Thoughts, Questions and Things that go BUMP! in the Night

[Kraut]

Thanks for the warm welcome- this is indeed a great group of people.
Some thoughts after reading the many threads concerning our Spyder RTs.

• Fuel mileage: on the highway I have generally been setting my cruise control at 4800 rpm giving me a true speed of 67 mph. My last fill-up indicated a highway mileage of 36.1 mpg. (I was forewarned by my dealer not to expect too much more than 35 mpg.)
• Tire pressure, suspension, and “wallowing”: My RT tire pressure was set at 16.5 psi front and 26 psi rear. Since I’m a non-technical person I am comfortable with factory specs. I am not sure if if this has to do with soft suspension or not but I notice the spyder seems to be sensitive to changes in the camber of the road, especially off-camber curves. I can live with this; my wife and I like the comfort of our current ryde.

Questions:

• What kind of cup holder does anyone have? Not having my coffee on an early morning ryde is roughing it a little too much.
• We are looking at intercomms and I would like recommendations for what other ryders have found to be good, adequate, and don’t even think about it.
• What octane fuel has been found to be the best? I don’t want to run at 87 (dealer said is ok) if it’s better to run at a higher rating.

Things that go BUMP! in the night:

• in reference to discussions on cruise control and and bumpy roads, I had my cruise control kick off when I hit a decent sized pothole straddling it with my front wheels, forgetting my rear was centered. Other than that I’ve encountered nothing more. Is there a sensitivity adjustment? (note to self-don’t straddle road kill.)
• Higher cost of maintenance: I wasn’t really prepared for the higher cost of inspections, tune-ups and repairs associated with the Spyder. I’ll have to live with it since my tool box consists of a crescent wrench, a pair of channel locks, and a hammer.
• I really hope that the nightmare problems encountered by some of my fellow ryders are not the norm! Thinking about those breakdowns, poor dealer support, and not having the extended warranty can keep you awake at night.

​Stay Happy, Ryde safe, Later Dudes and Dudettes-

 

[Chitown Newbie]

I use Drink2GO cup...you can buy them online. I have had mine for a couple of months now and its working out pretty well!

Enjoy your Spyder!!

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: and :congrats: on the ryde.

Gas mileage: 36 mpg is very good. Most seem to get right around 30. Many threads on this subject.

Octane--most use 90-91. Opinions vary on this subject. I use 90--the highest available in AK. Many threads on this subject.

Communicators--get bluetooth style so you are not connected to passenger by wire. Many brands are good. I like Cardo 2's--. Motorcycle Superstore is running a 20% off sale on Cardo's as of today. Many threads on the subject.

High cost of maintainence: The spyder is very "techy" and hard to work on--so hours per job is going to be higher. A lot of ryders are bypassing valve checks at 12,000 and 24,000. This adds 6 hours or so to your shop rate. $800-$1000 for service. Lots of threads on this also.

 

[NancysToy]

If the Spyder follows the road crown excessively, and you are fighting it and weaving all over, have the alignment checked, and brought up to the latest (3/32") specification. They might also want to check that the steering sensors are zeroed correctly.

Several brands of wireless and wired intercoms are available. Lots of folks like the Scala G4 or the Sena SMH10 for wireless, and the Autocom or Starcom1 for wired systems. We have used Starcom1 systems for years.

Check your suspension pre-load setting, especially if you weigh more than average, ride two-up a lot, or have a 2010 Spyder RT. You may need more pre-load to help the handling. Higher settings will minimize the wallowing. A little more air in the tires also helps many of us. I use 18/28. This is one area where it pays to experiment a bit.

91 octane or better is recommended by BRP. Performance will be somewhat degraded with 87.

The cruise can occasionally kick out on rough roads, but if it happens excessively, have your dealer adjust the brake switch. Some have been set a little too "tight".

The Internet blows problems way out of proportion. Some owners have had difficulties, but most put on many thousands of miles with no major issues. Just ride it and enjoy it. Life is too short to worry about what may happen tomorrow.