First "big" ride!

[bluesfanatic]

Went on my first "big" ride yesterday! (160 miles)
Rode two up with my wife and had a blast. Our friends had a Gold Wing and a Vrod, pretty eclectic group. Most of it was state highways at about 60 mph and my F3 Ltd just purrs at that speed. However, we took the interstate back and that seemed a bit much for both of us. I'm hoping to upgrade to the 3 piece Baja Ron sway bar when they become available to see if that helps, as well as a bigger wind shield. The wind at 75 mph is vastly different than at 60 mph.

I'm not sure if it's just the fact that I'm not used to riding that long, but my butt hurt after about an hour. It might be some time before I can invest in something like the Ultimate Seat. Does anyone have any suggestions for something more short term, like a seat pad?

We have never really been interested in getting a motorcycle, but chose the Spyder route due to multiple friends having bikes and going on rides. I'm so glad we did!

 

[GeorgeXP700]

Cool. My first big ride was when I bought my RTL from a dealer in the next state. 290 miles. I got about 160 miles into it until my butt went numb so I stopped and topped off the tank. After that I would stand up while riding, at about every 50 miles for about 15-30 seconds...

 

[dpetrick]

Congrats on the Spyder! For the seat you could try the Airhawk. I use one and am happy with it, others have not like it. But there are other brands out there and they are around $100. I rode 300 + miles on Thursday and was comfy the entire way. I have a F3L with the Tallboy windscreen. I usually avoid interstate highways and take state and county highways. They run 55-65 mph for speed limits and I get to see great scenery.

 

[bluesfanatic]

Congrats on the Spyder! For the seat you could try the Airhawk. I use one and am happy with it, others have not like it. But there are other brands out there and they are around $100. I rode 300 + miles on Thursday and was comfy the entire way. I have a F3L with the Tallboy windscreen. I usually avoid interstate highways and take state and county highways. They run 55-65 mph for speed limits and I get to see great scenery.

We were kind of worried about running into rain is the reason for the interstate.. but I'd rather be riding in rain at 55mp than 70mph.

 

[dpetrick]

Understand about the trying to beat the rain. Have done that too. Mine sings a very sweet song at 3000 rpm.

 

[Lew L]

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+1 on the Airhawk. Both my wife and I use one, I'll move it to the Corbin on my Poor, old, slow V-Max. You sit in an Airhawk, not on one.

Lew L

 

[bluesfanatic]

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+1 on the Airhawk. Both my wife and I use one, I'll move it to the Corbin on my Poor, old, slow V-Max. You sit in an Airhawk, not on one.

Lew L

Sounds like the perfect option instead of a $750 seat upgrade.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

[RayBJ]

++1 on the Airhawk or WildAss air cushion! I've been using them for many years and never get Swamp-A$$ or sore back. I'm 75 and had back surgery in 1990 and my typical day of riding is 6-8 hours in the saddle. The cushions are $100-150. Compare that with a hit-or-miss replacement seat at $800+.

 

[gkamer]

We were kind of worried about running into rain is the reason for the interstate.. but I'd rather be riding in rain at 55mp than 70mph.

Believe me when I say there is no such thing as a gentle rain at 75mph....

 

[ARtraveler]

Another vote for an Airhawk. A secret...ride "in" it and not "on" it. Do not over inflate. It may take a couple tries...but the lower air pressures are kinder to you rear. :yes:

 

[FrogmanDave]

Believe me when I say there is no such thing as a gentle rain at 75mph....

Absolutely agree!

 

[Isopedella]

I fitted a F4 screen and hand wings on my F 3. It works for me a 6'2". Similar to my Wing re the wind. Almost nil. Rode 90 minutes to an appointment in 2*C the other day.
Comfy as.

 

[CopperSpyder]

+5 for the air hawk, I have the Airhawk - R-REVB Cruiser R Large.

 

[tntnj]

Get an F4 windshield with the Vent and a Gel pad for your seat from Motorcycle Dave. The F3 seat is not as comfortable as the RT seats.