Any Modification recommendations from those who tour on their Spyders?

[Mikey]

All of your add-on's that you have listed are great items and the one's you want to get would be definitely on my list if I was you, but I am floored on the service charge for the shocks! I have done that job on a 2012, and about to do it on my 2025 and I don't know it's not that big of a deal in my book, if you have the tools and can do it, it's not that bad!! I've used Elka's stage 2 both ends of the bike, great shocks loved them!! This time I am going to go to BajaRon's for the front, and probably a stage 2 rear! Good luck in the mission and have fun in your travels!!!

 

[Sagebrush]

I checked out the dash bag. Does this interfere with the raising and lowering of the fairing?

It doesn't interfere with anything and takes about 1 minute to install.

 

[Mikey]

It doesn't interfere with anything and takes about 1 minute to install.

Not at all, have one on my 2025, works great!

 

[Lew L]

Thank you. Which brake light did you install? I was looking at this light for the top case from SlingMods

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited & RT Limited Top Case Brake Light Flasher / Modulator

Enhance road safety with the Can-Am Spyder Top Case Brake Light Flasher. Quick installation and improved visibility for F3 and RT Limited models.

www.slingmods.com

Thank you. I have driven in rush hour traffic in a larger city without any issues. Due to the increased visibility I'm actually more comfortable on the Spyder than in my car.


Thank you. I was surprised at the estimated cost for installation of shocks. Which brand did you install?


Good to know. Thanks!

As my Spyder is a 2014 RTS, that brake light (high mount) won't come even close to fitting a new model. But it sure is bright...

 

[Bunson]

Lot's of good ideas. Most I've done. The two things right off the bat are the windshield and convex mirrors. You are going to be behind that screen for a long time. Does it work well for you? I like to look over the screen except maybe rain. The stock shield was right in the middle of my line of sight. I hate that. Went with a F4 Customs short and 2" on both sides. I have better wind/rain protection even through it's shorter. The convex mirrors work great. I was really surprised how much more I can see without any distortion either.

 

[Sagebrush]

Lot's of good ideas. Most I've done. The two things right off the bat are the windshield and convex mirrors. You are going to be behind that screen for a long time. Does it work well for you? I like to look over the screen except maybe rain. The stock shield was right in the middle of my line of sight. I hate that. Went with a F4 Customs short and 2" on both sides. I have better wind/rain protection even through it's shorter. The convex mirrors work great. I was really surprised how much more I can see without any distortion either.

Convex mirrors for blind spot elimination are a good idea but don't spend a lot of money on them or distort your stock mirrors. I used these from Amazon:

Amazon.com

and they work great, are inexpensive, look like they belong on the bike, and if you don't like them, you're not out too much. Oh, and they're quick and easy to install on top of your stock mirror assembly.

 

[Dansy]

I installed the ELKA front and back on both bikes (well, soon for the F3, after the snow finally leaves us alone!)

 

[Jackhartjr]

I am surprised no one has mentioned getting rid of the POS battery that comes stock on the Spyders. You will start experiencing a VSS code at start up, and the bike will be turning over VERY slowly. There were a few times I was wondering if it was even going to start. The factory battery has a rating of 300 CCA and the Spyder wants 350 CCA.

Here is my post on the subject: https://www.spyderlovers.com/thread...sitting-on-tender-replacement-battery.158014/

Also, Shocks are a nice upgrade, but $500 to install them seems a bit steep. They're not that hard to do, at least the front shocks.

I disagree! That OEM battery has worked well for a lot of folks for a lot of years. ESPECIALLY if they are kept on a maintainer when not used a lot.
A lot of folks get up to 7 years out of them.

 

[Jackhartjr]

If it's already been suggested, I apologize in advance.
Make sure to put a star washer on the battery terminals. It assures you that the connection won't get loose from vibration!

 

[Sagebrush]

I disagree! That OEM battery has worked well for a lot of folks for a lot of years. ESPECIALLY if they are kept on a maintainer when not used a lot.
A lot of folks get up to 7 years out of them.

I think you're talking about a different battery, the Chinese junk that comes with the newer bikes, at least from 2024 maybe earlier, is pure trash. Even only a couple of months old and even if on a maintainer it will throw DSS codes because the battery level dips below 10v while starting.

 

[Kromm]

I disagree! That OEM battery has worked well for a lot of folks for a lot of years. ESPECIALLY if they are kept on a maintainer when not used a lot.
A lot of folks get up to 7 years out of them.

The Pre 2020's models had a different battery (I believe that's when they changed to the cheaper battery). Like I mentioned in my post,
the later battery that comes stock has a rating of 300 CCA, but the Spyder wants 350 CCA.

 

[RayBJ]

Extended trips can be a few days or weeks or months.
- Cell coverage can be spotty in many areas of the USA so don't rely on internet mapping. Either download maps to your phone or get a dedicated GPS that uses satellites.
- Don't over-pack! Do laundry as often as needed to re-use your street clothes. Take one set of riding gear (on your body) and only what weather-specific extras you may need.
- Spare shield
- More than one credit/debit card and some folding cash
- Tire repair kit
- 1st Aid kit
- Sat-comm tracker like these: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/outdoor-recreation/satellite-communicators/