RTS Handling

[JOECOLTFAN]

Hi, Just wondering how anyone views the handling of the RTS when it is windy and/or gusty. I just got my RTS a week or so ago and felt like I was going to be blown off the road as I was going only 55 down the expressway. Maybe it's just something that I have to get used to. Also, how bout cornering??? I am a bit timid about cornering; that is, am I going to tip?? I am not trying to break any record for fast cornering. Lastly, how fast has anyone comfortably gone on this bike?? I suppose that if it wasn't gusty out, it will handle highway speeds very nicely, but I'm waiting for that day where the spring wind gusts will slow down. Thanks.

[Dave711]

I just put 650mi on my new rt and the wind is an issue! at least the winds we have been having. A little discerning to say the least. and they were crosswinds too... But then the couple we were riding with on a Harley said they were getting blown off the road also.... Ive had mine up to 90 (on a calm day) with no problems and cornering I haven't pushed to limit yet, but have to lean into the faster ones. Haven't fallen off yet! Lovin it now that I am getting a little more relaxed!

[1stfan]

Have 1500+ miles on mine and made 95 on a calm day. Will make 100 next time and that's it!! We have a lot of wind here and the buffeting is a problem but have learned to live with it. On the freeway Sun doing 75 and 80 with strong cross winds. NO relaxation!!! Tried a Harley trike before but this is much better.

[2 TALL]

Hi, I purchase my RTS about 2 weeks ago and I have gotten it up to 93mph, would have gotten it higher but red light came up real quick.
The wind like you all have said blew me from right to left and with a little movement to the bike. I have tried adjusting the windshield up or down when following a large truck to try and reduce the drag.

Mileage: Mines have been lousy. On a tank of gas (93 octane) I have gotten about 93 miles (not quite empty) before I needed to fill up. I have change to 3 brothers exhaust system and have pose this question to the dealer. Going in for the first 600 plus miles service.

Will let you know what was said.

2 TALL

[TicketBait]

the handling has improved dramatically since I made small adjustments from the factory settings. Also i had very little expectations since i was not coming from a two wheel motorcycle.

I kept my front tires at 16 pounds and the back is at 26, the rear shock i increased to 70psi and the front shock settings I moved up to setting # 4 from the factory # 3.

I have only ridden my bike solo and I am 6'2 and weigh 225 lbs

I tell you all of this because it makes a difference.

The first time i rode the bike before these changes everything was fine till I got on the freeway and I felt it(the bike) a little squeamish in the rear, and not as stable up front. After the changes at my courtesy 300 mile check up before the 600 mile one I had the dealership do these that were recommended from westcoastspyders. At 3300 miles everything is great, oh and no problem going by big rigs. Only one time did I feel quite a bit of turbulence near LAX airport on a very windy day, I eased off the throttle 5 mph to about 55-60 and no issues.

As far as cornering, that will come with experience, as far as my limited experience I have no issues as I look through the turn, If I don't then it will become choppy. Also just like a car it is not how fast you go into a turn but how well you can get on the throttle exiting!. (learned that from high performance driving courses.)

The highest mph so far for me is 84 on the RTS and 175 in my CorvetteZo6, I gotta tell ya the 84mph is more fun and thrilling, that any four wheeler will ever be! I sold my Corvette and got the spYder



Enjoy your ride, and good question.

[jake318]

Hello all my son and iown 9 motorcyles 3 of which are roadracers and 1 Spyder . I broke my back years ago and riding a car ( legs being forward ) hurts my back baly , hence the Spyder for winter riding . I am 6-4 and noticed that at 65-70mph when riding down the highway and leaning forward due to the wind force , if you decellerated and lifted your body , the rear end shakes because of force pushing the rear end via your body .

Installing a 25 inch windshield from ceebailey.com (excellent aircraft grade plexiglass, clear as glass, hard and a real1/4 inch thick!)
The windshield throws the wind over your head /body stopping the shimmy

[Spyderman]

Excellent advice! The ability to easily tweak the suspension is one of the big +'s the RTS delivers.... and people often forget that tire pressures are part of the suspension setup!

Originally Posted by TicketBait

the handling has improved dramatically since I made small adjustments from the factory settings. Also i had very little expectations since i was not coming from a two wheel motorcycle.

"I kept my front tires at 16 pounds and the back is at 26, the rear shock i increased to 70psi and the front shock settings I moved up to setting # 4 from the factory # 3.

I have only ridden my bike solo and I am 6'2 and weigh 225 lbs

I tell you all of this because it makes a difference.

The first time i rode the bike before these changes everything was fine till I got on the freeway and I felt it(the bike) a little squeamish in the rear, and not as stable up front. After the changes at my courtesy 300 mile check up before the 600 mile one I had the dealership do these that were recommended from westcoastspyders. At 3300 miles everything is great, oh and no problem going by big rigs. Only one time did I feel quite a bit of turbulence near LAX airport on a very windy day, I eased off the throttle 5 mph to about 55-60 and no issues.
"

[namknight]

Just took mine out today on the open road for the first time. After many years of biking this is really going to take getting used to. The wind did become gusty and it was disconcerting. especially since the machine is so low. So just the nature of the beast. Have to work on my right hand curves.

[tagalong1]

Originally Posted by JOECOLTFAN

Hi, Just wondering how anyone views the handling of the RTS when it is windy and/or gusty. I just got my RTS a week or so ago and felt like I was going to be blown off the road as I was going only 55 down the expressway. Maybe it's just something that I have to get used to. Also, how bout cornering??? I am a bit timid about cornering; that is, am I going to tip?? I am not trying to break any record for fast cornering. Lastly, how fast has anyone comfortably gone on this bike?? I suppose that if it wasn't gusty out, it will handle highway speeds very nicely, but I'm waiting for that day where the spring wind gusts will slow down. Thanks.

Have you checked fuel milage yet on your new RTS?

[tagalong1]

Originally Posted by Dave711

I just put 650mi on my new rt and the wind is an issue! at least the winds we have been having. A little discerning to say the least. and they were crosswinds too... But then the couple we were riding with on a Harley said they were getting blown off the road also.... Ive had mine up to 90 (on a calm day) with no problems and cornering I haven't pushed to limit yet, but have to lean into the faster ones. Haven't fallen off yet! Lovin it now that I am getting a little more relaxed!

How many miles per gallon are you getting?