My First Driving Lesson

[pondboss]

Got my new 2013 Spyder RT LTD about 2 weeks ago..(no test drive) Rode it home 67 miles from the dealer. I was shaking like a leaf when I got off and stiff in my neck and back. I have ridden Motorcycles & Trikes since age 15 (71 now). This machine rode like flying a kite and I was on the tail. I was thinking all the way home; I spent all this money ~ Now what am I going to do with this thing. Rode again the next day and the same thing. I have been reading this forum for over a month and reading about over controlling, gripping the handle bars too tight and many different things that a new rider would do wrong. I rode with my hands barely touching the bars and didn't think I was over controlling. Well heart broken about my new Spyder purchase, I decided to post on the forum and ask for someone in my neighborhood to ride my RT and let me ride theirs.(I know this was a strong request) but I had to find out if it was me or the machine ! Well, I got a taker ~ We met and talked for a minute and as he was ready to mount my steed and me his, he said "I don't know whether this will help or not but I push to steer.. I found that if I push and pull I over control" We left and his Spyder drove just like mine ~ and then I put the heel of my hands on each bar (no fingers) and his bike settled down and was riding on a rail. No pull, just push to steer. If you are having a rough go of steering ~Try it, you'll like it. Love my Spyder now !! Many thanks to the gentleman that took me up on my challenge. Thanks again Richard:yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm glad to hear that you found the solution that works for you! :thumbup::yes:hyea::yes:
:congrats: Now it's time to start logging some miles and smiles! :2thumbs:

 

[Illinois Boy]

It is different for everybody, but I prefer to push when steering.

One advantage to doing so is that it provides resistance for your body against the lateral-pull to the outside of the turn; and it is easier to lean to the inside of the turn. I think of it as helping the "body-English".

 

[ARtraveler]

Very glad to hear that you got the steering issues solved. Here's to many more miles and smiles. :cheers:

 

[Daisyjoe]

Kudos to the guy that stepped up and let you ride his bike. This let you know if there was actually something wrong with your new bike. Glad everything worked out for you. This story doesn't always have such a happy ending.

 

[Bob Ledford]

Steering Solution

I am very pleased to hear that you found a helpful person and is now a friend with the
solution. Thanks for sharing...

 

[Jim&Teresa]

"Push" to steer works best for me also -- new to Spyder since March 2013

I reinforce what you found out -- I tried "too" hard as a new rider of my 2012 RT Limited when I first got it. I did figure out the stiffer arm technique and pushing rather than pulling. I have no issues now and enjoy the ride with much more controlled steering through corners at high speed. When I first started, I would have to make many corrections through the turns -- not any more. Much more enjoyable ride when you know some of the tricks. This is a great forum to exchange ideas!

I too have been riding traditional motorcycles since the 60's and just went to the Spyder this year after decades of riding those two wheelers -- love this machine!

 

[BIGDRT]

RT Steering

I've never owned a motorcycle in my 63 years. Talking about shaking on the first couple of rides. I too discovered that pushing to steer gave me the best control. I've been riding for a year now and feel very comfortable with just enough nervousness to stay vigilant. :thumbup:Welcome to the club!

 

[JCSMOKE]

Ok, glad I never rode before the spyder. I've been pushing the entire time, I can only imagine the feel of a crappy 67 mile ride home for the inaugural trip. Glad someone helped.

 

[finless]

I guess I am a fast learner but my story is much like yours. First rides sucked but as I tried to apply my learning from the many posts here I "tuned in". I never thought my limited 2 wheel cycle riding would have influenced me, but in fact it did.

I still feel the spyder rides "light" on the front wheels. Kind of like a pick-up truck with a massive load in the ass end and the front is floating around. Wind buffeting is also an issue. But you learn to let the Spyder just ride through it and not freak out.

Glad someone was able to show you your spyder was OK and all you needed was some learning! :thumbup:

Bob

 

[kepople]

Hmmm... I guess I never thought about how I am controlling it. I do try to keep a loose grip as my hand have gone numb before on short rides.

When I drive or ride I always play a game with myself that was ingrained in my brain by my flight instructor years ago. Always, Always, Always use minimum control movements. So what I do it try my hardest to move the wheel as little as possible. And when I do have to give some input, I try to give at most 1/2 of what I think it needs. You can always add more, but if you over control you cant take it back.
I believe Almost all undesirable movement is due to over controlling, not matter what you are controlling.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Congrats on your new machine. Keep ryding and ask questions. It'll get to be second nature before long.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy & I would like to say Congrats on the New Ryde & Welcome to the SpyderHood-Dave

:congrats: & :welcome:

:firstplace:I tell ppl all the time, this site & its members are worth their weight in GOLD :firstplace:
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