LadyRider New to Spyder

[Spyderhider]

Im the best friend - My friend is about to purchase a used 2012 RSS Corbin seat Spyder from craigslist.
My brother, she and I went to see the Spyder - 3hrs away (Shreveport LA) on Friday and have some questions to ask you folks that are in the know. She put money down to HOLD it for now.

1. Cornering: My brother test drove it - Harley rider for years and years... said it was fast but he's worried about cornering for her.
Doesn't these Spyders have powersteering.. Are all models power steering? Or is he just a motorcycle rider and unused to the Spyder handlebar that will turn vs harley lean in corners?

2. Handlebars: You have to lean forward -crotch rocket style riding on this bike. That won't work for her. She is 5'4 and small built. Should we look for a handlebar lift up and one that rolls bars closer to her.. or are they moveable? I watched a video on how to put raisers on... Any favorite brands or places to purchase from. I saw on amazon where Can Am has something that moves up and forward for over 500. Anyone have that style. Will the foot rest comfortably after changing the handlebars to sit straight up instead of crotch rocket lean.

3. Lastly: Before she buys is there anything we need (recalls) or ....have the dealer do to save us down the road..
Like: Do dealers offer maintenance contracts to used bikes? Hope my questions aren't too dumb to ask. They said they would go over everything before we buy... If they go over everything...is that classified as a service call so she can skip the upcoming regular maintenance if any are due soon?

More Info...she's owned a Bike Trike in the past and took the motorcycle course before.... Had to sale the trike in the divorce... Missing the ride so trying to go safe.. can anyone give us some new users tips on the above or anything else before we seal the deal this week? :bowdown:


Debby in Texas
MP3 Piaggio 500 owner :yes:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

HOPE THIS HELPS

Im the best friend - My friend is about to purchase a used 2012 RSS Corbin seat Spyder from craigslist.
My brother, she and I went to see the Spyder - 3hrs away (Shreveport LA) on Friday and have some questions to ask you folks that are in the know. She put money down to HOLD it for now.

1. Cornering: My brother test drove it - Harley rider for years and years... said it was fast but he's worried about cornering for her.
Doesn't these Spyders have powersteering.. Are all models power steering? Or is he just a motorcycle rider and unused to the Spyder handlebar that will turn vs harley lean in corners?

2. Handlebars: You have to lean forward -crotch rocket style riding on this bike. That won't work for her. She is 5'4 and small built. Should we look for a handlebar lift up and one that rolls bars closer to her.. or are they moveable? I watched a video on how to put raisers on... Any favorite brands or places to purchase from. I saw on amazon where Can Am has something that moves up and forward for over 500. Anyone have that style. Will the foot rest comfortably after changing the handlebars to sit straight up instead of crotch rocket lean.

3. Lastly: Before she buys is there anything we need (recalls) or ....have the dealer do to save us down the road..
Like: Do dealers offer maintenance contracts to used bikes? Hope my questions aren't too dumb to ask. They said they would go over everything before we buy... If they go over everything...is that classified as a service call so she can skip the upcoming regular maintenance if any are due soon?

More Info...she's owned a Bike Trike in the past and took the motorcycle course before.... Had to sale the trike in the divorce... Missing the ride so trying to go safe.. can anyone give us some new users tips on the above or anything else before we seal the deal this week? :bowdown:


Debby in Texas
MP3 Piaggio 500 owner :yes:

Yes all Spyders have POWER steering ......# 2,,,,,You can buy HANDLE BAR " RISERS " ( start @ $ 150 ) that will allow the grips to come back towards her approx. 3 inches .........And yes this will help avoid the crotch rocket lean ......I have them............# 3,,,,,The Dealer should show you a printout that all up-dates have been done and any issues with this particular spyder have been addressed ( it all kept in the computer for this spyder by the VIN number )..............These Spyders are nothing like the regular TRIKES of the past ( they were very poor handling in my opinion ) SPYDERS handle like Formula one cars once you get a feel for them.....they are UNIQUE.......uSE A VERY LIGHT TOUCH IN THE STEERING or you may go off the road...........Go to the HOME logo section here and check for a dealer that sells RISERS , they can be bought for as little as about $ 150 and they all work the same........Good Luck Mike ......You can PM me for any other answers :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: to you and your friend!! :yes::yes::yes:
Handlebar risers...
Helibars makes a VERY nice, and fully-adjustable set. You can adjust the amount of height, roll-back toward the riding position, and pullback... :thumbup:
Does your friend have any experience riding ATVs or snowmobiles? They are a fairly close approximation of what the feeling is like... :2thumbs:
Your friend will probably have a million questions; tell her NOT to be bashful; we're here to help!

 

[Larry rt]

Recommend you and your friend join GOS on Facebook . This is a forum of ladies that ride Spyders !

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

RISERS

This is a correction of my earlier answer to your post........One of the Sponsers on the Home page sells the Risers for 129.95...not $ 150,,,...Custom Dynamics Easy Risers 4 1/2 inch in black or silver........These are the least expensive you can get, unless....................................the Spyder you are going to buy is an SE model , if it is you can put sno-mobile RISERS on from " RSI " products that only cost $ 66 the last time I checked. .....PM me if you are interested in RSI ......Mike :thumbup:

 

[Don in E Texas]

New Spyder owner

Welcome to all things Spyder -- this is the forum to be on!

I purchased my 2010 RT in Shreveport as well (non-Can Am dealer via Craigs List).

I agree on the sitting position - bent over too much. Try a RT to see how that is. My daughter (5'4") has a 2011 RT Limited and fits her just fine; no leaning over and no need for any mod's.

Steering. Tire pressure is critical. If the front tires are low, it will steer like a tank (well, almost).

Dealer should be able to service it out for you including checking for latest updates and any recalls not done.

Good floor boards are a BIG help in stitting position as you can move your feet all over and not be tied to just the pegs. (I'm partial to Seal boards)

You have a lot of Spyder company in the Houston area - my brother lives in Spring (2012 RT - Limited)

...and a lot of ladies on Spyders in your area.

Don

 

[Deanna777]

:welcome:and don't be shy about asking questions on this site. We are here to help. Sent pm. Deanna777

 

[cyclelover63]

I am short also..5'5"...I had a 2009 GS which is the same as what she is looking at..I also had a Corbin seat and got a sore back from leaning forward...It even had the risers....I solved that by putting on Rivco floorboards,different brand highway pegs and a large oval Corbin backrest...If she really wants to be comfortable,have her buy a used RT and get it over with...

 

[Tango]

:welcome::congrats: Tom:trike:

 

[Daisyjoe]

Welcome to our Spyder world. I have a 2010 RS SE5 and I ended up putting 4" risers, but only after I had it for a while. It really makes a difference in the riding comfort. I am 5'2". I own a 2013 RTS and the 2010 RS and both of the bikes turn, handle and drive very easily. I had never been on a motorcycle, passenger or driver, until I purchased my Spyder. I had nothing to unlearn, which I think is actually an advantage. I think the Harley rider might be trying too hard. The Spyder is an awesome machine and a joy to ride.


Like others have said, never be embarrassed or hesitant to ask a question. All of us, at one time or another, will have something we need to know. This is a great group of people on this forum with varied personalities. You will learn quickly who likes to joke, who is serious, who the BSers are, and yes, there will be some you want to block. But the majority of us have one thing in common, WE LOVE TO RIDE OUR SPYDERS.

 

[spydrluvr]

i agree, buy an RT

I am short also..5'5"...I had a 2009 GS which is the same as what she is looking at..I also had a Corbin seat and got a sore back from leaning forward...It even had the risers....I solved that by putting on Rivco floorboards,different brand highway pegs and a large oval Corbin backrest...If she really wants to be comfortable,have her buy a used RT and get it over with...

My first spyder was a 2009 gs. I really enjoyed the byke, however, i spent so much money to correct the sports model lean forward...it was stupid. After one year I upgraded to an RT...aaahhhh. I highly recommend starting with the RT instead of being disappointed that you are not comfortable after adding mod after mod.

...that should be about 2 cents worth.

(whatever you decide, enjoy the ryde!!!)

 

[Spyderhider]

Heartfelt Thanks!

You ladies and gents are wonderful... I feel the spyder-love ya'll. oxoxox

My gf and my brother are headed to Shreveport today to get the paperwork signed and bring her (Annie's) new baby home... I will pass all the suggestions you guys have posted and introduce her this website so she can come here to ask questions. We were blessed to find a local fellow in East Texas... that has just started a TRIKE business... putting together Honda Trikes and Harley Trikes.... He's agreed to be my Scooter and her Spyder mechanic... wahooo.

Lets RIDE ya'll!!! Stay safe! :yes:
Debby in E. Texas
Piaggio MP3 500 Scooter

 

[Spyderhider]

:welcome: to you and your friend!! :yes::yes::yes:
Handlebar risers...
Helibars makes a VERY nice, and fully-adjustable set. You can adjust the amount of height, roll-back toward the riding position, and pullback... :thumbup:
Does your friend have any experience riding ATVs or snowmobiles? They are a fairly close approximation of what the feeling is like... :2thumbs:
Your friend will probably have a million questions; tell her NOT to be bashful; we're here to help!

Yes on the 4 wheelers.... no snow hardly in our section of the world. opcorn: I can't wait until she gets to her home.. excited for her!!!

 

[Spyderhider]

BTW Another Can AM Rider Story

Friend and my brother stopped in Mt. Enterprise Texas to eat lunch before heading to Shreveport.. LOL They ran into a couple -she owns a Can AM and he owns a Harley... Gosh .... how awesome is that. YOU never see Can Am's in my neck of the woods...yet they ran into someone at the restaurant and met someone.... Its a sign LOL I tell ya. have a good one ya'll!

 

[Tazzel]

If its a good buy and in good shape buy it if its what your looking for. I own a 2012 RS SE5, I am also female and 5'4". The Dealership told me to hold off on buying any accessories until after I got use to the bike. I like the setting position, sitting straight up and down on the RT is what hurts my back. The RS setting position is not really the "sport" position like on a crotch rocket, its more of the standard position or more inbetween the two.

 

[Deanna777]

Welcome to our Spyder world. I have a 2010 RS SE5 and I ended up putting 4" risers, but only after I had it for a while. It really makes a difference in the riding comfort. I am 5'2". I own a 2013 RTS and the 2010 RS and both of the bikes turn, handle and drive very easily. I had never been on a motorcycle, passenger or driver, until I purchased my Spyder. I had nothing to unlearn, which I think is actually an advantage. I think the Harley rider might be trying too hard. The Spyder is an awesome machine and a joy to ride.


Like others have said, never be embarrassed or hesitant to ask a question. All of us, at one time or another, will have something we need to know. This is a great group of people on this forum with varied personalities. You will learn quickly who likes to joke, who is serious, who the BSers are, and yes, there will be some you want to block. But the majority of us have one thing in common, WE LOVE TO RIDE OUR SPYDERS.

:agree: :yes::yes::yes::yes::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:Deanna777

 

[Deanna777]

My first spyder was a 2009 gs. I really enjoyed the byke, however, i spent so much money to correct the sports model lean forward...it was stupid. After one year I upgraded to an RT...aaahhhh. I highly recommend starting with the RT instead of being disappointed that you are not comfortable after adding mod after mod.

...that should be about 2 cents worth.

(whatever you decide, enjoy the ryde!!!)

:agree: Get an RT , they are very comfortable on long/short distance riding. I am very happy with my 2012RTS-SE5. Deanna777