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New rider/

Stumpy6Guns

Stumpy6Guns

New member
Hi folks! I drove my "new" 2012 RT-L home late yesterday afternoon, and I'm still in shock that I actually bought one. This is the first motorcycle I've driven in a very long time, and I thought I knew what to expect, but this is completely different from what I remember.
I went for a short ride this afternoon and went down a pretty steep and twisty grade. I normally take this hill about 45-50 mph in my truck, but I got the heeby-jeebies today and went about 40. The cars behind me must have seen the flashing "noob" alarm that I swear was right over my head, so they backed off and didn't crowd me.
I think the most unnerving part of the ride was how the Spyder doesn't lean into the turns like a conventional motorcycle. It felt like I was going to slide off the seat! I started to get the hang of it on the way back, but I think I need to get a lot more miles in before I venture out onto the freeways.
Having said all that, I am looking forward to mastering this machine, and to making many friends along the way!
 
The first few days that I rode mine, I thought I'd made a very expensive mistake, but found it generally takes about 500 miles for our neurons to make the shift from two to three wheels. At first I was taking curves five to ten mph slower than posted and still feeling anxious. Now it's hard to imagine why I had such a problem. You'll get the hang of it soon and will be loving it like the rest of us. One key is learning to relax and not over-control. Welcome to Spyderland.
 
:welcome: You've made a good choice!
Do you have any ATVing experience? The Spyders actually feel pretty similar to them... :thumbup:
It might be helpful for you to read the "Dos and Do Nots" thread in the General Discussion Area.
 
Hints from another noob

From one noob to another, I definitely recommend reading the Do's and Don'ts, especially the part on when to shift (a total revelation to me). And if you didn't get the DVDs with the Spyder, watch the 3 safety films (parts 1 to 3) from BRP on You Tube. They tell you specifically about how to lean into turns, etc. Finally, if you didn't get an owner's manual, go to the BRP website, download it, and read it. There's a lot of good info here, too, obviously. One good hint was to PUSH on the outer arm (straight-arm it) in addition to pulling on the inner arm in a curve. That also helps you lean.

I'm at 500 miles now and feel a lot more secure, but I'm still learning! I started out going 25 in my neighborhood to practice the lean. Good luck!:thumbup:
 
Congratulations and Welcome

:2thumbs: great choice, and welcome to the spyder world and this site. Your are spot on the path to becoming a pro. 300/500 miles is the norm to getting comfortable and relaxing ( an important part of handling is a relaxed grip) and enjoying your ryde and expanding that grin on your face...:thumbup:
 
Congrats on your new bike!! I found that I was gripping the handlebars to tight. Once I relaxed and went with the bike it clicked for me!!
take your time and ride at the speed that you feel comfortable with. Good luck!
 
Congrats on the new ryde! I had a 2012, and the best upgrade I made was adding BajaRon's sway bar. Really helped take the curves more comfortable.

Enjoy!
 
Welcome and Congrats on your new Spyder.

There is a learning curve with the Spyder. For most, about 500 miles. Read the Do's and Dont's thread--you will most likely find it to be helpful.
 
I've got over 5k on mine and am still trying to become friends with it. I think I'm gaining on it.
 
Thanks for the warm welcome! I've already gone through the "Do's and Don't's" thread and found it to be very helpful, especially regarding the shift points. I was doing it wrong, and trying to stay under 3,000 RPM. Good thing it was only 12 miles or so.

Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
 
Iam a NB as well 2wks 1200km under my belt

Stumpy6Guns said:
Hi folks! I drove my "new" 2012 RT-L home late yesterday afternoon, and I'm still in shock that I actually bought one. This is the first motorcycle I've driven in a very long time, and I thought I knew what to expect, but this is completely different from what I remember.
I went for a short ride this afternoon and went down a pretty steep and twisty grade. I normally take this hill about 45-50 mph in my truck, but I got the heeby-jeebies today and went about 40. The cars behind me must have seen the flashing "noob" alarm that I swear was right over my head, so they backed off and didn't crowd me.
I think the most unnerving part of the ride was how the Spyder doesn't lean into the turns like a conventional motorcycle. It felt like I was going to slide off the seat! I started to get the hang of it on the way back, but I think I need to get a lot more miles in before I venture out onto the freeways.
Having said all that, I am looking forward to mastering this machine, and to making many friends along the way!
Click to expand...

As they say this spyder is not a motorcycle.
Best way to get this thing under control is to ride it like a ATV, e.g., as you turn left into a left turn move your head,upper body outward slightly.
BRP has instruction videos on the web, they helped me a great deal. ENJOY
 
Noobs

Everyone that drives a Spyder has one thing in common. Every one of us had our first time in the Spyder saddle. We were all Spyder Noobs at one point. I believe we have all become comfortable and proficient on the different platform at a different rate. Some sooner than others. Progress at your own comfort level and all will be fine.
 
Stumpy6Guns said:
Thanks for the warm welcome! I've already gone through the "Do's and Don't's" thread and found it to be very helpful, especially regarding the shift points. I was doing it wrong, and trying to stay under 3,000 RPM. Good thing it was only 12 miles or so.

Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Staying under 3,000 RPMs will burn that clutch out in very little time, the 998s love the high revolutions in the 4500 to 5500 range.

Cruzr Joe
 
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