Giving up.

[murphybrown]

Here is What I can offer

I live close to you (Chelan, WA)....I am more than willing when I get home to come and ryde your Spyder and give you my opinion. Now what I am NOT...I am not a mechanic..don't know all those fancy names, parts and what they do. BUT what I am is a committed Spyder Ryder who started out with the scared s%$^less meter registering very high!!!! I have over 15k on my 2010 RT SE5..is yours an SE5? I only know how to shift the SE5!!! so it would need to be for me to "test drive it for you". Let me know if that would be of any help to you.
Right now I am in Willows, CA headed to Hollister for my new Corbin seat..left Chelan on Fri....I have no problem with the one hand passing trucks on freeway (altho I realllly prefer to stay away from blue roads just cause of scenery)....or them passing me...yep we do have lots of wind in our area....I ryde Chelan to Spokane up over wheat flats all the time...and it can blow reallllllly hard....sure have to be on my game as it does buffet Spyder but not anything that I feel is dangerous.....

 

[ThreeFeet]

I have a 2010 RT-Se & I had what I considered serious problems with side winds and winds off the trucks. I got the elkas, that improved my handling a lot better but it was still difficult for me to turn it. Then I got the idea that maybe if I just PUSHED instead of pull and don't do both at the same time that would help. It did. So now things are a lot better. I just got back from about a 3000 mile trip where I fought with the bike and it usually won till i quit fighting it. I still get buffeted around some by the big rigs but just pass em quick like. But get the same thing in my PU. I still don't like going on Freeways etc.... to fast can't see the scenery going that fast. More fun on the back roads. You'll get the hang of it eventually. And when you do you will be a happy:spyder2: owner. Good luck!

 

[coz]

once again

someone has a problem with riding their spyder, for whatever reason, and it becomes a big joke. W T F.

 

[Shaku]

I live close to you (Chelan, WA)....I am more than willing when I get home to come and ryde your Spyder and give you my opinion. Now what I am NOT...I am not a mechanic..don't know all those fancy names, parts and what they do. BUT what I am is a committed Spyder Ryder who started out with the scared s%$^less meter registering very high!!!! I have over 15k on my 2010 RT SE5..is yours an SE5? I only know how to shift the SE5!!! so it would need to be for me to "test drive it for you". Let me know if that would be of any help to you.
Right now I am in Willows, CA headed to Hollister for my new Corbin seat..left Chelan on Fri....I have no problem with the one hand passing trucks on freeway (altho I realllly prefer to stay away from blue roads just cause of scenery)....or them passing me...yep we do have lots of wind in our area....I ryde Chelan to Spokane up over wheat flats all the time...and it can blow reallllllly hard....sure have to be on my game as it does buffet Spyder but not anything that I feel is dangerous.....

Sorry, mine is a manual (SM5?). I know the way to Chelan well. Just went there for a 3 day training at Campbell's. I bring my TT and stay at Lakeshore. Been doing that for 10 years. I know enough not to take the road from Waterville down. Oi! As for the other comments on taking secondary roads, I can relate to that, but I don't roll that way. Frankly, I don't care if it ever handles turns well. I like to "eat" freeway. Like San Luis Obsipo to Spokane in 25 hrs. With only a few hours sleep in Klamath Falls. I need a ride that feels like it is on rails on straight sections at 80mph and goes 5mph faster when the AC/DC is cranked up. . I'm making an appt. tomorrow for another alignment check.

 

[Blue Star]

someone has a problem with riding their spyder, for whatever reason, and it becomes a big joke. W T F.

:agree: and to make it even worse is everyone trying to make a joke (I hope) of the situation by offering such low ball prices for the spyder if he really was to sell it. I wish I lived close enough to help, as that is what we should be doing. Not making jokes about the situation.

 

[angel]

We have found the only way to get comfortable with the :spyder2: was to do like the old saying " I have Miles and Miles to go" I wonder if it the answer is really upgrading our bike as much as it is just getting out there and riding. We find that when I have not ridden for awhile on mine I tend to over steer until I get used to it.

My husband who never likes curves on a 2 wheeler takes them much better on the Sypder as he always rode his bike in the same manner as the Sypder likes to be ridden. Now you have to understand hes is from IA where most of the state is set in a grid

 

[SteveMac]

Too Bad. MurphyBrown rocks and would be a perfect tester for you. She puts just a few miles on her RT..

However, since yours is an SM5, surely someone near you will pick up the gauntlet and come give it a spin for you. Mine is an SM5 and I just wish I lived within a couple hundred miles, I would just make a trip out of it!

Hope you find a solution, but don't give up. Not yet! :thumbup:

Sorry, mine is a manual (SM5?). I know the way to Chelan well. Just went there for a 3 day training at Campbell's. I bring my TT and stay at Lakeshore. Been doing that for 10 years. I know enough not to take the road from Waterville down. Oi! As for the other comments on taking secondary roads, I can relate to that, but I don't roll that way. Frankly, I don't care if it ever handles turns well. I like to "eat" freeway. Like San Luis Obsipo to Spokane in 25 hrs. With only a few hours sleep in Klamath Falls. I need a ride that feels like it is on rails on straight sections at 80mph and goes 5mph faster when the AC/DC is cranked up. . I'm making an appt. tomorrow for another alignment check.

 

[murphybrown]

Want to drive mine?

Sorry, mine is a manual (SM5?). I know the way to Chelan well. Just went there for a 3 day training at Campbell's. I bring my TT and stay at Lakeshore. Been doing that for 10 years. I know enough not to take the road from Waterville down. Oi! As for the other comments on taking secondary roads, I can relate to that, but I don't roll that way. Frankly, I don't care if it ever handles turns well. I like to "eat" freeway. Like San Luis Obsipo to Spokane in 25 hrs. With only a few hours sleep in Klamath Falls. I need a ride that feels like it is on rails on straight sections at 80mph and goes 5mph faster when the AC/DC is cranked up. . I'm making an appt. tomorrow for another alignment check.

Is your appt with Bruce at Roundy's? I give that guy gold stars for Spyder knowledge..hopefully, if he is your tech "dude" you will get some answers.
..had a thought...how about you drive mine? Then you could compare it to yours....I know a friend who recently got a 2011 RT is just now getting enough confidence to go hiway speed....again having to learn the feel...had been a 2 wheel rider...so had BIG adjustment...just turned 2000 miles on odometer...
Actually Pine Canyon down from Waterville to river then N to Chelan is like the freeway as far as I am concerned. Not trying to impress you or scare you off...but try McNeil Canyon...Mansfield down to Beebe Bridge that crosses river then up hill to Chelan. McNeil canyon has recently been redone..like amazing...no more 15 mph corners...wow now can take them at 40 on MsSpyder and she loves 'em. I used to be auditor for Campbell's...actually my last career before I retired 5 years ago....
Let me know if you want to drive MsSpyder....I will coordinate a day with your schedule and let you give her a ryde and see what you think...

 

[ThreeWheels]

Here is a link to my story. In the end, it's all good, but it's taken quite some time. If you have mechanical issues, you should be repaired and good to go in a few shop days.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...urney-to-Good-Handling&highlight=journey+good

 

[Shaku]

Is your appt with Bruce at Roundy's? I give that guy gold stars for Spyder knowledge..hopefully, if he is your tech "dude" you will get some answers.
..had a thought...how about you drive mine? Then you could compare it to yours....I know a friend who recently got a 2011 RT is just now getting enough confidence to go hiway speed....again having to learn the feel...had been a 2 wheel rider...so had BIG adjustment...just turned 2000 miles on odometer...
Actually Pine Canyon down from Waterville to river then N to Chelan is like the freeway as far as I am concerned. Not trying to impress you or scare you off...but try McNeil Canyon...Mansfield down to Beebe Bridge that crosses river then up hill to Chelan. McNeil canyon has recently been redone..like amazing...no more 15 mph corners...wow now can take them at 40 on MsSpyder and she loves 'em. I used to be auditor for Campbell's...actually my last career before I retired 5 years ago....
Let me know if you want to drive MsSpyder....I will coordinate a day with your schedule and let you give her a ryde and see what you think...

Bruce is the one who took a short ride and said "it's fine." Thanks to all the kind help in response to this thread, I feel I have enough to try a bit more. I'm getting on the phone as soon as I post this. I don't usually give up easily, but I've tried everything, (some more than once) since April and still feel "landlocked." (unable to take a trip.)

I think it was McNeil Canyon I was thinking of. Somebody told us it was a "short cut." Started down there with a CrewCab long bed and 32' long 10,000lb. TT. If I had had a parachute I would have used it. Glad to hear they made some improvements. I knew they were working on it but did not know what they were doing. It's either Orondo or Quincy for us. Thanks for the kind offer to ride yours. Let's see what Roundy's does this time and then I'll get back with you. It might be awhile as they are always very busy.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[SteveMac]

Curious as to how this turned out??

 

[Marker]

I am truly sorry that you are not enjoying your spyder. I come from a snowmobiling background and have never owned a motorcycle before. My first ride felt like I was back riding a snowmobile and loving every minute of my spyder ryding. I am very confident riding my spyder, getting passed and passing big trucks is no problem for m, the spyder remains very stable. I would take Nancy's Toy advice and get your spyder checked out even by another competant dealer. I have found by watching posts such as yours and by my own dealer experience that having an awesome dealership with very competant techs is the key to a great spyder ryder ownership experience . My dealership is a family owned full line BRP platinum dealership and every tech that works there has gone to Spyder school.

 

[murphybrown]

I, also, am curious ... bring us up to date please!!

I am truly sorry that you are not enjoying your spyder. I come from a snowmobiling background and have never owned a motorcycle before. My first ride felt like I was back riding a snowmobile and loving every minute of my spyder ryding. I am very confident riding my spyder, getting passed and passing big trucks is no problem for m, the spyder remains very stable. I would take Nancy's Toy advice and get your spyder checked out even by another competant dealer. I have found by watching posts such as yours and by my own dealer experience that having an awesome dealership with very competant techs is the key to a great spyder ryder ownership experience . My dealership is a family owned full line BRP platinum dealership and every tech that works there has gone to Spyder school.

 

[bluestratos]

I have the same problem in the wind with my 2011. I have mastered the basic control after 1800 miles but even a light cross wind sends me weaving from line to line. If I don't die first I will try some Elkas when I can save enough for them (good thing I have a death wish, lol.... the sooner the better). I also hope that after a few thousand more miles I can learn to better deal with cross wind issue better.

Regards,

Randy

 

[Dudley]

The rear suspension at 25# is way too low. Boost it up to at least 40#. I run 20# in the front tires, 30# in the rear with the rear suspension at 40#. I had the rear suspension get to 27# from lack of checking, as air does leak over time in tires or suspension, and steering felt like it wanted to float. Brought the suspension back to 40# and all is well.

 

[Tiny1]

opcorn:opcorn:

 

[Bob Denman]

Not everybody is going to take to the Spyder's feel... If he can't (or is unwilling) to adjust, I wish him well with his next ride! :thumbup:
"Each to their own notion.", said the old woman as she kissed the cow...

 

[zeebill]

Best to ask Kurt that question. He walked my tech through it. I think it is just an empirical check, setting the toe-in, then installing the wheels and measuring at distance between them, then lowering it to the ground, loading it, and measuring the tire-to-tire distance again. Anyway, Kurt said it was always a good idea.

That is the first person who made any sense when talking about set-up and checking toe-in on the trike in all the years I have been reading posts about alignment on three different boards!!! I should have known who it would come from!!!! kUDO'S to Scotty as usual!

I will admit to thinking about making fixtures to work off the wheels when the trike is loaded and therefore running at the ride height it would be at on the road but to be honest it would be a trial and error system at best because none of the figures that BuRP has out make any sense to anyone knowing anything about setting up a vehicles for real life on the road. Anything I have heard them doing is pie in the sky technique at best.

By the way the guy is very frustrated and needs help not ridiculous comments on how cheap you would take it off his hands! You all need to be ashamed of yourselves for poking fun at someone who has a serious problem. Bill nojoke

 

[Shaku]

UPDATE: I made an appt. and it goes into the shop tomorrow. I don't know how long they'll keep it. In addition to going through the steering alignment, I want them to do the software upgrade for RT throttle issues. As for the "cheap price thing" I was not and am not offended. I left myelf open for those sorts of jokes and could expect nothing other than what I got. I have found one thing that seems to make things BETTER! It is not in any of the advice I've seen anywhere. The advice all says to relax and let the bike have its head. Well, I may have gotten a bit carried away in trying to follow the advice to the letter. I'm certain that how the tryke moves under the ryder is a function of the size/shape of the ryder's fundaments. I have discovered just in the last day or two that clenching the knees to the tank prevents so much movement in the wind. Consider a 200+ lb weight shifting around every time the bike starts to react to something. The weight shift will surely make things worse. My weight is mostly high too, so crosswinds push the tryke and then my body has to "catch up." I got hints of this when I put my gel pad on the seat. It raises me an inch or two. Steering worse. Without the pad and doing a mild "clench" I found myself looking down and seeing 80 on the speedo. Zoomed some semis too. (kept up with a group of Ninja bikes) The other thing that got me thinking is the discussions of the Lamonster cut seats. With the stock seat I sit on the thing and my butt is free to shift around. Think of the toy board on the roller game. As I said, it's only been a couple of days and I'm still going to the dealer, but this is the first thing I've tried that actually helped. It could have just been favorable winds those two days, but I'm going out tonight and see. Hands, relaxed most of the time, body, not so much. Is there a Corbin in my future? I dunno.

 

[Yazz]

So glad you didn't throw in the towel. :2thumbs:

Riding a Spyder is a more physical ride than a two wheeler. Each person develops their own style based on their own unique body type. It does take a few miles to figure out what works best for you.

Have seen the Lamonster cut Corbin and it looks very comfortable.