I took my first ride on a 2009 Spyder RS today and my high hopes were pretty much dashed. This one has a large windshield and floor boards instead of pegs. It has a semi automatic transmission. I am 5'6" and most of the short is in the legs. As soon as I sat on this bike, I felt too high up, well over even the tall windshield and had to lean forward a good bit to reach the handlebars. It was an awkward sitting position. Once I got it going, I took it out on a highway and was shocked to see how sensitive the steering is. Not only is it sensitive, it over-steers a ton. I would have to say that the combination of sensitive steering and the over-steering is flat out dangerous. You must be very careful with the steering on this thing, especially at speed. Another issue is that a lot of heat pours onto the right ankle. It was 103 degrees during my ride. Heat on the right ankle was intolerable. I had to keep swinging my right foot out to get it out of the heat stream. The final problem I noticed is that the mirror location is such that all I can see is my hands on the bars. To see what's directly behind me, I needed to lean left or right.
The bike also had some very good points too. The power was great and the semi-automatic transmission works well and is easy to use. The brakes are terrific too. The ride was good when going straight which was the majority of mt 45 minute ride.
Unfortunately, prior to this first ride, I was thinking about buying one of these but now that is out of the question. I think they are on to something neat with this bike, but they need to fix the steering issues, heat on the right ankle, and the seating position in that order. The mirrors could probably be readjusted to fix that problem.
Wish I had a better first experience.
Is any of this fixed in the 2011 models?
Last edited by PickyBiker; 08-11-2011 at 06:03 PM.
there are "fixes" for the heat issues, just need to look on the net for them and the RS is the "sport" version so you are supposed to lean forward. again there are some fixes that you can do for the seating posistion
as for the steering, well you just need to learn how to drive them
don't write them off because of first ride deals
just like any other vehicle you need to get used to them. not like a normal bike at all
I have an '09 GS like you rode. Love the thing I put 900 miles on it the last 4 days alone.
Heat on the right foot - See spyderpops.com. I rode in 90 deg. heat and my foot got warm but not bad after installing a few of their products. The 2010 come with one of these already installed.
Steering - Sensitive yes but to the correct amount. You just need to learn to keep a light touch.
Seating position - Everyone is different. I'm 6' 1" and set tall in the saddle. This is the sport model so you will have to lean forward in the stock position. This is easy to change to fit your comfort. I only need the 1" riser and foot pegs.
Windscreen - I have the tall windscreen and at 6' 1" it is too short for me but again this is a sport bike. How many sport bikes have a touring windscreen?
Mirrors - There are extenders to meet your needs based on the final handbar riser and windscreen you use.
These things can be customized to fit your needs. If you are looking for more of a touring bike save your money and just get the RT.
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Jeff
BRP ultra Touring windshield, rear sport rack, backrest, caliper covers, power outlet, GPS, custom highway pegs, BRP full outdoor cover, front accent LED lights, accent LED brake lights, "YYY" factor LED mudflap lights, three power LED fog lights, 4.5" risers, heated grips
Ditto on the above replies. As far as steering, tire pressure and shock settings effect it a lot. The first time I rode I was very uncomfortable with the steering. Adjusted the tire pressure and shocks - MUCH better! May go to a larger sway bar over the winter.
The guys said everything I was thinking. I've got the spyderpops fixes on my 08 GS, and that takes care of the heat on the right ankle. I've also got the mirror extensions, fixing that problem. There are handlebar risers that I have but don't have installed, because its not the angle of the ride that bothers me, its the reach for the clutch handle. Will fix that eventually with a different handle. Holding lightly to control the steering is key in enjoying the ride... totally the opposite of what you'd expect. It takes a couple hundred miles to get used to the new riding techniques, but once you do the Spyder is a whole lotta fun!
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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.
I have the RT model and I will admit it did take a day or two to get used to the ride. I understand on the RT's the handle bars are raised so you don't have the lean as with the RS model. I'm still learning and tweaking things almost two weeks later. My husband has a Vulcan and he says my ride is "just ok" but he seems to always take my RT when we have to go anywhere. Go figure. Give it another chance almost everything is adaptable. I've had my RT Limited 2 weeks and have over 600 miles so far. I even had it at the local car show last night and it was a hit. Not entered just visiting. The old Chevys and Fords are another story. That was when a car was a car and not a piece of plastic as today. Enjoy and safe riding. It's Bennie season here at the Jersey Shore.
The first ride is always a case of, "Holy crud! This thing is too freaky for words!" Getting used to the handling and ride and setting the bike up so that it actually fits you is just part of the deal...
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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 rode my 2011 RT 5-600 miles before I fell in love with it. Before that, I was in tears...now, with 3,500 miles, I really like it. I put the heat shield on and it sure helps...103 today and it was very warm....without it, I would have to put my right foot back out of the heat flow.
The steering is loose compared to a two wheeler. It takes time to get used to it....several hundered miles in my case. I needed ten hours of riding before I became comfortable with Big Red 1.
__________________ My name is George Lewis. I am 79 years old. I live 2 miles from Boerne, TX. I have a 2011 RT-S SE5, and a Gold Wing Motor Trike. I retired from the USAF and Sony Corp.
SAVE THE CHUPACABRA
If you have not been to Luckenbach, TX. your journey is not complete.
Don't give up after the first ride....I almost did but glad I didn't. I have the RTSS and have put 900 miles on it and just now getting used to it , almost. First couple of rides and I was all over the place but under control now...at least on the straights and decent curves. Not mastered the art of riding the twistys yet but confident I will. On my wing trike the dealer told me to ride one handed ....sounds dangerous but as long as you keep the hand close it works. I've done the same on the spyder and it works on it too. The key is not forcing the bike ,a really light touch is all you need . Don't really grip the bars ....caress them ....and you'll be surprised how much easier it handles.
First ride bad experience
I put 900 miles on it the last 4 days alone. 
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