Spyderfest may have pushed me over the edge!

[Tanshanomi]

I came down from Kansas City with my wife [SZ-Spydie] and her RT. I was on my trusty Suzuki Boulevard S50. (I think it was the only vehicle in the ballfield parking lot without some kind if fairing or windshield!) I've always been impressed by Spyders and encouraged SZ-Spydie to buy hers, but I haven't been able to see myself NOT on two wheels (I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.) But I test rode the ST and RSS on Thursday [EDIT: make that Friday...in the cold, pouring rain]. Then, during Saturday's group ride, as I wiggled over rain grooves while being blown around by gusts, entering wet corners covered by wet leaves and gravel, It occurred to me how much more fun I'd be having on that RSS. I am predicting I will be on three wheels myself next year!

[NancysToy]

You have discovered what many of us have. While the Spyder may be somewhat more physically demanding than riding two wheels, it is mentally far less of a strain than the bikes. For bad weather, two-up, or towing a trailer it is the best I have ever ridden. I swear that if it could go off-road, it would be perfect.

[Chupaca]

hang around here and we will be happy to push you over the edge. Though I don't think you will need it. Once bitten it's all over...I was bitten by a commercial, went to the dealer and road it home and have never looked back. Road bikes for 50 years...!! Your gonna love it.....

[Bob Ledford]

Ride your "Suzie" down to the dealer after you spend a day detailing to better then new. To bad friend but the hook is hanging tight in your mouth and you can not spit it out.

[spydaman60]

I came down from Kansas City with my wife [SZ-Spydie] on her RT. I was on my trusty Suzuki Boulevard S50. (I think it was the only vehicle in the ballfield parking lot without some kind if fairing or windshield!) I've always been impressed by Spyders and encouraged SZ-Spydie to buy hers, but I haven't been able to see myself NOT on two wheels (I've been riding bikes for over 30 years.) But I test rode the ST and RSS on Thursday. Then, during Saturday's group ride, as I wiggled over rain grooves while being blown around by gusts, entering wet corners covered by wet leaves and gravel, It occurred to me how much more fun I'd be having on that RSS. I am predicting I will be on three wheels myself next year!

nice choice on the rss! don't wait, take the jump! you'll be soooooo glad you did!

[SpyderWolf]

You have discovered what many of us have. While the Spyder may be somewhat more physically demanding than riding two wheels, it is mentally far less of a strain than the bikes. For bad weather, two-up, or towing a trailer it is the best I have ever ridden. I swear that if it could go off-road, it would be perfect.

I have taken mine offroad slightly, but it definitely could use more ground clearance and grippier tires. It also took a long time to clean the mud off after that adventure.

[spydermyke990]

I rode ATVs for many years before switching to my sts, and the spyder was an easy change for me, I still catch myself leaning or hanging off on hard turns and ramps!

[flybuddy]

I've owned 2 wheel motorcycles for over 40 years. My last bike was an S50 Suzuki that I could carry on the back bumper of my RV. Nice bike--weighed only 440 lbs and had a better power to weight ratio than a Sportster. Kept it after I bought the Spyder last year. When it became obvious that I was always riding the Spyder and not the S50, I sold it. Trust me, you'll never look back.

[Tanshanomi]

Just to follow up on this thread, I just put down a deposit on a new 2013 RS-S in Magnesium Metallic; I should be able to pick it up Thursday or Friday. I'm REALLY excited!

[PrairieSpyder]

and welcome to the Spyderverse!

[Cavman]

Yea, I was going to say forget next year and get one now. Now you will need to get on line at the BRP's website and get your reservations for the owner's event in Maggie Valley, NC!

[Bob Denman]

[SpyderWolf]

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

You have discovered what many of us have. While the Spyder may be somewhat more physically demanding than riding two wheels, it is mentally far less of a strain than the bikes. For bad weather, two-up, or towing a trailer it is the best I have ever ridden. I swear that if it could go off-road, it would be perfect.

Scotty you'r kidding right.....A Spyder is MORE physically demanding than a Two Wheel Mtc..............A Mo-ped maybe ....But not any Mtc. I've ever ridden, and that's quite a few in the past 50 years .........Mike

[StanProff]

You have discovered what many of us have. While the Spyder may be somewhat more physically demanding than riding two wheels, it is mentally far less of a strain than the bikes. For bad weather, two-up, or towing a trailer it is the best I have ever ridden. I swear that if it could go off-road, it would be perfect.

I can see you with a mud tires on that Spyder! Now that'd be cool. Somebody has to be the first, Right? What would be next, how many school buses can a spyder jump?

[StanProff]

Just to follow up on this thread, I just put down a deposit on a new 2013 RS-S in Magnesium Metallic; I should be able to pick it up Thursday or Friday. I'm REALLY excited!

Welcome, You've been reeled in.

[ARtraveler]

Just to follow up on this thread, I just put down a deposit on a new 2013 RS-S in Magnesium Metallic; I should be able to pick it up Thursday or Friday. I'm REALLY excited!

on your decision. Now--get ready for the longest couple days you will ever have.

[daveinva]

Good for you!!!I was happy to be on my RT Monday when I rounded a backroads corner at 50 MPH only to have a Mid Size deer standing in the middle of the road?I Slammed to a stop just a foot from the Little Darling that didn,t even move- I think it had a death wish?Didn,t poop my pants or anything but I did slow down for a little while!

One of the best selling points of the Spyder compared to two wheels. You want to stop? Just go ahead and stop. Corners, debris, mid-size deer in your face... pshaw, just press those brakes.It makes me lazy, I tell ya.

[Tanshanomi]

Dealer just called back to say that he can't get me an RS-S SM5 in Magnesium.
He's going to look for an orange one, which I would be cool with. A little OTT for my style, but attractive.
I told him that the only color I really CAN'T do is that pea-soup green.

[Bob Denman]

on your decision. Now--get ready for the longest couple days you will ever have.

[SpyderWolf]

Dealer just called back to say that he can't get me an RS-S SM5 in Magnesium.
He's going to look for an orange one, which I would be cool with. A little OTT for my style, but attractive.
I told him that the only color I really CAN'T do is that pea-soup green.

I hope they are able to find one for you soon. Best of luck.

[Tanshanomi]

Looks like I'm getting the Magnesium/Steel Black after all.

Is there anything specifically I should check for at the dealership or watch for on my first ride? Has anybody bought one that was not set up properly?

[Bob Denman]

Hopefully; they'll take some time to explain the features and controls of the bike to you...
Naturally; your brain will be in overload mode, so nothing will get past this look on your face...
Seriously though; ask what the tire pressures are currently set at. (Make them get specific with you)
You could mention that you heard "Somewhere", that running 17 or 18 psi improves the handling; see what they say about that.
Ask them about the proper procedure to check the oil level... It's been explained here, but it'll give you an idea of how they treat folks if they give you the correct answers...
Turning and stopping procedures should be questioned. Do they know how much (or how little!) time you've spent behind the bars of one of these bikes?
You'll want to get a "feel" for how they're going to treat you when you come back in for servicing the bike; do they accept appointments, or is it a first come-first served kind of free for all?
What else can anybody add?

[HuckFin]

Looks like I'm getting the Magnesium/Steel Black after all.

Is there anything specifically I should check for at the dealership or watch for on my first ride? Has anybody bought one that was not set up properly?

I took a 100lb to 300lb KRIKIT belt tension gauge with me and checked the drive belt for REFERENCE, so I could check the belt myself in the future. (I got a 200 lb reading with wheel on the ground), which I believe is on the low side, but no belt vibration....Service manual shows 2013 belt tension at 1050 newtons....(Only 450 newtons for the earlier models). The GATES KRIKIT part number is 91132.

[StanProff]

Scotty you'r kidding right.....A Spyder is MORE physically demanding than a Two Wheel Mtc..............A Mo-ped maybe ....But not any Mtc. I've ever ridden, and that's quite a few in the past 50 years .........Mike

The spyder is a more engaging ride than a motorcycle for me. I have two wheelers in the garage and like you, I've ridden almost 50 of my 62 years. (started on a sears Allstate ) I live in Upper East tenn. and when taking a day long mountain ride, with a lot of curves, I can feel it for sure in my shoulders and back. I am not saying it's a bad thing, just that countersteering a two wheeler requires less effort for me. It may be just me. the spyder will give you a workout in the twisties as you are fighting centrifugal force that is trying to seperate you from the Spyder. That goes away with the two wheelers. That's not to say that you can't take curves fast on the Spyder, as a matter of fact as most of you know, you can leave any cruiser behind when hitting an on-ramp. Of course your compensating by leaning into the curve and hugging the Spyder with your knees. If not it will try to throw you off.