First time ryder needs tips

[dltang]

:congrats: :welcome: and enjoy

 

[Spyderdude]

Trips

Took a 320km round trip to Gatineau to teach a class yesterday, first time on the freeway! I am already feeling very comfortable on the Spyder, can see that it will get more comfortable than my car! There are some vibes that I can't explain, feels like driving over a washboard but it's nice road, happens usually around 100km/h...Is this normal? I just checked the tire pressure and adjusted to 18 front, 28 back...anyways I am taking it for 1000km oil change and check up next week, they'll tell me if anything is wrong. Going to Ottawa today, coming back tomorrow, 350km round trip! :doorag:
Also yesterday we came back at night, I was very pleased with the beams and how clear the visibility was! It's so high in fact that a dozen vehicles gave me the highbeams thinking my highs were on when I was on low!
We did have one small incident: I went down to Gatineau on a full tank of Super (160km) and when we got there we still had 4 bars on the gas gauge. I was stupid enough not to gas up and on the way back, about 40km from the nearest open gas station I realized I was probably not gonna make it (one bar left and light on) so pulled over and called CAA, within 10 mn they came and put gas in. It was my fault, will never do that again, but how far can you go once the light comes on and you have one bar left? Thanks!

 

[wyliec]

Took a 320km round trip to Gatineau to teach a class yesterday, first time on the freeway! I am already feeling very comfortable on the Spyder, can see that it will get more comfortable than my car! There are some vibes that I can't explain, feels like driving over a washboard but it's nice road, happens usually around 100km/h...Is this normal? I just checked the tire pressure and adjusted to 18 front, 28 back...anyways I am taking it for 1000km oil change and check up next week, they'll tell me if anything is wrong. Going to Ottawa today, coming back tomorrow, 350km round trip! :doorag:
Also yesterday we came back at night, I was very pleased with the beams and how clear the visibility was! It's so high in fact that a dozen vehicles gave me the highbeams thinking my highs were on when I was on low!
We did have one small incident: I went down to Gatineau on a full tank of Super (160km) and when we got there we still had 4 bars on the gas gauge. I was stupid enough not to gas up and on the way back, about 40km from the nearest open gas station I realized I was probably not gonna make it (one bar left and light on) so pulled over and called CAA, within 10 mn they came and put gas in. It was my fault, will never do that again, but how far can you go once the light comes on and you have one bar left? Thanks!

I believe I read on this site that with the GS/RS that once you hit 160 miles on a tankful you should be looking for another gas station. But, once again that will depend on your riding style.

I have purchased REDA gas cans from ESI. You might want to check into one of those, if you have the room.

I'm not sure anyone has an exact answer for how many more miles you can go once the light comes on.

Wow, based on the conversion you had gone only 124 miles before the light came on. I guess that could be due to how filled the gas tank actually was to begin with.

With all that being said, I typically gas up by 3 or 2 bars. I try my best to avoid 1 bar.

 

[NancysToy]

Took a 320km round trip to Gatineau to teach a class yesterday, first time on the freeway! I am already feeling very comfortable on the Spyder, can see that it will get more comfortable than my car! There are some vibes that I can't explain, feels like driving over a washboard but it's nice road, happens usually around 100km/h...Is this normal? I just checked the tire pressure and adjusted to 18 front, 28 back...anyways I am taking it for 1000km oil change and check up next week, they'll tell me if anything is wrong. Going to Ottawa today, coming back tomorrow, 350km round trip! :doorag:
Also yesterday we came back at night, I was very pleased with the beams and how clear the visibility was! It's so high in fact that a dozen vehicles gave me the highbeams thinking my highs were on when I was on low!
We did have one small incident: I went down to Gatineau on a full tank of Super (160km) and when we got there we still had 4 bars on the gas gauge. I was stupid enough not to gas up and on the way back, about 40km from the nearest open gas station I realized I was probably not gonna make it (one bar left and light on) so pulled over and called CAA, within 10 mn they came and put gas in. It was my fault, will never do that again, but how far can you go once the light comes on and you have one bar left? Thanks!

Hard to analyze your "washboard" problem without more information. Could be the suspension preload set too high for your weight and type of riding, could be a tire balance issue, or could be engine vibration being passed on through the frame (do you have a 2010 RT?) Try to pin it down further as to rpm, speed, road conditions (freeways aren't as smooth as they look), etc.

The problem with cars flashing you is usually not so much that your beams are too high, but that the projector-type beams tend to appear and disappear at certain angles. The bouncing of the Spyder, and the headlights aiming higher when it is loaded, do not help this situation. The best bet is to run with high beams during the daytime, and to adjust the headlight alignment a little lower, preferably with the typical rider/passenger load aboard. You will not completely get rid of the appearance that you are flashing oncoming drivers, but you can minimize it.

The Spyder holds about six usable gallons of fuel. The light comes on somewhere near when 3/4 of that used. When the light comes on, you have about 30-60 miles left, depending on the fuel mileage your Spyder gets and the particular Spyder. Don't panic when the light comes on...just find a station soon. Many riders just set the trip meter, and go by miles traveled to fill up.

 

[Bob Denman]

Hiya 'Dude! :2thumbs:
I'm glad to see that the "jitters" are starting to dissipate. :thumbup: Your ATVing experience probably gives you an advantage over folks who have switched from motorcycles to "Trypods" Snowmobiling also helps.
Just relax and enjoy the fun of getting some experience and confidence with your new Spyder! :congrats:
Be careful: If your Wife takes the course you might find yourself with an infestation of Spyders in your garage! :shocked::yikes:

 

[vtspyder]

Took a 320km round trip to Gatineau to teach a class yesterday, first time on the freeway! I am already feeling very comfortable on the Spyder, can see that it will get more comfortable than my car! There are some vibes that I can't explain, feels like driving over a washboard but it's nice road, happens usually around 100km/h...Is this normal? I just checked the tire pressure and adjusted to 18 front, 28 back...anyways I am taking it for 1000km oil change and check up next week, they'll tell me if anything is wrong. Going to Ottawa today, coming back tomorrow, 350km round trip! :doorag:
Also yesterday we came back at night, I was very pleased with the beams and how clear the visibility was! It's so high in fact that a dozen vehicles gave me the highbeams thinking my highs were on when I was on low!
We did have one small incident: I went down to Gatineau on a full tank of Super (160km) and when we got there we still had 4 bars on the gas gauge. I was stupid enough not to gas up and on the way back, about 40km from the nearest open gas station I realized I was probably not gonna make it (one bar left and light on) so pulled over and called CAA, within 10 mn they came and put gas in. It was my fault, will never do that again, but how far can you go once the light comes on and you have one bar left? Thanks!

My RS SM5 has the same vibration. Dealer checked it out and everything was ok. He said it's normal for these things. My wife's SE5 has no vibration and is smooth as silk at any speed. I have noticed it goes away on mine above a certain speed. You may notice a funky vibration in the foot pegs too. That's totally normal and is just the belt. Great to hear you're getting some miles on. Kick that pig!