Well I flew out of Indy Sat am on my way to Atlanta to meet Scott Davis and buy his 08 Spyder. On the plane I was seated next to a young man in the Army on his way back to Afganistan. He had been home on R&R and his wife had a baby while he was home. He was really in the dumps for having to leave. Did't know what to say to help make it easier. Just told him I was proud to be able to sit next to him and thanked him for all his sacrifice so that I could play. I know it did not make it any better and I upset that I did not have the right words to help.
Scott met me at the airport and we made the trip to get the Spyder in Lagrange, about 60 miles south.
The bike was as Scott had said, very nice, and we exchanged paperwork and away I go. I decided to ride Highway 27 north and stay off the interstate. First 100 miles was getting used to everything which was really easy. Stopped for fuel in Rome Ga and after fueling pulled to the side to call my wife. While standing there the bike drew a crowd. I talked for a bit and one guy wanted to hear it run. I went to start it and nothing! of course with the crowd I was nervous. Finally called Scott and after going through everything he suggested I try the spare key. It started and I waved to the crowd and left. It did this one other time on the way back but this time I took the key out and walked out about 10 feet, came back and put the key in and it started up. I guess is is a quirt in the security.
After leaving Rome and heading north I got my first scare. I was getting cocky and picked up the pace to about 70mph and was taking a curve to the right when I started drifting over the center lane and a car was coming at me. I was able to pull it hard right at the last second. Scared the hell out of me and him. Decided I was not as good on the Spyder as I thought.
Stopped the night in Manchester Tn. Got an early start the next am and took Tn53 out of Manchester riding north. Highway 53 between Woodbury and Liberty Tn was one very fun road. I was running about daybreak so there was no traffic and I could give the Spyder a workout.
Hit Interstate 65 north at Bowling Green Ky. Rode interstate the rest of the way. Another new experience and the Spyder did great. Only problem was staying below 80. Rode most of the way between 80and 85.
Put my Ipod in this day and it made for a better ride. Less road noise.
My only issues are the vibration in the handlebars and still getting used to leaning into the turn. Fuel mileage was about 29 or 30 mpg. Bike has not had either update done. Took it to the carwash to spray off the bugs and it did not want to start. Also had an error code show up. I guess I can not power wash it but now I wonder about riding in the rain. Once it dryed a little it was fine.
Since we also have a Goldwing trike it is hard not to compare but it's not fair because they are two different animals. Comfort and ease of ride the Goldwing wins hands down. Personally handling is close riding at 8/10ths. 10/10ths The Spyder is best. The Syder is more sportbike.
All in all a great ride home
Bill
Scott met me at the airport and we made the trip to get the Spyder in Lagrange, about 60 miles south.
The bike was as Scott had said, very nice, and we exchanged paperwork and away I go. I decided to ride Highway 27 north and stay off the interstate. First 100 miles was getting used to everything which was really easy. Stopped for fuel in Rome Ga and after fueling pulled to the side to call my wife. While standing there the bike drew a crowd. I talked for a bit and one guy wanted to hear it run. I went to start it and nothing! of course with the crowd I was nervous. Finally called Scott and after going through everything he suggested I try the spare key. It started and I waved to the crowd and left. It did this one other time on the way back but this time I took the key out and walked out about 10 feet, came back and put the key in and it started up. I guess is is a quirt in the security.
After leaving Rome and heading north I got my first scare. I was getting cocky and picked up the pace to about 70mph and was taking a curve to the right when I started drifting over the center lane and a car was coming at me. I was able to pull it hard right at the last second. Scared the hell out of me and him. Decided I was not as good on the Spyder as I thought.
Stopped the night in Manchester Tn. Got an early start the next am and took Tn53 out of Manchester riding north. Highway 53 between Woodbury and Liberty Tn was one very fun road. I was running about daybreak so there was no traffic and I could give the Spyder a workout.
Hit Interstate 65 north at Bowling Green Ky. Rode interstate the rest of the way. Another new experience and the Spyder did great. Only problem was staying below 80. Rode most of the way between 80and 85.
Put my Ipod in this day and it made for a better ride. Less road noise.
My only issues are the vibration in the handlebars and still getting used to leaning into the turn. Fuel mileage was about 29 or 30 mpg. Bike has not had either update done. Took it to the carwash to spray off the bugs and it did not want to start. Also had an error code show up. I guess I can not power wash it but now I wonder about riding in the rain. Once it dryed a little it was fine.
Since we also have a Goldwing trike it is hard not to compare but it's not fair because they are two different animals. Comfort and ease of ride the Goldwing wins hands down. Personally handling is close riding at 8/10ths. 10/10ths The Spyder is best. The Syder is more sportbike.
All in all a great ride home
Bill
Glad you made it, despite all of the "cages" along the way. I echo the previous owner's, and other comments: NEVER powerwash a Spyder. I handwash mine with a micro-fiber cloth. Of course, my loving spouse doesn't quite understand the cooing noises I make, while I'm doing this...ah, well.:f_spider:
