The wife and I took a round trip from Clearwater, Florida to Dover, Delaware Thursday to Monday. We went a total of about 2200 miles. I learned a lot of things about the Spyder. The most important thing I learned is that it is the absolute mac daddy when it comes to long distance touring.
I learned that for the best gas mileage my Spyder likes 55-65mph. My best fuel economy was 37mpg fully loaded and two up. I found that above 75mph the economy plummets in relation to speed. Taking into account the comfort and features, I think the gas mileage is just fine.
Trickle filling the tank was sometimes a pain. I couple of times I got a pump that was either on or off and I just couldn't get the tank filled. I need to check this out to see if there is something we can do to make the fill easier.
The saddle is great for shorter trips of a couple hundred miles or so. We did one day that was 863 miles and the saddle was uncomfortable when the mileage got high. I may need to try the Corbin. I also may try the back rest.
I put Kewlmetal highway brackets and made some foot plates for the trip. I placed the foot plates high and found that I probably would like them low. My wife said she would like to have an alternate foot position. I'll have to look into making something for her.
I used velcro to attach the ipod out of the way in the trunk. A shelf would probably be helpful. The travel cover was outstanding.
The Spyder ran very well. We only had one little problem: the passenger grip heater was out the morning we left. Temps were into the mid 40's and the wife was cold. I gotta say that my Black Beast was worth every cent I paid for it.
I learned that for the best gas mileage my Spyder likes 55-65mph. My best fuel economy was 37mpg fully loaded and two up. I found that above 75mph the economy plummets in relation to speed. Taking into account the comfort and features, I think the gas mileage is just fine.
Trickle filling the tank was sometimes a pain. I couple of times I got a pump that was either on or off and I just couldn't get the tank filled. I need to check this out to see if there is something we can do to make the fill easier.
The saddle is great for shorter trips of a couple hundred miles or so. We did one day that was 863 miles and the saddle was uncomfortable when the mileage got high. I may need to try the Corbin. I also may try the back rest.
I put Kewlmetal highway brackets and made some foot plates for the trip. I placed the foot plates high and found that I probably would like them low. My wife said she would like to have an alternate foot position. I'll have to look into making something for her.
I used velcro to attach the ipod out of the way in the trunk. A shelf would probably be helpful. The travel cover was outstanding.
The Spyder ran very well. We only had one little problem: the passenger grip heater was out the morning we left. Temps were into the mid 40's and the wife was cold. I gotta say that my Black Beast was worth every cent I paid for it.
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