I'm about to buy my first Spyder -- am I doing the right thing...?

[kaykinder]

If you want to have fun then make the investment in your fun! Spyders aren't cheap but they are worth every dime (at least to me).
As for the steering issues - trust me I had the same issue 3 weeks ago but no more issues once I learned to let go of that "death grip"... when you relax your grip the spyder drives smoothly but it does take a few trips to learn to relax.

I also highly recommend Spyder driving school (just finished it myself) as it teaches you all kinds of tricks that you wont learn on your own from how to reset the computer on the spyder when things are a bit off to how to park in reverse perfectly every single time effortlessly (just by knowing where the lineup point is). I'm really glad I took the training. In Ontario Canada they offer this course at Georgian College in Barry, ON. I know they have them across the US & Canada - just ask at your local Spyder dealership.

I look forward to meeting you at a future Spyder rally event...

 

[finless]

I have had my 2011 RT-S for 4 weeks now. Logged 600+ miles so far.
It was recommended not to add the sway bar until I have ridden it awhile. It was on my "first to do list" until people told me to ride it first. My shocks are adjusted to level 5. So far I do not see myself buying the sway bar as I don't think I need it. However realize the 2013's changed the front suspension completely compared to my 2011 so the same might not be true as I have no comparison. Because I studied up here a lot about how to ride a Spyder, I really had no handling issues or expectations with my 2011. I did have "surprises" when I test drove a 2012 because I think the shocks were set at 3. But when I got on my 2011, riding it 130 miles home after the purchase was better than I expected. I also was not a long term 2 wheeler either so I think that helped with what to expect.

I would go for it but realize it takes time to get use to it. It did not take long for me at all to get use to it again because I did my homework before even getting on one.

Bob

 

[CurtG]

Relaxed grip, keep the engine in its sweet spot, drive it, smile and try not to giggle too much .

And welcome to the "family".

Ride safe,

 

[kepople]

New owner here also: 460 miles, and no previous cycle expirience... I bought a sway bar right away after feeling the movement in high wind. Have not installed it yet 300 miles later. I think it was me. I may still one day install it, but so far so good.
I posted a thread requesting people comment on how many miles they had, and what problems. The final total was 82% of owners have not had ANY major problems, and 57% had no problems what so ever.

the thread is in the RT section.

 

[Brogers57]

Can-am is offering a $2,000 rebate on 12's

And should be covering payments until Labor day! I sure was happy once I got my mystery check from BRP for $650.00 and I wasn't even told about it Go for it, I came from street bikes!

 

[ARtraveler]

Not much I can add here.

I recommend holding off on any add-ons until you have had a chance to become acquainted with your :spyder2:. There is a learning curve of 500-1500 miles--all depending on you, the driver.

Lately, handling issues (the :ani29: having a mind of its own on the road) can either come from overcontrol from the driver, or some of the issues that have been discussed on the new 2013's. EG. Ball joints, etc.

Just for the heck of it, yesterday, I tried driving my spyder (2010 RT-S) by applying the "death grip"--instantly it felt like a different machine altogether. Try it, (in a safe area), you will see exactly what I mean.

You will be the one making the determination if there are any handling issues that are mechanically induced.

Wishing you the best on your new purchase. :welcome:

 

[gnirtsnod]

It is important to know if the Spyder is 'Wandering' because of the operator or because of something that needs to be corrected in the Spyder. Most likely it's you, but maybe not.

I would hope that the demo Spyder would be handling correctly.

There is a difference in steering a 2-wheeler and a Spyder. You should gain enough experience after a couple of hundred miles to begin tracking real well with your steering. Ron's anti-sway bar will increase your riding comfort in the curves by resisting the tendency of the Spyder body to lean opposite the turn - centrifugal force.

 

[LindaG]

Congrats

You will get the sway bar sooner or later, so enjoy. It does make a difference.:yes::yes:

 

[CurtG]

how to park in reverse perfectly every single time effortlessly (just by knowing where the lineup point is). I'm really glad I took the training. .

Wish we could get a school like that down here in SW Ohio, but I'll bite what is the line up point. I back into my garage and it's a tight fit any clue would help.

TIA

Ride safe,

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I'm on my second Spyder and I have had more than my fair share of problems with the 2013 RTS but I would still say you should buy one. I've already got 9100 miles on it in less than three months and if it gets fixed today I will put another 2000 on it this weekend

 

[Sarge707]

Can-am is offering a $2,000 rebate on 12's

I would ask for a Test Drive on a 2012 RTS an save $2-$3,000 If Not More?? Brand New _Rebate- Most 2012,s have had very little problems. Just makes Financial Sense???nojoke

 

[gottago]

I think you should go for it.... I just bought my ST Limited the end of May. Have not looked back. I must admit that I worried that I might have problems....never did with my Harley. I have been pleased with my ST and enjoy riding it so much that the Harley has been sitting in the garage. Good luck with your decision. Jill

:agree::agree: I too had a few reservations about the cost until I had my first few miles and twists. Now my FLHSTC sits more in the garage than my :spyder2: I won't ever give up my Harley, I just ride it lots less now.. I say GO FOR IT, you only go around once, might as well have a blast as you do..Jim

 

[DriftersWay]

I got my 2012 RT This past June for my B-day. I was scared to death when I first started to drive it. I had a death grip on the handle bars. Once I learned to loosen my grip and keep the revs up. I love my :spyder2: . Read in here often and you will learn a lot. Butch

 

[Mickay]

Ask for the BEST Warranty, i regret it today not taking it. Spyder got baby problem, , it's could cost a lot of money. Just after base warranty when out.

Tomorrow morning (7/17/13) I'm buying a new 2013 RTS SE5 Spyder (my first Spyder). I honestly have trepidations (knots in my gut) about spending $26,000 US dollars considering all the issues that I'm seeing in this web site. Specifically: Clutch, overheating, steering components, limp mode, etc.

Last week I test drove a new 2013 RT-Limited for 7-miles on the X-Way (70 mph limit) & 7-miles on 2-lane (55 mph limit). I liked the machine except for the wandering (sloppy) steering. I'm hoping that I can overcome the loose steering over time with a relaxed grip on the handlebars. Or, spend $200-300 for some anti-sway bar.

Bottom line, help me out folks:

• Should I buy the sway bar immediately after purchase or wait & see if my new machine will possibly steer OK?
• Who makes the best anti-sway bar for the money?
• Other than safety, what's the #1 item to be aware of when driving a Spyder?

Thanks in advance for your assistance. I'm looking forward to reading your advice this evening!

Uncle Dave in Michigan

0-Spyders
2-Goldwings motorcycles
1-Harley Roadking Police motorcycle
Several small Honda & Suzuki motorcycles
​

 

[Tango]

Dave my first test ride, I made my wife dizzy with motion sickness. I was all over the road, swaying back and forth. Talked her into another test ride the next day. She said "you were much better, no more motion sickness". I guess I had the death grip on the bars as others have said. An option I am thinking about right away is, the adjustable handlebars. My second test ride had them. They move up and down, as well in and out. :thumbup: I hope to get a Spyder soon. :spyder2: Tom

 

[diesel-dawg]

I have the 2013 RT Limited. I have owned two Honda trikes and a Harley tri Glide. This spyder is really fun to drive. It takes the first 600 miles or so to adjust to the steering. On the 2013, I don't think you have to replace the sway bar....just get your air pressure and suspension (rear) to the feel you want. (17.5 in front tires and 30 in rear, with mid-range suspension in rear). That seems to work really well with me. Have fun, the spyder will put smiles on your face. You will need to address the heat issue on the legs, which I have done. The spyderpops.com bumpskid is a must...do it immediately before driving to much and risking front end damage.

Also, you can get the RT Limited for 27k ....

Ken

 

[flaggerphil]

I go along with what most have said on here. When I first rode my Spyder it felt very twitchy...but over time I learned to relax my grip and no longer have that problem.

I do disagree with thinking of you Spyder as a car. While it is not a two wheel motorcycle, it certainly isn't a car either...more like a quad atv that can run on the highway.

Any way you look at it, though, it's riding.

 

[OldCowboy]

UNCLEDAVE, inquiring minds want to know: Did you get the Spyder??