Any advice to someone in the market for a spyder (new owner)

[suem]

I've had my RT one week and have 500 miles on it.

Some observations from an out-of-shape old-phart.

I have a Goldwing gl1800 that I've ridden for 8 years.

Wind bounces me all over the place on the RT much more so that on the GW. On a crowned road on the GW I'm upright and on the RT I'm on an angle which makes it harder for me to steer. On a 90 degree right turn it is hard for me to reach the clutch lever so I better be in the correct gear before I begin the turn. Bumps are harsher on the RT than on the GW.

Use different muscles on the RT than on the GW. Therefore different aches and pains but they're going away.

Nevertheless, I love the RT. :spyder2:

sounds like you need that aftermarket handle bar extension I've read about. I agree on the different muscles comment. Just the hour I tried it out I was really whooped afterwards but that had a lot to do with paying so much attention to everything out of fear I'd run into something or hurt it :roflblack:The dealership makes you sign a "you break it you bought it" release before you can test drive it.

I thought I'd be sitting more forward like on a rice burner but it really didn't feel that way to me, not as upright as the sporty but definetly not crouched forward like on a kawi ninja or something similar. (The salesman told me a story about a customer that got on a spyder demo and promptly ran into a telephone pole because he couldn't make it turn, or had paniced and couldn't turn it:dontknow.

The handle bars didn't really "seem" to keep my left hand off the clutch, have to pay more attention to that next time. From the two wheeler, I tend to step down before turns anyway out of habit.

 

[bone crusher]

Cost aint everything, pick a good dealer, one thats been around awhile, with a reputation of good service.

:agree: Cost is nothing compared to how you'll be treated after the sale...

 

[2manycars]

Neck and back pain

I am going for physical therapy, and I am convinced the RT contributed to the problems. It is not difficult to steer the RT however the twisting motion is different, and at least in my case, put some undue stress on the back and neck muscles.

On the other hand I have discovered by not leaning (much) into the turns, adding a backrest, and focusing on sitting upright rather than leaning that the RT does work.

I realize some wil say if you are having so many issues why do you keep it. The answer is I love the machine. I like the storage, the gadgets, the stability, and so forth.

Prior to this I rode a Honda Silverwing (600 CC) scooter. I liked it but with winter on the way I feel a bit safer with the added wheels and safety items (no I do not plan to ride in snow, ice etc) but you never know where some you might encounter some unforeseen slippery conditions.

 

[Wheeler~]

All great info!!!! Thanks. Yes, harley uses foremost too for their bike insurance, Geico was insane even though I already have my truck through them...was going to be 400 a year when foremost came in under 200..don't know how Geico sells bike insurance at that rate.

After careful examination of the finance system probably going to be a year before this is really practical (at least that's true if I don't want to be eating peanut butter every meal), by then the 2012 will be out so that 2009 should be downright reasonable by then or even a 2010. That could change if the State of Florida ever gets around to giving the employees raises when we haven't had one in five years.

Yes, I'd heard that Texas often has some much more attractive deals than you can get in Florida, if I bought there I'd either need to be confident enough to drive it back myself or get someone to drive it back or have it transported, Texas is under two days assuming you stop for sleep, sss, gas etc.

I actually purchased my RTS premier editin Dec 2009 from Big #1 Powersports in Birmingham, AL for $23,340 and that included $400 for 4 after market suitcases for the RT. I would imagine if they still had any, given the price I paid in Dec. when the demand was huge, you could maybe pick one up there now for a real steal.

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

new owner

If you decide to take the bite, love it enjoy it and ride it, everything has it's ups and downs, but from my perspective, even with some of the issues,( all fixed ) wished I lived somewhere that I could ride all year long and enjoy. Oh well, the time I do get to ride is awesome. Good luck. 2008 SM5 Yellow, by far the fastest. :2thumbs:

 

[Khaki]

Spyder shopper in Arizona

Hi, all. My brother's been riding a Spyder in Illinois and has gotten me thinking of buying one in the Phoenix, AZ area. I'm a "mature" woman. Any dealer/riding experiences there?

 

[ronv]

Desert Dog, Shea Blvd. Fountain Hills.

I think they are one of the best. It's about a 400 mi round trip for me.

Give them a look, you won't be disappointed.

Ron

 

[fastfraser]

Hi, all. My brother's been riding a Spyder in Illinois and has gotten me thinking of buying one in the Phoenix, AZ area. I'm a "mature" woman. Any dealer/riding experiences there?

:welcome: Hope you get a :spyder2: