What about what you don't you like about the Spyder?

[acpd22]

As stated before these are not in any particular order and may have already been mentioned. Just my thoughts.

1. Loose the Kendas, for the love of God, they make lawnmower tires.
2. Replacement parts, $117.00 for a glove box lid. Checked the mail one day and laid it on the lid and scratched the crap out of it. An astounding $1800.00 for a trunk, Harley doesn't even charge that much.
3. Better paint, see above.
4. Cheaper aftermarket parts. Come on vendors how can you charge over a $100.00 for a tensioner that BRP sells for $40.00. Also $175.00 for a trailer light module that worked twice before it corroded and broke one of the pins.
5. Frunk needs to be bigger on the F3.
6. F3 Limited should come from the factory with passenger floorboards instead of pegs.

I guess a six-pack of moans and groans are enough for now!

[ARNIE R]

Oetiker clamps.......I hate those dang things!

[DGoebel]

I am making a final decision on a Spyder Monday and have two questions.
1. Have you added an aftermarket sway bar?
2. Have you gotten a laser alignment?

Thanks.

Yes to both, but I do ride it very, very fast in the corners when riding alone.

[mrb]

They could move the rear air pressure valve to the opposite side of the wheel (easier to put air in), .

Yes , yes, yes. Which engineer decided to put the valve there instead of the other side???? How hard is that to figure out?

[Navydad]

1. Tire pressure monitoring system, XM radio, Bluetooth, better reception, and a weather radio that interrupts when there is a severe alert in your area. If Triumph can do it for far less money then BRP can do it too.
2. As mentioned PITA oil changes.
3. Less expensive farkles, but then everyone else's goodies are overpriced too.
4. Decent tires.

[Fat Baxter]

I'm pretty happy with my RT-S. There are a few things I wish they'd fix or done better, but my wish list contains rather minor things:

1. A cigarette-lighter type electric power tap somewhere in the cockpit, perhaps in that middle space under the handlebars, where the rocker switches are (i.e., parking brake; rear shock adjustment; [power tap goes here]; heated grips on/off; fog lights). So I have a handy place to plug in a heated vest. That wouldn't cost much.

2. A more positive turn signal switch, especially the cancellation feature.

3. Brighter bulbs for all the warning lights in the dashboard. I can't see the turn indicators in the daylight (solved with Tricled's mirror-mounted turn signal LEDs). If any of them come on, I likely won't see it.

4. Put a hole in the key so we can easily attach a key fob.

5. And a favorite with other riders: relocate the blankety-blank air valve on the rear tire!

I'm pretty easy to please.

[WilderThomas]

Here is my wish list and I am sure as time goes on my list with grow


1 The seat could be more comfortable on a $35000 machine
2 The SE6 should have a neutral option when coasting down hills
3 Original replacement parts and accessories are grossly overpriced
4 BRP should offer bottles of touch up paint to match your Spyder
5 A handbrake option should be available
6 The delayed startup on my 2014 should have an option to change it to instant start
7 The nanny should have an on/off option
8 A belt tensioner should be a installed from the factory considering the belt length
9 USB outlets should be upfront on the dash
10 The front suspension should also have air adjustable height for driving on gravel roads
11 Lots of chrome accessories avaiable but when you have an RTS the black powder coated accessories are limited

Richard Budden
Newfoundland, Canada

I have the 2012 Can Am Spyder RT-SE5:

I dislike the poor fuel economy
I'd have liked to see a couple USB connections made available to the passenger
A beverage holder for the passenger (w/o having to obtain armrests)
A fuse puller should be standard in the tool kit
A tire plug/patch kit should have been standard with all Spyder's
The 3M nose/body protection should be made available to buyers of preowned and new Spyder's

[cmbspyderrss]

The only complaint I have is there's yet to be an aftermarket Ski / Track conversion so I can ride it in the winter!

No snow where i live but this would be a fun double duty for sure. Is it not where it started?

snow-fun.jpg

[cmbspyderrss]

Here is my list but i only have a few miles so take it as you will

More Power. 140hp min
More Torque 100lbft min
Twitchy steering above 50mph. Getting used to it though
No Front Brake
Rev match easier with an SE.
The nanny should have an on/off option. I don't need Moms help 99% of the time.
The seat could be more comfortable but i get why it's not.
After two deep P-brake shin bangs i ask why the damn thing is so small and why it is where it is. I get honked at for mooning people to much trying to find the darn lever.
A belt tensioner should have been installed from the factory. Wish one was made for mine. Beginning to hate it.
USB or 12v outlet on the dash
Digital AND analog speedometer? Why?
Original replacement parts and accessories are insanely overpriced even not through the dealer.

[mark4Jesus]

I continue to see people complain about having to lift their foot to brake. . But I have owned over 25 cars, and I had to lift my foot to mash the brakes on all of them. . Is braking really that hard for some?

Depends on the length of ones legs. Having to lift your leg requires adjusting body position and/or hand pressure on the handle bar. I have long legs, so it was awkward at first, getting used to it now.

[mark4Jesus]

1. Radio reception.
2. Bigger floorboards for those of us with long legs and big feet.

So far that's it for me. I haven't had to do any servicing yet.

There were similar complaints by Victory owners. There are certain things that are aftermarket instead of factory. That being said, Victory is a fine motorcycle. And I believe the Spyder is a fine motorcycle also.

So, if you are reading this thread to make a decision on buying a Spyder, do not let it keep you from buying it. Every bike has its issues. Some have minor/pesky issues and are fine machines, like the Spyder.

[ofdave]

I continue to see people complain about having to lift their foot to brake. . But I have owned over 25 cars, and I had to lift my foot to mash the brakes on all of them. . Is braking really that hard for some?

this is the only vehicle with less than 4 wheels that I have ever owned that I have to lift my foot to use the brake.
Even a '15 RT I saw the other day has the brake pedal positioned so you can push it without lifting your foot.
My ankle does not bend so I can touch my toes to my shin. Thus, I lift my foot to press on the brake pedal.

[d.o.spyder-rts]

Yes , yes, yes. Which engineer decided to put the valve there instead of the other side???? How hard is that to figure out?

it should be on the other side. Why isn't it? It could be an liability issue. If put on the side with the exhaust system, someone could get burned. Yea, we all know tire pressure should be checked cold before starting the engine but.....Dale

[Bob Denman]

Yes , yes, yes. Which engineer decided to put the valve there instead of the other side???? How hard is that to figure out?

The engineer happens to be a direct descendent of the Marquis de Sade...

[TXrider]

1) PLEASE install a FUEL DOOR, in the side panel of the seat - it is a royal pain to lift the seat with something or someone on the back seat!!!!!!

2) Move the valve stem for the rear tire to the opposite side.

3) No delay in starting.

That's it short-n-sweet.

[C. Lee]

Coming from a goldwing, it's hard for me to understand why this machine is belt driven. I think something of this size should be shaft driven. I also think the helmet locks are very poorly designed & located. My helmets have a communication system and won't lock under the seat and the storage spaces aren't big enough to hold 2. Oh and the radio reception sucks. Not big issues and certainly wouldn't stop me from buying, riding my spyder. I've more then doubled the average yearly mileage I put on my wing in 3 months. Chris

[sylvester]

Only thing i would factory improve on the 17 F=3T limited is the micky mouse trunk lid what a piece of junk sturdy it up and put a decent open hold on it preferably a door strut

[Purple Guy]

Last I saw this the kit was around $4000.00

Might have to update my farkle signature!

[ARtraveler]

The engineer happens to be a direct descendent of the Marquis de Sade...

And what was his assistant always saying? Le Pain, Le Pain... Sorry, but it came to me all at once.

[RinconRyder]

I continue to see people complain about having to lift their foot to brake. . But I have owned over 25 cars, and I had to lift my foot to mash the brakes on all of them. . Is braking really that hard for some?

In a car you are sitting on your butt and there is little to no pressure on your braking foot. On the Spyder a significant amount of weight is on your feet (or should be) AND is required for proper balance. Therefore, raising your right foot to brake can alter your balance (and that of the trike) AND slow down your braking response.

This would not be a problem if the Spyder came stock with a hand brake but the vast majority do not have this feature. I do, and use it almost exclusively even though the effort would be difficult for riders without my arm strength.

To BRP: If you are going to put only one brake pedal on the Spyder make sure it is useful IMMEDIATELY (which means, without having to move your foot from normal riding position). THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!

[Bob Denman]

No; it's not...
The brake pedal is easily adapted to by most riders.
BRP won't put a handbrake on the Spyders... ever! (Told to me by a BRP Spyder Design Team Member... )

[Poseidon]

it should be on the other side. Why isn't it? It could be an liability issue. If put on the side with the exhaust system, someone could get burned. Yea, we all know tire pressure should be checked cold before starting the engine but.....Dale

I am thoroughly convinced that BRP only hires engineers with law degrees and a subspecialialty in corporate law.

[blacklightning]

No; it's not...
The brake pedal is easily adapted to by most riders.

I have had no issues with the brake, and do not see how most would. But as stated, there is a handbrake to be bought and installed if needed. Maybe this could be a factory option for those in need.

[canamjhb]

All the above. Need better power, better steering, less vibration, better tires, more conveniences, and all at less money.

[RinconRyder]

No; it's not...
The brake pedal is easily adapted to by most riders.
BRP won't put a handbrake on the Spyders... ever! (Told to me by a BRP Spyder Design Team Member... )

Wait until the first rider claims in court he slammed into that stopped truck because his foot got hung up on the brake pedal when the rest of the motorcycle industry mounts their pedals so that they can be applied instantly.