Advice for a driver-to-be?

[A-Spot]

Hi there!

I am currently just one year from being able to get my driver's license, thus the dream of a Spyder is closer than ever. I have some questions though...

- What would you recommend for a comfortable everyday to/from-work vehicle that, though, still sports an amusing ride?
- How limited is the sport-ish feeling on the RT series?
- Does the official BRP trailer fit the RS series too?
- Is it possible to manually shift gears on the SE5's?

OH, and by the way, are there any Spyder groups or clubs in Scandinavia?

Can't wait to be on the road!


Cheers,

Thomas

 

[Justin]

Hi there!

I am currently just one year from being able to get my driver's license, thus the dream of a Spyder is closer than ever. I have some questions though...

- What would you recommend for a comfortable everyday to/from-work vehicle that, though, still sports an amusing ride?
- How limited is the sport-ish feeling on the RT series?
- Does the official BRP trailer fit the RS series too?
- Is it possible to manually shift gears on the SE5's?

OH, and by the way, are there any Spyder groups or clubs in Scandinavia?

Can't wait to be on the road!


Cheers,

Thomas

1. Spyder RS
2. No limit, there is no sport in it.
3. Just need a hitch
4. It's semi auto, you shift by push of button.

 

[A-Spot]

Thanks a lot for the reply

I think I need to specify my 4th question...
Is it possible to shift gears manually on a SE5, in case the shift-pad stops working?

 

[Lamonster]

Thanks a lot for the reply

I think I need to specify my 4th question...
Is it possible to shift gears manually on a SE5, in case the shift-pad stops working?

welcome
Yes, you have to shift up with the paddle but you can shift down if you like with the paddle.

 

[NancysToy]

There is no secondary way of shifting on the SE, it is the paddle or nothing...for normal operation. You can use a wrench with the machine turned off, to get it into neutral if it is stuck in gear.

 

[2manycars]

No sport in the RT?

I am not sure what that is based on? I have owned both an RS and RT. The Rt was faster off the line, but the Rt certainly has a degree of sport, and does so without the uncomfortable leg position, at least for me.

As far as commuting back and forth to work, I do prefer the RT given the additional storage, and added comfort.

I guess it all depends on what is important to you and what your view of "sport is." Neither the RS or RT are really sporty when compared to some of the true sport bikes, but for me the RT is the best fit.

 

[A-Spot]

Thanks a heap, guys! You've been very helpful. Hopefully, that'll help me get my mitts on a Spyder later on...

Oh, one more thing - does anyone know if there's a list of States and the license it requires to drive a Spyder in the particular States? If not, then could you tell me what I would need in California?

 

[COOLMACHINE]

It's fun.

A-Spot,
Glad to hear you are interested in a Spyder. It sure is a fun machine.

 

[SpyderWolf]

Thanks a heap, guys! You've been very helpful. Hopefully, that'll help me get my mitts on a Spyder later on...

Oh, one more thing - does anyone know if there's a list of States and the license it requires to drive a Spyder in the particular States? If not, then could you tell me what I would need in California?

welcome

Since you sound young, stating you still have 1 year before getting your license, you will most likely want the RS, Sport Version, of the Spyder. As for licensing, I believe California is one of the few states where you do not need a motorcycle endorsement to ryde the Spyder. With that being said though, it is highly recommended that you at least take a motorcycle safety class as conditions are much different for us than they are for cagers.

Best of luck with getting your Spyder when the time is right. :thumbup:

 

[Smylinacha]

welcome I don't have the RT but several do on here - you can check out all the info in the RT section of the forum. I have the RS and it's more of a sport riding position. Depends on what you want to and from work - you want tunes? You want a fairing? You want lots of storage? Go for the RT. You want a sportier look where you need to add these things separate, go for the RS. Either way I'm sure you'll have a good time

 

[Justin]

I am not sure what that is based on? I have owned both an RS and RT. The Rt was faster off the line, but the Rt certainly has a degree of sport, and does so without the uncomfortable leg position, at least for me.

As far as commuting back and forth to work, I do prefer the RT given the additional storage, and added comfort.

I guess it all depends on what is important to you and what your view of "sport is." Neither the RS or RT are really sporty when compared to some of the true sport bikes, but for me the RT is the best fit.

There is no way the RT is quicker off the line. Both my Phantoms puts lengths off the line against the RT. It's almost a Chevette racing a Corvette. It's not bad once it's up there. There is no sport in the RT, It's like riding your couch. We have 3 Spyders. There's none of this 130mph plus either in them.

 

[2manycars]

I've never ridden my couch so I can not compare

That should have read "The RS was faster off the line." Neither is real fast nor real sporty, but both are fine machines. Both are a lot of fun. Buy a crotch rocket or a Ducatti if you want true power, off the line speed and so on.

I liked my RS, I love my RT. I spent a lot of money trying to make my RS into an RT and never got there, thus the change.

 

[A-Spot]

One of the reasons I'd like to own a Spyder (besides the feeling of freedom, the driving abilities and the awesome looks), is that I'm not fully content with the safety of a bike. I'm a bit of a safety-freak by nature, so to speak, so this three-laner is probably the best compromise between two-wheelers and cages.
Is it possible to take the motorcycle safety class on my Spyder?

Great, more questions pop up :joke: ...
I think I would go for an RS, possibly the -S version. I do miss the sound system from the RT though. Can that be installed from the factory, or is that aftermarket?
Don't think the lack of storage space would be a problem. Two hardbags and I'll be okay. Quite possibly a trailer for the longer rides, but I wouldn't buy that until I know I'll use it.

Thanks again for taking the time to kill the doubt of a ryder-to-be! :helpsmilie:

 

[Justin]

One of the reasons I'd like to own a Spyder (besides the feeling of freedom, the driving abilities and the awesome looks), is that I'm not fully content with the safety of a bike. I'm a bit of a safety-freak by nature, so to speak, so this three-laner is probably the best compromise between two-wheelers and cages.
Is it possible to take the motorcycle safety class on my Spyder?

Great, more questions pop up :joke: ...
I think I would go for an RS, possibly the -S version. I do miss the sound system from the RT though. Can that be installed from the factory, or is that aftermarket?
Don't think the lack of storage space would be a problem. Two hardbags and I'll be okay. Quite possibly a trailer for the longer rides, but I wouldn't buy that until I know I'll use it.

Thanks again for taking the time to kill the doubt of a ryder-to-be! :helpsmilie:

Go for the JL Audio system for the RS. The RT one is weaksauce compared to that one. You'll give up the frunk though.

 

[SpyderWolf]

One of the reasons I'd like to own a Spyder (besides the feeling of freedom, the driving abilities and the awesome looks), is that I'm not fully content with the safety of a bike. I'm a bit of a safety-freak by nature, so to speak, so this three-laner is probably the best compromise between two-wheelers and cages.
Is it possible to take the motorcycle safety class on my Spyder?

Great, more questions pop up :joke: ...
I think I would go for an RS, possibly the -S version. I do miss the sound system from the RT though. Can that be installed from the factory, or is that aftermarket?
Don't think the lack of storage space would be a problem. Two hardbags and I'll be okay. Quite possibly a trailer for the longer rides, but I wouldn't buy that until I know I'll use it.

Thanks again for taking the time to kill the doubt of a ryder-to-be! :helpsmilie:

Many of the Motorcycle Safety Classes will have their own 2 wheelers you can use to get through the course. I have not heard of any that actually have a specific course for 3 wheelers yet, but someone else may have.

As for sound, many of us just use our MP3 players with ear buds. I personally like the fit, comfort, and I get good enough sound while ryding from my Ear Fuze.

I have been on several weekend long trips with my Spyder, and have been able to carry everything I need in the frunk. You may be pleasantly surprised, and not need the hard bags.

 

[Justin]

Many of the Motorcycle Safety Classes will have their own 2 wheelers you can use to get through the course. I have not heard of any that actually have a specific course for 3 wheelers yet, but someone else may have.

As for sound, many of us just use our MP3 players with ear buds. I personally like the fit, comfort, and I get good enough sound while ryding from my Ear Fuze.

I have been on several weekend long trips with my Spyder, and have been able to carry everything I need in the frunk. You may be pleasantly surprised, and not need the hard bags.

The EarFuze work great.

 

[canam9]

welcome

 

[A-Spot]

:2excited:
opcorn:

:agree:

Lol @ SpyderLovers' smileys ...

Anyway, thanks for the welcoming, guys! This place is better than I first expected. I bet I'll hang around for a while ...

Thanks for the tip on the JL Audio system, Justin, but I'm not too keen on giving up the frunk. Might stick to earbuds, after all, an 18-year-old student is not the wealthiest of men. I think I've figured out a way to mount my iPhone on the bar too, now I just need to think of a way to operate it with gloves, as the screen is, I believe, heat-sensitive.

What are people's experiences and thoughts on the Corbin Fleetliner bags - any good? How about the Trunkbox or the Smuggler (both Corbin too)?

 

[NancysToy]

:2excited:
opcorn:

:agree:

Lol @ SpyderLovers' smileys ...

Anyway, thanks for the welcoming, guys! This place is better than I first expected. I bet I'll hang around for a while ...

Thanks for the tip on the JL Audio system, Justin, but I'm not too keen on giving up the frunk. Might stick to earbuds, after all, an 18-year-old student is not the wealthiest of men. I think I've figured out a way to mount my iPhone on the bar too, now I just need to think of a way to operate it with gloves, as the screen is, I believe, heat-sensitive.

What are people's experiences and thoughts on the Corbin Fleetliner bags - any good? How about the Trunkbox or the Smuggler (both Corbin too)?

Another option for music is helmet speakers, and a wired or wireless comm system. We have a Starcom1 comm system on Nancys GS Spyder.

 

[A-Spot]

Is the Starcom wired or wireless?

Anyway, I have another question to add to this little thread: What mileage can I expect from an RS-S? I've heard everything from 25 to 35, depending on how aggressive your driving style is, and whether you're doing 80 on the highway or stop'n'going on a busy city street, by is that the RS or the RT - or both?


Oh, and ...

Since you sound young, stating you still have 1 year before getting your license, .........

You're right. I'm 17, turning 18 next spring.