New (to me) 2008 Spyder experience

[rivernet]

I just purchased a 2008 Spyder GS and rode it from Dallas back to San Antoio (great ride). A few things i have noticed so far that I would like to make better. When coming home it got dark and the headlights were BAD. I could not see much of anything except the bike in front of me. I have read a bit on LED conversion of headlights and Fog Lights... I see the headlights but Fog Lights i dont see.... I assume the lights that are on it are the H7 lights and would be upgraded per the instructions on another post (great post by the way!).

I got this so that my wife and I could ride. We live in San Antonio and apparently the food here makes you fat

It gets a bit squirrely with both of us on it. I have looked at changing the shocks but the price is shocking!

Great group and thanks to all!

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

For two up riding I'd upgrade the front shocks and add a Baja Ron swaybar if this already hasn't been done.I have an RS and when I rode 2 up with the stock front shocks and swaybar it was dangerous. Bike was all over the place. After upgrade those things it rides 2 up just fine. I set the stock rear shock on its highest setting when riding 2 up

 

[rivernet]

What type of Shocks would you upgrade to? The Elka seem great but they are quite pricy.

 

[JerryB]

Hi rivernet,

Re: What type of Shocks would you upgrade to? The Elka seem great but they are quite pricy.

I was going to buy the Elka's but then suddenly they went up a $100; so I went with the Fox. Got the two fronts from my dealer for under $400.

Jerry Baumchen

 

[Chupaca]

Congrats...

Good choice of rydes....:clap: on the headlights you should first check the alignment as they tend to be way off and shine nowhere you need them to. I added driving lights and fog lights for those backroads with no lighting at all. You also have settings on the oem shocks that you can adjust to help with the double up situation but the swaybar and alignment will help a lot. after you test that out you can go for the shocks, shock re-locators etc. I also went with the Fox podium shock and they are a big improvement. :thumbup:

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

I went with the Fox shocks. They were about $400. You should be able to find good deals on them online since the GS/RS isn't made anymore accessories sell pretty cheap.

 

[rivernet]

Many thanks to all. The Elka are still made but 1500 for the whole set....

That is a pretty good chunk of what it cost...

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

Many thanks to all. The Elka are still made but 1500 for the whole set....

That is a pretty good chunk of what it cost...

You can buy the fox shocks on e-bay right now

https://www.ebay.com/p/Can-am-Spyder-RS-2011-2012-Fox-Adjustable-Shock-Kit-219400403/10002727854

 

[stu]

hi there if its your first spyder then get some kays under it before making costly changes such as shocks .the sway bar can be a big improvment.check you tyres for wear and pressures.wheel align makes a big difference too on these.you may still end up going for shocks but at least you will know how much its changed.just my thoughts.

 

[CANUSASwede]

get H7 straight swappable LED bulbs from banggood.com

 

[rivernet]

get H7 straight swappable LED bulbs from banggood.com

There are a bunch of different ones. Which one specifically is working well for all.

 

[ARtraveler]

The 08 GS is what started the whole experience for me. I did end up putting in both HID lights and driving lights. The HID's were too bright and I had a couple people try to run me off the road.

 

[rivernet]

Just replaced the shocks and man what a difference! If feels like it's not trying to kill me anymore!

Any ideas on exactly what LED headlight is a direct replacement? I got a kit but they are not anywhere near what they should be and i don't really want to cut up the clip.

What are folks having luck with. I got the old ones out but could not get the new ones in.

 

[CANUSASwede]

which Fox shocks? and what about the rear one? looking for my 09 RS, as well, thank you

 

[CANUSASwede]

take your pick; straight H7 LED bulb - compare pic on site to what is pulled from the bike.

 

[rivernet]

which Fox shocks? and what about the rear one? looking for my 09 RS, as well, thank you

Progressive shocks, not Fox. They are awesome! Much better than stock.