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Questions from a 2-wheeler

RodO

RodO

New member
I took a 1st test ride yesterday on a 5-speed Spyder. My current ride is a Suzuki 650 V-Strom.

I was really impressed with the stability, more than a little 'disturbed' by the steering, and a lot surprised by the amount of air hitting my body straight-on.

The steering I figure I can learn to adapt to. What about the wind, though?

On my V-Strom, I've been able to adjust the windshield to stop the head buffeting that it was plagued with, but I've never had the body hit that I experienced with the Spyder.

What have you done to reduce the amount of airflow to the body?

Is CDN$16,000 (US$13,700) a fair price for a silver/grey Spyder with only 2,300 km (1425 miles) ? It has a number on it saying it's Spyder #3xxx -- is that anything special?

Thanks,
Rod.
 
RodO said:
I took a 1st test ride yesterday on a 5-speed Spyder. My current ride is a Suzuki 650 V-Strom.

I was really impressed with the stability, more than a little 'disturbed' by the steering, and a lot surprised by the amount of air hitting my body straight-on.

The steering I figure I can learn to adapt to. What about the wind, though?

On my V-Strom, I've been able to adjust the windshield to stop the head buffeting that it was plagued with, but I've never had the body hit that I experienced with the Spyder.

What have you done to reduce the amount of airflow to the body?

Is CDN$16,000 (US$13,700) a fair price for a silver/grey Spyder with only 2,300 km (1425 miles) ? It has a number on it saying it's Spyder #3xxx -- is that anything special?

Thanks,
Rod.
Click to expand...

You're right... you will get used to the steering and handling... takes a couple of hundred... or more... miles.

There are several different aftermarket windshields... CalSci, CHAD from NMN even a new one from BRP. Use the search function at top to find all of the threads... there are lots!

Value is in the eye of the beholder. Market value is what a reasonable buyer and seller will agree on. With that said, $13,700 US is not bad.

The numbers indicate that it was a "Premier Edition"... 2,500 of 'em (+/- 1,000 or so) :D. I don't think that's worth anything unless you are going to not ride it and put it up on blocks for about 50 years. There's no difference, otherwise.

welcome
 
Last edited:
I traded in my V-strom in for a spyder a week ago.

The steering will take a little time.

For the wind... Like was just said. There a many sheilds out there. Ask around some of the owners by you and see what they like or dislike about the various seilds.

I had a tall GIVI on my v-strom that finaly got the wind over my head. I'm looking into the new 25" ultra windsheild that BRP makes now.

My wife has a spyder also, and she has a 23" on order. If she does not like that one I may try it out before I look at something else.

Oh and welcome.
 
I like the wind...

I guess I'm one of the few that like the wind...I'm going for the ultra sport windshield. I saw that BRP has a new larger windshield coming out that I'm guessing would work.
 
RodO said:
I took a 1st test ride yesterday on a 5-speed Spyder. My current ride is a Suzuki 650 V-Strom.

I was really impressed with the stability, more than a little 'disturbed' by the steering, and a lot surprised by the amount of air hitting my body straight-on.

The steering I figure I can learn to adapt to. What about the wind, though?

On my V-Strom, I've been able to adjust the windshield to stop the head buffeting that it was plagued with, but I've never had the body hit that I experienced with the Spyder.

What have you done to reduce the amount of airflow to the body?

Is CDN$16,000 (US$13,700) a fair price for a silver/grey Spyder with only 2,300 km (1425 miles) ? It has a number on it saying it's Spyder #3xxx -- is that anything special?

Thanks,
Rod.
Click to expand...

RodO,

The steering/handling can be modified in a lot of ways. I started with adjusting the shocks settings and upping the tire pressures. Both were way off when I took delivery. I also went with the Evoluzione sway bar.
Those few things made a lot of difference for me. If you're coming off a bike with a windshield, then ride the stock Spyder...yeah, it's a lot of wind. There are a lot of aftermarket windshields available. You may also find that the mirrors are a little...shall we say "short"? If you think you may want to add mirror extensions, and you want to add a taller windshield, make sure the two are compatable.

Come on over to the :spyder:nest...you won't find a greater bunch of enthusiasts.


Tripod :doorag:
 
welcome
The CHAD is an excellent windshield! The good thing about it is that you can adjusted it up or down, forward and backward, depending on how much air you want. I ride w/ a shorty helmet and before I got the CHAD, I couldn't do that. I get just enough wind but it's not beating me up.:2thumbs:
 
Thanks all for your replies and encouragement.

As a follow-up comment and question, subjectively, the Spyder 'feels' it'll be safer than 2-wheels, especially with ABS, traction control and not having to worry about "dropping it". How true is that in the real world?

Rod.
 
RodO said:
Thanks all for your replies and encouragement.

As a follow-up comment and question, subjectively, the Spyder 'feels' it'll be safer than 2-wheels, especially with ABS, traction control and not having to worry about "dropping it". How true is that in the real world?

Rod.
Click to expand...

It's actually true. You eliminate the dumb stuff like slipping on an oil slick at an intersection. Or hitting a gravel patch in a low-speed turn. Or forgetting to put your kick stand down. Or...

Plus, it's wider and is more visible to other traffic. Now... they're still out to get you... you are just more visible... easier to aim at.

I can guaranty you'll never low-side this puppy. However, a high side at speed will be a big problem because the roadster will be chasing you down as it tumbles.

.
 
Last edited:
Hold on Loosely.

RodO wrote, "I took a 1st test ride yesterday on a 5-speed Spyder. My current ride is a Suzuki 650 V-Strom. I was really impressed with the stability, more than a little 'disturbed' by the steering."

My reply, I hope you enjoy this machine. If you hold the handlebars tightly, this machine will go where ever you (ever-so-slightly) steer it to go. Treat it more like a steering wheel when on the straights and keep a relaxed grip.

Wish you safe riding on whatever you ride! Keep it on two-wheels.. or 3.
 
Thanks again for the in-depth replies!

Looks like I can't go too wrong with a Spyder, so I pulled the trigger today and will pick up a silver 2008 SM5 with 2,300 km on Saturday. :ohyea:

I'm sure I'll be back with lot's of comments and questions, so thanks again everyone for your support.

Rod.
 
:congrats: and welcome Enjoy the Ryde!
-Scotty
velo.gif
 
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