DPS question

[canamjhb]

I'm not sure my DPS is operating correctly. Of course there is no assist when standing still but I also do not feel a lot when rolling. Going thru the sweepers at 60-70 takes more than girly strength to maintain a good line. If I had to guess, I think I am applying at least 20 lbs pushing the handle bars in corners. After a full days riding I feel like I just had a good gym session. I have read where others are able to ride one-armed. No way on my bike. Perhaps I am looking for excuses for my lack of skills. I have read all the suggestions about relaxing, pretend you are holding eggs, go with the flow, etc, and tried it all. After 6,000 miles I still find the twisties a challenge and exhausting. Should I expect to feel some assist from the DPS? (I don't) Is there any way to know that it is working correctly? I am not getting any fault codes. Thanks......

[Jetfixer]

If you haven't yet, try getting a laser alignment. Make sure that the shop resets the steering sensor afterward. If you're alignment is off, you are fighting just to keep it straight.

[Snowbelt Spyder]

From the service manual and other sources:


“The amount of steering assist provided is dependent on the handlebar effort (steering torque), steering angle and the vehicle speed.

The greater the handlebar effort (steering torque), the greater the assist will be.

The slower the vehicle speed, the greater the assist will be.”


So by design, you don’t have any assist at 60 - 70 MPH....or at least a minimal amount.


Try this demonstration for yourself - if your garage floor has a standard, smooth concrete finish, go out to your Spyder and with everything shutdown, move the handlebars fully left to right, repeatedly, until you have a feeling for the level of effort required with the engine off. Then start the engine and do the same thing. Unless you have a really rough floor surface, you will notice a distinct level of assist with the engine running from the DPS. On rough, worn out asphalt parking lots - no, you won’t. Thus the Can-Am DPS is designed to assist you in low speed maneuvering, not highway speed operations. These days, BRP has DPS on their ATVs and Side-By-Sides and they all work about the same way, except for the ones where you can adjust the level of assist.


The laser alignment is never a bad idea. Of course, if you’re under warranty and still have questions, ask your dealer to check it out.