[ROBB]

Hello All
Having recently put down a deposit on an SE5 (April) , I have been looking thru the US and Canadain
forums about experiences of SpyderRiders over there.
There are a couple of situations that seem to be popping up as discussion topics
1) Engine Overheating
and
2) Front Tyres - Wear and Alignment..
I would be interested to learn if anyone has come across these problems with their Australian
Spyders.
Thanks - Look forward to your replies
ROBB - Brisbane

[schuffo]

ROBB, on Jun 23 2008, 12:30 PM, said:

Hello All
Having recently put down a deposit on an SE5 (April) , I have been looking thru the US and Canadain
forums about experiences of SpyderRiders over there.
There are a couple of situations that seem to be popping up as discussion topics
1) Engine Overheating
and
2) Front Tyres - Wear and Alignment..
I would be interested to learn if anyone has come across these problems with their Australian
Spyders.
Thanks - Look forward to your replies
ROBB - Brisbane

Hi Robb,
Congratulations on your purchase. I am also in Brisbane and at this stage have not had any problems with tyres or overheating. When sitting in stop start traffic I have had the tempt gauge at around 6 bars but that was literally not moving at all for 10 minutes. Tyre wear hasn't been an issue yet although I've only just clicked over 1500km (only had it for about a month so far). Mind you I was certainly concerned that my tyres were inflated over 200% of their recommended rate but had a chat to the dealer and I now understand why they did what they did. If you want to chat at all, happy to PM you my details.
Stephen.

[Martin]

Hi Robb
I am on the Gold Coast. Certainly in slow traffic my right foot gets pretty warm but no overheating for the Spyder yet. I have done 3500km and no tyre wear noticable.
No real issues so far.

Martin #930 www.spyderryders.net.au

[spyderme]

ROBB, on Jun 23 2008, 12:30 PM, said:

Hello All
Having recently put down a deposit on an SE5 (April) , I have been looking thru the US and Canadain
forums about experiences of SpyderRiders over there.
There are a couple of situations that seem to be popping up as discussion topics
1) Engine Overheating
and
2) Front Tyres - Wear and Alignment..
I would be interested to learn if anyone has come across these problems with their Australian
Spyders.
Thanks - Look forward to your replies
ROBB - Brisbane

Hi ROBB

No issues so far (only 700K to date though).
As mentioned there is a fair bit of heat hits your right leg, but this has been good in Winter.
Summer may be a different scenario altogether though.
A few people on this site have been looking at ways to minimise the hot leg issue and by the time you get your Spyder they may well have come up with some rectification.
Most sport bikes these days will blast you with some decent heat, so I don't see the Spyder as being any different in that regard.

Spyders are worth the wait.

Al
PE #946

[ROBB]

Thanks Martin/Stephen & Al for your input
Tese were just a couple of 'concerns' I had from reading OS exchanges//
All I need now is a Spyder to ride...
Stephen/Martin - Have you had a chance to ride your Spyder around the winding roads
of Tambourine/Springbrook or Mt Glorius as yet..??
If so, how did you find the ride - different much from a 2 wheeler..
Did you find yourself using more body/weight transfer in the corners or did
the Spyder sit well on the curves.
In relation to the heat problems , yes, I can agree that the 'warmth' would
be welcomed on winter rides..suspect like all new things on the market that
BRP are taking notes and will rectify on future manufactures.
Again thanks for your comments
Rob ID#4887

[Martin]

ROBB, on Jun 25 2008, 08:32 AM, said:

Stephen/Martin - Have you had a chance to ride your Spyder around the winding roads
of Tambourine/Springbrook or Mt Glorius as yet..??
If so, how did you find the ride - different much from a 2 wheeler..
Did you find yourself using more body/weight transfer in the corners or did
the Spyder sit well on the curves.
Rob ID#4887

Hi Robb
Canungra, Springbrook, Mt Tambornine - yes.
My Opinion. On the twisties the only comparison to a two wheeler is you are sitting astride it and it has handlebars. Forget everything you may know about cornering a two wheeler. It is not better or worse but just different. This handles a bit like a quad or a snowmobile (I am told).
You have to actually steer it as countersteering does nothing. It feels like it rolls out of the corner dramatically but this is really an illusion. That being said I would recommend that you wind the front suspension up to its max as it reduces the roll.
The Spyder tends to understeer if you drop off the power in a corner BUT if you roll the throttle on around the apex it really "hooks" into the corner nicely. As Sterling Moss said 'I would rather go into a corner slow and come out fast that go in fast and come out dead".
In a right hand corner, push down with the left leg and press the right knee into the tank. Lean into the corner and even shift your bum mover on the seat. It really works well. Visa versa on a left hander of course.
I recently had one of those "Oh s**t" moments coming into a corner too fast and I realised that the Spyder could take it no problems, it was just a matter of whether I would still be on it at the other side
Dont expect to be comfortable cornering in the first few hours but once you start to "get it" its very good.
Martin #930

[schuffo]

ROBB, on Jun 25 2008, 08:32 AM, said:

Thanks Martin/Stephen & Al for your input
Tese were just a couple of 'concerns' I had from reading OS exchanges//
All I need now is a Spyder to ride...
Stephen/Martin - Have you had a chance to ride your Spyder around the winding roads
of Tambourine/Springbrook or Mt Glorius as yet..??
If so, how did you find the ride - different much from a 2 wheeler..
Did you find yourself using more body/weight transfer in the corners or did
the Spyder sit well on the curves.
In relation to the heat problems , yes, I can agree that the 'warmth' would
be welcomed on winter rides..suspect like all new things on the market that
BRP are taking notes and will rectify on future manufactures.
Again thanks for your comments
Rob ID#4887

Rob,
I've done Mt Mee a couple of times. Once was a couple of weeks after I bought it, and last weekend. First time I rode it I had the suspension set to 3 at the front (as delivered) and the ride was pretty plush but in strong winds the bike moved about a fair bit in corners and on the straights (i am 110kg and 6' tall). When I put her in for the first service I got the guys to change the suspension settings to the firmest level. Went back to Mt Mee and was a completely different bike. Absolutely sensational and razor sharp, however I did need to move my body around a lot more and more effort was required for steering. But..... it was sensational.
Quite a bit different to a 2 wheeler in that your arms are obviously a lot more involved as you steer it rather than primarily lean. Really hard to draw a comparison as the riding styles are very different.
Had typed this before and forgot to hit submit, so just saw Martin's reply and I absolutely concur.
Stephen

This post has been edited by schuffo: 24 June 2008 - 11:03 PM

[spyderme]

Martin, on Jun 25 2008, 11:57 AM, said:

Hi Robb
Canungra, Springbrook, Mt Tambornine - yes.
My Opinion. On the twisties the only comparison to a two wheeler is you are sitting astride it and it has handlebars. Forget everything you may know about cornering a two wheeler. It is not better or worse but just different. This handles a bit like a quad or a snowmobile (I am told).
You have to actually steer it as countersteering does nothing. It feels like it rolls out of the corner dramatically but this is really an illusion. That being said I would recommend that you wind the front suspension up to its max as it reduces the roll.
The Spyder tends to understeer if you drop off the power in a corner BUT if you roll the throttle on around the apex it really "hooks" into the corner nicely. As Sterling Moss said 'I would rather go into a corner slow and come out fast that go in fast and come out dead".
In a right hand corner, push down with the left leg and press the right knee into the tank. Lean into the corner and even shift your bum mover on the seat. It really works well. Visa versa on a left hander of course.
I recently had one of those "Oh s**t" moments coming into a corner too fast and I realised that the Spyder could take it no problems, it was just a matter of whether I would still be on it at the other side
Dont expect to be comfortable cornering in the first few hours but once you start to "get it" its very good.
Martin #930


Exactly.

A word on jacking both the front and rear suspension up to the max. I find the Spyder is a bit more inclined to lift a wheel with the suspension up and on rough roads you tend to get bounced around a bit, but if you're into handling it's the way to go. Off camber corners may spook you a bit at first. I had a few oh sh*t moments myself to start with. The more you ride the more you enjoy.

Al

[incy]

hey and welcome....

once you get your spyder you will love it.....

as been said already......rides com[pletely different to any other vehicle on the road.

have 7000km on my spyder so far

no problems

exhaust sounds great

been tambo canungra kyogle boonah beaudesert tenterfield glorious nebo samford woodenbong(that raod is a real treat...we renamed it bumpybong) east west north and south....big sweepers tight corners and always a smile on my face......

[ROBB]

Thanks Incy for the reply-glad to see you have not had any problems.
Youv'e sure been everywhere - almost sounds like a new add for Telstra.
That pink colour is WOW.. Won't miss you on the road..
Cheers
Rob # 4887

[incy]

ROBB, on Jun 27 2008, 09:09 AM, said:

Thanks Incy for the reply-glad to see you have not had any problems.
Youv'e sure been everywhere - almost sounds like a new add for Telstra.
That pink colour is WOW.. Won't miss you on the road..
Cheers
Rob # 4887

so have you had a test ride as yet.......

and yep it stands out maybe just a tad 2 much........wont get away with anything if i do any no no's

[ROBB]

Yep, I,ve had a couple of sample rides at GCSD
Last time in April , I put a deposit down for an SE5
At the moment I am bikeless - Sold my bike a month ago
Had an Honda ST1100 , but now I am missing the winter morning rides.
I live on a main road and see nothing but passing bikes on the weekends.
I'm existing on all the stories I read on the can am talk forums
Looking forward to getting the Spyder , but I like to understand
things I buy , hence my original questions re problems with the Spyders.
Seems that from the US sites , these problems are being addressed and there
is no shortage of people willing to assist with understanding and rectification
of problems encountered...but I suppose that what makes these forums
helpfull..
Hope you have a great weekend riding..
Cheers
Rob #4887