• 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.

**** "DO'S & DO NOTS" for NEW SPYDER OWNERS... ****

Check your battery cables, fuses, and such often. Anytime these get loose from vibration... the Spyder acts badly.

I have heard much said about loose battery cables and fuses creating problems. Couldn't the battery cables have some kind of connector that assures they are always tight but at the same time removable? Couldn't fuses be replaced with breakers? Am I missing something? It seems from my reading this has always been a setup issue with less than scrupulous dealers.
 
OldDog said:
Check your battery cables, fuses, and such often. Anytime these get loose from vibration... the Spyder acts badly.

I have heard much said about loose battery cables and fuses creating problems. Couldn't the battery cables have some kind of connector that assures they are always tight but at the same time removable? Couldn't fuses be replaced with breakers? Am I missing something? It seems from my reading this has always been a setup issue with less than scrupulous dealers.
Click to expand...

Or, they could be set so they have better vibration dampening.
 
I had an experienced biker tell me recently: " the perfect curve or turn is the one where you adjust your throttle and gear choice to the right speed going into the turn to not even need the brakes. Just a gentle float around the bend is what you are after." this has turned out to be good advice. I spend much less time on the brake and much less time have to " manage" the bike in a turn. Makes riding more enjoyable.
 
brakes ?????? not unless absolutely required, back off the throttle before the turn and accelerate out of it, man just did a 5400 km trip through the mountains, and it was awesome, even in the rain.
 
Extremely good points. In addition to reading and rereading your manual, you may want to watch the DVD that was included with the purchase of the spyder. Yes, it may be review for most of us, but for some one new to the spyder or motorcycling, it does contain valuable info. Dale
 
This forum is absolutely great. What a wealth of information and experience and nice, friendly people to discuss issues with. I was a victim of violating #14 as I used to ride big heavy 2-wheelers and I gripped hard and handled hard. A guy with a lot of Spyder experience finally told me to relax and treat the hand grips and steering "smooth and easy". When I tried that and got used to it the Spyder just relaxed along with me and has been a joy to experience ever since. It is amazing how little effort it takes to enjoy this fine machine. I was also advised to keep the RPMs high (5,000) and I tried that and found the bike was much happier. The Battery Tender point is a good one too. They have a harness you can hook to your battery with a plug that is easily concealed that makes it very simple to hook to your Tender. Your battery will last much longer with that. Keeping it at a healthy level means a lot. Keep sharing great advice for us newbies everybody. We appreciate it.
 
angel said:
#2 just an FYI Setup is NOT done by the wrench. It is done by the assembly guys. These are the lowest paid workers in the shop. They simply go by a sheet of the steps needed to uncrate the bike and set it up.
The man with the wench may make sure all the updates are done and just check it out right before delivery but that's it. The shop will not pay the lead guy to set up the unit it would be foolish and if so none of us would get our bikes fixed when they mess up. Whyis this because the shop needs to make the sale and get the unit to you, and we all want our oil change done yesterday .

It is the same with cars a get ready person will set the car up and get it out to the buyer not the mechanic

I had a bike delivered with the front wheel on backwards before

I do agree you need to pick a shop that has a good rep for repairs made Sometimes that means you buy from one dealer for the sales amount and use another for the repair

but your info is great otherwise
Click to expand...

I guess in Texas they do things way different, here in Canada where I live all vehicles must have a PDI Pre Delivery Inspection or your (get ready person). These inspections are mandated to be done by a full papered Journeyman-woman no exceptions. I know the can am dealer here all the Spyders are set up by the Journeyman as well. Think about the liabillity a shop would have if the oil change person set up a bike and it was sold and some thing went wrong, no way would a self respecting shop allow this.
 
Great post a nd a goodd reminder to all. I have always promoted the higher rpm shift and cruise. No problems through my first RS and now on the RT-S.
I didn't know about the brake fluid, so thanks for that. also, I never had to worry about the battery tender, but I don't think using one would hurt anything. (has anyone tried one of the solar chargers?)
 
Great thread... What about inspection? Does anyone know about wah it costs and is it covered under any of the warranties?
 
Ron2andia said:
Great thread... What about inspection? Does anyone know about wah it costs and is it covered under any of the warranties?
Click to expand...

I am not sure what an "inspection" would cost; but am most assured it does cost something. It would take time to do a good inspection... and "time is money".

My dealer goes through a list they use whenever I take it in. Also there is a list of scheduled items to inspect in your manual (which has recently been upgraded for those with older manuals prior to July '12).

I look through the manual's recommended list and copy it. I take it to the dealer with me when they work on it. I tell them to verify they have gone through the items; plus whatever else I ask them to look at. So far they seem to be doing all right by me. But I still watch closely, because inspections can be "fudged" easily by dealers.
 
Sticky ????

Is there a way that this can be made sticky? I have been looking for this thread and just finally found it. Lots of good info here.
 
Copy and paste it to a word doc or notes(iPad users). That way you can have it on hand or print it. That is what I did as it is valuable info!
 
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