Highway speeds

[Wattsmyname]

Highway Speeds

My 2009 RS seems very stable at 75-80 plus MPH as far as the handling goes, the problem is that the gearing on the Spyder is so off the mark at speed, it needs that sixth gear in the worst way. I found a 30 tooth front sprocket which helps a lot, it seems much more relaxed anytime I am in fifth gear especially over 60 MPH but it could easily be geared taller. There is absolutely no reason a machine like this should rev as high as it does on the highway, I have not ridden an RT but if it is truely a touring machine, it must be geared higher in fifth than my RS. If you have a chance to ride one with the 30 tooth front sprocket, you will be suprised at the difference it makes. Too bad they are not made any longer, good luck Sir

 

[StanProff]

here in Europe on the "Autobahn" we drive around 95 mph with our 2010 RT (costs a lot of fuel).. the RT is "faster" than our good old GS - the wind protection is (also for my girl) perfect..
we ryde faster than our 1500er goldy or our BMWs - never had a bike which felt so secure on the fast highways than a spyder (if my wife thinks we are too fast she push on my helmet)

with the new front shocks (2011) and the right pressure in the wheels (ask scotty) you can handle that speed with one hand ..
(max speed is 110 mph on the RT - no problem)

I have wondered about the max speed on the RT. I have seen 104 on mine and felt like it had a little more to give but I always seem to run out of road or something. I have run 104 a couple of times and the RT is very stable. It really felt good. I have ran 90 + with the trailer and it was stable as could be.

 

[MouthPiece]

75 - 80 if riding behind Forrest. :yikes:
65 - 70 riding alone.

 

[Bob Denman]

There is a great deal of turbulence behind a truck... Either pass or drop back until you find smoother air...

Orrr... move up until you get completely within the pocket of still air...:shocked:
At that proximity to the truck you'll be able to read all of the DOT numbers and spray painted stuff REAL good! :joke:
:joke::joke:

 

[dancogan]

Orrr... move up until you get completely within the pocket of still air...:shocked:
At that proximity to the truck you'll be able to read all of the DOT numbers and spray painted stuff REAL good! :joke:
:joke::joke:

IF there is a pocket of still air, I doubt it's down low where the Spyder sits. You're welcome to try it, but I prefer not to artificially reduce my life expectancy. My doctor has worked too hard to get me here! :roflblack:

 

[GnA]

Hi all. I try to stay off highways as much as I can, however, here in Florida everything is so spread out, a highway some times is the only option to get there, period.
Yesterday I had to get on the Turn Pike for a 50 miles stretch. I was doing 75 mph and still many, many cars swooped by my at 80 miles plus. It was not a relaxing ride I must say.
When I'm forced to take I-95 it's even worse, more trucks, more jalopies, more exits and volume.
My 2011 RS handles well at 75 mph, but I feel I'm pushing it when I go above 80 mph. Maybe it's me. I don't like to ride that fast but sometimes I need to get up there, just to get away from some drivers.
Florida is not the friendliest State to drive in, but I think that's another topic.
I'm mainly interested in hearing about the high-speed-comfort-level other Spyder riders have, specially those on RTs.
Cheers.

Hrbeta - great Topic and lots of great feedback as well.

Your "comfort zone" has several factors and will be different than anyone else.

Time on and Experience with the bike
weather - wind, wet, buffeting, noise
condition of bike
traffic
road conditions
even the way you are feeling on a given day

Many factors will affect your experience.

Are you asking if there are ways to improve your comfort zone at higher speeds? If so, first you will need to identify what you are uncomfortable with over 80 ( other than the speed of the other vehicles).

For instance, I feel much more comfortable. When I wear ear plugs on the open road. It greatly reduces the road noise and wind pounding off of the helmet and it can help preserve your hearing. The same applies jacket, pants and boots. That unseen wind can unnerving at times.

Also, when larger vehicles are passing, moving away a little reduces the impact of wind blast.

Engine vibration, sway due to over-steering, wind or uneven air pressure (check before each ryde) or alignment can be factors as well.

Sometimes, it's just a particular stretch of road or time of day...? For me, riding at dawn or dusk or anything limiting my visibility, greatly reduces my riding confidence.

Ryder confidence can shift for a number of reasons... The best advice I've seen or heard is don't push it when you start to feel less comfortable. Usually, time on the bike (on the slab) and trying small adjustments to figure out what feels better will help.

In some areas and with good to great conditions.... The slab can be a great road to Ryde!!!

 

[daveinva]

Living in DC, you can't avoid the highways (or crazy drivers)-- even when going out for fun, I have to ride the highways OUT of town to get to the best twisties.

I admire the folks who ride above 90+ mph. I've gotten there a couple of times on the RS, and mine just isn't happy there. It does 70-80 pretty well, though, and frankly anything faster than that only invites unwanted legal entanglements that aren't worth it to me.

My rules of thumb on the Spyder (many are common sense, or stuff from MSF or other books/classes):
1. As long as the speeds aren't insane/legally reckless, I usually go a bit faster than traffic; as noted, better to have the problems BEHIND you than in front of you.
2. NEVER pace traffic. NEVER ride in other driver's blind spots. I speed up or slow down as necessary, I need to be seen.
3. Invest in a bigger windshield. The stock RS shield is a joke; I run a 24" Madstad in the winter, this makes all the difference in turbulence/noise/comfort.
4. Similarly, I run a FF helmet and earplugs on the highway. I'll leave the earplugs out only if I'm running side streets; any time on the highway, I reach for the plugs (both for comfort and safety-- hearing loss is irreversible!).
5. Avoid tractor-trailers at all costs. Don't ride behind them (you can't see what's in front of them), don't ride next to them (turbulence/tire blow-outs), don't ride in front of them (you can stop faster than they can).
6. Keep your head on a swivel. Check blind spots using mirrors and head swerves. Then check them again. Always keep an exit in case something goes wrong.
7. Wear a sun visor or pack sunglasses. You don't want to be squinting on the road.
8. If you don't wear waterproof gear, buy a rain suit. Riding wet is uncomfortable at best, a risky distraction at worst.
9. CHOOSE the best lane available for the situation you're in.

I stay out of the fast lane unless passing. I also stay out of the slow lane unless entering/exiting the highway. I know that a lot of new/slower riders think it's good to be in the right-hand lane, but I much prefer being in a lane that doesn't encounter merging traffic that might not see you, or a lane that invites exiting traffic to swerve into it at the last moment. Again, all lane choices are situational (and constantly & continuously evaluated), but if all things are equal, I prefer the middle lanes simply because they tend to afford me the most "escape" options in an emergency.

10. Lastly, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Practice in a parking lot: emergency swerving and braking. Then, get on the highway at off hours (early on weekend mornings is ideal) to get comfortable with the speed. You don't want to find yourself uncomfortable riding on the highway the first time you're stuck in rush hour traffic. Also, find a nice rainy day and go play in it-- learn how the Spyder handles in the wet (very well!) and get comfortable with bad weather.

Oh, one other thing: if you're in the market for a Spyder and you live in a built-up urban area, do yourself a favor and buy the *SE5*. Your left hand and foot will thank you for it. :thumbup:

 

[daveinva]

One more to add, not a highway rule but a *riding* rule of thumb taught to me that's served me well so far: when looking ahead at those left-turn lane cars or stopped cars perpendicular to your road, DON'T look at the center mass of the car (let alone the driver)-- instead, focus on the front hood of the car, or better yet, the front wheels of the car.

The human eye is drawn to movement; by focusing on the part of the car most likely to be moving, you'll spot whether that car is pulling out in front of you sooner by looking at the wheels or watching the hood dip than by staring at the center of the vehicle.

Unless you're riding in hydroplaning conditions, it's a general fact of physical reality that if a car's wheels ain't turning, it ain't moving. :thumbup:

It takes practice to train yourself to look for this stuff, but in a few months you'll find it second nature.

 

[StanProff]

Cars are stupid! they go where ever they are pointed.
Seriously, after 40+ years on motorcycles it has become second nature for me to anticipate where the driver is going and what they might do. Many times I can tell in advance when a car is going to move into my lane and cut me off. Most you guys out there with experience know what I'm talking about.
You must watch every bobble and movement of the drivers head. Sometimes they drive as if they are lost and if they don't know where they are it is a sure bet they don't know where you are. When drivers are looking for a turn or landmark etc. they certainly are not looking for a motorcycle. The best advise is to ALWAYS anticipate that a car WILL pull out at an intersection, they will always change lanes on you and that they will never see you. It does become second nature and it is amazing how quick the computer in our head can process all of the information that our eyes are scanning for.

Stan

 

[GypsyBill]

I don't have a lot of additional info as most of what has been written before is good stuff... I don't care for Interstate/Hwy riding but I have done more than my share over the last 50+ years... the first time on the Spyder at speed on the Interstate was disconcerting.. moves around too much, etc.. but then as I just relaxed it became just another ride on the road... yes, it still moves around, but I concentrate on the traffic and staying alive in it and the let the Spyder do it's thing.. rolling at 65-75 has become just another journey (albeit "exciting" when you add in the fools in cages rolling along in total oblivion). In a nutshell.. relax, stay alert, know your limitations and ride like you are invisible.

 

[Bob Denman]

You're welcome to try it, but I prefer not to artificially reduce my life expectancy. My doctor has worked too hard to get me here! :roflblack:

Yeah... My Sawbones keep telling me the same thing... :roflblack:

 

[hrbeta]

I'm so impressed and grateful for all your comments... Lots of excellent advice.

I've been pondering about what factor(s) could have made me feel uneasy the other day on the highway, and I've listed the things I think I need to examine:

- Spyder instability. Not likely, I feel my RS is very much like "on tracks". The aftermarket swaybar and Elka shocks help a lot.
- Wind buffering. It used to be a bigger factor until I put a 22" Madstad, now unless there is a strong cross wind, my head and upper body feel well shielded.
- Spyder vibration. My teeth are not rattling and parts are not falling off. I have added Captain Jim's tensioner. I also have top notch antivib grips and pegs. That said, the Spyder is not as smooth a machine as my former BMW. I have to get used I will never will be able to cruise, and cut the wind at 100mph, like I used to with my 1200GS.
- Power. No problem here, I find more than I need. I also have installed a HMF exhaust, a O2 modifier and a better flowing air filter. My Spyder is strong and fast. A 6th gear would probably help to smooth power delivery at higher speeds.
- Noise level. I think this is what was getting to me. My HMF is a lot louder than the stock pipe. That Rotax engine revving above 6000 rpm, can really roar. Nevertheless I prefer a loud bike than a stealth one. I want my presence to be known for my own safety. I have to learn to appreciate and get used to my loud Spyder.

These realizations, along with all the good pointers posted in this thread, should help me feel more comfortable the next time I get on a highway.
Cheers.

 

[GnA]

:clap:

Try some ear plugs for a short test.... they make me feel like I'm ryding in the car (noise wise), but I can still hear the radio and traffic. Make sure they fit comfortably and snugggggggly or you'll still get noice leaks.

Another thing you should think about is just maybe.... as I feel sometimes (but don't tell anyone I admitted it) , you just don't feel the need to join the slab race and get there a whole minute earlier??? :dontknow:


Row, row, row your boat..... :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

...not a bad idea at all... :thumbup::clap:

 

[zbunker]

Interesting. I have a 2012 RT

I ride the slab a lot. Fortunately, around here, the speeds are a little slower. I usually stick to about 75-78 as indicated on the speedo, which is around 72-75 in real life. The speed limit here is 70. At that speed, I pass more cars than pass me, but I do get passed. I do this whether on the RT or the RS. As has been said, ride at a speed that is within your comfort zone. There is no sense in arriving at your destination a nervous wreck. The sensation of speed is much greater on an open vehicle, and it can be unnerving to some...especially those new to open-air riding.

If your Spyder does not feel stable at speed, it may be time to get your alignment and steering sensor calibration checked, as well as checking the air pressure in your tires. A Spyder that has problems in those areas can feel unsteady at high speeds, but a Spyder that is properly set up is quite stable at pretty high speeds. They will handle triple digits readily.

That just brought to the dealer for its first 600 MI check up. I explained there was a 'vibration' I felt in the 28 to 34 mph range, disappear, and come back in the 67 to 74 MPH range. The dealer was unable to verify the condition, and sez they could not find a problem:shocked:. but perhaps I can ask about if the 'steering calibration sensor' was checked.I am new to the spyder experience and their idiosyncrasies. I'm ordering the 2012 shop manual (not available yet for $100 from the dealer). But thanks for some ammo to go back to the dealer with.

 

[NancysToy]

That just brought to the dealer for its first 600 MI check up. I explained there was a 'vibration' I felt in the 28 to 34 mph range, disappear, and come back in the 67 to 74 MPH range. The dealer was unable to verify the condition, and sez they could not find a problem:shocked:. but perhaps I can ask about if the 'steering calibration sensor' was checked.I am new to the spyder experience and their idiosyncrasies. I'm ordering the 2012 shop manual (not available yet for $100 from the dealer). But thanks for some ammo to go back to the dealer with.

A steering sensor that is not zeroed may cause instability or steering issues, but it will not cause vibration...unless it is so bad the tires chatter, and you'd know that for sure. Possible causes for vibration include too little air in the tires, tire balance/truing issues, inadequate engine/thrust rod clearance, belt tension, too low rpm, and the most common...normal V-twin engine harmonics. I'd take a closer look at the rpm you are running, what gear you are in, and where you are shifting. I don't know what you rode before, if anything, but a lot of folks have to adjust to the higher rpm of the Spyder engine. It is possible you are lugging the engine slightly, or are just in the range where the engine harmonics are the worst. The Spyder is happiest at 5,000 rpm or more.

 

[Gunkandpudge]

HIGHWAY

Recently on Rt 20 heading into Jackson Missouri t[f you weren't doing 80+ in the slow lane you'd be run over. So I was 80+ when the wife tapped me on the shoulder and asked "how fast are you going". At that moment an 18 wheeler was passing me and I said "apparently not fast enough". No I didn't speed up but it was exciting to say the least. We by passed Rt 20 on the way back! :yikes:

 

[SteveMac]

Recently on Rt 20 heading into Jackson Missouri t[f you weren't doing 80+ in the slow lane you'd be run over. So I was 80+ when the wife tapped me on the shoulder and asked "how fast are you going". At that moment an 18 wheeler was passing me and I said "apparently not fast enough". No I didn't speed up but it was exciting to say the least. We by passed Rt 20 on the way back! :yikes:

Gunk. If you came thru Jackson you weren't too far from me. Not sure about Hwy 20 though. Im not familiar with that one Maybe it was Hwy 25? Anyway if your ever through this way again give me a shout!

 

[zbunker]

Nice looking machine

I agree, ride at your own pace but watch out for the cages. Here in Houston the traffic is brutal especially for bikers. I thought Florida was bad until I moved here.:shocked:

A very nice looking machine.:thumbup:
I have a 2012 RT and want to wire lights under my machine too. I am going to get the manual to verify the correct wiring taps to make. I also want to have the 'regular' running lights to change to red when the brakes are applied I realize it will take two sets of lamps and a relay set up that incorporates the brake light system along with whatever that will be able to handle the current draw.
Ron