View Poll Results: How many repair / modify your own Spyder

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  • Can do basic maintance.

    61 32.62%
  • Add farkles but no repairs.

    43 22.99%
  • I'm better with tools than my dealer!

    61 32.62%
  • I won't get near it with tools!

    17 9.09%
  • What are tools?

    5 2.67%
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  1. #1
    Registered Users 3 Wheel Addict's Avatar
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    Default How many actually work on their own Spyder

    How many actually work on / repair your own Spyder? This can include anything from adding farkles to major repairs.
    Sold my 14 RTS went back to 2 wheels.
    2014 Kawasaki Vaquero SE

  2. #2
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    I would fall into that category. The only thing I had my dealer do was a water pump replacement and that was only because it was under warranty and didn't cost me anything

    Now that mine is out of warranty it probably will never see the dealer again.....

    Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Very Active Member rnet's Avatar
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    I also have 2 boys that make a living as auto mechanics, one Ohio tech graduate and the other owns his on tire/auto shop. So I have it covered.
    Happy Spyder Owner
    ISCI Floorboards, Ebrake extension peg, Hand Brake, and hyway pegs, tjfisher2 passenger peg extension, BRP 23" Ultra Touring Windshied, Backrest, Fog Lights, 12volt accessory plug, NMN 4" handlebar risers, Auto Zone red LEDs, BRP Comfort seat, Evoluzione sway bar, powerbus, powerlets and air shock.

  4. #4
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Dealer gets to do most anything technical. I am not very mechanically inclined.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  5. #5
    Thinks out loud Jeriatric's Avatar
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    Arrow Wrench Bending

    Can do. But, that doesn't mean I always do (for personal reasons). If it's a warranty item, then it's theirs.


    Identify what you have control over and find peace with what you don't.

  6. #6
    Very Active Member Larry rt's Avatar
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    Farkles only !

  7. #7
    Active Member srwilli's Avatar
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    I do all preventative maintenance, dealers are really expensive. If/when I need major work will decide if I can do it or not.. Have done all my farkles except the wrap.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

    2012 RT Limited
    SpiderWrap Graphics
    KewlMetal DualKewl FenderZ Running Lights
    TricLED Dual Running & Brake Lights
    Seal Floorboards
    Bajaron Anti-Sway Bar
    Utopia Backrest
    Diamond R Luggage Rack
    SpyderPops Upper Blockoff
    SpyderPops Catalytic Converter Shield

  8. #8
    Active Member LJspydee's Avatar
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    Will do my own maintenance once my warranty and maintenance policy expire.
    Currently do my own farkles.

    Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2
    2013 Silverado 2500HD Duramax
    2017 Honda Pilot
    2018 Maverick Trail 1000 DPS
    2015 RTS SE6 Intense Red Pearl
    2014 35' Keystone Fuzion Impact Toyhauler
    Ultimate Seats passenger backrest, Adjustable wind deflectors, Minitrailer USA trailer, Can Am driver backrest, Corbin passenger armrests, after market hitch, DIY bump skid, LED turn indicaters, cup holders, frunk decal stripes, DIY GPS mount, DIY Gopro dash mount, aux 12v & USB outlets, DIY belt rock shield, BajaRon swaybar, frunk 12v outlet

  9. #9
    Very Active Member stewartj239's Avatar
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    The only thing that I would not attempt is a major mechanical issue and at that point, it would probably be cheaper to just find a complete motor.

  10. #10
    Registered Users hchays's Avatar
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    Unless I have to take it in for warranty work, it's all me! I'm the mechanic, detailer, designer and fabricator for all that is done to my Spyder.

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Deanna777's Avatar
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    [QUOTE=akspyderman;775768Dealer gets to do most anything technical. I am not very mechanically inclined.[/QUOTE]My Can-Am dealer does the mechanical work on my spyder. I am not mechanically inclined, and I don't have the time to do it. ( That Work Thing, Riding my spyder etc.) Deanna777
    Last edited by Deanna777; 03-16-2014 at 04:29 PM.

  12. #12
    Registered Users pellcitypete's Avatar
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    Default WORK

    Since my spyder is out of warranty I do all my up keep an any mods except front end alin. let Lamont do that
    my wife and I on our 2011 spyder-rt-L'IL Red

  13. #13
    Invalid Emails
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    Do all my own Maintenance, and Farkle additions. Use the dealer for everything else. BTW the RS was so much easier to maintain than the RT. I am now looking for a funnel from the "Wizard of OZ" just to add coolant.

  14. #14
    Invalid Emails
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    I prefer to do my own maint and customization to my own high standards,I don't like anybody touching my toys even with warente work I still go over everything just to make me happy.

  15. #15
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    I am the most mechanically-challenged Human in the Universe (Forget about the Planet)
    I add farkles; only if it's not too deep into the mechanicals of the bike...
    It takes me about three times longer to perform the tasks that I choose to undertake; I enjoy the challenge and the satisfaction gained from the experience!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  16. #16
    Very Active Member
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    Mine only goes to the dealer for warranty work. I'll take it in for the 3,000 service but will not have them change the oil.
    2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
    2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
    2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
    2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
    2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
    2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
    2010 RT- 622

  17. #17
    Very Active Member PW2013STL's Avatar
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    Warranty work = dealer

    All other = me, myself, and I. I think between the 3 of me we can get it done
    2015 F3S , White & Blue

  18. #18
    Very Active Member SNOOPY's Avatar
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    I know some tools.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by mcaccamise View Post
    I prefer to do my own maint and customization to my own high standards,I don't like anybody touching my toys even with warente work I still go over everything just to make me happy.
    Haha...I thought I was the only one that did that.....I did the same thing when I got mine back after the warranty water pump. I had all the plastics torn off in the garage and went over everything!

    Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by PW2013STL View Post
    Warranty work = dealer

    All other = me, myself, and I. I think between the 3 of me we can get it done
    One more of you, and a poker game could break-out!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  21. #21
    Very Active Member PW2013STL's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
    One more of you, and a poker game could break-out!
    LOL

    But it would not work as I am a sore loser and would end up hating myself
    2015 F3S , White & Blue

  22. #22
    Very Active Member spydaman60's Avatar
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    farkles only!!!

  23. #23
    Very Active Member bscrive's Avatar
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    I would never hesitate to do anything on my wife's Spyder or my valk including engine work. I don't bring anything to the dealer unless it has to do with the computer. I am actually right now in the process of a complete rebuild on my snowmobile. As long as I have the torque specs I am good to go.

  24. #24
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
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    Default Yes this is Flagrant Bragging

    I'm inclined to design and build things for my Spyders that weren't available when I bought my 08 like a touring windshield.....which I made from a GW 1500 it's like 472 sq.in......and Risers, the handlebar type. I made mine from Sno-mobile risers that needed extensive metal sculpting so the clutch would work, and it does.......tail rack for Hard trunk.......5 position adjustable passenger pegs with an adjustable upright for child use ( and it's almost in the mail Chad ).........and the first Bolt on front shock Angle Adjusters ( really ).............I do all maintenance ...farkeling, and if it gets complicated my personal mechanic "Andy" will help out. ......Mike
    Last edited by BLUEKNIGHT911; 03-16-2014 at 08:16 PM.

  25. #25
    Registered Users 3 Wheel Addict's Avatar
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    I had a 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak that I purchased used from a guy that added some of the loudest pipes ever made! I loved that bike but hated the noise, found a stock exhaust on ebay and put her back stock, found out why it was so loud... engine problems specifically knocking noises!!? The local Kawi dealer said it was rod noise and wanted $2600 for major rebuild of the engine. I decided to fix it myself, found out that the exhaust caused a lean running engine and the detonation caused the piston skirts to collapse and the pistons were slapping in the bores. Turned out to be a simple (sort of) fix. Cost was 2 pistons, 2 ring sets, gaskets and seals to the tune of around $450.
    So clearly I'm not afraid to tackle anything with my bike that I can do without having the BUDS system, that's my only limitation.

    "It takes tools and talent and I can buy the tools"
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    Sold my 14 RTS went back to 2 wheels.
    2014 Kawasaki Vaquero SE

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