Proper turning on a Spyder RT

[Flight Risk]

I bought a 2011 Spyder RT-S SE5 in November 2011. I am truly enjoying the heck out of it. There is something that is troubling me and I hope someone here can help. I'm a 62 yo female with many years of 2 wheel riding behind me)

I ride with a group mostly comprised of 2 wheelers. We do long weekend back road drives. My issue is turning. I do the suggested push/pull method of going around corners, but I always feel that if I don't lean my upper body deeply into the turn while doing the push/pull with the handle bar I will become a human slingshot. My hands end up sore as heck at the end of the ride.

Slower turns are no problem....the faster turns are starting to freak me out. Is it necessary to do the body lean and just trust the bikes stabilization system or can I sit up in the saddle?

Definitely appreciate all suggestions.

 

[MarkLawson]

No human slingshots allowed. Lean as needed. No sense in fighting the laws of physics.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[hrbeta]

I bought a 2011 Spyder RT-S SE5 in November 2011. I am truly enjoying the heck out of it. There is something that is troubling me and I hope someone here can help. I'm a 62 yo female with many years of 2 wheel riding behind me)

I ride with a group mostly comprised of 2 wheelers. We do long weekend back road drives. My issue is turning. I do the suggested push/pull method of going around corners, but I always feel that if I don't lean my upper body deeply into the turn while doing the push/pull with the handle bar I will become a human slingshot. My hands end up sore as heck at the end of the ride.

Slower turns are no problem....the faster turns are starting to freak me out. Is it necessary to do the body lean and just trust the bikes stabilization system or can I sit up in the saddle?

Definitely appreciate all suggestions.

When I first got my RS I also had to get used to how it turns, compared to regular bikes. I'd say, do the push/pull, weigh the outer foot peg to stay in place, lean your upper body into the curve and TRUST the stabilization system (warmly referred to as The Nanny), it works! Practice, practice, practice and give yourself some time to feel completely comfortable.
I tell my friends that riding a Spyder is an acquired taste, like Sushi

 

[Fonz]

I'm a 62 yr old man, with very little experience on two wheels. Trying to turn my Rt ltd, was crazy at first. Once I relaxed and went on an leaned my body into the turn, things got better. I still take my time :yes:qnd I'm gradually learning how fast or slow I can go. I finaly found out what following a line mean't. So I'm becoming more confident, and I'm sure you will to.:clap:

 

[Mr. White]

Do as these younger folks advise, practice and then come on down to Kerrville for the Texas Trike Reunion. We will take you in the hill country and you will have a ball.

 

[Flight Risk]

When I first got my RS I also had to get used to how it turns, compared to regular bikes. I'd say, do the push/pull, weigh the outer foot peg to stay in place, lean your upper body into the curve and TRUST the stabilization system (warmly referred to as The Nanny), it works! Practice, practice, practice and give yourself some time to feel completely comfortable.
I tell my friends that riding a Spyder is an acquired taste, like Sushi

So basically I'm doing it right, but I'm not trusting the Nanny to do her job? Which makes sense. Out of pure curosity, how fast can a turn be taken without the Nanny jumping in to do her job? I do take the turns (bit slower) with the others but Lord my heart races until we straighted out

Thank you guys..........I truly appreciate your quick feedback!!!

 

[rcantrell52]

Proper Turning on a Spyder RT

Flight Risk
I agree with the other comments particularly hrbeta. Shift your body weight going into the turns. Took the trike safety course and they advise the rider to shift their body weight before they go into a turn or corner. I ride with two wheelers and I have found that I do not feel comfortable in taking the corners as fast as they do. We all get to our destination I am just a little bit slower.
Reese

 

[Arr MiHardies]

When riding aggressively, I lean into the turn and put my weight on the INSIDE peg to help keep the inside wheel on the ground. When riding less aggressively, I put my weight on the outside, which is more comfortable.

 

[Flight Risk]

Do as these younger folks advise, practice and then come on down to Kerrville for the Texas Trike Reunion. We will take you in the hill country and you will have a ball.

Thank you Big Red 1........by the way, you are standing in one of my favorite places, Luckenbach!!!

 

[boborgera]

There isn't any set speed, Just ride your ride, You'll figure it out in time, Trying to keep up with other riders when in your own words ''Your heart races'' isn't a good idea, go slower if the people you ride with are your friends they'll wait for you to catch up.!! Remember riding the Spyder is suppose to be fun.

 

[NancysToy]

I generally lean. I liken it to trying to kiss the knuckles of your inside hand. Shifting yourself slightly to the inside of the seat can provide similar help. One thing you might want to look at is your front spring settings. If you stiffen up the preload, the Spyder corners flatter. If that is insufficient, you may wish to consider an aftermarket shock like the Elka.

 

[GnA]

I bought a 2011 Spyder RT-S SE5 in November 2011. I am truly enjoying the heck out of it. There is something that is troubling me and I hope someone here can help. I'm a 62 yo female with many years of 2 wheel riding behind me)

I ride with a group mostly comprised of 2 wheelers. We do long weekend back road drives. My issue is turning. I do the suggested push/pull method of going around corners, but I always feel that if I don't lean my upper body deeply into the turn while doing the push/pull with the handle bar I will become a human slingshot. My hands end up sore as heck at the end of the ride.

Slower turns are no problem....the faster turns are starting to freak me out. Is it necessary to do the body lean and just trust the bikes stabilization system or can I sit up in the saddle?

Definitely appreciate all suggestions.

Add one "P" to the process. Try push, pull, press. Press down on the right foot when turning left and press down on the left foot when turning right. This will keep your body weight in line with the turn and you should find you don't have to lean much at all. Try it....

 

[chris56]

if you ryde with 2-wheelers don`t follow them in the curves - you should use a different line for them - conzentrate only on the frontwheels - the rear can do what it wants - treat the nannys ..
have a look if you find a few-traffic test road like this here - you are welcome if you want to come
greetings from austria ..

( it goes up with 12% .. )

 

[Grandpa Spyder]

Making turns

I too lean in the direction of the turn. I think the thing that helped me the most was going to a huge parking lot and and practicing turns until I felt comfortable. I started out pretty slow and just kept pushing it a little more until I found my limit. eventually I started to get a good feel for this. It is just like riding two wheels in the way that you just have get a feel for it. After a while it becomes second nature. It just takes time. I am sure the more you ride the better and more confident you will feel.

 

[ThreeWheels]

So basically I'm doing it right, but I'm not trusting the Nanny to do her job? Which makes sense. Out of pure curosity, how fast can a turn be taken without the Nanny jumping in to do her job? I do take the turns (bit slower) with the others but Lord my heart races until we straighted out

Thank you guys..........I truly appreciate your quick feedback!!!

Everyone says, and it's true "It's a different kind of ride"
Sounds like you're doing fine.
A little more experience and you'll be comfortable

Good luck and keep us poted so we know how you made out.

 

[Farmboy]

you might think of it this way.... Have you ever ridden a 4 wheeler ATV? if you have then its no different. Like every one has said, lean into the turns.

 

[Bob Denman]

you might think of it this way.... Have you ever ridden a 4 wheeler ATV? if you have then its no different. Like every one has said, lean into the turns.

:agree:
:agree::agree: :2thumbs: And relax and enjoy the ride! :thumbup:

 

[Lamonster]

So basically I'm doing it right, but I'm not trusting the Nanny to do her job? Which makes sense. Out of pure curosity, how fast can a turn be taken without the Nanny jumping in to do her job? I do take the turns (bit slower) with the others but Lord my heart races until we straighted out

Thank you guys..........I truly appreciate your quick feedback!!!

It takes some time to get the feel of where the nanny will kick in and how to bring it right to the edge. The more aggressive you are as far as tight turns the sooner the nanny kicks in. Try and go through as smooth as you can with no abrupt hard turns. I like to lean forward and into the turns and I grip the seat with my knees.

As far as how fast you can go, I don't condone or recommend this but I've more than doubled the posted speed limit in the turns. I live near Deals Gap and have ran the dragon without ever touching my brakes and letting the nanny do her job. It's just a matter of getting to know the Spyder just like any other bike. :doorag:

 

[dancogan]

...I do take the turns (bit slower) with the others but Lord my heart races until we straighted out

Thank you guys..........I truly appreciate your quick feedback!!!

If you're scaring yourself then you're probably going too fast. Learn the bike, learn its capabilities as well as your own, and ride your own ride. You should NOT be scaring yourself.

 

[Oldmanzues]

I agree with the parking lot pratice, but would add a couple things. If you can find a large parking lot, set up a "road" using very small cones or tennis balls cut in two to mark the turn/road. Increase speed and sharpness gradualy until you feel that is enough. The advantage to this is, if you get in too fast, straighen the Spyder out. Go over the tennis balls ( I prefer them ) with no harm done.
The most important point is Ride your Ride, not somebody elses. Deal's Gap (or the Dragon) is case in point. Every year, many people crash ( some deadly) becausethey let their butt over ride their brains. " I have had this Busa for two weeks and am still on a permit, but I can outrun you on ______ Fill in the blank. Our Busa rider also knows ???? you never touch the front brake on a motorcycle.I have a few trips across the Dragon, ST1100, Spyder GS and Spyder RT. I have helped at more crashs then I want to. ( First Aid & traffic control ).
Oldmanzues