The Elephant in My Room

[LifeLongRider]

I’ve now been driving a Spyder since mid-January and can honestly say that I really enjoy it. The reasoning I used when I converted from two wheels to three is still valid and was a good decision. Can’t fall over, reverse gear, don’t have to muscle 950 pounds around anymore, etc. For a man my age (a very senior citizen) these are important considerations.

My last two-wheeler was a 2015 Goldwing that I bought new and put just shy of 50K miles on it. I literally traveled all over the lower 48 states with it and never once did I ever have a problem. I did all of my own maintenance (wouldn’t dare let a dealer touch it) and I had supreme confidence that it would never let me down – which it didn’t. I did however carry enough tools to perform just about any repair necessary while away from home, and I had the knowledge and expertise to go along with it.

And there lies the Elephant in My Room – confidence. I love my Spyder, a 2019 F3 Limited (which I have never had any problems with) but in the seven-plus months that I’ve had it I just haven’t gained enough confidence to do any traveling with it. I read about belt drive issues, tire issues, alignment issues, parking brakes locking up, excessive wait times at dealers to get repairs, the lack of competent dealers and you name it, there seems to be a smorgasbord of issues, that when combined, add up to a serious lack of confidence for me. Even something as simple as a rear tire puncture (which I’ve had my share of so I know it can happen), even if it could be plugged, would just about mandate being taken to a spyder dealer for a new tire (who are few and far between). At least on the Goldwing just about any local motorcycle dealer could replace a tire even if I had to pull the wheel myself. Not that easy on a spyder – sure can’t carry a floor jack while traveling. From what I’ve read, nobody but spyder dealers will even touch one of these anyway. My annual fall color tour across the eastern seaboard states has been cancelled because of this uneasiness – and that’s all it is, uneasiness. I understand that the likelihood of having any issues while traveling is slim, but none-the-less, it’s a feeling I can’t seem to shake. Unlike many, I bought my spyder to use for traveling, I’m not really a city-driver, and now I don’t know if I should stay with it or go back to two-wheels. I will definitely stick it out until next year and see what the new models bring – or I may make a change.

BTW, took the pic this morning while having coffee on the Gulf of Mexico.

[MonPaul]

I understand what you say about the reliability issues, what scares me is how hard it is to find a knowledgeable dealer in my area, yet on the road in a strange area.
Maybe we could get some kind of a network through this forum that has members volunteer their city, phone number, and even address if they want so we can check ahead, or just know someone is close by if we have a breakdown who can help and point us in the right direction for a dependable dealer (not to mention good tourist spots.) I think it would be a great way to take advantage of the knowledge here.

[CopperSpyder]

Some great man once said "you have nothing to fear but fear its self" So I'm not saying dont be prepared for a break down like maybe have AAA for a tow if you need it and be ready to go with the flow if you need to, but go with the intent that you are going to have a great ride! Live to Ride, Ride to Live. You only have one life here on earth.

[yellow peril]

Like you I had the same worries about my 2009- se5 on long trips. Bought mine used at 5000 miles now has 21000 on it. Just returned from trip to upper New York(Buffalo) CT.,Pa,Virginia,West Virginia (2600 miles) with no problems. Burned a little oil. I carry a tire repair kit plug and co2 cartridges and a quart of oil.
The engines are just about bullet proof. I do all my own maintenance and change my own tires etc. I suggest getting a shop manual and go thru it you will be surprised the things you can do without taking to a dealer or having buds. Ride it it is the only way to build confidence. I have road side assistance through my insurance on both the wing(gone) and spyder haven't used it in over 200,00 miles of riding.

[Rob Rodriguez]

Before I bought my Spyder I read this forum a lot and wasn't sure I should get one because of all the negative talk about reliability and dealers. I went ahead and bought one anyway. For a while I was worried every time I left the house on the bike if it would break down but after a year went by and no issues I gained more confidence. After 2 yrs I had more confidence, etc, etc.

I have 24K on my Spyder, I have 2K on my Ryker. I've taken 500 mile trips, I've taken 3000 mile trips across many states on the Spyder. I've done 1000 mile / 24 hr iron butt rides. Never had a problem. Yes, I have had a couple issues with the Spyder but very minor easy fixes. It's never left me stranded. I wouldn't hesitate to hop on the Spyder or Ryker and drive it across country tomorrow.

My advice. Plan a trip and go. Do a few hundred mile trip, then a thousand miles, then longer. Once you have a few trips under your belt you're confidence level will rise and you won't think anything about taking your Spyder anywhere.

Don't let this forum scare you. :)

[Chupaca]

You need to consider that all your fears are based on what you read on this site and perhaps some others. This one has become the place to go to find solutions to many problems but this and others are a minority with many few coming on to relate their problem free ryding. Most issues get resolved but again we don't always get the feedback as the customer is happy and off ryding. Don't base your fears on this site, use it to learn how to...when to...what not to and to enjoy the off topic antics....:thumbup:

[easysuper]

I’ve now been driving a Spyder since mid-January and can honestly say that I really enjoy it. The reasoning I used when I converted from two wheels to three is still valid and was a good decision. Can’t fall over, reverse gear, don’t have to muscle 950 pounds around anymore, etc. For a man my age (a very senior citizen) these are important considerations.

My last two-wheeler was a 2015 Goldwing that I bought new and put just shy of 50K miles on it. I literally traveled all over the lower 48 states with it and never once did I ever have a problem. I did all of my own maintenance (wouldn’t dare let a dealer touch it) and I had supreme confidence that it would never let me down – which it didn’t. I did however carry enough tools to perform just about any repair necessary while away from home, and I had the knowledge and expertise to go along with it.

And there lies the Elephant in My Room – confidence. I love my Spyder, a 2019 F3 Limited (which I have never had any problems with) but in the seven-plus months that I’ve had it I just haven’t gained enough confidence to do any traveling with it. I read about belt drive issues, tire issues, alignment issues, parking brakes locking up, excessive wait times at dealers to get repairs, the lack of competent dealers and you name it, there seems to be a smorgasbord of issues, that when combined, add up to a serious lack of confidence for me. Even something as simple as a rear tire puncture (which I’ve had my share of so I know it can happen), even if it could be plugged, would just about mandate being taken to a spyder dealer for a new tire (who are few and far between). At least on the Goldwing just about any local motorcycle dealer could replace a tire even if I had to pull the wheel myself. Not that easy on a spyder – sure can’t carry a floor jack while traveling. From what I’ve read, nobody but spyder dealers will even touch one of these anyway. My annual fall color tour across the eastern seaboard states has been cancelled because of this uneasiness – and that’s all it is, uneasiness. I understand that the likelihood of having any issues while traveling is slim, but none-the-less, it’s a feeling I can’t seem to shake. Unlike many, I bought my spyder to use for traveling, I’m not really a city-driver, and now I don’t know if I should stay with it or go back to two-wheels. I will definitely stick it out until next year and see what the new models bring – or I may make a change.

BTW, took the pic this morning while having coffee on the Gulf of Mexico.

My wife and I just finished a 66 day Coast to Coast, 11,000 mile ride, my bike is a. 2014 RTL and she has a 2015 RTL we have a combination of 60K trouble free miles on them and will take them up the Alcan next summer .
174730

[JayBros]

I retract my comment. I doubt my position will convince the OP.

[Jeriatric]

Dependability questions running through your mind.

Truth is.

You won't know until you know.

If you've had no problems to date. That's on your side.

Go on an extended trip or two and see what happens.

[CA Railwhale]

You have to remember that people who DON'T have problems don't post about how reliable the Spyder is or how their dealer does decent service. I have a 2015 F3 and it's never had a problem other than the time I put it into limp home mode by having my toe on the brake.

[Gwolf]

I have a 2019 F3. Have not been on any long trips with it since business at home holds me down from extended touring right now. I have only had it for about 3 months, but I have put over 3,500 miles on it and have enough confidence in it to take off several hundred miles without a second thought.

[BajaRon]

I live in East Tennessee. Almost to Bristol. I've been to Orlando Florida 4 times - Over 1,300 miles round trip each time. I've been to California twice - Over 6,000 miles round trip each time. I've been to Canada twice - Over 2,000 miles round trip each time.

I've been to Sturgis, South Dakota, Missouri several time for Spyderfest, and a number of other long distance trips with nothing more than minor, manageable issues. One which occurred because I did not get the coolant reservoir tank lid installed correctly. All of this on a Spyder year model that is much more problematic than the late model Spyders made today.

Every vehicle has issues. If you go to the Honda Goldwing forums, you will find a laundry list of issues that customers have experienced. Looking at these would give you pause to ride a Goldwing. I am not saying that the Spyder, in general, is as reliable as the average Goldwing. And the dealer network is not nearly as good. But you didn't buy a Spyder to worry. You bought it to ride. Since you have no reason to doubt your Spyder, other than what other people have said. I'd just ride more and worry less. Any individual Spyder can be every bit as reliable as any individual Honda product.

I would say trust it until it proves itself unworthy.

[WisconsinDavid]

So far... so good for me. I went through Ontario Canada on a 2500 mile trip in early summer and experienced no problems with the spyder. Like someone said, stuff happens, no matter what you ride. Riding and seeing new things is far better than admiring the Spyder that sits in the garage all the time. Ride and go with the flow. If and when an experience becomes too frustrating... then move along to something that seems better. So far, for me, a really good Spyder experience.

[4 MARIE]

No faith...unless you test. In 2014, Got 1st service and then ran to PA., then TX,, then CO....
Never a whiff of trouble. People with issues are the ones that speak up. Have some faith.. keep your cel phone in pocket.
You WILL be okay.

[ARtraveler]

Going to put another card on the pile of you read to much.

Most of the people posting are posting because they have some kind of a problem or issue with their Spyder. You do not hear a lot from those who are happy and have little to no problems.

Myself, been around here since Feb of 2010. Have owned 5 assorted Spyders. Have a combined total of almost 150,000 miles now. Have had NO major problems since my first one a 2008 GS.

Not afraid to get up and go. Suggest riding more and worrying less. You know what can happen. Be prepared, but don't let it crimp your style.

[SpyderAnn01]

I have put 270,000 miles on Spyders since 2010 and I would not hesitate to ride cross country alone on it.

[JKMSPYDER]

I have over 40,000 miles on my current 2015 F3-S. My previous Spyder was a 2013 ST-S. I put 25,000 miles on it. I have ridden all over the US and into Canada between both Spyders and never a breakdown. I will be riding to California at the end of the month. I am not worried about a breakdown. I have AAA Premier RV and a cell phone. Please don’t cancel your fall tour!!

[YIRYDE]

I have put 270,000 miles on Spyders since 2010 and I would not hesitate to ride cross country alone on it.

WOW, Simply Amazing. Do you drive anything else?

[BearBait]

FWIW, not all motorcycle dealers are reluctant to touch Spyders. The dealership here in upstate New York with which I have been doing business for years and years, through a dozen or more Suzukis, Kawasakis, and Hondas, is perfectly willing to do "non-specialized" work on my Spyder, and I only need to go to the (less convenient) authorized Spyder dealer for matters involving the electronics, etc. -- which, by the way, haven't yet come up.

Take your trip. If you want a just-to-be-safe contact in New York, PM me and I will provide contact info.

[Charlottes Web]

I had a 2011 rt it was a boat anchor. Got 2012 rt had over 50000 no problems. Got a 2014 rt have over 60000 on it still going strong. 2018 went cross country 9000 miles with 2 Harley they broke down one guy purchase a new Harley to get home. 2019 went to South Dakota and Montana with 3 Harley 7000 miles no problems, 3 Harley all had a problem.
The one guy purchase a new Harley so he could continue his trip to California. I also have a 2017 F3 with 16000 miles. I have AAA just in case. Just ride if something happens you’ll deal with it. I a 70+ women and ride myself a lot. Road from Montana to Pennsylvania myself.

[oldgoat]

LifeLongRider

My sentiments exactly.

I find this forum a treasure trove of invaluable info on Spyders. However, it can be extremely off putting if you read all the problems people have.
I will only go on one nighters these days due to "breakdown paranoia". I did pull trailer and venture away for a week at a time once a year but the trailer got to be a repository for all my tools, parts & a jack or two!

Yes there are people who criss cross the continent and never have a problem (except maybe changing a worn out rear Kenda at a Spyder dealer on route) and have a great time.

My elephant has curbed my enthusiasm I'm afraid. Far too old to get stuck days from home. I'll keep my Spyder & enjoy my 200 mile rides but save the road trips for wifey and I in our car. Shame really as I have modified my '08 GS to fit me perfectly and l can ride it all day with no discomfort.

[UtahPete]

I think it's safe to say your confidence has very little to do with the Spyder. Something else is likely going on with you.

[Lew L]

I have plenty of confidence-----in my 2014 :spyder2: and most everything else. We have taken many trips three well over 2,000 miles and 0 problems.

Lew L

[pegasus1300]

I started riding on 3 wheels after a bad accident. I went to a Goldwing trike for 4 years. It was exactly what a Goldwing should be, except I never got excited about riding it. After 40,000 miles I got ride of it and bought a used Spyder RT (2012) in 2015.It had 8500 mi. on and now have 49049 miles on it. I also have AMA membership, and Allstate Auto club. At 73 I am also not afraid to dive into the Spyder if I have to. Coming home from D3WR my Spyder quit shifting, due to a faulty repair by a previous dealer. With the long distance help of a service writer at Ridgeline Motorsports in Vernal Ut. I was able to get back on the road. My point is that even if you have a problem, there are many way to get back on your way. Just go, enjoy yourself. Tell us about your trip. If you have to just go to the next town, buy a burger and come home. Go 200 miles, Buy a steak stay overnight, come home. Ride up to Barber Motorcycle Museum in Oct 4th, you'll enjoy the trip. Get out and ride. The more you ride the more you will want to ride your Spyder. You had enough faith in it to buy it, now have enough faith in it to ride it. Looking forward to your stories.

[askitee]

I’ve now been driving a Spyder since mid-January and can honestly say that I really enjoy it. The reasoning I used when I converted from two wheels to three is still valid and was a good decision. Can’t fall over, reverse gear, don’t have to muscle 950 pounds around anymore, etc. For a man my age (a very senior citizen) these are important considerations.

My last two-wheeler was a 2015 Goldwing that I bought new and put just shy of 50K miles on it. I literally traveled all over the lower 48 states with it and never once did I ever have a problem. I did all of my own maintenance (wouldn’t dare let a dealer touch it) and I had supreme confidence that it would never let me down – which it didn’t. I did however carry enough tools to perform just about any repair necessary while away from home, and I had the knowledge and expertise to go along with it.

And there lies the Elephant in My Room – confidence. I love my Spyder, a 2019 F3 Limited (which I have never had any problems with) but in the seven-plus months that I’ve had it I just haven’t gained enough confidence to do any traveling with it. I read about belt drive issues, tire issues, alignment issues, parking brakes locking up, excessive wait times at dealers to get repairs, the lack of competent dealers and you name it, there seems to be a smorgasbord of issues, that when combined, add up to a serious lack of confidence for me........

Hi LifeLongRider,

Well this is like reading in words what goes thru my mind after 19 months ownership of an new RTL. I had two Honda tourers with a combined 250,000 kms on the clock, and neither had an issue in the time of my ownership. Its only now I realise I was able to just pack the bike, check the tyres, fill the tank and head off.

Since having the spyder I've had :
- times where on the freeway the power steering kicked in nanny mode causing the bike to coast to a stop and I spent an hour on an offramp in the late of night trying to decide what to do,
- have problems with parking brake not coming off or on,
- wandering all over the lane I am trying to remain in,
- VSS straightening the handlebars spearing my wife and I into the oncoming traffic,
- brakes being applied by VSS for god knows what reason.
- Enduring tyres that are really atrocious
- Digital and Analogue style speedometer not reporting the same speed
- Other Spyder riders who I ride with having all sorts of issues with compressors, sensors,
the list goes on.

The cars my family own range from my Lexus to my wifes small compact, which bought new 3 years ago for less than one thirdthe price of the Spyder, had no issues, so the argument that "they dont make em like they used to" doesn't hold weight in my opinion.

This is my 1st Spyder, I still haven't decided if it will be the last or their'll be more. I do hope Can-Am spend time fixing the issues that seem to linger thru the brand since it first came to Australia in 2009 rather than load it with more gimmicks.

I was an IT Manager for a Gov Entity, and when I started our biggest software vendor wanted to know when we'd go for their latest version. My reply "Why would I purchase another product that's as bug ridden as the one we have to endure now? I'd be better looking for something else because we cant get any worse, so when you can show you are fixing the issues long term, come see me."

Too often it seems people are too complacent to accept near enough as good enough. It does not have to be that way and I hope BRP read these forums and see what we are saying. There are two growth areas for BRP in Australia, growth in new buyers and growth in those disenchanted and exiting the brand.

[Mikey]

One of my friends ones said to me, Don't sweat the small stuff, because it's all small stuff!!! I think it's amazing that after all those years on two wheels you would not even think twice about going cross country with your ride, roll up your sleeves and repair what ever broke and not look back!!:clap: Now you own a three wheeler, and really that too is nothing more than, nuts and bolts, the same as you had before, nothings changed but the outside! This site that we use is like a sounding board, where you came go and get some ideas on how to start a fix, get help or just blow off steam. Give it a 50% discount and don't think it's going to happen to you. On here you hear all the bad things, but not that much good!! Use it more as a shop manual, and ride your heart out! You have a great ride under your butt, do what you have always done with your other rides, you'll be fine!! And if you should break down, then remember this web page has a lot of people all over the world, that at any time would help in any way they could to help you threw a pinch! Good Luck in your adventures, ride it like you stolid it!!:yes:

[BajaRon]

A lot of positive encouragement here, with a little cold water thrown in just for good measure.

If you can't bring yourself to feel comfortable on the Spyder, then you're never going to enjoy it. An uplifting state of mind and the adventure of the trip is a good deal of the reason we ride in the first place. Though I think your concerns are unrealistic. Especially since you've actually experienced none of the issues you are worried about. You are currently living someone else's negative outcomes.

You need to find a vehicle that you are comfortable with. Until you do, you're not going to enjoy the ride. Regardless of how reliable it actually is. But no matter what you end up with, I would not look to hard at it. You'll find unhappy owners with bad experiences if you do.

Like the song says; 'There are dusty fields no matter where you go'. Me! I just ride right on by with a big smile. If something does go wrong, I deal with it. I find that it's all good as long as you have the right mindset.

[Gwolf]

U-Haul has trucks and trailers........... what is the problem?

[Dannoinmo]

Boy, does this post hit close to home . . !!! In about 5 weeks I'm leaving mid Missouri and will be riding my 2015 F3S out to central California, all by myself, and I'm 70 yrs old!! My Spyder has 14k miles and has never given me any grief. I just had it serviced at Pitbull Power Sports in Springfield, MO.
I feel very confident in the F3 , I have AAA, and naturally a cell phone .
Having said all that, there is a bit of a 'pucker factor' and a few what if's . . I'm going anyway! Life is too short to let the what if's slow you down, be prepared and follow the road.

[Fire34]

Exacty We purchased our spuder in 2016 and having no experience on 2 wheels, we said heck with and took a 600 mile trip on it. As you can see we have an older model but as others have said, you dont hear from those that have not had any problems because you dont want to ruing a good thing ;)
Dave

[JayBros]

I retract my comment. I doubt my position will convince the OP.

[south GA Farm Boy]

One of my friends ones said to me, Don't sweat the small stuff, because it's all small stuff!!! I think it's amazing that after all those years on two wheels you would not even think twice about going cross country with your ride, roll up your sleeves and repair what ever broke and not look back!!:clap: Now you own a three wheeler, and really that too is nothing more than, nuts and bolts, the same as you had before, nothings changed but the outside! This site that we use is like a sounding board, where you came go and get some ideas on how to start a fix, get help or just blow off steam. Give it a 50% discount and don't think it's going to happen to you. On here you hear all the bad things, but not that much good!! Use it more as a shop manual, and ride your heart out! You have a great ride under your butt, do what you have always done with your other rides, you'll be fine!! And if you should break down, then remember this web page has a lot of people all over the world, that at any time would help in any way they could to help you threw a pinch! Good Luck in your adventures, ride it like you stolid it!!:yes:

Yes, to all of the above, but the author of the book "Don't sweat the small stuff, it's all small stuff, died in his early 40's as best I remember! I am a worrier also, so I sweat the small stuff, and I am on my third Spyder! I have had some small problems with all three of them, nothing major! I don't feel as confident on my Spyder as I did on my Honda's and my Harley's! Just my two senses, keep riding and enjoy your Spyder!

[spyder01]

I have no interest in anything other than long scenic trips.I carry a tire plug kit and a tiny compressor and a pair of wrenches in case I feel like adjusting the belt(I got nervous bc people on here talk so much about adjusting the belt).My last Goldwing needed a new set of tires after every trip bc they cupped and howled so much.Riding a Spyder is very confidence inspiring bc of the safety factor.

[h0gr1der]

LifeLongRider,

I'm one of the ones that sqawked about breakage on a brand new machine. I kind of feel your pain, but let me add this. I firmly believe that you can beat these things into submission. Mine had 2 failures in the first 3 months of being put on the road. The dealer fixed them, albeit in one months time. I just got back from a 857 mile round trip to SpyderPops shop in Pearcy Arkansas to get a Baja Ron sway bar and ROLO laser alignment.

My bike ran great. Nothing fell off or broke. I ran it hard outrunning the torrential rains that were in Arkansas at the time. This thing is smooth as glass with all the additions I put on it. This trip made me feel much better about the Spyder.

Once upon a time I was on a 77 Shovelhead I had ridden all the way from the deep south to Sturgis S.D. to see the spectacle. Of course it broke. It broke on Saturday night, I rode it out of the shop Sunday afternoon. My biggest question now is if I'm on the road, and something does pop up, and is a warranty repair, am I going to get back on the road before one month passes? The poor dealer representation is my main concern at this point. I was told if you're travelling that they will prioritize you to get you going, but is that really the case? Has anyone had to use an on the trip dealer repair, and how did it go?

[Jeriatric]

LifeLongRider,

I'm one of the ones that sqawked about breakage on a brand new machine. I kind of feel your pain, but let me add this. I firmly believe that you can beat these things into submission. Mine had 2 failures in the first 3 months of being put on the road. The dealer fixed them, albeit in one months time. I just got back from a 857 mile round trip to SpyderPops shop in Pearcy Arkansas to get a Baja Ron sway bar and ROLO laser alignment.

My bike ran great. Nothing fell off or broke. I ran it hard outrunning the torrential rains that were in Arkansas at the time. This thing is smooth as glass with all the additions I put on it. This trip made me feel much better about the Spyder.

Once upon a time I was on a 77 Shovelhead I had ridden all the way from the deep south to Sturgis S.D. to see the spectacle. Of course it broke. It broke on Saturday night, I rode it out of the shop Sunday afternoon. My biggest question now is if I'm on the road, and something does pop up, and is a warranty repair, am I going to get back on the road before one month passes? The poor dealer representation is my main concern at this point. I was told if you're travelling that they will prioritize you to get you going, but is that really the case? Has anyone had to use an on the trip dealer repair, and how did it go?

Pre 2014 there were several reports of on the road breakdowns. One in particular that flashes in my memory required the owner to rent a car, go home, and return at a later date to pick up his Spyder. Truth is, if a breakdown were to occur, that required a Spyder dealer, and parts, to facilitate the repair, you'll likely be a while.

Same could happen on most any bike. Difference is......most other bikes have a vast dealership network and parts supply chain.

Things have improved since 2013, as it relates to reliability and breakdowns per 1000 units. What hasn't improved is the dealer network, number of quality techs, and readily available parts network? imo

[ARtraveler]

Pre 2014 there were several reports of on the road breakdowns. One in particular that flashes in my memory required the owner to rent a car, go home, and return at a later date to pick up his Spyder. Truth is, if a breakdown were to occur, that required a Spyder dealer, and parts, to facilitate the repair, you'll likely be a while.

Same could happen on most any bike. Difference is......most other bikes have a vast dealership network and parts supply chain.

Things have improved since 2013, as it relates to reliability and breakdowns per 1000 units. What hasn't improved is the dealer network, number of quality techs, and readily available parts network? imo

:agree: x 2 You have hit the nail on the head. :bowdown:

[Joerolwing]

I just put 11,978 miles on my 2014 RT-S SE6 from Nashville to Alaska and back without a single problem. I had an oil change and other service at the dealer in Vancouver, BC with high satisfaction.

[south GA Farm Boy]

I just put 11,978 miles on my 2014 RT-S SE6 from Nashville to Alaska and back without a single problem. I had an oil change and other service at the dealer in Vancouver, BC with high satisfaction.

Count your blessings!!!!

[ChicagoSpyder]

I have put 270,000 miles on Spyders since 2010 and I would not hesitate to ride cross country alone on it.



I just put 11,978 miles on my 2014 RT-S SE6 from Nashville to Alaska and back without a single problem. I had an oil change and other service at the dealer in Vancouver, BC with high satisfaction.

If these two posts above don't alleviate your concerns nothing will.


And then there is this post below if all goes to hell in a hand basket.

U-Haul has trucks and trailers........... what is the problem?

[h0gr1der]

U-Haul has trucks and trailers........... what is the problem?

I did just buy AAA Premium for this bike. Never had it before, and I tell that my POS 1977 Harley FLH broke in every state I ever rode it in (very slight exaggeration). It did ride home in a truck more than once. BUT! I was a lot younger and healthier. It was also relatively easy to work on, kind of like the old Briggs lawn mower.

It comes down to a matter of logistics. If it breaks beyond your ability to get it back up, get it to the nearest well respected dealer (This is where the AAA comes in). If it's truly a horrible problem they can't solve in X number of days (X being the number of days you can afford to lay up in a hotel, usually very dependent on finances or a job), then the only other consideration I see is it cheaper to leave it and come back (round trip costs), or rent a truck, load it, and bring it home? I have used that route with the Harley, and it's not as expensive as you think. I looked at Budget rental, a 1500 mile one way trip is in the $1000 range.

[bushrat]

To LifeLongRider:

Is it really an elephant in your room? Or is it actually more of a mouse that you have unfortunately imagined to be larger than it really is? I believe that BajaRon is right when he suggests (above) that it's all a matter of perspective. Glass half full, or half empty sort of thing.

I'm a very senior citizen too, within spitting distance of my 80th birthday. Bought my Spyder for many of the same reasons you did. However, I have nowhere near the two-wheel experience you have, nor anywhere close to the mechanical abilities to work on my bike or carry out repairs. That doesn't stop me from wanting to ride it, or dream about taking a long trip. Hell, if that gal SpyderAnn can put over a quarter-million miles on her Spyders, I'll be damned if a few negative experience comments from others are going to hold me back. Love her attitude!!!

You say you're enjoying your Spyder and love being on it. I love mine, and hate when I'm not in the saddle. And while I have yet to do any long-distance touring, I have trailered, then ridden it well out in the 'boonies' far from home in totally strange territory. Truly love being back in the mountains and hills with not many others around except for beautiful scenery. If I had a breakdown, it would surely be a major PITA, but likely I'd find a solution and/or a way out. Actually, I've grown to trust my Spyder so much that I have to remind myself every now and then to check tires, oil, etc.; usually, I just switch on, mount up and go.

Perhaps I'm too naive to recognize the danger; I do still often think and act like I'm closer to 19 than 79. Yeah, I should know better, but I'm not about to turn down a challenge or to forego a pleasure. Maybe I'm selfish or self-indulgent that way. Hey, I paid my dues along the way; it's my life and I want to enjoy the bit that's left... without hurting others... and posing risk only to myself.

So, as the French might say: "Courage, mon vieux"....(Be brave, my friend)

Take that Spyder out and enjoy it to the MAX! Don't let a few negative reports get in your way. If necessary, turn off your computer and turn on your Spyder. Hey, I'll soon be back down in FL with my F3L, and not far from you. Want an old fart riding buddy to terrorize the mid-Florida countryside with? Just let me know. And if you want to meet up with me on my way south for several days of 'twisty' riding in the hill country and mountains of TN, NC, SC, GA, I'll have a trailer with me and be glad to haul any breakdown to a competent repair shop.

There are just too many interesting roads beckoning not to answer their call. Your Spyder needs exercise, and you (and I both) need the thrill and enjoyment. Ride On, and be safe.

[Pirate looks at --]

The OP must have taken that long ryde, or sold his Spyder based on his lack of response!

[pegasus1300]

"I believe that BajaRon is right when he suggests (above) that it's all a matter of perspective. Glass half full, or half empty sort of thing." Remember the glass is neither one, it is refillable. Get out and ride.

[pegasus1300]

o LifeLongRider:

Is it really an elephant in your room? Or is it actually more of a mouse that you have unfortunately imagined to be larger than it really is? I believe that BajaRon is right when he suggests (above) that it's all a matter of perspective. Glass half full, or half empty sort of thing.

I'm a very senior citizen too, within spitting distance of my 80th birthday. Bought my Spyder for many of the same reasons you did. However, I have nowhere near the two-wheel experience you have, nor anywhere close to the mechanical abilities to work on my bike or carry out repairs. That doesn't stop me from wanting to ride it, or dream about taking a long trip. Hell, if that gal SpyderAnn can put over a quarter-million miles on her Spyders, I'll be damned if a few negative experience comments from others are going to hold me back. Love her attitude!!!

You say you're enjoying your Spyder and love being on it. I love mine, and hate when I'm not in the saddle. And while I have yet to do any long-distance touring, I have trailered, then ridden it well out in the 'boonies' far from home in totally strange territory. Truly love being back in the mountains and hills with not many others around except for beautiful scenery. If I had a breakdown, it would surely be a major PITA, but likely I'd find a solution and/or a way out. Actually, I've grown to trust my Spyder so much that I have to remind myself every now and then to check tires, oil, etc.; usually, I just switch on, mount up and go.

Perhaps I'm too naive to recognize the danger; I do still often think and act like I'm closer to 19 than 79. Yeah, I should know better, but I'm not about to turn down a challenge or to forego a pleasure. Maybe I'm selfish or self-indulgent that way. Hey, I paid my dues along the way; it's my life and I want to enjoy the bit that's left... without hurting others... and posing risk only to myself.

So, as the French might say: "Courage, mon vieux"....(Be brave, my friend)

Take that Spyder out and enjoy it to the MAX! Don't let a few negative reports get in your way. If necessary, turn off your computer and turn on your Spyder. Hey, I'll soon be back down in FL with my F3L, and not far from you. Want an old fart riding buddy to terrorize the mid-Florida countryside with? Just let me know. And if you want to meet up with me on my way south for several days of 'twisty' riding in the hill country and mountains of TN, NC, SC, GA, I'll have a trailer with me and be glad to haul any breakdown to a competent repair shop.

There are just too many interesting roads beckoning not to answer their call. Your Spyder needs exercise, and you (and I both) need the thrill and enjoyment. Ride On, and be safe.
[SIGPIC]:yes::yes::yes::yes: What a great attitude. Many happy trails to you.

[Bob204bc]

This will just echo replies from others. I have a F3L Spyder and have years and a couple of hundred thousand miles experience on BMWs. You must recognize that any machine can break down. The internet and product specific websites are full of horror stories about breakdowns, lack of dealer support, no parts, etc.... These are real but they represent only a small number of the total population and the internet blows them out of proportion.

BMWs have almost no dealer network outside of major population areas. There are some states with no dealers at all. They have many reported problems with electronics and final drive failures yet most owners ride the hell out of them and never have any issue. Can Ams are the same.

My advise is stop worrying and just go out and ride.

[askitee]

I am actually glad I have read this post thru.

I recognize that a lot of the issues I had can be attributed to the dealership service Dept being a bunch of numskulls - offence intended. 8 months ago I changed dealerships and I've had no issues so far, so maybe I have been a bit harsh.

I do love riding the thing - I am an all weather rider regardless of conditions, though strong wind is my biggest dislike.

I really really want the Spyder to be a positive choice

[Daddyray]

U-Haul has trucks and trailers........... what is the problem?


Uhaul has one trailer that will fit a Can Am Spyder and from my experience it is not readily available. I agree with everyone else. Go and ride and enjoy yourself.