Another New Owner - 2014 RT S, SM6

[ecarrion]

​​I got back yesterday from Greenville, TX where I got a new Spyder...it was their last 2014 so I didn't have much of a choice on color....but I tell you what...no one can miss that yellow Spyder coming down the road....SWEET!!!!

I just got back from taking if a spin and plan to go out again....just to get more familiar with the machine. Stuff I was hoping I can get some help with:

- With the windscreen all the way down, I don't get much of the wind hitting me. I know I'm sitting over the engine...and expect it to get hot, but just would like more of the air hitting me as i drive. What are my options to improve that?

- While cruising...I noticed when I was in 5th and 6th gear (at or slightly above 4K RPMs) that the engine was rougher....there was no lost of power, no shaking, but you definitely felt it in the seat/bike. as I reduced the throttle, it seemed to go away, but just to come back as I sped up again. Didn't seem to do it in the other gears when I was at 4K+???

- I read on other post, the MUST HAVE for spyders...tension bar? Laser show? something to protect the bottom front? Is that right?

Once I figure how to put a picture up on this blog thing, I get one out there....

 

[PrairieSpyder]

​​I got back yesterday from Greenville, TX where I got a new Spyder...it was their last 2014 so I didn't have much of a choice on color....but I tell you what...no one can miss that yellow Spyder coming down the road....SWEET!!!!

I just got back from taking if a spin and plan to go out again....just to get more familiar with the machine. Stuff I was hoping I can get some help with:

- With the windscreen all the way down, I don't get much of the wind hitting me. I know I'm sitting over the engine...and expect it to get hot, but just would like more of the air hitting me as i drive. What are my options to improve that?

- While cruising...I noticed when I was in 5th and 6th gear (at or slightly above 4K RPMs) that the engine was rougher....there was no lost of power, no shaking, but you definitely felt it in the seat/bike. as I reduced the throttle, it seemed to go away, but just to come back as I sped up again. Didn't seem to do it in the other gears when I was at 4K+???

- I read on other post, the MUST HAVE for spyders...tension bar? Laser show? something to protect the bottom front? Is that right?

Once I figure how to put a picture up on this blog thing, I get one out there....

:welcome: and :congrats: on your new Spyder!! You lucked out on the color . . the yellow ones are the fastest!! nojoke

I'd advise not putting the windshield ALL the way down. Run it to the minimum height and then raise it a bit. Having it at the minimum all the time, it will vibrate against the dash and could be damaged - or so I've been told.

There are vented windshields, one from BRP and an after-market one by F4 that gets good marks. You could also look into the adjustable air vents to put more air onto the middle of your body.

When cruising on the highway, you should be in 6th gear. On the interstate at 75 mph, I'm usually running about 3800 rpm. But I don't have a clue about the vibration you're experiencing. Maybe someone will be able to help.

Tension bar? You may be thinking of the BajaRon anti-sway bar. Many here, including me, think it's a must have, but it's up to you.

Laser show? If you mean the LED lights, those are mostly just farkles, and not essentials. But there are some that help with visibility. A good place to look for them is TricLED, a sponsor on SpyderLovers.

To protect the bottom front of your RT, get the Bump Skid from SpyderPops, another Spyderlovers sponsor. It will help protect the lower front edge of your Spyder when you go over bumps and dips in the pavement.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

The Laser he may be talking about might be the Laser Alignment. ......................... Highly Recommended



Cruzr Joe

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: I agree with Patti; keep the windshield just off the lowest possible positioning. It gives it some room to do it's thing... :thumbup:
If you want more air getting to you; I added BRP's adjustable lower air deflectors to mine. Others like to use the Baker built products... Both do a fine job of moving the air to where you want it.
As to the other farkles... ride the bike for a while, and then see what you want/need to add to it.

 

[ecarrion]

:welcome: and :congrats: on your new Spyder!! You lucked out on the color . . the yellow ones are the fastest!! nojoke

I'd advise not putting the windshield ALL the way down. Run it to the minimum height and then raise it a bit. Having it at the minimum all the time, it will vibrate against the dash and could be damaged - or so I've been told.

There are vented windshields, one from BRP and an after-market one by F4 that gets good marks. You could also look into the adjustable air vents to put more air onto the middle of your body.

When cruising on the highway, you should be in 6th gear. On the interstate at 75 mph, I'm usually running about 3800 rpm. But I don't have a clue about the vibration you're experiencing. Maybe someone will be able to help.

Tension bar? You may be thinking of the BajaRon anti-sway bar. Many here, including me, think it's a must have, but it's up to you.

Laser show? If you mean the LED lights, those are mostly just farkles, and not essentials. But there are some that help with visibility. A good place to look for them is TricLED, a sponsor on SpyderLovers.

To protect the bottom front of your RT, get the Bump Skid from SpyderPops, another Spyderlovers sponsor. It will help protect the lower front edge of your Spyder when you go over bumps and dips in the pavement.

Awesome advice on the windshield height...didnt know that...will make sure I take it off min.

You were right about the anti-sway...(thats what i meant)...is that something they can do when I get my first service done?

Thanks Patti...and I think you are right...the yellow one are the fastest...LOL. Thanks again.

 

[ecarrion]

The Laser he may be talking about might be the Laser Alignment. ......................... Highly Recommended



Cruzr Joe

thats it Cruzr....thanks. Will definitely look into getting that done.

 

[ecarrion]

:welcome: I agree with Patti; keep the windshield just off the lowest possible positioning. It gives it some room to do it's thing... :thumbup:
If you want more air getting to you; I added BRP's adjustable lower air deflectors to mine. Others like to use the Baker built products... Both do a fine job of moving the air to where you want it.
As to the other farkles... ride the bike for a while, and then see what you want/need to add to it.

Hey Bob De Man:yes:...LOL. thanks for answering my private message to help me with my decision on purchasing the 2014 RT S. I did a quick search on the adj deflectors...are these the ones you have/recommend?

http://store.spyder.brp.com/product/631108/219400413/_/Adjustable_Side_Wind_Deflectors

FARKLES?!?!?!?!

 

[ARtraveler]

:congrats: :agree: on your choice of color. :yes::yes:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Welcome, great choice on the 2014 RTS SM6, but yellow is a little too hot for me (inside joke). These are the must dos
1. Laser Alignment,
2. BajaRon Sway Bar
3. Additional brake lights
4. Replace front fender reflectors with lights

 

[Purple Guy]

:congrats: & :welcome:

All good advice above!
You'll have tons of questions in the coming weeks, someone here will have the answers!

Have Fun!

 

[JayBros]

Congrats & Welcome! The OP have given you mighty good recommendations. FWIW, I'm 6'4" and ride with my windshield just up from very bottom for the previously stated reason. I sometimes feel buffeting about my shoulders, like from semis on in stiff crosswinds, but the wind goes over my helmet and the Spyder tracks straight and true thanks to the laser alignment and sway bar. I at this time feel no need for any additional wind deflectors. JMO. Be safe.

 

[StanProff]

Hey Bob De Man:yes:...LOL. thanks for answering my private message to help me with my decision on purchasing the 2014 RT S. I did a quick search on the adj deflectors...are these the ones you have/recommend?

http://store.spyder.brp.com/product/631108/219400413/_/Adjustable_Side_Wind_Deflectors

FARKLES?!?!?!?!

I agree with Bob, the adjustable air deflectors do a good job with air flow.
The lazer alignment is not needed unless your spyder is pulling or drifting from one side to the other. If it is the alignment will fix it.
Enjoy your ride.

 

[blacklightning]

Congrats on the new spyder. I am a little baffled about not riding with the windshield all the way down. When I had my full height 25" shield on, I rode with it down about 95% of the time with no problems. Now I have a cut wind shield that is only 18-19" tall, and I use it at full height except when I am riding around town or at speeds of 35 mph or less. Then I let it all the way down. Will this cause a problem with the support arms?

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Congrats on the new spyder. I am a little baffled about not riding with the windshield all the way down. When I had my full height 25" shield on, I rode with it down about 95% of the time with no problems. Now I have a cut wind shield that is only 18-19" tall, and I use it at full height except when I am riding around town or at speeds of 35 mph or less. Then I let it all the way down. Will this cause a problem with the support arms?

The problem seemed to be with it in the lowest position. That was how I rode with my 2010 RT and my brackets broke. I believe that I had about 30,000 miles on that Spyder when it cracked. Since then I have ridden with mine about 1/2" up from the lowest position.

 

[Chupaca]

Congratulations..!!

even if not your choice..great color..:2thumbs: what you have seen here is a great group of add on's fot you...bumps skid from spyderpops gives you great protection up front and under the front. Laser alignment from Squared away will keep you steady and ready on the road adding the Bajaron sway bar and hiem joints and you have a great handling machines..lights are lights and make you more visable...

 

[ARtraveler]

Congrats on the new spyder. I am a little baffled about not riding with the windshield all the way down. When I had my full height 25" shield on, I rode with it down about 95% of the time with no problems. Now I have a cut wind shield that is only 18-19" tall, and I use it at full height except when I am riding around town or at speeds of 35 mph or less. Then I let it all the way down. Will this cause a problem with the support arms?

There have been problems on some machines with the brackets breaking. Therefore, the recommendation not to be in the lowest (lock) position. I run mine at about 1/4 inch higher than lock. Have not had a broken bracket in over 112,000 assorted Spyder miles.

 

[Professor]

While at Spyderfest, I put an F4 Custom Sport windshield on my RTL. I got it tinted and vented. Now I can get all the air I want when low, but can also get good protection when raised. The vent provides additional options in air flow.:clap: They have a variety of widths and heights.

From what I understand, the laser alignment is likely to extend the life of the front tires. As part of the procedure, they check to see how far off your factory alignment is and if not much, then don't do it. Mine was off enough that it made sense to get it done. When I hit a patch of rough, uneven pavement on my ride home, I could tell the difference in handling. For me, it was worthwhile. :thumbup:

Farkle is a word that motorcycle people use to label the various goodies they add to their bikes. For example, at Spyderfest, I had TricLED install turn signal indicators in my mirrors because the dash indicators are sometimes hard to see. Spyderpops installed an air horn to replace the wimpy stock horn. These are farkles. I think it stands for Foolish Absolutely Ridiculous Kool Little Expensive Stuff (I just made that up). :joke:

Actually, all the farkles I've added so far increase the safety of my ride. at least that's what I tell myself and my wife.

Never hesitate to ask questions. Someone here will have an answer. I've learned so much from people on this forum. :bowdown:

 

[spyderbirds]

Congrats on the new spyder. I am a little baffled about not riding with the windshield all the way down. When I had my full height 25" shield on, I rode with it down about 95% of the time with no problems. Now I have a cut wind shield that is only 18-19" tall, and I use it at full height except when I am riding around town or at speeds of 35 mph or less. Then I let it all the way down. Will this cause a problem with the support arms?

We have 49000 miles most of those with the shield fully down and no issues.

 

[Tango]

:congrats::welcome::b2b: The yellow really stands out in a crowd! :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

 

[dadof4]

Congrats on the new ride. You are going to love it. :welcome::congrats::clap: