Some questions, considering a Spyder

[MrBones]

I be 83 been riding since 1945 and have an 2010 RSS and its great! Was a Goldwing and Valkyrie rider after my Triump and Harley days and just love the freedom and worry free riding of my Spyder, As for what to wear I have never worn protective gear but I be old style and no one else agrees with me so do what makes you happy. I dress for comfort and enjoyment not out of fear of getting hurt! Only good for me I understand.

[bmccaffrey]

Not really
But she looks good

[Joe Spyder]

Not really
But she looks good

Dang! That's a good looking motorcycle!

[Mick N]

I be 83 been riding since 1945 and have an 2010 RSS and its great! Was a Goldwing and Valkyrie rider after my Triump and Harley days and just love the freedom and worry free riding of my Spyder, As for what to wear I have never worn protective gear but I be old style and no one else agrees with me so do what makes you happy. I dress for comfort and enjoyment not out of fear of getting hurt! Only good for me I understand.

Ride on, Brother, ride on!

[CapNCrunch]

Hello. I'm hoping some of you can answer some questions that I have. Thanks!

(1) What are maintenance costs like on a Spyder? I'm considering a 2011 rs-s sm5 which just under 1000 miles.


(2) Are the RS models good for all-day riding?
I went on a test drive for an RT and didn't love it. I ride sport bikes, used to ride cruisers, but I like the smaller, lighter motorcycle feel as opposed to the touring bike set up.


(3) For those of you who ride on two wheels, what do you like about the Spyder, what do you dislike?


(4) Do you wear the same kind of riding gear on a Spyder compared to a two wheel motorcycle?


I currently ride in full race leathers with race boots, and a full face helmet. I'm wondering if this would still be necessary.


(5) Does the following make sense for wanting a Spyder?
a) I'm 5'5" and around 118 lbs, so not the "sturdiest" of females. I would never be able to pick up my bike if it fell over and I was out alone, so I don't ride alone. I would like to not have to worry about picking up a bike. I have knocked over my FZ-09 once, at a gas station, when I bent over to get my pants unstuck and the bike leaned over with me. My husband had to upright my 415 lb bike. I would have had to ask someone had I been by myself, which is really embarrassing. So, the idea of a bike that won't fall over is nice.
b) I tend to not go on rides where I know we will be parking on grass or gravel. I also won't go on rides to very unfamiliar places, since my comfort level isn't 100%. I'm okay riding places where I've been before or that are more local (within fifty miles). Either I get over this or get a Spyder and not worry.
c) My husband is new to riding. I won't ride on the back since he has only 2000-3000 miles of riding. I will only ride with people who have been riding 10+ years. So, I was thinking that a Spyder would be a safer option for two up riding if I was riding on the back (is that still unsafe?!!)




Thanks everyone! You have a wonderful forum!

The Spyder is a good choice for you. I agree with all these other posts.
: =)

[MrBones]

Me too Cap been on two wheels since 1945.

[Jenfz09]

Thanks, everyone!I need to test ride some of these and keep on looking for one in my price range.

[Bob Denman]

Happy Hunting!

[Dick Wells]

Dang, this's a good thread, Jen. Just got on here, after not signing in for a couple of months. Just want to add my $.02.
I'm 76 and have had my 08 RS since 010. It's been love/hate since the day I got it home (a 5-6 mile test ryde won't tell you what you need to know for buying any machine!). Been modifying it ever since, and the love/hate has gradually changed to more love than hate. My home-made foot boards are 3 inches lower, the brake and shift levers are re-located some 18 inches forward, the bars are 4.5 inches higher and the windshield is 27 inches tall, now. But, I'm 6' tall and weight right around 208 with riding clothes on, so, I expect that you'd find an RS much more suited to yourself than I did.
I have always found the clutch and transmission to be as good as any bike I've ever ridden, and the last time I counted, I've ridden some 30+ different makes at some time or other. The reverse is the best in the business, as far as I'm concerned. I've had no complaints with the ride and handling; I love the quick steering. I did have the dynamic/electric steering gear change, under warranty. The brakes have been fine for me. Fuel mileage is a joke, but I live with it. Best tank I've had was 39, worst was just under 25. The engine is rev-happy, but I, being an old fart, have a tendency to keep it below the "happy" range. It likes to be above 4000 much more than below. I've never had it above 7000 rpm, that I can remember. Well, there was the time I hit 97 mph for just about 2 seconds, which felt real good, but had me pretty puckered, looking for "black and whites" and hoping I didn't get a sudden cross-wind, or some critter didn't cross my path.
I do all my own maintenance, so I don't notice those costs any more than to note that parts are spendy, but you know that drill already.
You've been on a "sport bike" I see, so I think you'd like a Spyder for handling. When riding up in the Texas Hill Country, my two-wheel buddies pull ahead in the long sweepers, but I always catch up in the tighter sections, which is/was a surprise, early on. The thing certainly has capabilities far beyond what I've ever dared to approach.
The suggestion to try an F3 sounds like a good one, and I intend to do so, myself, one of these days.
Please forgive the long-windedness. Just had to chime in. You've already received a great response from everyone else on SL's, but thought you might like to hear from someone who has missed his two-wheeler, but has made the "adjustment". BTW, I only made the change to make it easier for me to accommodate my wife of 55 years, and may, yet, get back to two-wheelin. Dreamer!
Good luck, and let us all know how you make out.
DW

[flaggerphil]

The only question I'll answer is 4. I wear almost the same gear as I did on two wheels...full face helmet, jeans, gloves, hi_viz shirt, or jacket, and gloves. I used to ride mostly cruisers and wore boots but no longer do because I can't find any that fit my mangled feet in my old age.