Slagiatt
Member
Nice day...got the Spyder out for its first ride (started with .9 miles on the Spyder).
1. Blue Ridge Windshield: Does a great job of preventing the wind from knocking you around, but doesn't keep wind from your face (I'm 5'10"). I rode the first few miles with my flip-down, snap-on face shield (I have a half-helmet) and didn't notice the wind at all--really. Took it off for the 2nd half of the ride and the wind exactly hit me in the face...which is not a bad thing for later on in the summer. So, I believe I'll be fine with the Blue Ridge with the compromise of snapping on the face shield when it is too cool and/or raining. (Full Disclosure: I had initially ordered the discontinued Route 66 windshield and, given the option, would probably still like to have that...but I'm really not in the market for an after-market replacement, unless something really spectacular comes along.)
2. Driver Foot pegs: Mine are in the #5 position...perfect! As I drove, I realized that I didn't need or in fact want the driver floorboards I have on order (backorder, that is.) With the pegs, you can move your ankle forward and backward easily which will be important on a long ride. That wouldn't be as easy with the limitations of the flat floorboard (IMO). Really, with the pegs being as big and rubber-padded as they are, I can't imagine being more comfortable. It's like riding a recliner. So, I'll be riding again tomorrow, and if I still feel the same way, I'll be calling the dealer to cancel the floorboard order, which is a $449.99 retail item.
3. Seat: By far and without a doubt the most comfortable seat I've ever been on (over 50 years of riding all sorts of bikes). However, I will not be canceling the driver's backrest that I have on order. That will complete the comfort factor and also stop me from having to hold on so tightly when accelerating...yes, it is that quick!
4. Performance: Yes, it is that quick.
5. Bad news good news: Of course, the first thing I did was hit the pothole from hell. Didn't faze the Spyder.
6. Heated Grips: Very nice. Only one setting but they seem to have chosen the right one. My GS had after-market grips with settings from 0 to 10...I'd say the F3 grips are at about a 7 or 8 on that scale. Glad I bought them.
7. Freeway Driving: Just did a 3 mile (one exit) quick jump onto the freeway and, as reported in so many posts over the past several months, this thing is a rocket and holds a line solidly.
8. Track: It's hard to tell on such a short ride, but I thought at one point that it was ever-so-slightly pulling a bit to the right. Could have been my imagination. However, when I go back to the dealer later this month to have the rest of the backordered accessories put on, I'm going to have them do a laser alignment. Can't hurt.
9. Gas Tank: Love not having to lift the seat. I was especially cautious (and I really recommend this) when putting the gas nozzle into and removing it from the Spyder...drip-drip-drip...you get the picture. Just be patient with it.
10. Getting on and off of the Spyder: There's been some discussion in other threads about this. First, I tried what someone recommended--using the passenger pegs to stand up and then swing my leg over. That was easy and effective, but probably won't work when my driver's backrest arrives. Have to wait and see. When getting off I simply put my left foot down, turned toward the bike and slid my leg over the seat, being careful not to drag my boots over the seat or the paint. Seems to work well.
SUMMARY: I thought of all sorts of cute, effusive, over-the-top references to put here, but really, my best summary is that it was so worth the wait and such a joy to ride that any words I could come up with would be lame in comparison to the experience. Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time.....and it was!
1. Blue Ridge Windshield: Does a great job of preventing the wind from knocking you around, but doesn't keep wind from your face (I'm 5'10"). I rode the first few miles with my flip-down, snap-on face shield (I have a half-helmet) and didn't notice the wind at all--really. Took it off for the 2nd half of the ride and the wind exactly hit me in the face...which is not a bad thing for later on in the summer. So, I believe I'll be fine with the Blue Ridge with the compromise of snapping on the face shield when it is too cool and/or raining. (Full Disclosure: I had initially ordered the discontinued Route 66 windshield and, given the option, would probably still like to have that...but I'm really not in the market for an after-market replacement, unless something really spectacular comes along.)
2. Driver Foot pegs: Mine are in the #5 position...perfect! As I drove, I realized that I didn't need or in fact want the driver floorboards I have on order (backorder, that is.) With the pegs, you can move your ankle forward and backward easily which will be important on a long ride. That wouldn't be as easy with the limitations of the flat floorboard (IMO). Really, with the pegs being as big and rubber-padded as they are, I can't imagine being more comfortable. It's like riding a recliner. So, I'll be riding again tomorrow, and if I still feel the same way, I'll be calling the dealer to cancel the floorboard order, which is a $449.99 retail item.
3. Seat: By far and without a doubt the most comfortable seat I've ever been on (over 50 years of riding all sorts of bikes). However, I will not be canceling the driver's backrest that I have on order. That will complete the comfort factor and also stop me from having to hold on so tightly when accelerating...yes, it is that quick!
4. Performance: Yes, it is that quick.
5. Bad news good news: Of course, the first thing I did was hit the pothole from hell. Didn't faze the Spyder.
6. Heated Grips: Very nice. Only one setting but they seem to have chosen the right one. My GS had after-market grips with settings from 0 to 10...I'd say the F3 grips are at about a 7 or 8 on that scale. Glad I bought them.
7. Freeway Driving: Just did a 3 mile (one exit) quick jump onto the freeway and, as reported in so many posts over the past several months, this thing is a rocket and holds a line solidly.
8. Track: It's hard to tell on such a short ride, but I thought at one point that it was ever-so-slightly pulling a bit to the right. Could have been my imagination. However, when I go back to the dealer later this month to have the rest of the backordered accessories put on, I'm going to have them do a laser alignment. Can't hurt.
9. Gas Tank: Love not having to lift the seat. I was especially cautious (and I really recommend this) when putting the gas nozzle into and removing it from the Spyder...drip-drip-drip...you get the picture. Just be patient with it.
10. Getting on and off of the Spyder: There's been some discussion in other threads about this. First, I tried what someone recommended--using the passenger pegs to stand up and then swing my leg over. That was easy and effective, but probably won't work when my driver's backrest arrives. Have to wait and see. When getting off I simply put my left foot down, turned toward the bike and slid my leg over the seat, being careful not to drag my boots over the seat or the paint. Seems to work well.
SUMMARY: I thought of all sorts of cute, effusive, over-the-top references to put here, but really, my best summary is that it was so worth the wait and such a joy to ride that any words I could come up with would be lame in comparison to the experience. Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time.....and it was!
