Any Modification recommendations from those who tour on their Spyders?

[DOR55]

If you are a solo rider, you might want to consider changing the passenger backrest pad to the Sling Mods pad that eliminates the "side wings" on the stock pad. Frees up space to utilize a large seat bag. I use a 60 litre Moose Racing Dry Bag. Affordable and provides a ton of useful additional storage.

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[ollicat]

If you are a solo rider, you might want to consider changing the passenger backrest pad to the Sling Mods pad that eliminates the "side wings" on the stock pad. Frees up space to utilize a large seat bag. I use a 60 litre Moose Racing Dry Bag. Affordable and provides a ton of useful additional storage.

I never knew that existed. Thank you

 

[ZiggyF]

The best thing that I did on mine, which was well worth the money, has been to change the seat. The stock seats are not made for riding any distance, I tried several different pads and they were just a waste of money. I bought a Tall Boy Ultimate Seat (I have 2014 RT, so it puts you back about 3 inches)

It was pricey but worth every penny. I live in Central Florida & ride to the beaches without stopping.

 

[mecsw500]

Do not forget a good set of rain gear. Nothing like staying dry in those long rainy day rides. Once wet, not fun riding hours on end. Waterproof boots, gloves a must. Do not go skimpy on raingear, as when a leaky seam shows up, you're not going to be happy.

Just been on a long trip with torrential rain, as in this is a desert with a drought, but when it rains it downpours kind of rain.

I use these I found on Amazon as I ride in my Georgia Boot work boots, which are labelled as waterproof but really aren't. I fact every pair of waterproof motorcycle boots I've ever owned, even up to BMW's guaranteed waterproof ones, generally aren't after a few hours.

SATINIOR 20 Pieces/ 10 Pairs Disposable Boot Covers Long Plastic Waterproof Shoes Cover over the Knee for Men Women Outdoor Rain and Snow​

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I just chuck a pack of these in the frunk. They come in a number of quantities per pack and take up no space at all. They are pretty much disposable in nature at the end of the ride unless you are careful, but they keep your feet bone dry. Best under the bottom of your waterproof lowers but in reality if you pull them up shin high it doesn't seem to matter.

We may look dumb as it comes with bright blue things like polythene bags on your feet but, (a) my wife and I are too old to care, and (b) which matter's most - dry feet or what you look like?

 

[Snakeyes]

If you are a solo rider, you might want to consider changing the passenger backrest pad to the Sling Mods pad that eliminates the "side wings" on the stock pad. Frees up space to utilize a large seat bag. I use a 60 litre Moose Racing Dry Bag. Affordable and provides a ton of useful additional storage.

I also think this is a great idea - but all I can find are pads that fit 2020+ Spyders. Has anyone found one of these that would fit a 2019 Spyder RTL?

 

[herring]

Just been on a long trip with torrential rain, as in this is a desert with a drought, but when it rains it downpours kind of rain.

I use these I found on Amazon as I ride in my Georgia Boot work boots, which are labelled as waterproof but really aren't. I fact every pair of waterproof motorcycle boots I've ever owned, even up to BMW's guaranteed waterproof ones, generally aren't after a few hours.

SATINIOR 20 Pieces/ 10 Pairs Disposable Boot Covers Long Plastic Waterproof Shoes Cover over the Knee for Men Women Outdoor Rain and Snow​

​

I just chuck a pack of these in the frunk. They come in a number of quantities per pack and take up no space at all. They are pretty much disposable in nature at the end of the ride unless you are careful, but they keep your feet bone dry. Best under the bottom of your waterproof lowers but in reality if you pull them up shin high it doesn't seem to matter.

We may look dumb as it comes with bright blue things like polythene bags on your feet but, (a) my wife and I are too old to care, and (b) which matter's most - dry feet or what you look like?

Thanks for the information. It seems that I spend quite a bit of time riding in the rain.

 

[RayBJ]

Rain happens and then it doesn't. And then it does.
Separate Rain gear is annoying because 1st you see it coming so you stop to don the gear. Rain hits - maybe 5 minutes - and the sun pops out roasting you. You either roast or stop to remove the gear and 10 minutes later, more rain.
Simple solution for any multi-day/week rider is 100% GORETEX. Boots, pants, jacket, gloves. In the range of 9 hours (9a-7p) I've ridden from 52°F to 102°F with sleet, rain, and sunshine, never stopping for gear changes. Done right, your gear becomes an eco-system somewhat insulated from the outside elements.

 

[mecsw500]

Fortunately, where I am out West, I don't have to deal with rain very often in the summer. I've got the rain gear down to an art. I have a thin waterproof jacket and pants I bought from BMW many years ago, and I can get the jacket on and off in a couple of minutes. The rain pants I just leave on between showers and they don't seem to matter too much. They are still totally waterproof after about two decades of use. That old BMW branded stuff was really good value as it lasts for years.

The GORETEX gear I have personally tried doesn't seem to flow enough air for the 100°F+ days. I'm from England originally, so I'm used to riding in perpetual rain, especially in winter, but heat in my upper body really gets to me.

My boots are leather and GORETEX lined Georgia Boot Company boots with the carbon fiber toe protectors. I like them on and off the bike, but they are not totally waterproof in continuous driving rain on a bike, unlike off the bike, where they work well. Hence, I have the disposable boot covers for when it's going to rain for more than say an hour. They are waterproof up to a point, but eventually give up to driving rain. I'll need a new pair soon, so it might be just because mine are getting on for at least six years old now.

For Pants, I use Kevlar re-enforced jeans, my jacket is a new KLIM Induction Pro, which is a huge improvement over the old regular Induction jacket I've had for years. For colder weather, I have an old BMW adventure jacket and pants, or a Triumph brand really heavy leather jacket, both of which I've probably had for over twenty years. If it's really cold, on go the level 4 thermals as well.

Gloves, I finally wore out my favorite BMW GS gloves after 20+ years of riding. They were brilliant gloves. They don't make them anymore and I looked around, but they go for silly money on E-Bay. So I bought a new pair of Alpinestars Stella SMX-1 Air v2, actually in women's XXL, as they fit my wider hands but shorter fingers. All the men's gloves these days are too long in the finger once they are actually big enough to get my hands in. These work OK in the heat, despite being mostly ventilated leather, my hands don't seem to be a problem. If it's really raining, I have an old pair of waterproof Triumph branded gloves that still work well and the wrists tuck easily under my rain jacket.

What I did buy from Amazon was:

Neck CoolingTube, Reusable Ice Cooler Wearable Body CoolingProducts, Neck Coolers for Hot Weather​

And:

Alphacool Frosty Body Cooling Ice Vest​

The former is for shorter rides on hot days, the latter is for long trips. The inserts re-freeze overnight in the freezer part of a hotel room's refrigerator.

If you know of any GORETEX gear that flows a lot of air, I'd be pleased to know, as I'm pretty heat sensitive here in the high deserts of the West.

 

[RayBJ]

Keep in mind if the outside air temp is higher than your body temp, air flow is like a hair dryer ADDing heat to your body. As I stated above, you can create your own eco-system by sealing out the elements. Yes, it's warm but bare skin or mesh is hot. Wind chill isn't chilly in 100+ IMHO.