Anxiety attack - need advice

[SpyderMark]

I've read a few of your posts about "high speed squirrelly manners" - should I go for it?

I really don't think you'll have too much trouble. Relax your grip and take it easy for the first few miles. Most people over-control because they're holding the grips too tight and every little jostle of your upper body gets transmitted to the steering.

Besides, just because traffic is going 80 doesn't mean you have to. Stay one lane in from the on-ramps and be cool -- it's hard not to on the Spyder!

If you're still concerned, I work here in St Louis and I'll be more than happy to meet you over at the dealership (which one?) and drive your Spyder someplace you're more comfortable for your first true riding experience.

Regards,

Mark

 

[GeminiJane]

If you're still concerned, I work here in St Louis and I'll be more than happy to meet you over at the dealership (which one?) and drive your Spyder someplace you're more comfortable for your first true riding experience.

Thanks, Mark - that's really nice of you! It's coming in to West County Power Sports in Valley Park. I'm sure once I get the call and get there, I'll be so pumped that all my fears will probably disappear. With all the positive feedback I've gotten, I'm feeling okay about it. I've just seen newbs on two wheelers overestimate their abilities and do some pretty foolish things and didn't want to be added to that list (or be the next "oops" on YouTube:joke.

 

[GeminiJane]

..... have the dealer take the front tires to 20psi, and the back to 30psi. When I did this, the difference in the handling really surprised me.

Thanks for the info - but, is it just me, or does anyone else find it ironic that a guy that posts under the name "retread" is giving me advice about tires? Hmm, I'll have to think about that:yikes:.

Maybe I'd do better just asking FRLEO to say an extra prayer for me, just in case - but should also check the astrological charts... not sure if a Leo and a Gemini's planets are in alignment right now, either:thumbup:.

 

[Smylinacha]

I got my license 18 years ago. Road friends bikes on rare occasion; local roads mostly. The Spyder is my first open air ride. It took me a while to get used to the ride (balance, movement from wind, response from my arms, etc.) It's a learned skill and your horrible experience has very little to do with the Spyder, other than it's NOT a 2-wheeler, and more to do with experience on 3-wheels. I'm on the highways all the time now and very comfortable with the personality of the Spyder. I know how much she'll drift due to wind, sway if I hit the 18-wheeler rut in the center lane, or how much input is needed to swerve around a chunk of rubber in the road without lifting a tire. My confidence has greatly increased from experience (2600+ miles) and learning to relax on the ride.

Suggestion - trailer it home. Then build the confidence at your pace. There's no prize for saying you rode it home if you're not comfortable. You'll get very comfortable in a very short period of time with your experience.

Be safe, and enjoy.

My 2 cents.

:agree::agree::agree: