To SHIFT or NOT TO SHIFT

[BajaRon]

No, they just have their power band higher than where some other engines have theirs. Apples and oranges, my friend, apples and oranges.

Or maybe sour grapes and lemons.....

 

[asp125]

So in other words, the Spyder engines are way under powered?

I agree! We got short changed! The same Rotax 990 in the Aprilia makes way more HP. Engine Type V990 - Can-Am Spyder, reverse trike 95–106 hp (71–79 kW), Aprilia (RSV 1000, Tuono) 139 hp (104 kW)

I'd love a 139Hp Spyder.

But back to your comment.. compared to what? The Revolution motor in the V-Rod makes what, 126?

 

[NancysToy]

...and a big block Chevy can make well over 500 HP in a Boss Hoss, while the old Supercub made 5 HP. It's all relative. You don't buy a pickup truck then complain that it is not a convertible. JMHO

 

[BajaRon]

I agree! We got short changed! The same Rotax 990 in the Aprilia makes way more HP. Engine Type V990 - Can-Am Spyder, reverse trike 95–106 hp (71–79 kW), Aprilia (RSV 1000, Tuono) 139 hp (104 kW)

I'd love a 139Hp Spyder.

But back to your comment.. compared to what? The Revolution motor in the V-Rod makes what, 126?

Here is the reason you don't want an engine designed for an extremely aerodynamic, 400 pound race motorcycle trying to push around your 700-900 pound Spyder (not counting 2nd passenger + cargo + trailer) with the aerodynamics of a barn door.

The power curve on the Spyder Rotax looks more like a table top. On the Aprilia it is a mountain top. It's not so much the amount of HP/Torque you get, but where you get it an how long it lasts.

You think people have trouble getting used to the high RPM needed to keep our current Rotax happy at 4,500 plus? Try keeping things above 7,000 RPM where the power curve gets going on the Aprilia version, with peak HP at over 10,000 RPM.

While this may look tempting to some, after a few minutes of riding this configuration you'd be more than ready to go back to your Spyder version of this engine. The Spyder is designed to ride, not to race. If you want race, buy an Aprilia.

Do you think it was easier and less expensive to completely redesign and re-engineer the Aprilia Rotax engine than it would have been to simply leave it alone and bolt it up to the Spyder? For that matter, why aren't people buying up wrecked Aprilia's and swapping out engines? Should be easier and less expensive than boring out a stock engine and putting a turbo on it.

Believe me, there is more to life than peak HP.

 

[chris56]

So in other words, the Spyder engines are way under powered?

its strong enough to follow a bike - sometimes you need the higher RPMs

 

[Illinois Boy]

So in other words, the Spyder engines are way under powered?

You keep posting this comment everywhere... and are apparently refusing to listen to others' advice; all the while, adhering to your misguided beliefs and wishes... as if you are going to change anything by doing so. :banghead:

It is becoming more and more apparent you need a low-end torqued machine, because you are never going to be convinced of how you should be operating your Spyder.

It appears fairly consistently; those who complain most about "power" operate their Spyders as if they are a Harley v-twin or a Goldwing. Thankfully, a Spdyer is not either of those.

I currently own a Harley Ultra and a Spdyer RTS. I enjoy each for what they are, but for certain... I do not try to make one operate like the other.

My lawnmower runs at a fairly high rpm, without any low-end torque. Haven't considered putting a v-twin it is yet though. :roflblack:

 

[MidLifeCrisis]

So in other words, the Spyder engines are way under powered?

Others have replied, but a picture is worth a 1000 words, so here we go....Do you see what I see?

At the 1:35 mark, the cluster reads100 kph (62mph) at 6500 RPMs and 3rd gear. Listen to the sound of the engine at that RPM. It loves it and begging for more. It's far from gutless. The shifts sound smooth and no valves knocking as you have referenced in other posts.

Fast forward to 2:48 and now the cluster reads 55kph (34mph) at 3000 RPMs and 4th gear. You can hear the engine struggle to accelerate. It continues to struggle until almost 4000 RPMs where it seems to come to life again. The Spyder loves RPMs. There's no way around it.

You can keep :bdh:but the fact remains, the machine is what it is and can run great if the person operating it allows it too.

 

[MidLifeCrisis]

I never said anything about valves knocking. Go back and read that post. The comment concerned "engine knocking" when or if using a lower octane fuel. I asked how anyone can hear the engine knock what with the loud exhaust and engine noise.

Your right. I remembered that incorrectly. I always ride with ear plugs, but seem to hear everyone else bikes, cars and trucks more than the Spyder engine when on the road. Can't argue this one with you. It's tough to know what someone hears or doesn't hear. It's tough to know how good ear plugs are working. Perhaps you prefer to ride without them. Theres no way for us to really know.

People on this forum have been beyond nice and have offered countless solution, to which you've only argued regardless of the subject. For some there just is no fix and nothing's good enough. Most on this forum have given up on helping you and have too much self respect to keep on going the rounds with you. I should be doing similarly.



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[Firefly]

You'll eventually just 'feel' it when it's the right time to shift.


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[Illinois Boy]

You'll eventually just 'feel' it when it's the right time to shift.


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That's only after you finally figure out when it IS the right time to shift... :roflblack:

 

[Illinois Boy]

Isn't that a question or maybe there's some other symbol to use for asking a question?

Oh, and my lawn mower has a straight four cylinder engine in it and a five-speed tranny. Can't drive it on the highways, but it's still fun to use. The windshield mounts don't break, there are no gas leaks or odors, and the gas doesn't boil in the tank. The gas cap, by the way, never heats up to the point I can't remover it from the filler neck. As for the anti-sway bar, never broke a mount, and the darn thing never went into "Limp Back To The Machine Shed" mode.

A few more morsels for you to chew on Dave...

I didn't ask any questions. I merely made statements. So again... you seem to be very confused.

That is a nice list of things that occasionally have been reported to go wrong on a Spyder. You have done your homework.

However, apparently you did not see Bob's list of issues for the GW.

And... I just found out that GW's have been known to have boiling fuel problems for years. Better check their websites Dave.

Oh my... GW's boil gas!! Ummm... what are you going to say now Dave?

 

[Sny]

So in other words, the Spyder engines are way under powered?

Nope.

This is easy! I like this game. Next silly question please!

 

[marcs0809]

:agree: If you want to figure what speed that is at, glance at the speedometer. Keep in mind that it also depends on the terrain and how hard you are working the engine. Cruising along at 3,500 rpm at 35 mph in 3rd gear may be OK on a flat road with no passenger or trailer, but the engine will struggle at that rpm on hills, riding two-up, or towing. The peak performance of the Spyder engine doesn't kick in until 5,000 rpm or above. Once you experience what the engine really has to offer, you may not want to ever short shift it again. From 5K to the redline it runs very nicely!

I have a 2010 RS with a Hindle exhaust and notice that running it at 4000 RPMs cruising, its a bit loud but rides so great. I'm sure that must be normal but wanted to ask.... i'm a new Spyder owner and loving it but want to make sure with the Hindle exhaust i should expect it to be a louder sounding ride.

 

[Bob Denman]

ldpost: