First time riding experience on a Spyder (F3-S)

[Darren111]

After practicing my forward and reverse manoeuvres I decided to go and ride on some quiet local roads. I expected to make some mistakes as a beginner, but surprisingly I didn't because all the time I was reminded of the advice from Spyderlovers forum. I was making sure I wasn't riding the break pedal, I approached roundabouts and corners with caution and didn't come out of my comfort zone. I rode on quiet roads, through Leeds city with a mixture of roundabouts, left and right hand turns.
Spent about 2 hours today riding and I will do the same over the next few weeks to build up my confidence. Last night I started reading my 2015 roadster operators guide by BRP and tonight I will pick up the reading of the guide from last night. I intend to read all 152 pages as part of my bedtime reading over the coming weeks. Tonight I will also watch the Can-Am roadster safety DVD that I was given on handover of my F3-S yesterday.
Loving the looks from pedestrians and drivers when I stop at traffic lights. Loving the pictures taken of me and F3-S from pedestrians when I stop at traffic lights. Loving the smiles from pedestrians when I stop at traffic lights. Any other looks I don't notice because my eyes are peeled on the road and my surroundings whilst riding.
My first time riding experience as a newbie with Spyder was a pleasant and joyful one. I loved the sunshine, wind and light spot of rain today it just made that first time experience real.

 

[OJ UK]

RAIN!!!

RAIN!!! You mean you got it wet and dirty? :yikes: You bloody hooligan! :clap:

Seriously! Well done Darren....You're now a rock star in the eyes of the populace of Leeds!

As I said, take your time, proficiency doesn't come overnight....and suddenly it will dawn on you that
you no longer need to consciously think and plan every manoeuvre. Maybe around 200 miles of mixed driving
conditions.
One thing you may not yet know: Lifesaver observation.
At every lane change to the right, right turn: Glance over your right shoulder.
At every lane change to the left, left turn: Glance over your left shoulder.
You're on your way mate!

 

[Darren111]

Lane Change

RAIN!!! You mean you got it wet and dirty? :yikes: You bloody hooligan! :clap:

Seriously! Well done Darren....You're now a rock star in the eyes of the populace of Leeds!

As I said, take your time, proficiency doesn't come overnight....and suddenly it will dawn on you that
you no longer need to consciously think and plan every manoeuvre. Maybe around 200 miles of mixed driving
conditions.
One thing you may not yet know: Lifesaver observation.
At every lane change to the right, right turn: Glance over your right shoulder.
At every lane change to the left, left turn: Glance over your left shoulder.
You're on your way mate!

Thanks for that Geoff. Can you remember that electric bicycle I had about a month ago? When I had that I attended a cycling course and I remember them saying to always glance over your left shoulder for left turns and glance over your right shoulder for right turns so today I applied this to lane changes, turning left and right.
I looked through my right/left mirrors depending on right/left turn and glanced over my right/left shoulder before making that lane change, left/right hand turn.:thumbup:

 

[Mike Ard]

The one thing that has always served me well is that I always assume that I am invisible to all other motorists. I also never ride next to another vehicle in another lane, I am either ahead or behind but never right next to.

 

[latony007]

The one thing that has always served me well is that I always assume that I am invisible to all other motorists. I also never ride next to another vehicle in another lane, I am either ahead or behind but never right next to.

I take it a step farther, especially when i am on my yamaha, that not just other motorists can't see me but are actually out to get me lol.
Welcome to the world of riding, when you see other riders waving at you its not because something is wrong its because your part of the club now
Be safe.

 

[Darren111]

Thank you

I take it a step farther, especially when i am on my yamaha, that not just other motorists can't see me but are actually out to get me lol.
Welcome to the world of riding, when you see other riders waving at you its not because something is wrong its because your part of the club now
Be safe.

latony I liked your choice of words when I read your reply. Bless you ray:

 

[Bob Denman]

:clap: Congratulations on a successful Maiden Voyage!! :2thumbs:
The guys have already given you the best advice possible, so keep it rolling around in your mind as you start this great new adventure!

 

[SpyderCruiser]

Darren,
Good luck with the new Spyder. With every ride you will get more confident in your abilities, and the Spyders. When I first got mine I cringed at each sharp high speed turn. Now after 3,000 miles I don't even have to think about, the Spyder just follows the turns. In fact I love adding throttle in a turn, it makes the Spyder turn better!

Good Luck hyea:

 

[vided]

Now let's see some pictures
enjoy and ryde safe

 

[jcasey]

:agree:But you are on the wrong side of the road!!:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::yes::yes::yes:

 

[Big Arm]

Loving the looks from pedestrians and drivers when I stop at traffic lights. Loving the pictures taken of me and F3-S from pedestrians when I stop at traffic lights. Loving the smiles from pedestrians when I stop at traffic lights. .

Darren, it's just starting.........:congrats: on your new ryde :clap:
Be safe out there.

 

[TEWKS]

Cool ride, congrats & good luck with it! :thumbup:

Pat

 

[ARtraveler]

:congrats: It sounds like you have all the right ideas on getting started with the :ani29:

Also will mention that keeping in mind the other drivers are going to do something unexpected, and to note that you are invisible to them, will sometimes save you from an accident.

 

[spy_der_man]

Congratulations and welcome!!!

Enjoy your ride!!!