Help setting up new RSS

[Bkasper]

I just purchased a 2014 RSS SE5. I need some help setting it up with proper modifications.
Let me give you a little background. I’m 47 years old and have owned and ridden almost everything through my life in the dirt world. Dirt bikes from CR250R to KTM 990. ATVs from ATC110 to Outlander 800.
I have developed bad arthritis and need something to ride real smooth. Gave up the dirt and took to the road.
Bought the Spyder as I don’t have to worry about falling over, semi auto transmission, etc.

Problems I’m having that I need some help with are as follows;
#1 Handle bars are way too far forward and low.
#2 Seat is hard as a rock
#3 The bike rides like an old potato wagon.

What my best options to fix these issues without spend tons of money?

 

[cmbspyderrss]

I just purchased a 2014 RSS SE5. I need some help setting it up with proper modifications.
Let me give you a little background. I’m 47 years old and have owned and ridden almost everything through my life in the dirt world. Dirt bikes from CR250R to KTM 990. ATVs from ATC110 to Outlander 800.
I have developed bad arthritis and need something to ride real smooth. Gave up the dirt and took to the road.
Bought the Spyder as I don’t have to worry about falling over, semi auto transmission, etc.

Problems I’m having that I need some help with are as follows;
#1 Handle bars are way too far forward and low.
#2 Seat is hard as a rock
#3 The bike rides like an old potato wagon.

What my best options to fix these issues without spend tons of money?

there are a zillion threads on n these very subjects as I found out. Lots of good info from experienced owners in this thread and I am following suit as my wallet allows.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?106086-Comfort-Impossible-for-a-RSS

 

[Motorcycledave]

PM SENT

PM Sent

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: The RSS as a touring bike is not a good choice. Moot issue now that you have purchased and need to modify.

Handlebars--You need at least some 3" risers. They will give you a more upright seating position. There are several places to get ones you need. You may have to search some threads--but handlebar risers should pop up.

Seat: Typical of the OEM. The least expensive seat is the BRP comfort seat. It will sit you back about 2" from current and will be more supportive to your rear end. I can ride all day on the comfort seat. I have modified all my Spyder seats. Two Corbins and three BRP Comfort.

My first two :spyder2::ani29:'s were of the GS/RS variety. I modified both to the tune of about $6K extra. I finally got them LOOKING like an RT--but they just did not ride as such. The usual comment is the RS rides like a crotch rocket, the RT like a sofa, and the F3 like a cruiser. I have found one and two--right on the money.

Wishing you the best in your mods. A picture of my "modified" Spyders is posted below.

 

[Chupaca]

Have to agree

:agree: I would add the alignment and possibly the BajaRon swaybar to help you with the handling. I have the comfort seat and it works well I am happy with the ryding position so the risers I don't need. They do have them where they come up and you can pull them back to help you there. Welcome to the and now you will start the spiral of the farkling :yikes:

 

[PistonBlown]

Bars: As you have a 2014 you could look at fitting the bars off an RT or ST. From 2013 onwards the bars on the RS had the same mounting system as the ST and RS so the bars are interchangeable. If you do go for risers instead of RT/ST bars then make sure you get ones for 2013 RS's onwards as the earlier RS's had different bars and mounts.

Seat: I've got the stock seat on mine but just fitted one of Dave's (site sponsor) gel inserts as the foam had started to go on my last long run. This has definitely improved the comfort while still allowing me to move around in corners. The comfort seat that Chupaca mentions is well regarded.

Handling: The Spyder is very fussy about the frontend setup and that's the key to good handling, well that and unlearning motorcycle habits and adjusting to a new riding style Starting at the simplest things first, check the front tire pressures and make sure they match, even a difference of 1psi between them shows up in the handling. Also play around a little with the pressures a bit to see what suits your roads - I tend to favour a harder setting around 17 or 18psi depending on the tire make. It's also checking the front suspension and making sure it's adjusted right for you. Again I go for quite a firm setup, one notch off the top so it's not wallowy but still soaks up the bad bumps. As this is second hand its worth checking that the suspension is set the same on both sides and neither of the adjusters are damaged. It's not unusual for people to damage the adjusters because they don't jack up the front before fiddling with them. Obivously if you do adjust it yourself just make sure you jack it up first so the wheels off the ground. The next step after that is getting BajaRons sway bar, can't understate the difference this makes. Final step is to make sure the wheels are aligned as again this can make a big difference to the handling. This needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing so worth checking with local riders to see who they recommend. Having said all that it also does take a bit of getting used to anyway if you've come from motorbikes, cornering well (and fast) on a Spyder is harder to get right than a bike but because of that more rewarding when you crack it.

 

[al0vely]

I don't think that model is good for arthritis - rather than spending a fortune on it I would cut my losses.

Sell it and purchase a model better suited for comfort as designed - RTS, RTL, F3T, F3L.

 

[kep-up]

I am over 71 years of age and ride a 2011 RSS with stock ergonomics. 500 mile days have not been a problem. In fact, I rather like the sporting ride.

To each his own......................

 

[sealfloorboards]

Check out the "About" page on my website and see what I did to my 2009 RS SE5. Handle Bar risers, 24" windshield and, of course, my Seal Floorboards. Great riding position with the ability to move my feet and legs around.
Ride in comfort,
John

 

[ARtraveler]

It does not appear the OP has returned to view the posts. :dontknow::dontknow:

 

[Bkasper]

It does not appear the OP has returned to view the posts. :dontknow::dontknow:

Just checked now. For some reason this forum does not email me when someone replys.
thanks all for info. I have ordered the stock rt bars. I'll start there. Most likely move foot pegs next.
I own my own CNC machine shop so I for see some custom parts.

 

[4 MARIE]

the time to get help would have been before getting the Spyder that you will never
be comfortable on, except maybe to bar hop or something. Someone said 6K to get there? yikes

 

[Bkasper]

I don't think $6k to get there is a reasonable statement.
i just replaced the bars with same year RT bars. A little over $200. Already a huge improvement. I'm going to work on the seat next.

 

[ARtraveler]

I was the $6K person. The mods did not make it ride better--but it looked a bit like what the 2010 RT would be. I traded the 08 for the 2010 and it was way different. That's where I coined the "crotch rocket to sofa" bit. I guess most missed what I said and the picture I posted in #4 above.

 

[cmbspyderrss]

i just replaced the bars with same year RT bars. A little over $200. Already a huge improvement. I'm going to work on the seat next.

Your on the right track. I'm just a bit ahead of you. RT bars were a massive improvement for my back. Other than my IGN switch debacle it was fairly cheap. I got a Ultimate ST seat for 50% off and another massive improvement. I only have two 100 mile rides but both made it totally different. I just ordered mirror extenders cause you can't see jack S now with the new position so just another mod you might have to do.

Next for for me is Highway Pegs. Picked up a set of LaMonsters slightly used for $100. I don't have deep pockets but with some patience and research a few bucks can be saved for the comfy mods.