• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

How Valuable Is This Site? Read On....

The Governor

New member
Wondering if your comments are useful, or if this site helps newbies? Here is the long winded answer.


My story.
I have been riding on two wheels for over thirty years, and a dedicated BMW LT rider for the last eleven. I have probably logged near as many miles on two as on four. I was in the BMW dealership in late September contemplating the new Beemer, finally ready to peel the wallet open, and take the plunge. While I was waiting, I spotted her. She was a copper and black beauty. Sleek, sexy lines. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I inquired, the salesman grabbed the keys, and fired her up. She sang to me in that deep raspy voice that only a cat free, Hindle voice box can provide. Damn, now what? I was married to my current BMW. We had over a decade together. History, trust, reliability. I was trapped. I aggressively rode my champagne girl home, winding her over nine thousand RPMs from every start, thinking of the new temptress the entire time. Damn. Then it came to me! I will research this silver four eyed concubine, and put this to rest! The web must be loaded with horrid stories of roadside failures of this hussy in disguise!
She must flip easily! Nope. Damn.
She must be way overpriced! Nope. Damn.
She must be a nightmare to maintain! She breaks down all the time! Parts hard to get? Nope, nope NOPE! Damn!
I did notice that there are not a million farkles to buy for this girl- But that’s because she’s already loaded up! Damn, Damn!
I had only one last barrier. My current ride. I had tons of farkles on her, every option, extremely well maintained with aircraft logbook style records. I will never get what she is worth, TO ME. I confidently put the big girl on Craigslist, maximum price, at the end of riding season. The decision will be made for me! She sold in three days, full price, first caller. Damn. Now what?
I was in full mourning over the loss of my partner. She was a husky girl, but love made her grateful. She never let me down.
I started to research the models of the Spyder. I knew nothing, really, of the girl that put me in a place that rivaled a story by Edgar Allen Poe. I finally decided on an RTS. I ride two up every chance I can, and the true love of my life must always be very comfortable, and feel safe. I searched eBay, Cycle Trader, and Search Tempest. I finally found a gorgeous black 2010 RTS-S SM5, in Arkansas. She had 20k miles, and looked flawless. Hooked again, only this time I was single, and ready for the commitment. I had never even test driven one of these things, let alone been on the highway. I didn’t even know there was a sequence to starting her up! Time to jump in, both feet.
Little Rock was to be a 358 mile test drive. I jumped on an airplane with a helmet and a bag full of cash. The previous owner met me at the airport with the bike, title, and keys in hand. We took care of the transaction in a private room offered by Southwest, I got the keys & clear title, and we headed outside to the bike. She was even more beautiful than pictures could ever depict. In the blink of an eye, I was on, and we were out! The ride home was a glorious nearly eight hour first date, and better than I could have imagined. She’s a agile dry ground snowmobile, and I don’t have to freeze my tail off! What a rush! I had a new girl, and so the love affair began.
I read and read and read more articles on everything from skid plates to rear tires. What an awesome wealth of information this correctly named “Spyder Lovers” website!
I unleashed the debit card on almost every upgrade I could find. I also found several little things that were previously broken, and unmentioned by the previous owner. No worries, she was now in confident, secure hands. I convinced my better half it was in the name of safety. I have since been to church to request forgiveness for a slight stretch of the truth. That was a close one! Here is a list of the upgrades I was able to accomplish directly due to the information and influence of this site…
R&R all fluids & filters
Kumho rear tire
Heated grip replacement (Right side was inop)
Infinity speakers (4)
Blue dash LEDs (Fuel & Temp gauges)
HID headlights
HID fog lights
EBC brake pads, all around
Frunk switch replacement
Pitbull Cat delete
Insulation tape wrapped exhaust, SS zip ties
Two Brothers muffler
Juicebox Pro
Smooth Spyder belt tensioner
LAMONSTER highway pegs with web footrest
Denali horn
Baja Ron’s sway bar and links
Comfort seat
K&N air filter
Trunk shock & liner
One for the road cupholder
Rear shock upgrade
Rear wheel bearings
New Battery
Trickle charger quick disconnect


Well, I thought I was done, but just read an article from “robmorg”….. Soooooo, I
just ordered the Signal Dynamics WIG-WAG brake flasher. This is surely a safety item, and no late night emergency clergyman call was necessary!


I’m sure there will be farkles in our future, a Botox here, a lift there, maybe a tuck if needed. The important thing now, is we are together, happy, and building memories almost daily. The dance is graceful, and she willingly complies to my leads. I’m looking forward to the next fifty thousand miles on this agile vixen. I thank God for introducing us, guiding us, and keeping us safe. I thank all of y'all on this site for sharing your knowledge and experiences for all to see. It is more valuable than you may think.


Ride safe!


Matthew "The Governor"
Argyle, Texas
 
Governor - that was the best description of a 2-wheel conversion experience I've ever heard, even mine!!

Welcome to the club. You're going to come to love this girl more and more as you get to know her.
 
Whew ............... Why don't you tell us how you really feel.

Great story, I enjoyed reading it, and feel somewhat the same with my Spyder.

Welcome to the Spyder World.

Cruzr Joe
 
Welcome..!!

very well put..thanks for posting your feelings and views. Enjoy those next fifty...:2thumbs: :ohyea::ohyea:
 
110% Enjoyed Your Post

Luv your way with words...NICE, very NICE. "almost" as enjoyable as my relationship with Spyderlovers and my RTS..:yikes: read the ALMOST...so based on that you seem to have taken that hussy from a street "walker" to a mighty fine Queen...will you three (including the lady you call "the best") be attending Spyderfest 2015. That my friend would be the ultimate Spyderlovers introduction. Again thanks for the awesome read and great :roflblack: :thumbup: :yes:
 
Very well written narrative :2thumbs:. Thanks and :welcome: I haven't given up my "old girl" yet after a dozen years, guess I'm a bit of a two timer.
 
Mathew,

I can certainly relate to your feelings. I had a bitch I felt that way about once. She was a golden retriever named Brandi. ;)

As to the information you gained from this forum... AGAIN, I can totally relate to that. I can honestly say that I would not have the same degree of enjoyment from my Spyder that I enjoy on every ride, if it were not for the great information I've learned from folks on this forum who so generously share information and answer anything you want to know. From learning how to initially adapt from two wheels to three; to learning the various systems; to eliminating most of the heat on my 2013 RT; to making mods and adding farkles.... I've learned it all here.

I'm glad you enjoyed that message I posted on the Wig-Wag brake modulator yesterday. On this forum you never know who else is going to like what you've done and get some ideas of their own from what you post. Here are some other mods I've done over the 15 months since the Spyder RT has been "a part of my family".

You made a great choice with that RTS. It even looks like your BMW LT, if you look at it from the rear. At least, you won't have to get used to removing the cowlings when you modify it. :)
 
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Thanks for the great post. You do have a great way with words. Many of us feel very similar. :yes::yes:

:welcome: and :congrats:
 
great story

WOW!! you drove a long time on a bike you were unfamiliar with. Great story glad you like the spyder. I went from a two wheeler to a three wheeler and loving every minute of it.:ohyea:
 
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I, too, traded in a BMW K1200LT on my 2012 RT Limited. After only having about a 5 mile test ride at another dealer, I had my 100 mile ride home and enjoyed every minute of it. No regrets for me, in fact I'm on my second one with a 2014 RT Limited that arrived early last spring in place of the 2012.

I like my 'Big Blue Pig' but the Spyder is the best two-up bike I've had! Glad to hear you are enjoying your new toy!
 
Hey Guv, are you by chance a Southern conservative hell fire and brimstone preacher! :clap:Your writing sure sounds like you could be! Except for the use of "damn". :roflblack:
 
BRAVO!!!!!!:yes::yes::yes::yes: ENCORE!!!!!!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: Can I get an Amen from the congregation:pray::pray::pray::ohyea::ohyea::ohyea:
 
Maybe order front Elka shocks from Len at Pitbull: he is best at Elka setup

Matthew,
Welcome to Spyder ryding fun!!
Elka stage 1+ shocks on front of your RT will complete suspension upgrade.
Len will set up your Elka's spot on!!
It is nice to hear Spyder info shared on SpyderLovers site has helped you, & others!!
A great description of your Spyder experience/upgrades, thanks for posting.
Enjoy your rydes!!
Jim
 
Ah, with such a mushy story like that, I had to walk away from the computer for a minute and go give my RT-S a hug!!!!
 
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