Wife's New to her Spyder! Tips welcome !

[wlinn1]

Howdy everyone!
Wife just bought a new to her 2017 RT with 5k miles about a month ago. Long story short, she had a Kawi Vulcan, dumped it and got burned from the exhaust, afraid to ride again and sold it. She's now back up and willing to try again. She always wanted a Spyder, saw a great deal and jumped. She is loving it but there is a learning curve naturally.

So I have been lurking on here for about as long as that. She doesn't do forums so here i am! I'm on a couple forums for other things and am loving this community from what I am reading. Very helpful with tips and information. I appreciate it.

Right now I am researching new tire recommendations. Second time she drove it, she said "these tires are crap". Still has the originals. Wife knows about quality tires. Her favorite are Yokahamas. I see that there is plenty of debate/tips over that. Search is a great function!

So far I have installed for her a new seat shock, bigger brake pedal and Lid locks are on order. She just ordered pinstriping. Will deal with GPS, helmet to helmet bluetooth in short order.

In the mean time while she is getting comfortable driving around while I'm on the back seat looking around and just answering her questions. So it's like she is driving MS. Daisy! I'm actually kinda liking this!
I've always had bikes myself. This is the first time in years that I haven't had one. I'm looking at Ninja's, R1's, VFR's(already had 3 of these) or maybe a Vmax. We will ride together alot but still like my bikes.

I'm just really happy that she has gotten this Spyder! It's bringing her self confidence back and she is starting to love riding again!!!

Any tips/advice for her(newbie riding these) is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Wayne

 

[Saluda]

Good luck and welcome. Relaxed grip is a biggie. Also expect a few hundred miles before she's comfortable. To us it was a lot like snowmobiling. Enjoy.

 

[wlinn1]

Good luck and welcome. Relaxed grip is a biggie. Also expect a few hundred miles before she's comfortable. To us it was a lot like snowmobiling. Enjoy.

Thanks!!! You are right! The relaxed grip is huge! I start massaging her shoulders when I seeing her shoulders start reaching her ears and she is white knuckling. It's getting further apart . Just happening now in traffic at highway speeds. She just needs more time on the throttle!

I appreciate it!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks!!! You are right! The relaxed grip is huge! I start massaging her shoulders when I seeing her shoulders start reaching her ears and she is white knuckling. It's getting further apart . Just happening now in traffic at highway speeds. She just needs more time on the throttle!

I appreciate it!

:welcome: .... Tires??? ... if you can do the wrenching???? Any Auto shop can put on any tire you bring them (even the rear - look at some vids ) .... I recommend Vredestein Quatrac 1 in 165/60-15 ... buy it on-line from Tire Rack .... Don't ask for any advice or tell them what vehicle, just order them .... Rear - Riken HP 215/60-15 ( also from Tire Rack ) .... shipping is free and I suggest you don't order them at the same time. If you don't wrench - call a Dealer and ask if they will mount AUTO tires. You're new here so I'll tell you - I know tires .... and if you ask I'm sure many folks will verify it .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Peter Aawen]

Don't forget to read the Do's & Do Not's thread that was one of the threads Spyderbot suggested as pre-posting reading (amongst other important info for new members! :lecturef_smilie & linked for you in the thread for your username in the Welcome section! Just make sure you check out the revs & control input/gear changing info specific to the 1330 Triple motors, cos they are a little different to the earlier V-Twins - the actual 'riding' stuff is much the same tho, regardless of the motor! hyea:

Here's a copy of the link:

Do's & Don'ts for new Spyder Owners

And btw, even if I've already said, Welcome to the Forum & posting, and to the Wonderful World of Spyder Ryding!! :thumbup:

 

[wlinn1]

:welcome: .... Tires??? ... if you can do the wrenching???? Any Auto shop can put on any tire you bring them (even the rear - look at some vids ) .... I recommend Vredestein Quatrac 1 in 165/60-15 ... buy it on-line from Tire Rack .... Don't ask for any advice or tell them what vehicle, just order them .... Rear - Riken HP 215/60-15 ( also from Tire Rack ) .... shipping is free and I suggest you don't order them at the same time. If you don't wrench - call a Dealer and ask if they will mount AUTO tires. You're new here so I'll tell you - I know tires .... and if you ask I'm sure many folks will verify it .... Mike :thumbup:

Blueknight..
I literally am on Tire Rack on another tab looking at the Vredestien's because of some of the posts that you have talked about them! They are out of stock right now until 10/28. So still good. I can do the wrenching no problem. I actually told the wife that I get to get new tools so I can pull her rear tire! And I appreciate the advice about not ordering them at the same time. I'll order the fronts and ship them to the house and the wife can order the rear and ship them to her business.

 

[wlinn1]

Don't forget to read the Do's & Do Not's thread that was one of the threads Spyderbot suggested as pre-posting reading (amongst other important info for new members! :lecturef_smilie & linked for you in the thread for your username in the Welcome section! Just make sure you check out the revs & control input/gear changing info specific to the 1330 Triple motors, cos they are a little different to the earlier V-Twins - the actual 'riding' stuff is much the same tho, regardless of the motor! hyea:

Here's a copy of the link:

Do's & Don'ts for new Spyder Owners

And btw, even if I've already said, Welcome to the Forum & posting, and to the Wonderful World of Spyder Ryding!! :thumbup:

Thanks Peter!

She is trying to get used to the shifting points. I find that she is almost relying on the upshift arrow on the dash a bit too much. For me when I drive it.....I'm still trying to grab the invisible clutch lever on the left and the invisible front brake lever constantly.

 

[Partzman23]

New SpyderLover

:congrats: & :welcome: glad you joined the group . You will find a lot of good
information on the forum . Ask any questions you may have and we are here to help..
I have a 17RTL myself for over 2 yrs now I love it and do my own maintenance and tire
changes myself. You will find the more you work on the Spyder the easier it gets.
Learning what body panels need to come off to do what is one of the biggest
challenges, lol look into the Magic Mirrors from Lamonster Garage , they are your friend .
Ryde safe and enjoy the Ryde
Artie

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks Peter!

She is trying to get used to the shifting points. I find that she is almost relying on the upshift arrow on the dash a bit too much. For me when I drive it.....I'm still trying to grab the invisible clutch lever on the left and the invisible front brake lever constantly.

I have a 14RT with the same engine and clutch. I have the SE trans. and shift at about 2000 to 2200 RPM's Unless I'm cranking it in the twistie's .... The SE trans downshifts by itself and again unless I'm in the Twistie's that works for me .... Mike:thumbup:

 

[DoTheDOOO]

My best advice would be to go with her and stay off of the interstate. GL and enjoy I hope she likes it.

 

[Bfromla]

:congrats::welcome:opcorn: Learning curve ~ryding the curves :riding: do & Don’t’s for sure, got the time & willing to “retrain” find a three wheel course & hopefully find adjusting not forcing.
Stay with familiar roads(rack up some miles)till find comfort, don’t have to avoid interstate (just won’t enjoy as much,degrading experience & learning).She can join us too (direct information)& the girls on spyders group, believe on FB maybe more her cup of tea¿ along with tires will wanna find a laser alignment can make substantial difference even just with Oem equipment. Miles of smiles to come :yes::clap:

 

[blacklightning]

Welcome! I am not sure how far Newport is from the Raleigh area, but if you are on facebook, check out Triangle Spyders. We ride as often as we can and love to meet new people and their bikes.
I also like your other bike choices that you are considering. I had a 2010 Vmax before picking up my BMW K1600 B. I am getting to the point that comfort is more important to me and the additional storage was nice also.

 

[wlinn1]

:congrats: & :welcome: glad you joined the group . You will find a lot of good
information on the forum . Ask any questions you may have and we are here to help..
I have a 17RTL myself for over 2 yrs now I love it and do my own maintenance and tire
changes myself. You will find the more you work on the Spyder the easier it gets.
Learning what body panels need to come off to do what is one of the biggest
challenges, lol look into the Magic Mirrors from Lamonster Garage , they are your friend .
Ryde safe and enjoy the Ryde
Artie

Artie! Oh my gosh that's so funny! I was just laughing at myself last week about thinking how was I going to get to this/that/the other without taking panels/tupperware off! then realized it would be so much easier if i did! And love the terms frunk/tupperware!

Thanks!

 

[wlinn1]

:congrats::welcome:opcorn: Learning curve ~ryding the curves :riding: do & Don’t’s for sure, got the time & willing to “retrain” find a three wheel course & hopefully find adjusting not forcing.
Stay with familiar roads(rack up some miles)till find comfort, don’t have to avoid interstate (just won’t enjoy as much,degrading experience & learning).She can join us too (direct information)& the girls on spyders group, believe on FB maybe more her cup of tea¿ along with tires will wanna find a laser alignment can make substantial difference even just with Oem equipment. Miles of smiles to come :yes::clap:

Thanks!! I think a 3 wheeler course would be awesome! I will def look into that! I just told her about the FB and she is looking into that. She's all about some FB!

 

[wlinn1]

Welcome! I am not sure how far Newport is from the Raleigh area, but if you are on facebook, check out Triangle Spyders. We ride as often as we can and love to meet new people and their bikes.
I also like your other bike choices that you are considering. I had a 2010 Vmax before picking up my BMW K1600 B. I am getting to the point that comfort is more important to me and the additional storage was nice also.

We live about 2 hours away. Life is so much easier with the new bypasses around Smithfield and Goldsboro. We are right outside Morehead City and right by MCAS Cherry Point. I just told her about the Triangle Spyders and she seems excited! I've ridden Vmax's before but never owned one. Usually i own Sport/sport touring. My last 3 have been VFR's. I like the seating angle. I'm short so I fit very nicely on the sport bikes. Wife had a Vulcan and whenever I rode it, my butt fell asleep within 20 minutes. But I couldn't set it up that was comfortable for me as it was hers. I like those K1600's!!

 

[Peter Aawen]

Thanks Peter!

She is trying to get used to the shifting points. I find that she is almost relying on the upshift arrow on the dash a bit too much. For me when I drive it.....I'm still trying to grab the invisible clutch lever on the left and the invisible front brake lever constantly.

Just a reminder that the Green Upshift Arrow is going to be indicating & calling for a change up at that are revs pretty close to the lowest possible viable revs for the next gear, and it's called 'ECO Mode' (for ECOnomy Mode ) with the intent that you verrrryyyy gently roll on the revs after the upshift too!! However, as most here will support, using ECO Mode might save you 2/5ths of 5/8ths of fuel in the long run, but most find it's really not much saving at all & barely worth it considering the amount of your attention it takes from the road & surroundings! :banghead: The engine is capable of revving safely A LOT harder than that! So tell her she can use those revs whenever she feels up to it.

Similar to the ECO guided upshifts, the 'fail-safe' computer initiated downshifts are just that - they are a 'fail-safe' downshift prompted just before the engine revs drop below the lowest safely viable revs for the higher gear at that given road speed, and intended to protect the engine by saving it from low rev lugging rather than giving you the best/safest riding profile & gear selection. Sure, you can chose to let the Semi-automatic SE6 gearbox do the downshifts for you if you wish, they'll work sorta OK, especially if you're just tooling along &/or not actively engaged in the riding experience; but if you want the best from your Spyder's engine & its transmission, which is still effectively the same trans as the manual SM6's only with the addition of the sexy and fast flappy paddle initiated electronically activated shifting, you'll be revving at least 'a bit' harder than the Green Arrows call for AND using both the UP & DOWN shift paddles under your left fore-finger & thumb, and getting a bit more engaged in enjoying the macjphine & the ride itself! :thumbup:

Besides all of the above, using ECO Mode not only gives you that Upshift Arrow, but it retards the 'fly by wire' throttle input to something slower & less than the normal setting, which itself is somewhat downgraded from that the engines are able to handle and run best at, as evidenced by the number of riders bringing their Spyders to life with Power Commanders & the like (those devices are simply throttle input enhancers tho, there's not actually any power gain at all! :lecturef_smilie: ) or those who actually DO gain more power by getting their ECU's Upgraded and so unleashing some of the additional power available from these engines in other trim/on other platforms that BRP saw fit to restrict in the Spyders - and most who go down the ECU Upgrade path find that if they can resist the temptation to wring the throttle hard all the time, they get even better fuel economy!! Which just goes to show that the restrictions BRP has placed on your engines performance really aren't giving you the best from the platform - just like their 'LESS than ideal' OEM tires restrict it's handling performance! :gaah:

So I'd strongly suggest that, when she's ready & getting comfortable on the bike, you might want to encourage your wife to turn OFF ECO Mode & start using the greater rev range a bit more! hyea: She doesn't need to use WOT all the time or even at all if she doesn't want to, but revving the 1330 motor juuust a bit harder than those green arrows suggest will make it get up & go a little better - and personally, in the riding I've done on 1330 Spyders, I've always found that using more revs & gear selection to try & keep the revs in the 2500 to 3500 or even 4000 range as much as possible (there's generally no need to use those higher gears at all if you're just tooling around town! ) returns a much nicer & more enjoyable ride, AND for me, it results in better fuel economy than using ECO Mode & slavishly following the Green Arrow's directions ever does!! But then, that's just me, and I still do prefer riding my 2013 RT, with it's far more exciting, revvier & peppier V-Twin motor! :yes: hyea: :thumbup:

Over to you! :cheers:

 

[blacklightning]

We live about 2 hours away. Life is so much easier with the new bypasses around Smithfield and Goldsboro. We are right outside Morehead City and right by MCAS Cherry Point. I just told her about the Triangle Spyders and she seems excited! I've ridden Vmax's before but never owned one. Usually i own Sport/sport touring. My last 3 have been VFR's. I like the seating angle. I'm short so I fit very nicely on the sport bikes. Wife had a Vulcan and whenever I rode it, my butt fell asleep within 20 minutes. But I couldn't set it up that was comfortable for me as it was hers. I like those K1600's!!

Cool! I know approx. where you are. One of my business associates is located in the little town of LaGrange (between Goldboro and Kinston).
If you are looking at the Vmax, give the 2009-2020 a try (2nd gen.). They do everything that the older ones couldn't do (good brakes and handling). And when people talk about the power that the older ones had (145 hp), just let them know that the new ones have 197 hp. Hope you and your wife joins Triangle spyders. Great group. The original administrator and myself came up with this group about 8 years ago, and it has really taken off. She was a great woman and friend. Unfortunately she passed from cancer a little over a year ago. Still a lot of good people in the group.

 

[cravenfun]

My wife is at a year now on her F3S. She wasn't comfortable on 2 wheels, got her license at 50 via a M/C training course, only rode 2 wheels for a few months and stopped riding her own bike, now she's an old pro on the Spyder at 67. Long time snowmobilers so that was a giant help for her plus she's a ''car'' girl and that helped a lot.
Like others said the relaxed grip is most important. I've got her floorboards and bars dialed in for her. She's most happy with it in Eco mode. I've got her shifting at around 3k rpm at a minimum vs the eco mode short shift. Keep yer eyes on the road says me.
She will not drive busy highways, and only if necessary, even in a car. I'd stay out of town on 2 lane stuff until she gets some miles under her belt until she becomes one with the machine. With communication with Cardos that was a big confidence builder IMO for her getting back into the wind and leading us when out for a spin.

 

[Peacekeeper6]

In addition to a Three Wheel Course, I highly suggest installing a Baja Ron swaybar, if it doesn't have one already installed.

I had already put about 500 miles on it, and I just couldn't "lighten my grip" and adjust as many would suggest to make it more stable. Also, crosswinds on windy days and from passing semis would jostle me around pretty good. After I installed it myself (not difficult really), the bike became A LOT more stable. And a stable bike inspires MORE confidence and MORE enjoyable to ride.

Perhaps that is the only thing missing on your wife's Spyder ....

 

[wlinn1]

My wife is at a year now on her F3S. She wasn't comfortable on 2 wheels, got her license at 50 via a M/C training course, only rode 2 wheels for a few months and stopped riding her own bike, now she's an old pro on the Spyder at 67. Long time snowmobilers so that was a giant help for her plus she's a ''car'' girl and that helped a lot.
Like others said the relaxed grip is most important. I've got her floorboards and bars dialed in for her. She's most happy with it in Eco mode. I've got her shifting at around 3k rpm at a minimum vs the eco mode short shift. Keep yer eyes on the road says me.
She will not drive busy highways, and only if necessary, even in a car. I'd stay out of town on 2 lane stuff until she gets some miles under her belt until she becomes one with the machine. With communication with Cardos that was a big confidence builder IMO for her getting back into the wind and leading us when out for a spin.

Thanks!! We are looking at bluetooth for comms now!