• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Test rode my first RT

The local dealer has one 2018 left - it's a white/chrome RTL. Personally I wanted the dark model, I don't care for chrome. And they're asking just under $25k for it. There a few places within 100 or so miles that'll sell the same RTL for $22k. So I'm not willing to give them the additional $3k if I don't have to. Also, iMoto has 2018 RTLs for $23k delivered, and "regular" RTs for $19k. According to iMoto, the rebates are already factored into their prices.

I doubt the wife will ever drive the Spyder, she just wants to ride on the back which is ok by me. I'd love it if she rode her own, but I don't see that happening. I'd prefer the F3, but she needs the backs support of the RT, so there it is. Maybe some day I can afford both, but not at first. Also, I have to take into account the communications - we'll need in helmet units to go with whatever we buy.

I expect a certain amount of learning curve which is why I posted my take on my test ride - I was hoping it wasn't just me. As for ATV/Snowmobiles experience - I've never ridden a snowmobile; the few times I lived where it might be useful, I didn't have the fund for it. ATVs, that's a different store. I rode ATCs in the early 80s. Malign them if you will, but I preferred the three wheelers over the quads. I had the Kawasaki Tecate, one of the biggest ATCs you could get at the time, and wish I still had it. So I've felt the difference between 2-3 wheels, but it's been a while.
 
There is a learning curve when you first try the Spyder. Most have it covered after about 500 miles or so.

The big secret is do not over control. Pretend there are eggs between the hands and the bars, don't break the eggs. A slight push/pull on the bars will take you flawlessly through the turns and twisties (if your are near the posted mph range).

And I guarantee that the lady will be driving it as her own soon. Ask me how I know that. :yes:
 
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My wife and I actually bought our first spyder, a 2010 RT SM5 in the middle of winter, without even taking a test ride. We went into it knowing that there would be a learning curve and adaptation period, so, when it warmed up enough, we just did it. Now, we wouldn't go back to two wheels. There is a period of adjustments and habit changing you gotta get through, but it's worth the couple hundred miles of awkwardness.
 
The wife is pretty excited about it. We were supposed to go for a test ride on an '18, but Sh wasn't feeling well enough on Saturday.

I'm also wondering at this point if it's worth the extra $$ to get the LTD or just the regular RT. I'd "like" to have the fog lights, but I'm guessing those can be added later. So other than the auto-levelling, is it worth it?
 
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