WARNING -SPYDER RS SE5 2012 WARNING

[Questions]

My Can Am Spyder while in 4th gear, on a 2 lane highway in Arizona, the transmission went out. Was going approximately 45 miles per hour in a heavy wind when I lost the transmission completely. Could not shift up or down, all I could do was to limp to the side of the road. Mine is one of 3 bikes to have this same problem, that I know of. Bike in shop for 3 weeks now, technical support will not help, they know what the code is, but don't know what it means or how to fix it, according to service manager. This is the 3rd transmission failure I have had with less than 8,000 miles on the bike. If this would have happened on an 8 lane freeway and being in the 2nd or 3rd lane, with heavy traffic, there would be no place to go and possibly cause a terrible accident. Anyone with any information please reply. Thanks, Bob
After reading some comments felt the need to say: A, not a computer person. B, used to live in San Diego. C, I know how to ride this bike and D, this is for real.

[ARtraveler]

Thank you for your interesting first post. Please keep us informed as to how this all works out for you.

[spydaman60]

get in touch with steve at brp care! good guy to have behind you when you have a problem like this!!! good luck!

[Bob Denman]

DON'T count on the dealer; contact Steve!

[Illinois Boy]

My Can Am Spyder while in 4th gear, on a 2 lane highway in Arizona, the transmission went out. Was going approximately 45 miles per hour in a heavy wind when I lost the transmission completely. Could not shift up or down, all I could do was to limp to the side of the road. Mine is one of 3 bikes to have this same problem, that I know of. Bike in shop for 3 weeks now, technical support will not help, they know what the code is, but don't know what it means or how to fix it, according to service manager. This is the 3rd transmission failure I have had with less than 8,000 miles on the bike. If this would have happened on an 8 lane freeway and being in the 2nd or 3rd lane, with heavy traffic, there would be no place to go and possibly cause a terrible accident. Anyone with any information please contact me at 1-619-871-3009. Thanks, Bob

4th gear at 45 mph?

Don't know what Spyder you have.

You have not provided enough information for anyone to respond to, and I do not think anyone will make a phone call. You have made one post and leave a phone number. If I call will I win a prize or get a free vacation to Florida if look at a time-share?

Seriously... a bit more info or your post is going to be ignored.

[jScotD]

[billrob71]

Not good!!!

I can understand your frustration, I don't think I would of posted my phone number, but like was stated above if your dealer is telling what seem to be BS need to contact BRP directly and make them aware of what's going on. Get yourself a case number and see if they can help.

BTW welcome to the forum.

[JKMSPYDER]

​What was the code that the dealer pulled up?

[Magdave]

4th gear at 45 mph?

Don't know what Spyder you have.

You have not provided enough information for anyone to respond to, and I do not think anyone will make a phone call. You have made one post and leave a phone number. If I call will I win a prize or get a free vacation to Florida if look at a time-share?

Seriously... a bit more info or your post is going to be ignored.

4th gear @45mph on a 998 engine is probably why you blew it up the centrifical clutch was barely (if at all) engaged. Shift points on a 998 engine 1st up to 25mph 2nd up to 38mph 3rd up to 48mph then 4th. Lugging a 998 is not a good thing you should be riding at a minimum of ~5krpm in whatever gear on the highway. A strong headwind would be dropping you down and putting a strain on the engine. If you were riding at or below 4k rpm that is bad. JMHO

[daveinva]

Pardon my "trust, but verify" skepticism but...

-- Member since Feb 2012
-- First post over two years later
-- Suffered rather unique transmission problem
-- Personally knows three more people (!) suffering rather unique problem
-- Suffered similar (identical?) transmission failures three times...

... and now he finally posts?

Heck, most of us here chip a nail unscrewing a Torx bolt and five minutes later we're furiously typing away here at SL to accuse BRP of implementing a sub-standard bolt-and-fastener quality control regime.

Anyway, if this is legit-- -- folks here definitely can help, but share more info, please!

[ARtraveler]

This is the third first time post in a couple weeks now. Posters gave little to no information, had a large problem or wanted people to "write a book" to answer their post.

I note that none of them have returned with additional posts. I can see the skepticism some of us have shown here, so if the post is genuine, more information would be helpful.

I would venture to say that the other two posts seem to have been accompanied by the Rawhide theme...

Trollin, trollin, trollin.

[Illinois Boy]

4th gear @45mph on a 998 engine is probably why you blew it up the centrifical clutch was barely (if at all) engaged. Shift points on a 998 engine 1st up to 25mph 2nd up to 38mph 3rd up to 48mph then 4th. Lugging a 998 is not a good thing you should be riding at a minimum of ~5krpm in whatever gear on the highway. A strong headwind would be dropping you down and putting a strain on the engine. If you were riding at or below 4k rpm that is bad. JMHO

I agree, which is why I asked the question. I assume you knew that though.

I don't think the post was legit. Just my guess...

[Chupaca]

sorry for your misfortune. If you were able to coast or move at all your transmission may not be the problem. Sound like your clutch went out so shifting is no longer an option. If you were ryding as you stated and have been ryding that way all the time you clutch did well to last this long. If you are not over 3,500 rpms the clutch is not fully engaged. Your dealer should be able to figure this out. Burnt clutch plates have a distinctive smell and it will be in the oil. Be sure that those others you mentioned have the same problem for not shifting come from more than one area...good luck but if the dealer is not getting it done call brp...

[Magdave]

I agree, which is why I asked the question. I assume you knew that though.

I don't think the post was legit. Just my guess...

Yeah I know I just put into words for you.

[Bob Denman]

Legit, or Troll...
We certainly need some more info...
like the mysterious code that was pulled, and unexplainable...

[BajaRon]

Blowing up a transmission 3 times in less than 8k has got to be a record.

Running 45 in 4th gear would be bad enough. Running that way with a heavy wind (I'm assuming head wind) is clutch suicide. If this is the way you ride the Spyder all the time then the surprise may be that you've only had the transmission fail 3 times in 8k miles.

You say there is a code, but without that code there's no chance of anyone giving you more information. Like saying, 'Come visit me, I have an address'.

Very strange...

Has anyone ventured to call the number? Not recommending it, just curious.

[msj4848]

I Googled the number, looks like is is based out of San diego, not az.... ?

[Yfactor]

The registered location for that phone number is San Diego, CA and not the same as the posted location of the person posting.

[jScotD]

[BajaRon]

My audio offering in response to this situation...

[Magdave]

The registered location for that phone number is San Diego, CA and not the same as the posted location of the person posting.

Could be his cell I live in SC but still have an Ohio area code on my cell ( so my poor relatives can call me on a local call).

[jScotD]

where the heck did you find that?

here is back at you



we were the opening act in 73

[SpyderSue]

OMG - you guys are killing me... where else would I find such entertainment at 10:40 in the evening? Thanks for the chuckle... Sue (who has a few more posts than 1, but not nearly as many as Bob Denman)

[Dan_Ashley]

I am seriously trying to be a less cynical person...This is NOT helping me with that!

[ARtraveler]

I am seriously trying to be a less cynical person...This is NOT helping me with that!

Hang in there. Enjoy the intermission entertainment.

I even came back later than usual to see if the OP had come back with some additional information.

Miracles can happen.