First week and a few questions.

[All Around]

Ok so I have abount 420 miles in since I pick up 2012 RT. This thing just keeps getting better every day. I do have some questions and what better place for them then here.


1. I am hearing a clunk in the front left brake once in a while. Mostly the first couple of stops. I have heard it from the right side a few times but not as loud as the drivers side. Hey both sides are the drivers. Anyway to me it sounds like the brake pads are moving in the saddle. Is it normal? Anyone have any other ideas. I have not pulled the wheel off to look yet because it has not really bothered me.


2. I just went out to the garage and I could hear a whine type noise coming from the bike. Had rode a little bit ago. 20 minuets maybe. So i have heard it before. What the heck is it?


3. Gas mileage seems to suck. I have not kept track but I know I have gas up like 4 time so far. plus it had a full tank when I pick it up. So 5 tanks in 420 miles?. Ok so I just did the math and it looks like 24-28 mpg. Ok back to the real question. What rpm should I be shifting at. And of course that will affect mileage. I have found that I wait tell at least 5000 to shift. otherwise it feels slugish.


Ok so I think I will go gas up and keep a better count of my miles. Good reason to go for a ride.hyea:hyea:hyea:

 

[vrodrjs]

Number 2 on your list is normal. It is something that holds the throttle plates closed, it syops after around 40 minutes or so.

 

[harrypottar]

Ok so I have abount 420 miles in since I pick up 2012 RT. This thing just keeps getting better every day. I do have some questions and what better place for them then here.


1. I am hearing a clunk in the front left brake once in a while. Mostly the first couple of stops. I have heard it from the right side a few times but not as loud as the drivers side. Hey both sides are the drivers. Anyway to me it sounds like the brake pads are moving in the saddle. Is it normal? Anyone have any other ideas. I have not pulled the wheel off to look yet because it has not really bothered me.


2. I just went out to the garage and I could hear a whine type noise coming from the bike. Had rode a little bit ago. 20 minuets maybe. So i have heard it before. What the heck is it?


3. Gas mileage seems to suck. I have not kept track but I know I have gas up like 4 time so far. plus it had a full tank when I pick it up. So 5 tanks in 420 miles?. Ok so I just did the math and it looks like 24-28 mpg. Ok back to the real question. What rpm should I be shifting at. And of course that will affect mileage. I have found that I wait tell at least 5000 to shift. otherwise it feels slugish.


Ok so I think I will go gas up and keep a better count of my miles. Good reason to go for a ride.hyea:hyea:hyea:

Number 1, I have no idea


Number 2, is normal something to do with throttle body being held closed while it cools

Number 3, join an online gas calculator or get a phone app, I have 5 fill ups and about 31 mpg, I'm told it gets better but I'm ok with what I have all ready. Shift between 4.5 and 5k should be smoth


By no means an expert only had mine week and half but loving it

Harry

 

[ARtraveler]

Welcome to the site.

#1: not for sure on that one--but maybe the brakes need to set in. If it does not go away by the time you take the :spyder2: in for 600 miles--have the dealer check it out.

#2: Throttle body fix. This is normal on new :spyder2:--however--I think I would find it to be annoying to say the least.

#3: Gas mileage seems to average about 31 for most. It takes about 5000 miles or so before a lot of people get that mileage. If you drive agressively, you will get less.

Shifting is recommended in the 4500-5500 rpm range. The Rotax engine likes high revs and that is where the power is.

 

[NancysToy]

1. A "clunk" is not normal, a "click" is.

2. The whine is normal. It lasts 40 minutes.

3. You mileage is a bit low, but not bad for a new Spyder. I shift at 5 grand or more and have averaged 28 over the last 15,000 miles with and without trailer. 30 on the highway is pretty typical at legal speeds for a broken in engine, but it is highly variable, depending on rider, geographic area, climate, local gas supply, amount of ethanol, and speeds traveled. The Spyder gets happiest above 5K rpm.

 

[All Around]

1. A "clunk" is not normal, a "click" is.

Would you define a click as a lite clunk.? I could see calling it a click. What is it?

 

[Bob Denman]

#1... If that's truly a "clunk"; you might want to take a peek in there just to make sure that the caliper is actually firmly bolted down... :shocked:

 

[NancysToy]

1. A "clunk" is not normal, a "click" is.

Would you define a click as a lite clunk.? I could see calling it a click. What is it?

A "click" is a light, quick sound, like switching on a light switch. A "clunk" is a deeper, more ominous sound, like tapping a hammer or a 2x4 against the sidewalk. If you have a csingle licking sound each time you apply the brakes, it is due to the ABS brake function...normal. A repeated clicking sound is the air as the brake pads pass the vent holes in the disc. A clunk on braking or hitting bumps is probably a loose or broken swaybar connection, but it could be something else.

 

[Camdenlake]

A "click" is a light, quick sound, like switching on a light switch. A "clunk" is a deeper, more ominous sound, like tapping a hammer or a 2x4 against the sidewalk. .

There should be awards for decribing sounds. Thats perfect. Well done :thumbup:



Josh

 

[Bob Denman]

None of us will ever exhaust his vast knowledge! :bowdown::bowdown::bowdown: