I have looked at Spyders several times over the years. Late last fall I was checking a dealer site and saw that they had a 2009 RS SE5, with just over 20,000 miles, at a very reasonable price. We drove over to check it out and take a test ride. It ran very well, but did need some work to remove a stereo system the PO had installed rather poorly. A couple holes in the topbox, after removing the speakers, and a couple up front. Was an easy fix. The dealer had put in a new clutch and belt and brakes, which the PO paid for. He had all this work done and then traded in for a new Harley. The CanAm dealer is part of a larger dealer network of dealerships and they have a Harley dealership right next to the CanAm location. There were lots of wires for the system and I was able to remove most of them. The rest were removed by the dealer when I had them install battery tender leads. A bit of clean up and some paint and it looks great. I only put a couple hundred miles on it before winter. First ride was about 90 miles , from the dealer to home. About 40 degrees and occasional light rain. Stayed dry and warm OK.
Took me a while to get the hang of the cornering and the way it steered. Now I have put about 2000 miles on it and can say that it corners very well. The only time it is twitchy in corners is with a strong gusty crosswind. But not much different than my Kawasaki Nomad.
It tracks very true and I have gotten used to the way it feels on crowned roads. My wife has ridden more miles with me, on the Spyder, so far this summer, than in the past three on the Nomad. Only thing she wants is a set of armrests, which I have not been able to find.
My average fuel economy is 28mpg. I cruise at 5000 rpm, which means I am usually in 4th at about 60 mph. So far it has been a great ride and I am enjoying it a great deal, especially riding two up. It does have a bit of vibration at some speeds and I will be needing a new rear tire soon, so at that time I will have them balance all the wheels. I am looking forward to many miles on this Spyder, and have to say this forum has been a great help in adjusting to the way the Spyder rides.
Took me a while to get the hang of the cornering and the way it steered. Now I have put about 2000 miles on it and can say that it corners very well. The only time it is twitchy in corners is with a strong gusty crosswind. But not much different than my Kawasaki Nomad.
It tracks very true and I have gotten used to the way it feels on crowned roads. My wife has ridden more miles with me, on the Spyder, so far this summer, than in the past three on the Nomad. Only thing she wants is a set of armrests, which I have not been able to find.
My average fuel economy is 28mpg. I cruise at 5000 rpm, which means I am usually in 4th at about 60 mph. So far it has been a great ride and I am enjoying it a great deal, especially riding two up. It does have a bit of vibration at some speeds and I will be needing a new rear tire soon, so at that time I will have them balance all the wheels. I am looking forward to many miles on this Spyder, and have to say this forum has been a great help in adjusting to the way the Spyder rides.
