2020 RTL My thoughts after 700 mi

[Doug44]

As the title says after 700 mile on my new Spyder my thoughts. I just can't get comfortable on this machine with my very short reach. Today I order the F3 short reach bars and the Can Am back rest. They should be in next week as they both were listed in stock. Another thought was my belt was vibrating a lot between 70-75 MPH. Around 3500-3800 rpm. This is right where I wish to cruise on the Interstates mainly 72-73 mph which actually is 70 MPH after correction of the speedometer which is at least 2 mph fast at 55mph checking with speed radar signs posted along the roads. Our Can Am mechanic was wonderful dropping what he was doing and listen to my complains and checked it with the factory gauge etc. He confirmed it was in indeed loose and adjusted it to factory specs. I have not had it out on the interstate yet but I watched him set it and can tell you the bike is different after the adjustment even around town. IMHO I think the 2020 RT needs a belt tensor er. Hopefully after this first 700 miles stretch it will settle down.

I might add I am coming off a 2018 GL1800 Tour and have ridden big bikes for 50 years + but the big tour bikes are getting to heavy and I didn't feel comfortable anymore at stop lights etc. I really want to love this Spyder it is either it or I will give up riding but I got to get this Spyder where I can be comfortable riding for 500mi days. :banghead:

 

[JayBros]

If you've read SL thoroughly you'll know that riders like yourself coming off many years of big touring bikes take some time to get accustomed to a Spyder. You are no different and my only words of advice are to ignore the number of miles other riders say it took them to get comfortable. Everyone is different, and lots of folks say it can take a grand or more. I hope for your sake the bars and backrest help you get more comfortable with the machine. Be safe!

 

[stebrock]

Read my post on adding the short reach bars here https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?130101-Short-reach-bars-on-2020-RT
Two things easy install but you will need to cut the tie wrap so you can lengthen the cables and you may find that they are too close to you. There is some adjustment but it is limited by the centering/alignment pin. I ended up removing the pin with a hacksaw to give me the range of motion i needed.

 

[Doug44]

Read my post on adding the short reach bars here https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?130101-Short-reach-bars-on-2020-RT
Two things easy install but you will need to cut the tie wrap so you can lengthen the cables and you may find that they are too close to you. There is some adjustment but it is limited by the centering/alignment pin. I ended up removing the pin with a hacksaw to give me the range of motion i needed.

Yes you are my blue print to ordering these bars Stebrock. Thank you so much for posting what you have done I am sure with your advice and following what you have done it will be much easier for me. Hopefully they won't be too close if so I guess I will go to maybe the other bars offered. I will post here after I get things changed out.

 

[Doug44]

If you've read SL thoroughly you'll know that riders like yourself coming off many years of big touring bikes take some time to get accustomed to a Spyder. You are no different and my only words of advice are to ignore the number of miles other riders say it took them to get comfortable. Everyone is different, and lots of folks say it can take a grand or more. I hope for your sake the bars and backrest help you get more comfortable with the machine. Be safe!

Thank you for the support

 

[ARtraveler]

Thank you for the review. It takes a bit of time for some of us on the learning curve. I had four big tourers, and it was hard to unlearn some of that stuff for me.

I came from 2000cc to the 08 Spyder. Big differences. I still ride two (Vulcan 900) but I like my Spyders just as much.

 

[fjray]

I hope you have success in your quest for comfort. I spent 15k miles and a lot of money just to end up back on a wing. Good luck.

 

[Doug44]

I hope you have success in your quest for comfort. I spent 15k miles and a lot of money just to end up back on a wing. Good luck.

I totally understand where you are coming from. For sure anyone who has ridden a Wing has been spoiled. The Spyder and the Wing are just two different animals. IMHO it is easier to come from a twin touring bike than a Wing. I am pretty sure with the addition of different bars and a backrest I can get it done. I have ridden my RT now for about 1K miles and really like it for what it brings to the table that is different. The engine on my RT is really tight but with each 100 miles I can feel it letting go a bit and once you get the Rotax triple over 5K RPM it really starts to perform. I am looking forward to getting to know this machine and feel once I do it will be rewarding in a different way than a Wing.