Minutes away from owning a Spyder RT but I have questions

[ARtraveler]

Welcome to the Party!! :2thumbs: :yes:hyea::yes:

The 2012s were the ones with the fewest reported problems; you can't go wrong on one of them! :thumbup:
HEAT :shocked:
You'll get some on your right foot... The radiator outlet is right down there. Proper footwear should make it a non-issue.
Steering...
Laser alignment seems to make all of the difference in thw World! :2thumbs:
Still; DON'T overgrip the bars, and don't try to make a million little minor course corrections...
A light and relaxed grip goes a long way to insuring a relaxed and fun ride! :welcome:

Welcome aboard SL. :agree: with all the above--the bases are covered. A new ryder takes about 500 to 1000 miles to "unlearn" the two wheel ways. The overcontrolling issue is one of the main causes of the :spyder2: to seem like it has a mind of its own. I would put a few miles on before having any major work done. Enjoy your ryde, send some pictures.

 

[spyderjim]

:agree: ATV or snowmobile experience is VERY useful! :2thumbs:

Had snowmobile for years

 

[DrewNJ]

Had snowmobile for years

You'll be right at home on the Spyder!

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

 

[jerpinoy]

:congrats::welcome: Have fun and ride safe. Good choice, love mine

 

[spyderjim]

Thank you for all the great insight, advice, and suggestions! :thumbup:

You guys are GREAT!!!

The paperwork will be signed on Tuesday, because they are closed on Monday. I am really looking forward to the new ride. Also looking forward to further chats on the forum. I will be sending photo's in some future posts. :2excited::spyder2:

Jim

 

[MarkLawson]

After 45 years of two wheelers, you probably understand the concept of "counter steering". This is something your arms do without thinking because that is the required method of steering a two wheeler that leans. The Spyder does not lean, so counter steering will not be your friend. It will make your initial riding experience less than ideal. Once you re-learn how to steer, you'll really love it.

 

[spyderjim]

I have ridden snowmobiles for about 10 years. So I will not be unfamiliar with the difference, but as you say, it will take some time to adjust.:spyder:

 

[Bob Denman]

:congrats:
Now... :lecturef_smilie: We'll expect a full written report on your experiences, on our desks no later than Tuesday evening! :shocked:
Pictures are Mandatory! :joke::joke::joke:

 

[alpacaguy]

Congrats and Welcome aboard Jim

I have a 2012 RT-S and thoroughly enjoy it. Took me a little while to unlearn the "Harley way" of riding, but it comes pretty fast. Once you learn to relax and let the Spyder do most of the driving, you'll love it. Be safe and have fun...

 

[03hdjill]

Spyderjim, I think you will really enjoy the Spyder. I went from an Electraglide to a 13 ST Limited and my husband from a Road King to a 12 RT S. We really have a lot of fun on them.
Good luck!

 

[cptjam]

Once you are used to it, you will re-kindle your love affair with riding! The level of enthusiasm is fantastic! Folks who were worried about staying on 2 wheels transition over and just LOVE these things! Dropping it, or backing up, or gravel or slick roads are going to be memories! It is also nice not to have to put your feet down. Mod it to fit you, and then ride the wheels off of it! Welcome, and enjoy!

 

[rcturner]

I replaced my third Goldwing with a 2012 RT Limited. Other than the normal fear that I really made a huge mistake going from two wheels to three, the biggest issue was when I would stop and try to put my foot down. My wife followed me 60 miles home and really gave me some flack when we got there. By the way, after about 500 miles I was completely comfortable on the RT and I don't think I would ever go back.

 

[belowme29]

I replaced my third Goldwing with a 2012 RT Limited. Other than the normal fear that I really made a huge mistake going from two wheels to three, the biggest issue was when I would stop and try to put my foot down. My wife followed me 60 miles home and really gave me some flack when we got there. By the way, after about 500 miles I was completely comfortable on the RT and I don't think I would ever go back.

To me this is interesting to hear. I was told by the dealer that sold me the used Spyder that since I did not have a lot of experience riding a 2 wheeler (just dirt bikes and nothing on the road), rode more 4 wheelers then 2 wheelers, that I should adjust to the feel of the Spyder. It took about 600-800 miles to get the feel of the trike, and I have about 6.5K of riding and it is almost second nature now. The part that I like the most is not having to put your feet down at a lite - that was the part that I could not get use to on a dirt bike, and liked on the 4 wheeler. The Spyder is definitely a better fit for me - plus my wife did not want me driving a 2 wheeler. :shemademe_smilie:

 

[HedonismBot]

I have a 2012 and don't suffer from a huge heat problem while moving. My right foot will get a bit toasty in gridlock on a 95 degree day. Like others have said, proper footwear solves this for me. I've never had any kind of dancing or buffeting issues on our RT-S. I haven't replaced the sway bar or changed out my shocks (just set factory ones to firmest setting). So far, knock on wood, our 2012 has been a flawless performer. I'm glad I bought the 2012 instead of waiting for the 2013. The only reason I'd trade up for a 2014 would be just for the improved gas mileage and range and I can't justify trading for just that reason. We love the 2012 too much.

 

[hellridgeryder]

heat issue solved for me

I have a 2012 RT Limited and have no desire to go back to 2 wheels. I traded a HD Softail and missed it for about 5 minutes after it left the garage. As for the heat issue at the right foot, my dealer, World of Power Sports in Decatur, Illinois installed a fancan and it eliminated the heat. It is a shroud around the fan with the heat exiting underneath the Spyder. Happy riding.