1st Time Spyder Owner

[Vt. Rider]

Just sold my '02 Goldwing last Thursday morning, and by 5pm that same day, I had a new ride. I picked up '14 RT S "demo" at the shop. Been riding motorcycles for about 44 years now, but this is my first time for 3 wheels.
I'm pretty sure that this forum will answer most questions that I'll have.
For now, I'll let the dealer do the first 3,000 mile service, and depending on the price, I may end up doing my own basic maintenance.

So for the first question......Shell Rotella T6. I've used it in my Goldwing for many miles. Should it be good in the Spyder as well? It's 5W-40.


Towing a trailer. I've noticed that the few Spyder RT's that do tow trailers, tow the BRP trailer specifically made for the Spyder. I have a Kompact Kamp trailer with the straight tongue (as opposed to the curved on on the BRP). Also, the tires are smaller on mine. Will towing this trailer have any impact on driveability?


No more questions for now.
While the Spyder isn't a motorcycle, it's still extremely enjoyable......and I have to get used to the difference.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: Do you have any snowmobile or ATV riding experience?
That seems to help a lot! :thumbup:

:nopic: of your bike? :thumbup:

 

[Vt. Rider]

Yup ....been riding sleds and ATV's for over 30 years. There's a lot of similarities.
I'm low tech.....don't know how to post pictures. Maybe my wife can help me.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome: & :congrats:

I think others here tow camping trailers. I'm sure you'll have fun!

 

[Bob Denman]

The "flat " cornering, with only the suspension doing it's thing; is where your sled and quad experience will feel good! :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: and :congrats: on the new :ani29:

 

[dukeBlue48]

First time Spyder rider too.

I'm also a first time three wheeler. Have had my new 2015 RT (red pearl) for a little over a month. About 1800 miles on it and loving it very much. After 45 plus years on two wheels this is a plus for me. Just put on a comfort seat and next is the sway bar up grade.
From Vermont years ago now in Tn. Love the roads in Tn and NC. Looking forward to many miles of travel and enjoyment.
One question belt vibration or road vibrations. 70 to 80 mph any body else getting them? Have had belt check and adjusted by dealer and tires checked.
dukeBlue48

 

[BikerDoc]

Not familiar with that particular oil, but the Spyder requires s blended synthetic or full synthetic that meets its engine specs.. You can compare oil specs to ops manual to answer that question the best.

 

[Bob Denman]

Hi Duke,
That vibration is "normal"; even if it isn't wanted!
It's the result of the belt setting up a Harmonic Vibration with everything else that's going on. With these bikes; it seems to happen up in the 70 mph or so range.

 

[GloryRyders]

:welcome: and :congrats: on your :spyder:............Ryde Safe!:yes:

 

[WA5VHU]

...Towing a trailer. I've noticed that the few Spyder RT's that do tow trailers, tow the BRP trailer specifically made for the Spyder. I have a Kompact Kamp trailer with the straight tongue (as opposed to the curved on on the BRP). Also, the tires are smaller on mine. Will towing this trailer have any impact on driveability?

Cargo trailer, Harbor Freight Tag-Along (now painted red on top sides to match our previous red Spyder):

Camping trailer, 1988 Combi-Camp pop-up:

 

[Pampurrs]

:congrats: I too came from a Goldwing (3 years) and then a Victory Vision( 2 years) , and like you, this is my first three wheel experience. I've only had my Red and Black RT Special Series for a couple of weeks and just love it. I just passed the 1,500 mile mark, which means I need to get in for the 3,000 mile service in a week or so. Enjoy your ride!

Pam

 

[johnwinslow]

Just sold my '02 Goldwing last Thursday morning, and by 5pm that same day, I had a new ride. I picked up '14 RT S "demo" at the shop. Been riding motorcycles for about 44 years now, but this is my first time for 3 wheels.
I'm pretty sure that this forum will answer most questions that I'll have.
For now, I'll let the dealer do the first 3,000 mile service, and depending on the price, I may end up doing my own basic maintenance.

So for the first question......Shell Rotella T6. I've used it in my Goldwing for many miles. Should it be good in the Spyder as well? It's 5W-40.


Towing a trailer. I've noticed that the few Spyder RT's that do tow trailers, tow the BRP trailer specifically made for the Spyder. I have a Kompact Kamp trailer with the straight tongue (as opposed to the curved on on the BRP). Also, the tires are smaller on mine. Will towing this trailer have any impact on driveability?


No more questions for now.
While the Spyder isn't a motorcycle, it's still extremely enjoyable......and I have to get used to the difference.

that is all I use T-6 Rotella, I tow a trailer from harbor freight and it is loaded, I am careful to keep the tongue weight to a minimum, rogerb tows a camper like yours no problems. one suggestion convert you trailer lights to LEDs It is easier on the electrics. welcome to our world with out kickstands.

 

[Vt. Rider]

Hey John Winslow.....My brother Jerry lives in an apartment right behind the Milk Room. Shouldn't be far from you.

 

[Deanna777]

:welcome: and :congrats: on your new ride and glad you found this :firstplace: site.

And another Vermont spyder owner WOHOO!
Deanna

 

[fratzba]

Gratz on your new wheels!

-Fratz

 

[ST888s]

Congrats on your spyder!!

I'm from a phone company family. Most of my family works now or use to work for Fairpoint/Verizon/Bell Atlantic/New England Tel/etc in VT... Even I did stint there one summer during college!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

SPYDER STUFF

Just sold my '02 Goldwing last Thursday morning, and by 5pm that same day, I had a new ride. I picked up '14 RT S "demo" at the shop. Been riding motorcycles for about 44 years now, but this is my first time for 3 wheels.
I'm pretty sure that this forum will answer most questions that I'll have.
For now, I'll let the dealer do the first 3,000 mile service, and depending on the price, I may end up doing my own basic maintenance.

So for the first question......Shell Rotella T6. I've used it in my Goldwing for many miles. Should it be good in the Spyder as well? It's 5W-40.


Towing a trailer. I've noticed that the few Spyder RT's that do tow trailers, tow the BRP trailer specifically made for the Spyder. I have a Kompact Kamp trailer with the straight tongue (as opposed to the curved on on the BRP). Also, the tires are smaller on mine. Will towing this trailer have any impact on driveability?


No more questions for now.
While the Spyder isn't a motorcycle, it's still extremely enjoyable......and I have to get used to the difference.

:congrats: :welcome:.....I also use the Rotella and it meets or exceeds all the warranty requirements for that engine.....As far a trailer goes ...just don't exceed 400 lbs LOADED....and you won't violate the warranty either...........I live just up the road , we'll have to get together.....I also worked for the Phone co.at one time .......ANNNNNNNNNNNNNND did you happen to know Andy Mo ( the Mechanic in Mdlsx.)....Mike :thumbup:

 

[Vt. Rider]

Hey Blueknight 9111....No, I don't know any telephone guys up here. All my time working for N.E. Tel/Bell Atlantic/Nynex/Verizon was in Rhode Island. I moved up here when I retired. I saw an email from you, but I thought it was spam, so I deleted it without reading it.
If need be, you can resend it......I won't delete it.