Several Questions

[bone crusher]

My dealer has a large gravel 'pit' that I was able to test the Spyder in...in fact, before I took it on the road, I rode around in there for about 10-15 minutes...without a problem...

Gravel is fine...no issues...I had it up to 3rd gear and the bike handled fine...

 

[SpyderCrazy]

I am 5'3" and have the Kewl Metal Center Console & 9" Handlebars. I have driven on gravel. I do ride extremely slow when driving on gravel and have not had a problem.

You can see a list of my other mods in my sig.

Love my Spyder!:yes:

 

[martha]

I'm tall and the build of the Spyder seat in relation to the foot pegs and foot brake pushes me a bit too much forward---I think being 5'3" would be about perfect for sitting on and operating the Spyder SE5, which is what I have. I installed the 4" risers that can be found on Ebay (Can Am Spyder), and they are really nice and adjustible--they go up and pull back toward you allowing you to make it fit your reach and size. The original windshield is too small----so if you get an F1 Winshield from Marcel in Florida, it's perfect. Being older, I had to get rid of my motorcycles---can't handle the weight, unsteadyness, and putting the feel up and down constantly---so the Spyder is doing fine right now---I've had it in water,dirt, and slight gravel, and it did fine---just didn't push it too hard. The Spyder is a realtive new machine with some correctibles/mods/and changes---it has the potential of being not only a great looking and great operating machine, it could end up being one of the best "open-air" rides in the world. When the weather improves and the rains end, I'm taking my red and black Spyder (The Black Widow) up the coast of California for a long and tough ride---will push it to its limits---if it makes it, I'll be happy---if it breaks up, I'll see where it goes from there----The SE5 (electric shifts) have had some issues (problems)-----So----as was said, take a good ride and see how it fits----good luck.

Lots of info here Thanks for your in put. Safe Riding up the coast and let's hope it doesn't fly apart.:thumbup:

 

[martha]

My dealer has a large gravel 'pit' that I was able to test the Spyder in...in fact, before I took it on the road, I rode around in there for about 10-15 minutes...without a problem...

Gravel is fine...no issues...I had it up to 3rd gear and the bike handled fine...

Cool. Is the back wheel being center of the front 2 wheels hard to get use to coming off of a 4 wheeler? What I mean by this is if you come up on something in the middle of the road :yikes: do you straddle it with the front wheels? Which would mean the back wheel hits whatever it is the road? How do you adjust for that center wheel?

 

[martha]

Maybe I should point out that the Spyder will negotiate gravel roads, but cannot take any that are very rough. There is precious little ground clearance on this machine. It is not like an ATV. Please also note that BRP does not recommend riding off pavement (or in wet weather either, for that matter). We all do it, though. Only you know what the roads are like where you want to ride. If they are smooth gravel, you will probably be OK, but your speed will be reduced because of the VSS. You can't broadside through turns on a stock Spyder too well, and the rear wheel breaks loose under acceleration fairly readily. Rough or rutted gravel roads, or mud, could be trouble, however. People have made it to Alaska on Spyders, so there is certainly hope that it will suit your needs.
-Scotty

Thankyou for your input I am absorbing every word.

 

[martha]

When they stone chipped the roads here in Michigan, I did pick up a stone in the belt, but I got it removed before it could do any damage. It is kind of a freak thing, but if you do ride on gravel, check the belt for trapped stones. There is a picture on an old thread of an owner who wore a hole in the belt due to a lodged stone.

Thanks

 

[martha]

Hey Martha! I'm petite too and you will find the Spyder a blast to ride. No problems whatsoever! On gravel it seems fine - not that I ride in it alot - I don't think you'd wanna constantly be on gravel but if you have to go on it, no problem. I did notice that the Spyder doesn't like wet grass though - it doesn't go anywhere when on wet grass. But other than that - steering is great, no vibrations, shifts real good. You're gonna love it.

I don't like wet grass either.....Thanks

 

[martha]

The Spyder, as any vehicle, 2, 3, or 4 wheels is as safe as the one in control. We have 5000 miles on ours, and it will be 3 months old tomorrow.

I totally agree with you.....

 

[martha]

I am 5'3" and have the Kewl Metal Center Console & 9" Handlebars. I have driven on gravel. I do ride extremely slow when driving on gravel and have not had a problem.

You can see a list of my other mods in my sig.

Love my Spyder!:yes:

Thanks and I will check them out.

 

[martha]

I'm a little slow, but I' learning.

boss you forgot boss...luv ya mean it....:bowdown:

 

[NancysToy]

Cool. Is the back wheel being center of the front 2 wheels hard to get use to coming off of a 4 wheeler? What I mean by this is if you come up on something in the middle of the road :yikes: do you straddle it with the front wheels? Which would mean the back wheel hits whatever it is the road? How do you adjust for that center wheel?

It is a little trickier, and harder to avoid objects. If I can't avoid an object to the outside, I usually try to take it down the just to the inside of the front tire. Depending on how wide or high it is, you can get by that way. Very easy to see and judge due to the highly visible position of the front wheels.
-Scotty

 

[SpyderByter]

Cool. Is the back wheel being center of the front 2 wheels hard to get use to coming off of a 4 wheeler? What I mean by this is if you come up on something in the middle of the road :yikes: do you straddle it with the front wheels? Which would mean the back wheel hits whatever it is the road? How do you adjust for that center wheel?

At first, my tendency was to straddle potholes, but then the back tire hits it and you feel it. It's a natural tendency because of the two front wheels.

But the front tires absorb bumps so well, you hardly feel it in the steering, so now I let the front wheels take the shock and steer the back tire away from the bump.

 

[Director]

It is a little trickier, and harder to avoid objects. If I can't avoid an object to the outside, I usually try to take it down the just to the inside of the front tire. Depending on how wide or high it is, you can get by that way. Very easy to see and judge due to the highly visible position of the front wheels.
-Scotty

:agree: That is my preferred technique as well. Scotty is right - it is harder to avoid objects, as there is a lot of contact patch with those three big tires, but as long as the object isn't too large, it can usually be done.:thumbup:

Bruce

 

[BRPjunkie]

Cool. Is the back wheel being center of the front 2 wheels hard to get use to coming off of a 4 wheeler? What I mean by this is if you come up on something in the middle of the road :yikes: do you straddle it with the front wheels? Which would mean the back wheel hits whatever it is the road? How do you adjust for that center wheel?

Two issues with the Spyder. Low ground clearance (4.5") means that large road kill (racoon) will not pass under it. Even with smaller items don't straddle or rear tire will hit it. You need to line it up just inside either front wheel or wait for clear traffic to drive around it.

 

[GeminiJane]

Hi Martha,

I, too am 5'3" and I have a 29" inseam, am retired and not too large. My SM5 fits me perfectly and handles perfectly...you don't have to have a lot of weight to throw around to enjoy a spirited ride! I run the handlebars and windshield stock and both seem to work fine for me - I always ride with full gear and full face helmet and don't mind the wind as it doesn't really move me. I haven't done much more than 300 mile days so far as I got my bike in October which is past our touring season so I don't know how I'll do with 8-10 hour riding days as it's set up now, but I think it'll be fine. I do plan to tour on it come Spring. I was/am used to riding sport touring motorcycles, some of which are more bent over than the Spyder, so I feel really comfortable on it as it is set up. I explore side roads on it and have no problem with gravel as long as I don't accelerate too quickly to start (at which point you just spin out a bit - but no problem there).
You've got a big leg up on the riding curve since you ride 4 wheelers. I had to learn to shift my weight on turns and also to reposition into the middle of the road instead of picking a riding line through a curve as you do on a two wheeler. I have to say there's nothing I don't love about the Spyder experience- including all the great people on this forum! Go for it - you have the great roads over that way to really get out an enjoy it.

 

[martha]

Hi Martha,

I, too am 5'3" and I have a 29" inseam, am retired and not too large. My SM5 fits me perfectly and handles perfectly...you don't have to have a lot of weight to throw around to enjoy a spirited ride! I run the handlebars and windshield stock and both seem to work fine for me - I always ride with full gear and full face helmet and don't mind the wind as it doesn't really move me. I haven't done much more than 300 mile days so far as I got my bike in October which is past our touring season so I don't know how I'll do with 8-10 hour riding days as it's set up now, but I think it'll be fine. I do plan to tour on it come Spring. I was/am used to riding sport touring motorcycles, some of which are more bent over than the Spyder, so I feel really comfortable on it as it is set up. I explore side roads on it and have no problem with gravel as long as I don't accelerate too quickly to start (at which point you just spin out a bit - but no problem there).
You've got a big leg up on the riding curve since you ride 4 wheelers. I had to learn to shift my weight on turns and also to reposition into the middle of the road instead of picking a riding line through a curve as you do on a two wheeler. I have to say there's nothing I don't love about the Spyder experience- including all the great people on this forum! Go for it - you have the great roads over that way to really get out an enjoy it.

That info helps alot.....So thankyou for it..I love riding the 4 wheeler alot so I'm hoping if we decide to get the spyder I will love riding it as much..hope to talk to you again sometime. Again Thanks for the info....

 

[intothenew]

I don't know if it makes a difference or not but the first thing I pulled off the Spyder was the belt guard.

That is real interesting. The guard looks sufficient at first, but does appear to be a nice shell holder. Did you remove it in anticipation of that?


It's just that we HAVE to run some gravel and dirt. The West Virginia DOT hasn't got around to paving everything yet. I kinda like it that way, you don't see many cages where we ride. VA, KY, and PA are much the same. We have a wonderful area to ride, you just have to be ready for anything.

I don't think ground clearance will be an issue, these are at least graded and drained county roads. ALMOST HEAVEN!

 

[martha]

I have noticed that upon reading in the forums that everyone kinda sorta customizes there spyder to fit there needs etc.. with risers, windshields, seats, backrest etc... I haven't read anything as of yet of anyone putting different tires on these bikes. So I'm assuming the tires that come on the Spyder are sufficent enough for everyones needs?

 

[bjt]

I have noticed that upon reading in the forums that everyone kinda sorta customizes there spyder to fit there needs etc.. with risers, windshields, seats, backrest etc... I haven't read anything as of yet of anyone putting different tires on these bikes. So I'm assuming the tires that come on the Spyder are sufficent enough for everyones needs?

People have talked about different tires and a few people have put on different tires. Some of the first discussions on changing out the tires questioned if the Spyder tires were special (bead shape / size, psi vs. load requirements, etc.) or just any tire with a similar size and profile could be used. Hardly anyone was anxious to be the guinea pig for that test. I also think that people decided that the stock tires were reasonably priced so there wasn't a huge need to find different tires. Different tires have been used and some have even put on non-BRP rims.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8654

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8566