Just rode my new 2022 RT home - got a lot to learn!

[pegasus1300]

:welcome: and :congrats: on the new Spyder. Post early and post often with pictures. Like you I come to the Spyder after 4 years on a Goldwing trike and 50 years on 2 wheels the last 25 on Yamaha Ventures. You will find that you have probably already conquered many of the 2 to 3 wheel transition problems. You already know it doesn't lean, you have to steer it thru corners, using body english helps counter act centrifugal force, don't put your foot down at stops. stay in the centerish of your lane. You will have to use a lighter grip on the bars with a Spyder, relax your arms and shoulders, and you only need your foot to brake, just like your car. The suggestion of reading the new Owners manual is a good one, and especially the part about setting up a practice course. That helped me a whole lot in learning the Spyder. If you are physically able and a little mechanical learn to change your own oil and a few other maintenance items as this will help you to know your machine better. If possible put on some of your own farkles. You may be able to pay the dealer to do these and that's great but knowing how whether you do it or not is always a good thing. Happy trails, you are in the heart of your riding season in AZ so get out and enjoy Go to the Dwarf Car Museum, hear the massive Wurlitzer Organ, ride US 191,go up to Oatman, ride a bit of US66. Lots of good riding in your area.

 

[Peteoz]

I never suffered from the 'try to grab the clutch or brake levers' or 'countersteer through a corner' or any of that. After my initial test ride I just got on the thing and rode it.

Dave, unless someone else mentioned “countersteering”, I would just like to clarify something about my comment, for others.
The one and only time countersteering came in to it was after hopping off my Victory, straight onto the F3, with zero briefing on its quirks, and after 30 feet of riding. It was never an issue after 50 feet of riding.:thumbup:

Pete

 

[Motorcycledave]

PM Sent

 

[PJveetwin]

I personally read all I could before my first purchase, Owners manual is available on line. Also the do's and don'ts on riding a Spyder sticky on the site, so I had a good idea what to expect. A lot of good advice on this site, along with the Spyderlovers Face Book page if you do that. Curves are generally the big issue, and the best advice I found is to push down with your foot on the floorboard on the opposite side of the curve you're taking. So into a right curve, push down with your left foot. Made a huge difference for me!

 

[FrogmanDave]

I personally read all I could before my first purchase, Owners manual is available on line. Also the do's and don'ts on riding a Spyder sticky on the site, so I had a good idea what to expect. A lot of good advice on this site, along with the Spyderlovers Face Book page if you do that. Curves are generally the big issue, and the best advice I found is to push down with your foot on the floorboard on the opposite side of the curve you're taking. So into a right curve, push down with your left foot. Made a huge difference for me!

Everything PJveetwin says was exactly the same for me. One thing I may add is that when you push down with the opposing leg it helps to move your feet to the front, outside of the floorboards. It sort of creates a more tripod affect and your body is much more stable through the turn. I only do this through pretty fast corners. It doesn't seem to be needed for regular speed turns. Of course I am basing my information on having a Baja Ron sway bar installed.

 

[old Timer]

Riding a Spyder should come naturally if you have experience riding an ATV or even a Snow Mobile.

 

[Peteoz]

I personally read all I could before my first purchase, Owners manual is available on line. Also the do's and don'ts on riding a Spyder sticky on the site, so I had a good idea what to expect. A lot of good advice on this site, along with the Spyderlovers Face Book page if you do that. Curves are generally the big issue, and the best advice I found is to push down with your foot on the floorboard on the opposite side of the curve you're taking. So into a right curve, push down with your left foot. Made a huge difference for me!

PJ, just by way of clarification (I have witnessed this first hand). I told a new rider exactly the same about pushing down with your outer foot, and he said it didn’t help. I followed him on a ride, and he had taken the advice literally. He was pushing down on the outer board by leaning to the outer side:yikes: Since then, I have always found it more prudent to say “push down on the outer board to push your body weight to the inside”. Sure, this guy was the exception, but he was ready to give the Spyder away due to its “impossible” handling.

 

[PJveetwin]

PJ, just by way of clarification (I have witnessed this first hand). I told a new rider exactly the same about pushing down with your outer foot, and he said it didn’t help. I followed him on a ride, and he had taken the advice literally. He was pushing down on the outer board by leaning to the outer side:yikes: Since then, I have always found it more prudent to say “push down on the outer board to push your body weight to the inside”. Sure, this guy was the exception, but he was ready to give the Spyder away due to its “impossible” handling.

For sure, that is a good clarification!