Well, I'm Selling My Spyder

[Jeriatric]

Jees, I sure hope you're wrong.....I passed a lot of coffee shops during my first 2,000 miles. Just an observance; You must need a lot of gear to go to the coffee shop. That must be what the trailer is for...Carrying all the "fix it" parts you need.

(lol) Just messing with you man. No malice intended.....Ride on!

Bill

No sweat Bill, I like your style!

I'm always game for some good humor. Fact is, I like the Spyder very much, but its reliability has been an issue for a while now.


Under 20,000 miles on the clock


Ball joints - replaced


Front wheel bearings - replaced


Radiator fitting broke during service (known problem) - replaced Radiator


Water pump leaking - replaced


Fuel lines at the fuel pump all leaking at fittings(major leaking) - replaced


Over 25,000 miles on the clock


P0174/0171 lean fuel codes(repeated problem - codes cleared on BUDS - and then return - sometimes in a few hundred miles and once after a thousand miles)


Replaced wiring harness(did not fix), new fuel pump/sending unit being replaced(is this the fix? - won’t know until i’ve gone around the block a few times - not about to leave on an extended trip - not knowing whether it will code out again). Over a $1000.00 dollars into chasing a fix for this problem. Ridiculous for sure.


Bent rear wheel drive pulley. (no frigging idea how it could have happened - unless something happened when the dealer last replaced the tire). One thing I know for certain. I damn sure didn’t bend it.


Based on the above info. Perhaps I should get a license to pull TWO trailers. Ya think?

[Jazzi1]

20,000 miles on my 2015RT. Haven't had an issue, in shop for basic service. Been throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, and Florida without an issue. Went from Goldwing to Spyder, and have no regrets.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[dndfindley]

It probably could have happened to any of us...
But if you believe what you read in other forums about other vehicles (or anything else!); it happens to them as well.

Not necessarily. The Yamaha FJ-09 forum is actually kind of boring as there is nothing to complain about. There is the usual banter about what is the best windshield or comfort seat or about what tire is recommended, but that is about all. I can handle boring because it means reliable. When I take the FJ-09 out for a ride I never, ever worry about a breakdown - never. And before someone jumps in with complaints about me posting about another brand I have owned 2 Spyders and liked both of them. However I could never relax on either due to concerns about the "orange screen of death" which happened to me twice. I still lurk here to see what is happening in the world of Spyders. I'm hoping to one day see that Can Am has rectified the breakdown problems. As of now it seems they have not, but maybe next year.

[PMK]

Not necessarily. The Yamaha FJ-09 forum is actually kind of boring as there is nothing to complain about. There is the usual banter about what is the best windshield or comfort seat or about what tire is recommended, but that is about all. I can handle boring because it means reliable. When I take the FJ-09 out for a ride I never, ever worry about a breakdown - never. And before someone jumps in with complaints about me posting about another brand I have owned 2 Spyders and liked both of them. However I could never relax on either due to concerns about the "orange screen of death" which happened to me twice. I still lurk here to see what is happening in the world of Spyders. I'm hoping to one day see that Can Am has rectified the breakdown problems. As of now it seems they have not, but maybe next year.

The FJ is a very nice motorcycle if it suits your style.

[Richardv]

So you're dealer works on other bikes?
That's not a good sign in my book.. it means they'll put guys on it that would rather work on whatever other brands they sell. When you go to a dedicated Spyder dealer the techs work on them all day and will know them better. You might feel they're nice and a great dealer.. but in the end they haven't fixed your problems.

Just my .02.

... that they are not even a certified service center..... most of the time, that type of shop are the ones creating problems by not knowing what they do. For example, that post a few days ago about a "dealer" that wanted to change everything because the belt was not staying in its position when backing.....!!!!!! .....you know what, I can understand BRP to refuse to cover such a claim for warranty coverage... !!!!!

"Jacks of all trades" are rarely good at anything beyond basic repairs..... JMHO

[Richardv]

My dealer has about 6 mechanics, one I have worked with in the past. He told me that BRP is tight on the purse strings when it comes to paying for warranty work and the time book the mechanics go by is ridiculous. But far be it for BRP to be the only culprit. He told me that Polaris was worse. I just hope I get as many miles as I have on my other bikes as I do my Spyder.

.... is rarely the exact truth..... especially when it comes to a warranty claim..... anybody have seen different?????

[Richardv]

No sweat Bill, I like your style!

I'm always game for some good humor. Fact is, I like the Spyder very much, but its reliability has been an issue for a while now.


Under 20,000 miles on the clock


Ball joints - replaced


Front wheel bearings - replaced


Radiator fitting broke during service (known problem) - replaced Radiator


Water pump leaking - replaced


Fuel lines at the fuel pump all leaking at fittings(major leaking) - replaced


Over 25,000 miles on the clock


P0174/0171 lean fuel codes(repeated problem - codes cleared on BUDS - and then return - sometimes in a few hundred miles and once after a thousand miles)


Replaced wiring harness(did not fix), new fuel pump/sending unit being replaced(is this the fix? - won’t know until i’ve gone around the block a few times - not about to leave on an extended trip - not knowing whether it will code out again). Over a $1000.00 dollars into chasing a fix for this problem. Ridiculous for sure.


Bent rear wheel drive pulley. (no frigging idea how it could have happened - unless something happened when the dealer last replaced the tire). One thing I know for certain. I damn sure didn’t bend it.


Based on the above info. Perhaps I should get a license to pull TWO trailers. Ya think?

.... your dealer is not "the best in the west" ? Like breaking things while trying to fix something else, or trying to get rid of a problem by erasing error code.....like not knowing how to dismantle rear axle....etc, etc,etc...... something to consider.....

[Jeriatric]

.... your dealer is not "the best in the west" ? Like breaking things while trying to fix something else, or trying to get rid of a problem by erasing error code.....like not knowing how to dismantle rear axle....etc, etc,etc...... something to consider.....

My honest opinion. None of them are(BEST IN THE WEST). But, they're the only game in town(100 miles away).

[jaherbst]

Believe it or not: you can actually learn a lot about the shop, by looking around in the Service Area a little bit...
If the Technicians have graduated from a BRP course: there'll be some paperwork hanging on the walls, for everyone to see...
If not: ask the folks at the Service Desk about the amount of training that the Techs have: They'll know the answers.

Salesman: they don't know squat about service...

Factory trained is what to look for. A lot of these "certificates" are online courses and not the same. I have

a fantastic mechanic/technician and a lousy dealer. He takes good care of me and is the only person that I

will let touch my Spyder. Find out who has been "factory" trained and stick with him. Be specific about who

is to work on your Spyder. I always wait for my service to make sure he is doing the work and talk to him

for a few minutes after the work is performed.

​Jack

[Richardv]

My honest opinion. None of them are(BEST IN THE WEST). But, they're the only game in town(100 miles away).

... you contact BRP care, and express your concern ? I am convinced they will act and see that, if they are authorised dealer, they get their act together, and get on par with the BRP minimum requirement. I once heard that they must have at least one "factory trained" mechanic to keep their BRP banner....

[BajaRon]

Everyone makes a lemon here and there. Honda, BMW and even Harley. Not an excuse, just reality. Not even saying your Spyder is a lemon. A bad dealership can turn an otherwise minor issue into a lemon scenario sometimes. A minor problem in the hands of the wrong tech just gets worse. It's what happens when you have a problem that makes all the difference. The dealership is the main cog in this wheel. Admittedly, Harley has a better dealership network than Can-Am. But there are a great number of very good Can-Am dealerships out there.

I've had customers tell me that their dealer said BRP would not cover the work, parts back-ordered, etc., etc. Only to find out that the dealer never contacted BRP about the problem. Not to say that parts can't be back-ordered or that BRP will not cover the work. But again, we go back to the main cog, the dealership.

Mechanical issues leave a bad taste in your mouth that are hard to wash out. I know how you feel. The dealer is telling you one thing, your buddies are telling you something else, and we here at Spyderlovers are definitely full of opinions. But all you know is your Spyder isn't right and it does not seem to be getting right. Been there myself. It's no fun.

I have an original Premier 08 GS that I've ridden from East Tennessee to California 3 times. Canada twice. Florida at least 3 times, Kansas several times and many shorter trips. I did have the dreaded DPS failure. But that was corrected by the dealership pretty quickly. My Spyder has been as bullet proof as any other bike I've ever owned. And there are many more duplication's of my story than yours. You just don't hear them.

I am not trying to Poo-Poo your experience. I know it is real. Just trying to put it in perspective and give you some hope of a light at the end of the tunnel.

There are hundreds of satisfied Spyder customers for every dissatisfied one. But you're not going to get much confirmation of that here. This forum is the 'Doctors Office' for Spyders. For the most part, you're going to hear sick Spyder stories. A doctor isn't surprised that it's this way. It's the same with every forum.

There is no finer ride than a Can-Am Spyder that is right. But there may not be a more aggravating machine than a Can-Am Spyder when it isn't.

My worthless advise... Take your Spyder to another dealership (a verified good one if that is possible). Work with them and see if you can get your ride straightened out before you throw in the towel. Not only do I predict that you'll keep it and love it. But you're not selling grief to the next guy!

Good Luck!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

" Well said Ron , Well said ................ Mike

[HayRog]

BajaRon ... ... ALL - good points.

[spydercruza]

I don't care what brand you buy a certain percentage will have more than their share of problems. I once read that cars/bikes statistically will experience a 3% break down issues. Always hope I'm not in the 3% group. When one looses confidence in his ride it might be the time to switch and move on. Just do what makes you happy, after all it's your money and experience. Good luck and happy riding. Now that's my 2 cents sooooo let's put a Rider on the Spyder.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[sg2848775]

2100 miles so far. blackvrod.jpg

[SteveLaoyster]

Ooppsss!!! I hope someone told you the engine has to come out of this to adjust the valves. I don't remember how many mile though. Enjoy the new ride.

2100 miles so far. blackvrod.jpg

Sorry, just a bad rumor that got started when they first released.

[pegasus1300]

2100 miles so far. blackvrod.jpg

That is really nice. Is that the V-Rod?Which model? You should get a lot of miles out of that.

[sg2848775]

2017 V Rod Muscle. Lots Of Fun. Very Fast. Hope To Put Lots Of Miles On It As Summer Approaches.
blackvrod.jpg
BlackVrod2.jpg

[Bob Denman]

Here's to lots of Happy miles & smiles for you!

[Pirate looks at --]

2017 V Rod Muscle. Lots Of Fun. Very Fast. Hope To Put Lots Of Miles On It As Summer Approaches.
blackvrod.jpg
BlackVrod2.jpg

I noticed that you wrapped the pipes, does it run a little hot?

[BajaRon]

Ooppsss!!! I hope someone told you the engine has to come out of this to adjust the valves. I don't remember how many mile though. Enjoy the new ride.
(OP Update)
Sorry, just a bad rumor started when they first released.

Post I found which clarifies this rumor.

'The "Remove Engine Rumor" is related to the valve adjustment. You cannot remove the rear valve cover with the engine bolted in. But, all that is done to permit the rear valve cover to be removed is to support the engine with a small flat scissors jack then remove the bolt on the front engine mount. Once the bolt is removed lower the engine 13mm ( 1/2 inch ) and the valve cover can be removed.' Other items like exhaust & hoses may or may not need to be removed to accommodate this engine rotation.'

Maybe we need a Snops for motorcycles!

[Ron2andia]

Everyone makes a lemon here and there. Honda, BMW and even Harley. Not an excuse, just reality. Not even saying your Spyder is a lemon. A bad dealership can turn an otherwise minor issue into a lemon scenario sometimes. A minor problem in the hands of the wrong tech just gets worse. It's what happens when you have a problem that makes all the difference. The dealership is the main cog in this wheel. Admittedly, Harley has a better dealership network than Can-Am. But there are a great number of very good Can-Am dealerships out there.

I've had customers tell me that their dealer said BRP would not cover the work, parts back-ordered, etc., etc. Only to find out that the dealer never contacted BRP about the problem. Not to say that parts can't be back-ordered or that BRP will not cover the work. But again, we go back to the main cog, the dealership.

Mechanical issues leave a bad taste in your mouth that are hard to wash out. I know how you feel. The dealer is telling you one thing, your buddies are telling you something else, and we here at Spyderlovers are definitely full of opinions. But all you know is your Spyder isn't right and it does not seem to be getting right. Been there myself. It's no fun.

I have an original Premier 08 GS that I've ridden from East Tennessee to California 3 times. Canada twice. Florida at least 3 times, Kansas several times and many shorter trips. I did have the dreaded DPS failure. But that was corrected by the dealership pretty quickly. My Spyder has been as bullet proof as any other bike I've ever owned. And there are many more duplication's of my story than yours. You just don't hear them.

I am not trying to Poo-Poo your experience. I know it is real. Just trying to put it in perspective and give you some hope of a light at the end of the tunnel.

There are hundreds of satisfied Spyder customers for every dissatisfied one. But you're not going to get much confirmation of that here. This forum is the 'Doctors Office' for Spyders. For the most part, you're going to hear sick Spyder stories. A doctor isn't surprised that it's this way. It's the same with every forum.

There is no finer ride than a Can-Am Spyder that is right. But there may not be a more aggravating machine than a Can-Am Spyder when it isn't.

My worthless advise... Take your Spyder to another dealership (a verified good one if that is possible). Work with them and see if you can get your ride straightened out before you throw in the towel. Not only do I predict that you'll keep it and love it. But you're not selling grief to the next guy!

Good Luck!

Well said and of course

[JKMSPYDER]

Yikes! I think my calves and ankles would get fried so close to that engine!!

[2dogs]

Of all the rice burners, American and European made bikes I've owned, not one of them can match the shop time my spyder has racked up. I belong to a small group of fair weather riders who meet every couple of months and ride about as often. A couple of us do ride much more often than just occasionally riding. There were two trikes in the group when I joined. I've sinse bought a spyder and three others have now also purchased trikes. Total of six trikes in the group, All three new trikes were HD's, simply because of the reliability factor either known, or rumored about spyders. My spyder has yet, never left me stranded and has been running right along with the HD's, and has never dropped out. But, that doesn't alter the fact that somebody knows somebody who's spyder has left them stranded for whatever reason. $$$ was never an option for these fellows who bought their trikes, their choices were all based on reputation. Not saying HD's don't have issues and don't break down, because they do. Maybe it comes down to what a poster here said; HD has a better dealer network than BRP. BTW, I love my dam spyer and wouldn't part with it for the world.

[USMMAN]

These are the posts that scare me from getting Spyder, been looking since Dec and finally finally enrolled in a motorcycle class so that I can actually test drive one!

I usually join the forums before I purchase a new vehicle to see what's being said about the vehicle. I understand how the comments may cause some concern, but I've never experienced any of the problems that were mentioned through the years with quite a variety of vehicles. I expect the same to be true with my new 2016 F3T. Don't worry, go for it!

I'm taking my class for 3-wheelers next month in Knoxville, TN.