Considering buying a 2009 GS 55 R but it's 400 miles away!

[SPYDERGUY1]

08 gs, 1 inch block riser, highway pegs, both a cruiser and a crotch rocket, still gotta stop for fuel about every 4 hours, so can have a rest/stretch whatever or even stop sooner if you want, am almost 6 foot and have done some fairly long rides. just my opinion. Still loving it.

 

[Motorcycledave]

If you modify the GS or RS.......

As you can see mine has all the comforts of home 5.5 inch Heli Bar risers,
Rivco floor boards front and rear, road pegs. an up right seating position
and you can stretch out on it and ride... I even have arm rests for the passenger
the GS automatic has been good to me
Dave

I've found a 2009 GS 55 R but it's 450 miles away so I have a couple of questions that perhaps you can answer before I fly up there to drool on it in person (!) If it's a go, then I get to ride it home!

What is the seating position? I am more of a touring/cruising rider than a "sport" rider but I can't seem to find a touring model that I can afford. My back isn't in the greatest shape so I can't be leaning forward. I'm not a big guy, 5' 6" so what do you think I can expect?

I found a 2008 Spyder GS SM5 that's not too far from me - how close would that seating position be to the 2009 GS 55 R? I don't know the models for those years so I don't know how similar they are.

Is the seating position adjustable in any way on the 2008 and/or 2009?

Also...

My left toe has problems from shifting a 2-wheeler for 50 years, so is there a heel-toe shifter available, or at least room to rig one up? (The bike I'm looking at is manual shift)

Anything else I should know or look for? The bike has only 2500 miles and has been kept garaged..

Thanks everyone!

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

If it is a good deal and the bike is right . BUY IT. You can alway's farkle it out later.... Just like most of us have alraedy done, or moved on too a different ride. But It still say's SPYDER. Good luck. Me personally, my 08 gs, done what I need to do, lighting, stereo, highway pegs, and other small thing's. STILL LOVING THE RIDE.

 

[asp125]

Ours is an 08 GS/RS, helibar riser kit and the BRP comfort seat made the riding position less sporty and more like the ST. Best thing about the helibar kit is NO CUTTING of the stock handlebar so it can be refitted as stock if/when you want or when selling to a buyer who might not like the upright position.

If the price is right and it's in good condition, the money you save over a newer ST or F3 etc, you can use for accessories and get it set up the way you want.

 

[ironmk]

[/URL][/IMG]I have a 2009 GS and put the Kewlmetal adjustable risers on it, they are great risers but a really bad company to deal with (shame they have such great stuff!). Looking at the Web Boards or Seal Boards now for even better riding position and comfort for my wife and possibly highway pegs. Every upgrade makes it a better ride for her, the risers took away the shoulder pain and I think the boards will make the longer rides more enjoyable too!