New Owner Question

[NM Wrench]

Hi I am still a newbie to the world of the Spyder and I have a question. My wife and I the past two weekends have gone on 100 plus mile rides. So far this has been a less than enjoyable experience. Here in New Mexico we have to deal with regular 40 to 50 mile winds. When I am driving in this type of situation I feel like I have no control over the Spyder. I feel like I am being blown off the bike. Yesterday I was on a road that had a 70 mile an hour speed limit and felt that I could not get over 50 to 60 miles an hour without completely losing control. I never had this feeling on two wheels. So far there has not been a smile on either one of our faces. It has been sheer terror and cursing all the way. What can I do here to make this as fun and enjoyable as everyone says it is? I had a laser alignment done on it which really helped the pulling to the left I experienced. Please I need help as my wife is now saying we made a big and very expensive mistake here. I desperately want to like this vehicle but so far has been more hate than love affair. Please help me. :banghead::banghead::banghead::dontknow:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

You need at BajaRon Sway Bar. It will really help.

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Both of you are nothing more than sails up on top of the bike... :yikes:
Try bringing your knees in against the tank to help steady you on the bike...

 

[NM Wrench]

Thanks

Thanks Bob but I do that and after about 30 to 40 miles my left hip starts aching to the point of bringing tears to my eyes.

:shocked: Both of you are nothing more than sails up on top of the bike... :yikes:
Try bringing your knees in against the tank to help steady you on the bike...

 

[NM Wrench]

Thanks

Thanks Anne that is my next purchase when I can save up the money for it. Then a bumpskid

You need at BajaRon Sway Bar. It will really help.

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks Bob but I do that and after about 30 to 40 miles my left hip starts aching to the point of bringing tears to my eyes.

It does take some time to build up the muscles... :thumbup:

 

[SPYD1]

Read the other posts about the sway bar and you will understand. It really is a must have item!

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Sway bar is a must. Also, a face shield or full face helmet. Also, remember to relax your grip. The wind will not tip you over. Also, build your muscles a little more slowly. 100 miles at a time sounds like a lot for the first few months.

 

[CentralCoastCA]

Oh no I hope you can find a solution quickly.

Check your front shocks settings and may even the rear shock for leaks. There was also tire issues in the Kendas but not sure if that was with the ST's. The Baja Ron sway bar was a must for me in the high winds and passing large motor homes and semi's on my '08 GS (I was a new rider then too) - felt like you were thrown all over the road until the Baja Ron bar got put on and kept the wheels firmly planted on the road.

Please keep us all posted.

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Now that CentralcoastCa mentioned shocks, I forgot to say. On the dash is a button to make the rear air shock stiffer or softer. Push it a bunch of times until the stiffness maxes out. You can see this on the monitor....you have to start the motor first.

 

[ARtraveler]

Sorry to hear about the control issue in winds. A lot of the problem can be caused by mechanical issues such as those mentioned by previous posts.

Once those are addressed to you satisfaction it can also be an experience and control issue. Over control can make the :spyder2: seem to have a mind of its own. I note that on my most recent :ani29:,(2014) as compared to the previous year models. I was doing some riding in the wind a couple weeks ago and I did the overcontrol thing. A little re-learning helped me a lot.