New Owner of a 2024 Sea to Sky.

[Grouchy]

After months of indecision, my wife and I took the plunge when we found a 2024 S2S with 375 miles on it.
The owner purchased and was shortly after diagnosed with a condition that leaves him on O2 24 hours a day.
It came with an extended warranty and he threw in two new helmets and Cardo coms.
I'm still conflicted over leaving behind my 2018 Goldwing and a part of me may never get over leaving behind the two wheeled motorcycle.
On the other hand, we've put about 150 miles on the Spyder in less than a week and I'm liking the stability and comfort a lot. I'll need to change the handle bars, or add risers to the stock bars, and stop beeping the horn when groping for the turn signals . Other than that, we should be out munching miles soon.

 

[Redbeard]

Be sure to read the owner's manual cover to cover a few times. ESPECIALLY how to check the oil level! The Rotax 1330 engine is a dry sump oiling system. For a new owner it is easy to overfill. NEVER CHECK THE ENGINE OIL AFTER SITTING ANY PERIOD OF TIME (like overnight). NEVER. The manual says to ride for 10 Miles then let the engine idle for 10 minutes (I only wait for a couple of minutes to let the scavenger pumps work fully), turn off the engine and immediately check oil level (I believe the manual shows one has a couple of minutes, but no longer). The oil is difficult to read on these dipsticks so use a white paper towel behind the dipstick in direct sunshine to make it easier to read the oil level. These engines are great at not using oil so if you check your oil level after a ride and there is no oil on the ground your next trip out you will still be full of oil and ready for the next ride. Enjoy the ryding time the Spyder offers, I know I do.

 

[Sagebrush]

You'll eventually come to terms with leaving your Goldwing behind as many of us have done. Appreciate the S2S for what it is and what it offers and you'll be fine. Just don't follow a bunch of two wheeled bikes through the twisties and watch them lean in the curves like I recently have done because it brings back a certain yearning. However the increased stability more than makes up for it particularly when riding two up. I don't know how much your bike was ridden by the previous owner but it would be wise to check to see if the rod between the swingarm and the suspension sensor has been connected. Part #380 in this diagram Suspension Rear Shock. You can find it on the left side of the swingarm. It is a common problem that it isn't hooked up by either the manufacturer or the dealer and it can lead to serious problems with the rear suspension system.

The more your ride it the more you'll love it.

 

[Grouchy]

Be sure to read the owner's manual cover to cover a few times. ESPECIALLY how to check the oil level! The Rotax 1330 engine is a dry sump oiling system. For a new owner it is easy to overfill. NEVER CHECK THE ENGINE OIL AFTER SITTING ANY PERIOD OF TIME (like overnight). NEVER. The manual says to ride for 10 Miles then let the engine idle for 10 minutes (I only wait for a couple of minutes to let the scavenger pumps work fully), turn off the engine and immediately check oil level (I believe the manual shows one has a couple of minutes, but no longer). The oil is difficult to read on these dipsticks so use a white paper towel behind the dipstick in direct sunshine to make it easier to read the oil level. These engines are great at not using oil so if you check your oil level after a ride and there is no oil on the ground your next trip out you will still be full of oil and ready for the next ride. Enjoy the ryding time the Spyder offers, I know I do.

Thanks for the tip! The Goldwing has a very similar procedure to check the oil, though for different reasons. When I first got the Wing I found that it had been overfilled by a quart, so I am meticulous in following the manufacturer's procedure.
Luckily for me, the 1833 Wing engine is one of, if not the most, robust engines on a motorcycle. I'm hoping the 1330 is similar.

 

[Snoking1127]

Some switch to F3 handlebars to resolve the end hitting one's upper leg. When I took my trike class on a new 2020 RTL I had that issue. I am 6'2" down from a young 6'4". Don't know if that applies to the new generation handlebars.

 

[mbranscum]

Also look into Helibars for the Spyder. Pricey but worth the investment.

 

[kbirdsong]

Also look into Helibars for the Spyder. Pricey but worth the investment.

Very worth the investment. They made the bike truly comfortable.

 

[Grouchy]

You'll eventually come to terms with leaving your Goldwing behind as many of us have done. Appreciate the S2S for what it is and what it offers and you'll be fine. Just don't follow a bunch of two wheeled bikes through the twisties and watch them lean in the curves like I recently have done because it brings back a certain yearning. However the increased stability more than makes up for it particularly when riding two up. I don't know how much your bike was ridden by the previous owner but it would be wise to check to see if the rod between the swingarm and the suspension sensor has been connected. Part #380 in this diagram Suspension Rear Shock. You can find it on the left side of the swingarm. It is a common problem that it isn't hooked up by either the manufacturer or the dealer and it can lead to serious problems with the rear suspension system.

The more your ride it the more you'll love it.

Thanks for the tip! I did check the rod and it was attached.

 

[JayBros]

You would be wise to check what type of battery you have in your new scoot. I understand BRP is installing a cheap Chinese manufactured one that is chronically short lived.

 

[blacklightning]

Welcome! We have similar taste. I have a 2021 RTL and a BMW K1600B (which is similar to the Gold Wing). They both have their place. I was contemplating taking the BMW for my cross country trip that I did last May/June, but I am so glad I took the Spyder instead. With taking all the pictures, I am sure there would have been a tip over if I had been on 2 wheels only. In addition, running car type tires and only needing an oil change at the 9,200 mile mark worked out well. The trip was 9,045 miles over 3 weeks. If I had taken the BMW, I would have needed an oil change and possibly a set of tires mid way through the trip. I still have the North East US to do (13 states). It should be about 2500-3000 miles. I hope to do that on either the BMW or the wife's F3L.

 

[Deanna777]

After months of indecision, my wife and I took the plunge when we found a 2024 S2S with 375 miles on it.
The owner purchased and was shortly after diagnosed with a condition that leaves him on O2 24 hours a day.
It came with an extended warranty and he threw in two new helmets and Cardo coms.
I'm still conflicted over leaving behind my 2018 Goldwing and a part of me may never get over leaving behind the two wheeled motorcycle.
On the other hand, we've put about 150 miles on the Spyder in less than a week and I'm liking the stability and comfort a lot. I'll need to change the handle bars, or add risers to the stock bars, and stop beeping the horn when groping for the turn signals . Other than that, we should be out munching miles soon.

HI Grouchy,

When you get the oil, be sure it is for Wet Clutch protection (this is for Maximum Power Transfer and smooth Shifting) - get 4 stroke Motorcycle oil.

When going thru curves, you push thru them, you don't lean like you did on you 2018 Honda Gold Wing.

Deanna

 

[Deanna777]

Welcome!

Are the tires in good shape?

Deanna

 

[Grouchy]

You would be wise to check what type of battery you have in your new scoot. I understand BRP is installing a cheap Chinese manufactured one that is chronically short lived.

Yep, got the cheap battery. Already planning to replace in the next year, if not sooner.

 

[Grouchy]

Welcome!

Are the tires in good shape?

Deanna

Practically no miles on them and too new for dryrot.
I checked pressures before riding it and they were only down a couple of pounds after sitting for several months.
I'm hoping I can get normal mileage from them before replacing.