Our daughter who lives in Washington, has decided to ride her "new to her" '08 Spyder with us to Sturgis in August. We live in Idaho, and she will start her ride with us from our house. She has only had this bike for a couple of weeks, and since she is a quite small gal, (age 45), I wonder if maybe this trip will be too much physically for her? We plan on riding about 350 miles a day. She has ridden quite a bit on her two wheeled bike, but from what I've heard, that having to steer in the corners is rather tiring for someone who isn't used to riding the Spyder. Any suggestions that I can pass on to her will be appreciated.
Oldrider
Mtn. Home, Idaho
Pass along our best wishes to her! The Spyders are not much effort to ryde; the power steering helps out in a very big way...
My only concern for her would be the newness of the bike. It usually takes a couple of hundred miles for a motorcyclist to acclimate to the three-wheeled stance, ride and handling. Does she have any experience on ATVs or snowmobiles? That seems to go a long way in making the transition easier.
My hat is off to you for doing the best "Dad" thing that you can do and worry about your daughter!
__________________
2010 Blue RT Audio & Convenience model Se-5 transmision. Dealer-added foglights, accent LEDs and extra speakers. Some RTS chrome windshield, front spoiler and top trunk trim, RTS frunklight and frunk liner, Top Trunk liner, Chrome lower air deflector, fendertip LED bulbs and ISCI floorboards added by yours truly...
Pass along our best wishes to her! The Spyders are not much effort to ryde; the power steering helps out in a very big way...
My only concern for her would be the newness of the bike. It usually takes a couple of hundred miles for a motorcyclist to acclimate to the three-wheeled stance, ride and handling. Does she have any experience on ATVs or snowmobiles? That seems to go a long way in making the transition easier.
My hat is off to you for doing the best "Dad" thing that you can do and worry about your daughter!
She has a ton of time on both her atv on the sand dunes and also snow machines. She mentioned that the Spyder was similar to riding her atv :-)
Oldrider
Then she's gonna have a great time! And so will you both; watching her enjoy her new ride!
__________________
2010 Blue RT Audio & Convenience model Se-5 transmision. Dealer-added foglights, accent LEDs and extra speakers. Some RTS chrome windshield, front spoiler and top trunk trim, RTS frunklight and frunk liner, Top Trunk liner, Chrome lower air deflector, fendertip LED bulbs and ISCI floorboards added by yours truly...
I concur with Bob. One thing to consider--if she doesn't have a touring windshield, I would recommend the purchase. I have the stock windshield and long trips get tiresome when you have to fight the wind. If it's an RT, then no worries (adjustable windshield--the RT is the Cadillac of Spyders), but if it's an RS with the stock windshield, have her check out the ultimate touring package with windshield (probably a 23" will do unless she's taller than 5' 10") and side wind deflectors.
I concur with Bob. One thing to consider--if she doesn't have a touring windshield, I would recommend the purchase. I have the stock windshield and long trips get tiresome when you have to fight the wind. If it's an RT, then no worries (adjustable windshield--the RT is the Cadillac of Spyders), but if it's an RS with the stock windshield, have her check out the ultimate touring package with windshield (probably a 23" will do unless she's taller than 5' 10") and side wind deflectors.
Happy Ryding!!
Andy
She ordered risers, (not sure the dimensions), an after market seat (not sure the brand, Mustang or Corbin), and also a taller windshield, not sure of the height, but must be taller than stock. I've been riding two wheels since 1956, and I'll be looking close at her new ride, and maybe, just maybe, she will let her dad take it for a spin :-) At 73, maybe it's time to give 3 wheels a serious thought :-)
Oldrider
That's good stuff! Sounds like she's already all over it.
And yes--you should definitely give the "Y Factor" a try. They are a lot of fun. Turning is way different, but once you get the hang of it it's no sweat. I've been riding in the mountains above Santa Fe, NM and have been keeping up with the 2-wheel bikes pretty well.
She's going to be fine. It'll take a few miles to get the hang of it, but less since she's used to an ATV.
The risers she ordered - read all the way through the instructions before the install begins. Some of the risers out there require cutting of the handlebars. If she doesn't want to do that, and has a set that requires it, I've got a set for sale that do not need any cutting of original hardware. Feel free to shoot me an email if she's interested.
As long as she's dropping her hip off of the inside of the bike in the turns, she'll do great riding the length you're planning to ride. I'm 5'4", and 45 years old... and would be excited to take the length of trip you're going to make.
Welcome to the forum!!! Your daughter is welcome to drop by - she'll be in good company, there are several women who hang out here.
__________________
CONSUMER WARNING: Use of this Spyder may cause smiling, happiness, urge to ride, excessive wind in the face, desire to call in sick to work, or even extended vacations. Some riders have experienced double-takes, pointing, sudden camera flash, kids waving, and conversations with total strangers. Several instances of unplanned roadside visits with police officers have been reported, though are not common. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your Spyder forum to discuss.
She's going to be fine. It'll take a few miles to get the hang of it, but less since she's used to an ATV.
The risers she ordered - read all the way through the instructions before the install begins. Some of the risers out there require cutting of the handlebars. If she doesn't want to do that, and has a set that requires it, I've got a set for sale that do not need any cutting of original hardware. Feel free to shoot me an email if she's interested.
As long as she's dropping her hip off of the inside of the bike in the turns, she'll do great riding the length you're planning to ride. I'm 5'4", and 45 years old... and would be excited to take the length of trip you're going to make.
Welcome to the forum!!! Your daughter is welcome to drop by - she'll be in good company, there are several women who hang out here.
I'm new at this, what do you mean by dropping your hip in the turns
I'm new at this, what do you mean by dropping your hip in the turns
Welcome, Newsuan!
To drop your hip in the turns, you want to lift your butt off the seat a tiny bit right before you get to the turn, and scoot your rear over to the edge of the seat so your hip is hanging off of it on the inside of the turn, the same side you would lean toward if you were riding a motorcycle. Have you ridden bikes before? If I'm not clear in my instruction, you should have received a manual with the Spyder, there's a picture in it of this action. Makes all the difference in cornering - if you don't, it feels like the wind is trying to knock you off the bike.
__________________
CONSUMER WARNING: Use of this Spyder may cause smiling, happiness, urge to ride, excessive wind in the face, desire to call in sick to work, or even extended vacations. Some riders have experienced double-takes, pointing, sudden camera flash, kids waving, and conversations with total strangers. Several instances of unplanned roadside visits with police officers have been reported, though are not common. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your Spyder forum to discuss.
Daughter bought a Spyder, have questions
The Spyders are not much effort to ryde; the power steering helps out in a very big way...
Linear Mode
