Swerving.. Spyder or human error?

[ARtraveler]

I'm about due for my 600 mile service and after reading this thread I'm scared to death! What's a reasonable amount to pay for this service? Were any of you fed any lines of BS that I need to be aware of such as, "Your divariable veeblefritzer is already worn out. A replacement will cost $1000." Can you suggest any questions I might ask to subtly find out the knowledge level of the technicians so I can feel confident in their abilities (or run screaming from the building)?

I just HATE when those divariable veeblefritzers go bad before their time....

A basic 600 mile service should include an oil change, filter, and a checkover to make sure that the :spyder2: is breaking in well. This service should cost about $250-$300. If you need to replace the divariable veeblefritzer, that should IMO be covered under warranty.

:roflblack:

 

[TexGEOas]

Tire pressure is good both fronts are at 18 with 28 on back.

I spoke to the dealership, they said that the 2013 models do not undergo alignment as the front end was redesigned to help with the handling and that they don't have anything to align them with equipment wise. Dealership is Fredericksburg Motor sports (http://www.fmscycles.com/index.htm)

They said Spyders have a bad tendency to feel "floaty" and I'm not use to it yet. I've put 3000+ miles on my ST since April and feel pretty comfortable. The feeling change was noticed after the ball joint replacement they did for me.

Have I been mislead and any other thoughts?

What you are experiencing may be the road conditions and the Spyder's three wheel design. All asphalt roads develop grooves where heavy four wheelers depress the tire area and leave a crest in the center. This could be only an 1/2" raised crest to 2 or 3 inches high. The Spyder's rear drive wheel generally rides on this crest and rolls off of it one way or the other during travel. This is what accounts for the pitching left and right. There is no cure for this... it is the road condition. You simply must get used to it and learn to ignore it. Took me a while... but I don't even think about it any more.

 

[Shandycat]

What you are experiencing may be the road conditions and the Spyder's three wheel design. All asphalt roads develop grooves where heavy four wheelers depress the tire area and leave a crest in the center. This could be only an 1/2" raised crest to 2 or 3 inches high. The Spyder's rear drive wheel generally rides on this crest and rolls off of it one way or the other during travel. This is what accounts for the pitching left and right. There is no cure for this... it is the road condition. You simply must get used to it and learn to ignore it. Took me a while... but I don't even think about it any more.

This is actually one of the things I like most about the Spyder (assuming that road conditions are, in fact, causing this effect). The sway at highway speeds feels like riding a horse to me.

 

[Bob Denman]

A basic 600 mile service should include an oil change, filter, and a checkover to make sure that the :spyder2: is breaking in well. This service should cost about $250-$300. If you need to replace the divariable veeblefritzer, that should IMO be covered under warranty.

:roflblack:

:agree: :roflblack:
:roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Jharpo]

Boat?

This is actually one of the things I like most about the Spyder (assuming that road conditions are, in fact, causing this effect). The sway at highway speeds feels like riding a horse to me.

Or driving a 16' boat across swirling currents. It's fun!

 

[Bob Denman]

Or a high-powered snowmobile in deep powder! :2thumbs:

 

[napper39]

shadycat or what ever your handle is if it feels like you said tell them you want the new shocks,brp has told the dealers to put new shocks on if you think for safety you need them replaced no money out of you pocket.:thumbup::chat: then you can ride like the wind,and not on a sale boat:yikes:

 

[Bob Ledford]

Hi community,

I purchased my STS 2013 in April, has about 2800 miles on it. Just now found time to ask a few questions

During my 600 mile maintenance I received new ball joints. At first I thought it was the roads that I was driving on, but I'm not sure so I'm looking for any thoughts from other spyder lovers!

When driving at speeds above 50MPG it feels like the steering wheel or front end is extremely sensitive which feels like I'm swerving from left to right and can't seem to keep a straight line. Also, when braking hard
(almost reaching ABS lockup), its very easy to go left or right and not stay straight.

Is it just me or could something be out of whack with my machine? Any help is greatly appreciated

Reference stopping with ABS activated will allow you to drive around the obstacle avoiding it. ABS modulates or piles the braking system to prevent brake lock up on the wheel generating the most friction to prevent skidding. That is why they have it...

Like Scotty said in his post you need to go back and insist they dig out the 2013 special tool kit and read the instructions. Since it was a push package they may have not even unpacked it yet. Stranger things have happened in dealerships as I have witnessed them in person.

Once you get it realigned or rechecked and found to be in specifications. Take it and test drive it. It would be really cool if you and the manager or tech could double up for the test drive. Then once you have proven the steering problem fixed you can test for the remaining problems of weaving like a drunken tank driver.

Have fun but do not let them BS you on things you know are wrong. When in doubt come to SL.com and ask. Some one will have experienced it or something close to it. NancysToy, Scotty, and BaJaRon have a wleath of knowledge between them.

 

[Sny]

One question... do you notice the darty feel on really smooth roads?

There's an interesting discussion going on about how the new 2013's suspension design has a lot of bump steer like a race car. In racing it's dealt with differently. On a road going vehicle it can be scary.

Bump steer means when you hit a bump (even a tiny one) and the suspension deflects to absorb it, the geometry of the suspension changes and it can steer you one way or the other. Small bumps, small side to side movements. Very unsettling on a Spyder.

This makes perfect sense to me and fits with the descriptions I've heard about and experienced on my ST.

Follow the logic:
If you align it perfectly, the problem diminishes... this is how race techs deal with the problem on race cars... they also have higher quality tracks than most Interstates and roads... Less bump steer.

If you lower the tire pressure the problem diminishes... the tire is absorbing the shock instead of the suspension so it deflects less and less bump steer.

Just some thoughts.

 

[Shandycat]

shadycat or what ever your handle is if it feels like you said tell them you want the new shocks,brp has told the dealers to put new shocks on if you think for safety you need them replaced no money out of you pocket.:thumbup::chat: then you can ride like the wind,and not on a sale boat:yikes:

Really? Do they make that much of a difference? Just trying to figure out if it's worth replacing the shocks if it means not having the Spyder to ride for a few days. I find I go into withdrawal pretty quick.....

 

[YIRYDE]

hello all,

I thought I would provide an update on this situation. Finally found a dealership who would was knowledgeable and actually cared to listen to my problem.

Can you let me know which dealer you found to help you with your problem.
Thanks,

 

[dadunston]

Can you let me know which dealer you found to help you with your problem.
Thanks,

Virginia power motors sports in ruckersville va
They actually care to help with your issues verse Fredericksburg motorsports where they have horrible customer service.

 

[YIRYDE]

Virginia power motors sports in ruckersville va
They actually care to help with your issues verse Fredericksburg motorsports where they have horrible customer service.

There is another member who uses Virginia Power Motor Sports that likes them and echoed your comments. This is where I plan on taking my Spyder for all Service and Repairs. Coleman's is the closest dealer to me but I will not be using them for service any more.

Thanks