UK Ryker owners - Is a Ryker Rally Suitable for UK's Potholed Roads?

[mecsw500]

I’m six foot. I fitted a 1-1/4” bar riser to my late model Spyder and now things are really comfortable.

I’d ride the stock bike for a 1,000 miles or more to get used to everything, both fitment and handling wise before rushing out to modify it.

At 6 foot I think that’s probably within the average fitment range for a Spyder RT or S2S. It will depend upon whether you are long in the torso, like me, or long in the legs and short in the torso.

The Ryker and F3 Spyder have some foot placement adjustability I think.

Note, when fitting handlebar risers, they go up far more than they bring the bars closer to you. Different bars come into play if getting them closer to you is what is needed.

 

[nightfalcon]

Hi Sarah,

Alas not yet, as the local dealer's opening hours are the same as my working hours, so to date I've merely been "remote" window shopping.

I did read about height being a factor, at 6' hopefully all models would fit, acknowledging that the Ryker has handlebar adjustability, versus possibly needing new handlebars for the Spyder/Canyon.

I'm 6'2" and have no complaints about the Ryker's size comfort wise, I do get wind noise around my Arai XD4 helmet though... even with the bigger adventure windscreen fitted.

 

[greer]

Not to push you further down the Canyon rabbit hole @forkhandles, but a set of Rox risers is the bees knees for handlebar adjustment.

https://roxspeedfx.com/collections/adv-dual-sport-dirt-bike-handlebar-risers

You'll find knock offs on Ebay and Amazon for less money, Canyon owners are happily using the Rox and the copycats.
I'm anxious for you to have a test sit on the bikes. It's unfortunate that the shop's hours are the same as yours at the office. You might hold your nose so that you'll sound terribly congested, and call in sick. Nothing worse than a summer cold.

Sarah

 

[stikflote]

@mecsw500

You are right about good water proof clothing here in the UK. When I bought my Ryker, I also bought the Can Am waterproof suit.

On day 3 of ownership, on the way home from my Daughters, a 4 mile trip, we had a real bad storm. I stopped, put on the suit,
and the only place I got wet was around my neck under the crash helmet!

The suit cost me £100 and was well worth it, it's the best waterproof suit I've ever had. I've even been fishing in wet weather in it, and it's better than my Gortex fishing suit. I took it with me when I went to buy my Spyder, it's now in the rear box.

We have just had some rain, the first in about three months! All our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are well down, we have hosepipe use bans,
and we're being asked not to waste any water.

Keith. I'm still getting used to the RT...

 

[mecsw500]

I bought a Rukka over suit when I first started riding motorcycles at 17. I foolishly left it behind when I emigrated to the US at 30, though I'm sure I'm a bit too big for it to have fitted anymore.

Now Rukka stuff is extraordinarily expensive, especially here in the US.

I don't go anywhere without our waterproofs. Our helmets came in helmet bags. I put my waterproof gear in one and my wife's in the other and have labelled the bags with a sharpie. They both go in the frunk along with essentials like Tylenol/Paracetamol, a roll of toilet paper, a small roll of duct tape, waterproof boot covers etc. I cannot stand to ride and get wet. I cease to enjoy it if I'm wet, especially in the cold.

On the Spyder S2S, my windshield stops the water getting up under my helmet and protects my hands from getting blasting rain on to my "waterproof" gloves. I can actually ride in torrential rain and stay perfectly dry.

I recommend these from Amazon for covering out boots which purport to be waterproof, but I never trust them.

SATINIOR 40 Pieces/ 20 Pairs Disposable Boot Covers, Cover Over the Knee​

I don't know if Amazon UK sells the same thing, but I suspect they have an equivalent cheap alternative. This way, whatever boots you are wearing, it keeps your feet dry. Tuck the tops of them under your over suit and the rain won't run down inside them.

 

[forkhandles]

Thanks @mecsw500, @nightfalcon, and @greer for ergonomic advice and riser/adjustments.

I'm more legs than torso, so it sounds a Ryker will fit, or maybe need some easy tweaks!

@greer, the summer cold made me smile! I'm trying to work up a clear morning for a 2hr round trip plus the ride and general faffing.

On a side note, I was eagerly anticipating an updated 2027 Rally, disappointingly, it seems to have been discontinued...

 

[greer]

Sarah