Shouldn't have let him on it!

[SpyderRx]

Well, one of my buddies came by yesterday to check out my recently purchased Spyder (RS se5) and of course he wanted to take a spin. Showed him how to shift and all the basic functions so he took off on a spin around the neighborhood. I was distracted when he started it and pulled away (playing with his baby boy). Everything went fine on his ride, probably about 1/4 mile, but when he got back I realized he didn't disengage the parking break! Needless to say, I had to do some adjusting on the parking break last night. My biggest problem is that now I notice that the brake pedal is not as stiff as it used to be. Have to get a lot deeper into the break before it catches. No problem stopping, but liked it better when I got into the brake quicker. I guess my question is, is there anyway to adjust the brake to make it stiffer, or does it sound like I may need new pads? Any help would be appreciated, and yes I have learned my lesson about letting a "buddy" on the Spyder.

 

[jScotD]

I never let anyone ride or drive my machines... last time I did , my insurance company paid for him wrecking it.. hope you get everything worked out without having to dip in your wallet

the brakes might be glazed ...

If they are glazed, lightly sandpapering them helps, bummer part is you have to take everything apart ..

 

[Jeriatric]

Take a look at your fluid color too. He may have cooked it pretty good.

 

[Firefly]

Surprised it was able to take off that well.

I'd check the brake fluid for sure. a 1/4 ride like that shouldn't have taken too much off the pads.

----------------

I also let people ride my Spyder.... even let complete strangers ride it before....that's why I have insurance.... so I just don't worry much about it.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I have let a few of my buddies ride mine also, they are covered under my insurance. Probably not the best idea, but some of my friends are more valuable than my Spyder

Joe


Sent from my iPad 3 using Tapatalk HD

 

[jScotD]

you guys are brave.. my insurance went up after the accident and that was in 1969.. no more free rides.. once bitten twice shy

 

[Blue Star]

I have let a few of my buddies ride mine also, they are covered under my insurance. Probably not the best idea, but some of my friends are more valuable than my Spyder

Joe


Sent from my iPad 3 using Tapatalk HD

I let a co-worker ride my bike twice. First time in the parking lot. The next time I tossed him my keys, and said the helmet is in the trunk. Came back 45 minutes later with a full tank of gas. Worked for me :yes:. Yet I only let a few of my friend ride my bike, and only if they know how to ride responsibly.

 

[MikeinGA]

Well, one of my buddies came by yesterday to check out my recently purchased Spyder (RS se5) and of course he wanted to take a spin. Showed him how to shift and all the basic functions so he took off on a spin around the neighborhood. I was distracted when he started it and pulled away (playing with his baby boy). Everything went fine on his ride, probably about 1/4 mile, but when he got back I realized he didn't disengage the parking break! Needless to say, I had to do some adjusting on the parking break last night. My biggest problem is that now I notice that the brake pedal is not as stiff as it used to be. Have to get a lot deeper into the break before it catches. No problem stopping, but liked it better when I got into the brake quicker. I guess my question is, is there anyway to adjust the brake to make it stiffer, or does it sound like I may need new pads? Any help would be appreciated, and yes I have learned my lesson about letting a "buddy" on the Spyder.

The brake caliper may be sticking and need to be lubricated.

Mike

 

[SpyderRx]

Thanks for the replies so far! Will check the fluid tomorrow night. Been preparing for hurricane Isaac!

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

Also check out the disc for scoring or warpness. Not a word but you get my point, I hope.

 

[ARtraveler]

It sounds like they have you covered. :thumbup:

 

[CyncySpyder]

I'm a little confused, help educate an RT guy

I've only been on one RS & that was my initial test ryde back in 2010, not my cup of tea, and no offense to all y'all that are RS fans, to each their own.

My question is,

:dontknow:How the heck can you ryde it with the parking brake on? :dontknow:

:lecturef_smilie:Its a parking brake, meant to hold the byke in place, no? :hun:

I know on the RT, I can't go anywhere with the parking brake on, so why the big difference here, what am I missing?

Thanks in advance for helping to educate me:read::bowdown:

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

On my last Spyder, an RS, you could take off and ride but the smell of burning brake is unbelievable. Each RS's parking brake adjustment could be different, some firm some not. On the RT I believe that the adjustment is much more firm.

 

[Grandpa Spyder]

I let 2 of my sons ride mine and just told them to ride it like they stole it. They are both in their 40s. They came back and said they couldn't remember the last time they had that much fun. The one boy (a minister) couldn't stop smiling. The other son a firefighter comes by often and says he needs to unwind. yeah right.

 

[Bob Denman]

I know on the RT, I can't go anywhere with the parking brake on, so why the big difference here, what am I missing?

Hi Dave,
Since the actuation methods are different (mechanical vs. electro-mechanical), I would guess that the RT's parking brake just gets clamped down tighter than on the GS/RS models...

I've let a couple of folks ryde mine; but they're the ones that I'd trust my Missus, wallet, truck and dog with!

 

[DRTSB]

Parking Brake

I've only been on one RS & that was my initial test ryde back in 2010, not my cup of tea, and no offense to all y'all that are RS fans, to each their own.

My question is,

:dontknow:How the heck can you ryde it with the parking brake on? :dontknow:

:lecturef_smilie:Its a parking brake, meant to hold the byke in place, no? :hun:

I know on the RT, I can't go anywhere with the parking brake on, so why the big difference here, what am I missing?

Thanks in advance for helping to educate me:read::bowdown:

The parking brake on an RS is not electronic as is the one on the RT, it's kinda like a parking brake on a car where you push a lever to mechanically apply the park brake, so you can move it when it's applied just a little bit.

Dave

 

[NancysToy]

The brake caliper may be sticking and need to be lubricated.

Mike

:yikes: Never, never, never lubricate a brake caliper on a Spyder! It may need cleaning, or the parking brake mechanism may need adjusting or lubricating, but lubricating the caliper itself is a sure ticket to brakes that don't work (and a possible fire). If the brakes are dismantled, the rubber o-rings in the sleeves can be lubricated with brake lube. Those are the only floating parts on the Spyder, unlike an automobile.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree::agree: :yikes:

 

[coz]

parking brake adjustment

go to the d i y sec. and adj. parking brake. it's very easy:thumbup:

 

[Kratos]

Almost happened to me too...

This was about to happen to me. I took my bike to my parents house to show the family what I bought. My brother really forced the issue of him riding it, and he had dad and mom in his corner for me to let him do it. I grudgingly gave in, and he was about to take off with the parking brake engaged. Before he got 10 feet, I realized it and stopped the potential disaster.