The Last Straw

[jmcbow]

I really debated posting this thread, as many people use this site to complain about things. However, I guess I wanted to have some forum to express my disappointment with BRP. I've been having issues with my 2010 RTS the last 2 summers. Most recently, a re-occuring issue with the brakes, ie I have lost the brakes on 3 different occasions. Press on the brake pedal and there's nothing there, no resistance, no braking. Take your foot off of the brake pedal, step on the brake pedal a second time and you have brakes again. Of course, at that point it throws a code and you have to take it in. After multiple trips to the dealer, and numerous calls between the dealer and BRP, I've never been given any explanation for why this was happening, nor did the dealer find anything amiss with the brake system and they pretty much looked at everything they could think of. BRP offered to replace all of the mechanical brake components, but no explanation for why this was happening. Call me crazy, but if you don't know why this was happening, how can you assure me this will fix the problem. Bottom line, I don't feel safe on this unit anymore. Thank God none of the times the brakes failed was a "panic stop" situation, but I don't think I can throw my leg over the seat now without wondering if it will happen again, if it is really fixed. Despite numerous requests from the dealer, no one from BRP was interested in talking to me about this situation. Don't get me wrong, I have loved every minute of riding the Spyder, but I just don't feel comfortable keeping this unit now. It's been at the dealer now for almost a month. (as if the brake thing wasn't enough, they discovered the water pump was leaking when they pulled the master cylinder......the last straw) I guess I will bring it home after it's back together, winterize it, and I'll have all winter to think about what I'm going to do. I know this is not typical of many owners experience, but I've just reached my limit. I guess I'll go to the cycle show this February and do some window shopping.

[Bob Denman]

It sounds as if a trip to a different dealer might have yielded different results...
Good Luck, and have fun shopping!

[Jeriatric]

[Chupaca]

Really sorry you have had this recurring problem. I see where you have dealt with only one dealer and brp and not to your satusfaction. Finding another dealer with fresh eyes many times helps. Considering the system used I would even go to a brake specialist (auto industry) and see whats going on. Having to pump the pedal is an indication in all hydraulic systems of lose of pressue and the only other outside force involved is the computer controlled braking. Winter in a good time to have them work on it...jmo

[jmcbow]

First I would be upset too, but an offer to replace every component in the brake system seems to me to be an honest attempt to rectify the situation.

Absolutely true, it is a "generous" attempt to fix the problem, but, my expectation was that I would get some reasonable explanation for why this was happening so that I knew whatever repair was being made would fix the problem. I'm sitll left to wonder now what was going on. Maybe some people would be comfortable with this situation but I'm not. You really need to know that when you step on the brake pedal your going to stop. The dealer has really bent over backwards for me, but I sense that their frustrated too.

[Cruzr Joe]

It sounds as if a trip to a different dealer might have yielded different results...
Good Luck, and have fun shopping!

, and i am glad to see that they are willing to replace the entire system, i wish they could tell you why also but maybe they just don't know and are willing to just completely replace it, sounds like they are trying. I can understand your doubts.

Cruzr Joe

[jerpinoy]

We hope that you'll get your fix. Keep communicating with BRP and I'm sure they"ll help you. Good luck.

[Texas]

That's good they are going to replace the mechanical components. However, they need to replace all components of the system (meaning especially the electronic ones and all wires). More than likely the problem is not mechanical, but rather electrical.

I understand your frustration, as I too have dealt with frustrations with another manufacturer on issues where my bike would leave me stranded every other time I drove it. It think what is most frustrating is when I have to do their job for them by finding the solution to a problem that they are supposed to be trained to find. 40 years ago motorcycles were pretty simple. Through the years they added more and more electronics; some as user amenities and safety features, but a lot were added to help the technician do a better job at locating problems. However, I've yet to be witness to where the extra electronics to help the technicians have actually helped them to locate the usual types of problems that we typically deal with.

Hang in there, but I know how an ongoing issue like this can leave a bad taste in your mouth that doesn't go away, even after the problem is resolved. I'm seeing issues like this more and more across the board of manufacturers (a lot less so with Japanese manufacturers though), and eventually they are going to turn away the majority of their clientele from their brands. There are three brands that I've had experiences with that I will never buy again. Now I am looking to buy a Can Am RT; a brand which I've had no dealings with in the past. I'm going in to this with a positive and eager attitude, but I also have little patience for incompetent technicians. They may work for a dealership, but as far as I'm concerned, they are also ultimately the representatives at the end of the spear for the manufacturer.

[jmcbow]

That's good they are going to replace the mechanical components. However, they need to replace all components of the system (meaning especially the electronic ones and all wires). More than likely the problem is not mechanical, but rather electrical.

I understand your frustration, as I too have dealt with frustrations with another manufacturer on issues where my bike would leave me stranded every other time I drove it. It think what is most frustrating is when I have to do their job for them by finding the solution to a problem that they are supposed to be trained to find. 40 years ago motorcycles were pretty simple. Through the years they added more and more electronics; some as user amenities and safety features, but a lot were added to help the technician do a better job at locating problems. However, I've yet to be witness to where the extra electronics to help the technicians have actually helped them to locate the usual types of problems that we typically deal with.

Hang in there, but I know how an ongoing issue like this can leave a bad taste in your mouth that doesn't go away, even after the problem is resolved. I'm seeing issues like this more and more across the board of manufacturers (a lot less so with Japanese manufacturers though), and eventually they are going to turn away the majority of their clientele from their brands. There are three brands that I've had experiences with that I will never buy again. Now I am looking to buy a Can Am RT; a brand which I've had no dealings with in the past. I'm going in to this with a positive and eager attitude, but I also have little patience for incompetent technicians. They may work for a dealership, but as far as I'm concerned, they are also ultimately the representatives at the end of the spear for the manufacturer.

Actually, BRP asked the dealer to download all the info stored on the on board computer(s) and send them the file, after review, they determined that the problem wasn't eletrical in nature.

[anthony422]

my dealer tells me BRP is the best when it comes to the customer, he told me they really care about the customer..... I'm wondering if your problems all relate to HEAT which they have a big problem.... My dealings with BRP is that.... get in line they are in no rush with no answers, just a lot of lip service

[ARtraveler]

I am also very sorry to hear of your issues with the brakes. This is a situation that I do not recall hearing about before on the site. Something is wrong with the hydraulics or electrics--but what, is for the experts to find.

with the others who have suggested you let them fix the issues by replacing the brake components. Perhaps when they have it all torn apart, (did they do that before?), they will find some other issue(s) and the problem will get solved.

If that does not solve the problem, then you will have to take other measures. I assume you have been in contact with BRP and have an active case file going?

Please keep us posted. We do care that you get the problem/issues solveed.

[3 Wheel Addict]

I had exactly this same thing on a Honda quad years ago. Turned out to be a bad set of wheel bearings causing the wheel to wobble around slightly and that was pushing the caliper pistons back too far. When you would push the brake pedal down nothing was there! Second attempt full brakes. The first push would move the pistons back against the rotor pad and the second push would net good brakes. Took a REALLY GOOD tech to find that!! Something to think about and might be easy to check just by jacking up and wiggling the wheels firmly...

[Texas]

Well I thought that my repeated "left Stranded in 100+ degree heat" was a major issue, but hurling down the road on a 1,000+ lb. monster with no breaks goes way beyond anything I used to consider as a major issue. That vehicle should never be released back to the customer until the issue is found and resolved, or the entire breaking system (mechanical and electrical - all the way from the pedal to the discs) is replaced. Anything short of that is totally unacceptable and compromising your safety.

[jmcbow]

The dealer had the system apart once already, they looked at everything thet could think of to check and found nothing. Initially, BRP stated that they have had the caliper pistons "stick" on some units. But the dealer found no evidence of anything sticking. Yes, there is a case number on file with BRP. I had really hoped to talk to someone, but to date, no one has contacted me despite my dealers repeated requests.

[Texas]

If I had experienced a brake outage on more than one occasion and the manufacturer didn't want to speak to me about it, my next phone call would be to an attorney who specializes in dealing with defects in the automotive industry, because I definitely wouldn't put me and my wife's life on the line by getting on the bike again. Next time you need those brakes might be when someone suddenly stops in front of you, or when someone runs a red light. I'm sure the threat of a possible lawsuit will get them to want to work with you.

[cuznjohn]

i totally understand how you feel about going for a ride on the bike, but if you don't plan on trading it in for another bike i would let them replace everything they want to.

[ValCruzSpyder]

i totally understand how you feel about going for a ride on the bike, but if you don't plan on trading it in for another bike i would let them replace everything they want to.