rode with my husband today for about 5 hrs on our new 2015 rt lt--worse bike ride i have ever had--i've gotta be doing something wrong since everyone else loves theirs?--i tried pressing down on outside foot (in curve) and leaning and then pressing down with outside food and pressing back into backrest--is that correct?--and this thing throws me all over with the least little bump--i was hanging onto those grips for dear life--it has adjustable suspension--do u have to reset it after each time u stop and restart the bike? we couldnt find the screen that says if its on or not after the first stop--whats the weight limit for these things?--we are a combined weight of around 600---
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new owner with riding issues
- Thread starter lesa
- Start date
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
:welcome:
I believe the max weight recommended (passenger and gear) is 494 #. That might be one of the issues. Tire pressure should be about 18# in fronts and 28# in the rear. Hanging on to the grips to tight results in over control. Response of the :spyder2: is so quick that you will think it has a mind of its own. Recommend pretending there are eggs between the hands and the grips--don't break the eggs. RE: suspension--the rocker switch with the shock pictures on it is for suspension. Push up or down and the adjustment screen will pop up. Recommend 2nd from top or highest as a start.
Hope you can get it figured out.
Alas, we are too fat lol--i didnt make myself clear--i was in passenger seat--hell of a rough ride--do u ride with a passenger? do they complain of it being way rough?--we did put the suspension at the highest when we left home--will it stay on till we change it? or do u have to set it each time u start the bike?
pillion ?
Am I right in thinking you are the pillion on your RT ?
As well as tyre pressure as noted above, try a few different shock settings.
Someone else will chime in I'm sure with rear shock adjustment advice.
And Hopefully with a bit more pillion-ing advice.
All I know is that friends who pillion on an RT are most in danger of falling asleep, it's so comfortable, so some bike adjustments are a good place to start.
I'd start with the rear shock ...
Maybe even a phone call to Elka to discuss aftermarket shocks?
PS this "crossed" with your response, I see you are the passenger.
I don't know about RT shock but do not think you adjust each time ... others will advise.
Am I right in thinking you are the pillion on your RT ?
As well as tyre pressure as noted above, try a few different shock settings.
Someone else will chime in I'm sure with rear shock adjustment advice.
And Hopefully with a bit more pillion-ing advice.
All I know is that friends who pillion on an RT are most in danger of falling asleep, it's so comfortable, so some bike adjustments are a good place to start.
I'd start with the rear shock ...
Maybe even a phone call to Elka to discuss aftermarket shocks?
PS this "crossed" with your response, I see you are the passenger.
I don't know about RT shock but do not think you adjust each time ... others will advise.
pegasus1300
Well-known member
I am not sure from your post if you are the operator or the passenger. Either way I would read (or re ead) the section in your owner's manual about riding a Spyder. I have been riding for over 50 years and found some new things there peculiar to the Spyder. Next I would go and read the Post Do's and don't of riding a Spyder. It is at the start of General Discussion. Go for another ride,shorter this time just take it easy. It is a new experience,and there is a learning curve either as the operator or passenger. They are fun,I have not had as much fun since I left 2 wheels as I have since I got my Spyder.
SpyderAnn01
Active member
From what I have heard being a passenger on a Spyder is very different from being the passenger on 2 wheels. You do need to lean with the driver, that may help you. As for the suspension, once you set the rear it will maintain the proper pressure if it is working correctly. You should hear a hiss every now and again as the compressor puts air into the bag.
mdr146
New member
My wife has also said that the ride on the back of the Spyder seems rougher than on the back of the wing. I think the roughness is because of extra horizontal forces that you don't feel on a 2 wheeler. I think that as you get rid of those extra horizontal forces, the ride will smooth out. More relaxed grip by the driver, correct tire pressure and wheel alignment, and upgraded anti sway bar.
First, relax. Take short rides until your husband learns the nuances of the Spyder.
I drove 2 wheels for 50+ years and was not happy with my Spyder for 5 months, until I gained physical and mental control over the Spyder.
Very important to learn how to control the Spyder in curves and turns. I use pushing down on the opposite foot of the curve to force me to shift my weight toward the curve. Whatever works for you will take time and peactice. I believe that the most important thing to master is being confident and comfortable. Once your husbans gains mental and physical control, you will enjoy the ride as much as he does.
Please order the BajaRon's Anti-sway bar. It will tremendously help you gain control and comfort.
Don't give up, keep riding. It will become easier and safer as your husband becomes more comfortable.
By the way, my wife and I weigh close to 500 lbs. Doesn't make a difference if you are comfortable and knowledgeable. Good luck.
I drove 2 wheels for 50+ years and was not happy with my Spyder for 5 months, until I gained physical and mental control over the Spyder.
Very important to learn how to control the Spyder in curves and turns. I use pushing down on the opposite foot of the curve to force me to shift my weight toward the curve. Whatever works for you will take time and peactice. I believe that the most important thing to master is being confident and comfortable. Once your husbans gains mental and physical control, you will enjoy the ride as much as he does.
Please order the BajaRon's Anti-sway bar. It will tremendously help you gain control and comfort.
Don't give up, keep riding. It will become easier and safer as your husband becomes more comfortable.
By the way, my wife and I weigh close to 500 lbs. Doesn't make a difference if you are comfortable and knowledgeable. Good luck.
Bob Denman
New member
Hi Lesa!
First of all... :welcome:
There is a bit of a "learning curve", to riding and operating the Spyders. Perhaps you and your Hubby just need a bit more time in the Saddle...
...But take it slowly. nojoke Enjoy some roads that perhaps aren't quite as bumpy or twisty for a while. It'll give you some time to work out what you need to do.
(Your technique for corners is spot on! :thumbup
First of all... :welcome:
There is a bit of a "learning curve", to riding and operating the Spyders. Perhaps you and your Hubby just need a bit more time in the Saddle...
...But take it slowly. nojoke Enjoy some roads that perhaps aren't quite as bumpy or twisty for a while. It'll give you some time to work out what you need to do.
(Your technique for corners is spot on! :thumbup
I know how you feel !!! I've been riding motorcycles for over 40 years, and ALWAYS the rider......never as a passenger.
This year, I bought an RT-S. It's a different animal, for sure. My wife can drive it....but she's a noo-b up front, and I've sat behind her several times giving her "advice" as she was driving. But man, it's sure uncomfortable back there. You can't sit still and need to lean in the tighter corners. For me, there's no relaxing as a passenger.
When we had our Goldwing and did many cross-country trips, she would fall asleep when on the passenger pillion. It was smooth as silk, and great in the corners.
I guess the Spyder is something that needs getting used to.
In the meantime, I'll let the wife drive the Spyder as much as she can (she really enjoys driving it), and I'll be looking for ways to afford buying another Goldwing or BMW R-1200 RT.
This year, I bought an RT-S. It's a different animal, for sure. My wife can drive it....but she's a noo-b up front, and I've sat behind her several times giving her "advice" as she was driving. But man, it's sure uncomfortable back there. You can't sit still and need to lean in the tighter corners. For me, there's no relaxing as a passenger.
When we had our Goldwing and did many cross-country trips, she would fall asleep when on the passenger pillion. It was smooth as silk, and great in the corners.
I guess the Spyder is something that needs getting used to.
In the meantime, I'll let the wife drive the Spyder as much as she can (she really enjoys driving it), and I'll be looking for ways to afford buying another Goldwing or BMW R-1200 RT.
uncomfortable?
Hi:
I'll chime as a new-to-Spyders driver. I have about 600 total miles on the new RT-Limited and confess to still not being nearly as smooth as I hope one day to be. The steering is sensitive, and sometimes I get my favorite curvy roads "just right," and other times I am aware I've made a series of jerky mid-turn corrections which come through to a certain favorite lady who is usually behind me. The horizontal side forces are indeed unpleasant; not at all like bending a motorcycle into a sweet turn and feeling totally at one with the bike.
Smoothness will come. I'm sure of that. Deep breaths, relaxed at the bars, look way through the turn (and not at the road immediately in front of the machine), "think" turn the bars rather than consciously steering.....
Am I missing anything? Oh yeah; practice, practice, practice............
Pete
Hi:
I'll chime as a new-to-Spyders driver. I have about 600 total miles on the new RT-Limited and confess to still not being nearly as smooth as I hope one day to be. The steering is sensitive, and sometimes I get my favorite curvy roads "just right," and other times I am aware I've made a series of jerky mid-turn corrections which come through to a certain favorite lady who is usually behind me. The horizontal side forces are indeed unpleasant; not at all like bending a motorcycle into a sweet turn and feeling totally at one with the bike.
Smoothness will come. I'm sure of that. Deep breaths, relaxed at the bars, look way through the turn (and not at the road immediately in front of the machine), "think" turn the bars rather than consciously steering.....
Am I missing anything? Oh yeah; practice, practice, practice............
Pete
DC1
New member
We UNDERSTAND!!
My first 50 miles on my RT coming from 2 wheels was terrifying!! Wife and I also exceed weight limit on our RT just a tad ;-) and found the first twisties ride very intimidating, even curves on a deep south highway had us snaking down the road LOL!..She was working herself to death back there..
Our suspension takes about 65 lbs 2 up to ride good and put the low beams where they belong, Can't help on the screen thing as ours just airs up from under the seat, and we check it with a air guage..Our shock leaked and had to be replaced under factory warranty, holds air great now..
The first thing it needed was a laser alignment, was WAY off in factory form...Dealer did it for free within the first 500 miles, HUGE improvement!!
Second thing was to increase the front tire pressure up to over 20lbs each,,, Dealer recommended 16 1/2 and it dived and rolled and swayed like crazy...20.5 is much better for us..
Third, I had to learn to "relax" and lightly grip the handlebars instead of white knuckling it, the slightest pull on that "very sensitive" steering just shifts your weight and makes it worse....More riding and experience with it will help the rider(and passenger), trust me on that..
Having said that, I am still going to do the BajaRon swaybar mod over the winter as I like to hit the twisties HARD and from what others here say it helps with roll in the curves as well as roll from wind buffeting, many members here swear by them and I am gonna do it and see.
I bet if you did all 4 of these things you would be in love with your Spyder then!:2thumbs: Happy riding!
My first 50 miles on my RT coming from 2 wheels was terrifying!! Wife and I also exceed weight limit on our RT just a tad ;-) and found the first twisties ride very intimidating, even curves on a deep south highway had us snaking down the road LOL!..She was working herself to death back there..
Our suspension takes about 65 lbs 2 up to ride good and put the low beams where they belong, Can't help on the screen thing as ours just airs up from under the seat, and we check it with a air guage..Our shock leaked and had to be replaced under factory warranty, holds air great now..
The first thing it needed was a laser alignment, was WAY off in factory form...Dealer did it for free within the first 500 miles, HUGE improvement!!
Second thing was to increase the front tire pressure up to over 20lbs each,,, Dealer recommended 16 1/2 and it dived and rolled and swayed like crazy...20.5 is much better for us..
Third, I had to learn to "relax" and lightly grip the handlebars instead of white knuckling it, the slightest pull on that "very sensitive" steering just shifts your weight and makes it worse....More riding and experience with it will help the rider(and passenger), trust me on that..
Having said that, I am still going to do the BajaRon swaybar mod over the winter as I like to hit the twisties HARD and from what others here say it helps with roll in the curves as well as roll from wind buffeting, many members here swear by them and I am gonna do it and see.
I bet if you did all 4 of these things you would be in love with your Spyder then!:2thumbs: Happy riding!
Last edited:
Roadster Renovations
New member
My wife and I are larger folks also and I have installed spring stiffeners on both the front and the back. That has tightened up the suspension so that it isn't as "loose". If you want to find out more, send me a PM.
Border Rider
Member
Relax, Relax, Relax
This is the secret to getting the hang of a spyder. Every road is different. I read a lot of these forum quotes
and what these spyder lovers say is true. I put on quite a few hundred miles on my 2011 RT and then put on
the Baja Ron sway bay, huge difference and confidence builder.
So relax and enjoy the ride
This is the secret to getting the hang of a spyder. Every road is different. I read a lot of these forum quotes
and what these spyder lovers say is true. I put on quite a few hundred miles on my 2011 RT and then put on
the Baja Ron sway bay, huge difference and confidence builder.
So relax and enjoy the ride
Highwayman2013
New member
Welcome! Your husband needs to ride by himself to get the hang of riding the spyder before riding two up. It takes some time to get it right on the spyder. Sway bar, alignment, stiffer springs will all help. Take your time.
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
The first year I introduced akspyderlady to the :spyder2:, she rode almost 10,000 miles as passenger. We both are of generous size so it was a bit difficult for me and my back. At the end of the season, I finally got her to try driving. I went back to driving my Vulcan. We drove our own until July of the next year when I traded off the Vulcan for a new 2011 in 2012. She has driven her very own :ani29: since then. She now has 22,000 miles on the 2011. That's driving mostly on weekends and during our short (Apr - Sept for her) season.
RE: Suspension--once you set it, you can forget it until you want to change it.
thanks so much guys!--love this forum!---the plan is for me to ride the spyder, but i was hoping we could use it to go to rallys and such since hubby's harley isnt that manuverable in parking lots and on gravel, etc.--so i just need to hurry and learn to ride myself lol--at 55 yrs of age with no previous experience!
Highwayman2013
New member
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