First Spyder Owners-What would you change?

[Lamonster]

Some of us have put enough miles on our Spyders to know that if BRP asked there are some thing we would change or add to the Spyder. Here's my list, what would be on yours?

Hand Brake
For me this is a must. I can't tell you how many times I found myself needing a hand brake before I made my own. Mine works ok but not what it could be if BRP had done it from the factory.

Longer Mirrors
The mirrors on the Spyder are borderline unsafe. I find that I really have to forget about the mirrors for the most part if I'm wearing a jacket. If they were 2" longer would be a big help and then I wouldn't be looking at my shoulders when I went to use the mirrors. This would be no big deal to make them wider as it is on a bike because the wheels stick out further than the mirrors ever would.

I will say that my M109R had the same problem and we made a longer arm for the mirrors and it made all the difference in the world. Now you can move your eyes instead of your whole head and body to see if it's safe to move over.
http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=6947&str=290

Highway pegs
For me this was a must have. I'm a little long in the leg and I like to put on some miles and a lot of that is on the highway. It is so nice to be able to stretch your legs out and cruise down the highway. This will make a 600 mile day on the Spyder a piece of cake. They should at least make it an option.

1" handle bars
Do you know how many cool grips there are for cruisers out there but they are all for 1" bars not 7/8". Maybe they were thinking ATV when they did the controls but the grip selection out there for this ride is pretty slim.

Miles to empty
It would be really cool if one of the many screens you can flip through on the Spyder had one that told you how many miles to empty. Right now you're just guessing. Most all cars and trucks have this. While you're at it throw in a average miles per gal/liter.

Different front fenders
I got to say I hate my front fenders. They just don't fit the bike and when guys look it over real good that's the first thing they say too. They need to have a more futuristic look to them.

That's a pretty short list and that says a lot for BRP and the great job they did on this ride. Oh I would like one more option but I'm sure that would be in the far future.

I would love a CLOAKING DEVICE or some sort of invisibility shield so I didn't get mobbed every time I park this thing. :bigthumbsup:

 

[Magic Man]

I think of all the things that I would like to customize on my Spyder and somehow that is part of the fun in owning it. Knowing I can change these things and make it my own.

However the one thing that I think that BRP really missed the mark on was NO FRONT BRAKE LEVER! I can live without almost all the other little things that I would like to change, or even change them myself. But, so far the lack of a front brake lever is the one thing I find most disturbing.

Ride Safe
Ev

 

[billclemen]

I would tend to agree with most of the suggestions. My 2 biggest suggestons would be a handlebar mounted brake lever and longer stems for the mirrors. I would also appreciate a taller and broader windshield (taller and broader than their "touring" windshield).

 

[LittleJohn]

Just a couple rambling thoughts on a couple of these items

Mirrors
It looks to me luike they might not have thought out real life logistics on these mirrors. The front end is set up very similar to most sport touring bikes, and they usually have similar mirror issues. My ST1300 had the mirrors mounted closer to the fairing, rather than stalk mounted, but they were lower. This in effect had you looking uner your arms in the mirror, rather than trying to clear the widest part of you shoulders in the rearview. It took a lil getting used to, but once I was used to it, I loved em.

Hand Brake
I heard rumor (and thats all it is from me, so put that with a grain of salt) that one reason they may not have added the front brake was to classify the vehicle in various states (CAL for one) as other than a motorcycle. Could be??? I dont know all the ins and outs for all the states, but it makes sense.

 

[Lamonster]

Hand Brake
I heard rumor (and thats all it is from me, so put that with a grain of salt) that one reason they may not have added the front brake was to classify the vehicle in various states (CAL for one) as other than a motorcycle. Could be??? I dont know all the ins and outs for all the states, but it makes sense.

I've heard that rumor too, the only problem with that is if it wasn't classified as a motorcycle or trike it would need to have seat-belts in all states and minimum impact requirements.

 

[CanAmdude]

I think Lamonster got most of them. :agree:

Some sort of better suspension, Easer to adjust with load. (on the fly maybe)

An electric windshield

Quiet brakes

Little more exhaust noise 8)

A little less vibration I can't tell if my cell phone is going off, or it's just the bike. Can't see good on the mirrors, (vibrating-shaking!!) plus the don't stick out far enough.

A button to reduce computer control

Get rid of that CYA stuff. (read instructions before starting)

Some sort of handle bar adjustment (up or down, in or out) A telescopic knuckle or something

 

[Lamonster]

A button to reduce computer control

Get rid of that CYA stuff. (read instructions before starting)

:agree: :bigthumbsup: :doorag:

 

[Way2Fast]

Brakes that work the way they are supposed to without allowing the hydraulic fluid to become contaminated by moisture !


Richard

 

[Lamonster]

Brakes that work the way they are supposed to without allowing the hydraulic fluid to become contaminated by moisture !


Richard

I don't think you'll ever have to worry about that.

 

[srarndt]

I'm fine with the brakes, I've gotten quite used to them. So my wish list would be:

1. A windshield that sent the majority of the airflow over my helmet instead of into my face shield like the touring windshield does.

2. Change the gear ratios so 5th gear cruises at a lower rpm.

3. Better mirrors.

4. Mode and Set buttons that actually work!

I love it otherwise! ;D

PS: I'm reserving judgment on foot heat until we get hot weather.

 

[ROGER SMITH]

I HAD A GLASS SHOP MAKE ME A NEW WIND SHIELD FOR $175. I BELIEVE IT WAS MADE FROM LEXION. ABOUT 3/16 THCK. YOU JUST CUT IT OUT AND DRILL THE HOLES, THERE IS NO HEATING . THE BOLTS HOLD IT IN A CURVED SHAP. I BELIEVE THE MATERIAL IS ONLY ABOUT $25. you should have no trouble Roger

 

[Duckster]

Been on many test rides, mine hasn't arrived yet. One of first things noticed was lack of highway pegs. You must have hand brakes if you are going to have your foot away from the single brake pedel. Talking off the record with the guys, it seems that since one pedel controls all the braking, that someone might try all the brakeing from the hand lever and if you're trying to maneuver or turn at the same time, it could throw you completely out of control. I'd like to see something of a compromise and have at least some brakeing from the handlebar, even if limited to some percentage "for safety".

Other item I noted was that the six speed transmission sacraficed first gear for reverse, leaving 5 forward. The new first gear is plenty for normal rideing. If you are stuck in traffic, or doing a parade or slow stuff, I'm concerned that you'd be pullin the clutch alot to keep your speed down. I'd like to see a different first gear ratio to allow for slow rideing while keeping the rev's in a better range. The post below asking for a taller 5th gear is also a good idea. Since the engine seems to like reving, I'm not sure how practicle this is until I ride more. A different size final sprocket would help my concern for slow rideing, but make it even more important for a taller 5 gear.

Has anybody been able to put pads on the front fenders to act as pegs? Has this worked?

Aftermarket (home made) windshield work well to get more height and width? Stay on okay at speed without stressing the four attachment bolts?

Enough topics at once,
Duckster

 

[Lamonster]

Been on many test rides, mine hasn't arrived yet. One of first things noticed was lack of highway pegs. You must have hand brakes if you are going to have your foot away from the single brake pedel. Talking off the record with the guys, it seems that since one pedel controls all the braking, that someone might try all the brakeing from the hand lever and if you're trying to maneuver or turn at the same time, it could throw you completely out of control. I'd like to see something of a compromise and have at least some brakeing from the handlebar, even if limited to some percentage "for safety".

Other item I noted was that the six speed transmission sacraficed first gear for reverse, leaving 5 forward. The new first gear is plenty for normal rideing. If you are stuck in traffic, or doing a parade or slow stuff, I'm concerned that you'd be pullin the clutch alot to keep your speed down. I'd like to see a different first gear ratio to allow for slow rideing while keeping the rev's in a better range. The post below asking for a taller 5th gear is also a good idea. Since the engine seems to like reving, I'm not sure how practicle this is until I ride more. A different size final sprocket would help my concern for slow rideing, but make it even more important for a taller 5 gear.

Has anybody been able to put pads on the front fenders to act as pegs? Has this worked?

Enough topics at once,
Duckster

As far as being stuck in traffic, or doing a parade or slow stuff, I would wait and get the auto if that is a concern for you.
I've never owned a bike that I didn't wish I had a taller gear. As a matter of fact I use to sell a taller 4th and 5th for the Honda Valkyrie. It would be nice to have a taller gear in the Spyder but I wouldn't give up the reverse for it. I love being able to park down hill if I want. :bigthumbsup:


After putting well over 1500 miles with the highway pegs I can say that just backing off the throttle gives you enough time to get your foot to the brake peddle in a panic situation. I got to practice that when a car started to move over into my lane while my feet were on the pegs. The bike really slows down a bunch when you back off of the throttle.

Can't see putting pads on the fenders seeing they move but I guess in a long run it could be done. You must have some really long legs to reach the fenders. I rather use my setup. :doorag:

 

[Duckster]

As far as being stuck in traffic, or doing a parade or slow stuff, I would wait and get the auto if that is a concern for you.
I've never owned a bike that I didn't wish I had a taller gear. As a matter of fact I use to sell a taller 4th and 5th for the Honda Valkyrie. It would be nice to have a taller gear in the Spyder but I wouldn't give up the reverse for it. I love being able to park down hill if I want.


After putting well over 1500 miles with the highway pegs I can say that just backing off the throttle gives you enough time to get your foot to the brake peddle in a panic situation. I got to practice that when a car started to move over into my lane while my feet were on the pegs. The bike really slows down a bunch when you back off of the throttle.

Can't see putting pads on the fenders seeing they move but I guess in a long run it could be done. You must have some really long legs to reach the fenders. I rather use my setup.


Good point, but I don't know about not shifting on a bike. Looked at your photos with the pegs, look great. It appears that you made an "L" bracket for the pedels, attached to a flat plate under part of the frame. Appears didn't have to drill into stock bike or at least minimal. What did you use for the air deflector that matched so well? With your two furry helpers, no wonder you got so much work done. On test rides, had to use the fenders as "pegs" so that's what was stuck in my mind. I'm tall enough, but you are right about the movement. Also meant much more of body shift to reach the brakes. Your way would be much safer.

Dukster

 

[Lamonster]

You have to drill one hole on the left side. The new brackets will be one piece and will have the option of a cheaper non folding peg. Hope to have that in the next week or two. :doorag:

 

[Duckster]

The new brackets will be one piece and will have the option of a cheaper non folding peg. Hope to have that in the next week or two

I don't think the little savings for non-folding peg would be worth it. Folding is much more convenient and classy, especially on something unique such as the Spyder.

Duckster

 

[Lamonster]

The new brackets will be one piece and will have the option of a cheaper non folding peg. Hope to have that in the next week or two

I don't think the little savings for non-folding peg would be worth it. Folding is much more convenient and classy, especially on something unique such as the Spyder.

Duckster

That's the great thing about having options. :doorag: :bigthumbsup:

 

[joet]

if BRP did everything listed to this bike the cost would be closer to 18k-20k would everyone here still buy one?

 

[Lamonster]

if BRP did everything listed to this bike the cost would be closer to 18k-20k would everyone here still buy one?

Find another trike for 18 or 20k. Where do you come up with that number anyway? There will be a Touring model and I'm sure that it will be right around 20K if not more and I'm sure they will sell all that they build. :doorag:

 

[matusky]

.........and I'm sure they will sell all that they build. :doorag:

:agree: You KNOW they will!