Trying to do my homework

[Jlbspyder]

I have been lurking for some time trying to decide if I truly want to go from two wheels to a Spyder. I've tried to read everything about Spyders I can find and feel well educated on their issues, concerns and benefits.
I had the occasion to sit on on a 2012 RT limited and was surprised how compact the drivers area felt. This is not something that I can't recall being discussed during my reading. I'm 6-3 about 250 and currently ride a HD Ultra. I know the 2013 and 2014 have floorboards and wonder if that makes any difference in the foot space available.
I was wondering If some of the current owners who are large in statue could chime on on their comfort not just for short trips but for touring. It would also be helpful if you could list some of the modifications you've make to increase your comfort.
Thanks in advance,

JB

 

[ARtraveler]

I have been lurking for some time trying to decide if I truly want to go from two wheels to a Spyder. I've tried to read everything about Spyders I can find and feel well educated on their issues, concerns and benefits.
I had the occasion to sit on on a 2012 RT limited and was surprised how compact the drivers area felt. This is not something that I can't recall being discussed during my reading. I'm 6-3 about 250 and currently ride a HD Ultra. I know the 2013 and 2014 have floorboards and wonder if that makes any difference in the foot space available.
I was wondering If some of the current owners who are large in statue could chime on on their comfort not just for short trips but for touring. It would also be helpful if you could list some of the modifications you've make to increase your comfort.
Thanks in advance,

JB

A lot of the "bigger" people will come on and answer your questions about space on the :spyder2:. A long test drive will help you to see if the :ani29: is right for you. A rental of a day would even be a better idea. There is a learning curve for driving the :spyder2:. 500 miles or more for those with prior two wheels experience. I did not feel comfortable on my first :ani29: until I had about 1500 miles under my belt. I have owned over 40 assorted two wheelers since 1965 or so. Most that are new to the :spyder2: complain of twitchy or roaming actions. This is usually due to over control by the pilot.

RE: accessories--I recommend not adding to many until you get to know the machine over a thousand miles or so. I have added a few things to my RT's and they are listed on my profile page. What works for me is not necessarily what will work for you.

 

[Jeriatric]

6' 4" / 220 here. Sounds like a saddle change would be most beneficial for you. Worked well for me. There are several seat sponsors listed on the home page. Each of them will gladly help. The choice is yours. Hope this helps.

 

[cuznjohn]

hi

I have been lurking for some time trying to decide if I truly want to go from two wheels to a Spyder. I've tried to read everything about Spyders I can find and feel well educated on their issues, concerns and benefits.
I had the occasion to sit on on a 2012 RT limited and was surprised how compact the drivers area felt. This is not something that I can't recall being discussed during my reading. I'm 6-3 about 250 and currently ride a HD Ultra. I know the 2013 and 2014 have floorboards and wonder if that makes any difference in the foot space available.
I was wondering If some of the current owners who are large in statue could chime on on their comfort not just for short trips but for touring. It would also be helpful if you could list some of the modifications you've make to increase your comfort.
Thanks in advance,

JB

almost 6 foot and 300 plus pounds and i feel pretty comfortable on the 2013 rt i own. now i did order mine with the comfort seat that puts you back about two inches and that i really like. they also have the tri axis handle bars that you could add that can make it better for you but i never felt the reason to get them. i still miss my 2 wheels but with the leg and foot problems i have and not wanting to give up riding, i figured this is the best bet for me. good luck with whatever you decide

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: Figuring out if you'll be comfortable on the bike is always the toughest thing to accomplish on the showroom floor. You'll need to wrangle a decent test-ride out of a dealer; any dealer!
Remember; these babies do NOT feel or handle at all like a "tipover"... If you have any ATV or snowmobile experience; that's a close approximation to the feel.
Personalizing the bike to fit you is about the easiest thing to do; the tough part will be picking from so many really great products. If you decide that this is the choice that you wish to make; take your time and ask LOTS of quesiotns about any accessories or modifications that you want to make. I'll guarantte you that somebody in here will have the answers for you! :2thumbs:

 

[Chupaca]

Test ryde..!!

have to agree about test ryding and possibly renting one. The seating position is different on the different models. Those who have made changes will help you out. We have a RS with the comfort seat and works great for me..me being 6'1" 185lbs ryding with the wife abit shoeter and much lighter...good luck..!! :thumbup:

 

[sharbill]

I have a 2011 with seal floorboards. I am 6' 6" at 260 lbs. The length of the boards does help plus you can stretch your legs with John's board design. Find someone at the dealer that will let you sit or even ride their machine with boards on it.

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Made to fit me: (I am 6/1 and weigh 190)
1. Seat --- you need to try the Ultimate, the Comfort (BRP) and the Corbin. Find someone who has them and sit on it for 20 minutes or so. I did all of this and settled on a gel pad for my butt. Works fine--gave me an extra tiny bit of room, and enabled me to sit on the bones in my butt instead of my prostrate.
2. Highway pegs....
3. Heat on the right foot...I use a pair of 1/2 chaps with heat resistant fabric sewed to the inside. It totally solves the problem
4. Either adjustable handlebars, or get a good mechanic to assist you by inspecting your posture to determine how much handlebar riser height you may or may not need.
5. Floorboards...some people swear by them. They made no difference to me at all. I took them off and sold them. This doesn't mean they are bad--just that they didn't help me--the highway pegs and 1/2 chaps did.

 

[5ft2lilred]

Large and Tall - Spyder fits all

Not to worry! Husband is 195# 6' and our friend in Reno is 6'3" and about 230#. Both have 2012 RT's and have never had a comfort problem. Husband and I just did a 9611 mile trip this year from OR to PA and rode comfortably all the way!
We have added a lot of goodies - tall windshields, lots of lights, Etc. Are considering the gas cap seat mod to make it easier for me refueling - husband doesn't want one on his though.
As for going from 2 to 3 wheels; hubby was a HD man tried and true and go tired of me passing him up; so converted and has never looked back.

 

[captblack]

At 6 feet and 300+ I find my 2011 RT very comfortable with some modifications. I have an Ultimate Tall Boy seat which is very nice. Before that I had a BRP comfort seat with a Utopia backrest that was very comfortable but had no room of a passenger. I have had Seal deluxe boards but now use Seal Pups and added Lamont's highway pegs. 34,000 miles in 2 years so I guess you could say I gave it a good test.

I also ride a Vulcan 900 and find that I am comfortable on that with the added Ultimate seat/backrest. I like the leg position which makes all the difference.

I think you will love the Spyder and there are plenty of options to make it more comfortable. I would take it slowly and make one change at a time. If you see another Spyder and get a chance, ask if you can sit on it and see how it feels.

 

[dangme55]

Me not dainty either

I have a 2013 RT-S. I am 6'3 260# and found the stock seat was okay. Not great but okay. A little too much knee bend which caused my elderly knees to complain after an hour or so. Temporary fix was to stand up on the floorboards at a stop light. (A luxury that is hard to do on a two wheeler)

I finally opted for the Ultimate Tall Boy (set back and a little higher) which solved the problem(s) and is very comfortable. As many have said there are quite a few options from other vendors that carry forward the same idea.

As to the heat I have not seen that as a problem. I rode a Victory Vision before this and on a hot summer day that huge right jug would literally fry your leg at low speeds. Had to ride bow-legged. LOL

I have done a number of mods including suspension as you can see in the signature.

As others have said go test ride the different models. You can do mods if any incrementally as you get the notion.

After holding up nearly 1,500# of Victory and riders (two up) at every stop my legs really appreciate the Spyder. It still weighs 1,500# but now it holds ME up.

And the Spyder is a blast to ride. It is a different experience from a two-wheeler but it is still way too much fun.:thumbup:

 

[Pennyrick]

I have been lurking for some time trying to decide if I truly want to go from two wheels to a Spyder. I've tried to read everything about Spyders I can find and feel well educated on their issues, concerns and benefits.
I had the occasion to sit on on a 2012 RT limited and was surprised how compact the drivers area felt. This is not something that I can't recall being discussed during my reading. I'm 6-3 about 250 and currently ride a HD Ultra. I know the 2013 and 2014 have floorboards and wonder if that makes any difference in the foot space available.
I was wondering If some of the current owners who are large in statue could chime on on their comfort not just for short trips but for touring. It would also be helpful if you could list some of the modifications you've make to increase your comfort.
Thanks in advance,

JB

I am just a little over six feet and weigh 230#. My first RT was a 2011 SM and I found I liked the seating but it was never as comfortable as the Gold Wing I traded nor my Valkyrie Interstate that both had stock seats.

When we moved to the 2012 RT SE Limited I was bit more comfortable but it wasn't until I added floorboards and an Ultimate seat that it really, really felt comfortable. 90 minutes in the saddle used to be my maximum but now I can ride for several hours without feeling fatigued.

 

[AlEverett]

I'm 6'6" and over 300 lbs and I am very comfortable with the comfort seat on my 2013 RT-S. The RTs have a more upright posture for the rider with less knee bend, which is perfect for my old football knee. Never have any of the issues I hear about with heat or stability. One of the best investments in fun I have ever made.

 

[Jlbspyder]

Thanks to all who contributed. I plan on making the move after I am able to obtain a informative test ride.
Thanks again,
JB

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Thanks to all who contributed. I plan on making the move after I am able to obtain a informative test ride.
Thanks again,
JB

Your post info says you live in so ca. Where is that? I live in Southern California. Do you live hereabouts or maybe in Southern Cameroon?

 

[Jlbspyder]

Your post info says you live in so ca. Where is that? I live in Southern California. Do you live hereabouts or maybe in Southern Cameroon?

Temecula Wine Country,

 

[Dragonrider]

I have been lurking for some time trying to decide if I truly want to go from two wheels to a Spyder. I've tried to read everything about Spyders I can find and feel well educated on their issues, concerns and benefits.
I had the occasion to sit on on a 2012 RT limited and was surprised how compact the drivers area felt. This is not something that I can't recall being discussed during my reading. I'm 6-3 about 250 and currently ride a HD Ultra. I know the 2013 and 2014 have floorboards and wonder if that makes any difference in the foot space available.
I was wondering If some of the current owners who are large in statue could chime on on their comfort not just for short trips but for touring. It would also be helpful if you could list some of the modifications you've make to increase your comfort.
Thanks in advance,

JB

I'm 6'4" and 295 - I needed a Corbin seat w/backrest and Seal Floorboards - couldn't have been more comfortable. Make sure you have a GOOD dealer/shop close by. Having to ride 160 miles for good service was a killer for me.