• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Any Modification recommendations from those who tour on their Spyders?

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!!!
 
herring said:
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 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!
Click to expand...

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...
 
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.
 
Bunson said:
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.
Click to expand...
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:


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.
 
I installed the ELKA front and back on both bikes (well, soon for the F3, after the snow finally leaves us alone!)
 
Kromm said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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!
 
Jackhartjr said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
Jackhartjr said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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/
 
Airhawk and Wilda$$ air cushions have been my go-to on all my trips (2 x 6100 mi/13 day trips & countless multi-day, 500+ mi days).
Once adjusted right, you ride on air until you lean into your turn and touch down for seat contact.
 
As a certifiable long distance fanatic, here is my list of mods currently on my 2024 RT Limited...

  • Backrest
  • Aux driving lights (wired to a rocker in the blank switch location on the center panel)
  • BajaRon Ultimate Sway Bar (much better than his regular one)
  • Slingmods GPS mount and power pack (handles cell phone and heated gear)
  • Slingmods TricLED Afterburner tail lights/turn signal
  • Garmin GPS (I still use an old 665 as it supports XM Radio and weather)
  • Rear seat USB
  • Helmet lock extension
  • Side case luggage
  • Handlebar top cuffs (also Slingmods - my SPOT is mounted in one of the locations and my garage door opener on another)
  • S.P.O.T. tracker and Spotwalla subscription
  • SE Performance Seat Support (solves problem of weak seat strut)
  • Highway pegs
In addition, I added the Doormate Garage Door opener for convenience. I always travel with a Personal Emergency Locator Beacon (ACR ResQLink 400) in addition to the SPOT. My cell phone is on the Verizon network. Yes, it's more expensive, but I get reception where other folks do not. I can't count the number of times I've let people use my phone to contact friends when theirs had no usable signal.

I have an older, all solid state laptop that is dedicated to the motorcycle. I can do route planning at night in the motel room on a larger screen than trying to use the laptop. The laptop has both Garmin Bootcamp and Microsoft MapPoint for routing.

I also carry a truckers atlas and Butler Maps for the areas I'm going to be exploring (and probably some AAA maps and Tour Books as well). AAA w/motorcycle coverage, AMA towing, Progressive Insurance towing, and probably some other something or other that has towing. I can almost get towed across the USA with the various options I have. Oh, and medical evacuation insurance.

Two toll tags - UniPass (covers 19 States including all EZ-Pass locations - no monthly charge), and FasTrack from the Toll Roads for all California toll roads (again, no monthly charge for motorcycles). Texas Tag will cover Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado, but has a monthly maintenance fee in addition to the activation fee. I just pay the tolls in those States.

LDComfort base layer. Good stuff.

HTH

jdg
 
Although my Spyder is an antique, I do still tour on it. When I bought it in 2015 I immediately took off with some friends for Sturgis 75th Anniversary. By the end of that ride, I knew I had to do something about the seat. I couldn't swing the price of a custom seat, but I did talk to Dave at motorcycledave.com and got one of his gel pads. He also guided me through installing it, so that when done, you could not tell it was there. What a change. It turned a one hour seat into an all day seat. So my suggestion is yhat if you aren't comfortable, you can't concentrate on the ride and you are dangerous. If uncomfortable, fix your seat!
 
herring said:
I agree. My wife and I were discussing passenger seat just this morning. Do you have nay suggestions to improve the comfort? Looking at 400+ miles/day

Thanks
Click to expand...

Motorcycle Dave is a good starting point. He is based in California. As someone else has posted #37.
He is a Spyder Forum Member.

Anyone else who needs help with your Spyder Seat?. DM @Motorcycledave on this Forum. Hopefully this will help you with on your Seat. (y)
 
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