Is it just me? Feel beat after a long ride

[pierrelogic]

I've been on a few extended destination no where rides lately. I'm new to the open air riding afforded a cycle. But wow, I feel pretty whipped after a long ride. Short rides are better than caffeine...but the long ones are tough. I sleep like the dead.

It is due to the low stock windshield on my RS letting the wind batter me? I've fixed the hand cramps and learned good posture for the back, but I never expected to be completely wiped out after a nice long ride. Do not get me wrong, not complaining. :lecturef_smilie: It's a good tired but still, I'm surprised.

Would a touring shield make that much difference?

AtDhVaAnNkCsE

 

[NancysToy]

The wind will certainly beat you up, especially at high speeds. That's why the guys that ride naked vintage bikes usually take the rural highways instead of the slab. A larger windshield may help, a rider is usually less fatiged behind a large shield or a fairing. Keep in mind, though, that the Spyder is a very physical vehicle. Unlike a motorcycle, where you just initiate a turn, the Spyder requires physical effort through the entire turn, and a lot of movement. This is going to tire you out some.

 

[Firefly]

The wind will certainly beat you up, especially at high speeds. That's why the guys that ride naked vintage bikes usually take the rural highways instead of the slab. A larger windshield may help, a rider is usually less fatiged behind a large shield or a fairing. Keep in mind, though, that the Spyder is a very physical vehicle. Unlike a motorcycle, where you just initiate a turn, the Spyder requires physical effort through the entire turn, and a lot of movement. This is going to tire you out some.

:agree:..... but on the good side I think you burn more calories ryding a Spyder than you would on 2 wheels.....:thumbup:

Many things will tire you----wind---sun---vibrations---- you tend to build up more tolerance the more you ryde.

 

[vtrider]

I depends on the individual. For me, it's the heat that tires me on longer rides. I can ride all day in temps as low as 30 degree's and when dressed right it doesn't bother me at all and stay more alert than I do when it's very hot out. That is why I like the low windshield. I like the air hitting me in the face. I do always have a full face helmet to protect myself from the elements. With a taller windshield I don't think I would like the lack of air flow around me and would be more exhausted from the heat. I guess that is just what I'm used to. One thing that I try to do, is stay hydrated with water or some sort of energy drink when on longer road trips and that helps as well. Take breaks, stretch and drink plenty of fluids would be my advise if your on extended day rides.

 

[ameobe]

:agree:..... but on the good side I think you burn more calories ryding a Spyder than you would on 2 wheels.....:thumbup:

Many things will tire you----wind---sun---vibrations---- you tend to build up more tolerance the more you ryde.

:agree: Also it's more mental.
Dad always said mental work was harder than physical.

 

[Firefly]

Also wind noise--- I'll tire out sooner if I'm not wearing ear protection.

 

[WackyDan]

:agree:..... but on the good side I think you burn more calories ryding a Spyder than you would on 2 wheels.....:thumbup:

Many things will tire you----wind---sun---vibrations---- you tend to build up more tolerance the more you ryde.

Then why am I getting fatter man?

 

[tatt2r]

Me and my better half road from new Hampshire to lamonts in tenn in one day (960miles) I have factory windshield she has one from esi and as much as I hate to admit it she was fine and I felt like I got hit by a truck

 

[cjpolk]

Riding with my stock windshield was like going 12 rounds with Tyson. It was exhausting. CalSci was a big (huge) improvement. Next big one was getting a set of floorboards to fix my seating position.

A next, harder, fix would be to find some way to quiet down the Hindle. It sounds cool, but after an hour, I sometimes with it'd shut up. Earplugs are definitely the cheapest route, when I remember to wear them.

 

[boborgera]

Your new to the Spyder, You have to learn to relax and don't fight the wind.
A taller windshield will help. Also i got a feeling you will find that risers will make a world of difference, It did for me. You want to bring the handle bars to you, not lean into them. Risers will take the pressure off your Wrist's/Back/ and Neck.

 

[pierrelogic]

Excellent info from everyone. I think I've tried most of everything suggested from time to time...just not very consistently. All but staying hydrated. From riding snowmobiles in high altitude one would think I would have remembered how vital that little gem really is. That's just a newbie mistake.

I appreciate the feedback...since I'm new to the freedom of the open air I just need to start paying attention to the little things to keep me from feeling so pummeled.

I'm all over it... :2thumbs:

 

[canchess]

totally a great bunch of info--everyones on target. hyea:opcorn:
i was in the saddle for 4 hrs and hit 113 today--just awesome. I didnt want to get off!very comfortable--relaxing is huge! and risers are a smart move, as well as floorboards. I agree on the comment on loud pipes--just do some ear protection for long ones. Those loud pipes may well save your life:spyder2:
ride on.
ps. i almost saw a bike vs car today right in front of me! The harley guy was looking at my ride making a left turn and a car came straight thru and they almost crashed in front of me--horrible really.the car would have hit the bikes left side, head on. it was at a 4 way light in Plymouth (got a sticker today and swapped out the p1x for the p1 for a bit more voolumme! No power degradation issues and no juice box--so good. just went over 500 miles today so i will schedule the service--do you all recommend going to the dealer i got it from, or can i just go to my pals shop?
Canchess

Peace everyone-speed safely:doorag:

 

[hevnbound]

In my opinion - for long trips:
1. Tie ... Windshield and risers
2. Highway pegs
3. Eara plugs
4. Hydration - hydration system back pack in hot weather is great.
5. Better seat
6. Cruise control or throttle lock

 

[pathfinderjoe]

tunes

Tunes - On long rides you need tunes. Hook yourself up so you can listen to your favorite music.

 

[chillirider]

I noticed today when it was around 85 our Spyder throws out a lot more heat then my motorcycle. I also think the Spyder requires more constant steering adjustments then my bike. Definetly a different animal then a 2 wheeler. Still can't get the smile off my face though!!:2thumbs:

 

[krb1945]

No it isn't you... many of us tire out on the longer rides. The heat, wind, sun, viberation and other factors tire us out. I would hazard a guess that world class athletes with their extreme physical conditioning wouldn't even notice a 400 mile ride. The "old bird" that I am it tires me out. Like you I sleep like I'm dead.

I found a large wind shield and robo brackets are helping us considerably. The large wind shield is a negative if you are a performance rider. I use a modified stingray... my SO uses a standard stingray. /ken krb1945

 

[Desert Spyder]

Two things tire me quicker than any else: heat & crosswinds. Oddly enough, wearing my crash jacket works very well in the heat to retain your moisture. Of course, don't come to a long-winded stoplight in those things. The crosswinds: there is nothing you can do about this. They can scare the crap out of the most seasoned ryder.

(NOTE TO BRP: Put a magnet or large metal plate on the bottom of the Spyder. Not all signal sensors are cycle friendly.)

 

[Lowflyingowl]

In my opinion - for long trips:
1. Tie ... Windshield and risers
2. Highway pegs
3. Eara plugs
4. Hydration - hydration system back pack in hot weather is great.
5. Better seat
6. Cruise control or throttle lock

I agree wholeheartedly! Just finished a ride over 3000 miles with a few 500-mile days. Tired - damn straight! But I wouldn;t even have tried without a good windshield, risers, and my highway pegs. My idea of hydration is to drink a bottle of something at every gas stop. Of course, this means that at the end of the day I am dehydrated, so I drink like a fish once I've landed for the night.

Crosswinds really can tire you out, and the Spyder is definitely harder to deal with than 2-wheels if you've got alot of twisties. We're pushing the bike through the curves, not just leaning.

But its still fun! :2thumbs:

 

[BajaRon]

You're just going to get more tired on anything where you are subjected to constant wind, noise, etc.

I don't think the Spyder is any more tiring than 2 wheels. Though the Spyder does take more effort in some respects it is much less stressfull in others.

Some of the 'Extra Effort' is really unnecessary and just requires that the rider train themselves to relax and let the Spyder do the work.

Mentally, the Spyder is less tiring than 2 wheels for sure.

 

[NancysToy]

Mentally, the Spyder is less tiring than 2 wheels for sure.

:agree: Especially in bad weather.