Howdy all,
I recently returned from a 28-day trip of about 10,000 kms. Following are some general observations that I hope will help or be of interest. Disclosure, I do not work for nor am I affiliated in any way with the companies I discuss below and they do not know I am reviewing them or their products.
- First and by far the most significant observation, is how comfortable this bike is! I did several 8+ hour days and at the end I never felt physically exhausted or in pain. I can't say the same for my car or any of the motorcycles I owned.
Shout-out to the Purcellville, Virginia, Can Am dealer called Motomember. I had several OEM parts put on, ordered near the end of their work-day. They offered to have the install workers stay late, about 4 hours, to install everything. I didn't want that so I returned 2 days later. Some thoughts on the new parts:
- Backrest. I was using my dry-bag luggage as a backrest and it worked well but wasn't a long-term solution. The "lockable" OEM backrest is extremely comfortable. The dealership did not have one in stock so they took one off a bike on the showroom floor.
- Handle bar risers. I thought this was an OEM accessory but I don't see it on the Can Am site. If it's aftermarket it blends perfectly with the stock bars. I'm 5'10 and without the risers I was reaching a bit too far. The risers fixed that.
- Driver floorboard lights. There is very little stock lighting on the side of the bike. The OEM lighting fixes that issue exceptionally well. They are extremely bright, to the point where before I got used to them, at night I thought there was a car in my blind spot. They also shine backwards, lighting the rear in a very significant way. Highly recommended.
- Top of front fender turn signals. Gave me added peace of mind, especially regarding getting the attention of drivers to the side of the bike.
One other item I would like you to be aware of. In 2015 I was hit from behind while stopped at a light. The bike was a write off, my helmet (a very good model) was visibly cracked, I was apparently supposed to die (but being an old infanteer I'm too stubborn to die yet :roflblack: ), and I had a TBI and brain bleed. In the police report, the (insert your favourite expletive here), claimed he didn't see me. Due in large part to the accident, I had brain surgery and can't ride 2 wheels anymore, hence the Spyder. As you might imagine, I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to vehicles approaching from behind. A few months back I bought a product called BRAKE LIGHT. It attaches to the back of your helmet, doesn't require any wiring and, according to dozens of people, does an outstanding job of getting their attention. For your own safety sake, take a look at this online.
Take care all!!
I recently returned from a 28-day trip of about 10,000 kms. Following are some general observations that I hope will help or be of interest. Disclosure, I do not work for nor am I affiliated in any way with the companies I discuss below and they do not know I am reviewing them or their products.
- First and by far the most significant observation, is how comfortable this bike is! I did several 8+ hour days and at the end I never felt physically exhausted or in pain. I can't say the same for my car or any of the motorcycles I owned.
Shout-out to the Purcellville, Virginia, Can Am dealer called Motomember. I had several OEM parts put on, ordered near the end of their work-day. They offered to have the install workers stay late, about 4 hours, to install everything. I didn't want that so I returned 2 days later. Some thoughts on the new parts:
- Backrest. I was using my dry-bag luggage as a backrest and it worked well but wasn't a long-term solution. The "lockable" OEM backrest is extremely comfortable. The dealership did not have one in stock so they took one off a bike on the showroom floor.
- Handle bar risers. I thought this was an OEM accessory but I don't see it on the Can Am site. If it's aftermarket it blends perfectly with the stock bars. I'm 5'10 and without the risers I was reaching a bit too far. The risers fixed that.
- Driver floorboard lights. There is very little stock lighting on the side of the bike. The OEM lighting fixes that issue exceptionally well. They are extremely bright, to the point where before I got used to them, at night I thought there was a car in my blind spot. They also shine backwards, lighting the rear in a very significant way. Highly recommended.
- Top of front fender turn signals. Gave me added peace of mind, especially regarding getting the attention of drivers to the side of the bike.
One other item I would like you to be aware of. In 2015 I was hit from behind while stopped at a light. The bike was a write off, my helmet (a very good model) was visibly cracked, I was apparently supposed to die (but being an old infanteer I'm too stubborn to die yet :roflblack: ), and I had a TBI and brain bleed. In the police report, the (insert your favourite expletive here), claimed he didn't see me. Due in large part to the accident, I had brain surgery and can't ride 2 wheels anymore, hence the Spyder. As you might imagine, I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to vehicles approaching from behind. A few months back I bought a product called BRAKE LIGHT. It attaches to the back of your helmet, doesn't require any wiring and, according to dozens of people, does an outstanding job of getting their attention. For your own safety sake, take a look at this online.
Take care all!!
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