Help with new RT

[Mazo EMS2]

We got our Spyder without a test ryde too. But I had some atv and snowmobile experience so I was able to anticipate what the ride might feel like. I read a lot of posts here on S/L before buying it too. I would also suggest reading the Do's and Donts thread. A lot of it is just common sense, but once you actually apply it, it'll make even more sense. Don't sell! You didn't make a mistake! Just take it out on some easy rides and let it come to you. Give a few hundred miles before you go crazy with any modifications or add-ons (farkles as they're referred to here) RELAX and don't try to constantly steer the Spyder. It'll start to feel like it's riding straighter with every ride. The more you stee rit, the more it'll fight back. You WILL have to steer it in the corners, and that's the hardest adaptation is that leaning will not steer the Spyder in corners, YOU have to TURN the bars to go around a corner......let it come to ya, and enjoy it. Congrats!

 

[fratzba]

Hi Gary!

I'm just across the river from you too, and as Jerry mentioned would definitely be able to head your way and share what I've learned.

I'm fairly new to my 2015 RT-S, having bought it in May 2014. I made the switch from 2 -> 3 wheels, and love it. It's different than riding a 2-wheeler, but once you get the hang of it, it's really easier (at least for me.)

Send me a PM if you want to get together.

-Fratz

P.S. There is a fairly active Spyder club for SW WA/NW Or, that meets monthly at Pro-Caliber in Vancouver.

 

[4 MARIE]

Since we all are weighing in, I better too !

Your Spyder has a very responsive power steering, and much more grip than any 2 wheeler I can think
of. Those 1st rides are certainly "something". Relax your grip, it can feel every nerve impulse you have,
and act on it.

Do some kind of weight transfer in turns. I hear about "planting" your outside foot. Sounds reasonable.
Personally, I do a little "head and shoulders" weight transfer, where I kind of lean a little to the inside.

Do some parking lot time, experiment. Especially with your brakes. The first time to try a panic stop on one of
these, is definitely NOT in a real panic.

You TOO will LOVE DAT SPYDA ! stay safe

 

[5ft2lilred]

Time

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

After not riding for 40 years, bought a 2012 Sportster. Scared to death but ended up riding over 30K the first year. I still hold the grips too tight but I can assure you, it will NOT tip and I have done over 80K on 3 Spyders now. Done cross country twice. Love my spyder and would never ride 2 again.

 

[Professor]

Right after I bought my 2014 RT, I thought I'd made a terrible mistake. I'd ridden two-wheelers for 50+ years, but this thing really scared me. It felt very unstable and hard to control. On one 20 mile trip on an uneven road, I actually had to stop after about 10 miles to rest and work up enough nerve to go the rest of the way home. I have a neurological condition that exaggerated the "problem". I was so bad that I had to slow to 25mph to take 35mph curves without feeling like I was going to tip over. After a few hundred miles, I discovered the Spyder was fine. The problem was me. The advice to relax is hard to follow at first, but it's the key to success. And you just have to give yourself time for your neurology to adjust to the new sensations. A motorcycle doesn't tip from side to side on an uneven road, so it scares us at a subconscious (and conscious) level when the Spyder does it. But now with a bit over 5,000 miles on it, I absolutely love the Spyder. The great people on this forum will help you through the early challenges.

 

[latony007]

agree with everyone else, i came from 2 wheels and actually still have my sport bike. You just have to get used to that slight side to side motion on the spyder but honestly i think it handles better in curves than any cruiser i have ridden. I have never seen or heard of anyone that tipped it under normal circumstances its really stable. Compare that to how many people have you heard of low siding or high siding their two wheeler! Its so much safer than whatever bike you cam from. Wont compare to my sport bike though but thats why i still have both and once you get used to the spyder you can switch back and forth with ease. Here is the other good thing they hold their value really well so if you still dont like it after a couple thousand miles (highly doubtfull) you can still get out of it with minimal loss.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

I think everyone got you covered as to advice:

1. Read the do's & don'ts thread
2. Check the alignment
3. RELAX

 

[TXrider]

I'm joining in too

What everybody else said! After awhile this :yikes: will become :shocked: then :clap:and finally :2thumbs: woo-hoo what a RYDE!!
Welcome and enjoy your Spyder!

 

[latony007]

No reply from him, hope he didnt sell it already

 

[Explorer]

Garyeye1, I took a demo ride at bike week a few years ago. The Spyder wandered, and I was afraid to buy. Then I read on this forum about a new thing called laser alignment. I made laser alignment a condition in the purchase. Please believe me, it makes a huge diferance. I now have 31,000 miles and love my Spyder. Do not sell, get a laser alignment NOW. Not a regular BRP alignment. You will love the ride. Please keep us posted. We love to hear what finally happens.
Good luck,
Roger

 

[rutger]

Don't give up and sell yet!

First thing to remember is you don't ride it on the road where you ride on two wheels. Relax your grip on the handle bars like others have said and then allow the front tires to track the areas where the car tires ride.

The bike doesn't lean, you do. So on turns stay relaxed and as you gain confidence press your right thigh against the gas tank on right turns and left thigh on left turns. Once you start doing that you'll really begin to enjoy the ride as you become more aggressive.

Road 2 wheels for over 50 years and wife on 2 wheels for over 20. Now we both ride RT's.

But like someone said it took 2 demo rides to learn how. Second one was a full 100 mile ride. Bought it back and bought it.

Now love them! Although thinking hard about that F3.