FRONT SUSPENSION

[poordom]

Good evening All,

Picked up a 2009 Spyder, this morning, my first production trike and bike, in other words, I know nothing about bikes or Spyders.

So I rely on your expertise to guide me.

Since I am new to the Spyder, can you tell me if there should this feeling as though the front end will tip over on its side as you turn a corner.

The Spyder only has about 4000 miles on it.

Thanks for your response.

Dom

 

[Riker]

Yes, that is a normal feel to the Spyder. However, with stock setup, you can play with the shock settings to stiffen up the front end ( I ran mine at 5, all the way ) . I have since upgraded my sway bar and front shocks with great results. The sway bar alone was a the best upgrade, and the shocks ( there are choices, I chose Fox, but Elka's are the bomb from what I hear ) are just icing on the cake. I own a 2011, and as with yours being 2009, their is an upgrade to relocate the front shocks that has recently come out. That will be on my list. So basically what you are feeling is normal, but you have options... Ride on !!!!

 

[NancysToy]

One more suggestion...lean into the turn with your body. Think of it as trying to kiss the knuckles on the inside hand.

 

[Arr MiHardies]

Yes, that is a normal feel to the Spyder. However, with stock setup, you can play with the shock settings to stiffen up the front end ( I ran mine at 5, all the way ) . I have since upgraded my sway bar and front shocks with great results. The sway bar alone was a the best upgrade, and the shocks ( there are choices, I chose Fox, but Elka's are the bomb from what I hear ) are just icing on the cake. I own a 2011, and as with yours being 2009, their is an upgrade to relocate the front shocks that has recently come out. That will be on my list. So basically what you are feeling is normal, but you have options... Ride on !!!!

Yes... Part of this is definitely learning how to ride and handle your particular machine, but I'd definitely start by tightening your shocks. This adjustment is easy and free. If it helps, but isn't enough, consider upgrading your shocks.

 

[jthornton]

The two best bang for the buck improvements in handling are the BajaRon Sway Bar Kit and the Pitt Bull shock relocating kit. It will be the best $400 you can spend on your Spyder.

I just put the Elka Stage 1 + R shocks on the front of my RT at SpyderFest and that is a bit more expensive but worth it to me. My Spyder handles like I expect it to with no surprises and tracks solid.

JT

 

[Bob Ledford]

Another newbies approach

I am a newbie but a senior rider. Been at it since 1955. Just about ridden them all, Cushman scooter and Trucksters, BSA, BMW, HD, Moto-Guzzi, Triumph, yamaha's, NOrton, Honda Gold Wins and a Zundapp.

When I got my Spyder it seemed like I was changing something every day of the first month. First it was front shock adjustments, then tire pressures, then riding techniques etc. finally it started coming together.

Play with the shock adjustments, do not be afraid to go up, then down until you get the feel you like not what some tells you to do. It may not be perfect but you can live with it is what works.

While your into shocks slide into tire pressures. Don't be afraid to go over/under the recommended factory specifications by 2/5 PSIG. Just make sure they are same PSIG in both fronts.

Also look for "Illinois Bob's article "information for new Spyder riders". You will find gobs of good stuff crammed in it and he just updated this past 2 weeks.