Before I leave the dealership

[MurrayBrown]

New Spyder

So.... Tuesday I pick up my 2017 RT S and I am planning on driving it home (1.5 hours). This is my first three-wheeled bike. I have only ridden on two. I'm looking for any advice that will make my ride home as comfortable and fun as possible. I have been reading up as much as I can on do's and don't's. I read the operator's manual yesterday while I was at work. But I am a hands on learner so I will be reviewing as I touch the Spyder next week. What is killing me is the wait. I want it to be Tuesday already!!!! Wish me luck and I can't wait to ride!!!!!

If you have come from a motorcycle, REMEMBER ... there is NO HAND BRAKE. Don't get yourself into a "situation" where you would normally grab the hand brake. THERE IS NO HAND BRAKE. That was the hardest thing for me to learn ... almost the hard way at a railroad crossing .....

 

[nealperkins]

Either you or your dealer run the unit up to 75 mph and certify you got round wheels. My first 4 front wheels were not.

 

[canamjhb]

I rode a friends Spyder for 5 minutes before I purchase mine. Rode the new (to me) bike home 1,500 miles with tornadoes in the area (Oklahoma) and 50 MPH+ side winds a good part of the way. Also towing my new RT622 trailer for the first time. Turns out I blew the seals in both front shocks early in the trip. (BTW, NO Can Am dealers stock shocks anywhere between Tulsa, OK and Mesa, AZ). I white knuckled it home with both front tires bouncing like beach balls at every bump. The selling dealer did take care of me with shocks but now I am finding that trip home was not representative of how the Spyder handles. (Thank God) I am now learning white knuckling is not a good thing. Having good shock absorbers is a good thing. Have Patience and ride easy within your ability and it will become easier. I come from riding a Goldwing for over 25 years and have owned a Can Am Commander 4WD. I think the 4WD experience better prepared me for the Spyder riding. More similar than 2 wheels.


Good Luck and go slow

 

[RTman10]

4 weeks ago I did what you are about to do. I had a 50 mile ride home with 10 minutes previous experience. Everything that's been said is spot on. Now with 900 miles on the clock it's getting much easier but steering still takes a lot more cinsentration than two wheels. I like the auto shift down so much I hardly ever bother to override it except for a quick overtake . In my first 2 minutes of riding sat at a level crossing in view of the dealership I switched off to wait fir the train and then couldn't start again. That kill switch is easily tripped. Good luck.

 

[nealperkins]

Bottom line, I did the same thing you're doing and no problem...at all...EASY TRIP. Not that all these suggestions may be good. You can be very confident!

 

[Buckeye Bleau]

You stated that you read the do's and don't page but I want to elaborate on part of it, especially if you take the good advice to stay on two lane roads.

There are ruts in most all roads caused by multiple vehicles tracking the same path, you cannot see them but they are there. Also the roads are crowned and tilted.

When you first Ryde the Spyder those two things will tug on the Byke and cause slight direction changes that you are not expecting. You have three tracks not two, not four and they are not the same width as the other vehicles.

IF you fight these slight changes you will tire, you will feel as though the Spyder is not right for you. RELAX enjoy the Ryde keep your grip light.

This is what they are talking about with the light grip, I did not get it for many miles, just RELAX.

Joe

 

[drhunt204]

I remember buying my Spyder and instead of driving it home I rode it all day on a trip with friends who were on their two wheel bikes. I had never rode a Spyder before but I went to the dealership ready to deal on a used one. They were wanting to sale it so after a short information session I rode all day. What everyone says about trying to relax your grip is true. The first 30 miles I felt like the front was very very twitchy (which caused me to tighten my grip and over steer more). I remembered the do and don't suggestions on this forum and found a more relaxed grip didn't cause near as much twitchy movement to the front end. It also helped that I had an atv for years so I was able to transition from two wheels to three faster. Looking back I probably should not have planned an all day ride on my first day but it all worked out OK and I had a blast!

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Everyone's got you covered with advice, so I'll just say :welcome: and :nopic: