First order of business for Spyder RT-S SE5 newbie

[Buzzatronic]

Thanks in large part to the advice received in this forum, I'm really close to pulling the trigger on a brand new 2012 RT-S SE5.

Beyond the normal advice of drive safe, wear a helmet, don't be stupid ... what advice specific to the RT-S SE5 do you guys have for me?

Based on reading through many threads here, here's what I've picked up on:

1. It's not a motorcycle, so take your time to get used to the handling.
2. The engine works best at high revs (4,000+). It'll feel strange at first shifting so "late" and cruising at 4-5,000rpm but it's the right thing to do. Don't lug the engine.
3. Sometimes the engine may not automatically downshift so be aware of gears when slowing/stopping.
4. There is at least one recall that I think applies to the 2012 (gas cap replacement), make sure I get the new cap with the redish ring (any other recalls I should make sure I have covered?).
5. Depending on how long I plan to let it sit, I may need a battery tender but not sure.

What else would you tell a first time Spyder buyer to think about in their first week owning an RT-S?

[ARtraveler]

You have a pretty good list there. You should be in good shape.

[Bob Denman]

Just point your nose into the Wind, and start the grinning...
But don't forget to brush yoru teeth after each ride! biker.jpg

[Netminder]

I have a 2012 lava bronze and I love it! Wishing you many (S)miles! That list is a good start, a couple of others:

Don't ride the brake
keep your grip relaxed
I use a tender whenever it sits
Read the do's and don'ts on this site ( I think most of these are covered)
Ride every chance you get!

[Dan McNally]

Great start . . . but I'd jack those RPMs up, just a bit . . . I won't accelerate unless I'm turning more than 4500 RPMs . . . cruising at 4,000 seems a bit slow to me. My RT seems happier in the 5,000 to 5,500 range.

[PrairieSpyder]

Read this:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...-Spyder-owners

[Chupaca]

your well on your way with all mentioned above...if you go to forums...general discussion...the first item is of great help...congrats and welcome....

[Netminder]

Great start . . . but I'd jack those RPMs up, just a bit . . . I won't accelerate unless I'm turning more than 4500 RPMs . . . cruising at 4,000 seems a bit slow to me. My RT seems happier in the 5,000 to 5,500 range.

[Well Hell]

Get in some local rides then sign up for Spyders in the Redwoods! We will see you there! It is just south of you in Eureka, Ca. Starts Aug 4.

[happyspyder2039]

Thanks in large part to the advice received in this forum, I'm really close to pulling the trigger on a brand new 2012 RT-S SE5.

Beyond the normal advice of drive safe, wear a helmet, don't be stupid ... what advice specific to the RT-S SE5 do you guys have for me?

Based on reading through many threads here, here's what I've picked up on:

1. It's not a motorcycle, so take your time to get used to the handling.
2. The engine works best at high revs (4,000+). It'll feel strange at first shifting so "late" and cruising at 4-5,000rpm but it's the right thing to do. Don't lug the engine.
3. Sometimes the engine may not automatically downshift so be aware of gears when slowing/stopping.
4. There is at least one recall that I think applies to the 2012 (gas cap replacement), make sure I get the new cap with the redish ring (any other recalls I should make sure I have covered?).
5. Depending on how long I plan to let it sit, I may need a battery tender but not sure.

What else would you tell a first time Spyder buyer to think about in their first week owning an RT-S?

make sure it has the quick change oil panel on the left side.

[Pirate looks at --]

It is not generally recommended that you let the transmission do the down shifting, it will but to save wear and tear on the brakes, and the transmission, you should actively downshift.

[redflasher]

It is not generally recommended that you let the transmission do the down shifting, it will but to save wear and tear on the brakes, and the transmission, you should actively downshift.

Huh?

[Buzzatronic]

Thanks for all the great replies and PMs.

One thing someone PM'd me about was laser alignment. I checked the ROLO site and see the closest "dealer" that does this is 2 1/2 hours away from me. I don't want to do that type of mileage during the break-in period but will do it soon after.

Does anyone know how long it typically takes? I'd like to get it done in a day since it's a 5 hour round trip on the road.

[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

have fun, i'm a sunday rider so i do a lot of day trips start with that

[Red angel]

The alignment takes about an hour. If you are going to the redwoods in August make arrangements with Squared Away they are a vendor on this site.

[Woodsrider]

Dittos on the RPMs. Mine is a 2012 SM5, and it goes against the grain to cruise the highway in 4th gear, but I get better MPGs at 5200 or so RPM in 4th then in the low 4k rpm in 5th. I don't hit 5th unless I'm on the Interstate and road is clear so I can boogie.

If someone made a smaller counter sprocket for the belt I'd probably get it. Rather have a little more off the line than a machine that doesn't want top gear until over 70mph .

[Dan_Ashley]

Huh?

Down shift when the RPM drops to 4,000. Up shift at 5,000 to 5,500. When shifting do not roll off the throttle, the computer will do that for you.

The clutch starts slipping at 3,500, so running at less than 3,500 will prematurely wear out your clutch plate. The only time you should be less than 4,000 RPM is in first gear. The 990 engine is designed to be a real high rev engine. Cruising the freeway at 5,500 gives better mileage than at 4,200. This makes no sense to me....but it is the truth.

[Buzzatronic]

Related to the RPM question, how bad is stop and go slow traffic for the clutch? The last two days the ride to work and home has been traffic hell where I spend a lot of time at 10-15mph. Clearly I'm rolling low RPM at this speed in 1st gear. How bad is this for my clutch?

[eaglemrpaul]

I have a 2012 Limited. The 12's have stock driver footpegs. After riding for a while the inabilty to move my feet around was translating into a lower back pain. I purchased a set of floorboards and installed them this spring. What a difference. Much more comfortable ride. Wish I had done it sooner. No more back pain.