Yup, Welcome, Hound guy! I consider myself more of an early adopter of this platform. I have 2 of them, both RS models. One is a SM5 (5-speed manual) and a 2010 RSS SE5 Electronic shift. The RSS is the Wife's. She doesn't ride hers near as much as I used to run my Phantom GS. These machines have been fairly good, but they did not prove to be reliable enough to be used in an every day ride scenario. We have been through a lot of little problems and recalls that kind of added up over the years, but they are both still on the road and running well. My Wife's RSS is very nice and smooth, the SE5 tranny shifts spot-on every time and makes it very easy to ride. I, on the other hand, prefer to shift my own gears, so I like the SM5, which is also a very good gear box. The stock suspension is way too soft, though, and produces too much roll through the corners. An after market sway bar helped that situation, but ultimately a suspension change will have to be done to get it sorted. The stock components are pretty inferior. I ended up putting RT shocks and a swaybar on the Phantom and it helped a great deal with cornering stability. There are better suspension solutions out there as well but they are extremely expensive. Ultimately though it might be worth it to make the investment as it will add greatly to how much you enjoy the ride.
Riding one of these things is really different compared to a motocycle. I liken it to snow mobiling on the street! That is the kind of body english one must use to ride these machines effectively. It's a bit more physical in nature than a motorcycle, but it's really fun once you get used to it. Range is definitely a problem. So when you plan to go somewhere, fuel stops have to be figured into the equation, and I would carry extra fuel just in case. Also, not every shop can work on Spyders, so if you break on the road, that can be trouble. Thankfully though we have not been left on the side of the road. Having a good mechanic is pretty vital in that to keep the machines in good shape.
So, would I do it again knowing what I know now? Probably not. And I am just being honest here. Like the other gentleman, I am not trying to be negative or change your mind in any way. I have had a lot of fun on this machine, no doubt. But my motorcycle is 10 times the machine this Spyder is, for far less money. Having said that, there may come a day when I cannot hold up a bike any longer. The Spyder will keep me in the wind, and I will take that! My Wife, however, loves hers and will not give it up. It's safer, stable and she just loves it. So there you go. And one thing is for sure; you picked the right site to come to. The folks here are knowledgeable, friendly and will always provide helpful insight and advice. So good luck in your search and welcome to the party!
