New Rider Question

[enigmatic biker]

I very much enjoyed the "new Rider Do's and Don'ts Post. It has been very helpful. But I still have a question or two and I do appreciate the collective wisdom of the forum.

I am an experienced 2 wheel rider with riding skills that are above average. I have a Honda NT 700 V ABS with ABS and I ride it as a touring bike, so I have extensive super slab and 2 lane US/state/county miles under my belt. Aside from riding in thunderstorms or gale force winds, nothing seems to faze me much on a ride...until now.

6 days ago I bought an RTS with a SE6. Frankly, I love the machine, but I have only been able to get about 60 miles under my belt, mostly on city streets and state/county roads. I may be able to get 100 more miles within the next few days. I am not entirely comfortable with the steering and handling of the Spyder yet at highway speed, but I'm sure it will happen as I gain seat time. My dilemma is this, I am planning on leaving a week from today for the national ST1300/NT700 rally in Spearfish, SD. Until last week I was planning on riding the NT, but I have new toy now.

I'm probably answering my own question by asking this, but is a 2200 mile round trip mostly on super slab roads a good way to "get comfortable," or would I be better off gaining some seat time a little closer to home and riding the two wheeler instead?

I am traveling alone, and I'm not one to "over ride" my abilities or those of the machine. Opinions?

 

[Dan_Ashley]

I very much enjoyed the "new Rider Do's and Don'ts Post. It has been very helpful. But I still have a question or two and I do appreciate the collective wisdom of the forum.

I am an experienced 2 wheel rider with riding skills that are above average. I have a Honda NT 700 V ABS with ABS and I ride it as a touring bike, so I have extensive super slab and 2 lane US/state/county miles under my belt. Aside from riding in thunderstorms or gale force winds, nothing seems to faze me much on a ride...until now.

6 days ago I bought an RTS with a SE6. Frankly, I love the machine, but I have only been able to get about 60 miles under my belt, mostly on city streets and state/county roads. I may be able to get 100 more miles within the next few days. I am not entirely comfortable with the steering and handling of the Spyder yet at highway speed, but I'm sure it will happen as I gain seat time. My dilemma is this, I am planning on leaving a week from today for the national ST1300/NT700 rally in Spearfish, SD. Until last week I was planning on riding the NT, but I have new toy now.

I'm probably answering my own question by asking this, but is a 2200 mile round trip mostly on super slab roads a good way to "get comfortable," or would I be better off gaining some seat time a little closer to home and riding the two wheeler instead?

I am traveling alone, and I'm not one to "over ride" my abilities or those of the machine. Opinions?

Yes it is. Remember to relax your grip and to think over and over, while on the super slab "no counter steering--relax"
Also, if you have time, install the Baja Ron Sway Bar. He is a sponser on this forum. His sway bar makes a HUGE difference. Remember that side winds may buffet you and you might experience body roll as the Spyder reacts to the wind. You WILL NOT tip over. Just keep your body in the middle of the lane. If the wind moves you a little bit do like you did when that happened in your car--move back.

I hope you have a wonderful trip with lots of stories to tell.

 

[ARtraveler]

Welcome to the site. Try to get in a few more miles before the big trip. Light touch and don't over control are two items that will make your ryde more enjoyable.

By the time you complete your trip, you should have the handling all figured out.

 

[Chupaca]

Time..!!

you have some between now and then. The close range handling can be practiced in your local streets and or parking lots. The trip would be a great way to get used to the new ryde. As mentioned relax your grip, these machines track remarkably well and your not going to lose your balance. It usually takes 300 to 500 miles to get comfortable..congrats on the new ryde and enjoy your trip...:2thumbs:hyea:

 

[spydernatic]

I does take time to adjust and get to understand the 3 wheel concept, coming from 2 wheels the ride is very different and only seat time will improve your 3 wheel riding ability ......how long.....I would say every time you get out on the street you will better understand how to handle and ride your Spyder....so get out there and ride as much as you can. It took me about 600 miles to start feeling comfortable but once I got the handle of the balance and ability the 3 wheel gives you, you will love it. Congrats on your new ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

Take the Spyder... you'll have a BLAST! :2thumbs:

 

[Eagle1]

Take the spyder, enjoy the comfort and handling.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Take the Spyder... you'll have a BLAST! :2thumbs:

:agree:

I don't know if your issue is riding method or comfort on the specific machine. If it's method, go with the Do's and Don'ts and all the advice that's already been presented here.

If it's a matter of not feeling comfortable for more than 100 miles at a time, look into how you can modify your Spyder to better suit you - anti-sway bar, handle bars, seat, pegs, etc. You may not have time to do this before you make this trip, but you'll sure have an idea of what you need by the time you get home!

On your tour, stop as often as you think you need to. As I returned from Colorado yesterday I was tired and uncomfortable. I think it was the road (flat and straight) as much as the bike. I stopped more than usually, refreshed in some AC at a convenience store, drank some cold water, etc. Once I stopped at a historic marker that had a picnic table under a shelter, and just sat and then paced for a while. (I learned where the discoverer of Pluto grew up.) So do what you need to do, then go on and enjoy it.

 

[Bob Denman]

Do you have any experience on ATVs or snowmobiles? They most closely approximate; the feel of the Spyder. :thumbup:

 

[Deanna777]

:welcome:and :congrats: on your new RT-SE6, take the RT on your trip, and relax on your hand grip on the throttle.


Deanna777hyea:

 

[daveinva]

I say take the Spyder, you'll get used to it quickly enough. It's not like learning two wheels for the first time, where you really do want to take baby steps-- coming from two wheels, all the Spyder needs is miles on the seat and you'll be comfortable in no time.

As noted, no counter-steering, a relaxed grip, and shift weight forward and into sharp cornering. Another nice thing about the Spyder compared to two-wheels is you can brake anywhere in a turn and you *will* be able to stop. Don't always have that luxury on a bike.

Have fun!

 

[SPYD1]

I put 600 miles on a RT and took a 2100 mile trip. Just make sure you feel comfortable with the bike and controls. Enjoy!