Thanks to everyone who responded to my safety post. I'm looking into getting a Spyder and want to know much as I can before I buy one because it's a big investment for me. So, what’s the biggest complaint you have about your Spyder?
I haven't had my GS SE5 Spyder very long but the complaints I have start with the seating position of the GS/RS (I know get an RT, well could not afford one and they seem to be having too many bugs). For me leaning forward placed too much strain on my steering so that I did not feel I could fine tune my control over the handlebars. This I fixed with the addition of a set of HeliBars® risers. They allow me to set up straighter and let me control the Spyder with my arms instead of my shoulders giving me much finer control.
Second is the placement of the feet. I feel there is too little control over your bodies lateral movement making me feel like I could be thrown off the Spyder. This I fixed with the addition of Seal Floorboards. they give me something to put my feet on that allow me to feel some control over the lateral forces that you get in a curve on the Spyder.
Third I feel the seat is a little wide. I am not a small person but I do have arthritis in the hips and for longer rides it will probably be a problem. I don't think there is a fix for this other than taking more breaks and that is probably a good thing.
Forth is the gas mileage but the enjoyment of the ride covers that.
I guess the only other complaint is the expense, but that evidently was not a big enough point for me since I found a way to buy one.
Oh! I almost forgot I got spoiled with my Burgman scooter it had three good storage (glove compartments) and a lot of under seat storage while the GS/RS only has the trunk. I intend on fixing this with some homemade custom storage (glove boxes). Just don't have the specs worked out yet.
You didn't ask but when mentioning complaints I feel it is only fair to the Spyder to also mention some of the joys. Riding with the security that 3 wheels offers is a big deal especially when cornering at slow speeds. With the Spyder you really get the feeling that you are controlling your ride and not just following the road which is for me a very good thing. The styling of the Spyder is such that it makes you feel proud to be seen riding one. Since this thread is about complaints I'll stop here just know there are far more joys in owning and riding a Spyder than complaints and the complaints can be fixed.
Hope this helps.
PS The Seal Floorboards have helped with the heat since I don't put my feet/legs as close to the body letting some air around my legs/feet.
