Ease my fears

[flaggerphil]

Too old? I'm 61 and got a Spyder because my legs were giving me problems on my two wheeler.

I don't think you're too old...

 

[MikeinGA]

I am fairly new at this have only had my spyder for a couple weeks. I have rode motorcycles and four wheelers all my life. I am still having problems trusting the spyder at interstate speeds. I am 59 years old am I to old for this? Do I need more riding experiance? Help me ease my fears.

I have a 2011 Spyder RS-S SE5 and it handels great at Interstate speeds even in the wind. My wife and I rode from NE Georgia to Key West, Fl. and back, a 2100 mile trip mostly on I95. It (the Spyder) liked to run 65 to 70 mph.

Mike

 

[Tazzel]

Elka Shocks might help

I would adjust your front shocks setting to 5 and tire pressure to 18psi. if you still feel to much rocking then spring for some upgraded Elka shocks. I have mine on order and I am told they really smooth out the spyder at high speeds and corners.

 

[dick574]

I never rode a bike in my life & last year i got a 2011 RT A/C, About 9000 miles to date. Oh yeah, I'm 76.

 

[Daisyjoe]

It will get easier. I had never rode a motorcycle. The first few times on my Spyder, I would hold my breath and my body would get stiff every time a large truck passed by. Now I am stress free and happyhyea: every time I ride. GIVE IT TIME:clap:

 

[Bob Denman]

All here have given great advice... It does just take some time getting used to how your inputs affect the the bike. Take it slow and easy; you'll get there! :thumbup:

 

[Jimmy Neutron]

I get more use to it everday.. the only thing I havent figured out on highways is the wind on my head.. I put the touring windsheild on but I feel like a Dick Vitale bobble head doll,.. But other then that the more I ride it the more I feel at ease

 

[Bob Denman]

I found that if I lock my knees in against the "tank", it helps me brace against crosswinds and gusts without adding unwanted input to the bars. :thumbup:

 

[Recluze]

114 mph....? i didn't know California had such high speed limits.... :yikes:

It was in Death Valley, going uphill, fully loaded with the parking brake partially on. We do have speed limits in California but nobody pays any attention.

 

[harrypottar]

just take your time, there's no rush, ease into it.

Go out on a Sunday early in the morning when the interstates are normally empty. Relax your grip and build up your confidence.

harry

 

[bud2061]

AGE

age is just a number.............. just completed a round trip of 5000 miles to Durango, age 80,
ready to go again.

keep reading this forum, ht advice is excellent.

 

[Kratos]

Definitely not too old. The Spyder was built for smooth and safe riding. Once you get the hang of it, you'll want to get on her everyday. :yes:

 

[Huntindawg1962]

Make sure your front tires have 18-20 psi, put front shocks at highest level, and concentrate on not over working the handlebars. Then find some 55 mph 2 lane highways (with gentle curves) to practice on, until you feel ready for the interstate. It will come in no time (it's been noted before on this site that if you mention the bike you're riding, model and year, it makes it easier for people to help).

.

This

and if you have a manual adjust for the air in the rear suspension - make sure it is set right. I had mine at what the dealer set and thought it was good till I put more air in it (60 on an RT) - and the ride improvement was remarkable! May go up another 10 yet to see how that also works this weekend. And it takes some miles to get used to being lighter on the handlebars which will go a long way to comfort at highway speeds.

 

[crossbowme]

Trust It!

I am fairly new at this have only had my spyder for a couple weeks. I have rode motorcycles and four wheelers all my life. I am still having problems trusting the spyder at interstate speeds. I am 59 years old am I to old for this? Do I need more riding experiance? Help me ease my fears.

From what I have seen, you have the perfect background for this machine. IMHO the Spyder handles like a big ATV. Lean in the tight turns like an ATV, use the foot pedal like the Outlander and has the sensitive steering like the Outlander. Just practice driving at 70 MPH on the Interstate. Doesn't take long to get use to it.

 

[sealfloorboards]

On my first freeway ride I felt totally exposed as cars ant semi's flew past. That fear went away quickly as I gained more confidence in my Spyder. I felt more exposed on my recent trip across the Great Salt Flats between SLC and Nevada. Now that's open:yikes:

Ride in comfort,

John
Seal FloorBoards

 

[exwinger]

Riding technique

I'll probably get flamed for this comment but here goes anyhow. Most comments say a light touch is needed ...Very true. I used the same technique ( on spyder ) that was taught to me by the dealer that sold me my GoldWing trike. Use one hand on the bars ...using common sense of course .....it won't take many miles before it all comes together. Two hands make you tend to overcompensate , at least for me. I thought the dealer was crazy but gave it a try after fighting the problem for awhile. That and talking to yourself as you ride ...unless someone else can hear you...Lol try it and see if it works for you , little difficult at first until the fear passes .I can ride interstates all day long one handed with no problem but do watch for semis passing etc.. If you're in heavy traffic keep two hands on the bars but lighten up the grip. You've come to the right forum for advice and you'll get a lot of different opinions , try them and use the one that works for you.

 

[bruisersbaby]

Age is just a mind thing! I'll be 61 in August, never rode any type of motorcycle in my life. Passengered with Bruiser for almost a year until he asked if I wanted to learn how to ride myself. It took me time to get used to it, to build up my confidence, but I'm now a bonified Spyder ryder with an "M" on my license. I, too, am on disability, had a kidney transplant almost five years ago, and am just enjoying life, ryding when I want, and loving it. As has been said on this thread, just take your time, get used to the feel of your Spyder, practice and ride on the back roads first and you'll do great!! hyea:

So many ryders on here were so encouraging and supportive of me, and you will find a lot o that here!!

 

[Bob Denman]

I'll probably get flamed for this comment but here goes anyhow. . Use one hand on the bars ...using common sense of course .....it won't take many miles before it all comes together. Two hands make you tend to overcompensate , at least for me. I thought the dealer was crazy but gave it a try after fighting the problem for awhile. That and talking to yourself as you ride ...unless someone else can hear you...Lol try it and see if it works for you , little difficult at first until the fear passes .I can ride interstates all day long one handed with no problem but do watch for semis passing etc.. If you're in heavy traffic keep two hands on the bars but lighten up the grip. You've come to the right forum for advice and you'll get a lot of different opinions , try them and use the one that works for you.

NO flaming; but still just one little :hun:...
I'd keep both hands on the bars, but try opening up the left hand so that input is minimalized.
I'm not diagreeing; but it's the first that i've heard of this one.
(Sorry!)

 

[chickridin]

No, no, no!! You are never to old!!:lecturef_smilie: I never rode anything before getting my Spyder. (2 wheels didn't work for me) Believe me, if i can do it, so can you! Just give yourself time to get the feel of the bike and you'll soon wonder why you were so worried. I personally like freeway riding (depending on the freeway of course) just because I can get up more speed and ride without stopping so much. :trike: Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[Mr. White]

I did not start riding until my first scooter in 1948. I will be 80 in August. (please send presents...large presents, I have neckties). I live one mile from IH10 and the speed limiti is 75, which is the speed I ride and then it changes to 80 at Kerrville, TX. (The DOT is talking about going to 85) BR1 is steady at these speeds. Read these many posts as there is good info here for new Spyder folks. To me, air pressure and shock settings are important to a good ride. DUH

Too old? ....I ride every Saturday, rain or shine, with the Hill Country Road Riders. We are a loose group of older riders and have a ball getting together each weekend. We put out a monthly ride schedule where we are going, where to meet and time. We usually have 12-18 show up. We ride the speed limit on the roads we are on.

I will ride as long as I can get my leg over the seat on BR1 or my Motor Trike.

Ha ha, I ain't the oldest rider in our group!!

:spyder2: