Tested a new Spyder today ....

[Bagger]

Decided to test a 2016 Spyder today. It was only a 15-20 minute ride, plus some parking lot figure 8's.

I've ridden motorcycles for over 40 years ... all kinds. I presently have a '13 HD Street Glide and a '15 Honda F6B. I'd say I ride pretty spirited.

The bike I rode was a 2016 F3-T SE6. I followed the sales manager around some back roads with some curves, couple of stops and a bit of good acceleration up to about 60 or so.

I surprised how quick the bike was, but also how twitchy it is. I know it takes time to get used to not counter steering (which I do unconsciously), and tried to "steer" the bike. Every little input gave back some greater movement. Not scary, but not what I'm used to.

Is this what I should expect since I have no snow mobile, or quad experience? What do you think about this when you remember your own experience with initial Sypder riding? And, when does this twitchiness "go away" and become comfortable?

 

[cuznjohn]

it takes time to get used to it. i had 2 rt's and really enjoyed them once i started to get used to them. it shouldn't be a problem for you

 

[Brentc]

It doesn't go away, you learn the style

You will probably be white knuckled for the first couple tanks of gas, the you'll start getting the feel of how to steer with a push pull feel. After that you'll just keep getting more and more comfortable with the diffent type of handling that you get with a Spyder! Oh and you'll really start loving it by then too

 

[Trbayth]

Brent, you really need to update your signature map!

 

[Pampurrs]

Steering the Spyder takes some getting used to when you're used to counter-steering. It comes along fairly quickly though. I had a 140 mile ride through twisties to get home from the dealer, and by the time I was halfway home, I had it down pat.

Pam

 

[papanorm]

I have had a Honda Nighthawk, VFR 800, ST1300, and a Big Ole Goldwing. I had the same early experience with the F3 Ltd as you, twitchy, squirley, couldn't hold a line in a curve and had to slow down for sweepers. I've got about 1200 miles on mine now and feel so much better riding the Spyder and no longer need to slow down for any of the curves. It's definitely a learning curve with an un-learning of motorcycle riding. She'll hold the road for sure as confidence and competence are developed.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[olsarge]

One of the hardest things I had to do was remember to relax my arms. If tense, every body movement will be transmitted to the handlebars. JMO
Dennis

 

[Hypurone]

I surprised how quick the bike was, but also how twitchy it is. I

Well, if the tire pressures were correct, I hate to say it but it is prob suffering the same issue my F3-S was. Piss poor alignment! I had the same super twitchy feeling and I can ride a bike with less pressure on the bars than it would take to crush a twinkie! So I knew it wasn't me... After a laser alignment (at my own cost ) all was well....

 

[Brentc]

And how.....

Brent, you really need to update your signature map!

You are right my friend.......Been so busy this summer I haven't even had time to update it.

:shocked:

 

[Bagger]

You folks are making me feel better ...

Thanks for the replies.

I can ride ANY motorcycle fast and competently ... been in the mountains of WVa, VT, NH, The Dragon, Blue Ridge and such. We never stop to take photos ... just ride.

I've read about poor alignment, but don't know what to expect. This bike was put together yesterday. Think i was the 1st to ride it ... may have had a "road test". Dunno. But, any tiny input to the bars had a pretty quick response and I'd say drastic. We'll see. I don't think I was "white knuckling" this beast. This is not my 1st rodeo on a new bike. Yes, not a 2 wheeler, but I've been on lots of different brands/types.

Plan to ride it again on Monday. Prolly the same/same 5 mile right hand loop we did before. Funny ... BMW gave me a bike (both the RT1200 and the Big 1600) for the day! This dealership makes you follow him around. It's all good, tho ... looking forward to riding it again. And ... I'll prolly have it in my garage before the end of the week. Then think about Lamonsters and other farkles. Never ends.

 

[Peteoz]

Thanks for the replies.

I've read about poor alignment, but don't know what to expect. This bike was put together yesterday. Think i was the 1st to ride it ... may have had a "road test". Dunno. But, any tiny input to the bars had a pretty quick response and I'd say drastic. We'll see. I don't think I was "white knuckling" this beast. This is not my 1st rodeo on a new bike. Yes, not a 2 wheeler, but I've been on lots of different brands/types.
.

I've had my F3-L 3 weeks coming from a Victory Vision that was a great handler, Bagger. Now that I am looser on it, and using outside foot pressure and pulling with my inside arm, I am now more comfortable cornering than I was on the Vision. I did get some good advice on here before I picked it up, which was basically -

"don't listen to all the advice about alignment etc up front. Take it for a ride, and if you think it has potential, buy it. The handling will only get better as you get used to it. Then, if you want more, look at possibly adding a laser alignment, sway bar and car tyres". This has proved to be great advice for me.

Based on my experience so far, I will add a Bajaron sway bar shortly to see how it goes, as I still find it a little twitchy (but nothing bad) cornering.

Pete

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

SPYDER LEARNING CURVE

Started riding over 50 years ago, to many bikes to remember..... last rides were Goldwings, and I could keep up with all but the Crotch Rockets ......after 8 yrs. with 3 Spyders .... I can go faster on my RT than I did on My Wings......No BS...... It's a completely different machine ....but once you get it :bowdown: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: ......there's nothing else like it :clap::clap::clap:.............Mike :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: Sounds like you have made up your mind. Can't help you with that. Read the Do's and Don'ts if you want more technical information. There is a learning curve--usually 500 miles or so. Over control makes the :spyder2: feel twitchy. Try more riding and less control.

I rode two wheelers for over 50 years. 80cc to 2000cc. 50 plus bikes. It took me 1500 miles before I felt good with the :ani29:. Let us know what you decide. :thumbup:

 

[Bagger]

You folks are just terrific. I appreciate all the input.

The Spyder may be my new purchase soon. I trust I'll get "used" to it.

Thanx.

 

[Ron2andia]

It takes some time but that's the fun.. More riding time lol... :welcome:

 

[Samson]

I just bought a white F3 T 2016 today so I am going to be going through the learning curve as well. Lots of bike experience over the years from Penton , Maico, Suzuki, Triumph, Honda etc... Hope to learn from the experts here.

 

[Lastchance]

Next road test if your on a flat straight road a lite grip on bars, see if it pulls left or right if not alignment is probably pretty close, so you just need a little practice, I came off a Raider 1900 about this time last year, at first I thought may be I made a mistake but soon after it was like wow this is a definite keeper.

 

[Peteoz]

I rode two wheelers for over 50 years. 80cc to 2000cc. :thumbup:

2000cc is an unusual size, akspyderman......does that mean you owned a Vulcan 2000?

Pete

 

[vondalyn]

twitchy is normal at first

It took me about 2000 miles to feel comfortable on it -- of course that 2000 miles was all done in the first 2 weeks I had it

 

[ARtraveler]

2000cc is an unusual size, akspyderman......does that mean you owned a Vulcan 2000?

Pete

Yes Sir! A Vulcan 2000 LTD, Red/Silver color. Almost went to a Triumph Rocket Three (2300 cc). When I sat on that one (Fire Engine Red) and gave the throttle a little twist, the bike wanted to torque itself over to one side. That seemed like just a bit much on the power curve. The Vulcan 2000 a great bike, but way to heavy for me to pick off the kickstand and roll around. I was not done with Vulcans at that point. Bought a 900 LTD and that one fit me like a glove. Drove it until I traded off so that Linda could have her very own Spyder.

I don't have a picture of the 2000, but here is one of the 900.