike that didn't look like it was often available used (having kept my eyes open since, I was smart to act quickly).

I live in Los Angeles (on the east side, in Silver Lake), and have been riding a lot in the Angeles National Forrest (besides using it day-to-day for getting around). I also spend about a quarter of my time in Santa Ynez, and bought a trailer to take it with me (thanks to whoever posted about the Drop-Tail Trailers). Riding up there is amazing, and my wife likes to join me (we did nearly 200 miles one day).

Without even posting, ScottyB reached out to me, and has been of a lot of help in figuring all of this out (thank you). His warning that my investment was just beginning, seems to have been true, but at this point I think I've got the major bases covered.

I work most weekends (I'm a photographer - you can check out what I do at http://studiomark.com), so I tend to ride early mornings (I prefer the cold to the heat) on weekdays (especially Mondays, since my business is dark that day), and I would love to find another rider or two on my side of the city who can also do weekday mornings in the Angeles National Forrest.

Those are the basics. Many thanks to all of you for creating this resource, which I've already made great use of.

Mark

Spyder.jpg

[murphybrown]

And your intro is (hopefully) just the first of many posts. Your pics are awesome.. Sooo glad you are here and loving your RT.

[JCSMOKE]

Welcome aboard! And you got the fastest color too!

[mxz600]

and

[Clicker1944]

Welcome from a retired professional photographer. Your work is amazing.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Welcome Aboard, Let the Par'tay begin Mike....

[harrypottar]

Love the portraits pictures

harry

[smoky]

Enjoyed your entro...see some of my hobby photography in my albums....

[Spyder601]

Welcome aboard

[mrwidget]

[JJW SpyderRider]

I've had a '09 GS for two years and love it! Just got back from the dealer today with my new Red RT-S. I was not able to find any used ones ether.

[GloryRyders]

and on your ........let the mods begin!

[Big Arm]

MRH
Nice write up, and I enjoyed looking at your photos. Very nice

[RAYYOU]

Welcome to the Family!!!!

[d.o.spyder-rts]

and on your spyder purchase. Welcome to the fdamily Dale

[katnapper]

Guess what... We are going to except great pictures of spyders!

[MRH]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everybody.

It would seem that I now need to ask for your help. As I mentioned, my RT was in for maintenance and to add some Custom Dynamics lighting, and due back today. Well, I took it out tonight and after about twenty minutes I discovered new issues. A Check DPS warning, a flashing engine light, and that squiggly thing warning light. I assumed that it was bad breaking (I'd done that when I first got the bike - and assumed that a sensitivity may have changed if there was an update). Despite careful riding, I got it twice more, both after riding it about 15 mins (give or take), this time flashing limp mode, but only once or so - it didn't seem to stick, although the warning lights did. I am running six small and one large LED light and have checked the boards to find that this can be caused by electrical sensitivity. The Spyder also felt a bit different (slippery?) on the corners, but that may be in my head. In general, it feels a bit smoother after the service - except for this, of course.

Of course, my dealer is closed until Tuesday, and I'd like to see if I can address this myself. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[MRH]

Here's a follow-up. I did some more research, and found out how to check the fault code (this was checked about an hour after I finished riding, should that be relevant). It's a P0504, which does seem to be the brake pedal issue - but I haven't seen that since I first got the bike, and I don't think I'm riding it differently today than on any other day.

Thoughts?

[FreedomRings]

Welcome aboard.

[SteveMac]

and !!!

[Spydeejane]

I liked your site and look forward to some awesome spyder pics. Welcome.

I've been here for about two months, but haven't yet introduced myself. I picked up a pre-owned Silver 2010 RT with 16K miles that I'm absolutely in love with, and have finally found a great hobby. I've put about 2K miles on the bike since I bought it (the bike is due back from my local dealer today - it needed a tune up, and I replaced the reflectors with lights and added a brake light on the back).

Interestingly enough, I didn't even know Spyders existed until a few days before I bought mine. I rode an ATV on a cruise ship excursion, and began the search for one that was street legal in CA. A full day's worth of calls and research later, a Vespa dealer mentioned one in passing, and when I checked out the website I knew I'd found what I didn't know I was looking for. After I got over the cost (I'd planned on about 5K for an ATV), and with my wife happy enough that I'd found some type of hobby to occupy me to stand behind the purchase, I took the dive rather quickly and snatched up what seemed to be a great deal on a bike that didn't look like it was often available used (having kept my eyes open since, I was smart to act quickly).

I live in Los Angeles (on the east side, in Silver Lake), and have been riding a lot in the Angeles National Forrest (besides using it day-to-day for getting around). I also spend about a quarter of my time in Santa Ynez, and bought a trailer to take it with me (thanks to whoever posted about the Drop-Tail Trailers). Riding up there is amazing, and my wife likes to join me (we did nearly 200 miles one day).

Without even posting, ScottyB reached out to me, and has been of a lot of help in figuring all of this out (thank you). His warning that my investment was just beginning, seems to have been true, but at this point I think I've got the major bases covered.

I work most weekends (I'm a photographer - you can check out what I do at http://studiomark.com), so I tend to ride early mornings (I prefer the cold to the heat) on weekdays (especially Mondays, since my business is dark that day), and I would love to find another rider or two on my side of the city who can also do weekday mornings in the Angeles National Forrest.

Those are the basics. Many thanks to all of you for creating this resource, which I've already made great use of.

Mark

Spyder.jpg

[78OldRide]

I know you will love the Spyder just take your time and learn how to ride it.
The forum has been a welth of knowledege and has taught me to be patient with the.
Gary

[Dwanton]

congradulations

[Mr. Duece]

Congratulations and welcome to the family. There is a wealth of knowledge and so many great fellow Spyder riders on this site. Hope the dealer is helpful solving your issues quickly.

[MRH]

Thanks again. I moved my trouble issues to a new thread; this probably wasn't the most effective place to post them.

FOLLOW UP:
Issue generally solved, with help from several of you. Thank you.