Taking baby steps ...

[Riker]

Hi,

After the first few days of riding I decided to evaluate things some and see where I stand ( 80 miles ). The only thing that stood out, which is still a time/practice issue was steering around corners. The tires felt like they were rolling to the side and I would tend to slow and just didn't feel right. Not bad, just not comfortable. Went through the forum and reviewed tire pressures and supension settings. My stock pressures were front 16, and the rear was 28. I added some and went with front 20 and rear 30. The suspension at stock was front 3, and rear was 4. I wanted to go with front 5 and rear 6, but was only able to get the front to 4. It was very tight and didn't want to force the front/rear in fear of breakage ( had it jacked to release some weight, and lubed with spray white lithium grease ). I went out for a little ride and felt much better in turns. Tires felt like they held their shape better ( didnt roll ), and the turning felt a little firmer. I will evaluate more and update.

One tip that seemed to help was instead of focusing on the turn, focus on driving through the turn. It seemed to help ( made my movements more granual ).

I also found myself feeling like it was not turning because of the rolling of the tires. I think it is just me obviously because if I turn more it reacts, it is just the feeling it is going to skid out or drift in to other lane ( still a first time bike rider ). With the changes, that feeling lessened. :2thumbs:

It's a learing experience, and I am loving it :f_spider:

 

[Bob Denman]

Baby steps are smart steps. :thumbup: As you make changes you'll quickly find out what does and doesn't work so the settings can quickly be returned to what finally is the sweet spot... :2thumbs:

 

[BMF_RACING]

I also found myself feeling like it was not turning because of the rolling of the tires.

To be totally honest, I felt this exact way too with factory settings on the 2010 RT. Got a little better as well with some adjustments as well. :doorag:

 

[FANG]

Sounds like you are getting the hang of it. Keep practicing and remember to relax your grip and shoulders this allows the :spyder2: to do the work. Enjoy the ryde I was a first time ryder too when I got mine in June of 08.

 

[DynamoBT]

Glad you are out there enjoying yourself!! Relaxation and really driving the Spyder through the turns comes with time. Believe it or not, the exercises at the back of the Owner's Manual set up in a big empty parking lot helped me a lot at the beginning.

The Spyder really "flows". Don't be afraid to shift your weight to the inside of the turns and lean in. In only a short time, you will be ryding like a Pro!!!

 

[napper39]

dont worrie it took me 700 miles to get used to it ,and ive been riding motorcycles sinc 1952,had 50 motorcycles of all kinds but i had a lot of two wheel habats to get read of.so your doing better than i did in less time.,hope to see you in spyder fest.:spyder2::2thumbs::chat:

 

[Texmac1011]

I found, after installing highway brackets and pegs, that I sit firmer in the seat through turns with my feet out in front of me.

Don't be fooled, though. The Spyder will fly through those turns just fine and keeping your weight to the inside while going through the turn will feel much better than feeling like you are going to fly off the other side.

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: :agree:with the above. 200-500 miles seems to be the normal learning curve. Easy on the overcontrolling and it will get better. I lean with the g-forces a bit--even though it has no effect on the bike.

 

[SpyderDen]

Hi,

I wanted to go with front 5 and rear 6, but was only able to get the front to 4. It was very tight and didn't want to force the front/rear in fear of breakage ( had it jacked to release some weight, and lubed with spray white lithium grease ). :f_spider:

Try a large Channel Lock instead of the lame adjusting tool supplied. Take all weight of the suspension will help too. I found this out after taking a large chunck out of the back of my hand. Much easier.

Oh and :congrats: & :welcome:.

 

[SpyderWolf]

The more you practice the more comfortable you will become on it. You are doing things the right way. Congrats again on your new Spyder. :thumbup:

 

[Dar]

Try a large Channel Lock instead of the lame adjusting tool supplied. Take all weight of the suspension will help too. I found this out after taking a large chunck out of the back of my hand. Much easier.

Oh and :congrats: & :welcome:.

:agree: Busted back of my hand up too. Don't have that wrench any more:thumbup:

 

[Dragon Snake]

Leaning in on a turn and also toward the front helps a lot. Try riding it like a snowmobile. Took me at least 100 miles to feel comfortable. Now every time I ryde I learn new things to make my ryde more enjoyable. Ryde safe and have fun!hyea::welcome:

 

[bone crusher]

Hi,

After the first few days of riding I decided to evaluate things some and see where I stand ( 80 miles ). The only thing that stood out, which is still a time/practice issue was steering around corners. The tires felt like they were rolling to the side and I would tend to slow and just didn't feel right. Not bad, just not comfortable. Went through the forum and reviewed tire pressures and supension settings. My stock pressures were front 16, and the rear was 28. I added some and went with front 20 and rear 30. The suspension at stock was front 3, and rear was 4. I wanted to go with front 5 and rear 6, but was only able to get the front to 4. It was very tight and didn't want to force the front/rear in fear of breakage ( had it jacked to release some weight, and lubed with spray white lithium grease ). I went out for a little ride and felt much better in turns. Tires felt like they held their shape better ( didnt roll ), and the turning felt a little firmer. I will evaluate more and update.

One tip that seemed to help was instead of focusing on the turn, focus on driving through the turn. It seemed to help ( made my movements more granual ).

I also found myself feeling like it was not turning because of the rolling of the tires. I think it is just me obviously because if I turn more it reacts, it is just the feeling it is going to skid out or drift in to other lane ( still a first time bike rider ). With the changes, that feeling lessened. :2thumbs:

It's a learing experience, and I am loving it :f_spider:

Drop your tire pressure down to like 18 and 28...at 20/30, you are reducing your rubber on the ground and will really decrease your traction (unless you're on snow). In addition, you'll wear the center of your tire out faster.

When in turns, you have to deal with centrifugal and centripetal forces...the bike is going to throw the centrifugal forces at you and you need to lean into the curve to negate these forces (centripetal). The more you practice, the better...

Ride with us to Rolling Thunder...you'll do fine...it's a great event and you'll get great riding practice...don't be concerned, we all went through what you are talking about!