1st Post - Considering A Spyder

[Questions]

Hi All,

While I've been considering purchasing a Spyder, I'm just starting to get serious about it as I recently sold my other (two-wheeled) bike.

I'd like to say the local dealer is filling my head with useful information, but sadly, that is NOT the case. I found this site by accident and since I run a website myself, I wanted to be careful by not jumping in too fast in your community.

So, with respect to all the Spyder Lovers here, I do have a number of questions and I'm sure I'll have some questions I haven't thought of yet. While I'm sure my questions may already be answered somewhere here on this site, possibly by inserting the links to the appropriate threads (in this one) can get me started. Or, feel free to jump in. I guess to ask to "steer" me (pun intended) in the right direction is appropriate.

Allow me to state upfront, Thanks for taking the time to assist me in making the decision on whether the Spyder is the right vehicle for me. So, here goes:

First, I'm only 5'6" and while the dealer stated there are risers available, he stated they were only two, maybe three inches tall. I read on this site a post about 4" risers. What's the story here?

Foot Pegs: Are there any options other than the standard pegs? Highway pegs? Floorboards? Etc?

Storage Options: The dealer was useless in providing any information about accessories that were not provided by BRP. Any suggestions? Side Bags? Trunk? Etc.

Exhausts: I saw on YouTube an exhaust system with some sort of removable baffle system that took about ten seconds per side (duals) to adjust. Any recommendations on this? It would be nice to make it quiet or growl upon request. Are there any negatives to going with the dual exhausts, or should I keep it stock.

Mods: How's BRP when it comes to providing warranty repairs on Spyders that have mods? Are they like some manufacturers that attempt to blame problems on the mods or are they accepting that as riders some of us like to modify our rides?

Windshield: The stock shield appears fairly useless for protection purposes. I'm one of those AGATT riders and take riding seriously (I've owned more than a dozen bikes over the years). It appears that even at my size the stock shield would be a buffeting nightmare. Any advice on a good shield that provides protection from bugs, pebbles, debris and the elements that also delivers a comfortable rider envelope? No Buffeting? Is there an ADJUSTABLE (sorry for the Caps, I'm not yelling) windshield available?

Engine Heat Issues: A while back, I heard some complaints about the engine heat? Am I confused, or is this a real issue?

Cruise Control: Okay, maybe it's me, but I've not been able to find anything about this online. Is this an option?

Parking Brake: I read a thread about this. Is this an issue?

Audio System: Is anyone making a good sound system for the Spyder?

Finally, any input you can provide is good info for me. As stated, the salesperson wasn't extremely helpful. I'm attempting to be an educated consumer and am not afraid to pull the trigger on a Spyder, but I want to make sure that I ask the right questions and have it delivered with the proper options upfront. I haven't taken the test ride yet as I'm one of those who likes to enter the dealer armed with info.

Again, many thanks for taking the time to help.

I don't know the rules of this Forum, but if anyone would like to email me directly, my email address is: [email protected] . If this is taboo, Mods, please remove this paragraph and accept my apologies.

 

[Lamonster]

Hey noob use the search! :joke:

I figure as a form owner you've heard that a time or two and we really do have a great search feature here that will answer all your questions. The front page of SpyderLovers has vendors for all the parts you're asking about. No Magic Neon has the largest selection of aftermarket part for the spyder. That would be a good place to start.
http://www.nomagicneon.com/spyderbike.html
and welcome

 

[Lamonster]

Here's a few of the add on's you can get.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL1-RizjFlA"]YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.[/nomedia]

 

[Don in E Texas]

Welcome to the Forum. You have asked a LOT of valid questions and I feel that I've come across good answers to all of them here on this Forum. My suggestion is to use the "Search" function and see how that goes for you. There are tons of after market items available for the Spyder that will allow you to custom your bike to fit your needs.

Happy hunting....

don

 

[ataDude]

Hi, there, and Welcome. First of all, you'll like the Roadster once you get used to riding it... it is a different machine... you do all of the leaning and occasionally, butt-shifting.

I suggest you take some time and look at the "My Mods" forum. I know that I have all of my mods posted there... others do as well. That forum should provide all of the info you want concerning mods.

Warranty vs aftermarket? I haven't seen anything happen in that regard although it's a definite possibility if you install something that does cause damage.

Hard luggage? Two are available right now... Givi and Corbin. There are lots of soft options.

Also, keep in mind that the Roadster has a Can Bus electrical system like the BMWs. It does make electrical mods installs a little trickier than normal in some cases. For example, you can't just substitute LEDs for bulbs in the major systems (brake, turns, tail)... the processor monitors critical functions and will determine that less amperage (or more) is being used than designed and will put you in "limp home" mode. However, No Magic Neon, a sponsor here, has the LEDs and "black boxes" to accomplish most of what you may want to do.

The aftermarket is alive and growing for this bike... quicker, IMHO, than some other first year models which I have had.

welcome

 

[dltang]

welcome, As others have mentioned, your two best ways to start here in answer to your many questions, is the search function and the My Mods forum. The home page has excellent vendors that supply wonderful aftermarket parts. As far as warranty repair goes, I have a feeling that is going to be somewhat dealer dependent. There are some dealers that won't touch anything non-stock with a 10 foot pole and others that will actually install the aftermarket accessory. Our dealer has been wonderful and understanding of any aftermarket part we use. He understands if it actually affects the spyder and if there would be any correlation between issues and aftermarket parts.

Enjoy the reading, it can take a while but it is well worth the effort.

 

[8LEGS]

welcome

 

[fastfraser]

You have been :spyder2: bitten. welcome

 

[Frig]

Just buy it, have fun with it and ask questions as you go. It's a blast. I've had mine 3 weeks and it's been great. All of the ryders here are very helpful. Good luck.

 

[jeuchler]

...All of the ryders here are very helpful....

Aww...we blush...pps:

 

[Roaddog2]

welcome:congrats:go 4 it

 

[jeuchler]

welcome:congrats:go 4 it

OK, what the heck. Here we go:

Hi All,

While I've been considering purchasing a Spyder, I'm just starting to get serious about it as I recently sold my other (two-wheeled) bike.

I'd like to say the local dealer is filling my head with useful information, but sadly, that is NOT the case. I found this site by accident and since I run a website myself, I wanted to be careful by not jumping in too fast in your community.

So, with respect to all the Spyder Lovers here, I do have a number of questions and I'm sure I'll have some questions I haven't thought of yet. While I'm sure my questions may already be answered somewhere here on this site, possibly by inserting the links to the appropriate threads (in this one) can get me started. Or, feel free to jump in. I guess to ask to "steer" me (pun intended) in the right direction is appropriate.

Allow me to state upfront, Thanks for taking the time to assist me in making the decision on whether the Spyder is the right vehicle for me. So, here goes:

First, I'm only 5'6" and while the dealer stated there are risers available, he stated they were only two, maybe three inches tall. I read on this site a post about 4" risers. What's the story here?

No Magic Neon. 3" or 4".

Foot Pegs: Are there any options other than the standard pegs? Highway pegs? Floorboards? Etc?

Yup.

No Magic Neon, Kewlmetal, ISCI.

Storage Options: The dealer was useless in providing any information about accessories that were not provided by BRP. Any suggestions? Side Bags? Trunk? Etc.

Hard: Top end, Corbin; next down, Givi.

Soft: Nelson-Rigg, Cortech, BRP.

Exhausts: I saw on YouTube an exhaust system with some sort of removable baffle system that took about ten seconds per side (duals) to adjust. Any recommendations on this? It would be nice to make it quiet or growl upon request. Are there any negatives to going with the dual exhausts, or should I keep it stock.

Mods: How's BRP when it comes to providing warranty repairs on Spyders that have mods? Are they like some manufacturers that attempt to blame problems on the mods or are they accepting that as riders some of us like to modify our rides?

Windshield: The stock shield appears fairly useless for protection purposes. I'm one of those AGATT riders and take riding seriously (I've owned more than a dozen bikes over the years). It appears that even at my size the stock shield would be a buffeting nightmare. Any advice on a good shield that provides protection from bugs, pebbles, debris and the elements that also delivers a comfortable rider envelope? No Buffeting? Is there an ADJUSTABLE (sorry for the Caps, I'm not yelling) windshield available?

C.H.A.D.

Engine Heat Issues: A while back, I heard some complaints about the engine heat? Am I confused, or is this a real issue?

No, in the north. Could be down south.

Cruise Control: Okay, maybe it's me, but I've not been able to find anything about this online. Is this an option?

Not from BRP.

Parking Brake: I read a thread about this. Is this an issue?

Nah, not anymore. Are you getting a 2008 model? Ask the dealer to lubricate the heck out of it.

Audio System: Is anyone making a good sound system for the Spyder?

Apple iPod.

Finally, any input you can provide is good info for me. As stated, the salesperson wasn't extremely helpful. I'm attempting to be an educated consumer and am not afraid to pull the trigger on a Spyder, but I want to make sure that I ask the right questions and have it delivered with the proper options upfront. I haven't taken the test ride yet as I'm one of those who likes to enter the dealer armed with info.

Again, many thanks for taking the time to help.

I don't know the rules of this Forum, but if anyone would like to email me directly, my email address is: [email protected] . If this is taboo, Mods, please remove this paragraph and accept my apologies.

 

[BajaRon]

There is a lot of good stuff for the Spyder and more coming all the time. One difference I've noticed is that nearly everything made for the Spyder (aftermarket) is well thought out and works.

Usually with new rides there are good mods and a lot of junk mods. Not so with this one. You always need to do your research first, as always.

The Spyder has to be the easiest machine on the planet to modify the exhaust on. Just about every manufacturer already makes a muffler for the Spyder because a slip-on is what you need.

Magic Man makes a 90 and it's all personal preference from there. I don't like dual exhaust on the Spyder, personally. And I think it probably costs you HP. But everyone has a different taste so if dual exhaust is you, go for it.

The 4" risers should be plenty for someone your size. I'm sure there is someone on this forum that can say for sure. They are an excellent modification.

Foot pegs, foot peg extensions, floorboards, highway pegs (to stretch out) are all available.

There are great alternatives for additional storage, hard & soft saddle bags, tank bags, passenger seat bags, rear racks and bags for those too.

But if you want to go big just get a trailer like Lamont did. The Spyder is a towing machine!

The Spyder is a great ride. Good luck!

 

[Questions]

I have to say that I'm overwhelmed. Thanks! If the Spyder is as great as you folks, then it's a winner!

 

[bjt]

... Apple iPod.

I thought you said you listen to the music (or voices) inside your head while riding?

 

[jeuchler]

I thought you said you listen to the music (or voices) inside your head while riding?

Yes, Mr. Wisenheimer. That is true.

However, if theVOGnet had asked "Which pen do you recommend?" I'd say "Sharpie," even though you know, Brian, that I myself prefer not to actually write my Wal-Mart shopping list while I ryde! :lecturef_smilie:

 

[bjt]

 

[Saluda]

Go for it !

Welcome and best of luck. I'm about to hit a year and have absolutely no regrets. Great machine, couple of minor issues but what toy doesn't ? Don't miss the two wheels at all. :2thumbs: