New to the Forum with Questions

[MyEleanor]

Hi. I do not currently own a Spyder but am considering one in the hopefully near future. I have been reading through the posts and have a few questions I guess. A little about me first. Like most of you I am coming from several two wheelers. I have been riding off and on since the mid to late 70's. Most recently, I bought a Kawasaki 900 in 2008 when I got back into riding. I outgrew that bike and traded up to a 2011 Victory Vision. Talk about a big difference. I had that for a couple years then had to sell the beginning of this year to pay off my divorce. I almost immediately bought a 2013 BMW R1200RT. Very nice bike all the way to November 8th when I had my first motorcycle accident. It was totaled and I nearly was. Fast forward to today.

I have been online looking at various bikes trying to narrow down the field. I have had cruisers, big touring bikes and a sport touring bike. I now find myself intrigued by the Spyder. As I sit here and heal, several questions come to mind. So I thought I would ask you all. From all the posts I've read the past couple of days, you all seem to be nice folks and honest about your experiences.

So here goes. How difficult is it to adjust from a motorcycle to a Spyder? What about reliability? I know every brand has its issues and those are the things that tend to crop up in these forums. But it would be nice to get a feel for issues you all have experienced. I read about the heat on the 2013's and other issues. What about gas mileage? General wear and tear type things? Is general fit and finish good on the Spyder? How stable is the Spyder at speed? Of the 40K miles I put on my last three bikes, about 20K was accumulated during multi day tours. I like the looks of the ST with saddlebags better than the RT, but is the comfort level there with the ST? I know that is a personal thing but am looking for a general overall impression. I know I have to test ride the Spyder to get my own feel for things but I'm not quite healed enough to feel comfortable doing that. So until then, I thought I would get some info from you all.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome: !!

I have a 2011 RTS and my right foot gets a bit warm, though the problem is nowhere near the level of the 2013s. I bought it before the ST came out, but I like the seating position better than on the RT.

I'm sure you'll get lots of information from the SLs, but it won't substitute for a real life drive. Even after you have driven one for a while you'll probably still have questions.

 

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to the PARTY!! :2thumbs: :yes:hyea::yes:
Adapting from a motorcycle to a Spyder; It takes probably several hundred miles. :shocked:
ATV experience helps; as does snowmobiling! Those rides feel about the most similar to the Spyder.
You don't lean the Spyder; you lean yourself into the turns to maintain your own center of gravity over top of the bike...
The comfort of the RT versus the ST... you'll get a lot more wind up and around your shoulders on the ST.
Reliability... :shocked: Well; I honestly think that the new RT; with the 1330 triple, has addressed each and every issue that prior bikes have seemed to suffer through...
So welcome aboard, and ask whatever you want!

 

[Netminder]

Welcome to Spyderlovers, people here will give you some very solid info, but in the end it will be you who decides if the Spyder is for you. Here are some of my thoughts on the thing you mentioned:

Reliability: cannot comment much as do not have a lot of mileage on my Spyder, but many here do and will let you know on this. Do I think my Spyder is as Reliable as my honda vehicles, probably not yet, but they are heading in the right direction and have not been in the street bike market as long as Honda.

Two-three adjustment: it does take some getting used to, but read the dos and don'ts on here and it will help, maybe rent one before you buy, test drives etc. takes some miles, but when you get it down it is a blast to ride.

Comfort: I have an RT and it is very comfortable, my wife also finds it very comfortable riding on back. That being said there is many aftermarket products ( a lot from sponsors on this site) that will add to the comfort. As for the ST and RS I will let those owners pipe up.

Gas Mileage: Seems to get better as the miles go up, but do not expect what you were getting with the two-wheelers as it is pushing a pretty big front end around. Just remember how much fun you are having and it will make the gas mileage better!!

Maintenance: it is pretty pricey, so if you wrench at all it will help with the expense of the upkeep of the Spyder. If not, look into an extended warranty, I am not usually big on extended warranties, but with something as new as the Spyder, I think it is money will spent. Finding the right dealer is key to having a good Spyder experience, so that should be a big part of your research.

Anyway that is my 2 cents, I will let the many Knowledgeable riders on here give you theirs. You are in the right place to get the info you need. I wish you a great Christmas and a speedy recovery. Good luck with your research and in making a informed decision.

 

[alpacaguy]

2 vs 3 wheelers

Hi. I do not currently own a Spyder but am considering one in the hopefully near future. I have been reading through the posts and have a few questions I guess. A little about me first. Like most of you I am coming from several two wheelers. I have been riding off and on since the mid to late 70's. Most recently, I bought a Kawasaki 900 in 2008 when I got back into riding. I outgrew that bike and traded up to a 2011 Victory Vision. Talk about a big difference. I had that for a couple years then had to sell the beginning of this year to pay off my divorce. I almost immediately bought a 2013 BMW R1200RT. Very nice bike all the way to November 8th when I had my first motorcycle accident. It was totaled and I nearly was. Fast forward to today.

I have been online looking at various bikes trying to narrow down the field. I have had cruisers, big touring bikes and a sport touring bike. I now find myself intrigued by the Spyder. As I sit here and heal, several questions come to mind. So I thought I would ask you all. From all the posts I've read the past couple of days, you all seem to be nice folks and honest about your experiences.

So here goes. How difficult is it to adjust from a motorcycle to a Spyder? What about reliability? I know every brand has its issues and those are the things that tend to crop up in these forums. But it would be nice to get a feel for issues you all have experienced. I read about the heat on the 2013's and other issues. What about gas mileage? General wear and tear type things? Is general fit and finish good on the Spyder? How stable is the Spyder at speed? Of the 40K miles I put on my last three bikes, about 20K was accumulated during multi day tours. I like the looks of the ST with saddlebags better than the RT, but is the comfort level there with the ST? I know that is a personal thing but am looking for a general overall impression. I know I have to test ride the Spyder to get my own feel for things but I'm not quite healed enough to feel comfortable doing that. So until then, I thought I would get some info from you all.

Thanks in advance for your help.

First off, welcome to the forum. There are some folks here that know a lot more about Spyders than I do, but I will at least tell you my views. I have a 2012 RT-S SM-5 and came from a fully dressed Harley Ultra Classic. The ride is different to say the least, but you get used to the Spyder in a surprisingly short time. The main thing is that you don't lean into turns and counter steer like you do on two wheels. As I said, I have a 2012 Spyder and so far it has been reliable as rain. No problems what-so-ever. I ride it about four times a week (provided it isn't raining) on about a 45 mile round trip and it has gotten me there and back reliably so far. The gas mileage is about 30-35 MPG, which is down from my Harley which got about 50 MPG. However, the MPG is not the only consideration for the Spyder. Miles of smiles goes a long way in making up for the lower gas mileage. I have the SM-5, which is the manual version and I love it. I'm sure the SE-5 folks will tell you the semi-auto is the only way to go, but since you are already used to a clutch, you might test ride both varieties before making your decision. Another thing to consider is that BRP is coming out with a new RT for 2014 with a bigger (1300 cc) engine and lots of improvements to boot, so take a hard look at those. If you decide to get a Spyder, I know you will love it once you get used to the way it rides. Different than a two wheeler, but not TOO different as to not be fun any more. Good luck with your Spyder looking and hope you heal fast. Be careful out there as nobody looks out for you but yourself...

 

[rick_w]

Hi. I do not currently own a Spyder but am considering one in the hopefully near future. I have been reading through the posts and have a few questions I guess. A little about me first. Like most of you I am coming from several two wheelers. I have been riding off and on since the mid to late 70's. Most recently, I bought a Kawasaki 900 in 2008 when I got back into riding. I outgrew that bike and traded up to a 2011 Victory Vision. Talk about a big difference. I had that for a couple years then had to sell the beginning of this year to pay off my divorce. I almost immediately bought a 2013 BMW R1200RT. Very nice bike all the way to November 8th when I had my first motorcycle accident. It was totaled and I nearly was. Fast forward to today.

I have been online looking at various bikes trying to narrow down the field. I have had cruisers, big touring bikes and a sport touring bike. I now find myself intrigued by the Spyder. As I sit here and heal, several questions come to mind. So I thought I would ask you all. From all the posts I've read the past couple of days, you all seem to be nice folks and honest about your experiences.

So here goes. How difficult is it to adjust from a motorcycle to a Spyder? What about reliability? I know every brand has its issues and those are the things that tend to crop up in these forums. But it would be nice to get a feel for issues you all have experienced. I read about the heat on the 2013's and other issues. What about gas mileage? General wear and tear type things? Is general fit and finish good on the Spyder? How stable is the Spyder at speed? Of the 40K miles I put on my last three bikes, about 20K was accumulated during multi day tours. I like the looks of the ST with saddlebags better than the RT, but is the comfort level there with the ST? I know that is a personal thing but am looking for a general overall impression. I know I have to test ride the Spyder to get my own feel for things but I'm not quite healed enough to feel comfortable doing that. So until then, I thought I would get some info from you all.

Thanks in advance for your help.

We have a 2013 RT. Wife (Teresa) rides it mostly and sold her C90 after riding it a few months. I really enjoy riding the Spyder especialy two up compared to my bikes. It is a different ride then the bikes, but thats not bad. I have a VN 2000 and also a Honda Valkyrie and the Spyder is up there with both of them in the fun to ride category. Our RT excells in traveling, rainy days, two up and cornering. I can hit the corners pretty good with the Valkyrie, but even more with the Spyder. Wife really likes the Cruise, heated Grips and some of the comfort items with the Spyder.

You will get used to riding it pretty quick compared to the bikes. We have really had no mechanical or reliability issues yet. We did a couple of mod's for heat like wrapping pipes. The gas milage is not that great, about like my Honda Valkyrie or a little worse. Probably average about 30 MPG.
Rick

 

[NancysToy]

:welcome:

Sounds like you need to get yourself to a dealer after the 2014 RT's land, and sit on the different models and take some test rides. That can answer many questions quicker than we can. Each of us has his/her own opinion, but only yours counts for you. Beaware that there are some unknowns with the new RT revisions for 2014, and with subtle changes to the ST bodywork. I don't think anyone can say with accuracy how these compare to the 2013's, nor how the reliabilty and other attributes of the 2014 RT will stack up. I think you will like the Spyder. It does take some adjustment, but for most it is not difficult. If you have ridden an ATV or snowmobile, you will do fine right away. Just so you know where I'm coming from, I own three BMW's and I love them, including my R1100RT, but I ride the Spyder the most, by far and away. There never was a better poor weather, two-up, or trailer towing cycle made, and the RT is the most comfortable thing I have ever owned. This one (my second RT) has 25K on the clock right now...much of that multi-day tours.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

:welcome: take a hard look at the RT if you are planning on doing a lot of touring. The comfort and storage capacity are incredible!

 

[MyEleanor]

Thanks

Folks, thanks for the responses so far. I do realize that a test drive will be in order. Particularly since the Spyder is fundamentally different than a two wheeler. I have a doctor appointment in a couple hours and will swing by a local dealer that carries Spyders to sniff around a bit and ask questions. And sit on a couple as well. I look forward to hearing more from your guys.

 

[Chupaca]

Welcome..!! Welcome..!!

welcome to this site. Good place to start if you have question...which you do. As you can see answer are flowing in so I will welcome you and know we will see you on the road soon..!! hyea:

 

[Highwayman2013]

Welcome, good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[bcoulter19]

My 2 cents, Before I bought I was able to rent one for 24 hours. This helped me a lot, I was able to take it on the highway and on back roads and also stop and go traffic. It was a huge help. It SOld Me but it should definetly help you make your mind up.

Bill

 

[ARtraveler]

Quote: "So here goes. How difficult is it to adjust from a motorcycle to a Spyder? What about reliability? I know every brand has its issues and those are the things that tend to crop up in these forums. But it would be nice to get a feel for issues you all have experienced. I read about the heat on the 2013's and other issues. What about gas mileage? General wear and tear type things? Is general fit and finish good on the Spyder? How stable is the Spyder at speed? Of the 40K miles I put on my last three bikes, about 20K was accumulated during multi day tours. I like the looks of the ST with saddlebags better than the RT, but is the comfort level there with the ST? I know that is a personal thing but am looking for a general overall impression. I know I have to test ride the Spyder to get my own feel for things but I'm not quite healed enough to feel comfortable doing that. So until then, I thought I would get some info from you all."

Most have already answered your questions. I have owned 4 :ani29:'s and am nearing 100 thousand miles total on :spyder2: so far.
:ani29:: How difficult to adjust--most experienced two wheel riders take 500-1000 miles. I took 1500 or so before I was totally comfortable.
:ani29:: Reliability: You will get answers all over the board on that one. IMO--a good dealer has a lot to do with your experience. Improper set up can lead to much unhappiness. The year 2013 was the intro of the ST and there have been and still are issues that keep cropping up with some of them. We are still looking for BRP to come up with "the answer" to the heat issues that a lot have experienced.
:ani29:: Gas mileage: Most get around 30-31 mpg after 5000 miles or so. That has been true for me on all my :spyder2:'s.
:ani29:: Road handling should be stable at any speed. Tire pressure and alignment are necessary components of the formula.
:ani29:: Comfort level: Best on the RT which is set up as a touring machine. The RS is set up like a sport bike and the ST is an inbetweener. You should test drive and probably rent the one you think you want for a day.
:ani29:: Maintenance: The 2014 RT's have less maintenance than previous editions. You will run into sticker shock though. A typical oil change can run ballpark $300, give or take.

As someone new to the :spyder2:, I would stay away from the 13's because you either get a good one or not. With so many choices, that's just me. The jury is out on the 2014's--but I have an RT-S on order anyway. My 2008 was early production (2nd in Alaska), the 2010 RT-S was a premier edition #474. I have had no "new production" issues with either, so am not fearful for 2014.

Wishing you an enjoyable "hunt". Keep us posted. Get the one that is what YOU want. :thumbup:

 

[scott16119]

Throw out one or two of the best post's and one or two of the worst post's you receive on your questions. What you'll end up with is as honest an assessment of the Cam Am Spyder and Spyderlover lifestyle that can be found anywhere.

 

[Dan_Ashley]

. How difficult is it to adjust from a motorcycle to a Spyder?
I rode two wheelers for about 38 years. It took me 1,000 miles to adjust to my RT on the freeway at high speeds. I had to retrain my brain to relax and to not over-steer. Other than that, the Bajaron sway bar addition eliminated most of the body roll in the twisted, but I still use the old style body English to keep the inside tire on the pavement.

What about reliability?
I have 10,000 miles on my 2012 RT. I had a minor warranty repair. Other than that it has been great.

I know every brand has its issues and those are the things that tend to crop up in these forums. But it would be nice to get a feel for issues you all have experienced.
The radiator outlet is vey close to your right foot. I overcome this with good riding boots and a pair of 1/2 chaps.

read about the heat on the 2013's and other issues.
I have a 2012 RT

What about gas mileage?
Milage is between 25 and 32. Worse in the city and at speeds over 75.

General wear and tear type things?
I maintain mine meticulously. No issues here. Make sure you get it laser aligned, keep the oil levels right. Mine burns about 4 ounces of oil ever 500 miles. Also, make sure you tighten bolts like on any bike.

general fit and finish good on the Spyder?
I am very satisfied. It has no issues in this department that I've detected.

How stable is the Spyder at speed?
See above comment about getting used to it. Also, you can't have a high side nor a low side. But you CAN do donuts if you try real hard that is.

I like the looks of the ST with saddlebags better than the RT, but is the comfort level there with the ST?
I have an RT, and I put a gel pad over the seat. Works fine for a 63 year old butt.

 

[Deanna777]

:welcome: take a hard look at the RT if you are planning on doing a lot of touring. The comfort and storage capacity are incredible!

:agree: Deanna777

 

[MyEleanor]

I'm Officially Infatuated

I just returned from one of the local dealers who sell Spyders. I sat on both the ST and RT. Both 2013's. I found both comfortable but the RT in particular. Even the back seat was plush. Not sure how it will be after many hours in the saddle but one of the most comfortable stock seats I have ever sat on. Up until today's visit I hadn't realized the RT has a larger front storage compartment that the ST. In fact, the entire front end is different. I guess I wasn't paying attention before. Just sitting on it I found my left hand reaching for the clutch but both were semi-autos. Overall I came away very impressed and will be making an appointment to test ride one once my broken thumb completely heals. I have the sinking feeling that once I try one I will really want one. So I should probably hold off on testing until I'm ready to pull the trigger. Thanks for all the info so far. I am leaning toward the RT so I will likely wait until the 2014's with the 1330 come out.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

Welcome, and sounds like you have a good plan in place, we are all hoping that the 2014 RT lives up to the hype. :thumbup:


Cruzr Joe

 

[Dan_Ashley]

I just returned from one of the local dealers who sell Spyders. I sat on both the ST and RT. Both 2013's. I found both comfortable but the RT in particular. Even the back seat was plush. Not sure how it will be after many hours in the saddle but one of the most comfortable stock seats I have ever sat on. Up until today's visit I hadn't realized the RT has a larger front storage compartment that the ST. In fact, the entire front end is different. I guess I wasn't paying attention before. Just sitting on it I found my left hand reaching for the clutch but both were semi-autos. Overall I came away very impressed and will be making an appointment to test ride one once my broken thumb completely heals. I have the sinking feeling that once I try one I will really want one. So I should probably hold off on testing until I'm ready to pull the trigger. Thanks for all the info so far. I am leaning toward the RT so I will likely wait until the 2014's with the 1330 come out.

My wife rides on the back of our 2012 RT. She has a pretty serious back injury and may have surgery in March or so. She sits on a gel pad and is comfortable with six hour rides--as long as we stop every 100 miles or so. This isn't a big deal because I get dead butt disease at about the same time she does! I fractured my middle finger on my left hand and after it healed it was still weak and hurt. So, I bought the SE. I'm glad I did.

 

[retread]

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned that a good dealer set up is critical for a Spyder. There have been dealers that ruined the experience for new riders, so check out the dealer you buy from before you buy, from a set up and a service point of view.
That said, I'm on my second Spyder, the first one had almost 30K on it, with no serious problems, the second, I've had 7 months, and it's pushing 5K miles, again with no major problems.
Transition to the Spyder takes 500 to 1500 miles, they're closer to an ATV than a motorcycle for riding.
Welcome to the site.

john