After the first 30 miles, got a question...

[shelbydave]

This is probably the first of many

I noticed while riding her home last night and on another ride to town, that in turns it didn't feel quite right. I do notice the "wobble" sometimes, but in turns, I was unable to execute a "smooth arc". It seemed like my turns were like many straight lines with corrections between. At first I thought it felt like the two front wheels were fighting each other, but after thinking about it, I'm not sure. I see that the steering is VERY sensitive, and I'm wondering if I was oversteering, and then correcting during the whole turn process? Does anyone else see this? is it something I need to learn, and get used to, or is this something that adjusting the preload on the front shocks will fix?

 

[currin20fan]

Grip

I too had this problem when I first started. I was griping the handles to hard. I losened up and bit and it turned smoother. Then I had a set of Elka shocks put on the front. Cured my problem.

 

[bmwlarry]

My guess is that you are probably gripping the grips too tightly. If you relax and rest your hands on them instead go gripping, your turns may smooth out a bit.
Give it a tray.

 

[smurfette]

Turning

I agree with the other posts,your Spyder will respond much better in turns to a gentle touch and grip on the bars...Become one with your ryde, Grasshopper!:bowdown:

 

[shelbydave]

I'll give that a try. Thanks! I can imagine since this is my first time driving anything but a car for about 27 years, I'm probably "white knuckling" it without even knowing... It's still fun though! :thumbup:

 

[harrypottar]

You might also want to stiffen the front suspension by default its set to 3 middle of the road.

You handbook shows how to adjust, but basically, jack up the spyder just enough to take the weight off the front suspension. In your toolkit under the seat is a hook tool to alter the suspension. Take to 4 or 5 then test ride made a big difference.

harry

 

[TOPDOGJIM]

Welcome...

 

[NorthStar]

Pretty well all of us experience what you did when first driving the Spyder. The Power Steering is sensitive and it is very easy to oversteer as you have described. Suggest you get to a parking lot and try a few figure eights and such to get a better feel for the machine. You will surprise yourself how quickly you will adapt once you zero in on the correct technique. Relax and enjoy your ride.hyea:

 

[ARtraveler]

It is sounding like you may be overcontrolling a little. Pretty much all of us have encountered this.

My suggestion is to make you turns with as little input as possible. Pretend there is a bird or an egg between your hands and the bars. Don't hurt the bird or crush the egg. I also recommend a push/pull on the bars depending on the direction of the turn.

If its any help--I just purchased a new RT A&C--just like yours, for my friend Linda. She had been driving my RT for almost a thousand miles. The new RT has "looser" steering and she noticed that at once. She made comments about it the first mile. She now has almost 800 miles on the new RT and no more comments about steering issues at all.

 

[Arr MiHardies]

I think it's all of the above. Oversteering, too tight a grip, and the need to tighten the preload on the shocks.

 

[TuckMiddle]

new bike

This is probably the first of many

I noticed while riding her home last night and on another ride to town, that in turns it didn't feel quite right. I do notice the "wobble" sometimes, but in turns, I was unable to execute a "smooth arc". It seemed like my turns were like many straight lines with corrections between. At first I thought it felt like the two front wheels were fighting each other, but after thinking about it, I'm not sure. I see that the steering is VERY sensitive, and I'm wondering if I was oversteering, and then correcting during the whole turn process? Does anyone else see this? is it something I need to learn, and get used to, or is this something that adjusting the preload on the front shocks will fix?

Front tires 18 to 20 and not more than 1/2 psi between them. Rear tire 28 or so. Front shocks at 4 or preferably 5 and more preferably replaced with ELKA 1s, or 2,3 or even 5s if you're big / fast. Rear air bag at least 1/2 with one rider and 3/4 with 2.

Life is good.
Relax on controls and enjoy.:firstplace:

Tuck

 

[Dudley]

Learn to crawl before you start running. The Spyder takes a lot of learning...learn slowly or you stand the chance of having an accident. It is good that you noticed what you did and came here for clarification. We each have our own window of riding enjoyment, so in time you will find yours. Don't try and imitate anyone, develop your own comfort zone. I have been riding for 46 years and I learn something almost every time I ride, and I ride over 1000 miles every month.

 

[Campverdefela]

Wouldn't hurt to check the lug nuts for tightness.

 

[Flight Risk]

Front tires 18 to 20 and not more than 1/2 psi between them. Rear tire 28 or so. Front shocks at 4 or preferably 5 and more preferably replaced with ELKA 1s, or 2,3 or even 5s if you're big / fast. Rear air bag at least 1/2 with one rider and 3/4 with 2.

Life is good.
Relax on controls and enjoy.:firstplace:

Tuck

What he said!!! I was experiencing the same thing and this group helped me with some easy yet profound changes. Front tire pressure for me is 18, rear 28 and I tightened the shocks all the way..........WOW..........what an instant difference those things made. Plus easing up on the grips (unnatural I know) makes an amazing difference. I also push down with my outside foot when going into a turn.........push, pull and press. Awesome!

 

[vondalyn]

I also noticed the same thing -- after driving on some "flat" curvy roads, I realized that I sure wasn't ready for mountain driving without getting some flat miles on first. I made a practice of driving on the roads with the most curves, and most corners and the most round-abouts. If it was safe, I even drove around the round-about more than once.

As of today I've got 996 miles on "Ollie" now and I got comfortable enough that I've driven in the mountains twice now. First time with the factory settings (shocks at 3) and second time with the front shocks at 4 -- HUGE difference! My hubby even commented about how I'm driving around corners now.

I'm driving slower than other motorcycles in the mountains, but I'm definitely more comfortable and steering more smoothly than I was in the beginning. I'll have to think more about how hard I'm gripping, hadn't thought about that much, thanks for the tip!

 

[Flight Risk]

I also noticed the same thing -- after driving on some "flat" curvy roads, I realized that I sure wasn't ready for mountain driving without getting some flat miles on first. I made a practice of driving on the roads with the most curves, and most corners and the most round-abouts. If it was safe, I even drove around the round-about more than once.

As of today I've got 996 miles on "Ollie" now and I got comfortable enough that I've driven in the mountains twice now. First time with the factory settings (shocks at 3) and second time with the front shocks at 4 -- HUGE difference! My hubby even commented about how I'm driving around corners now.

I'm driving slower than other motorcycles in the mountains, but I'm definitely more comfortable and steering more smoothly than I was in the beginning. I'll have to think more about how hard I'm gripping, hadn't thought about that much, thanks for the tip!

You might want to look into getting a set of the Original Grip Buddies (one of this site's sponsors).......really helps to cushion the OEM grips. I love mine!

 

[FrankPa]

From a 2011 White Knuckle to a 2012...

it will get easier! Loose hands, foam grip covers, correct tire pressure and shock setting.

After 7000 miles, it's only getting better!

And, Welcome!

 

[jvicker]

There are a few times when I know I'm gripping the bars a little too tight. I'll place one or two of my fingers on my left hand on top of the clutch and I'll place the thumb of my right hand on top of the grip. Loosens your grip right up.:thumbup:

 

[shelbydave]

I took it to a parking lot last night, and practiced figure 8's swerving, tight circles, etc... then just started increasing my speed as I was comfortable. I think that helped alot! Today's ride was very relaxing, and it didn't feel like I was in a tug-o-war with her.

Lisa also drove one for the very first time last night! She caught on quickly! I have a feeling if she decides to get her permit / license, we'll be mud wrestling for the bike!!! Just one of the many perks of Spyder ownership!!:2thumbs: