My first spyder and inexperienced driver

[Arcamguy]

Hey guys have another question for all the experts out there. Today i took my 1st real extented ride on my 2019 Spyder F3 (Bought it 12/21/19).
I drove it for about 35 miles and at various speeds up to 53 mph. Here's my million dollar question.
What should be my shift points by using the speed indicator?
For example, I was on a road that had a 40mph limit, I shifted to 4th gear then tried 5th gear, should I have just left it in 4th gear?
On another road i was traveling at 50 -53 mph once again I shifted to 5th and 6th gear, what should have been the proper gear to leave it in?
Most of you might say just listen to the motor but Im waering a full faced helmet and it was diffcult to listen to the motor. This is my first motorcycle ever and I have little to no experience but very eager to learn. For sure today taught me that I probably need a windshield asap. Im not a small guy (6'0" 360lbs) and my wide body caught the wind alot.

P. S I still have a slight wobble in the front end.

Thanks Arcamguy

 

[2dogs]

For now shift around 3k to 4.5k RPM depending on traffic and road conditions (uphill/downhill). Cruse at about the same until you get more time on the machine. Stay at or under the posted speed limit. Soon you'll find your sweet spot for when and where you want to shift. You'll get it, just takes a while. As for the wobble, don't grip the bars too tight. Once you have more time on the road you may find the spyder will almost drive itself.

 

[RICZ]

Keep revs in the 3,000 - 4,000 range. Wobble might be you are not loose enough on the handle bars. Hold hands open. If that doesn't help, check for missing balance weights. A laser alignment is more than likely needed. I've read here that only 2-3% come from the factory aligned correctly.

 

[bushrat]

First of all, WELCOME to the world of Spyders. My thoughts/reflections as a new owner a couple of years back: Number one rule - RELAX a bit. Stay alert, but don't try to over-concentrate on every little thing, and don't hold your body rigid, or your grip too tight. Both you and your Spyder are new to the experience. Your bike is tight, needs time to break in and loosen up a bit. You're the same; you need to loosen up as well, become more supple. If you're trying to overthink the details, you won't be able to listen to or hear your bike. It will speak to you, and you will feel it as much as hear it, if you give yourself and the bike a chance to become friends. Those two front wheels are doing their best to find their natural way down the road; it's a new sensation for you. A slight wobbling or wandering feeling is a common reaction or sensation. As long as it's slight, not violently diving from side to side, your Spyder is probably fine. Give it and yourself some time to get used to one another. You'll be fine. Don't worry about making overly perfect shifts. As the others have said, shifting between 3000-4000 rpm works well with the 1330 engine on the F3. Assuming you have the SE (as opposed to manual clutch), your bike will automatically downshift for you about 1800 rpm. I don't like mine to get below 2200 rpm, so I will usually manually downshift my SE a little in advance, and I even do it much higher if I'm riding more aggressively. If you find your hands tightening around the grips, try opening your fingers, just keeping your palms flat on top with the grips held in the 'vee' of your thumbs/index fingers, then wiggle your remaining fingers as if playing a piano. This will relieve tightness/soreness and help you learn to ride with a lighter grip. Don't hold your upper body in a rigid position; let your hips and back relax and let your spine sway side to side like a waving wheat stem in a breeze. You can learn to do this while keeping your butt and feet well planted. Your body and your bike will learn to become partners and friends; you'll soon feel confidence in each other and be able to take on any road. You'll begin to feel and sense your bike underneath you, and your shifting, leaning, braking, steering will become second nature. And then, the FUN REALLY BEGINS!!! Ride safe, and enjoy your new F3.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Spyder operation

:congrats: ….:welcome:.... best advice I got about driving a Spyder was ….. drive it like a car, not a real Mtc. …. soft touch works best …. good luck …. Mike hyea:...….. you didn't say if this is an SE or manual, I wouldn't use 6 th gear until you get used to the bike …. 5 th will allow better acceleration in an emergency ….

 

[ARtraveler]

All above are right concerning revs. The F3 likes to be shifted between 3500 and 4000 rpms. Keep it in that sweet spot and you will have plenty of power.

Even though you have six gears, you don't need all of them for low speed around town driving. Over 55, I will go to fifth. Over 60 I will go to sixth.

 

[pegasus1300]

Welcome welcome and congrats on the new Spyder and on trying out a new adventure. Take your time and follow the really good advice you received above. If you have ever ridden a 4 wheeler ATV it is like that. Since you are new to the motorcycle world you wont have any two wheel habits to unlearn. One other thing, you have unlimited vision, use it. Look everywhere, put your head on a swivel. You must maintain situational awareness all the time. It is a learned habit, and it comes with time and experience. Be ready to really enjoy the full emersion in your surroundings that only a motorcycle can give and ENJOY. Oh and post pictures SOON.:nopic:

 

[Arcamguy]

My new 2019 F3 SE6

Thanks everyone for your help

 

[bmccaffrey]

First of all, WELCOME to the world of Spyders. My thoughts/reflections as a new owner a couple of years back: Number one rule - RELAX a bit. Stay alert, but don't try to over-concentrate on every little thing, and don't hold your body rigid, or your grip too tight. Both you and your Spyder are new to the experience. Your bike is tight, needs time to break in and loosen up a bit. You're the same; you need to loosen up as well, become more supple. If you're trying to overthink the details, you won't be able to listen to or hear your bike. It will speak to you, and you will feel it as much as hear it, if you give yourself and the bike a chance to become friends. Those two front wheels are doing their best to find their natural way down the road; it's a new sensation for you. A slight wobbling or wandering feeling is a common reaction or sensation. As long as it's slight, not violently diving from side to side, your Spyder is probably fine. Give it and yourself some time to get used to one another. You'll be fine. Don't worry about making overly perfect shifts. As the others have said, shifting between 3000-4000 rpm works well with the 1330 engine on the F3. Assuming you have the SE (as opposed to manual clutch), your bike will automatically downshift for you about 1800 rpm. I don't like mine to get below 2200 rpm, so I will usually manually downshift my SE a little in advance, and I even do it much higher if I'm riding more aggressively. If you find your hands tightening around the grips, try opening your fingers, just keeping your palms flat on top with the grips held in the 'vee' of your thumbs/index fingers, then wiggle your remaining fingers as if playing a piano. This will relieve tightness/soreness and help you learn to ride with a lighter grip. Don't hold your upper body in a rigid position; let your hips and back relax and let your spine sway side to side like a waving wheat stem in a breeze. You can learn to do this while keeping your butt and feet well planted. Your body and your bike will learn to become partners and friends; you'll soon feel confidence in each other and be able to take on any road. You'll begin to feel and sense your bike underneath you, and your shifting, leaning, braking, steering will become second nature. And then, the FUN REALLY BEGINS!!! Ride safe, and enjoy your new F3.

Agree 100%

 

[Rd_Runner]

Welcome to the form! You will find some really good people with good answers to your questions.
I hope you enjoy your new ride!:yes:


Mike

 

[Arcamguy]

Thanks everyone for your input on the shifting points using the rpm's. WEnt for a ride today and used your reccomendations and was very pleased.

Sincerely Arcamguy

 

[Mikey]

:clap:hyea::2thumbs:

 

[Trbayth]

Agree with all the advice you've been given so far.

If you haven't yet, you should review https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...t-Do-s-and-Do-Nots-quot-for-new-Spyder-owners for a lot of wisdom collected in one place over the years.

Oh and welcome again to the Spyder world!