Highway speeds

[Rando]

Maybe it's just me but the most fun I have on my Spyder is taking the back roads and enjoying the ryde at 45 MPH!

 

[BajaRon]

Really, statistically, the safest place to be is on the Interstate no matter what you're driving.

 

[Bob Denman]

That is very true... but sometimes the fun that comes with the risks is what it's all about! hyea: :thumbup:

 

[Firefly]

Maybe it's just me but the most fun I have on my Spyder is taking the back roads and enjoying the ryde at 45 MPH!

:agree:--- except for 2X the speed.........

Prefer backroads too-- unless it's at night-- then highways are better. Typically run between 85-100 when alone or with the right people. When in Spyder group usually running 75-85......
And yes-- I have the tickets to prove it.... lol..... now run all the 'protective' gear all the time.....radar and laser wise....also a member of the National Motorists Association..... who has all kinds of great info on fighting tickets... they'll even pay for your ticket if you lose in court. :thumbup:

 

[Pandy]

Flow riders

Slab, backroad, not much difference to us, on the slab, tend to go with the flow of traffic. That is, unless the flow develops into 80+ mph.:yikes: On the backroads, tend to go 5 mph slower than posted. There was some talk about high speed stability. Scotty had mentioned that a properly set up machine will be a lot nicer at higher speeds. I remember well what my learning curve was like. Lamont made an inspirational video passing a truck at speed that is worthy of a look.

Patrick

 

[hrbeta]

Thanks a lot for all your input guys, lots of good advice.
My RS is very new, I've put only 1800 miles on it. I did the swaybar and Elka shocks upgrade. I also have a tall windshield.
I've taken notes and again, I greatly appreciate your advice.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

HIGH SPEED

I AGREE WITH CHRIS56 COMPLETELY BUT DO NOT ADVISE FOLLOWING ME OR HIM FOR NUMEROUS LEGAL REASONS....I HAD MY 08 G/S UP TO 115 MPH FOR A FEW MILES WHILE TESTING OUT MY HOMEMADE TOURING WINDSHIELD.....IT WAS ROCK SOLID ....AND SO WAS THE SPYDER ...I'M SURE THE POWER STEERING HAD A LOT TO DO WITH IT....BUT I WAS SURPRISED AT THE STABILITY....I BEEN ON SOME VERY FAST TWO WHEELERS BUT NEVER FELT ANYWHERE NEAR AS COMFORTABLE DOING SO AS I DID ON THE :ani29:.....MIKE....:thumbup:

 

[Arr MiHardies]

:agree:--- except for 2X the speed.........

Prefer backroads too-- unless it's at night-- then highways are better. Typically run between 85-100 when alone or with the right people. When in Spyder group usually running 75-85......
And yes-- I have the tickets to prove it.... lol..... now run all the 'protective' gear all the time.....radar and laser wise....also a member of the National Motorists Association..... who has all kinds of great info on fighting tickets... they'll even pay for your ticket if you lose in court. :thumbup:

Don't do the crime if you ain't gonna pay the fine or do the time.


Wait.. Just realized I'm talking to "Firefly". Should know better than to talk the crew of Serenity outta crime :rotfl:

 

[Questions]

speedo

I ride the slab a lot. Fortunately, around here, the speeds are a little slower. I usually stick to about 75-78 as indicated on the speedo, which is around 72-75 in real life. The speed limit here is 70. At that speed, I pass more cars than pass me, but I do get passed. I do this whether on the RT or the RS. As has been said, ride at a speed that is within your comfort zone. There is no sense in arriving at your destination a nervous wreck. The sensation of speed is much greater on an open vehicle, and it can be unnerving to some...especially those new to open-air riding.

If your Spyder does not feel stable at speed, it may be time to get your alignment and steering sensor calibration checked, as well as checking the air pressure in your tires. A Spyder that has problems in those areas can feel unsteady at high speeds, but a Spyder that is properly set up is quite stable at pretty high speeds. They will handle triple digits readily.

You noticed that too, huh?

 

[ARtraveler]

RE: Speedometer error. I have also noted about 3 MPH low indication on :spyder2:. Every Kawasaki I have owned is usually 5 MPH low. The upside, I have never been stopped for speeding while living in Alaska since 2001. The LEO's like to hide on bridges and on ramps and make a lot of money on unawares speeders here. They will be coming out in great force once spring hits, but every day on my commute, I see three or four lucky drivers who are being cited for speeding.

 

[Bob Denman]

RE: Speedometer error. I have also noted about 3 MPH low indication on :spyder2:. QUOTE]

You guys too?? :shocked: I had a NYS Trooper Buddy follow me for "testing" the speedometer... We also came up with about a 3mph error at an indicated 70mph...

 

[NancysToy]

Three MPH error is nothing! A typical BMW has an average of 12% error, which amounts to over 8 MPH at 70 miles and hour. My former California Highway Patrol bike is an exception, with its certified speedometer. It matches the GPS exactly.

 

[JolyStNick]

I took my 2012 RT Limited on a short run up the Fla. turnpike, just to see what it would l like at those speeds and with the traffic.

1st, it doesn't handle well when you come up behind a Big Rig or any large vehicle. Moves to much for me.
I noticed at 75 mph, there seemed to be a vibration, that felt like a body part vibrating in the wind, slowewd down to 65 and it went away.

I only have 198 miles on the bike as I have been sick just about ever sense I bought it, trying to get better and just had to go for another short ride.

 

[ARtraveler]

There is a "learning curve" of about 500 miles or so before you get "the hang" of driving :spyder2:.

Most recommend steering inputs as light as you can. Overcontrolling will give you the feeling that the :spyder2: has a mind of its own. 75 MPH behind a truck causes a different dynamic too.

Don't give up--a thousand miles from now you will be loving your :spyder2:

:welcome:

 

[Bob Denman]

...And heal up so that you'll be feeling better! :thumbup:

 

[Hokiev]

I took my 2012 RT Limited on a short run up the Fla. turnpike, just to see what it would l like at those speeds and with the traffic.

1st, it doesn't handle well when you come up behind a Big Rig or any large vehicle. Moves to much for me.
I noticed at 75 mph, there seemed to be a vibration, that felt like a body part vibrating in the wind, slowewd down to 65 and it went away.

I only have 198 miles on the bike as I have been sick just about ever sense I bought it, trying to get better and just had to go for another short ride.

When I first got my 2011 RT, I too hated driving much over 60 as it had a bad vibration to the point I wanted dealer to buy back. Dealer indicated that when shipped, the tires are deflated somewhat and sometimes sitting in the crates get flat spots. They pulled the weights, rebalanced which helped.
What made the biggest difference was my adding Ride-On. Since, much smother ride at high speeds.

 

[dancogan]

...1st, it doesn't handle well when you come up behind a Big Rig or any large vehicle. Moves to much for me...

There is a great deal of turbulence behind a truck, which increases with both the speed and the size of the truck. I've never had a bike that didn't move around a bit when coming up behind a truck on the interstate. It's just something you get used to, and then avoid being in that position for very long. Either pass or drop back until you find smoother air (which can be quite far behind a big truck).

 

[SpydeRider2010]

I ride 33 miles of 4 lane, each way to work; most everyday.
the speed LIMIT ranges from 55-60-65-55-50-45; and it's in
pre-dawn rush hour and early evening rush hour. and I equate
this as Driving With Dumb Asses. most of the cagers are not
yet awake, or they're worn out from a day at work.

normally... I just ride in the far right lane, with the cruise set
for two miles BELOW the posted limit, on my way into work.
for this area... it works, and I usually get passed by most of
the traffic.

in the afternoon, I have about 12 miles of throttle time; until
I get out of range of the congestion. then, I turn on the cruise
through the highlands and listen to tunes. but I still ride the
right lane and let everyone pass me.

any other time on highways... it's defensive driving time.

 

[boborgera]

There is a great deal of turbulence behind a truck, which increases with both the speed and the size of the truck. I've never had a bike that didn't move around a bit when coming up behind a truck on the interstate. It's just something you get used to, and then avoid being in that position for very long. Either pass or drop back until you find smoother air (which can be quite far behind a big truck).

:agree: I think what a lot of people don't understand is that riding a 3 wheel vehicle is not like driving a 3 thousand pound car, There will be turbulence, It comes with the territory.

 

[Yazz]

:agree: I think what a lot of people don't understand is that riding a 3 wheel vehicle is not like driving a 3 thousand pound car, There will be turbulence, It comes with the territory.

:agree: The big rigs either suck or blow. Hang on and get around them. Don't want a retread smacking you in the face.