I need some advice from Spyder owners - any help/hints on getting used to a Spyder after a Harley?

[Bob Ledford]

Tuff call

It is a tough call you all are faced with!

Here is some of handed information:

1. The start up drill is considerably different between her HD and the Spyder that will take some getting used to. But it is an easy ahbit to get into it just requires some thought.

2. No clutch or brake handles. I still after 3 years find myself reaching for one or both at times.

3. Steady throttle while shifting not rolling off then back on.. This is another habit that has flashbacks at times.

4. Unlearning counter-steering.

5. Learning to body lean into curves and how to use your knees for turn bracing to avoid pitching yourself off. Very embarrassing I would think.

6. Learning how to back up with a real reverse gear.

7. If you go the Rotax 998 V-twin she will have to learn to let it rev up as it is not a happy camper much below 3,800 RPM's around town you don't even think 5th gear unless you can cruise at 50 to 60 MPH.

 

[ARtraveler]

Hard decisions to make--but great you are now in that position.

RT model IMO, is the way to go. Touring comfort and ameneties, LOTS of storage room.

What year? The 2012 is a sure thing if you can still find one. The 2013 offers deep discounts and extended warranty. You may or may not have issues. The 2014 offers the new 1330 engine, the 6-speed gearbox, and will be most like what you are used to.

I am suggesting to try a 2013 and a 2014 and see which one appeals to you the most. I currently have a 2010 and 2011--but the 2010 is being traded off for a new 2014. It should arrive this week.

Let us know what you decide. :yes: Shopping for a new RT is fun. :thumbup:

 

[cohoff]

I just traded my 2012 RT SE5 in for a 2014 RTS SE6. They are two different machines. I really like all the changes that have been made to the 2014, but the 2012 RT is a solid machine. If you are close to Des Moines, I highly recommend Hicklin Powersports in Grimes. That is where I purchased my 2014. They are fantastic to work, they make you feel like family. Call Joe Weissenburger cell 515 238-2565.

 

[jcthorne]

Blasphemy perhaps. But if you are going to be riding solo most of the time, why not an ST? Less money and if the V twin engine is alright with you, it is mostly the same machine.

Not at all. We both tried an ST and just liked the riding position and lower wind buffeting for long range touring on the RT. We just seemd to like the touring model better.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:shocked: :hun:
Women ALWAYS need to have the most-possible carrying capacity...
...for when a ride, turns into a shopping trip! :2thumbs:

Ain't THAT the truth, Bob!
But then, how much stuff did you buy a Spyderfest last year when your wife wasn't with you? :hun:

To the OP, I'd say that since I have a trailer, if I knew when the ST was going to come out with the larger engine and the other improvements, I'd wait till then. Right now I'm on my way to Spyderfest and not even using the side-storage. I'm thinking that's my strategy for my third Spyder. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy my '14, TOMORROW!! :dg1:

 

[jcthorne]

This is an EXCELLENT point. :thumbup:
The RPM curve on the 14 would better suit a former MoCo twin rider.

Louise bike went into trailer mode before it ever left the dealership. Forced her to learn to shift the Rotax 998 way. Only took a few days and she was right at home with it.

 

[03hdjill]

I love my ST Limited. My prior bike was a Harley Davidson Electraglide. I did not have any trouble making the transition. I like the higher rev engine of the 998. My Spyder has plenty of room for whatever I take when we travel. I also like my riding position.

My husband really likes his 2012 RTS (customized to a Limited) He had a Harley Davidson Road King Classic.

We tested both models for a couple of hours (switching between) to determine which model each of us liked.

 

[k143clen]

New RT Owner

My wife is considering moving from her Harley Davidson Heritage Softail to a Spyder Rt. She has had some knee problems & is looking for the stability of 3 wheels. Our riding will be mostly day trips with the possibility of a couple week long trips a year. She will also be riding solo 90% of the time. Should we consider a 2013 since the company seems to be very aggressive price wise or is the extra cash worth it for a 2014? Also what advice can anyone give her to help her get used to riding the Spyder vs. a 2 wheeled bike? Thanks in advance.

My husband and I have ridden two-wheeled for years. He now rides a Goldwing. Being small, my two-wheeled bike choice was always limited. Up to a few months ago, I rode a Rebel but I've been up to a VLX. We are avid weekend warriors, sometimes putting as much as 400 miles on our bikes during a weekend ride. As you might imagine, I sometimes had trouble keeping up with him -- not enough power. So, I recently made the switch to a 2014 RT. Since I consider this my last bike purchase, I wanted to get something that would meet all my needs for a very long time. The RT does just that. I can now keep up and go further without getting fatigued. I also love that I don't have to worry about balancing a bike at the stop lights. Since there's no way I could ever touch the ground while seated on my RT, I don't have to worry about the tendency to try which I've read about other new Spyder riders. I also don't have to store my stuff on his bike any longer -- I have plenty of storage space on mine. I must admit, however, that I'm still trying to get used to riding a three-wheeler. It's extremely difficult to get my brain out of the two-wheel mode, especially on turns. Right now, I putt through the turns. But I'm getting better and more confident each time out. I do miss being able to lean into the turns and the adrenaline rush of taking them at or a little above the posted limit. But I hope to get back up to speed soon. I would recommend going to a large parking lot and practicing the maneuvers in the owner's manual as well as taking a three-wheel instruction class if there's one in your area. If she chooses the Spyder, have her look up the Girls on Spyders (GOS) group. They're a great group of women riders with tons of experience and who will offer advice, tips, and, probably most importantly, support to new female Spyder riders. They have a forum similar to this. I wish your wife the best on her transition!

 

[Silvervette05]

alright my wife and I had a Harley Super Glide and we now have the 2012 RTS an we both enjoyed very much it is a lot better than the Harley and my wife is most enjoys it it is really fantastic for my wife and myself :thumbup:

 

[Questions]

Well she did it....

She picked up her new 2014 RTSE6 in Pearl White. After her 135 mile ride home she was still smiling. Thanks for all your advice.