Well, I finally did it...I took a test ride (or is it drive?) today.
Since I live in South Florida, it's been too hot/humid or rainy to get motivated to get out. I've been planning on checking out a Spyder for a few months, but the Florida heat is just too much to ride in with gear. But since my area's riding season is approaching, I thought it was about time I got to experience what so many riders are talking about.
While I'll probably wait for an RT-S (I enjoy touring), I wanted to get the feeling of a Spyder and may get one of the current models to ride until the touring model shows up at the Dealer. This way, I won't miss any part of my riding season waiting for the new one to arrive. (We'll see if the local Dealers can come up with a creative way to let me ride today on a current model and get the RT-S when it arrives).
After owning more bikes that I care to admit and having ridden most of my life, I have to say, there's something about riding a Spyder for the first time and attempting to put it in words. Simply stated...It's Different...in a good way.
The power band blew me away. When it hits 4,000 RPM, it seems to want to fly! Yes, digging into the turns takes some getting used to, but I'm sure that will get better with more seat time. But the most amazing part for this rider was when we approached a stop light and I didn't have to place my feet on the ground. That was just strange! Allow me to note the temperature today was in the 90s and yes...humid. The test ride was about 45 minutes and for around 15 minutes we (the Dealer's salesguy was on a bike) got stuck in construction traffic. I was expecting to feel a lot of engine heat and was surprised that it didn't seem to get hot. The Spyder I rode was basically stock with the exception of an aftermarket exhaust system. Yes, it popped a bit on decel, but not too badly.
While I thought I'd prefer the automatic (I hope that's the right word) transmission, the test model I rode was a manual. A friend had told me that the clutch was very stiff and in my mind, I thought I'd enjoy the push button shifter better. I think my friend was wrong as the clutch was very smooth.
So, I thought I'd come to you for advice. Automatic or Manual? Pros and Cons are appreciated. Any help and guidance is also appreciated. Any other guidance you can give to a first time Spyder buyer is greatly appreciated. I realize that much of this information is probably already contained here on this site...but I'm a bit overwhelmed at this point. So, thanks in advance for your assistance.
Since I live in South Florida, it's been too hot/humid or rainy to get motivated to get out. I've been planning on checking out a Spyder for a few months, but the Florida heat is just too much to ride in with gear. But since my area's riding season is approaching, I thought it was about time I got to experience what so many riders are talking about.
While I'll probably wait for an RT-S (I enjoy touring), I wanted to get the feeling of a Spyder and may get one of the current models to ride until the touring model shows up at the Dealer. This way, I won't miss any part of my riding season waiting for the new one to arrive. (We'll see if the local Dealers can come up with a creative way to let me ride today on a current model and get the RT-S when it arrives).
After owning more bikes that I care to admit and having ridden most of my life, I have to say, there's something about riding a Spyder for the first time and attempting to put it in words. Simply stated...It's Different...in a good way.
The power band blew me away. When it hits 4,000 RPM, it seems to want to fly! Yes, digging into the turns takes some getting used to, but I'm sure that will get better with more seat time. But the most amazing part for this rider was when we approached a stop light and I didn't have to place my feet on the ground. That was just strange! Allow me to note the temperature today was in the 90s and yes...humid. The test ride was about 45 minutes and for around 15 minutes we (the Dealer's salesguy was on a bike) got stuck in construction traffic. I was expecting to feel a lot of engine heat and was surprised that it didn't seem to get hot. The Spyder I rode was basically stock with the exception of an aftermarket exhaust system. Yes, it popped a bit on decel, but not too badly.
While I thought I'd prefer the automatic (I hope that's the right word) transmission, the test model I rode was a manual. A friend had told me that the clutch was very stiff and in my mind, I thought I'd enjoy the push button shifter better. I think my friend was wrong as the clutch was very smooth.
So, I thought I'd come to you for advice. Automatic or Manual? Pros and Cons are appreciated. Any help and guidance is also appreciated. Any other guidance you can give to a first time Spyder buyer is greatly appreciated. I realize that much of this information is probably already contained here on this site...but I'm a bit overwhelmed at this point. So, thanks in advance for your assistance.
maybe one handed driving for the the video camera?
hyea
