Ask the BRP/Spyder Engineers Questions

[NancysToy]

All the bikes and cars I have owned had a service book where a stamp would be inserted by the Dealer when the bike/car was serviced.

The service record of any bike/car is important and a up-to-date service record adds to the value when the bike is sold.

Is there a reason why the Spyder is not issued with a service book.

Not a common practice in the US or Canada. It would turn our used car/bike salesmen honest.
-Scotty

[bone crusher]

What octane fuel should I use and why? LOL


Seriously, please tell us more about the engine control systems. Does the Spyder ECU incorporate a knock control system? At what RPM/MAP/Throttle position ranges does the fuel system operate in a closed loop mode? What is the target AFR that the system attempts to correct to? Are changes applied as offsets to fixed tables, or are changes made to base maps? Does the ECU apply adaptive learning to the fuel tables in open loop areas of the fuel maps? Can the system compensate for major changes to the intake or exhaust system? Why is the idle speed set so high? Any plans for engine performance parts- cams, pistons, heads? Any plans for end user programming software for the ECU so that we can adjust engine operating parameters?

You're too funny...try 87 and send me a check for the difference!

[bone crusher]

All the bikes and cars I have owned had a service book where a stamp would be inserted by the Dealer when the bike/car was serviced.

The service record of any bike/car is important and a up-to-date service record adds to the value when the bike is sold.

Is there a reason why the Spyder is not issued with a service book.

I don't think cars have this? You can probably get printouts each time you go in...

[hondaman]

Why do you seem to have the same problems on spyders and your atv line over and over again and I keep on hearing how our new products are not fixed,just go back to the shop over and over still no fix.I understand problems,but if there are a lot of the same thing,fix it.Do you not care?This is not a good time to loose customers.You have 26k of my money in brp products.........

[NancysToy]

I have another one. BRP recommends a 5W-40 synthetic oil for Spyders. Recently, BRP introduced synthetic blends that are labeled as being recommended for Spyders. Some dealers have now stopped carrying the full synthetic product. Is this an acceptable oil? What is the current oil recommendation for the Spyder? If it has changed, is there a service bulletin that details the revised spec?
-Scotty

[Star Cruiser]

I have another one. BRP recommends a 5W-40 synthetic oil for Spyders. Recently, BRP introduced synthetic blends that are labeled as being recommended for Spyders. Some dealers have now stopped carrying the full synthetic product. Is this an acceptable oil? What is the current oil recommendation for the Spyder? If it has changed, is there a service bulletin that details the revised spec?
-Scotty

Yeah, I like that one. Not a fan of synthetics and a high quality Dino-lube would be my preference with frequent changes (to keep thigs clean)

[jedd]

8500 Miles no problems on my SM5- Please fix my fellow's SE5's. Then design a touring model (Full Dresser) . Or atleast more accesories.

[bnlrobinson]

Maybe your SE5 is a loner or it has performance anxiety...

You maybe right I haven't had any issues lately but I've been alone on all my rides

[powerbyaj]

Steering Test:

If i head the spyder at 30 degrees or more down hill put the spyder in reverse and back up 1 foot then roll forward a little leaving the bike in reverse. After stopping how come the steering will not turn?

Spyder model: SE5

[captainryder]

Wheel Alignment Problems

Is it alignment problems or design problems that are causing the tires to wear so quickly?

Can the Spyder be aligned? Camber or toe-in or toe-out should be adjustable, but dealers are saying maybe not.

Maybe the answer is in the tire quality?

With certain stability and steering requirements, the Spyder seems to be purposely aligned with some "adverse" postions that perhaps are causing excessive tire wear when recommended tire inflation psi is not maintained properly. Consequently, those whom seem to over-inflate are seeing less wear, while those owners that have improper inflation seem to have really "quick" tire wear.

Perhaps an explanation why it is doubly important in the Spyder to keep tires properly if not overly inflated to reduce wear. (That sounds obvious, but if the design of the Spyder alignment actually contributes to tire wear in order to keep the VSS / Stability of the vehicle, there should be a warning or stern recommendation of such)

[bjt]

My question... It was mentioned that BRP tested many tires while designing the Spyder. They decided to go with the Kenda tire because they faired better in their tests regarding hydroplaning, VSS, etc. What were the other brands and types of tires tested and how did they rate compared to the Kenda?

[FANG]

I would like to know why it takes so long for our spyders to be repaired once they are in the shop for work. It seems that BRP is not willing to acknowledge there is a particular problem with a spyder. EBD Fault; ABS Fault: and DPS Fault.

Dealer connects to BUDS and then has to wait for BRP to decide the couse of action. It then takes 5 days for parts to come in and if that doesn't fix the problem the cycle is repeated.

You would think BRP would want to keep these machines on the road and would make it convient to the customer that has a problem. Why not overnite the parts to the dealer. If a problem has occured more than once and it has taken several attempts to complete the repair why peice meal the repair and keep the customer's spyder in the shop.

Customer service after the sale is just as impertant as the inital wooing of the customer. Spyder owners are your best salesmen and women. If our rydes are held up in the shop because of poor attention to the customer during their tiime of need - your reputation suffers and the spyder owner gets a bad taste in their mouth and that translates into negative feedback.

[vt228]

1,why don't you people put longer mirror arms on spyder they should be out more have to pull sholders in to look behind me alot of people have same problem .
2. pegs are to close to drivers need to be back a little more wider pegs for passenger. thank you vt228

[bandwagon]

Surely they have to fix this problem, I95 in the DC area is no joke. ken

Will there ever be a fix for the troublesome SE transmissions that continually stick in gear? My dealer has done the program update, changed a spring and an electronic module, and it worked for about 700 miles. Now it is back to sticking in gear again. Makes for a dangerous situation especially in traffic.

[Tom in NM]

Would you please develop and market an optional gear & drive belt set for owners who prefer more casual freeway cruising, lower RPM and better fuel mileage instead of maximum accelleration.

I would happily pay for this option!

[SLO RYDER]

Does BRP have any plans to improve the exhaust gaskets for the connection between the Collector and Headers? I have the stock exhaust and it appears the weight of this Large contraption is biased by the forward mounting of the muffler. The muffler needs more support on the rear to prevent the premature wear of the gaskets (BRP clls the Slip Joint Seals). My Spyder has 5400 miles and I just replaced them. See the attached picture of my right gasket of which only half remained. Dealers say that they do not see this failure and I believe this is because most Spyder owners swap the stock for lighter and smaller aftermarket louder mufflers. I do not like Loud Pipes and would like to retain the stock muffler.

[Mr.Bumble]

I just found out that my front turn signals are not front runing lights. Is this normal? Or is something wrong with my spyder.

[NancysToy]

I just found out that my front turn signals are not front runing lights. Is this normal? Or is something wrong with my spyder.

That is normal. No Magic Neon has their Double Play kit available if you wish to change it.
-Scotty

[trldncr]

1. Is the cooling fan switched by the ECU or a hard switch? If ECU, have you contemplated a reprogram to switch the fan in sooner? If a hard switch, how about a revision?

2. Why is the ambient air temperature and pressure sensor so slow to respond, and why does it always read so high. This makes the Spyder run very lean (most of the time).
-Scotty

some read higher because the dealer did not relocate them as per the pdi bulletin. If it is located where it is before relocating at pdi, it is behind the trunk and close to the front exhaust pipe in an area of more heat which creates a leaner condition. It is suposed to be moved froward on the right side of the trunk where there is airflow throught the vent.

[NancysToy]

some read higher because the dealer did not relocate them as per the pdi bulletin. If it is located where it is before relocating at pdi, it is behind the trunk and close to the front exhaust pipe in an area of more heat which creates a leaner condition. It is suposed to be moved froward on the right side of the trunk where there is airflow throught the vent.

Mine is in the correct position.
-Scotty

[effgjamis]

I went to the Local Dealer, powersports of kissimmee, and asked about adjusting my headlight under waranty.
Well the answer I got was something I surely didn't expect. NO,as the lights are adjusted at the FACTORY and therefore any adjustment made would be subject to Time and Material Cost. Now.... they did not even look at the spyder, nor checked the lights, nothing, so how could or would they state that the lights are set at FACTORY settings?? However, I have not adjusted the lights.

Also,, I keep asking them about the squeaky brakes, and they keep saying that I MUST directly contact BRP service group to get authorization for the fix. Well, I would think they would take it upon their selves to contact the Manufacture and get the neccessary apporval and parts. DUH!

I have no clue if my small issue on open ears or on deaf ears. That's ok,, I still love my spyder regardless of the kind and considerate assistance I get from the local dealer.

[spyderbob]

Can someone post a list of the recalls we have not had ours in the shop yet and would like to know what we need to ask about.

[irish2themax]

My 2009 SE5 is in the shop having mods added before I take possession. I've seen numerous posts about recall issues but they are spread all over the place. The BRP site says there are NO product recalls at this time. I tried Googling "recalls" but cannot find a list of known issues

Before I take possession, I'd like to have all of the KNOWN problems taken care of. Is there a comprehensive list of recall issues or should I be confident that a 2009 has them corrected before shipping?
__________________

[GaryTheBadger]

Technically there aren't any Recalls, but there are Service Bulletins.
2009-1 deals with SE5 shifting, for example. Again, technically you're supposed to exhibit the symptoms before getting the fix under warranty, but my shop didn't make a big deal about it, as soon as I mentioned it, they did the work. It did smooth out the shifting, but did nothing for the creeping (it wasn't supposed to, they're still working on that). Other Bulletins deal with leaking brake fluid caps and brake pads and such. You should be able to find them on threads here using searches trooling through the subject lines.

Correction Apr 21 - there is one official NHTSA recall:
Make: CAN-AM Model: SPYDER ROADSTERModel Year: 2008Manufacturer: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Mfr's Report Date: NOV 28, 2007NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 07V561000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSPotential Number of Units Affected: 476Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A PRESENCE OF AN ABNORMAL QUANTITY OF AIR IN THE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT OF THE FRONT BRAKE. ALSO SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE ONE OR TWO BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAPS THAT ARE SEALED AND THIS COULD CREATE A VACUUM WHICH COULD LEAD TO ADSORPTION OF AIR INTO THE BRAKE CIRCUITS. THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY GO ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSING.Consequence:
A DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.Remedy:
BRP HAS NOTIFIED EACH OWNER INFORMING THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND SCHEDULING A PICK-UP TIME TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND PERFORM A BLEEDING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS NEEDED. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAPS WILL BE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE WILL BE VALIDATED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-864-2002.Notes:
BRP RECALL NO. 2008-0001. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

[Biker]

Being an SE5 owner and hearing all these stuck in gear problems, now I'm getting paranoid. I haven't had this problem and I'm worried. Is this very common? I also would like to ask BRP if they could change the gearing on these Spyders. Coming off of 3 Harleys in the past is hard for me to understand the high rev's of this engine. I keep looking for an extra gear. But, this is probably the nature of the beast. I too would like this problem addressed if this "Stuck in Gear" thingie is a problem.