Help with new RT

[Garyeye1]

I would like some feedback please. I just bought a new RT yesterday. I've ridden two wheeled bikes for many years. I drove the RT back from the dealer and it really scared me. I'm considering selling it and I feel pretty bad about it because they are so expensive. How safe are these bikes as far as tipping over? I felt like I had to hold on to the bars really tight because the bike would easily go to one side or another. Around a corner, I feel like it is going to tip over. I know this probably all sounds ridiculous but I need to hear from those of you that perhaps can relate. Is this just a matter of getting used to it or? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much! Gary

 

[Don in E Texas]

Welcome aboard!

First comment I'll make is to welcome you aboard the best Spyder site in town!

Next - please read the following information as it is VERY important in understanding your new vehicle:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...t-Do-s-and-Do-Nots-quot-for-new-Spyder-owners

Last - it takes ALL new riders 600 miles plus to get the feel of their bike. Sit up straight -- keep a loose grip on the handle bars and RELAX. If you feel your shoulders creeping up around your ears, you are too tense and need to settle down.

Others will have information for you I'm sure === stay tuned.

Don

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:
Just everybody says the same thing after their first white-knuckled ride...
First: relax!! I know that it sounds a bit tough, but BRP does know how to build a vehicle that'll go straight down the road. Loosen your grip, bring your knees in against the "tank", and enjoy the ride a bit.
(My first two miles: I was SURE that I had just made a $25,000 mistake!)
Do you have any ATV or snowmobile experience? They feel about the most like a Spyder does... :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: and :congrats: on your new :ani29:.

There is a learning curve and yes, you fell into the first trap.

Do not over control the handlebars. Pretend there are eggs between your hands and the grips. Don't break the eggs. Less input is better. Over control makes the :spyder2: feel like it has a mind of its own.

Will it tip over? Not under normal use. There are built in electronics to help prevent it.

Recommend reading the thread "Do's and Don'ts for new Owners." This will answer many of your questions. Then, come back and ask away.

 

[TEWKS]

No demo ride before the purchase? I rode one and let the experience sink in a bit, then rode it again. Different from a 2 wheeled motorcycle as different can be. Background with riding quads or snowmobiles helps quite a bit.

Loosen up on the bars and plant the outer foot in turns, you should adapt in a short amount of time! :thumbup:

Pat

 

[Questions]

Gary,

I can relate for sure. My drive back from my purchase was 2 hours. Between passing trucks at 65 MPH and the corners I was a bit of mess. I have had my RT limited for 6 months now and have put almost 5500 miles on it and here is what I have learned. The softer that you grip the handle bars the better. You really need a light grip to kind of get in the flow with the bike. I have also recently installed a Baja Ron sway bar ($188) and it has made a HUGE difference with the stability of the bike in corners and with side winds. We ride with a large group of Spyders and sometimes get aggressive and I can tell you that you would really have to be driving like a knucklehead to tip one of these over. The more that you drive it the more you will feel comfortable.

I cannot tell you how much I love riding my Spyder now and feel comfortable in all conditions.

Good luck

Scott

 

[kngfsh27]

:congrats: and:welcome:. What you have been told is 100% correct. I bought mine without a test ride. To make it more of a challenge that first ride came after dark with the evening rush with the temperature right at freezing. The first fifty miles of my first real ride I was sure that I had made a huge mistake and was ready to go get my Harley back. When I stopped at just over 100 miles, I was getting comfortable. When I pulled back in the drive way at 300 miles I didn't want to get off of it. You will find that with some more seat time, you will become more and more comfortable. Just give it some time and don't be in a hurry.
Forgot to add, They are contagious.

 

[Darren111]

Hello

Hi Garyeye1,
Newbie myself and just wanted to say hello from the UK and that you are in a great place on SL.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

How safe are these bikes as far as tipping over?

Your experience and questions are not at all surprising. Others have expressed exactly the same doubts, but are happy riders now!

I tell people I won't say it's impossible to turn a Spyder over, but it is very difficult. The Nanny will kick in really quick and throttle her back and set the brake if she needs to. I think this video may show the first Spyder roll over in everyday riding that has been noted on this forum, other than a few where riders went off a curve. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?90121-Spyder-crash-caught-on-camera!!!! In this case the car hit the Spyder so it certainly is not representative of usual driving activities.

I'm going to guess you are not familiar with riding ATVs or snowmobiles since the Spyder would have reminded you of that riding experience. Yes, it is quite different than two wheel riding. As long as you realize that, and relax, you'll soon get the handle of it and find it to be a truly fun riding experience. As for me, I feel a whole safer on my Spyder at 80 mph than I ever did on my 1800GL Goldwing at 70 mph.

Be sure to get the front wheels laser aligned as soon as you can. If the dealer you bought it from doesn't do it find one from this page. http://www.spydercomfort.com/dealers.htm. If your wheels aren't properly aligned some of your steering feeling can be attributed to that.

 

[Bfromla]

Welcome & its ok first time & new ride tend to exaggerate the fear factor. But what you have is a SAFE ride its more up to you now. You will regret it if you sell now, please get 500-1000 miles under your belt you will see & enjoy it so much.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JerryB]

Hi Gary,

Re: I would like some feedback please.

I'm just across the river in Beaverton. Want me to come over sometime and take you and it out for a ride?

IMO they are very easy to get used to riding. Just a trick or two to stay out of trouble.

My personal email is: jerrybaumchen(at)gmail(dot)com

Jerry Baumchen

 

[KJWEB]

I would like some feedback please. I just bought a new RT yesterday. I've ridden two wheeled bikes for many years. I drove the RT back from the dealer and it really scared me. I'm considering selling it and I feel pretty bad about it because they are so expensive. How safe are these bikes as far as tipping over? I felt like I had to hold on to the bars really tight because the bike would easily go to one side or another. Around a corner, I feel like it is going to tip over. I know this probably all sounds ridiculous but I need to hear from those of you that perhaps can relate. Is this just a matter of getting used to it or? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much! Gary

Did you take the Trike/Sidecar class yet? It is required in the state of WA. A motorcycle license doesn't cover trikes. Reason why I mention this is the class will teach you what to expect and how to handle a trike. Plus, you will be in the safe confines of a practice course to get acquainted to your new way of riding.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

As others have said, relax and give it some time (200-300 miles) and you will get very comfortable, the more you can relax your grip .................. the better the ride ......... AND

Welcome to the ZOO,

Cruzr Joe

 

[Gunner3773]

+1 on the laser alignment. It made a huge difference in the handling for me. I spent 41 years riding two wheels. I don't think I would ever go back to two wheels for touring. Be patient, relax, get the alignment, and enjoy!

Gunner

 

[HayRog]

Gary,
New owner myself, coming from years on two wheels, so I know of what you speak.

You bought a great bike and joined a great forum and the advice already given is spot on.

Don't give up on the Spyder and you'll get the hang of it real soon.

Welcome aboard

 

[pegasus1300]

:welcome::congrats: We are so glad you found us before you decided to sell. Do what has been suggested as to Trike class.Yes your Spyder is a different beast then other trikes but the things they teach you will still apply and help you acquire 3 wheel thinking.For Spyder specific info you have already been directed to "Do's and Don'ts. Best post on the board for new owner/riders. Give yourself time and patience and lots of seat time. Yes it does feel like and ATV or a snowmobile but it has its own funside too.

I rode 2 wheelers for 50 years and a conventional trike for 4 brfore coming to Spyder. I love it,it is the most fun I've had since I left 2 wheels. With a little time I think you'll feel that way too.

 

[jerpinoy]

:welcome: and please read all the advice from our :spyder2:families. I want to see and meet you at the oyster run in Anacortes this year, see ya.

 

[Deanna777]

:welcome: and :congrats: glad that you could join us here @ :spyder2: land. We are here to help. Deanna

 

[justcalldon]

Please don't give up on your new toy, after about 1000 miles you will never think of going back on two wheels again. My wife would never ride with me on my bike but the first day I got my RT she jumped on the backseat and we went for a ride. I think she likes more than me sometimes.(just kidding)
Give it some time and relax.


Justcalldon

 

[Bdomini]

Ditto

Ditto to all previous responses. It will all become second nature before you know it. I bought my 2015 RT in Oct. and I love my Spyder. Quiet, stable, with more than enough power. Do not give up and by all means drive safely and remain aware aware at all times.