Some questions, considering a Spyder

[OJ UK]

Loads of great advice above! I owned an RS (SE5..semi-auto) which was my first foray into the SpYder world. Now I have an F3-S.
I'm glad I started with an older RS as, had I not enjoyed the riding experience on three wheels, then it would have not turned out to be
a hugely expensive experience.
So I think you should go with the RS. Make sure that the dealer has carried out all of the updates. If the RS hasn't got one....get a BajaRon
sway bar replacement fitted....seriously just do it!! ( http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?23928-New-sponsor-here-for-Filters-amp-Helmets )
Congratulations for finding us and asking our advice!
I hope we've made the decision making easier.

 

[ARtraveler]

Hello. I'm hoping some of you can answer some questions that I have. Thanks!

(1) What are maintenance costs like on a Spyder? I'm considering a 2011 rs-s sm5 which just under 1000 miles.


(2) Are the RS models good for all-day riding?
I went on a test drive for an RT and didn't love it. I ride sport bikes, used to ride cruisers, but I like the smaller, lighter motorcycle feel as opposed to the touring bike set up.


(3) For those of you who ride on two wheels, what do you like about the Spyder, what do you dislike?


(4) Do you wear the same kind of riding gear on a Spyder compared to a two wheel motorcycle?


I currently ride in full race leathers with race boots, and a full face helmet. I'm wondering if this would still be necessary.


(5) Does the following make sense for wanting a Spyder?
a) I'm 5'5" and around 118 lbs, so not the "sturdiest" of females. I would never be able to pick up my bike if it fell over and I was out alone, so I don't ride alone. I would like to not have to worry about picking up a bike. I have knocked over my FZ-09 once, at a gas station, when I bent over to get my pants unstuck and the bike leaned over with me. My husband had to upright my 415 lb bike. I would have had to ask someone had I been by myself, which is really embarrassing. So, the idea of a bike that won't fall over is nice.
b) I tend to not go on rides where I know we will be parking on grass or gravel. I also won't go on rides to very unfamiliar places, since my comfort level isn't 100%. I'm okay riding places where I've been before or that are more local (within fifty miles). Either I get over this or get a Spyder and not worry.
c) My husband is new to riding. I won't ride on the back since he has only 2000-3000 miles of riding. I will only ride with people who have been riding 10+ years. So, I was thinking that a Spyder would be a safer option for two up riding if I was riding on the back (is that still unsafe?!!)




Thanks everyone! You have a wonderful forum!

:ani29:: 1: Compared to other brands of motorcycles, maintenance costs can run high. Figure $300 for an oil change. $300 for a rear tire installed. $300 for a pair of fronts installed. If you choose to have the valves adjusted $800. (Most let that one go by at each 14K interval).

:ani29:: 2: I cut my teeth on the 2008 GS and then bought a RS in 2009. The RT's did not show up until 2010--yes, I got one of those also. We toured all over Alaska with the GS/RS. Put 23,500 miles on my 2008 before trading it off. I had a modified seat, a windshield, and handlebar risers. Not as comfortable as an RT, but I could do 500 mile days.

:ani29:: 3: Can't ride two wheels at the moment. I have a bad hip.
Three wheels still lets me ride. So far, over 130,000 miles on my various :spyder2:s'.

:ani29:: 4. All the riding gear from my two wheel days has been transferred over (and I have lots of it). I still believe in ATGATT. Riding three wheels gives a "feeling" of being safer. A bad accident can happen at any time. I want to be dressed properly--regardless of the number of wheels.

:ani29:: 5. The :ani29: is heavy at almost 800#. You are not going to drop it, it is not going to fall over, and if you stay out of six inch deep mud, you are not going to get it stuck on grass or gravel. We are the same height--but I am a bit heavier. Two up riding is doable, but I would want a modified seat and a backrest for the passenger. The RS is built for one up and is not as comfortable as an RT. That is a decision you will have to make. A test drive on both is recommended.

Enjoy your hunt and let us know what you decide. :yes:

 

[BajaRon]

(1) What are maintenance costs like on a Spyder? I'm considering a 2011 rs-s sm5 which just under 1000 miles.
Depends. If you do general maintenance yourself the Spyder is not expensive to maintain at all. If you have the dealership do everything it can be a bit on the expensive side but probably less than a BMW or Ducati.

(2) Are the RS models good for all-day riding?
I went on a test drive for an RT and didn't love it. I ride sport bikes, used to ride cruisers, but I like the smaller, lighter motorcycle feel as opposed to the touring bike set up.
Depends (see a pattern building here?). I can ride my 2008 as long as most anyone riding whatever. But that's me. Some (maybe most) would disagree. Are you one of these? Probably not if you can do an all day ride on a crotch-rocket.

(3) For those of you who ride on two wheels, what do you like about the Spyder, what do you dislike?
The Spyder is every bit as much fun as a 2 wheeled machine, though in another vein. You don't have to constantly worry about debris in the road (sand in blind curve, etc.) You can spend more time enjoying the scenery and less time looking for stuff that will wreck you if you don't see it in time. You are more maneuverable than you are on 2 wheels. Emergency evasive maneuvers are done more quickly and with much less danger. Requires a much lower skill set to ride safely than 2 wheels. Emergency stopping is much more controlled and safer. For some the fact that you don't have to hold the Spyder up when stopped is a big advantage. And you certainly don't have to worry about putting your foot down on wet leaves or an oil slick and losing balance.

Disadvantages are that you have 3 wheels and it's more difficult to straddle junk in the road whereas you can usually go around it on 2 wheels. Heavier machine so it is slower and gets less fuel mileage than a similar displacement motorcycle. The Nanny is a necessary evil which bothers some people more than others. If you learn to ride the Spyder correctly the Nanny is not a problem.

(4) Do you wear the same kind of riding gear on a Spyder compared to a two wheel motorcycle?
Yes.

I currently ride in full race leathers with race boots, and a full face helmet. I'm wondering if this would still be necessary.
Just like with 2 wheels. I'd ride with whatever you would prefer to have on if, for some reason, you end up getting off.

(5) Does the following make sense for wanting a Spyder?
a) I'm 5'5" and around 118 lbs, so not the "sturdiest" of females. I would never be able to pick up my bike if it fell over and I was out alone, so I don't ride alone. I would like to not have to worry about picking up a bike. I have knocked over my FZ-09 once, at a gas station, when I bent over to get my pants unstuck and the bike leaned over with me. My husband had to upright my 415 lb bike. I would have had to ask someone had I been by myself, which is really embarrassing. So, the idea of a bike that won't fall over is nice.
Absolutely!
b) I tend to not go on rides where I know we will be parking on grass or gravel. I also won't go on rides to very unfamiliar places, since my comfort level isn't 100%. I'm okay riding places where I've been before or that are more local (within fifty miles). Either I get over this or get a Spyder and not worry. Not uncommon. Much less to worry about with a Spyder. And how can you enjoy a ride if in the back of your mind you're always going to have these concerns? Riding is all about the enjoyment. Go with what works best for you and let the other guy worry about their problems.
c) My husband is new to riding. I won't ride on the back since he has only 2000-3000 miles of riding. I will only ride with people who have been riding 10+ years. So, I was thinking that a Spyder would be a safer option for two up riding if I was riding on the back (is that still unsafe?! The Spyder is inherently much safer than 2 wheels. I'm not sure I would want to go distance on the back of an RS (comfort). But there are modifications that would make this more feasible.

 

[bmccaffrey]

The RS-S SM5 that I saw for yesterday already sold. It was a 2011 with 987 miles, passenger back rest, and a custom seat, for $10.5k. Oh well.

That's the price range I'm trying to stay with. I just bought a new WRX this year and a Camaro the year before, so no 20k motorcycles.

My husband is 50 if that helps.

I'm also not giving up my sport bikes, just looking for a solution.

Answered your own question Jen
Price range your looking at stay with RS or RSS.
Many upgrades u can do over time to make more comfort.
Plenty out there in your price range.
I have an RS and 61. plenty of farkles for comfort

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Hi, Jen! I can't add any more advice that hasn't already been given, so I'll just say: :welcome:

 

[MrBones]

I be 83 been riding since 1945 and have an 2010 RSS and its great! Was a Goldwing and Valkyrie rider after my Triump and Harley days and just love the freedom and worry free riding of my Spyder, As for what to wear I have never worn protective gear but I be old style and no one else agrees with me so do what makes you happy. I dress for comfort and enjoyment not out of fear of getting hurt! Only good for me I understand.

 

[bmccaffrey]

Not really
But she looks good

 

[Joe Spyder]

Not really
But she looks good

Dang! That's a good looking motorcycle!

 

[Mick N]

I be 83 been riding since 1945 and have an 2010 RSS and its great! Was a Goldwing and Valkyrie rider after my Triump and Harley days and just love the freedom and worry free riding of my Spyder, As for what to wear I have never worn protective gear but I be old style and no one else agrees with me so do what makes you happy. I dress for comfort and enjoyment not out of fear of getting hurt! Only good for me I understand.

Ride on, Brother, ride on!

 

[CapNCrunch]

I'm 83, and have been riding for over 50 years. The SPYDER is an excellent choice.

Hello. I'm hoping some of you can answer some questions that I have. Thanks!

(1) What are maintenance costs like on a Spyder? I'm considering a 2011 rs-s sm5 which just under 1000 miles.


(2) Are the RS models good for all-day riding?
I went on a test drive for an RT and didn't love it. I ride sport bikes, used to ride cruisers, but I like the smaller, lighter motorcycle feel as opposed to the touring bike set up.


(3) For those of you who ride on two wheels, what do you like about the Spyder, what do you dislike?


(4) Do you wear the same kind of riding gear on a Spyder compared to a two wheel motorcycle?


I currently ride in full race leathers with race boots, and a full face helmet. I'm wondering if this would still be necessary.


(5) Does the following make sense for wanting a Spyder?
a) I'm 5'5" and around 118 lbs, so not the "sturdiest" of females. I would never be able to pick up my bike if it fell over and I was out alone, so I don't ride alone. I would like to not have to worry about picking up a bike. I have knocked over my FZ-09 once, at a gas station, when I bent over to get my pants unstuck and the bike leaned over with me. My husband had to upright my 415 lb bike. I would have had to ask someone had I been by myself, which is really embarrassing. So, the idea of a bike that won't fall over is nice.
b) I tend to not go on rides where I know we will be parking on grass or gravel. I also won't go on rides to very unfamiliar places, since my comfort level isn't 100%. I'm okay riding places where I've been before or that are more local (within fifty miles). Either I get over this or get a Spyder and not worry.
c) My husband is new to riding. I won't ride on the back since he has only 2000-3000 miles of riding. I will only ride with people who have been riding 10+ years. So, I was thinking that a Spyder would be a safer option for two up riding if I was riding on the back (is that still unsafe?!!)




Thanks everyone! You have a wonderful forum!

The Spyder is a good choice for you. I agree with all these other posts.
: =)

 

[MrBones]

Me too Cap been on two wheels since 1945.

 

[Jenfz09]

Thanks, everyone!I need to test ride some of these and keep on looking for one in my price range.

 

[Bob Denman]

Happy Hunting! :thumbup:

 

[Dick Wells]

Dang, this's a good thread, Jen. Just got on here, after not signing in for a couple of months. Just want to add my $.02.
I'm 76 and have had my 08 RS since 010. It's been love/hate since the day I got it home (a 5-6 mile test ryde won't tell you what you need to know for buying any machine!). Been modifying it ever since, and the love/hate has gradually changed to more love than hate. My home-made foot boards are 3 inches lower, the brake and shift levers are re-located some 18 inches forward, the bars are 4.5 inches higher and the windshield is 27 inches tall, now. But, I'm 6' tall and weight right around 208 with riding clothes on, so, I expect that you'd find an RS much more suited to yourself than I did.
I have always found the clutch and transmission to be as good as any bike I've ever ridden, and the last time I counted, I've ridden some 30+ different makes at some time or other. The reverse is the best in the business, as far as I'm concerned. I've had no complaints with the ride and handling; I love the quick steering. I did have the dynamic/electric steering gear change, under warranty. The brakes have been fine for me. Fuel mileage is a joke, but I live with it. Best tank I've had was 39, worst was just under 25. The engine is rev-happy, but I, being an old fart, have a tendency to keep it below the "happy" range. It likes to be above 4000 much more than below. I've never had it above 7000 rpm, that I can remember. Well, there was the time I hit 97 mph for just about 2 seconds, which felt real good, but had me pretty puckered, looking for "black and whites" and hoping I didn't get a sudden cross-wind, or some critter didn't cross my path.
I do all my own maintenance, so I don't notice those costs any more than to note that parts are spendy, but you know that drill already.
You've been on a "sport bike" I see, so I think you'd like a Spyder for handling. When riding up in the Texas Hill Country, my two-wheel buddies pull ahead in the long sweepers, but I always catch up in the tighter sections, which is/was a surprise, early on. The thing certainly has capabilities far beyond what I've ever dared to approach.
The suggestion to try an F3 sounds like a good one, and I intend to do so, myself, one of these days.
Please forgive the long-windedness. Just had to chime in. You've already received a great response from everyone else on SL's, but thought you might like to hear from someone who has missed his two-wheeler, but has made the "adjustment". BTW, I only made the change to make it easier for me to accommodate my wife of 55 years, and may, yet, get back to two-wheelin. Dreamer!
Good luck, and let us all know how you make out.
DW

 

[flaggerphil]

The only question I'll answer is 4. I wear almost the same gear as I did on two wheels...full face helmet, jeans, gloves, hi_viz shirt, or jacket, and gloves. I used to ride mostly cruisers and wore boots but no longer do because I can't find any that fit my mangled feet in my old age.