New Ride

[Chuckbo]

Just picked up my new 2011 RT-S two days ago. Having been on two wheels since I was 14 (40 years ago!) the Spyder is definately a different ride. My last bike was an '07 Honda Goldwing. How many former Goldwingers out there that are now on Spyders? Give me some feedback on your experiences. I had reservations about trading in my wing. Actually my wife was the driving force behind "our" decision though I obviously was not totally against the idea. My stature (5'6", 160lbs) and nagging back issues also had some bearing on the trade. While I loved my Goldwing, it was a handful for me to hold up (on tip toes) especially with my full time passenger (wife). On the road everything was fine but manuvering around the garage, stop & go city traffic, parking, etc. was somewhat challenging.
Anyway...I'm looking forward to getting used to my new Spyder. Because of the lousy Chicago area weather of late, I've only been able to ride about a hundred miles so far. I'm sure it will take several hundred for me to get comfortable. My first couple rides I found myself putting my feet down at stops and grabbing air when going for the front brake lever. This seems like a great site for owners. I'm sure I'll be back frequently.

 

[stormtrooper]

:2thumbs: :congrats: :welcome: :yes: Good luck and have fun with your new toy.

 

[Pandy]

Former Wingers

We are former Wingers as well,and yes with me, the pilot,with ongoing spinal issues(no not a lack of one) the ability to balance around 1100 lbs of bike and people was becomeing problematical. So far, the worst day on our :spyder2: has beat the best day on our Wing. I am at 6'1" and co pilot is 5'10" and we are rather well fed. Not Wing bashing, it served it purpose, but I will not be returning to 2 wheels for the foreseeable future. Took a bit to sort out tire pressure and suspension settings but it was the same way on the Wing. Oh, and unlearning motorcycle dynamics. So as of now,hyea: Woot.

Patrick

Oh, did this address the question?

 

[SpyderWolf]

:welcome: and :congrats: on your new RT. I hope the weather clears soon so you can really start getting used to the ryde.

 

[fastfraser]

:welcome::congrats: Come on over ! Lots of Wing converts over here . :spyder2: ON and enjoy !

 

[dltang]

:welcome: & :congrats: You will learn to love it as you learn to relax. It is a completely different ride than two wheels but every bit as exciting.

 

[3whlLefty]

I switched to 3 wheels by getting a Goldwing in 2001. A GL1500SE with a CSC trike conversion. It was very posh and I had a lot of fun on it until I sold it in 2009. I saw the Spyder and had to have one while I could still enjoy it. I have an 09 SE5 and am having a blast with it. I don't have a passenger very often so that was not a big issue.

Once you get over trying to lean into the curves the rest comes pretty easy. Had a great time chasing a 650 Ninja thru the curves a few days back. I'm moving to Southern Utah next month and can't wait to explore all that country on the :spyder2:.

 

[Slybird]

:welcome: and :congrats: on your new :spyder2:! I'm a former "Winger", having gone through a '96 and 2000 1500 and a 2004 1800. Loved my wings to bits but wouldn't trade all the Wings in the world for my RT-S SE5. I love it and I'm sure once you settle into yours, you will, too! Welcome aboard, my friend!:2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: and :congrats: on the new ride. Not a winger--but I can relate to 5'6 and 160+. My 2000CC Vulcan was a handful--so I appreciate the :spyder2: a lot. I did downsize to a 900CC Vulcan which fits pretty good---that's my other ride. You are going to like the :spyder2: when you get used to it. There are several Wingers who will expertly answer your questions.

 

[boborgera]

My first couple rides I found myself putting my feet down at stops and grabbing air when going for the front brake lever. This seems like a great site for owners. I'm sure I'll be back frequently.

:welcome::congrats:
Thats just what i did the first time i rode my Spyder' Now when i take out my En-6n i forget it has a front brake lever.
Not a good thing to forget on a bike. :yikes:

 

[MouthPiece]

Change at first feels very uncomfortable and you want to resist. However, after awhile that "change" becomes the norm and you'll love it.

Chris PE# 0004

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy says "WELCOME TO THE SPYDERHOOD!"

:congrats: & :welcome:

Dave & Teddy

 

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to our very own little slice of the pie! :2thumbs: Putting your left foot down and having your right hand twitch during the first couple of hundred miles is pretty normal... I'd prescribe some seat time on the Spyder as a cure!

 

[Mr. White]

November, 2001, I bought a GL1800. Loved it. Sept. 2005, bad knee got worse, triked my Wing with Motor Trike kit. Rode it five miles and had tears in my eyes (screwed up my Wing). Rode it sixty five miles home and said "hmmm, not to bad". Rode it another 45,000 miles and now put it my family room so I can sit on it when I am not riding it. I love the trike!

Two weeks ago I bought a RT-S and am keeping the Wing. The jury is still out on the Spyder, but only have 300 miles on it. It is a different ride than the Wing, much different.

My plan. I will ride the Spyder for one year and 1) keep it or 2) sell it and the Wing and get a 2013 Wing and trike it or 3) keep the RT and sell the Wing. Time will tell.

Lots of good info on this site. Good luck.