Need suggestions... what modifications, changes, adjustments to make on Ryker?

[RykerRick]

People coming off or 2 wheels typically think the Spyder/Ryker to be 'Twitchy'. This is because they are used to the extended amount of time it takes for 2 wheels to translate handlebar input to a change in direction. Small inputs to the handlebars on 2 wheels are completely absorbed with no real effect on direction. The 2 wheel brain builds all of this into expectations. So, when you get on a Spyder/Ryker, where every (even the smallest) handlebar input is instantly transmitted to the pavement. The 2 wheel brain interprets this to be an uncontrollable, twitchy machine. When in reality, it is simply very responsive. This has dissuaded many potential buyers. Yet, it isn't the vehicles fault.

People then, in an attempt to stabilize the Spyder/Ryker, will tend to stiff arm the handlebars. Which makes the problem worse. Instead, you need to relax your grip, relax your wrists, forearm, etc. What you want to achieve is an isolation of input from your body movement from affecting the handlebars, and hence, steering input.

Next, 2 wheel riders are not accustomed to the left/right movement from 2 outlying wheels on an uneven roadway. 2 inline wheels don't see these anomalies. So, it isn't an issue for them. Nor, is it an issue with the Spyder/Ryker. But again, it bothers the 2 wheel brain. It's simply a different machine which requires a different approach to riding. After awhile, you don't even notice the slight left/right tilts from uneven road surfaces. With a little time in saddle and practice, you'll find the Spyder/Ryker the most stable motorcycle possible.

For me it took about 600 miles of riding the Spyder to get over this hump.

People not accustomed to 2 wheel motorcycles can get on a Spyder/Ryker and hit the freeway with no issues. I've seen it done. They have no 2 wheel mental baggage that they have to deal with.

Yep, that was me. Been riding two wheelers all my life (since about 14) and never rode a three wheeler. When I first rode the Ryker I thought, what the hell. But I bought it anyway and figured that I had a learning curve to go through. I had already done pre purchase research here and at other sites, so I knew about the sway bar and end links. I put your end links on and it helped a lot with that twitchy feeling (thank you very much). Also, just like on bikes, increasing the tire pressures by 2 or 3 psi above recommended, also improved the ride and handling. Being in Florida (all straight roads with very little or no curvy roads), I've been happy with the end link improvement and didnt feel the need for the whole sway bar kit. Id imagine if I was riding curvy mountain roads, the upgraded sway bar would help greatly with keeping those front wheels planted a little firmer.

Within the first hundred or so miles, I discovered that with that relaxed grip, the bike quickly corrects itself whenever running over irregularities in the road. So there is definitely a learning curve for two wheel riders with these machines, and once you get it, its as much fun if not more fun than the two wheelers, its definitely a more relaxed ride for me. I've kept one of my bikes just to be able to scratch that two wheel itch every now and then, but 7 months later I find myself enjoying the Ryker more & more and hardly riding the bike. As a matter of fact, I just got back from taking the bike out on a 40 miler because its been sitting for about three weeks without any run time.

 

[Windhound]

People coming off or 2 wheels typically think the Spyder/Ryker to be 'Twitchy'. This is because they are used to the extended amount of time it takes for 2 wheels to translate handlebar input to a change in direction. Small inputs to the handlebars on 2 wheels are completely absorbed with no real effect on direction. The 2 wheel brain builds all of this into expectations. So, when you get on a Spyder/Ryker, where every (even the smallest) handlebar input is instantly transmitted to the pavement. The 2 wheel brain interprets this to be an uncontrollable, twitchy machine. When in reality, it is simply very responsive. This has dissuaded many potential buyers. Yet, it isn't the vehicles fault.

People then, in an attempt to stabilize the Spyder/Ryker, will tend to stiff arm the handlebars. Which makes the problem worse. Instead, you need to relax your grip, relax your wrists, forearm, etc. What you want to achieve is an isolation of input from your body movement from affecting the handlebars, and hence, steering input.

Next, 2 wheel riders are not accustomed to the left/right movement from 2 outlying wheels on an uneven roadway. 2 inline wheels don't see these anomalies. So, it isn't an issue for them. Nor, is it an issue with the Spyder/Ryker. But again, it bothers the 2 wheel brain. It's simply a different machine which requires a different approach to riding. After awhile, you don't even notice the slight left/right tilts from uneven road surfaces. With a little time in saddle and practice, you'll find the Spyder/Ryker the most stable motorcycle possible.

For me it took about 600 miles of riding the Spyder to get over this hump.

People not accustomed to 2 wheel motorcycles can get on a Spyder/Ryker and hit the freeway with no issues. I've seen it done. They have no 2 wheel mental baggage that they have to deal with.

Baja...Thank you for your input...never thought about two wheeled vs 3 wheel brain. Will really try to remember to relax and just glide with bike and not over correct. Will (like everything) take time and miles. Windhound

 

[jvclarke]

The Baja Ron bar and end will almost feel like you are on a roller coaster track . It will feel much safer.
Without floor board you feel will hurt after an hour or two of riding. The foot pegs are pretty hard.
I recently ordered the Ultimate seat to replace my stock one. I anticipate the need on multi day trips.
For touring I got the 3 piece luggage set with lights from Slingmods. They hold a lot
As for the vibration on the Spyder, I believe the belt may be wearing or not correctly adjusted. My bet is that it didn’t vibrate until it hit 35 but was probably gone at about 40.

 

[BajaRon]

Baja...Thank you for your input...never thought about two wheeled vs 3 wheel brain. Will really try to remember to relax and just glide with bike and not over correct. Will (like everything) take time and miles. Windhound

If you give it a chance. I think you'll end up loving the 3 wheel ride. It is a different ride than 2 wheels, of course. And it's gotten an underserved 'Old Man's Ride' reputation. I ride mine because I love it! Not because I have no other option. Because, frankly. It's as much fun as 2 wheels (in some ways, even more). Just a different kind of fun. Because of the 2 wheels out front, it will hunt, just slightly, on bad roads. But it will come back immediatly on it's own if you leave it alone. If you try to adjust, you'll be behind the curve and just make it worse.

Believe me, trusting the machine takes some riding. But once you do, you'll find it more than worthy. These machines are so much more forgiving that 2 wheels. Hard to appreciate at first. But it will come.

I agree with those who say ride for awhile before you start changing things. Even though I manufacture and sell things to change your ride. Until you are sure of what you want, it's better to wait until you know your ride enough to know what you want. This approach will help you truly appreciate the improvement when you make the change. It also saves money and buyers remorse.

Sometimes it's good to dive in. Other times, especially when you're not familiar with the lake or pool, it's better to walk in at the start and dive in later.

Enjoy! You're on the right track!

 

[thereverend]

Mike, I had one do the internal belt separation at 80 mile per hour! A whole lot of vibration until I could get to the side of the Interstate, will not ever put a Kenda back on the Spyder. Wend back with a Vedestin205/60/R15

 

[Beginner]

I agree with what everyone else said, ride it for about 500 miles before making changes. I'm no expert, but to me it seems the less you do the better off you are on a ryker. Don't feel the need to correct every twitch the bike makes going down the road, you will know what I mean after you put some miles on it..

The thing I like the most about this ryker is that it really is enjoying to just ride. It feels almost effortless.

 

[chris56]

Hey Windhound,

forgot to say that I use different tires - on the back a "rain"-tire from Hankook (Ventus V12) and on the front wider 165/50 R16, they are also much better than the Kendas on wet roads (this size fits perfect!) ..

its around 10feet "faster" from 60 miles to zero (also in the other way), which is a good feeling