While I was at the Kansas City Spyder demo I met and gentleman who has just received his Spyder and he was so unhappy with it he stated that he was going to sell it. He reported that when his new Spyder went over 70 mph it had a terrible head shake and they could not seem to find the problem, He went on to state that the front wheel has 12 wheel weights on one and on the other on it had 10 wheel weights, is this normal I have owner several BMW and the most I have seen is 3 or 4 on the rims. RNB
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Problem with Spyders
- Thread starter RNB
- Start date
spyder-dude
New member
Yea I would say that someone didn't balance his tires correctly....there should never be that many weights on a wheel.
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
There have been reports of several Spyders being produced where the factory balancing mark on the tire wasn't aligned with the valve stem, as it should be. That will throw the balance off, and require more balancing weights. If the tire were properly balanced, they should not hop. Tire shake is not the same as head shake, which can mean alignment problems. I would certainly report the problem to the dealer before I sold the Spyder.
That being said, the first excursion with the Spyder onto the highway, I found it to be skitterish, too. Others reported similar experiences, and one guy here in town sold his, in part because of that. I come from many years of motorcycle riding, and found my problem was simply a matter of overcontrol. Try too hard, and the thing darts all over. My suspicion is that when you feel the bumps from the suspension through the handlebars, you automatically tend to react, and steer the Spyder slightly. As you can imagine, this could get out of control in a hurry. Since then I have learned to relax my grip, and let the Spyder go where it is pointed. Runs up well over the speed limit with no problems. Hope this guy learns that trick.
-Scotty
That being said, the first excursion with the Spyder onto the highway, I found it to be skitterish, too. Others reported similar experiences, and one guy here in town sold his, in part because of that. I come from many years of motorcycle riding, and found my problem was simply a matter of overcontrol. Try too hard, and the thing darts all over. My suspicion is that when you feel the bumps from the suspension through the handlebars, you automatically tend to react, and steer the Spyder slightly. As you can imagine, this could get out of control in a hurry. Since then I have learned to relax my grip, and let the Spyder go where it is pointed. Runs up well over the speed limit with no problems. Hope this guy learns that trick.
-Scotty
MSGTDOC
New member
I HAD A VOYAGER KIT ON MY 05 SOFT TAIL AND YOU REALLY HAD TO MUSCLE THAT THING AROUND CORNERS AND BENDS. WHEN I PICKED UP THE SPYDER LAST WENSDAY I PULLED OUT FROM THE DEALER AND WAS HAVING TROUBLE STEERING. WENT ABOUT 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD TO A MALL AND PULLED IN AND SAID TO MY BUDDIE THAT I THOUGHT THE STEERING WAS MESSED UP. ALL HE SAID WAS RELAX YOU ARN'T DRIVING THE HARLEY THAT THE STEERING WAS POWER ASSIST ON THE SPYDER. DID SOME FIGURE 8'S AND LEFT AND RIGHT CIRCLES AND THEN THE RAIN STARTED AND WE AERE ON THE RAOD RUNNING FOR HOME. IT DID TAKE ME ABOUT 5 MILES AND SOME PRETTY GOOD BENDS TO GET THE FEEL FOR THE SPYDER AND RELAX MORE AND STOP OVER STEERING. I THINK THE THING GOES AROUND BENDS LIKE IT'S ON RAILS. I LIKE THIS THING
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Trypod
New member
Ditto!! I thought I had a Spyder steering problem when I got the machine, turned out the problem was with Trypod and he had to learn to relaxxxx . Now every ryde is more fun than the last as I continue to "test" the steering, which by the way is fantastic now that the new DPS unit has been installed and synchronized. Steers even quicker now, so it is a matter of "point and go", gosh I'm lovin' this...
opcorn:Hey.....All this talk is making me scaaaaaared! :shocked:
I don't want to be flipping over when I take this on the road. :yikes: I wish they had the SE5's available locally for a test drive. I'm exciting about geting mine in a little over a month, but I'm also starting to think maybe I needed to test it out BEFORE placing my order. Too late for that now!
Derwin
I don't want to be flipping over when I take this on the road. :yikes: I wish they had the SE5's available locally for a test drive. I'm exciting about geting mine in a little over a month, but I'm also starting to think maybe I needed to test it out BEFORE placing my order. Too late for that now!
Derwin
LittleJohn
New member
Hey.....All this talk is making me scaaaaaared! :shocked:
I don't want to be flipping over when I take this on the road. :yikes: I wish they had the SE5's available locally for a test drive. I'm exciting about geting mine in a little over a month, but I'm also starting to think maybe I needed to test it out BEFORE placing my order. Too late for that now!
Derwin
Hang in there Derwin!!!!:thumbup:
You test drove the SM5 :spyder:right? Its gonna ride the same as that, just different place to shift! Fear not:yikes:, hang in there with us:chat:. You wont regret it!!!!:2thumbs::clap:
Trickyrick55
New member
I'm not a Spyder owner and don't have one on order. When I took my test ride I was able to sneak up to about 90 and never felt a shimmy or shake. The steering was very responsive, turned on a nats hair, but no shake or shimmy.
I was thankful for the many reports regards handling on these forums.
When I finally took delivery, I experienced most of the conditions that had been reported, but they were a non-event because i knew the answers.
For one that "hangs on tight" you're gonna oversteer. Relax and enjoy.
The other thing that could be disconcerting is the feel when cornering. This ain't a 2 wheeler. As reported by many more experienced than me -- lean a bit forward and into the turn and be happy. Try to steer with "lean" like on a 2 wheeler and you're gonna feel like it's gonna throw you off.
My very best advice -- DO THOSE EXERCISES -- as suggested in the owner's manual.
Then, you'll love your spYder like most of us.
---leo---
When I finally took delivery, I experienced most of the conditions that had been reported, but they were a non-event because i knew the answers.
For one that "hangs on tight" you're gonna oversteer. Relax and enjoy.
The other thing that could be disconcerting is the feel when cornering. This ain't a 2 wheeler. As reported by many more experienced than me -- lean a bit forward and into the turn and be happy. Try to steer with "lean" like on a 2 wheeler and you're gonna feel like it's gonna throw you off.
My very best advice -- DO THOSE EXERCISES -- as suggested in the owner's manual.
Then, you'll love your spYder like most of us.
---leo---
Lamonster
SpyderLovers Founder
:agree: That's what i tell everyone who is getting ready to ride a Spyder. You just need to relax and enjoy the ride. I can run 80mph past a big rig with one hand with no problem now. Got to Love the :spyder:
spyder handling problems
One of the things to remember concerning the handling and steering of the spyder is MIND SET.Over the years fm. switching from 2 whls.to 4whls and back,riders must remember the adjustments of motorcycling vs. auto.Motorcycles-push and pull the handlebars;auto-gripping the wheel and making slight back and forth movements and turnig the wheel in an arc to make a complete turn.Now the spyder comes along and it is SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT but it also combines the 2.Look at the frontend,it is a sportcar like A frame w/coilover shocks and acts independently.It is so easy to forget this simple fact,especially if you're a hard core biker.It is 1/3rd...sportcar and 3/4 motorcycle.
One of the things to remember concerning the handling and steering of the spyder is MIND SET.Over the years fm. switching from 2 whls.to 4whls and back,riders must remember the adjustments of motorcycling vs. auto.Motorcycles-push and pull the handlebars;auto-gripping the wheel and making slight back and forth movements and turnig the wheel in an arc to make a complete turn.Now the spyder comes along and it is SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT but it also combines the 2.Look at the frontend,it is a sportcar like A frame w/coilover shocks and acts independently.It is so easy to forget this simple fact,especially if you're a hard core biker.It is 1/3rd...sportcar and 3/4 motorcycle.
spyder handling pt2
in my previous post my 15 yr.old son pointed out my incorrect math.I meant to point out that the spyder was 1/3rd. sportcar and 2/3rds.motorcycle.Sorry!Another thing to try out is to totally soften up the suspension,front and rear and journey to a local desserted lot and put the spyder thru its paces.Make alot of L&R turns and circles.Zig zag and really try alot of manuvers.Then play alittle w/the adjustments one increment at a time till you get the response you desire.I did it,it was fun and I learned alot about the spyder in the process and it handles to my satisfaction.The ride i get is Incredible! I can whip it around ANYWHERE!Also the rain is no longer a problem-tracks well.
in my previous post my 15 yr.old son pointed out my incorrect math.I meant to point out that the spyder was 1/3rd. sportcar and 2/3rds.motorcycle.Sorry!Another thing to try out is to totally soften up the suspension,front and rear and journey to a local desserted lot and put the spyder thru its paces.Make alot of L&R turns and circles.Zig zag and really try alot of manuvers.Then play alittle w/the adjustments one increment at a time till you get the response you desire.I did it,it was fun and I learned alot about the spyder in the process and it handles to my satisfaction.The ride i get is Incredible! I can whip it around ANYWHERE!Also the rain is no longer a problem-tracks well.
SpyderMark
New member
I think a problem for us experienced two-wheelers is leaning. When the Spyder hits a bump, or you ride on a road with a pronounced crown, the machine tilts. This takes a bit of getting used to. I often ride on poorly maintained county roads with many ruts, bumps and steep crowns; Spydie rolls left and right like a brand new pilot trying to keep the wings level on a gusty day!
On a motorcycle, when the bike tilts with the road (or a wind gust), the rider immediately hauls it back upright. Try that on the Spyder and you're ride's gonna get real interesting! Ask me how I know...
I've also noticed the Spyder does "wander" a bit on the straight stretches -- like a four-wheeler. It's not an "out of control" wander, rather it just moves a little with variations in the road. The problem for us experienced two-wheelers is the rider moves opposite the Spyder; when the Spyder moves left the rider's body doesn't move immediately (a body at rest tends to stay at rest). This is VERY disconcerting for the motorcycle rider who NEVER leans opposite the bike except at slow speeds making tight turns. It also might may make the inexperienced Spyder rider feel like the Spyder is trying to scoot out from underneath him or her.
Interestingly, I don't notice this tendency during a turn. I believe it's because the suspension and steering are "loaded up," so-to-speak, with the forces of the turn, and the rider is already leaning away from the centripedal force.
Like a four-wheeler, if the rider tries to force the Spyder NOT to wander on the straights, the result is almost always overcontrol. The secret is to give Spydie her head just a bit in the straights and go with the flow.
Lastly, I find at highway speeds (70+ mph) it's best to lean forward a bit and put a little bend in my arms. That way when my upper body sticking out in the slipstream takes a wind gust there's enough give so my body movement isn't transmitted to the handlebars.
The best advice I can give a new ryder is to take a few moments in a parking lot getting used to the "feel" of Spydie. Start slowly and work slowly into the faster stuff. Try to avoid the distraction of traffic until you feel more comfortable. Use the dealer's demo Spyder if possible, because the lack of adequate cooling air while learning to ride (lot's of slow riding, stopping and sitting) isn't good for the engine during break in.
The bottom line is Spyder ryding involves a learning curve -- but it's a very shallow one for the committed!
Life is a highway...
Mark
captainryder
New member
:agree:
I for one only have ridden a Spyder for 20 minutes on a Demo Ride. As a complete novice, newbie, never been on a motrocycle, I found that less grip (as everyone is saying) was the best way to control the Spyder. When I tried to grip tightly, it did tranform to the steering every movement.
In a brief moment, when an obstacle was on the road, and I was deciding whether to let it go between the two front wheels or swerve to the right, I gripped tightly and for a second there thought I was going to loose it!
I definitely will be doing alot of parking lot training when my SE5 finally arrives to feel comfortable with steering. I agree that the lerning curve will be short, and I have probably an advantage instead of disadvantage in that I won't be accustomed to press left or right, go left or right swerving techniques learned on 2 wheeled vehicles.
I for one only have ridden a Spyder for 20 minutes on a Demo Ride. As a complete novice, newbie, never been on a motrocycle, I found that less grip (as everyone is saying) was the best way to control the Spyder. When I tried to grip tightly, it did tranform to the steering every movement.
In a brief moment, when an obstacle was on the road, and I was deciding whether to let it go between the two front wheels or swerve to the right, I gripped tightly and for a second there thought I was going to loose it!
I definitely will be doing alot of parking lot training when my SE5 finally arrives to feel comfortable with steering. I agree that the lerning curve will be short, and I have probably an advantage instead of disadvantage in that I won't be accustomed to press left or right, go left or right swerving techniques learned on 2 wheeled vehicles.
jeuchler
New member
Of course this will seem silly and obvious to all those who've been ryding their Spyders since last winter, but...
We (that's two of us) took the Homecoming Ride to Canada and left the suspension exactly the way it was set up by the dealer.
I finally tightened front and rear preload--it corners so flat now it's like a different vehicle!
Of course I know this from riding mototcycles since 1979. Of course I understand the basic physics. Still, a tunable suspension never ceases to amaze me.
Relax, practice riding your Spyder, t h e n adjust the suspension. You'll love it even more...:thumbup:
We (that's two of us) took the Homecoming Ride to Canada and left the suspension exactly the way it was set up by the dealer.
I finally tightened front and rear preload--it corners so flat now it's like a different vehicle!
Of course I know this from riding mototcycles since 1979. Of course I understand the basic physics. Still, a tunable suspension never ceases to amaze me.
Relax, practice riding your Spyder, t h e n adjust the suspension. You'll love it even more...:thumbup:
RocketLady
New member
When I first drove my new Spyder, I was having difficulty with the steering too ! However after stopping in a parking lot and checking the tire pressure THAT was the problem. Just a reminder to check your tires. Yes, the dealer should have done that and of course said they did but it only had 5 lbs in front right tire and 10 in left. Now, that really was a steering problem ! Ride Safe:2thumbs:
Well, I can't really say that I truly test drove the SM5. Actually, all they let me do is ride it around the parking lot....although it was a BIG parking lot!
I have ZERO experience on motorcycles, and when I was riding the Spyder, it seems really neat, but it was a bit scary as well. I guess I'll just have to get it and get used to it. I have already "driven" it in my MIND a thousand miles by reading all of these posts, so when the REAL thing arrives, I think it'll be old hat!
Derwin
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