Considering buying a 2009 GS 55 R but it's 400 miles away!
I've found a 2009 GS 55 R but it's 450 miles away so I have a couple of questions that perhaps you can answer before I fly up there to drool on it in person (!) If it's a go, then I get to ride it home!
What is the seating position? I am more of a touring/cruising rider than a "sport" rider but I can't seem to find a touring model that I can afford. My back isn't in the greatest shape so I can't be leaning forward. I'm not a big guy, 5' 6" so what do you think I can expect?
I found a 2008 Spyder GS SM5 that's not too far from me - how close would that seating position be to the 2009 GS 55 R? I don't know the models for those years so I don't know how similar they are.
Is the seating position adjustable in any way on the 2008 and/or 2009?
Also...
My left toe has problems from shifting a 2-wheeler for 50 years, so is there a heel-toe shifter available, or at least room to rig one up? (The bike I'm looking at is manual shift)
Anything else I should know or look for? The bike has only 2500 miles and has been kept garaged..
The 09 and 08 are virtually the same so if you go check out the 08 that is close to you, you will have a good idea of the one that is 450 miles away. The RS is a sport riding position but it can be made more upright with the addition of risers, etc.
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
You can add a heel toe shifter to either of the bikes you are looking at.
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
here is a picture or my gs and it is the sport lean forward ,but I put rosers on it and it wasent too bad.but I traded for an rt because it hert my knees after a long ride.
With either one. Great bikes. They are both the same . I think ISCI makes a heel toe shifter. You will also need floorboards. I would look really hard at the one that's close to you. Good Luck.
I own a 2009 GS and the seating position is definitely not cruising/touring. I call this the "crotch rocket" model because you are in more of a forward leaning position. If you want to get more of a cruising/touring ride, you would probably need to look at the base ST model; it has a more upright seating position. I believe the cost will be a little more than the GS/RS but not as much as the RT. I went with the GS because it was my first motorcycle (ever) and I had never been on a and didn't want to spend a lot of money on something that I may not even like. You can always take the GS/RS and change the seat, foot pegs, and add risers but you'll probably spend more $$ doing that than just buying an ST.
the 08 at the dealer looks to be in great shape plus its an se5 so no shifting problems for you, you can add handlebar risers to that bike and you will be all set. the price seems to be right in line with what i would expect for my upstate ny area also.
but I am curious...what is a 2009 GS 55R..??
I am 6'1" ryde an RS have back issues and limited right foot movement but can ryde 600 miles without any problems. Guess it would depend on the type of back problems...test ryde them...
Gene and Ilana De Laney Mt. Helix, California
2012 RS sm5
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
2008 first year for Spyder model is called the GS.
2009 they called it an RS but was pretty much the same as the GS
2010 the RT was introduced
2013 the ST was introduced
2014 the RT gets the 1330 engine
2015 the F3 is launched and it has the 1330
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
I had one of each model year. Good machines, and virtually trouble free. I put three inch risers on my handlebars in order to get a more upright seating position. That worked well. The silver one is 2008 and the red 2009.
Just noticed I had the same picture three years later at the same place. Note the difference in the glacier.
Last edited by ARtraveler; 10-16-2015 at 04:53 PM.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
I had one of each model year. Good machines, and virtually trouble free. I put three inch risers on my handlebars in order to get a more upright seating position. That worked well. The silver one is 2008 and the red 2009.
I've a 2008, and purchased it new. The 3" risers only required you to cut some wire ties to have enough slack in the wires for the install; also, the handle bars were cut. I purchased 4" risers from ESI; what you've linked to is a riser block. I thought the blocks were 1".
Do you know what model you are looking for and your price range. I have a 2012 RT that I am considering to sell, I want a 2016. I live in the high desert.
At the time, there were no 3" risers available. My dealer manufactured some for he and myself. They did the install, and I do not believe there was any modification needed for the controls.
The 1" risers in the ad above are pretty much useless. I had them on both before I switched to the 3".
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
At the time, there were no 3" risers available. My dealer manufactured some for he and myself. They did the install, and I do not believe there was any modification needed for the controls.
The 1" risers in the ad above are pretty much useless. I had them on both before I switched to the 3".
I believe some of the riser kits claim they will only work if you DO NOT have the 1" factory riser block installed...probably due to cable reach. I presume you are saying you removed the 1" useless block?
I don't even have a bike yet, I'm just trying to do my homework about what I may need with a 2009 GS and the ramifications of getting it. I saw the 1" block and thought that it was the same as a "riser."
Thanks to Wileyc I have discovered what risers really are and yes, I saw that they specifically stated that they would not work if the block was installed. I, too, figured that it was due to cable reach.
BTW (for everyone) - I was going to go see the 2008 that was being offered at a dealer but they said "no test drives." Seemed pretty strange. I'm not in such a hurry to go see it now, but I guess I can learn something just from sitting on it.
I believe some of the riser kits claim they will only work if you DO NOT have the 1" factory riser block installed...probably due to cable reach. I presume you are saying you removed the 1" useless block?
Yes, we removed the 1" block.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
I don't even have a bike yet, I'm just trying to do my homework about what I may need with a 2009 GS and the ramifications of getting it. I saw the 1" block and thought that it was the same as a "riser."
Thanks to Wileyc I have discovered what risers really are and yes, I saw that they specifically stated that they would not work if the block was installed. I, too, figured that it was due to cable reach.
BTW (for everyone) - I was going to go see the 2008 that was being offered at a dealer but they said "no test drives." Seemed pretty strange. I'm not in such a hurry to go see it now, but I guess I can learn something just from sitting on it.
Yes you can definitely get a feel for the riding position by just sitting on the different models. Also, give MUCH consideration to the SE5 option to completely eliminate toe/shifting issues. It doesn't take away the thrill of the ride at all! I may remove my factory 1"block and install risers at some point, but right now I still like the sporty ride position of the RSS.
08 gs, 1 inch block riser, highway pegs, both a cruiser and a crotch rocket, still gotta stop for fuel about every 4 hours, so can have a rest/stretch whatever or even stop sooner if you want, am almost 6 foot and have done some fairly long rides. just my opinion. Still loving it.
As you can see mine has all the comforts of home 5.5 inch Heli Bar risers,
Rivco floor boards front and rear, road pegs. an up right seating position
and you can stretch out on it and ride... I even have arm rests for the passenger
the GS automatic has been good to me
Dave
Originally Posted by DaveB
I've found a 2009 GS 55 R but it's 450 miles away so I have a couple of questions that perhaps you can answer before I fly up there to drool on it in person (!) If it's a go, then I get to ride it home!
What is the seating position? I am more of a touring/cruising rider than a "sport" rider but I can't seem to find a touring model that I can afford. My back isn't in the greatest shape so I can't be leaning forward. I'm not a big guy, 5' 6" so what do you think I can expect?
I found a 2008 Spyder GS SM5 that's not too far from me - how close would that seating position be to the 2009 GS 55 R? I don't know the models for those years so I don't know how similar they are.
Is the seating position adjustable in any way on the 2008 and/or 2009?
Also...
My left toe has problems from shifting a 2-wheeler for 50 years, so is there a heel-toe shifter available, or at least room to rig one up? (The bike I'm looking at is manual shift)
Anything else I should know or look for? The bike has only 2500 miles and has been kept garaged..
If it is a good deal and the bike is right . BUY IT. You can alway's farkle it out later.... Just like most of us have alraedy done, or moved on too a different ride. But It still say's SPYDER. Good luck. Me personally, my 08 gs, done what I need to do, lighting, stereo, highway pegs, and other small thing's. STILL LOVING THE RIDE.
Ours is an 08 GS/RS, helibar riser kit and the BRP comfort seat made the riding position less sporty and more like the ST. Best thing about the helibar kit is NO CUTTING of the stock handlebar so it can be refitted as stock if/when you want or when selling to a buyer who might not like the upright position.
If the price is right and it's in good condition, the money you save over a newer ST or F3 etc, you can use for accessories and get it set up the way you want.
Last edited by asp125; 10-18-2015 at 11:07 PM.
When life throws you curves, aim for the apex
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... Motorcycles are kind of like Baskin Robbins... You're looking at 31 flavors of ice cream, don't you kind of want to know what they all taste like?...
[IMG][/IMG]I have a 2009 GS and put the Kewlmetal adjustable risers on it, they are great risers but a really bad company to deal with (shame they have such great stuff!). Looking at the Web Boards or Seal Boards now for even better riding position and comfort for my wife and possibly highway pegs. Every upgrade makes it a better ride for her, the risers took away the shoulder pain and I think the boards will make the longer rides more enjoyable too!
Considering buying a 2009 GS 55 R but it's 400 miles away!
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the "crotch rocket" model because you are in more of a forward leaning position. If you want to get more of a cruising/touring ride, you would probably need to look at the base ST model; it has a more upright seating position. I believe the cost will be a little more than the GS/RS but not as much as the RT. I went with the GS because it was my first motorcycle (ever) and I had never been on a 
and didn't want to spend a lot of money on something that I may not even like. You can always take the GS/RS and change the seat, foot pegs, and add risers but you'll probably spend more $$ doing that than just buying an ST.
Your questions did get answered very quick. 
Originally Posted by akspyderman
