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Sypder's Handling
- Thread starter Questions
- Start date
Texmac1011
New member
Handles great for me and will corner faster than I want to.
Good luck with your Spyder hunting!
Good luck with your Spyder hunting!
GeminiJane
New member
While corners are "different" on Spyder than 2 wheels, based on your level of experience and your lack of fear (same as on 2 wheels), there's no limit!
The Spyder is pretty capable in the corners but won't keep up with your sport bike friends. You won't lean so your butt will tend to slide off the seat toward the outside of the turn. Leaning your body into the turn helps and pressing the inner knee against the body panels helps and pushing down on the outside foot peg helps. In a hard left the right foot may also need to feather the brake. That can get tricky.
Adding the Comfort Seat helps a bit. I did that and am looking at the Russel Day Long as an even better choice. My previous ride was a GW trike with a Diamond seat with a fabric surface. That held me in place with no problem. I've had my Spyder for about 2k miles now and I'm still experimenting with spring settings, tire psi, etc. The Peak to Peak highway is my testing ground and I'm having a blast doing my 'research'. :thumbup:
Adding the Comfort Seat helps a bit. I did that and am looking at the Russel Day Long as an even better choice. My previous ride was a GW trike with a Diamond seat with a fabric surface. That held me in place with no problem. I've had my Spyder for about 2k miles now and I'm still experimenting with spring settings, tire psi, etc. The Peak to Peak highway is my testing ground and I'm having a blast doing my 'research'. :thumbup:
BajaRon
Well-known member
The stock Spyder handles pretty well. It will meet or exceed the capabilities of most motorcycles/riders (excluding crotch rockets)
If you add the upgraded swaybar this will put your cornering up several notches. You still won't keep up with the sport bikes but they won't leave you quite so redily.
I don't have the Elka's but I am told they add a little more to the equasion.
So while not the ultimate mountain road carver, the Spyder is no slouch either!
But if you come around a curve to find sand, water or other debris in the road be careful! You'll have to slam on your brakes to keep from running over that Go-Fast crotch rocket rider that just had to back off to keep from laying it down! :yikes:
On the other hand, if there isn't anyone in front of you (or if it's another Spyder) ride on! Stuff in the road isn't any big deal when you are riding the 'Y' Factor!
hyea:
If you add the upgraded swaybar this will put your cornering up several notches. You still won't keep up with the sport bikes but they won't leave you quite so redily.
I don't have the Elka's but I am told they add a little more to the equasion.
So while not the ultimate mountain road carver, the Spyder is no slouch either!
But if you come around a curve to find sand, water or other debris in the road be careful! You'll have to slam on your brakes to keep from running over that Go-Fast crotch rocket rider that just had to back off to keep from laying it down! :yikes:
On the other hand, if there isn't anyone in front of you (or if it's another Spyder) ride on! Stuff in the road isn't any big deal when you are riding the 'Y' Factor!
hyea:
MoonChaser213
New member
I can take corners much faster
than the Law wants me to. :doorag: My Spyder is stock
than the Law wants me to. :doorag: My Spyder is stock
dryheat
New member
tuck your inside elbow in and pull, and slide your butt off the seat to keep that inside wheel on the ground. Visualize those videos of sidecar racers and you get the idea! It is a lot more physical than simply leaning a two wheeler over. In those "S" curve you will get a workout hopping back and forth across the seat. Hang on and have a ball!:2thumbs:
Raptor
New member
I believe Dryheat has the idea! :agree: Learning the technique with the inside elbow tuck and pull worked wonders for me when I discovered it (by trial, error and a near off after a stupid mistake! :yikes: ) and I have been very solid with the machine ever since. You can throw amazing body english at this machine and it will keep that inside wheek on the ground. I also think that a smooth throttle is key to good cornering. You don't want to throw a crap-load of brake at a turn; you must keep downforce on the chassis so it doesn't over-steer on you. And it is physical, but that's the fun of it! :yes:
BTW, Jaanpla, you are an animal! And I say that with much respect.. :thumbup:
BTW, Jaanpla, you are an animal! And I say that with much respect.. :thumbup:
Great Advise
Thanks for the input on the Spyder's turning capabilities that makes sense. I have a 2008 Harley Fat Bob and it is a lot of fun to ride that is for sure
Sounds like a new learning curving of fun here. My friends all have Harley's and they don't want to buy the Spyder lol but you know those Harley guys!
Thanks for the input on the Spyder's turning capabilities that makes sense. I have a 2008 Harley Fat Bob and it is a lot of fun to ride that is for sure
Sounds like a new learning curving of fun here. My friends all have Harley's and they don't want to buy the Spyder lol but you know those Harley guys!
SpyderWolf
New member
Once you get used to ryding the Spyder, you will be grateful for the antilock brakes as they will keep you from running over your Harley friends in the curves. nojoke I experienced this first hand ryding through the twisties on our way to Maggie Valley, NC, and then again on The Dragon.
The owners manual, and DVD, have some good practice course layouts for you to set up and get really familiar with the handling of your Spyder. I highly recommend you run through those exercises early on. :thumbup:
The owners manual, and DVD, have some good practice course layouts for you to set up and get really familiar with the handling of your Spyder. I highly recommend you run through those exercises early on. :thumbup:
Raptor
New member
I reckon I can understand that. The hard-cores may not have much use for a Spyder. I'm telling you though, these things are a ton of fun once you learn what they want in terms of riding technique. And even though they don't look it, these things can move. I've had mine 100+ a few times now. It did it pretty quick and it wanted more. The stability was much more than I expected; this chassis LOVES downforce! 
No match for a real sport bike, but pretty impressive to be sure.
One more thing; The traction control is wonderful, especially in the wet. I got surprised by some unexpected weather just yesterday and I was nervous at first. But I had tons of grip, and the Spyder took the road beautifully. :2thumbs:
No match for a real sport bike, but pretty impressive to be sure.One more thing; The traction control is wonderful, especially in the wet. I got surprised by some unexpected weather just yesterday and I was nervous at first. But I had tons of grip, and the Spyder took the road beautifully. :2thumbs:
Raptor
New member
Yes, the DVD is great. I watched it a couple of times and it really gave me a sense of knowledge right away. Good point about the brakes too. I don't use mine much, but when ya need 'em, they are there!! :thumbup:
_______________________
2010 RS-S, Ultra Touring Windshield, 2" Risers, waiting for my Sport Rack and Back Rest to come in
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2010 RS-S, Ultra Touring Windshield, 2" Risers, waiting for my Sport Rack and Back Rest to come in
spydsense
New member
:agree: :roflblack::roflblack:
krb1945
New member
Familiarity with the machine will increase your confidence when riding the spyder. If you remember the following you will love it
because they are a "blast to ride".
1. use high quality speed H or better rated tires.
2. Traction AA or A... you can use a lesser but not
advised
3. Temperature A... "ditto the above ^^^^^^^^^^^
4. Proper tire inflation... many of us use 18 to 20 front
28 to 32 rear. Others may use less or more depending
on their preference.
5. Extremely important... always lean into the curve or
you will leave the seat and be flapping in the breeze
as seen in the cartoons.
6. Most Import of all... if you are going to do extreme
performance riding... know and understand your
machine and your skill level, practice makes perfect.
7. I know I sound like and old era "old" maid school
teacher but remember this... the key word is "OLD".
You don't get to be old by being careless.
8. Wear high quality "Safety Equipment" when performance riding.
9. Just like in the military and in everyday life... "safety is the number one priority!"
10. Like General Patton... "now you know where I stand!"
Ride 'em safely and survive! Ken krb1945
because they are a "blast to ride".
1. use high quality speed H or better rated tires.
2. Traction AA or A... you can use a lesser but not
advised
3. Temperature A... "ditto the above ^^^^^^^^^^^
4. Proper tire inflation... many of us use 18 to 20 front
28 to 32 rear. Others may use less or more depending
on their preference.
5. Extremely important... always lean into the curve or
you will leave the seat and be flapping in the breeze
as seen in the cartoons.
6. Most Import of all... if you are going to do extreme
performance riding... know and understand your
machine and your skill level, practice makes perfect.
7. I know I sound like and old era "old" maid school
teacher but remember this... the key word is "OLD".
You don't get to be old by being careless.
8. Wear high quality "Safety Equipment" when performance riding.
9. Just like in the military and in everyday life... "safety is the number one priority!"
10. Like General Patton... "now you know where I stand!"
Ride 'em safely and survive! Ken krb1945
Last edited:
Lowflyingowl
Member
My experience is that the Spyder corners faster/better than my VTX 1300 but not quite as good as a 20-year old on a Ducati. It will likely corner better than your buddies' Harleys -- I almost ran some over last year out on a ride...
I can, however, keep up with no problem in the twisties with an old fart like me on a Honda VFR. He's a pretty good rider, though...
I can, however, keep up with no problem in the twisties with an old fart like me on a Honda VFR. He's a pretty good rider, though...
Handling a Spyder
Thanks for all the good input. Now I just need to sell one of my other toys to make room in the garage and try one of these out.
My only concern is that these seem pretty touch and will need a good dealer near by. The best for me is in Denver (RPM) and about an hour and 15 mins away so that sucks
Hope I can ride this summer and sell either of my toys and get a spyder to joy the ride
Thanks for all the good input. Now I just need to sell one of my other toys to make room in the garage and try one of these out.
My only concern is that these seem pretty touch and will need a good dealer near by. The best for me is in Denver (RPM) and about an hour and 15 mins away so that sucks
Hope I can ride this summer and sell either of my toys and get a spyder to joy the ride
That or it might be easier to just add another bay onto the garage
hyea:I was out with a group of experienced rider this past SUnday for a nice Father's day ride. I am still a little timid on my Spyder so I had a hard time keeping up wth them on the narrow curves. But then again these guys were going at a pretty good clip doubling or nearly doubling the speed limit.
It was a good ride for sure and since I got the wider bike, I am bringing up the rear.
WackyDan
New member
There isn't a Harley that can keep up with with a Spyder in the Twisties except maybe a V-Rod.... Talking average riders here.
I spent a week riding with my brother who has an HD ElectraGlide. The first set of twisties we hit, he tried to keep up... and almost lost it dragging the floor boards. He has a new respect for the Spyder now.
Talked to a guy at the HD dealership when my brother was getting a new tire. He has an R1 crotch rocket and had a Spyder trailing him closely through the Tail of the Dragon.... which surprised him. Now... A well ridden crotch rocket or sport bike will out pace a Spyder in the Twisties... So maybe he sucks at riding.
Either that he had someone like Lamont, Doc, or Seth riding behind him. The Spyder is a different sensation and a more physical ride ***If you want to ride it hard... I find riding just as enjoyable as ever if not more so since I got mine.
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