noob questions

[Granrey]

Hi,

Just wondering what are the weather limitations of the spyder.

I live in Edmonton, Alberta. We get good amount of snow and cold weather

questions:

-I wonder if this vehicle performs good in city streets with snow?

-is there any problem to start the spyder based on temperature?

-Any particular model that is better for this conditions?

thanks,

I apreciate your answers

 

[RoadHammer]

if your going to run in deep snow or hard packed snow it wont perform very well. If your on dry or wet pavement it will be ok.

Mine has started as low as -20. I dont use it in winter, but i fire it up every now and than just for fun.

No difference in models concerning winter operation.

 

[Lamonster]

welcome
We have plenty of snow riders here.
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16493

 

[bone crusher]

Some ride the Spyder in snow...I tried one time and was spinning around a bit...doesn't do as well as my John Deere with chains and weights!

As far as cold weather starting, there is no option for an engine block heater so you'd want to keep it in a garage connected to a battery tender plus or like product...I've started it as low as 15 degrees out without a problem...but, again, it's connected to a battery charger and is in a garage...once on the road in the cold, the bike performs great...it's like having a cold air intake...however, I end up freezing! I don't ride anymore below 40 degrees, esp. on highways...

You might want to get winter tires if you plan to ride a lot in crappy weather but you must really want a Spyder if you want to ride it in such cold weather with snow...I'd sooner get a nice, warm SUV and wait on riding the Spyder until Spring...that's just me though...

 

[NancysToy]

No difference in models concerning winter operation.

Other than better weather protection on the RT...and heated grips.

One other thing to consider about winter riding. Do you really want to be riding unprotected on the outside of a vehicle, while all the cars and trucks are skidding around? I was rear-ended during a snow storm this year, and I sure wouldn't have wanted to be on a Spyder! It won't fall over, but it's sure a vulnerable target.

 

[jsmiley]

It did pretty good. The only really tough thing was unplowed main streets. You can stradle those tire tracks, but that rear tire has to ride in the middle on the rough stuff.

 

[bone crusher]

Other than better weather protection on the RT...and heated grips.

One other thing to consider about winter riding. Do you really want to be riding unprotected on the outside of a vehicle, while all the cars and trucks are skidding around? I was rear-ended during a snow storm this year, and I sure wouldn't have wanted to be on a Spyder! It won't fall over, but it's sure a vulnerable target.

:agree: Scotty, looks like you got your new ride?

 

[COOLMACHINE]

I'm not sure but..

Weather limitations of the spyder.....I'm not sure, but i agree with the above statement. I basically ride whenever it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit
or above. But not if most of the roads are covered with ice/snow. I am fearful of someone sliding into me.

 

[Ravi4l]

I ride motorcycle all year log @ lest I try here in VA, this is the first winter with spyder reason I bought it so far i love it. Trick in snow I found is to keep the rear tire on where the cars make path and let the front take of unpacked snow you’ll get lot more traction. Only issue I had going up on icy ramps but as long you slow down spyder does pretty good love the VSS good luck

Ravi

 

[tatt2r]

two years in march and road every month since i got it.... but have to admit all though it's fun in the snow it's not practical... if i get stuck riding home in it i deal with it , but if i leave in the morning and raods are too bad it stays home...

 

[Granrey]

wow, I;m surprised for the amount of responses.

Thanks you, I will review them all.

 

[bone crusher]

I ride motorcycle all year log @ lest I try here in VA, this is the first winter with spyder reason I bought it so far i love it. Trick in snow I found is to keep the rear tire on where the cars make path and let the front take of unpacked snow you’ll get lot more traction. Only issue I had going up on icy ramps but as long you slow down spyder does pretty good love the VSS good luck

Ravi

You must get soaked, cold, and filthy...the way they salt around here is nuts! Add some dirt and other various crud and that reason, alone, is enough to keep me in a cage in bad weather!

 

[Granrey]

I'm still reviewing the search for my motocycle LOL.

I will have to decide between the spyder and the piaggio MP3. I know there is big difference between the two.

The only things keeping me back from the spyder is that my garage is not big enough to acomodate the spyder and our car as well as the price tag of the spyder.

the price tag for the MP3 is ok as well as the storage on my garage.


The bad thing is about the mp3 is that............ is not an spyder, very simple LOL.

Well still reviewing.

 

[QuadManiac]

I'm sure you're aware that one is a relatively high performance motorcycle'ish machine and the other is a relatively high performance scooter'ish machine. Do you want a bike or a scooter?

 

[MouthPiece]

Took mine out today in wet weather just to see. I tested it in curves and powering out of turns. It did real well.

 

[Granrey]

I'm sure you're aware that one is a relatively high performance motorcycle'ish machine and the other is a relatively high performance scooter'ish machine. Do you want a bike or a scooter?

I really want the spider.

I'm quite confident is safer and bigger for sure.

The issue is more the price tag and the storage.

 

[NancysToy]

I'm still reviewing the search for my motocycle LOL.

I will have to decide between the spyder and the piaggio MP3. I know there is big difference between the two.

The only things keeping me back from the spyder is that my garage is not big enough to acomodate the spyder and our car as well as the price tag of the spyder.

the price tag for the MP3 is ok as well as the storage on my garage.


The bad thing is about the mp3 is that............ is not an spyder, very simple LOL.

Well still reviewing.

Everyone has to adjust their wants to fit their needs. Space is certainly a consideration, as is money. My wife considered the MP3, and almost bought one. That was when they were only 250 cc, and it was not suited for the highway use she wanted. I rode one, though, and they are neat. Rides like a motorcycle, but has incredible low speed handling. That was one of her needs.

By the time the larger engines came out, the Spyder existed, so Nancy went with the Spyder. I think it could honestly have gone either way if our dealer had a demo MP3 with the larger engine. Hard to say. Once she saw a Spyder, she was hooked. Follow your head as well as your heart. The machine needs to fit your garage...and your pocketbook. Don't buy something you will hate, however. Good rides both, but different niches.

 

[Roaddog2]

I really want the spider.

I'm quite confident is safer and bigger for sure.

The issue is more the price tag and the storage.

welcome

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

spyder

hey granrey, I also live in edmonton and have a 2008 me, yellow. It is a poor deal that the riding season sucks in this area, however when spring comes , look out SHA-bamm, SPYDER ON THE ROAD. Weather conditions vary and I have driven in all. Be prepared and ready, but there comes a point in time when enough is enough. If I can offer help or assistance just let me know. Freaking waiting for SPRING............:yes:

 

[RodO]

I'm 5 hours to the east (Saskatoon) so similar climate (weather not political...).

I don't see the attraction of ryding in winter and despite the safety features the Spyder comes with, like others (Scotty) have replied, the cagers will not be safe to be around.

How many do you see that drive 'impaired' any time of day because of not having adequately cleaned the snow off their windows? Or don't have snow tires?

I'm waiting 'til spring -- as lousy as that is.

YMMV,