CONSIDERING NEW SPYDER

[1800 vdrider]

Hi everyone been down to the local dealer several times looking at a new spyder. Last fall had a chance to test drive one and really liked it but never got out on the highway. Have read some people dislike the steering? Have there been many problems or maintenence issues with them? Anything i should know before taking the plunge? Any feedback would be appreciated.:thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

Hi everyone been down to the local dealer several times looking at a new spyder. Last fall had a chance to test drive one and really liked it but never got out on the highway. Have read some people dislike the steering? Have there been many problems or maintenence issues with them? Anything i should know before taking the plunge? Any feedback would be appreciated.:thumbup:

There have been a few, isolated issues with steering. For most of these there was just no power steering, but a few were erratic. Affects only a very small number of machines, IMO. Most have seen no problems at all. One of the first things new riders seem to notice is skitterish handling on the highway. This is generally due to holding on too tightly, and overcontrolling. If you relax a bit, you get used to the handling in no time, and the Spyder goes straight down the road. Take another test ride if you can get to a dealer, and ask to take it on the highway if you are properly licensed. Some riders needed several demo rides before they were comfortable...or so they say. LOL
-Scotty

 

[GA-SPYDER]

welcome
I agree with Scotty. But, I will say that I am glad that I bought an SM5.
Couple of reasons.
1. Never have owned anything on two wheels that didn't shift manually. I think that I would miss the clutch/shifter.
2. It appears that there are a few SE5's that have had shifting problems and related other automatic issues. This being a new idea, it will take some time for all of the hidden bugs to be worked out.
Would I buy another one? Absolutely.:thumbup:

 

[Don in E Texas]

I pick up our Spyder this morning! Got the auto model as the wife was unable to handle the manual shift lever - small hands (she has owned a couple of motorcycles in the past, and that was never an issue).

I'd suggest (if you have not done so already) checking this forum using the "search" function and check out various aspects of a Spyder.. Might help you in your hunt.

welcome

don

 

[Greg H.]

First off......welcome

My SM5 will be 5 months old tomorrow. And, I have about 7,100 miles logged. It is FANTASTIC! Nothing like it! :thumbup:

I have had no real issues. I'll be taking it in for the 6,000 mile service this weekend. My power assisted steering has worked fine from day 1, too.

 

[BRPjunkie]

Remember that once you found this site, you have the "Bible" of Spyderology at your fingertips. Rather than ask what the bible says, read all you can. You will find there are zealots here and a few non-believers, but for the most part, we worship our Spyders. Please don't attack me for this tongue in cheek comparison to legitimate religions, but we are a group of fanatics.

 

[Greg H.]

Remember that once you found this site, you have the "Bible" of Spyderology at your fingertips. Rather than ask what the bible says, read all you can. You will find there are zealots here and a few non-believers, but for the most part, we worship our Spyders. Please don't attack me for this tongue in cheek comparison to legitimate religions, but we are a group of fanatics.

Amen Brutha! :bowdown:

 

[sleepman]

To echo the sentiments of others, once you get some time on the Spyder the steering becomes very natural and the funny feeling goes away. I demoed one at bikeweek last year and decided it was a must have. Test rode one a second time at a dealer and it was a done deal.

welcome

 

[babyanlee]

Love my :spyder:and so far it has been trouble free.

 

[tatt2r]

DO IT !!!!!!

 

[crazycanuck]

DO IT !!!!!!

peer pressure:2thumbs:

 

[pitmon]

:spyder2: I have had my spyder for a whole year now and it has been completely trouble free for me. This is the one toy that I have totally been able to just go out and enjoy. Some unfortunately have not had this experience. I was concerned at first because the spyder was "new" and unproven. However, I started reading threads here at this site and the more I read the more I just had to have one. This web site holds a wealth of information and as always it's good to do your homework before making a choice. There are a lot of wonderful people here on this site and Lamonster has done a wonderful job of bringing this site to all of us.

 

[Greg H.]

peer pressure:2thumbs:

+2 :clap::chat:

 

[Bersquack]

+2 :clap::chat:

I prefer Beer pressure!!! :2thumbs:

But yeah, I say do it!

 

[BajaRon]

All great info (as usual).

Problems with the Spyder have been minimal, especially for a new product. I had no power steering but even this was not a real big deal.

I wouldn't let the shifting issues with the SE5 bother me. Decide which you like better, manual or automatic and get that one. If you don't you'll always wonder...

Steering is something that some have trouble getting used to. I had a real problem with it. My 1st ride was with Lamont. He'd had his Spyder for over a month and a few thousand miles.

He said he was taking it easy on me but at about 40mph on our narrow, windy roads I felt like I was doing 80mph and didn't feel comfortable at all.

I actually let him ride away because I didn't feel good about going any faster. Oh, the shame of it all!

The problem was me and not the Spyder. I was trying too hard and holding on too tight. Once I got a little more comfortable and relaxed it was NO PROBLEM!

I go as fast as I want now with no worries. Or at least as fast as the Nanny will allow me. It's a learning curve. A little time and some relaxation and you'll love it for sure!

 

[SpyderByter]

What Don mentioned about the cluth lever on the manuals: I found the clutch a bit cumbersome at first. but i resolved that, there is a knurled spinning disk that will adjust the travel. But what i found most helpful was to loosen the 2 torx screws and rotate it up a bit so your wrist is not so curled down trying to grip it.

Good luck. I recommend the SM5. Less cost, less potential problems and more control.