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Imbalance and Weight Issues Be Gone
- Thread starter gbyoung2
- Start date
I have seen a few of these at gas stops and they seem really nice. Good move!
Some aggressive cornering and you could probably still get back to two wheels!Think I've just found a replacement for my faithful C10.
2022 Ryker Ace 900
3023 miles, rear view camera, full set of Givi luggage, custom seat, and a couple of other farkles.
Will be putting the C10 up for sale in the near future.
Looks cool - sounds like a done deal?
Wayne, Carol & Blue
I’d looked at the Spyders a few years ago when this imbalance “stuff” seemed to appear out of nowhere, but the prices then (and especially now) just didn’t/don’t make sense to me – I just can’t justify spending that much money on a motorcycle. And now on the brink of turning 81, the weight of the C10 has really become an intimidating factor. It really sucks, but I guess it’s just one of those facts of life.
I looked at a friend’s Ryker a few years ago that he’d just bought, even rode it around his large back yard for a bit, but that was it; no good, or bad impressions. But after the last long trip to the National, started thinking about a three-wheel alternative in earnest. There were places I really wanted to go, but if I got in a jam and wound up dropping the bike, I’d have been screwed. I had a real mental wresting match on whether to ride the Connie, or the KLR. Being a COG rally, I eventually settled on the Connie……. knowing full well that I’d be coming back on the KLR to get to those places I’d missed.
Still thinking three wheels, pricewise, the Ryker was much better than a full size Spyder, but luggage space was severely lacking. I really hadn’t been looking too hard as to what might be available, then I saw the one pictured when I did a Search Tempest Craigslist search a few days ago. I took a second look: the price was decent, just a couple of years old, low miles, and it had all the luggage capacity that would fill that void (no pun intended). Since I had limited my search distance, it was just 100+ miles up the road near DC. New listing, and for the selling price. I knew it wouldn’t be there long. Contacted the seller, rode up to take a look, and bought it on the spot. Will be picking it up tomorrow when she’s meeting me halfway with it. Then, it’s Baptism by fire when I hit the I-State for the trip home. It should be interesting.
I looked at a friend’s Ryker a few years ago that he’d just bought, even rode it around his large back yard for a bit, but that was it; no good, or bad impressions. But after the last long trip to the National, started thinking about a three-wheel alternative in earnest. There were places I really wanted to go, but if I got in a jam and wound up dropping the bike, I’d have been screwed. I had a real mental wresting match on whether to ride the Connie, or the KLR. Being a COG rally, I eventually settled on the Connie……. knowing full well that I’d be coming back on the KLR to get to those places I’d missed.
Still thinking three wheels, pricewise, the Ryker was much better than a full size Spyder, but luggage space was severely lacking. I really hadn’t been looking too hard as to what might be available, then I saw the one pictured when I did a Search Tempest Craigslist search a few days ago. I took a second look: the price was decent, just a couple of years old, low miles, and it had all the luggage capacity that would fill that void (no pun intended). Since I had limited my search distance, it was just 100+ miles up the road near DC. New listing, and for the selling price. I knew it wouldn’t be there long. Contacted the seller, rode up to take a look, and bought it on the spot. Will be picking it up tomorrow when she’s meeting me halfway with it. Then, it’s Baptism by fire when I hit the I-State for the trip home. It should be interesting.
I serviced a Ryker 900 last year, nice machine. Riding is a little awkward at first but is that not true about every first ride?!
Enjoy your new machine - post some more pics. Will you be hanging on to the KLR?
Wayne, Carol & Blue
For now, yes. Same thing with the '67 Honda CL77 305 Scrambler. Even tho' the KLR is top heavy, especially with a full load of fuel, I don't get the wibble-Woblies like I do now with the C10 when coming to a stop. That started on occasion a couple of years ago. Hard to explain, but it probably looks laughable to those who might be following.
Looks like a pretty cool ride. I don't know anyone with one, but one of my riding buddies has been trying to talk his dad into getting one. BTW, I'd say riding a Connie at 81 is pretty darn impressive!
As to Murph's suggestion, you can get 4-wheeled convertibles almost as small, and likely just as much danger in a crash. Here's an original Lotus Elan next to an NA Miata. It's impressive how it makes the Miata looks big!
As to Murph's suggestion, you can get 4-wheeled convertibles almost as small, and likely just as much danger in a crash. Here's an original Lotus Elan next to an NA Miata. It's impressive how it makes the Miata looks big!
Had a Miata 6 years ago and a Sebring convertible before that. Great cars if u have YOUNG knees. Getting in and out can be a challenge. But ill tell y'all the Miata hugs the turns like she was on rails. Fortunately I didn't have the Mazda speed version...lol
Or you are 4 ft 8 like Patty..
Guy & I are the same vintage - I'll be 84 in November. Do I ride? Yes, when I teach the Rider Course.
Bought a Fiat 500 last year - heat, A/C, dry, lots of room - handles like it's on rails, Can't wait to go to Deal's Gap. Biggest advantage is it doesn't fall down.
Murph - my Gini is 4 ft, 11-1/2" on a good day and wants to drive it all the time.
Al Norcross (Ironbutt Al) has a Mini convertible - pretty cool.
Ride safe 'y all, and well.
Larry
Bought a Fiat 500 last year - heat, A/C, dry, lots of room - handles like it's on rails, Can't wait to go to Deal's Gap. Biggest advantage is it doesn't fall down.
Murph - my Gini is 4 ft, 11-1/2" on a good day and wants to drive it all the time.
Al Norcross (Ironbutt Al) has a Mini convertible - pretty cool.
Ride safe 'y all, and well.
Larry
Met the lady with the Ryker this morning. After making a few rounds of a motel parking lot to get a general feel of what I was in for, headed for the highway. Decided to stay off of I-95, and take Rte. 1 which parallels 95, but a lot less crazy traffic. Basically a 4-lane road through some of the towns that were bypassed when they put in the I-state.
Definitely a different type of ride. Found that it was a lot more susceptible to winds that I would have imagined. Also, the camber and depth of the worn tracks in the pavement also cause it to get moved around. This road gets a lot of truck traffic so wasn't too surprised. Not really too scary, but just something I need to be aware of. I'll probably get used to that as I get more seat time with it.
Found this machine does have cruise control, but I didn't mess with that today. It also has a camera system which I was aware of, but didn't know it was a 2-camera type (with audio) that records both channels simultaneously and will tie in with a GPS to record your track information.
Right now the unit is parked until I can get to the DMV on Monday to get the title transferred get plates for it. In the interim, I'll transfer my Garmin 550 GPS cradle I have on the CL over to the Ryker. Both have "standard looking" bars so shouldn't be an issue unless the diameters are different.
New toys are fun.
EDIT: No problem with fit. Body panels have to be removed, so will pull the wires tomorrow.
Definitely a different type of ride. Found that it was a lot more susceptible to winds that I would have imagined. Also, the camber and depth of the worn tracks in the pavement also cause it to get moved around. This road gets a lot of truck traffic so wasn't too surprised. Not really too scary, but just something I need to be aware of. I'll probably get used to that as I get more seat time with it.
Found this machine does have cruise control, but I didn't mess with that today. It also has a camera system which I was aware of, but didn't know it was a 2-camera type (with audio) that records both channels simultaneously and will tie in with a GPS to record your track information.
Right now the unit is parked until I can get to the DMV on Monday to get the title transferred get plates for it. In the interim, I'll transfer my Garmin 550 GPS cradle I have on the CL over to the Ryker. Both have "standard looking" bars so shouldn't be an issue unless the diameters are different.
New toys are fun.
EDIT: No problem with fit. Body panels have to be removed, so will pull the wires tomorrow.
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As previously mentioned, the handlebar mount I had for my ancient Garmin 550 GPS did fit the Ryker’s bars with no problem, but I didn’t get the wires pulled like I had hoped because I plan on running others once I figure out how to get the panels pulled without destroying things. I did get to the DMV on Monday to get the title transferred over, so it’s now ready to roll in my name….. which I did yesterday for a ~25 miles jaunt on some of the local narrow, and twisty backroads. I will continue to do this as I get time just so I can get comfortable with the different handling characteristics of the thing. The no-leaning “issue” takes a little getting used to, but a big one is staying out of the travel lane’s left track like I’m used to riding in. The front end of this thing is wide and doing that on the Ryker will put the left front tire over the centerline and potentially into on-coming traffic. I became aware of it on the ferry ride home last week. Fortunately, no close calls but I just need to keep reminding myself to avoid unintentionally drifting over. You also have to really pay attention when turning corners with curbs so you don’t cut it short and clip the inside wheel.
It was obvious in the posting pictures, and when I initially looked at the machine in person, just what the add-on were. Some of them were also pointed out to be by the seller when I went to pick it up. However, I had no clue about the items marked with the “*” below until I started going over the machine once I got it home.
Ryker Add-ons
Ultimate (brand name) seat with driver backrest and pillion accommodation.
Tail trunk with pillion backrest and brake/turn illumination.
Saddlebags with brake/turn illumination.
Adjustable windscreen.
Wide view parabolic mirror on windscreen (not sure I like this. Vehicle almost has to be beside you before it appears in the mirror).
Floorboards.
Hand guards w/new mirrors that adapt (added in lieu of heated grips).
“Dashcam” with screen, front and rear cameras, simultaneous recording feature.
Wrap (the body panels seen as blue are wrapped, but are actually factory yellow).
Tank bag (for small items, but handy none-the-less).
Forward/reverse remote shift lever.
Wrist rest on the throttle grip, Machine has electronic cruise, so not sure why this was installed.
Grips.
*Aftermarket heavy-duty front-end sway bar w/links.
*Forward mounted foot pegs.
*Steering damper.
I looked up the prices on a number of these items and was kinda shocked. Based on what I found I have no doubts whatsoever that I really got a deal for the $$ I paid for the machine. But, there are trade-offs (aren’t there always?). Maintenance, and expenses for same can be a little pricey…… especially if you don’t do it yourself. And even if you do, specialized tools may be required. Just to get a wheel off requires a special socket by BRP ($120), or a generic 65mm (2.5” 12-point) capable of handling 221ft-lbs of torque. Throw in a ¾” drive torque wrench that can go up that high to put the nut back on raises the ante somewhat too. Fortunately, I already have a ¾” drive Snap-On ratchet with a breaker bar (from my Caterpillar days), so at least I can get the wheels off – Oorah!, I’m halfway there.
How’s it go? – “Boys never actually grow up, their toys just get bigger and more expensive.”
So, act my age? I don’t know how – I’ve never been this old before.
It was obvious in the posting pictures, and when I initially looked at the machine in person, just what the add-on were. Some of them were also pointed out to be by the seller when I went to pick it up. However, I had no clue about the items marked with the “*” below until I started going over the machine once I got it home.
Ryker Add-ons
Ultimate (brand name) seat with driver backrest and pillion accommodation.
Tail trunk with pillion backrest and brake/turn illumination.
Saddlebags with brake/turn illumination.
Adjustable windscreen.
Wide view parabolic mirror on windscreen (not sure I like this. Vehicle almost has to be beside you before it appears in the mirror).
Floorboards.
Hand guards w/new mirrors that adapt (added in lieu of heated grips).
“Dashcam” with screen, front and rear cameras, simultaneous recording feature.
Wrap (the body panels seen as blue are wrapped, but are actually factory yellow).
Tank bag (for small items, but handy none-the-less).
Forward/reverse remote shift lever.
Wrist rest on the throttle grip, Machine has electronic cruise, so not sure why this was installed.
Grips.
*Aftermarket heavy-duty front-end sway bar w/links.
*Forward mounted foot pegs.
*Steering damper.
I looked up the prices on a number of these items and was kinda shocked. Based on what I found I have no doubts whatsoever that I really got a deal for the $$ I paid for the machine. But, there are trade-offs (aren’t there always?). Maintenance, and expenses for same can be a little pricey…… especially if you don’t do it yourself. And even if you do, specialized tools may be required. Just to get a wheel off requires a special socket by BRP ($120), or a generic 65mm (2.5” 12-point) capable of handling 221ft-lbs of torque. Throw in a ¾” drive torque wrench that can go up that high to put the nut back on raises the ante somewhat too. Fortunately, I already have a ¾” drive Snap-On ratchet with a breaker bar (from my Caterpillar days), so at least I can get the wheels off – Oorah!, I’m halfway there.
How’s it go? – “Boys never actually grow up, their toys just get bigger and more expensive.”
So, act my age? I don’t know how – I’ve never been this old before.
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First Impressions:
I’ve only put several hundred miles on the Ryker thus far. All of it has been on local country roads (+/- 45mph), limited freeway (55-60mph), but no high-speed (>70mph) long distance I-State travel. Because it handles a lot differently than the bikes I regularly ride, my primary concern during this learning period is just keeping it between the ditches and in my own lane of travel. I’ve also kept in the less aggressive ECO mode for now because I have no interest in trying to drift the thing around corners that the SPORT mode is supposedly capable of. For now, it has more than enough grunt to accelerate at a quite impressive rate.
Handling: As mentioned, it handles differently than a bike. Your arms will get a workout on tight, twisty roads since the steering is strictly manual (unlike the Spyder which has some type of power steering). And because you do the leaning (it doesn’t) you’re hanging on in a different manner than on a bike. Once you get accustomed to it, you tend to back off the white-knuckled aspects of the ride; it becomes enjoyable.
Ride Comfort: Broken and uneven pavement tends to jostle you around quite a bit, more so than on a bike. The only ride adjustments are preload and dampening on the rear shock; I haven’t fooled with either yet. The dampening is presently set to the #4 position. Trying to dodge manhole covers and potholes can be interesting, since three wheels on the ground pretty much cover your full lane of travel. Side gusts of wind also tend to push you around more than I would have expected. This machine does have an adjustable aftermarket steering damper installed, but I haven’t fooled with it yet to know if that would have a significant effect.
The aftermarket seat that is installed is very comfortable. It has a removeable backrest that I used for the jaunt home after picking it up, but I pulled it off (no tools needed) for my around the town travels. Even tho’ it can fold down, it still makes getting on and off the machine a little more difficult. I get on and off my KLR much like getting on a horse, but the Ryker has no footpegs to stand on as you swing the other leg over the seat. Actually, it does, but they have been replaced with aftermarket floorboards. Their positions are forward and rearward adjustable, but they’re presently set at a spot more comfortable for normal riding.
Luggage accommodations: Save for a smallish “glove box” in the front deck of the machine, the stock Ryker has none, just a seat. This was kind of a turn-off when I initially considered a three-wheeler several years ago. Back then, the only Can-Am offering was the Spyder but that basic model had no luggage, while one of two of the more expensive models (that I couldn’t justify) did. Fast forward to the present day, the thing that really caught my attention in the Craigslist ad for this one was that it had a full complement of luggage, i.e., saddlebags and a tail trunk. In addition, the mileage and the price would pretty much seal the deal. If it looked as good in person as I hoped, I knew it would be coming home with me.
Quality: I’m not really seeing anything that hurts my eye. My machine looks and feels pretty solid, both aesthetically (to my eye anyway) and mechanically. All of the body panels are plastic and held on by various means (comment on that later), and the fit and finish, for the most part, seems to be okay. I have one panel that doesn’t want to align properly with another (creating a wider than normal gap), and I think that was caused by a screen for the radiator that the PO had installed that created misfit, and it got tweaked by heat over time and eventually took a set. It’s not bad, but the wider seam just kinda bugs me. I have a fix in mind and will apply it later.
There have been a couple of recalls early on, one of which was their wheel nuts cracking (tightened to 221 ft-lb., but that’s been addressed. Can’t remember what the other one was.
Serviceability: Most of the items for routine maintenance seem to be pretty accessible, but the ones that aren’t are behind panel that the Service Manual fails to detail the steps to get them off. Overall, my impression of the Manuals is that they are pretty pathetic….. especially in the sections for which I was looking for guidance. That impression may change the more I get into them. Right now, the best source for info is the many forums that have been created about the machine.
Like anything mechanical, there can be issues, and this thing is no different. Most seem to be trivial, so I can only hope that the machine I got will continue to provide transportation just as reliable as my ’95 Connie has been.