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First Test Ride Observations

K

krbos

New member
Took my first test ride on a friends RT this weekend. I was ready to pull the trigger on a new RT with the trailer until my test ride.

Before I start let me say I am not bashing the RT but have observations and thinking you can help me feel better about the RT or tell me that's the way it is.



  • getting started from a standing stop was a learning experience, I needed to rev it up to 3500/3800 rpm it seemed in order to get going, is that about the right rpm's?
  • handling - the side to side rocking took a little getting used to. The RT had 21lbs in the front and rear, stock shocks set at 5 and had the beefer sway bar.I understand a set of after market shocks helps?
  • turning was another challenge took some exerimenting
  • figuring out the rpm versus gear selection, I understand it likes to run at 5K or better even cruising down the road? And, don't shift into 5th until your above 65mph?
  • the vibration seems to be a factor of what rpm you we're running, the higher the less vib
  • just seems down on HP, maybe because I'm used to my 1800 Gold Wing?
  • lastly, wow was my upper shoulders tired when I got back from a half ride on some twisty roads.


Any input would be appricated, thanks!
 
It absolutely takes a minimum of 200 to 300 miles to adjust to the Spyder - and the "side to side" issue is you are holding the grips too tight. This is not a GW, K12, or any other two wheeler, and will not handle like one.

It's like learning to fly - newbe's always "white knuckle" the yolk. You need to learn to hold it lightly - gently , like a new girlfriend.

Sounds like you were riding a manual transmission - might try the SE5, it might suit you better. However, again, the RT is NOT a GW, and there IS a learning curve to riding it. You should consider renting one for a weekend, and putting a couple of hundred miles on it - empty & alone.

just my $0/02
 
Tire pressure should be 16-18 in the fronts and 28 in the rear. Wrong air pressure has a tendency to throw in bad handling characteristics.

Overcontrol as mentioned above will also make the RT feel skitterish.

200-500 miles is also in the ballpark for the "learning curve". Less for those who are not prior motorcyclists.

Most recommend changing gears in the 4500-5500 range. It makes for smoother shifts and the RT is then in the power range.
 
Your impressions

I'd say overall your first impressions are about average. I've had 3 Wings and several HD, etc and yes this is an engine that likes RPM. I climb out of my pretty steep driveway at 2,000 rpm and feather the clutch some. Initially there weren't enought RPMs on the gauge to get me up the hill. Technique is a wonderful thing to pick up after a few stalls!!

ELKA shocks seem to be the answer to the RT handling. Even an old guy like me can handlle it pretty well with the ELKAs and some riders have recently bought Progressive shocks for the RT.

I took a demo on the RT and bought it the next day. I had a nice Road Glide at the time and with hip, back and shoulder problems I almost triked my RG. IMHO, no comparison in handling and comfort when you've been on the Spyder for a few hundred miles.

Maybe a decision is down the road a few years, you alone know which ride is right for you.

In any event, good luck with your "bike of choice."

Tuck





Tuck
 
krbos said:
Took my first test ride on a friends RT this weekend. I was ready to pull the trigger on a new RT with the trailer until my test ride.

Before I start let me say I am not bashing the RT but have observations and thinking you can help me feel better about the RT or tell me that's the way it is.



  • getting started from a standing stop was a learning experience, I needed to rev it up to 3500/3800 rpm it seemed in order to get going, is that about the right rpm's?
  • handling - the side to side rocking took a little getting used to. The RT had 21lbs in the front and rear, stock shocks set at 5 and had the beefer sway bar.I understand a set of after market shocks helps?
  • turning was another challenge took some exerimenting
  • figuring out the rpm versus gear selection, I understand it likes to run at 5K or better even cruising down the road? And, don't shift into 5th until your above 65mph?
  • the vibration seems to be a factor of what rpm you we're running, the higher the less vib
  • just seems down on HP, maybe because I'm used to my 1800 Gold Wing?
  • lastly, wow was my upper shoulders tired when I got back from a half ride on some twisty roads.


Any input would be appricated, thanks!
Click to expand...

Had you ridden any Spyder before?

If you're coming from the GW.. then you'll have more of a learning curve than many would that have never ridden anything.

You get used to the clutch and RPMS... and just learn to feather better. I can move my RT around a parking lot not hitting the gas at all.. just by feathering the clutch.

You'll need to get used to higher RPM's -- that's just how these engines like to run. Go with the feel and keep it from lugging. Cruising RPM's are indeed around 5K give or take. A 'low rumbling' kind of vibration is usually from running too low RPM's.

I don't even think of 5th gear until 65 or 70 mph.

Shocks. Stock RT shocks pretty much suck. The Elka's from Cowtown are great and help a lot. I don't notice side to side roll at on my RT.... and I ride it pretty hard in the twisties. 21 lbs is too much for the fronts... and too low for the rear.

17 and 26 works well.

The HP is a bit off... but really not that bad.... just keep the RPM's up high.... the powerband is around 7,500 RPM's on these... so don't be afraid to really get them up there.

The Spyder does indeed take more upper body strength.. but that will subside with time... especially as you learn to relax and let the Spyder do most of the work.
 
I took a test ride last year on the RT. My first impression was it was a the easiest and most fun bike i ever rode and I was on bike number 4. I had been riding a sport bike. Loved the bike and everything about it. It took me almost a year to convince my husband. Now he rides my RT a lot and soon we will be a 2 spider family. You either like it right off the bat or bitch about everything. I just got my bike in april and ride almost every day. Still loving it:clap:
 
New-guy here.

I have been riding for more than 25 plus years and the last ride I had was 19 years on a Goldwing. I wish I know about the Spyder RT years ago. I pick mine up 5-31-12 right after the test ride and now I am on it also most every day.

The folks are right it will take 200 to 300 miles on how it rides. Front tires 18 psi rears 29 psi stock shock set to 5. I am 6’3 290 and the wife 5’6 260 with an aftermarket. She loves it so much we are book out each weekend for a ride. Plus she love to go shopping with the Spyder and trailer.

Go for another test ride at the dealer, you will love it.
 
I had not ridden a bike since 1973 when I got my rt it took me about 400 miles because I was not shifting right. Also had to add just tire pressures and shocks.
 
Just picked up my 2012 RT-S last week and today was my first chance to ride it. I,m coming off 40 yrs of GW's and a Royal Star Venture and although I enjoyed the first ride (didn't have any major problems ) I was disappointed with the overall ride, it was much rougher and bouncier then any 2 wheeler I've ridden. I set the rear shock down some but that didn't seem to help much. I guess I'll look at the front shocks and see where there set at and maybe drop them down a notch or two, any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
 
I agree with all of the comments posted here. I also rode Wings for over 30 years before purchasing my RT-S. I guessing the reason your shoulders are more tired from riding the spyder is the difference in which the two bikes handle. A two-wheeled motorcycle has to lean to turn/manuever and requires less steering effort/input to the handlebars for turning. The spyder doesn't lean to turn/manuever and requires more steering effort. The power assist steering does help but going thru the "twisties" can give your a good workout if your not used to it. Dale
 
Good questions, and a typical response from some having ridden a big-bagger.

Spyders are not like a big bagger. The engine does not have the low-end torque of your GW or a large V-twin.

Cc for cc... The Rotax creates more horses, but at the upper-end -not the lower.

Spyder engine's torque is at the higher end of RPM's. You will not run this bike at the low RPM's that you did on your GW.

The RS has less low-end torque than the RT (stroke is longer on RT's), but not by much.

Higher RPM shifts are required... Get used to it. They run far better, smoother, and have more power when doing so.

You can run all day in 4th gear at 5,000 RPM's without problems.

Don't shift until you see 5,000 RPM's or more. Shifting earlier lugs the Spyder and cheats you of your enjoyment. (That does not mean you have to stomp on-it everytime you take off. It means you let the motor wind out for longer before you shift.)

Stop your "death-grip" on the handlebars... You will feel a large part of the "jerkiness" disappear.

Lateral forces are always going to happen on a Spyder to some degree. You get used to it.

A two-wheel bike feels like solemn skiing; Spyders do not.

Adjust your body weight forward and to the inside of a curve and the lateral forces are minimized, and your feel for the curve improves.

Lastly... Try it again, and enjoy!
 
Last edited:
I also agree with things said here. I just want to point out that due to the way a spider handles vs a 2 wheeler the feeling of staying on the bike will make you work harder trying to steer. Thus causing sore shoulders all because you are trying too hard. Relax your hold keep your feet planted and trust the bike you will find it does not have to be an upper body workout and your shoulders do not need to hurt.
 
Thanks all, you've all echo'd what I've heard from a couple of Spyder riders so the advice is consistant, that's good!

I'm hearing the new 2013 Spyder and GW will be out this fall. I think I'll wait and evaluate both before making a decision. I leaning towards the Spyder for several reasons but need to see 2 more cylinders and a lower/wider torque curve. A factory suspension improvement would be good but given I've spent $2200. on a Traxxion set-up for the Wing I'm willing to spend a little money on the Spyder suspension if necessary, it's all about the ride.

Thanks again, ride safe and have as much fun as possible on a motorcycle, Kevin
 
Forgot to ask, the semi-auto trans, how well does it work? After 45 years years of manual shifting, selecting gears as needed not clear a semi-auto will shift as responsively as needed???

Thanks
 
Old Texan said:
Just picked up my 2012 RT-S last week and today was my first chance to ride it. I was disappointed with the overall ride, it was much rougher and bouncier then any 2 wheeler I've ridden., any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...

With a bike you instinctively steer [counter steer] around most bumps, With a trike you'll wind up hitting most, That's just the way it is with 3 wheels on the ground.
 
krbos said:
Thanks all, you've all echo'd what I've heard from a couple of Spyder riders so the advice is consistant, that's good!

I'm hearing the new 2013 Spyder and GW will be out this fall. I think I'll wait and evaluate both before making a decision. I leaning towards the Spyder for several reasons but need to see 2 more cylinders and a lower/wider torque curve. A factory suspension improvement would be good but given I've spent $2200. on a Traxxion set-up for the Wing I'm willing to spend a little money on the Spyder suspension if necessary, it's all about the ride.

Thanks again, ride safe and have as much fun as possible on a motorcycle, Kevin
Click to expand...

If it's all about the ride then stick with the GW, the Spyder is definitely not as smooth or as comfortable a ride as most touring bikes are.
 
I traded my 03 Goldwing with 88000 miles on a new 2012 RT Limited 4 weeks ago.I agree with you on the test ride I felt like you.On the ride home 65 miles I thought"What have I done"
I paid attention to all comments on the forum re revs,changing gear at 5000rpm,only using 5 th gear above 65 mph'leaning into curves etc etc.For the 1st few hundred miles as people have said it took getting used to.I was experiencing buyers remorse of why did I trade the Goldwing.
Its now 4 weeks,650 miles later and I love it I am used to it,ride it as it should be ridden and now have no regrets in buying it.
Various posts on this thread say it takes a few hundred miles to get used to it.They are exactly right.:yes::bowdown::ohyea:
 
Old Texan said:
If it's all about the ride then stick with the GW, the Spyder is definitely not as smooth or as comfortable a ride as most touring bikes are.
Click to expand...
:agree: The Spyder is more like a sport-tourer by comparison. It is more Camaro than Cadillac.
 
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