Is my new machine just NOT made for those twisty-turnies?

[JacqueTanis]

Well, I learned what The Angel can and CANNOT do. I went riding up in our gorgeous mountains today and took a twisty-turny I ride regularly. OMGosh, what a work out ... I was so sore and tired when I got home last night I just collapsed. Of course it didn't help that the more tired I got the more I gripped those handle bars and fought my machine. After a few hours (lots of breaks) I just couldn't seem to relax and enjoy the ride. It seemed like I had to go sooooo slowwww on those tight curves and it took me forever to get where we were going. Everyone was cool and had lots of patience with me but I finally told them to just go on ahead and I'd meet them there. So, will it get better or is The Angel just NOT made for that sort of road? After yesterday I've decided to ride my BMW on those twisty-turnies and The Angel on roads with more gently curves and straight roads ahead, longer trips ... Any tips would be appreciated!:gaah:

 

[Saluda]

Relax & enjoy

A tight grip is definately what you don't want to do. It definately should get better. I'm real happy with mine and the way it performs in the turns. Best of luck.

 

[DrewNJ]

Relax and concentrate more on your "whole body" ergonomics when riding. It's not like a car, you do have to move around on the seat and work the turns when riding harder. If you try to ride sitting upright on the seat in the turns, the spyder will wear you out pretty quick and makes for a not so fun ride....

 

[danlnc]

Well, I learned what The Angel can and CANNOT do. I went riding up in our gorgeous mountains today and took a twisty-turny I ride regularly. OMGosh, what a work out ... I was so sore and tired when I got home last night I just collapsed. Of course it didn't help that the more tired I got the more I gripped those handle bars and fought my machine. After a few hours (lots of breaks) I just couldn't seem to relax and enjoy the ride. It seemed like I had to go sooooo slowwww on those tight curves and it took me forever to get where we were going. Everyone was cool and had lots of patience with me but I finally told them to just go on ahead and I'd meet them there. So, will it get better or is The Angel just NOT made for that sort of road? After yesterday I've decided to ride my BMW on those twisty-turnies and The Angel on roads with more gently curves and straight roads ahead, longer trips ... Any tips would be appreciated!:gaah:

I accidentally rode the Rattler to Lamonts, and I know what you mean. I have ridden for 40 years and by no means do I consider myself the best, but I do know my way around a bike. And anyone that says that they can out perform a two wheeler on the twisties is just blowing hot air.

 

[Motorcycledave]

I agree

Riding the Spyder in the twisties is way different than on my ST1300 Honda or any other bike for that matter.
It is more of a work out than on a bike but it's still fun but like above if I want to get some place fast and the road is
very windy I take the bike every time if I am out for a Sunday type of ride the /Spyder is the way to go.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

I accidentally rode the Rattler to Lamonts, and I know what you mean. I have ridden for 40 years and by no means do I consider myself the best, but I do know my way around a bike. And anyone that says that they can out perform a two wheeler on the twisties is just blowing hot air.

 

[Derek Paisley]

Blowing Hot air.... I don't think I'd take it that far.


I can out perform many local riders who are on 2 wheels. It's not the vehicle that defines this, it's the rider and their vehicle specific proficiency.
Take a 40 year conventional MC rider on a Spyder and we typically hear the "It tried to kill me in the corner...", "My arms and whole body took a beating"..




JacqueTanis, give it some time to adjust to the riding style. There are many great contributors here @ Spyderlovers that will provide some useful direction.


D

 

[asp125]

The Spyder is happiest in sweepers and higher speed curves, definitely not the best in tight hairpins. You can't fight physics of muscling a 900lb machine around a first gear corner as easily as you can on a 500lb motorcycle. There is just too much mass to call it "flickable" in the twisties. That said, you can do things to help it corner, like improving the suspension, and using active body weighting, and sticky tires.

Even in RS RSS form, it's more a sport touring rig than a backroads brawler. You won't keep up with sport bikes (BTDT) without Nanny telling you to "act your age".

But on the bright side, think of the free upper body workout you're getting without going to the gym! :thumbup:

 

[danlnc]

The Spyder is happiest in sweepers and higher speed curves, definitely not the best in tight hairpins. You can't fight physics of muscling a 900lb machine around a first gear corner as easily as you can on a 500lb motorcycle. There is just too much mass to call it "flickable" in the twisties. That said, you can do things to help it corner, like improving the suspension, and using active body weighting, and sticky tires.

Even in RS RSS form, it's more a sport touring rig than a backroads brawler. You won't keep up with sport bikes (BTDT) without Nanny telling you to "act your age".

But on the bright side, think of the free upper body workout you're getting without going to the gym! :thumbup:

I agree. That's all I was saying. I love my Spyder, but it is what it is.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Don't leave the ST at home it will not be happy with you! As the others have said a tight grip is your enemy you need to relax and give yourself a chance to get used to the differences in the Spyder vs a two wheeler.

Try leaving your sport biker friends at home and give it another try without the pressure of keeping up with the others. Good luck.

 

[Bob Ledford]

tips from an OF

Janis

Do like the previous posters told you. It all comes together with time and practice, practice and more practice comes experience and then you find, pure enjoyment and you don't even notice it happening.


You made mention that you took your Beemer out and did better. You should have because you probably had it longer, right?


As "saluda" mentioned you have to unthink your normal two wheel skills and learn new three wheel skills. Like the Spyder does not require you to counter steer into a corner. But it does require that you lean your upper body mass into the corner to counter the g-forces trying to pitch you off. If you go into a corner on your Beemer to hot what happens? You fall down. What happens on your Spyder? You just wet your drawers and go on.


As a newbie rider myself 50 years on two wheels and only a year an a half on three at the age of 72, just take it slow and watch the body language of those with more 3 wheel experience. You will find yourself blowing the paint off those 2 wheel hotdoggers in no time at all.


Don't forget to come back periodically for more Q&A.

 

[JacqueTanis]

Advice

Relax and concentrate more on your "whole body" ergonomics when riding. It's not like a car, you do have to move around on the seat and work the turns when riding harder. If you try to ride sitting upright on the seat in the turns, the spyder will wear you out pretty quick and makes for a not so fun ride....

So I think I'm just so used to my two wheels I'm having a hard time adjusting to three. I was leaning on the seat but I'm so new (less than two weeks but 1500 miles - yay) the road was off camber and I would just feeze up and let off the throttle. I can take 15 MPH turns doing 25 to 30 on my BMW but on The Angel I found myself slowing wayyyy down to even 10. Also, I was riding behind a 2 wheel rider who is pretty paranoid and kept adjusting their up and down and all over the place. :banghead: I finally got in front of them and did a little better. Should I move off the seat like I do on my ATV?

 

[JacqueTanis]

LOL - Agreed!

I accidentally rode the Rattler to Lamonts, and I know what you mean. I have ridden for 40 years and by no means do I consider myself the best, but I do know my way around a bike. And anyone that says that they can out perform a two wheeler on the twisties is just blowing hot air.

I've just decided that I'll have to choose my depending on the route, although I am hoping to at least get comfortable enough on The Angel that I can at least ease around those tight turns without freezing up and yelling (inside my head very loudly) PANIC

 

[JacqueTanis]

Blowing Hot air.... I don't think I'd take it that far.


I can out perform many local riders who are on 2 wheels. It's not the vehicle that defines this, it's the rider and their vehicle specific proficiency.
Take a 40 year conventional MC rider on a Spyder and we typically hear the "It tried to kill me in the corner...", "My arms and whole body took a beating"..




JacqueTanis, give it some time to adjust to the riding style. There are many great contributors here @ Spyderlovers that will provide some useful direction.


D

Thank you so very much ... I have soooo much to learn - LOL and unlearn!

 

[JacqueTanis]

The Spyder is happiest in sweepers and higher speed curves, definitely not the best in tight hairpins. You can't fight physics of muscling a 900lb machine around a first gear corner as easily as you can on a 500lb motorcycle. There is just too much mass to call it "flickable" in the twisties. That said, you can do things to help it corner, like improving the suspension, and using active body weighting, and sticky tires.

Even in RS RSS form, it's more a sport touring rig than a backroads brawler. You won't keep up with sport bikes (BTDT) without Nanny telling you to "act your age".

But on the bright side, think of the free upper body workout you're getting without going to the gym! :thumbup:

:clap: You made my day and gave me a big smile. Now to show my newbie genes ... what do you mean by active body weighting and sticky tires and how do I improve the suspension? I do think The Angel is a perfect touring machine ... I did 2400+ miles on my BMW F650Gs in January and it was great but nothing compared to the 1350 miles I did when I picked The Angel up last week and drove it home. Talk about comfort (LOL, except the seat - I'm getting a Russell for this girl).

 

[Jeriatric]

Don't stop

The reality is. Riding the spyder aggressively in twisties is a work out.
At first, if I spent a day - 10 or 12 hours - in the twisties. I'd be toast.
It takes time for your body to adjust because it is a work out.
But, if you stay with it. You'll be glad you did. jmy2c

 

[asp125]

So I think I'm just so used to my two wheels I'm having a hard time adjusting to three. I was leaning on the seat but I'm so new (less than two weeks but 1500 miles - yay) the road was off camber and I would just feeze up and let off the throttle. I can take 15 MPH turns doing 25 to 30 on my BMW but on The Angel I found myself slowing wayyyy down to even 10. Also, I was riding behind a 2 wheel rider who is pretty paranoid and kept adjusting their up and down and all over the place. :banghead: I finally got in front of them and did a little better. Should I move off the seat like I do on my ATV?

Two weeks (1500mi) is still "new" to you, get some more seat time and you'll find it easier. I still ride two wheels and have learned to make that mental switch every time I get on the Spyder. Yes you'll find riding the Spyder more like your ATV to help, not always necessary but if you are comfortable riding that way it will help make the switch easier.

 

[JacqueTanis]

Thanks for the info ...

Blowing Hot air.... I don't think I'd take it that far.


I can out perform many local riders who are on 2 wheels. It's not the vehicle that defines this, it's the rider and their vehicle specific proficiency.
Take a 40 year conventional MC rider on a Spyder and we typically hear the "It tried to kill me in the corner...", "My arms and whole body took a beating"..




JacqueTanis, give it some time to adjust to the riding style. There are many great contributors here @ Spyderlovers that will provide some useful direction.


D

 

[JacqueTanis]

Thank you ... I WILL stick with it for sure!

The reality is. Riding the spyder aggressively in twisties is a work out.
At first, if I spent a day - 10 or 12 hours - in the twisties. I'd be toast.
It takes time for your body to adjust because it is a work out.
But, if you stay with it. You'll be glad you did. jmy2c

 

[JacqueTanis]

Yes you're right Bob, I needed that reminder - when I went from my Honda Shadow to my BMW I about had a stroke, I was so scared but now, after a year riding it I'm fine - so, I'll give it some time and enjoy one day realizing how comfortable I am - :bowdown: thank you so much!

Janis

Do like the previous posters told you. It all comes together with time and practice, practice and more practice comes experience and then you find, pure enjoyment and you don't even notice it happening.


You made mention that you took your Beemer out and did better. You should have because you probably had it longer, right?


As "saluda" mentioned you have to unthink your normal two wheel skills and learn new three wheel skills. Like the Spyder does not require you to counter steer into a corner. But it does require that you lean your upper body mass into the corner to counter the g-forces trying to pitch you off. If you go into a corner on your Beemer to hot what happens? You fall down. What happens on your Spyder? You just wet your drawers and go on.


As a newbie rider myself 50 years on two wheels and only a year an a half on three at the age of 72, just take it slow and watch the body language of those with more 3 wheel experience. You will find yourself blowing the paint off those 2 wheel hotdoggers in no time at all.


Don't forget to come back periodically for more Q&A.

 

[lookerjdc]

I have to agree with the other posters

it does take time and practice - and it will come

you learn to shift your weight, you learn to pick your line going in to and coming out of turns to set yourself up for the next turn, etc, etc

but in the end, its all about you having a good time, not trying to pass the person in front of you (unless they are doing 10 mph.......) lol