It's official! I'm a SpyderLover.

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Picked up a preowned 2018 RTL this past Friday in Houston and drove it home to College Station TX. My third trike. The stable consists of said 2018 RTL, a Polaris Slingshot, and a HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS26 (human-powered with e-assist). I'm a happy camper. Now I'm looking forward to what passes for Fall and Winter here in TX.

Wasn't too hot driving home. Didn't do ATGATT, but I did wear some sleeves to keep from getting burnt. Did get a little sun on my face wearing an open face Bell helmet and shades. Will try to start wearing my Schuberth C5 modular to get accustomed to the weight and keep my son happy.

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[Deanna777]

Congrats! Welcome to this awesome site. I am glad that you could join us here.

Let the Farkling (installing/adding Accessories) and smiles begin!

This site has a lot of great info about Spyders, events, and shared knowledge.

Deanna

 

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Thanks, Deanna. I'm awaiting some Farkling material, as I write.

 

[Snoking1127]

Looks like a nice low mile Spyder. If it still has the OEM tires, I would advise you to put new tires on it ESP. I just did that on my most recent 2018 that had only 4100 miles on the clock.

This on the rear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6JR9C75?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1
These on the front: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...eu98pgMMDdv0A_V4x8swR9aPWRUH8fgRoCe3EQAvD_BwE

Fronts are EZ, most tire shop can mount them for you, but some cannot balance the Spyder wheels. I have installed three sets for myself and one set of in-laws. Never balanced the fronts or rears, as they run very true without a need to be balanced, unlike the Kenda tires. I remove the rear wheel myself and have a tire shop install the General. There are vids on YouTube on doing that. The Axle bolt and nut are 36MM. I tie down the front wheels, as the rear has to be raised quite high to roll the tire out. Caution on placement of the floor jack is in order.

An HD sway bar really improves handling.

And the beat goes on.
Foam grips from LaMouster.
Nav/electrics.
LED headlights.
It never ends, which is part of the fun.

You will learn all about removing and reinstalling the tupperware in short order. I have two style push pin tools.

 

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Looks like a nice low mile Spyder. If it still has the OEM tires, I would advise you to put new tires on it ESP. I just did that on my most recent 2018 that had only 4100 miles on the clock.

This on the rear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6JR9C75?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1
These on the front: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...eu98pgMMDdv0A_V4x8swR9aPWRUH8fgRoCe3EQAvD_BwE

Fronts are EZ, most tire shop can mount them for you, and some can not balance the Spyder wheels. I have install three set for myself and one set of in-laws. Never balanced the fronts or rears, as they run very true without need to be balanced, unlike Kenda tires. I remove the rear wheel myself and have a tire shop install the General. There on YouTubes on doing that. Axle bolt and nut are 36MM. I tie down the front wheels, as the rear has to be raised quite high to roll the tire out. Caution on placement of the floor jack is in order.

HD sway bar really improves handling.

And the beat goes on.
Foam grips from LaMouster.
Nav/electrics.
LED headlights.
It never ends, which is part of the fun.

I'm good on the tires until I start using it more frequently. Which, because it's getting too stinking hot, will be fall-ish. The rear tire is new, the fronts were recently replaced. It had 15k on the odometer, so yeah, low mileage. As I mentioned, I'm a happy camper. Saved myself about $20k by not waiting for spring and buying new.

 

[Snoking1127]

Also check to see if the front sprocket and transmission output shaft recalls have be completed.

The transmission shaft is a big deal. Both are covered by BRP, with the transmission one having a mileage limit. Dealer will want it for most of a week to do the transmission recall, and if the sprocket has not been done, they will do it at the same time.

 

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Also check to see if the front sprocket and transmission output shaft recalls have be completed.

The transmission shaft is a big deal. Both are covered by BRP, with the transmission one having a mileage limit. Dealer will want it for most of a week to do the transmission recall, and if the sprocket has not been done, they will do it at the same time.

View attachment 255845

Yeah, the previous owner was... religious... about getting the recalls done.

 

[Snoking1127]

If the display firmware has been updated you will see distance to empty in the left center of the display. My first two 2018's needed the update, the most recent one already had it.

 

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Yep, good to go there...

 

[Dasmoetorhead]

Congrats on the Spyder, and welcome from Nor-Cal.

 

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Congrats on the Spyder, and welcome from Nor-Cal.

 

[greer]

Nice bike Ken, congratulations!!

Sarah

 

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Thank you, Sarah!! I like it, too.

 

[Danvirsse]

Great looking bike, Ken! It seems you wait for winter to ride, I wait for summer Enjoy your new wheels and be safe.

 

[RetiredBikerKenJ]

Great looking bike, Ken! It seems you wait for winter to ride, I wait for summer Enjoy your new wheels and be safe.

Yeah, winter in TX is just about perfect for open air rides. Except for the odd ice and snow, we got it good down here weatherwise. And spring is like a gift from God when the bluebonnets and paintbrush are blooming. Thanks for the well wishes and right back at ya.

 

[Snoking1127]

In Arizona we ride all winter, move to the other trike and ride all summer in Washington.