want info on 2008 spyders

[Rog1541]

Just a question about the older 2008 can am spyders, My daughter is wanting to buy an older spyder / because the cost of a new one. Is there any information that I need to know before getting one ?? are they good spyders or are they issues ??

Please let me know
Thanks
Rog1541

[dpetrick]

I have a 2009 and have had no issues with it. I have had it for 2 years. I am very diligent about maintaining it.

[oldgoat]

I have a 2008 with 25,000 miles. It is the SM5 or manual gearchange model. Mechanically it has been very reliable. I do all the servicing myself.
I did not find the original riding position comfortable so have spent quite a bit of time and money to get it to my liking.
When I picked it up from the dealer in 2012 with only 100 miles on the clock he said it was the most reliable of Spyder models as of 2012 as it was the simplest.
Have been happy with my purchase

[hillrad]

My 2008 is a good one but, with all machines, there are a few not so good ones. Unless you're relying solely on a bike mechanic these "things" require, at minimum, intermediate skills. Although I've gone the limit with counter measures, due to design, it's the HEAT. Irregardless of what anyone else tells you, the hot factor on the older ones is like a rolling pizza oven (primarily lower right leg)... unless cruising.

[YPILOT]

Hello, I have an '08 with around 95000, miles. There were several issues with the early models and most were addressed with updates and warranty replacements of the DSS unit and the gas cap. The heat issue on the right side because that is where the radiator and cooling fan are located can be alleviated somewhat with some aftermarket products from Spyderpops, one of our vendors or by removing the two bottom access panels under the Spyder. There are some good Spyder deals to be had so look around and make sure to have a dealer hook it up to Buds and make sure all updates are current. Don't limit yourself to the '08 machines, go for the most value and best machine you can afford. Welcome to Spyderlovers.

[MercerLake]

My first SPYDER was a 2008 GS SE 5 used with 22000 miles on it, tires were worn as were the brake pads so I replaced them. Rode it another 10000 miles with no problems. But I could not get comfortable with the riding position as it put too much pressure on my hands. So I traded up for a 2015 ST SE5 due to a more comfortable riding position. I know of several 2008s and they are solid machines. However, I would suggest looking seriously at the RYKER as the pricing and available financing plus warranty might be a better choice for a new rider.

[Chupaca]

Although mine is a 2012 RS Sm5 with 43,000 miles they are reliable and she should just check that the updates have been done with the vin# at a dealer. Hope she find the one to her liking and gets out there and enjoys the road....:thumbup:

[ARtraveler]

They are mostly good machines. If maintenance is kept up you should be good to go. I have seen them as low as $5,000 on here for sale.

I had an 08 and had no problems with it the two years I owned it. You can get a service record by having the dealer run the vin #.

[Bob Denman]

As with any 11 year old machine: there will be issues...
But the basic architecture is good. You just have to find the right one! :thumbup:

[Rog1541]

Thanks to all for the information you have given me !!!

Ride safe !!!!!!!!!!!!

Rog1541

[Bob Denman]

Happy shopping! :thumbup:

[jnt]

Similar to other vehicles, depends on the owners.

We had a Premier Edition 08 GS for 10 years. Always started. Even original battery (!!). Was a very fun ryde. Sold because W could no longer operate the clutch - too stiff - and I already had my 15 RT.

The 08s had a couple recalls (done well by dealer). Basically, check them out, especially with BUDS to be sure all maintenance has been (properly) done.

[asp125]

No complaints with ours. We had the DSS recall, the gas cap recall done. Spyderpops heat management and belt guard kits installed. The early GS/RS's are simple and reliable. Ours has never had to be laser aligned or suffered any limp home issues. While they lack the bells and whistles of the later models, they are also less complicated with fewer potential points of failure.

[Yazz]

I still have my '09. The main problem I found was the original "y" gaskets burned up before 20k and gave you a very hot right leg.

It's an easy fix. Replace both right and left gaskets with Honda PN 18392-MAM-000.

I replaced mine at 18k and haven't had a heat problem with over 50k now.

[stevencovert]

Did the exhaust change from '08? When I put on my HMF muffler I saw no "Y" gaskets. Unless I'm blind :). I get occasional P0170 codes that are nebulous - check exhaust, intake throttle body, so I was looking.

[Freddy]

Did you actually remove the Y pipe to check when you replaced the muffler?

[Motorcycledave]

I have over 25 K on mine I got it in 2010 with 6oo miles on it and up till last year never had any trouble
with it, last year the DPS went out (DPS) is the power steering unit, that was a shocker it went out at 19K
and cost $1300 to have replaced, however it was worth having it done the trike runs and rides great and like
others I made a bunch of changes to it to get a comfortable riding position. I have replaced tires once all 3
with Michelin car tires.. I have no reason to get rid of it, if I get a new one I will give this one to one of my
grandkids...



168843
I have a 2008 with 25,000 miles. It is the SM5 or manual gearchange model. Mechanically it has been very reliable. I do all the servicing myself.
I did not find the original riding position comfortable so have spent quite a bit of time and money to get it to my liking.
When I picked it up from the dealer in 2012 with only 100 miles on the clock he said it was the most reliable of Spyder models as of 2012 as it was the simplest.
Have been happy with my purchase