Not so good demo drive

[Harry Gilbert]

Went to Blackmons Cycle center in Emmuas Pa for the Spyder demo yesterday. Got to take a good long look at the RT, Both the wife and myself were very impressed. She actually said it was more comfortable than our goldwing and easier for her to get on and off of. So far so good. So I walk over and sign up for the demo ride. Since I was the only one there at the time I didn't even think about having to "request" an RT (3 of each RT/RS were available). Well a few more people show up and requested an RT so I got an RS.

I am really hoping that the Handling is different on the RT! needless to say I was not comfortable during the entire ride. The steering was too touchy for me, I felt out of control on a few corners. Granted this was a new experience and coming off of 2 wheels had to be a factor. so for now I'm going to withhold judgement until I can find a demo on a RT. The thing is I really want to like the RT it seems perfect for what we want it to do (long distance 2 up)

So now a question. Is the handling between the RS/RT that different?

 

[MangoMike]

Harry,

I've owned a GL1800, a Victory Vision and an Ultra Classic, and wouldn't trade my RT for any of them. I've ridden the RS and didn't care for the "sport bike" seating and feel. But the RT feels great. My only complaint is that it's not as easy to stretch out as my other tourers. As for handling I'm not sure what it was you didn't like, but the Spyders are different and take a little getting used to. With only 700+ miles on the RT I am already extremely comfortable with the handling. Do yourself a favor and take an RT out for a long ride, not just around the block. We bought ours for the same reason you want one, long distance touring. My wife says the RT is much more comfortable than any of my other bikes.

Good luck...

Mike

 

[Roger]

:agree: 2 totally different rides however you could make the rs into a very comfortable ride with aftermarket stuff.

 

[BajaRon]

For someone coming off 2 wheels the Spyder (either version I would think) will take a bit of getting used to. But be assured, once you do spend enough time on the Spyder to get the feel you'll be right at home.

I think someone who has never ridden a motorcycle takes to the Spyder more quickly than those of us with 'experience'.

It's a different beast and has to be ridden differently. What works on 2 wheels does not work, for the most part, on 3.

 

[ynot]

Went to Blackmons Cycle center in Emmuas Pa for the Spyder demo yesterday. Got to take a good long look at the RT, Both the wife and myself were very impressed. She actually said it was more comfortable than our goldwing and easier for her to get on and off of. So far so good. So I walk over and sign up for the demo ride. Since I was the only one there at the time I didn't even think about having to "request" an RT (3 of each RT/RS were available). Well a few more people show up and requested an RT so I got an RS.

I am really hoping that the Handling is different on the RT! needless to say I was not comfortable during the entire ride. The steering was too touchy for me, I felt out of control on a few corners. Granted this was a new experience and coming off of 2 wheels had to be a factor. so for now I'm going to withhold judgement until I can find a demo on a RT. The thing is I really want to like the RT it seems perfect for what we want it to do (long distance 2 up)

So now a question. Is the handling between the RS/RT that different?

the steering is much different from a motorcycle. we picked our spyder up on a monday morning and i rode it 123 miles home ( this after two days of riding a motorcycle in the motorcycle foundation safety course) on mostly interstate hwy. at first the steering felt very sketchy, especially approaching 75 miles per hour. between the rain and the steering i was a bit tense. the more i rode the better the steering felt. today is one week since we picked the spyder up, i have put 406 miles on it so far, the steering is getting better, actually i am getting used to it. the steering is different but as you get used to it the fun factor increases. so far we have really enjoyed our spyder. this is just a general reply to your post, we have the rs model but i wouldn't think there would be much difference in the steering of either models.

 

[ARtraveler]

All good information above. As a biker with 45 plus years riding experience, my learning curve was 500 miles or so, my spouse, a non-two wheeler driver had it down after a couple hundred miles. If you want a tourer, the RTS is the way to go. The RS is more like a sport bike. The RTS has all the comforts and amenities of the Wing. Input is so easy that it requires very little effort to make it do what you want. Thats why new riders tend to say it is a difficult machine to drive.

 

[Harry Gilbert]

Thanks for all the replies. I haven't given up on the RT yet. Thinking back I probably should of went with a man shift instead of the semi-auto that would of been 1 less distraction. Suddenly I was on a sport model instead of the upright more familiar surroundings. leaned over the bars, no windshield the same time repeating to myself turn the bars, don't lean, no clutch,:gaah: no handbrake, shift with the thumb, don't put the feet down. I would love to see a video of myself on this ride:roflblack:

I did notice that the RT rider/driver? in front of me seemed very relaxed so there is hope that the next ride will go better.

 

[Lamonster]

welcome
I have a RS and a RT now and when I first got the RS I thought I made a big mistake. I was all over the rode for the first 200 miles or so, then I realized it was more like riding my 4 wheeler than my motorcycle. After that I fell in love with the Spyder. I just got off a 9,000+ trip on the RT and loved it. Just remember to relax your grip and steer it like a 4 wheeler and not a bike and you should be fine. :doorag:

 

[BajaRon]

Thanks for all the replies. I haven't given up on the RT yet. Thinking back I probably should of went with a man shift instead of the semi-auto that would of been 1 less distraction. Suddenly I was on a sport model instead of the upright more familiar surroundings. leaned over the bars, no windshield the same time repeating to myself turn the bars, don't lean, no clutch,:gaah: no handbrake, shift with the thumb, don't put the feet down. I would love to see a video of myself on this ride:roflblack:

I did notice that the RT rider/driver? in front of me seemed very relaxed so there is hope that the next ride will go better.

I have not ridden an auto yet because I want to stay happy with my manual shift. But everyone I've talked to that rode both said they like the auto better. I would definitely leave the door open as after you get used to the Spyder you may then wish you'd gotten the auto.

 

[MarkLawson]

Went to Blackmons Cycle center in Emmuas Pa for the Spyder demo yesterday. Got to take a good long look at the RT, Both the wife and myself were very impressed. She actually said it was more comfortable than our goldwing and easier for her to get on and off of. So far so good. So I walk over and sign up for the demo ride. Since I was the only one there at the time I didn't even think about having to "request" an RT (3 of each RT/RS were available). Well a few more people show up and requested an RT so I got an RS.

I am really hoping that the Handling is different on the RT! needless to say I was not comfortable during the entire ride. The steering was too touchy for me, I felt out of control on a few corners. Granted this was a new experience and coming off of 2 wheels had to be a factor. so for now I'm going to withhold judgement until I can find a demo on a RT. The thing is I really want to like the RT it seems perfect for what we want it to do (long distance 2 up)

So now a question. Is the handling between the RS/RT that different?

Harry, Lamont is right about the Spyder handling more like a 4-wheeler. As such, you cannot 'counter-steer', which is what you're doing on the 2-wheeler. On your old bike, to turn left, you actually push the left handlebar slightly forward, making the front wheel turn a little to the right. This action throws the bike to the outside of the turn, resulting in a left hand lean, which then causes the bike to turn left. All 2-wheelers do this & many riders really have no idea of the physics involved.

Your arms have developed 'muscle memory' which tell them what to do to get the desired result when the brain says "turn left". If you allow the arms to go by their 'muscle memory', the Spyder will respond by turning right, which is opposite of what you intended. That along with your body unexpectedly being tossed to outside of the turn, probably gave you a very unsteady feeling & questioning if you can even keep it in your lane on a straight road.

One more steering observation I have made concerns timing. Again, going back to your 2-wheeler, to turn left, you actually steer slightly to the right. This counter-steering motion produces a small delay from the point you make the steering input and the point the bike actually makes that left hand turn. I have found with the Spyder, that I have to consciously delay my turning input to be the exact moment I need to turn, not just before that moment, like on my Goldwing. Before I realized this issue, I found I was turning slightly before I should.

Keep your brain fully engaged until you have learned new 'muscle memory'. Once that happens, you'll find steering the Spyder to be a natural as your bike. I now can go from my Spyder to my Goldwing and back again with no problems.

Good luck,

 

[Eddie]

welcome
I have a RS and a RT now and when I first got the RS I thought I made a big mistake. I was all over the rode for the first 200 miles or so, then I realized it was more like riding my 4 wheeler than my motorcycle. After that I fell in love with the Spyder. I just got off a 9,000+ trip on the RT and loved it. Just remember to relax your grip and steer it like a 4 wheeler and not a bike and you should be fine. :doorag:

Was my thoughts exactly. OH NO WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!nojoke Took me about 1/2 a day. Now I LOVE IT!!

 

[GA-SPYDER]

welcome
I have a RS and a RT now and when I first got the RS I thought I made a big mistake. I was all over the rode for the first 200 miles or so, then I realized it was more like riding my 4 wheeler than my motorcycle. After that I fell in love with the Spyder. I just got off a 9,000+ trip on the RT and loved it. Just remember to relax your grip and steer it like a 4 wheeler and not a bike and you should be fine. :doorag:

I second that...or maybe it was third, anyway, lamont hits it right on the head. RELAX your grip!:thumbup:

 

[IWN2RYD]

Harry, Lamont is right about the Spyder handling more like a 4-wheeler. As such, you cannot 'counter-steer', which is what you're doing on the 2-wheeler. On your old bike, to turn left, you actually push the left handlebar slightly forward, making the front wheel turn a little to the right. This action throws the bike to the outside of the turn, resulting in a left hand lean, which then causes the bike to turn left. All 2-wheelers do this & many riders really have no idea of the physics involved.

Your arms have developed 'muscle memory' which tell them what to do to get the desired result when the brain says "turn left". If you allow the arms to go by their 'muscle memory', the Spyder will respond by turning right, which is opposite of what you intended. That along with your body unexpectedly being tossed to outside of the turn, probably gave you a very unsteady feeling & questioning if you can even keep it in your lane on a straight road.

One more steering observation I have made concerns timing. Again, going back to your 2-wheeler, to turn left, you actually steer slightly to the right. This counter-steering motion produces a small delay from the point you make the steering input and the point the bike actually makes that left hand turn. I have found with the Spyder, that I have to consciously delay my turning input to be the exact moment I need to turn, not just before that moment, like on my Goldwing. Before I realized this issue, I found I was turning slightly before I should.

Keep your brain fully engaged until you have learned new 'muscle memory'. Once that happens, you'll find steering the Spyder to be a natural as your bike. I now can go from my Spyder to my Goldwing and back again with no problems.

Good luck,

Wow... So well written! This and Lamonster's info is spot on...

May I add... If your a taller person, the RTS might even need another little "Tweak". I found myself fighting the steering at speed. I was "Pulling" the handlebar towards me. Well if you look at the Handlebar you will see it is actually at a small angle... pps::thumbup:

Silly me... Now that I have that figured out, I go through corners smoother than I ever have. I no longer feel I am working the steering. It is a joy to dig in and go now... nojoke:spyder2::doorag:

 

[Mickay]

Cranking up shock more stiffer

Hi,

When we receive our Spyder GS 2008 the front shock was set a 3 the handling it was like the front is dancing , and some rolling in cornering , i decide to set it to 5 more stiffer , no more rolling, better handling. And now with our new RT-S the same thing happen it`s was set at 3 so i set it only at 4 because i want to keep the confort but the handling is up to a new level, i will set it at 5 for my vacation with all the luggage and the trailer.

 

[boborgera]

Went to Blackmons Cycle center in Emmuas Pa for the Spyder demo yesterday. Got to take a good long look at the RT, Both the wife and myself were very impressed. She actually said it was more comfortable than our goldwing and easier for her to get on and off of. So far so good. So I walk over and sign up for the demo ride. Since I was the only one there at the time I didn't even think about having to "request" an RT (3 of each RT/RS were available). Well a few more people show up and requested an RT so I got an RS.

I am really hoping that the Handling is different on the RT! needless to say I was not comfortable during the entire ride. The steering was too touchy for me, I felt out of control on a few corners. Granted this was a new experience and coming off of 2 wheels had to be a factor. so for now I'm going to withhold judgement until I can find a demo on a RT. The thing is I really want to like the RT it seems perfect for what we want it to do (long distance 2 up)

So now a question. Is the handling between the RS/RT that different?

After approx. 40 years on two wheelers, My learning curve wasn't the steering. Because ive been riding ATVs back when they were called ATC's
The thing that took a few miles to learn was you can't ride in the left tire track' you don't put your feet down at a stop. And don't grab for the front brake it ain't there.

 

[SpyderWolf]

welcome Harry.

The other great thing about the SE5 is once you get used to it the entire ryding experience gets better. Instead of needing to be mindful to clutch at certain points in the mountain twisties, you just pop the paddle and keep going. When heading to The Dragon I saw all kinds of beautiful scenery that my 2 wheeler friends had no idea was even there. When I asked them if they saw the waterfall, they all replied what waterfall. I told them it was during the twisty mountain road ride, and they replied they were too busy concentrating on the road to see anything like that. :thumbup:

 

[Harry Gilbert]

As of now I am going to Mid-Ohio in July for another demo ride. Just waiting for my Brother in law to decide if he's going also. I will take all of the great advice you guys have given me and relax a bit this time.
Thanks again,
Harry