Just Joined the Family

[jdgretz]

I just purchased a "used" 2024 RT Limited - Carbon Black today. Less than 100 miles on the clock. Got a bunch of questions about accessories and the infotainment system that I'll ask in the RT sub-forum.

I'll post photos of the actual bike when they get finished putting the accessories on it.

jdg

 

[Mikey]

Well, good luck and have fun on that new ride! Grab your owner's manual and go sit on the bike and sit and poke. I found it quite an adventure coming from a 2012 to the 2025!

 

[Little Blue]

Well, welcome to the Spyder Ryde Time. Always good to have another Spyder Ryder. Lots of valuable information on this Forum. Hopefully you will find more information than you really need. If you need some help, just ask. We are here to help you out with most things.

Tip number one is:

Take your Time and learn.​

​

Spyder Ryding is definitely a special treat. If you came from 2 wheels to three wheels there's a definite learning curve.

Good Luck on Your Mission.

 

[Redbeard]

Be sure to read the owner's manual cover to cover a few times, ESPECIALLY how to check the oil level! The Rotax 1330 engine has a dry sump oiling system. For a new owner it is easy to overfill. NEVER CHECK THE ENGINE OIL AFTER SITTING ANY PERIOD OF TIME (like overnight) - NEVER. The manual says to ride for 10 Miles, then let the engine idle for 10 minutes (I only wait for a couple of minutes to let the scavenger pumps work fully), turn off the engine, and then immediately check the oil level (I believe the manual shows that one has a couple of minutes, but no longer). The oil level is difficult to read on these dipsticks, so use a white paper towel behind the dipstick in direct sunshine to make it easier to read. These engines are great at not using oil, so if you check your oil level after a ride and there is no oil on the ground before your next trip out, you will still be full of oil and ready for the next ride. Enjoy the ryding time the Spyder offers, I know I do.

 

[jdgretz]

Well, good luck and have fun on that new ride! Grab your owner's manual and go sit on the bike and sit and poke. I found it quite an adventure coming from a 2012 to the 2025!

I actually downloaded the owner's manual for both the 2023 and 2024 to see what the differences were before deciding I really wanted a '24 or '25, although it appears that the '23 would have made hooking up my Garmin 665 easier. Oh well, adapt and overcome.

jdg

 

[racoon]

I actually downloaded the owner's manual for both the 2023 and 2024 to see what the differences were before deciding I really wanted a '24 or '25, although it appears that the '23 would have made hooking up my Garmin 665 easier. Oh well, adapt and overcome.

Google says that the Garmin 665 supports Bluetooth and can stream your music to a bluetooth headset.

I installed a SENA 3S Plus boom Microphone Kit in my helmet, and have it bluetooth connected to my Spyder so that I can hear the Apple CarPlay navigation directions.

It supports three separate bluetooth connections:
- GPS
- Phone 1
- Phone 2

Have you considered adding a headset to your helmet?

 

[jdgretz]

I already have the headsets and have been using them for years. For reference, on my Goldwing, I routed the Garmin output to the aux in on the 'Wing and then everything came through the 'Wing audio system. I happened to have the headsets hardwired to the 'Wing audio wiring (2008 model) which allowed me to also use the internal intercom and CB radio using the Sena. I'm using the older 20s as it worked with the hard wired option.

Looking at the 20s manual, it looks like I can pair it with both the Spyder (although I'm not sure what for at the moment) and my GPS. Since I get both my .mp3s and XM Radio via the 665, I probably don't have much of a reason to pair with the Spyder unless it gives voice prompts for something I'm not aware of yet.

jdg

 

[racoon]

Looking at the 20s manual, it looks like I can pair it with both the Spyder (although I'm not sure what for at the moment) and my GPS. Since I get both my .mp3s and XM Radio via the 665, I probably don't have much of a reason to pair with the Spyder unless it gives voice prompts for something I'm not aware of yet.

I have my headset paired to my Spyder using the GPS setting for the headset, but that's because I'm using Apple CarPlay so the Spyder is my GPS.

 

[2dogs]

If this is your first ride, find an experienced companion who can clue you into what to watch out for, stay safe out there, and don't get run over by some cage driver not watching what they're doing. Good luck.

 

[baxter]

Get acquainted with the bike before making a lot of purchases. You may find out you don’t need as much “stuff” as you thought.

 

[jdgretz]

@2dogs - Riding on the wild streets of Los Angeles most of my life (started riding in about 1964), I know they are out to kill me . One of the reasons I'm adding additional lighting both front and rear.

@baxter - The things I'm currently adding are things I have and used on my Goldwing and Norge, and for me, are essential to pounding out long miles as well as things that seem to be well liked by folks tweaking their rides locally (like the Baja Ron sway bar). I'm holding off on things like changing windscreens and wind deflectors until I see how the new body style (last one I rode was a pre-2000) handles air flow for me.

jdg