Older guy & previous rider thinking of RT Limited

[sunshinelady]

I have a 2013 RT-S and haven't had a problem with the alignment. I know there is a problem with some of the bikes and I may have just been lucky. I was told to give it 200 miles before the steering felt natural to me and that is about what it took. Initially I held the handle bars too tightly and it moved all over but once I softened my grip and trusted that I would be ok it suddenly was ok. Lamonster had told me at the motorcycle show here in Dallas to have a soft grip and it would be much easier to steer. Once I remembered that and practiced it the ride has been great. It is different than a 2 wheel bike but great fun!

 

[Cruiter]

It's always dangerous to make proclamations but ...

Folks, your posts offering opinions and advice on this fine board have been very helpful. I can't say when for sure, things have to fall in place for me but.... I can see a point sometime this year I'll be ready to place an order. It could be next month or even next year, but I think more than likely the first half of this year. It will be when I no longer have to be worried about an urgent call from the nursing home and the consequences. I made a pledge to Jane when we were married and I sold my BMW (she didn't want to ride and I didn't want to ride w/o her) there would not be another bike in our marriage. I intend to keep it.

I've been on various sites sorting out the latest in light weight head gear and the newest technology in communication systems. If anyone has really good advice in that arena please chime in, I'm more interested in long term quality, comfort, and functionality than cost. Compatibility not only with passenger and others in a group but on-board radio and GPS will be important. RE: helmets, I always had a full face helmet. The last one was my BMW hat and it was pretty heavy back then. With the RT, what's the prevailing wisdom and practice between the lighter more comfortable 'half' hats and the full face protection? I know I don't have the trike yet but I've got the time to do some research and at least narrow down some options.

And lastly, with the price of these machines I'll be pretty particular in getting one the way I want it so placing an order is likely. What's the normal build time between order and delivery? I'm probably going to want the Pearl White limited with the chocolate saddle. And do some of the aftermarket saddles come in the same color?

Any helpful advice will be read and appreciated.

Again, thanks for the many posts.
Jim M (not yet an owner, but a Spyder lover)

 

[Captain Fin]

Weird handling

I just turned 69 and was looking at the new/old re-created Morgan 3 wheeler to satisfy my older age crisis. But the price and availability of dealers is giving me pause to consider some crisis management.

I recently sat on a RT Limited (mistake) and starting thinking on breaking my pledge to self that my riding days were over. Of course that pledge was based on two wheels up (not three) when I made it so there is an out if I really want one.

I've been reading up on the machine and I'm really concerned by all the posts documenting some weird handling (while on the highway) with the 2013. Is there any official statements from BRP on this I can use for research? What exactly changed (mechanically) from 2012 to 2013?

Thanks in advance, been reading and this is my 1st post here.
Jim

Im very happy with my RTS. I did have an alignment problem that my dealer was able to correct under warranty. I notified my dealer upon delivery that the alignment was not proper. That is important if you want alignment covered under warranty. My Spyder tracks straight and drives well even in windy conditions. You want to be relaxed when you drive the Spyder. It also helps if you have had pilot training when in windy conditions. The Spyder feels much like a small aircraft in gusty conditions.

 

[retired1]

Cruiter;
The Spyder line is substantially different than an auto line. If you want any accessories, they are available from the dealer or an aftermarket source. The factory only makes certain models in certain colors, then it is up to you to make it your own. What I'm saying is, I can't see any advantage to ordering one. If you find one that you like, you may as well buy it.

 

[Grandpa Pete]

Back to riding

Hi, I had the same thoughts after;
1. 1 I.C.D
2. 2 Plates in C-Spine
3. 8 Plates and assorted hardware in L-Spine.
4. Give it a try. You'll love it. I was cautious on my purchase also. (2012 RTS-SE5). Its a different machine. You'll notice I did'nt say bike. It's not.
Take a test run. You won't look back. Very comfortable and smooth..:thumbup:

GRANDPA PETE

 

[bh164]

too old is when they put you in the ground till then all bets are off

I just turned 69 and was looking at the new/old re-created Morgan 3 wheeler to satisfy my older age crisis. But the price and availability of dealers is giving me pause to consider some crisis management.

I recently sat on a RT Limited (mistake) and starting thinking on breaking my pledge to self that my riding days were over. Of course that pledge was based on two wheels up (not three) when I made it so there is an out if I really want one.

I've been reading up on the machine and I'm really concerned by all the posts documenting some weird handling (while on the highway) with the 2013. Is there any official statements from BRP on this I can use for research? What exactly changed (mechanically) from 2012 to 2013?

Thanks in advance, been reading and this is my 1st post here.
I never road before got an 08 gold wing great ride but an unforgiving beast when not expierenced.I was motivated to get a bike after losing a co worker (Officer John Charles Samra in a line of duty death) tried a spyder on demo day and purchased it on the spot 2012 rtsse5 I love this bike and thank you can am for making it not a day goes by when he isn't thought of. i like to think he rides with me every time i take it out. go for it and dont look back (some great deals out there on barely used ones):welcome:

 

[hill27]

I HAVE HAD MY SPYDER 4 MONTH AND I LOVE IT.

 

[rock]

there is a huge learning curve to riding a spyder compared to a 2 wheel bike..however it only took about 25 miles before i was riding it like a seasoned rider..first off you dont lean on it like a standard bike, if you do it will fight you all the way...i found out if i just simply turn my head and look in the direction i am turning, the bike responses with surprising quickness and precision... if you want to get real crazy they tell me if you steer it like a quad (throw your body) it is very agressive....i guess on the down side , some seasoned 2 wheel riders never learn to adapt to the spyder... when this happens, spyders with extremely low miles wind up as trade ins and can be purchased with very low miles at great prices...

 

[rock]

Folks, your posts offering opinions and advice on this fine board have been very helpful. I can't say when for sure, things have to fall in place for me but.... I can see a point sometime this year I'll be ready to place an order. It could be next month or even next year, but I think more than likely the first half of this year. It will be when I no longer have to be worried about an urgent call from the nursing home and the consequences. I made a pledge to Jane when we were married and I sold my BMW (she didn't want to ride and I didn't want to ride w/o her) there would not be another bike in our marriage. I intend to keep it.

I've been on various sites sorting out the latest in light weight head gear and the newest technology in communication systems. If anyone has really good advice in that arena please chime in, I'm more interested in long term quality, comfort, and functionality than cost. Compatibility not only with passenger and others in a group but on-board radio and GPS will be important. RE: helmets, I always had a full face helmet. The last one was my BMW hat and it was pretty heavy back then. With the RT, what's the prevailing wisdom and practice between the lighter more comfortable 'half' hats and the full face protection? I know I don't have the trike yet but I've got the time to do some research and at least narrow down some options.

And lastly, with the price of these machines I'll be pretty particular in getting one the way I want it so placing an order is likely. What's the normal build time between order and delivery? I'm probably going to want the Pearl White limited with the chocolate saddle. And do some of the aftermarket saddles come in the same color?

Any helpful advice will be read and appreciated.

Again, thanks for the many posts.
Jim M (not yet an owner, but a Spyder lover)

if you have dealers near by , you may be surprised what is in the show rooms...make sure you know what you want...then check the lots you may not have to order one. the dealer ship we bot from, has sometimes 10-12 spyders at all times..all models sports limiteds, loaded what ever you want..i would look before i order, you may not have to wait at all...!!! good luck