One Year Later, 2008 SE5 Review

[Dudley]

Well, today marks the first anniversary date of the purchase of our Spyder. It has been a really fast year for us. Seven and one-half weeks of the summer were spent traveling around the country on the Spyder. WOW! Where has it all gone!
Well, the Spyder has been nothing but superb. Last week was the first time since the break-in service that I had any maintenance done on it, other than the updates, 2 tail light bulbs and a rear tire, oil and filters. I replaced (the tech did) the rear bearings, air filter (replaced with a K&N), spark plugs, update to the DPS update (purge valve unplugged...hums like a hummingbird). He also did a couple of other adjustments, etc. Still using the original brakes and have a bit of use left in them. Found a crack on the left lower side of the rear fender bracket. The exhaust seals (originals) are toast and will be replaced when we do the fender bracket.

Total miles to date: 29,516
Total hours to date: 613
MPH average: 48

[docdoru]

[BumbleBee]

[musicarcade]

on your adventure and thanks for the review!
Is your hairline cracked fender covered by warranty?
I was also wondering how much the bearing replacement, air filter and sparkplugs replacement set you back. Especially the bearing replacement.
Sounds expensive...I might need to start saving now...wait. I am saving now

[Roaddog2]

[joanne b]

[DynamoBT]

Many to you and Jen!!

[bjt]

on your adventure and thanks for the review!
Is your hairline cracked fender covered by warranty?
I was also wondering how much the bearing replacement, air filter and sparkplugs replacement set you back. Especially the bearing replacement.
Sounds expensive...I might need to start saving now...wait. I am saving now

The cracked fender brackets should be covered under warranty. Ours (two Spyders) were.

[Lamonster]

[sixpack]

[fastfraser]

It was nice to have met you and Dudley on your trip through Ontario, Canada !!

[the nicko]

[tatt2r]

[ntxYguy2009]

[Tom in NM]

Dudley, it is amazing what you and Jen have packed into one year!

And, thanks for all the posts and help you have given along the way. You are one of the people who helped me in making my decision to get a Spyder and have consistently provided great practical advice and enhancement tips. ( and some great laughs, too )

Tom

[Don in E Texas]

First: I miss your Avatar!! When I would see it, it would remind me of your awesome 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip.

I think everyone enjoyed riding along with you on your journey - glad you are still pleased with your choice of machine.

don

[sabunim5]

Did your rear wheel bearings need replacement or did you replace them just because? I thought they were a replace at 30k item, but looking at the service manual, it is the sprocket bearing that is on the schedule to be replaced at 30K. Did you replace the rear sprocket bearing? It was great to meet you both last year. Thanks for the post.

[Dudley]

Did your rear wheel bearings need replacement or did you replace them just because? I thought they were a replace at 30k item, but looking at the service manual, it is the sprocket bearing that is on the schedule to be replaced at 30K. Did you replace the rear sprocket bearing? It was great to meet you both last year. Thanks for the post.

I replaced all bearings in rear wheel. I am just 400 or so miles short of 30K. Everything looked good...but since the wheel was off, I had new ones put it. That's a labor-intense job, so when the wheel is off, might as well do the bearings if the miles are on them. Peace of mind down the road.

[3wheeldemon]

That is lot of riding (over 80 miles per day average)!

3WD

PS: In behalf of my employer and the State of Texas I also thank you for consuming over 900 gallons of gas!

Edit to PS: is a joke, NOT a treehugging comment. Dudley actually saved gas by not doing his tour in a minivan or SUV. Jut in awe for the magnitude of his riding!

[SpyderWolf]

and happy birthday to your Spyder adventures.

[truck 85]

hope i am as happy as you are in one year take mine in tomorow to have them look at the stearing hope it is not a wate for 6 weeks thing even though the wether here is bad i still love to ride as long as it is not poring down rain anyway congrats and keep having fun

[Kjen]

Sure was a fast year, almost seems like we've had Spyder longer. Now and then I can remind myself of all the other bikes and trips we have behind us; it's all been a blast.
Turning colder here (yeah, yeah it's cold to me) and riding is a bit uncomfortable chill wise. Wind blows a lot around the section we always have to travel to reach any destination and let me tell you it cuts into all cracks and crevices, brrrr.
Don't regret the change over to 3 wheels. We go out nearly everyday to the local casinos (only 16 miles away) and we still encounter lots of looks and questions. Usually have Harleys and such parked around us but we draw the attention, imagine that? LOL.
Sure was fun, miss all, hope things are going well.

[Big Arm]

Kjen and Dudley

Nice meeting you on your trip. Thanks for taking us all along for the ride !

33 degrees here this morning, but havent put the spyder away yet.