How to fit a Spyder to a guy that's 6'4"?

[Ray R]

I'm seriously interested in getting one of these, but I want to make sure I'll be comfortable and happy with it for years to come.

From what I've read so far, the 1" bar riser and highway pegs are a good start.

Is a taller windscreen really necessary? I ride some naked bikes, so I'm used to some wind at highway speeds. And if the stock screen is enough to keep the wind off my chest, I'll be a happy camper.

Would getting a custom seat built with some extra padding help? If so, how much extra would be practical before it would be detrimental to the handling characteristics or riding position? A couple of inches? More?


Would it be possible/practical to build a peg lowering kit? I typically install these on my BMW motorcycles, and they help a lot. The key to their success is the ability to adjust the shift linkage and foot brake to match. And since the Spyder doesn't lean, I would think there would be no worry about ground clearance.

Any ideas? Comments? Suggestions? I know a test ride would tell a lot. But there are none in my state yet, so I'll be traveling to California to look. I'd like comments before I make that kind of trip. Thanks!

 

[Danimal]

There are plenty of tall ryders out here that should be able to give you an honest idea of what you're in for...

I think you can make it work and really enjoy this bike!

 

[bjt]

I am also 6'4" and I feel real comfortable on the Spyder. The base or stock riding position is very comfortable for me. It is more comfortable than many cars or trucks since I've been having some sciatic nerve issues and also a bout of knee pain. I ordered the Spyder before I really started having those problems so I became concerned that I was going to pay $16,000 on something that I wouldn't be able to use as much as I first thought I would. Once it came in and I spent some time riding it, I noticed that the slight forward lean of my body took the pressure off my backside so my sciatica didn't act up and the bend in my leg was very comfortable for my knee. Not too much bend but not too straight either.

I did get the 1" riser installed right from the start so I can't say if it would have made any difference from the stock bar height. I also put on the highway brackets and pegs. They work well for an occasional change of riding position but they aren't any more comfortable for me than the stock riding position. Like I said, the stock position is very comfortable for me.

 

[Spyderryder798]

Just my two cents...

Im 6'6" and the Spyder is still perfect for me.
I haven't even found the need just yet for highway pegs, but I might in the future. Especially if I were to be on a long ride.
In my opinion, the taller windshield is a must.
I just installed my F1 from Marcel...it is the perfect height for me. Just tall enough to deflect the wind on my face, but still low enough that I don't have to look through the windshield when I ride.

The seat is just fine.
The 1" riser is also the first thing that I installed.

One last thing...the side mirror extensions are crucial for me.
They allow me to actually see the road behind me, rather than looking at my shoulders.

 

[Danimal]

Uggggg..... sciatic pain..... yeah... I've got that too and was glad to find out the Spyder doesn't seem to bother it.


Isn't it fun getting old?

 

[bjt]

Uggggg..... sciatic pain..... yeah... I've got that too and was glad to find out the Spyder doesn't seem to bother it.


Isn't it fun getting old?

Actually, I would have liked my body to stop aging at about 32 or 33. ;D

 

[docdoru]

There are 3 categories of subjects: some that they had Sciatica, others that are now in Severe Acute Sciatica and finally that will have Sciatica sooner or later!

 

[NancysToy]

I'm seriously interested in getting one of these, but I want to make sure I'll be comfortable and happy with it for years to come.

From what I've read so far, the 1" bar riser and highway pegs are a good start.

I am 6'0" and my wife's Spyder with the 1" riser is perfect for me. Upright seating position, just like my BMW R1100RT, but I do have long arms. Can't speak to the highway pegs, but it is a stable platform, and it is easy to stretch your legs occasionally.

Is a taller windscreen really necessary? I ride some naked bikes, so I'm used to some wind at highway speeds. And if the stock screen is enough to keep the wind off my chest, I'll be a happy camper.

There seems to be a lot of wind on your chest, but it is not as severe as on a naked bike. I think much of this is coming from below the windshield, around the cowl, but I have not attached streamers yet to verify that. It will not try to tear you off the bike, like a naked ride, but it will tire you after a long distance on the slab. Acceptable, to me, on a 55 mph highway, better than my naked R75/5. BTW, wear your earplugs...noisy, too.

Would getting a custom seat built with some extra padding help? If so, how much extra would be practical before it would be detrimental to the handling characteristics or riding position? A couple of inches? More?

To me, this is the most comfortable motorcycle I have ever ridden in 50 years of two-wheeled joy. I can ride more than twice as far on the Spyder, as on my BMW R1100RT, before I start to squirm in the seat. Have never even considered using my sheepskin for a long trip. Some folks say the seat is shaped too much like a telephone pole for them. My advice, try it first. Custom seat modifications have been done, and are always possible later, depending on your preferences.

Would it be possible/practical to build a peg lowering kit? I typically install these on my BMW motorcycles, and they help a lot. The key to their success is the ability to adjust the shift linkage and foot brake to match. And since the Spyder doesn't lean, I would think there would be no worry about ground clearance.

This is very personal. The leg position is more tucked than my BMW RT or my Triumph, more like a BMW K1200GT. It seems comfortable, though, possibly due to the width. Some folks have lowered their pegs, but the shifter is barely adjustable, and the brake pedal is not, so you will run into problems there.

Hope this helps.
-Scotty

 

[Ray R]

Thanks for all of the replies folks. Good information. Keep it coming.

As for the lack of brake pedal and shift linkage adjustment, perhaps I could get a local machinist to make new pieces, along with a peg lowering kit.

I guess I'll see how it fits first. It sounds like anything is possible, for the right price. ;D

 

[mdr]

I'm 6'1 and love the fit of the Spyder. I put the riser on before bringing it home as I knew after a demo that I would need one. What has surprised me the most is how comfortable I am on long rides. Like others, I have lower back issues (judo injury) and I find that when I ride my Harley the back pain really kicks in. I thought it would be worse on the Spyder, but the upright riding position has been great--no pain even after long rides. I haven't needed forward pegs, but will add a windscreen because it does get tiring after long rides on the highway. If you do go for a test ride, keep in mind that many of us--myself included--did not love the feel of the Spyder after the first ride. It takes some time to get used to, and to relax and let the bike do the work. You will love it once you've ridden for a while.

 

[bjt]

Since I forgot to give my opinion on the taller windshield in my original post, I'll do it now. If you are asking about buying BRP's touring windshield to replace the stock windshield because it's taller, I wouldn't spend the money. My wife and I each got a Spyder and she got the touring windshield and there was still quite a bit of wind in my chest and face. I kept the stock windshield on mine and I really couldn't tell the difference between the two as far as chest and face wind goes. The minimum windshield for us tall guys who want some relief from the wind is Marcel's F1. It cuts down on the wind quite a bit. My wife bought one of the F1s. I bought Marcel's Evolution II and that makes it even better. It is almost twice as good as her F1 for cutting the wind on my head and chest. Also, once all that wind is away from your helmet, the ride is so much quieter. I can hear my iPod, GPS, FM radio or two-way radio through the helmet headset speakers without having to crank the volume way up.

If you want BRP's touring windshield because you think it looks better, go ahead and get it but don't think that it will give you drastically better protection from the wind than the stock windshield. Now the good thing about this is that you can get your Spyder and try riding it with the BRP windshield and if you are fine with the wind, great. If not, you can order from Marcel and get good wind protection in a few weeks.
:spyder:

 

[Ray R]

Has anyone tried the windshield from Mel's Monster Garage? It's supposed to be 3" taller than the BRP sport/touring shield.

I'm not sure I like the look of the F1 or the F1 EVO. All I'd be looking for is the wind off my chest and a clean flow to my head/helmet....meaning no buffeting.