New/Used Spyder owner!!

[Questions]

Well, I am no longer a lurker. I picked up a 2008 GS today. It only had 780 miles, for $11,500. Would you say that is a good deal? I rode it back from Plano, Tx to Abilene/Dyess AFB, about 210 miles. It rode flawlessly. The Hindle exhaust is much louder than expected!! Love it!! The only issue I encountered was the wind. It really beat me up. The crosswinds were insane. There was one instance where I swear the wind blew me across into the next lane. Or it could have been the turbulence caused by the semi I passed. Have any of you had issues with riding in windy conditions? It caused me not even go the speed limit of 70mph. I averaged around 60 to 65, and at times even 55. I think I am number 3 of other Spyder owners here. There is a fellow service member who bought an RT a couple weeks ago. So if any of you ever have the need to transit through this neck of the woods, let me know!!

 

[COOLMACHINE]

Congrats

Congrats Hawaii. :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: and :congrats: on the ride.

A good deal is one you are happy with. I would say you were in the ball park for what you got.

 

[fleegeds]

:welcome: & :congrats:

 

[stormtrooper]

:congrats: and :welcome: Good luck and enjoy your new toy.

 

[GloryRyders]

:welcome: and :congrats:.............ryde safe and watch out for the cross winds:gaah:.

 

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to our playground! :2thumbs:

 

[CyncySpyder]

Welcome to the SpYderHood & Thank You for your service

:congrats: on your new purchase & :agree: it sounds like you got a GREAT deal :yes:

Do you know if the DPS (Dynamic Power Steering) recall has been done? That could be part of your issue, tho I'd be more inclined to think the issue has more to do with your grip :lecturef_smilie:

Being a new owner, most people (myself included) have an inclination to grip the handlebars pretty tightly, especially if they are converting over from years of experience Ryding 2 wheelers. The SpYders steering is super sensitive, so the first thing we tell new Ryders, IS TO LET GO:2thumbs: Best advice I've ever gotten or given about Ryding the SpYder is this. Imagine you have a baby chick in the palm of your hand, you don't want it to escape, but you don't want to crush or hurt it. That's the way you want to grip the handle bars. Myself personally, I rarely ever grip them anymore, just use the palm of my hands, except of course when rolling on or off the throttle, but that's where the light grip helps the most. And yes, even when passing semis, maintaining that light grip will help tremendously. At least, that has been my personal experience & that of many others I've talked with:agree:

Teddy has an RT-S with the fully adjustable shield, & I love it. I hate being a bobble-head, and with a tight grip, that motion transfers to the handlebars and has caused many new owners to think the Spyders handling SUCKS, when in fact, once they learn the little nuances of SpYder Ryding, they end up LOVING IT:yes: I even talked to a gentelman at Maggie Valley that told me the same story, even took the SpYder back to the dealership & wanted to return it. They suggested he search the threads here on SpYderLovers, and he found the info I'm relating to you & gave it another try. Said after 200 miles of seat time to get readjusted, HE NOW LOVES IT & THINKS IT'S ONE OF THE BEST HANDLING MACHINES ON THE ROAD:firstplace:

I love this site, so much great information, and the people here are always willing to help. We're glad to have you with us, & I truly hope you fall in love with your new SpYder as much as I have:clap:

Also wanted to say THANK YOU for your service & commitment to our country, may God Bless You:bowdown:

 

[Bob Denman]

Cyncy's right... :thumbup:

(How's Teddy doing?)

 

[Lamonster]

:congrats:

 

[Mr. White]

Welcome. What the above posters say is correct, the wind will whip you around. Saturday, I was getting 35-40 mph cross winds and it blew me from one side of the lane to the other....not dangerous, but I knew the wind was blowing....ha ha Yesterday afternoon, we had 40+ mph. No fun actually.

:spyder2:

 

[Questions]

New owner

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

The ride was great while I was still in the DFW area. Maybe it was due to the fact there were alot more buildings and structures to block the wind. As soon as we were clear of the city and into open roads the headwinds, tailwinds, and cross winds wreaked havoc on me. I dont have too much riding experience and it definitely made me much more cautious. I have been reading posts on here for close to a year, and while riding, I recalled the numerous posts about white knuckling. I really tried my best to apply that advice, but the wind whipping around me around caused me to grip tighter than I really wanted to. I know I will continue to take any and all advice posted here. Someday I hope to meet up with you all at an event. I retire in Dec, 22yrs and a week of service. :2thumbs:. Then its on to find a job!!

And to CYNCYSPYDER, all the updates were accomplished. No steering issues at all.

RYDE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!

 

[napper39]

:welcome::congrats: on your:spyder2: light grip is the way to go for sure.and dont think your taking too long geting use to it,ive had 50 motorcycles and it took me 800 miles to get it dowen roght.have fun and ride like the wind.yes the wind blowing from the side can move you around but nothing you cant handle.:2thumbs: its something like this wind :yikes: hang on and fly.

 

[acinpcola]

:congrats::2thumbs::welcome:hyea:

Have Fun and Be Safe
AC:spyder2:

 

[Hawk Eye]

:congrats: & :welcome: You will love your new ride.

Pete :yes::yes: