[spyderrider]

I just got back from a 300 mile ride last night with my new Spyder and I feel good about it on the road but I sure could use some tips on cornering in the city. At low speed it feels like it wants to throw me off and I need to find out how to make a smooth turn, right now it isn't pretty. Are there any videos on You Tube or somewhere else that shows someone actually making turns like going around a rotary circle or a 90 degree turn into a parking lot, how to lean, throttle and/or clutch or what? Seeing how it is done would be better than someone just telling me. You people with a lot of miles on the Spyder must have this process down smooth.
Thanks for your help.

[Danimal]

Here is an online training video that might help

http://spyderryder.brp.com/spyder-communit...7d-650fa372fa1b


It take time and practice.... and sliding your BUTT a bit!

[sabunim5]

I don't have any videos to offer but with this type of three wheeler it is desireable to get your weight as far forward and to the inside of the turn as possible. Don't worry you will get used to it. The computer Nanny will retard ignition, apply brakes etc. if you get too wild. Hang on tight, get forward and inside. Ryde safe and Enjoy.
sabunim5

[spyderrider]

Thanks. I just viewed the dvd that came with the bike, the same as the training video you gave the link for. I see how it is done, I guess I just need to lean forward and into the turn and overcome that feeling that the bike is going to tip too far. I think that is my biggest problem. I'm going to go to the local supermarket parking lot after it closes and practise practise practise. Thanks again.

[Aptera#965]

spyderrider, on May 15 2008, 02:07 PM, said:

Thanks. I just viewed the dvd that came with the bike, the same as the training video you gave the link for. I see how it is done, I guess I just need to lean forward and into the turn and overcome that feeling that the bike is going to tip too far. I think that is my biggest problem. I'm going to go to the local supermarket parking lot after it closes and practise practise practise. Thanks again.

Yep, that's what I did- found a big empty lot and started throwing the Spyder into corners testing it's limits. Figured out throught the process what it likes, doesn't like, and what body positions I need to be in for certain situations.

One thing I found is the Spyder is pretty good at making sharp turns at high speed so if you're not careful, you and your Spyder could wind up going in opposite directions!

Take your time and really concentrate on getting the most out of your practice time

[spyderrider]

Aptera#965, on May 15 2008, 07:43 PM, said:

Yep, that's what I did- found a big empty lot and started throwing the Spyder into corners testing it's limits. Figured out throught the process what it likes, doesn't like, and what body positions I need to be in for certain situations.

One thing I found is the Spyder is pretty good at making sharp turns at high speed so if you're not careful, you and your Spyder could wind up going in opposite directions!

Take your time and really concentrate on getting the most out of your practice time

Thanks.
I was going to go out and practise but I just noticed the transit permit is missing. It snapped off the license plate holder so I will have to take my car and get it registered tomorrow.

I got a reply email from the dealer also giving me helpful tips on how to steer it. I have to tell you, if anyone in eastern Canada is looking for a great dealer to do business with I certainly would recommend Adrenaline Sport Extremes in Quebec City. Their salesman stayed with my for the entire 2.5 hours I was there and he showed me everything about the bike and had my windshield installed that I bought from Marcel. They couldn't do enough for me.

[VisuMAX]

spyderrider, on May 15 2008, 06:57 PM, said:

Thanks.
I was going to go out and practise but I just noticed the transit permit is missing. It snapped off the license plate holder so I will have to take my car and get it registered tomorrow.

I got a reply email from the dealer also giving me helpful tips on how to steer it. I have to tell you, if anyone in eastern Canada is looking for a great dealer to do business with I certainly would recommend Adrenaline Sport Extremes in Quebec City. Their salesman stayed with my for the entire 2.5 hours I was there and he showed me everything about the bike and had my windshield installed that I bought from Marcel. They couldn't do enough for me.

I had a great experience with my sales / tech folk as well (RPM Motorsports - In Denver). They really want you to understand how the roadster handles and were very patient explaining cornering etc.

[wreed]

What I think would help is to think of "shifting" rather than "leaning". Bending over at the waist sideways, in my opinion, only helps a small amount.

If you shift over on the seat about 1-2 inches, you can still remain fairly upright and it feels quite a bit more stable in the turns. This is helped even more by leaning forward just a bit.

While sitting of the Spyder, think of it as pushing one knee forward (the inside one) and pulling the other back.

This method has worked great for me.

[Danimal]

I also find quite often I need to shift while in a tight turn from 1st to second while I'm really getting on the throttle... which makes it difficult to use the clutch..... so many times I don't.

Once you get the 'feel' of the shift you can do it without the clutch. You'll know if you are doing it right as it will be smooth...

Goes back to my dirt-bike days... many times you just couldn't use the clutch....

[spyderrider]

By George I think I've got it!!! I realized my problem was when I made a turn and the bike makes a very small dip to the outside wheel and you get the sensation that the bike is tipping but we know it is only the shock and suspension compressing because the weight has shifted to it in the turn. Once I realized what was going on and the bike wasn't going to tip more than an inch or so I have been doing fine. I was doing so fine last night I didn't want to park it and I think I drove just about every street in town. WOW.
Thanks for all the help and advice, this is part of what makes this site so good.

[Danimal]

At some point you will have the experience of going too fast in a sharp turn and pulling a wheel off the ground.... gives you a scare at first... but there is plenty of room for it to travel... and the vss will kick in and bring the wheel back down in case you don't correct the problem on your own.

[John in PA]

Isn't body english similar to a sidecar rig? Hang off to the inside of turns? Hang off with your butt, not just shoulders, as that's where the weight is (sorry, fella's) Hook a knee on the far side of the seat and wind 'er around. Any difference with The BUG?
What about two-up turns??

[MSGT-R]

John in PA, on May 19 2008, 04:33 PM, said:

Isn't body english similar to a sidecar rig? Hang off to the inside of turns? Hang off with your butt, not just shoulders, as that's where the weight is (sorry, fella's) Hook a knee on the far side of the seat and wind 'er around. Any difference with The BUG?
What about two-up turns??

The Spyder, like an ATV, is "rider active". You must lean to the inside of a turn like an ATV, more lean for more speed. Don't lean forward per-se, but lean to the inside, keeping your knees against the tank and your feet on the pegs. High-G turns need the most lean, and at that point you are flying with your hair on fire. If this is the case, get your whole body to the inside of the turn (slide your butt off the seat); not recommended with passengers

[Bulldog]

MSGT-R, on May 20 2008, 12:32 PM, said:

attachment

The Spyder, like an ATV, is "rider active". You must lean to the inside of a turn like an ATV, more lean for more speed. Don't lean forward per-se, but lean to the inside, keeping your knees against the tank and your feet on the pegs. High-G turns need the most lean, and at that point you are flying with your hair on fire. If this is the case, get your whole body to the inside of the turn (slide your butt off the seat); not recommended with passengers

A couple other pointers......Always brake and shift before the turn (or cornering)...never in the turn.You always want engine power to the rear wheel and some acceleration through the turn....never coast through. How much acceleration depends on your entry speed and the arc of the turn.As in riding any trike or bike you always want to look where you want to go...not where you are going as target fixation can get you in places you dont want to be or contact with objects you are trying to avoid!!Smooth and safe cornering requires using all the mental and physical riding skills.I think everyone will agree sweeping corners under full operator control is what makes riding on 2 or 3 wheels so sweet!!

[MSGT-R]

Are you a Ridercoach?
If not, you should consider it.. great answer!

[ProviderEx]

you should see me ride. lol
it looks odd as all hell.
I basically hang off the side. lol
imagine a snowmobile rider and a ATV curve taker all mixed. lol
this machine once you learn it is amazingly good on turns.
you will however look odd as hell taking it to it's limits as it just looks funny. but boy does the bikes behind you and in front of you get shocked to all ell once they see you riding with them.

[Bulldog]

MSGT-R, on May 20 2008, 07:11 PM, said:

Are you a Ridercoach?
If not, you should consider it.. great answer!

Thanks for the compliment......yes I was an ATV and MSF trained safety instructor.....that was 20years ago.
I continue to pursue advanced riding and safety skills and knowledge for my own benefit and to share with others that may be interested.....you just can't learn too much when it comes to rider safety on today's populated highways.A couple years back I took Lee Parks TOTAL CONTROL riders clinic.....that one day course was all about cornering.....lots of advanced techniques....very good!! I think you will agree the more you know the more enjoyable this sport becomes.....Hate to see any new Spyder owner get hurt because of a lack of skill training!

[pphantom538]

Bulldog, on May 21 2008, 02:59 PM, said:

Thanks for the compliment......yes I was an ATV and MSF trained safety instructor.....that was 20years ago.
I continue to pursue advanced riding and safety skills and knowledge for my own benefit and to share with others that may be interested.....you just can't learn too much when it comes to rider safety on today's populated highways.A couple years back I took Lee Parks TOTAL CONTROL riders clinic.....that one day course was all about cornering.....lots of advanced techniques....very good!! I think you will agree the more you know the more enjoyable this sport becomes.....Hate to see any new Spyder owner get hurt because of a lack of skill training!

I think its a good idea for all of us to take the MSF if we haven't already and the advanced courses regularly. Thanks for the advise.

[iSpy]

Bulldog, on May 21 2008, 02:59 PM, said:

Thanks for the compliment......yes I was an ATV and MSF trained safety instructor.....that was 20years ago.
I continue to pursue advanced riding and safety skills and knowledge for my own benefit and to share with others that may be interested.....you just can't learn too much when it comes to rider safety on today's populated highways.A couple years back I took Lee Parks TOTAL CONTROL riders clinic.....that one day course was all about cornering.....lots of advanced techniques....very good!! I think you will agree the more you know the more enjoyable this sport becomes.....Hate to see any new Spyder owner get hurt because of a lack of skill training!

Coach,

Think you been reenlisted. Have cornered many times but never had the degree of understanding of how it works. You share we learn .

Thanks

[spyryder]

I've found that the throttle can be be quite touchy/jerky in 1st or 2nd gear when accelerating around sharp corners with the clutch engaged, so I'll pull the clutch in and coast as I enter the turn, then apply power and engage the clutch about half way through, making for a much smoother transition of power as I accelerate out of the turn.