All over the road..

[kentuckyguy]

We got our new RT last Friday.. Today is the first time getting it on the interstate.. The bike was all over the road an I couldnt hold it straight.. It got worse with traffic around me.. I tried different speeds from 65 to 80 mph.. It just dances all of the place an I am constantly fighting it to keep it in my lane.. What could be going on here...

 

[bluestratos]

I had the same thing. It turned out to be nothing, just a relearning curve. After a few rides it got better and better and now I can travel at any speed with out issues. Even cross winds barely cause any problems now. I think subconcisously we tend to make minor corrects along the line of driveing a car. I had to relax on the bars and basically keep limp wristed to allow the bike to do its thing. Now I when on the the freeway I lock in cruise, hang my left hand one the grip and relax.

Good luck with it,

Randy

 

[boborgera]

I had the same thing. It turned out to be nothing, just a relearning curve. After a few rides it got better and better and now I can travel at any speed with out issues. Even cross winds barely cause any problems now. I think subconcisously we tend to make minor corrects along the line of driveing a car. I had to relax on the bars and basically keep limp wristed to allow the bike to do its thing. Now I when on the the freeway I lock in cruise, hang my left hand one the grip and relax.

Good luck with it,

Randy

:agree: Relax on the bars ; If you never ridden a reverse Trike the ride will throw you a little at first,
Once you learn to relax, The ride will smooth out:thumbup:

 

[can-am sam]

All over the road

It has been said before in the forum, keep a loose grip on the bars and get some more miles on your Spyder. You will find it steers much better after giving it more time. Randy has had the same experience. Hang in there it will get better!

Sam

 

[kentuckyguy]

:agree: Relax on the bars ; If you never ridden a reverse Trike the ride will throw you a little at first,
Once you learn to relax, The ride will smooth out:thumbup:

This isnt the first spyder that we have had.. We traded a RS for this RT.. It sure is a different bike in every way possible.. I could be just me being so use to the RS.. Thanks

 

[NancysToy]

As was said, the Spyder has very sensitive steering, and is easy to over-control. It takes practice to keep a gentle hand on the controls. There are some other things that can help. If you are heavy, or carry a passenger often, you will probably want to raise the front spring preload, to reduce body roll and some wind (and truck) influence. This is especially true if you have a 2010 RT. You may also want to experiment a bit with (cold) front tire pressure. Make sure they are even, and try different pressures between 15 and 20 psi. Most seem to like 18 pounds for the RT. Also check that the rear suspension is working properly. It should not bounce repeatedly if the back is pushed down sharply, and the air bag should hold air. Check pressure at the Schrader valve under the seat at night, and then again in the morning. If it doesn't hold air, the valve core could need tightening or there may be a leak elsewhere. If you have an RTS or LTD, make sure the auto suspension works properly, and that the rear of the Spyder goes up and down when you change the settings (in gear with the engine running).

If these don't settle things down, have your dealer check that the steering sensors are properly zeroed, and check the front end alignment, if necessary. Too little toe-in can cause wandering. The most common cause is a new rider, however. We have all been through this.

 

[MarkLawson]

We have both an '08 GS and a '10 RT. I much preferred the steering of the GS to the RT. I felt the RT was hyper-sensitive to steering inputs. It took awhile, but it is no longer an issue. Almost no similarities between them.

 

[fdunham1]

All over the road.

Had the same experience with my "roadster" ( maybe someone will set me straight). I am heavy and had the front shocks and rear set at 7 and the problem got better. Checked my tire pressure and adjusted front to 22 lbs and read to 25 and the problem seemed to disappear. But I also got use to the bike durning this time. Gas stations (poor choice) never bought milk at a gas stations back in the late 50's or early sixties, some out here have 100 octane fuel what do you tech people think about running this every now and then or a octane booster. Also engine ice or products like this.

 

[ARtraveler]

Also had a 2008 GS and traded for a 2010 RTS. I made the same comments about how "mushy" the RTS was compared to the GS.

500 miles later--I was very satisfied with the RTS. Learning curve for a biker of 40 plus years.

 

[ThreeWheels]

WOW, I had similar problems when I got my RT, but mine was a very early production model.
If you have alignment problems, and from the way you describe your issues, there's a chance that's what's going on, but IF an alignment is your problem I would be disappointed that BRP hasn't gotten that part of the assembly line right after all this time.

 

[SteveMac]

Hey KentuckyGuy
I am not too far from you. I'm near Cape Girardeau MO. If you go to the dealer and are still having problems, we can meet up somewhere for lunch and swap rYdes. I have a 2010 RT-SM5 with Elka suspension that rYdes really well for me. If you continue to have problems, I'll gladly rYde yours, you rYde mine, and we will see if there is a setup problem. Since you have had the RS, surely it isn't such a different rYde that you would have that much trouble without it being a setup issue somewhere.

Did you get the SM or SE?

Also, we will be seeing you at the KY Lake rYde in October!! :2thumbs:

We got our new RT last Friday.. Today is the first time getting it on the interstate.. The bike was all over the road an I couldnt hold it straight.. It got worse with traffic around me.. I tried different speeds from 65 to 80 mph.. It just dances all of the place an I am constantly fighting it to keep it in my lane.. What could be going on here...

 

[kentuckyguy]

Hey KentuckyGuy
I am not too far from you. I'm near Cape Girardeau MO. If you go to the dealer and are still having problems, we can meet up somewhere for lunch and swap rYdes. I have a 2010 RT-SM5 with Elka suspension that rYdes really well for me. If you continue to have problems, I'll gladly rYde yours, you rYde mine, and we will see if there is a setup problem. Since you have had the RS, surely it isn't such a different rYde that you would have that much trouble without it being a setup issue somewhere.

Did you get the SM or SE?

Also, we will be seeing you at the KY Lake rYde in October!! :2thumbs:

It will be great seeing you there an meeting everyone.. Mine is the SM5...

 

[SteveMac]

It will be great seeing you there an meeting everyone.. Mine is the SM5...

Cool. If you continue to have issues, PM me and we will make arrangements to hook up. I'll gladly rYde over your way one weekend. Just let me know.

 

[azrn8285]

I stuck 20 lbs of kitty litter in my frunk and it chilled out. Am taking mine back in to see if they can adjust it so I don't have to waste that space with weights!

 

[ThreeWheels]

In my opinion, and again, this is my opinion based on my own experience with the RT, so please don't flame me, but.............

I hate to sound like a one note wonder, and with all due respect to everyone else on the forum, I'm just not buying the whole wetware problem.

Once it's setup properly, either shock/tire pressure adjustments or front wheel alignment, the RT is not an overly sensitive beast.

Some riders may like the feel of sensitive steering, some may have learned to deal with it and it no longer concerns them, but nevertheless, the RT can be made to track straight true and stable. The "dartiness" can be eliminated.

This is, for me, after the third realignment by the dealer (the last one was with the new BRP tool) and the second visit regarding the DPS.

You can comfortably ride it one handed on the highway. Witness Lamont's video.

As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.

Is the RT stable at highway speeds?

You tell me, I'm passing this semi at 85 mph with one hand and it's a windy day.