Spyders cornering

[Saskwatch]

Hi All!

I'm a newer Spyder owner, and I just thought I'd throw some questions out there. I had never driven a motorcycle until I saw a Spyder a month ago, and I just had to have one. I went out and got a motorcycle permit and purchased a Spyder (found on these forums), and started cruising around on it.

To get my license I had to take a motorcycle safety class. I got to learn how two wheels take the corners, and it's quite a bit different than a Spyder. When it's just me on the Spyder I feel fairly confident in corners, but it's something to get used to at higher speeds. I feel like the bike is leaning outwards in the corners, and this is substantially amplified when my girlfriend is on the back with me. I have yet to lift a wheel off the road, but I tend to be very cautious going in to the corners. Any suggestions or tips for me?

 

[Saskwatch]

By the way - I do have BajaRon swaybars, and it's a 2011 RT. I have also adjusted the air-suspension for proper weights.

 

[bluestratos]

While I love taking corners hot it is not a bad thing to be cautious especially when you have the life of a passenger in you care. If you need to find out what they can do practice in a large parking lot to get the feel for it. I can take a corner 10-20% faster when I drive in a good sitting position, I can increase that dramatically when I ride it like a snowmobile in the corners, that is hanging off the seat on inside of the corner. This also takes away the sensation that you will be flung out o the seat. I have the aftermarket torque rod on mine as well but only practice can make cornering safe. If you loose courage part way through you may cut wide and hit an on coming vehicle in there real world, in a parking lot no harm done (assuming it is empty, lol.)

 

[Bob Denman]

The "United Staes" :shocked:
That's a pretty big area, and it gives us no clues as to what sort of riding experience you might have...
A Spyder actually handles more like an ATV or a snowmobile.
You have to lean to the inside of the turn in order to keep your center of gravity over top of the bike.

This takes time, practice, and experience... Most folks seem to mention that about 500 miles of saddle time is necessary before a measure of comfort is achieved.
Practice in lower-speed circumstances for a while. When the speeds starts ramping up; it's best to proceed with some caution. DON'T out-ride your comfort or skill levels!
Each day; they'll grow! :thumbup:

 

[Flanker]

Do all your braking before initiating your turn/curve. Shift your weight to the inside of the turn, lean forward (how much you use both of those depends on speed and radius of the corner), push on the outside handlebar while pulling on the inside one, use the knee of your inside leg to press against the tank to maintain your position! Be careful to maintain a steady state throttle, until after the apex of the curve/turn---you can accelerate out of it after that. Easy! Practice this stuff BY YOURSELF!

 

[sddinnh]

:agree: with Bob. It took me the better part of 1000 miles before I felt really comfortable with it.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I feel like the bike is leaning outwards in the corners, and this is substantially amplified when my girlfriend is on the back with me.

That's because it is. Takes awhile to get used to it, but once you do it's as much a thrill as the inward lean of two wheels. Lifting the wheel off the ground is highly unlikely. That's because of the "Nanny" (officially called the VSS, Vehicle Stability System) that pays attention to your every move and won't let you make a dumb one. It's not impossible to flip a Spyder, but it is very, very, unlikely it will ever happen.

 

[ARtraveler]

The nice folks posting above have given you all the good cornering advice. It took me about 1500 miles before I was comfortable. Had to unlearn all those two wheeled ways.

Enjoy your new ryde. :welcome: and :congrats: :yes:

 

[rhansen309]

We never rode before and have a 2011 RT. Have had it since Aug 2011 and I am pretty comfortable in the corners. Like everyone said lean in and accelerate out. Enjoy all of your rides!!!

 

[Dan_Ashley]

The nice folks posting above have given you all the good cornering advice. It took me about 1500 miles before I was comfortable. Had to unlearn all those two wheeled ways.

Enjoy your new ryde. :welcome: and :congrats: :yes:

me too exactly. You will love it...just give yourself a little while to build your confidence.

 

[Chupaca]

Here's the thing..!!

all good advise above but you have to educate your passenger as well. This is ackward for them as well especially if they come from a two wheeler. Have them practice sticking with you I tell her she needs refreshers all the time...:roflblack: But seriously they need to work with you...:thumbup:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Welcome, here is a link to a thread with some great tips for new Spyder riders. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...t-for-new-Spyder-owners&highlight=tips+riders

 

[retread]

Is there an owner's manual in the frunk? There are suggestions in it for learning to ride. Basically, find a mostly empty parking lot, lay out a course with whatever markers you want, and practice. When you get comfortable, change the course, and continue.
I'd been on 2 wheels for over 50 years when I got my '08, and the first 1000 miles were a steep learning experience.
Have fun...ryde safe.

john

 

[jerpinoy]

Ride safe and have fun.

 

[ChasCS]

Learn to relax, your grip too

I found with plenty of advice on the forums, that using a firm but gentle grip, actually gives you better control, and is way less tiring after a lengthy ride.

When cornering, you know that leaning into the curve gives you a better feeling, try pushing outside and pulling the inside handle bar. Be aware where your inside wheel lies, stay in your lane at all times. As stated previously, there are some good instructions in the Owners Manual
for practising, read them and set up a course in a parking lot or someplace out of the traffic.

Go have fun, and ride safe.

Chas