Spyder V Motorcycle Differences?

[JimVonBaden]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but please pardon the n0Ob.

I did read the Do's and Dont's, and found them informative. I have a few hundred thousand miles on two wheel bikes, and currently ride my BMW R1200GS to work daily. I hope to pick up my wife's new to her Spyder ST-S on Sunday, and ride it home for her. The trip is 180 miles of mostly highway and some back roads and towns. The plan is to ride it around the town I am picking it up in, then stop for lunch, then hit the freeway home through Philly, Baltimore and then to DC. This thread has made me a bit nervous about the ride because, though I have lots of two wheel experience, I have zero on three.

For those who made the transition, or who ride both a Spyder and a Motorcycle, was the initial experience that much of a shock, and was it that difficult? I'm going to do it anyhow, but am curious about your experiences.

Thanks,

 

[Chupaca]

Depends....

Some transition easily and quickly some it take 3 to 500 miles to get really comfortable. You should be fine on the ryde home if you relax take it at a slower than normal for you ryde. On the freeways it will be a breeze but as you hit twisties and towns you need to build up your speed into them slowly as you get more comfortable with the handling. These are like driving a formula car on horseback...You will have fun....:2thumbs: congrats to the wife and welcome to you both...:clap:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

SPYDER VS TWO WHEEL MTC

I say drive the roads steering like a car, and use a light hold onto the tiller. Grip the seat with your thighs like you are riding a horse, and lean your body toward the inside of a curve if in the twisties.

Experienced riders may now tell you how it really is....

:agree::agree::agree: ....... Also when I first test rode a Spyder the best advice was - - - forget everything you know about driving your Goldwing !!!!! .... Drive the Spyder like a CAR .... use a light touch , remember FOOT brake ONLY ....it stops on a dime and can't skid ( ABS ) .......Good Luck ....... Mike :thumbup:

 

[PapaHotel]

WITH 5 MILES OF SPYDER EXPERIENCE

I say drive the roads steering like a car, and use a light hold onto the tiller. Grip the seat with your thighs like you are riding a horse, and lean your body toward the inside of a curve if in the twisties.

Experienced riders may now tell you how it really is....

 

[ARtraveler]

All good advice above.

For Review:

:ani29:: Avoid the death grip--it gives the :ani29: a mind of its own.
:ani29:: For turns, plant the outside foot, lean slightly into the curve. This will make the "g" forces seem to go away.
:ani29:: Enter curves at such a speed that you do not have to hit the brakes. Slight acceleration during a turn is a good thing.

Drive safe and enjoy the new experience. :welcome:

 

[Saluda]

I was so happy with all the Spyder plusses that it wasn't a big deal for me. Loved the stability, braking and increased visibility. Don't miss putting my feet down.

 

[SpyderConvert]

First Ryde

I bought my Spyder in June and rode it home to Baltimore from the other side of Philly on I 95. I had never ridden a Spyder before and, yes, there is a difference in handling when compared to a two wheeler, but you do get used to it. The best advice that I got was to relax my grip on the handle bars. I found that the grips were a bit small and had considered installing Kuryakyn grips, but used the foam covers for the stock grips and it made a HUGE difference. I came from a 2014 Kawasaki Voyager that I purchased in October of 2014. I thought that I had my ultimate touring motorcycle! On a ride out to Colorado in May 2015, I dropped the bike from a standstill 3 times and found that the best that I could do was to soften the blow. Then, I had to wait until some Samaritan came along to help me to pick up this 900+ pound, top heavy beast. On another occasion, I had parked the bike on a slight downward slope leaning to the left; again, I had to wait for someone to help me get it upright. I considered getting the Voyager "triked", but the more research that I did, I was learning that trikes too can be unstable. Since my wife was finally getting used to the idea of riding, I wanted her to feel comfortable and confident whenever we rode. That's when I started looking at Spyders and I'm glad that I did. Do I miss the Voyager? HELL, yes!! But now, my wife looks for excuses for us to ryde!

 

[JimVonBaden]

Picked up the new to us Spyder from a forum member (great experience) 195 miles home. 5 near misses, like I was invisible. Never seen anything like it. One nearly mashed me between himself and the Jersey barrier at 60 mph.

It took me all of 5 minutes to get reasonably comfortable with it, a half an hour to settle in. Upwards of 80 mph on the open road. The bike ran great. Pieces of advice I received that worked were, loose grip, 90% fixed any issues. Find the brake, the one really near miss I was hunting for the brake. Push the bar opposite the turn. This took practice to get smooth, but really worked.

 

[ingramwc]

Jim, Glad you made it home OK with only a couple of incidents! Probably distracted drivers, which in that case it doesn't matter what you are driving or riding!!
I hope you all enjoy your new toy!!! The only tip I have for you is to keep an eye on your oil level. The Vtwin does use some oil, if the tranny is not shifting smoothly is a good indication that the oil level is low. Also be sure engine is at operating temp before checking the oil, it is a dry sump engine. OK, 1 more thing, the engine does not like to be lugged, I have found that shifting at or above 5500 rpm works better for me, you may want to experiment to see what is best for you.
:welcome: Have fun and ride safe!!!:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[JimVonBaden]

Jim, Glad you made it home OK with only a couple of incidents! Probably distracted drivers, which in that case it doesn't matter what you are driving or riding!!
I hope you all enjoy your new toy!!! The only tip I have for you is to keep an eye on your oil level. The Vtwin does use some oil, if the tranny is not shifting smoothly is a good indication that the oil level is low. Also be sure engine is at operating temp before checking the oil, it is a dry sump engine. OK, 1 more thing, the engine does not like to be lugged, I have found that shifting at or above 5500 rpm works better for me, you may want to experiment to see what is best for you.
:welcome: Have fun and ride safe!!!:thumbup::thumbup:

Thanks, excellent info, especially about the oil and effects. :cheers:

I found out quick enough to keep the RPMs up. It is a lot like my BMW in how it pulls. :thumbup:

 

[ingramwc]

Yes, the Vtwin likes to rev, the power really comes on above 5,000 rpm!!!! I am very happy with my Spyder, lots of fun!!!! I hope you enjoy yours too!!!:yes::yes::yes::yes: