Took a demo ride

[1800vdrider]

Local dealer let me demo a new spyder, wow its like nothing ive ever ridden before. It was a blast, wish i could have kept it for the day. Two things i noticed though was the stock windshield would have to go and at highway speeds the engine seems to run vary high R.P.M.s. At least compared to my motorcycles. I heard there not real easy on gas maybe thats why. Are there optional pulleys and belts available? thanks guys:2thumbs:

 

[rc51ny]

Same thing here--I took a test ride last weekend. :thumbup: I've been lurking around this forum reading and re-reading all the posts. After the ride, I WANT ONE!!!! I curretly ride a Suzuki Hayabusa, so I think the Spyder would be a good addition in the garage. The only question is the maual or electronic shift???????:dontknow:

 

[tnfleming]

Send pm to nancystoy he is a motorhead

 

[NancysToy]

There is nothing like a demo ride to convince you! Glad you liked it. We actually bought without any demo ride (it was winter in Michigan) and have never regreted our purchase a moment during this last year. As you get more seat time, you will adapt to the Spyder and the necessary riding techniques, and it will get even better.

To answer your questions, a variety of accessory windshields are available, both in the aftermarket and from BRP. There are as many opinions on the windshields as there are belly buttons, so the choice is a very personal one. I suggest riding a while, looking at the forums, and some Spyders with other windshields, then making that decision. It is still a crap shoot.

At present, there is no other gearing available. The engine does run at a higher rpm than a number of bikes, but is not as peaky as a crotch rocket. You get used to it. The high idle rpm is another thing, I don't think I ever will get used to that. As to gas mileage, there are numerous theories. The idle and highway rpm can't help. I believe most of it has to do with drag and aerodynamics, however. This is a wide machine, aerodynamically dirty with its exposed suspension, and has lots of rubber on the ground. It has a huge frontal area compared to a bike, and is not as slippery as a modern car. Comes with the territory, so most of us have learned to accept it.
-Scotty

 

[DynamoBT]

I've got a Demo ride scheduled next week at a Corporate Event. I figure there is also the possibility of getting a demo with a local dealer to confirm or disuade further interest after the first ride.

I'd like the possibility of riding both the SM5 and SE5. I can see advantages to each.

I don't know how close I'll be to purchase after riding the Spyder. Yes, I know this forum puts a magnifying glass on problems. Still, I am wary. The Spyder is a luxury purchase. I'm trying very hard not to become impuslive.

I really appreciate that this forum exists. If I do end up buying one, the forum is better customer support than any dealer could provide.

Thanks again.

 

[Don in E Texas]

Hope everyone enjoys their test rides... :2thumbs:weather is getting nice in most of the US now, so riding is more of a pleasure. And by all means ride both the SE and SM models. My wife and I did --- found that neither one of us liked the SM model (felt like it was riding us instead of us riding it --- at LOW speeds --- highway speeds no difference).... We both liked the SE and purchased it... No regrets; no problems.

welcome's

Ride safe....

don

 

[babyanlee]

baby and I purchased without Demo ride also - again no regrets - We love our :spyder:and :agree:with everything below. Just be careful with the "belly button" questions. People on this forum love to give their opinion, but I have not found a better group of people (or smarter for that matter, or better lookin). Ask and we shall answer.:chat: :2thumbs:

 

[Firefly]

I did my demo and ordered one on the spot - took a year to get it in. Now you can get them within a week or less.

Previous bikers seem to prefer the SM5, while new riders might lean towards the SE5. Both are good bikes and each has had their set of issues. SE5's have had *some* issues with the shifting that are being addressed, but most have not had problems.

 

[rc51ny]

The dealer I demo'ed with had 2 (a red and a yellow) 2008's waiting to be sold- (nice price too!). Both were the electric shift models. I'd rather have the manual (I love the shift the 'busa-:2thumbs, I'm just a little unsure of that based on all the problems I see on this board with the electric shift. Guess I'll have to give it some more thought.

 

[NancysToy]

The dealer I demo'ed with had 2 (a red and a yellow) 2008's waiting to be sold- (nice price too!). Both were the electric shift models. I'd rather have the manual (I love the shift the 'busa-:2thumbs, but the wifey is thinking she's like to learn to ride, so the electric shift would suit her better. I'm just a little unsure of that based on all the problems I see on this board with the electric shift. Guess I'll have to give it some more thought.

My wife felt much the same way, but a year ago there was a long wait for the SE5s, and she wanted to ride as soon as possible. Took a standard MSF course, with a lot of fear and worry beforehand. After two days on the course bikes, she was an old hand at the clutch, and very comfortable. She rides her SM5 like the wind.
-Scotty

 

[Greg H.]

Just about 8,200 miles in under 6 months. And, each time I climb aboard, it's all-new, yet again! :thumbup:

 

[bjt]

Spring is in the air... evidenced by the increased number of demo rides reported today. Welcome to the new SpyderLovers, 1800vdrider and hotrodd7.

 

[rc51ny]

My wife felt much the same way, but a year ago there was a long wait for the SE5s, and she wanted to ride as soon as possible. Took a standard MSF course, with a lot of fear and worry beforehand. After two days on the course bikes, she was an old hand at the clutch, and very comfortable. She rides her SM5 like the wind.
-Scotty

I hope your wife's experience with the MSF course was a good one. I'm an instructor with the MSF program and I love to watch the progress the students make over the course of the program. The more folks we can graduate from that program the greater number of safer riders we'll have. Good for the sport --and good for them!:2thumbs:

 

[NancysToy]

I hope your wife's experience with the MSF course was a good one. I'm an instructor with the MSF program and I love to watch the progress the students make over the course of the program. The more folks we can graduate from that program the greater number of safer riders we'll have. Good for the sport --and good for them!:2thumbs:

My wife was very pleased with the MSF course. She had a lot going for her when she went in...years of experience driving a stick shift car, and a few years of riding a Honda Trail 90 around. No street experience, however, and a lot of difficulty with previous attempts at bike clutches. Two half days in the saddle, after an evening of classwork, did the trick. Seeing her obvious ease as she finished up the last day and took her test made me feel great. I told her she had what it took, she just never realized it. Two things for newcomers to remember:
1. The MSF instructors are there to try to get you through this, they don't want you to fail.
2. Owning a Spyder and wanting to ride it is the best incentive anybody ever had.
Just ask my wife...
-Scotty

 

[rc51ny]

My wife was very pleased with the MSF course. She had a lot going for her when she went in...years of experience driving a stick shift car, and a few years of riding a Honda Trail 90 around. No street experience, however, and a lot of difficulty with previous attempts at bike clutches. Two half days in the saddle, after an evening of classwork, did the trick. Seeing her obvious ease as she finished up the last day and took her test made me feel great. I told her she had what it took, she just never realized it. Two things for newcomers to remember:
1. The MSF instructors are there to try to get you through this, they don't want you to fail.
2. Owning a Spyder and wanting to ride it is the best incentive anybody ever had.
Just ask my wife...
-Scotty

Yea, I think all of us MSF coaches work hard to help folks be successful. After all, it's all about staying safe and having FUN!!! The more people who are smiling---the better. I'm glad to hear your wife enjoyed the course

 

[Lamonster]

welcome:spyder2:

 

[rc51ny]

welcome:spyder2:

Thanks--now all I need is a--- :spyder:

 

[aubierules]

The only question is the maual or electronic shift???????:dontknow:

ok bonecrusher, i know your gonna say it...."save ur money, buy a manual" or something like that....i figured id save u the trouble of typing:yikes:

 

[AMTJIM]

Yes...The touring pulley or economy pulley is something many of us have asked for, not sure why it's still not available. Probably that it may not be a good option for those doing anymore than 1 up riding. Not sure the engine has enough HP developed at 4500 rpm/75mph to carry 2 people with luggage or 1 person with trailer or 2 people with trailer...any combo except 1 up. But...that's what all the other gears are for!
I think the lowest cost winshield upgrade for a significantly taller screen may be the Mels Monster Garage...they have tinted bronze and clear.
As for SM5 or SE5...I was going to pick an SE5...I had thought I read the SE was CVT, so that's why. It isn't, so I went for the SM5(coming right off an SV1000S).