Steering Position Sensor?
Not necessarily indemic to 2013s. There are some occasions with any Spyder that there may be a defect in the steering position sensor. Testing is a very specific procedure requiring BUDS. The defect can be due to the dealer build or before. It's true that moving from two to three wheels conveys a bit of shock ... lateral G's, vs. straight-down center of gravity and so on. If you can't reconcile what should only be a minor breaking-in/"get used to" period, I'd get your 2013 into the shop for a steering position sensor check. I'm even more suspect on the SPS in your case because the 2013s have undergone extensive improvements in front-end design that in previous models caused many of us to mod the shocks, install swaybars, etc.
You've got a great machine and I feel it warrants some qualified inspection.
Best,
~ Surfer
2013 RT power steering does not seem to be speed sensitive.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CurrantRyder
I just took delivery of a 2013 RT Limited and was horrified at how dangerous its road handling is. Anything above 50 mph goes beyond scarey and after making an extended trip home, following delivery, I consider myself lucky to be alive.
Trucks passing, undulating pavement, mild cross winds, cause the machine to enter into a high speed wobble that is almost impossible to correct with steering inputs. I've been riding for more than 50 years and this is the worst experience on a road bike I've ever had. Trying to hold a steady line, without wandering side to side, is only possible for short distances. The mental attention it takes to hold the machine in your lane, on the interstate, is beyond description.
I hope Can Am is aware of this and corrects quickly before someone gets hurt, ...or worse.
After 530 miles, much of it highway, on my new 2013 RT, I think I've finally found why the machine exhibits instability at speed. As "KBFK" mentioned in another string, in this same forum, the sensitivity of the power steering, of some new 2013 models, seems to be more sensitive than older models. In further defining my experience, I am guessing that the electronic circut which governs variable assist (lowering steering sensitivity inputs as speed increases) is either defective or not programed correctly in my model, and perhaps other 2013 machines.
The effect is that the slightest movement of the handlebars causes the machine to get into a wobble when at highway speeds. At lower speeds, the steering is still very senstitive, but not as concerning as when at speed.
This may be a "one-off" issue with my machine, which I have an appointment next week to get checked out, or it may be a more widespread issue which has yet to fully mature as more riding experience with the 2013's unfold.
Bottom line: if you're getting serious about buying, or trading up to a 2013, I would recommend taking it out on the highway for a short test drive, and judge for yourself.
With that said, these are great machines. However, a re-program of the power steering may be necessary for the machine to reach it's ultimate purpose - that of a safe touring experience.