OK maybe my previous response was a bit harsh and/or worded poorly.
Can we try again ?
Your use of the phrase "never could understand" leaves me a bit confused.
What exactly do you mean by that ?
What part of the reports made by others don't you not "understand" ??
Is that just another way of saying simply "I've never experienced anything like that." ??
I think it is less an 'Experience' issue, and more a 'Perception' issue. Because obviously, all Spyders of similar model and year are going to handle the same.
Handling has been much improved since the first Spyder models were produced. Yet the Spyder still has a tendency to roll or lean more than it needs to in turns. (More so the RT than the F3, of course).
The more aggressively you ride, the more pronounced this is. If you add braking in the turn, the Spyder will dive more than it should, adding to the overall 'Unstable' feeling.
If the rider pays attention, they will usually find they are having to adjust the steering angle of the handlebars 2 or 3 times through a tighter radius curve. This is due to the over-steer/under-steer created when loading and unloading the front suspension. A few turns is not that big a deal. But when riding through a twisty mountain road, this additional steering input can wear you out.
All of this can give the rider (especially the person at the rear) an uneasy feeling, like they might get tossed. Admittedly, this is much more a feeling than an actual danger. But still, the feeling is real, which is what this thread is all about.
Ideally, you should enter a curve and need no additional steering input unless the radius of the curve or bank angle changes. Not only does this get you through the curve more efficiently/smoothly. It also gives you a much more secure, controlled and planted feeling as well. To accomplish this you have to reduce the lean or roll. Which in turn increases stability.
This same tendency to roll or lean too easily will affect you when passing large trucks at speed or in cross winds. Especially gusty cross winds. Because the excessive lean changes the steering geometry, you not only have to compensate for the cross wind. But the direction change created by the changed steering angle. Which tends to change again as you make adjustments.
All of these negative effects are aggravated when riding 2 up. And the person on the rear feels this much more than the person in the forward position.
Some will say I exaggerate. But I am not saying the Spyder is not stable or safe. All I am saying is that your Spyder can be MORE stable and MORE safe.
Some of the dealerships I work with put my sway bar kit on their demo Spyders. They say they sell more Spyders that way because it improves the very issue that is brought up in this thread.
So, with all of this. Why do some say they think the Spyder handles just fine stock when so many feel it does not? I do not want to speak for them but here is my theory.
First, they simply don't mind the shortcomings of a stock Spyder. And there is nothing wrong with that. Very few vehicles come from the factory fulfilling their complete potential. That is why the aftermarket products exist. To make the Spyder truly 'Perfect' would cost a lot more and obviously, many do not feel the need for these improvements.
Second. I think if every Spyder rider were able to test ride a stock Spyder. And then test ride an enhanced suspension Spyder. Opinions would change without all this back and forth.
Have a great riding season and do it whatever way makes you happy!
hyea:
