New member, thanks for having me - and where's a good place to get these things?

[Mrmikey]

Hey all, names Mike and I just joined, so a bit of obligatory background before I dive into the questions.
Unfortunately, I have to sell my '09 Kawi Voyager as I feel it's time due to two bum knees and a bum hip and just not having the stability I used to have. This bike has never let me down. It was a dream to ride, comfortable as all get out, and handled like a charm. I'll miss her.
Just bought my Spyder rig yesterday, a 2015 SE6 F3 with only 19,000kms, so she hasn't been driven much. I've been riding for over 25 years since my son got me into it when he got his license (I'm 69.)
So far, I like it with a couple of caveats, still a bit twitchy, but getting better, and the wind buffeting, which leads to my main questions .
Where is a good place (read cheaper) to purchase a taller than stock windshield. Keep in mind I'm in Canada, the prices I've been looking at are crazy, is that the standard? I've not found anyplace in Canada but not from lack of looking. Anyone used one of those add on windshield extensions? Have any success with it, I'm not a fan but if it comes down to spending $5-600 it may be an option.
Second question, the 5 'O' rings and 2 washers (washers are no problem) needed when you do an oil change - what's a good place to get them? Again, keep the fact that I'm in Canada in mind. I've got the part numbers for all the pieces, so I'm going to give the dealer a shot today, as all the online sources I've found want more for shipping than the price of the rings, which kinda rubs me the wrong way for a $5 collection! And before anyone asks the question about what oil I'm using, it's Rotella T6 with a K&N oil filter.
Third - key blanks. From what I've read a usable blank is an Ilco X270. I have the two chipped keys, I just want a spare or two for opening the frunk or passenger seat.
Fourth and last for now, just a thought so I had to edit the post. What's a good style of wrap or even replacement grips? I had a set of Kuryakyn on my previous bike and they were comfortable.

 

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Welcome to our Spyder world Mike! BTW my name is also Mike. I have a 2020 F3 I bought brand new and now have just over 50,000 miles on it. When I first got the F3 it only came with the gauge spoiler so finding a good windshield was critical. I tried a couple of the shorter windshields and found that they were okay at low speeds and back roads but on the highway didn't provide any protection or caused a lot of helmet buffeting. In the end I found two combinations of windshields that worked well: the Can-Am Blue Ridge windshield with the addition of an Xcreen extension, or the Madstad adjustable windshield also with the Xcreen. I stuck with the Madstad because I like the adjust-ability. I keep it lower when I'm not going to be on the highway (which is most of the time). I put it up high when going on a highway ride or if it's going to rain. The Xcreen extension works well to eliminate helmet buffeting.
As far as the o-rings go, I recommend getting the replacement oil change plugs and rings from either Lamonster or Baja Ron. I don't change the o-rings on every oil change.
I don't know what key blank to get. I'm fine with just the two original keys.
For the grips, I tried the foam grips from Lamonster a few years ago. I liked them at first but for the last two years I've been using bicycle handlebar tape over the OEM heated grips. That will be a personal preference depending on the size of your hands I guess.

 

[Mrmikey]

Thanks for the reply Mike. Unfortunately, at the current exchange rate of Can $1.36 to every US $1, it's out of my price range at the moment, especially after just getting the bike, not to mention the shipping and the government portion in taxes and whatever else they decide to charge for duty.

 

[AndysF3S]

Welcome to the forum.
1) Try calling GP Cycleworks formerly GP plastics and discuss your windshield requirements with them. The 20" tinted in my picture is from them. They are located in Florida and this windshield reduced the wind buffeting a bunch. There are others as mentioned, but none in Canada?
2) Oil change O rings and washers may come with the new filter so check that out.
3) Chipped keys are dealer only, blanks may be matched at your local locksmith?
4) Twitchy handling is usually caused by the wrong ride height, the wandering goes away with the right toe-in and a more relaxed grip helps.

Enjoy your ride. It will take a few trips until you settle in. Check out the DIY section if you do your own work, there's lots of good info there.

 

[Mrmikey]

I'll give 'em a shot Andy, thanks for that and the other info.

 

[JWK70]

Have you looked on Amazon?
I’m also in Canada and have ordered a few goodies for my RTL from Amazon.

 

[Belfurdd]

Welcome to Spyder world Mike.

 

[Mrmikey]

Have you looked on Amazon?
I’m also in Canada and have ordered a few goodies for my RTL from Amazon.

I have, but they're not always cheaper and unless they are a brand name, quality is always suspect.
T6 oil I ended up getting at NAPA, $47 for 5L. KN -556 oil filter $14, trans drain plug 5-302 $10, oil sump plug 5-303 $20., it ended up the same price at Fort Nine out of Quebec and they had a Ram phone mount cheaper than Amazon so I got it all there.
The O rings and washers I ended up having to go to the dealer for $40. I intend to size them all and get viton ones at a local supplier. Something about paying $7 for a small O ring just rubs me the wrong way. Same as their oil change kit, $177

Welcome to Spyder world Mike.

Thanks Belfurdd