150 miles on F3-S

[foxtail1]

Today was my third time on my new Spyder, and the ryde is improving. After 12 years on 2 wheels, there is definitely a learning curve moving to 3 wheels.

The information here has been really useful, especially the Do's and Do Nots for new Spyder owners. I did read the manual before I started, but some info didn't make sense until now. Some things made me feel like an idiot: the sales guy told me to be sure to push the ECO button when I started, but neglected to say to hold the button for 2 seconds. Duh. I was upshifting by feel, but it helped today to have the upshift arrow.

Riding today started to feel more natural. I was able to ride on a major highway without thinking about it every second. I did better on the small roads too, but still have a problem with left hand curves. Somehow I can do just fine on right hand curves, but I feel like I'm missing something on the left curves. For some reason, it feels like I'm going to just keep going straight, instead of staying on the road. Any advice from other ryders who've felt this way would be welcome.

Overall, I'm thrilled with my new Spyder. I'd been riding my Harley less and less (mostly because of a 1 mile gravel driveway), but I'm confident enough on my new ryde that I'll be using it for my commute. My husband is happy too, as he likes nothing better than spending Sunday afternoon out cruising the mountains.

 

[Samson]

Congrats. It took me about 1000 miles to feel comfy. I just turned 3000 miles and am now starting to feel like I need the upgraded sway bar and better front shocks like the Elka's. I think the best thing I did was to make sure the tires have the correct air pressures and to relax when riding. Hope you enjoy the bike, so far I think its a great machine and hope to keep it for a long time.

 

[blacklightning]

Today was my third time on my new Spyder, and the ryde is improving. After 12 years on 2 wheels, there is definitely a learning curve moving to 3 wheels.

The information here has been really useful, especially the Do's and Do Nots for new Spyder owners. I did read the manual before I started, but some info didn't make sense until now. Some things made me feel like an idiot: the sales guy told me to be sure to push the ECO button when I started, but neglected to say to hold the button for 2 seconds. Duh. I was upshifting by feel, but it helped today to have the upshift arrow.

Riding today started to feel more natural. I was able to ride on a major highway without thinking about it every second. I did better on the small roads too, but still have a problem with left hand curves. Somehow I can do just fine on right hand curves, but I feel like I'm missing something on the left curves. For some reason, it feels like I'm going to just keep going straight, instead of staying on the road. Any advice from other ryders who've felt this way would be welcome.

Overall, I'm thrilled with my new Spyder. I'd been riding my Harley less and less (mostly because of a 1 mile gravel driveway), but I'm confident enough on my new ryde that I'll be using it for my commute. My husband is happy too, as he likes nothing better than spending Sunday afternoon out cruising the mountains.

Congrats on you new spyder. A couple of things that I noticed is that it took me about 300-500 miles to feel really comfortable.
As for pressing the eco button, I do not press that unless I am doing long interstate traveling. Yes, it suggest a shifting time and RPM, but it also cuts down on power and is not too accurate for when you want or need to turn up the power a bit.
Now, on the left hand turns, I have never been as comfortable on left hand turns as I am with right hand turns. Nothing seems to work. I am good with them, just not as confident. That has been the case for all 11 of my 2 wheelers, and my 3 spyders. All I can say is practice, and congrats.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Get that sway bar, it makes a big difference. Leaning your body more into the turns will help. Look for a shop that does laser alignments to help the left-right turning thing. http://www.spydercomfort.com/dealerva.htm

 

[ARtraveler]

:congrats: Yes, there is a learning curve. I was a very "slow" learner. It took me about 1500 miles to get in the groove. That was about a week of driving for me back in 08.

Continue to enjoy your ride. And--hopefully you will get over ECO mode. Most of us find it a bit distracting and you can expect about 1 to 2 mpg advantage.

Most 1330's like to be shifted in that 3500 rpm sweet spot. Seemless upshifts are usually the result. Keep it in that 3500 - 4500 operating range and you should be good to go. I let it downshift on its own most of the time.

Another nice thing about the 1330 is that it has gobs of low end torque. Just twist it and go--no matter where you are. Once you find your "sweet spot," you will get to know the sound, and not have to spend a lot of time looking at the tachometer. :yes:

 

[foxtail1]

And--hopefully you will get over ECO mode.

I'm sure I will. I had a car with something similar and put electrical tape over the arrow. But, for right now, till I get more comfortable, I'm finding it helpful.

I've noticed the get-up-and-go. It's quite a change from my 883 Harley (even though I was never short of power with my Sportie).

 

[Buckeye Bleau]

I believe that the problem with curves one way vs. the other is simply due to where your eyes focus. I am willing to guess that on right turns your eyes are focused on that white line or edge of the road, are you still focused on those when turning left?

Take notice of your focal point and be aware of your thought process. Most of this is similar to right or left handed, if you are right handed you are most likely left footed. Eye dominance is similar, if you shend much time on the shooting arts you will soon find out and this plays a role in steering vehicles as well. Just my two cents!

Joe

 

[SpyderHands]

Get that sway bar, it makes a big difference. Leaning your body more into the turns will help. Look for a shop that does laser alignments to help the left-right turning thing. http://www.spydercomfort.com/dealerva.htm

Sway bar change?