Are Spyder sales Declining Fast?

[jaherbst]

Stoped at Ride Now Sports today for a visit. Only two F3's and five Ryker's. This is a huge dealership with over 40 dealers across the country. I asked the sales manager where the RT's were and he said there were none and very little sales of the F3. Also stated Ryker sales are at a standstill and motorcycle sales are really slow in general.

This is a 60,000 square foot dealership. Guess what it was filled with? SS (side by side) Can AM's, Polaris, Honda, Yamaha SS's. 65 of them taking up most of the floor along with 80 motorcycles. I was shocked to say the least. SS's have taken the market by storm. Not one Slingshot!

BTW we were up at Bryce Canyon for the last two weeks and rented a new Polaris Slingshot for a day. Yup it was a blast.. drove it 210 miles. Polaris is sponsoring a rental dealership there with 17 new SS's and 11 new Slingshots. We also rented a Polaris SS for a day and went way up in the Black Mountains. We did not take our Can Am SS with us. Half the people in the "Big Rig" RV park had SS's. We were in our M/H.

Jack

[dpetrick]

Here in NW Iowa motorcycle sales slow down in fall because there are not many good riding days once we get into late October. There are some great deals around here as dealers try to clear out stock of motorcycles and watercraft and shift to selling snowmobiles and 4x4 rigs for ice fishing and winter recreation. Things pick up in spring and dealers shift to selling motorcycles and watercraft. 4x4 rigs sell year around for recreational and farm use.

[BajaRon]

I think the Rykers are not selling because they are all gone. The dealership here in Greeneville (small town) has customers that would buy one. But they can't get one to sell. And they have 7 or 8 dealerships here in the south.

[SpyderAnn01]

Motorcycle sales are off all over but I haven’t seen any signs that Spyder sales are off. It isn’t Spyder season in Tucson so I would think that has a lot to do with it.

[Chupaca]

Tends to slow down now with school starting, weather changing and season ending for some. The SS are all over the floors but I think the street machines are down all over. It is a fickle market and does have its ups and downs. I don't do dealers so don't know their situation but did for many years....:dontknow:

[pegasus1300]

Here in NW Iowa motorcycle sales slow down in fall because there are not many good riding days once we get into late October. There are some great deals around here as dealers try to clear out stock of motorcycles and watercraft and shift to selling snowmobiles and 4x4 rigs for ice fishing and winter recreation. Things pick up in spring and dealers shift to selling motorcycles and watercraft. 4x4 rigs sell year around for recreational and farm use.

That is the way things are in Utah also. Basically if you don't sell your inventory by July 24th your going to be sitting on it until next February so dealers schedule their inventory accordingly. Hunting season is on right now so ATV's,SS, are on the floor now and Snowmobiles will be arriving soon.

[billybovine]

The last reporting financial period for BRP is Q1 2020 ending April 30th, 2019. Yes that is correct. Their financial quarter is way different than the calendar. In the quarterly presentation it shows an increase of over 110% as compared to Q1 of 2019.

[lonestar2112]

Here in northern Nevada, M/C sales are down as are Spyder sales. The SXSs are moving off the shelves.

[Wahrsuul]

Its very confusing when you refer to SS - side by side, then refer to SS - Slingshot. Not sure what you're referring to at what time. I looked at the Slingshot and thought it might work, but the wife refused to try to get into it, so...

[billythekidd]

I agree... the Slingshot is a blast. I have a 2019 SLR Sling and a 2018 RTL and I find myself more and more taking the Sling... It is a blast to drive. To be honest I still feel the RTL is more comfortable for a long trip. although I did drive the Sling 1600 miles in 2 days on the way home from Georgia..... If anyone is interested, the sneak peak from Polaris shows what looked like an auto trans and a different power plant for the SS for 2020. I think a lot of folks do not like shifting.....

Just a side note, I have a 7" ride command unit in my Sling and it is ready to go in seconds. You start the Sling and by the time you are ready to go the music is playing... Why can't our RT's do the same. Sometimes I am already driving before it has "booted up"?

[billythekidd]

Its very confusing when you refer to SS - side by side, then refer to SS - Slingshot. Not sure what you're referring to at what time. I looked at the Slingshot and thought it might work, but the wife refused to try to get into it, so...


I thought one was supposed to say SXS for side by side and SS for the Sling.

[blacklightning]

Not sure about spyder sales, but car sales in general is down in my area. I had been looking at a convertible and was going to wait until September or October. But I decided to go look at a couple anyway. The first dealership did the bate and switch. After driving nearly 2 hours for their advertised price, they added over $3500 in fees. Then the next dealership had exactly what I wanted, but the price was $33k. They lowered the price to $31k. After the test drive, I decided to just leave, and the salesman and manager told me that they had been getting no sales because everyone was into getting kids ready for school. I made them an unreal offer of $28k out the door. To my surprise, they decided to go for it. Took a little prying, but now I am happy with the deal. Not bad for a 2 year old, $50k car. I actually considered a slingshot, but couldn't fit very well. This gives me the open air feel, and I can put the top up when I want. Besides, I still have the spyder and Vmax for my super fix of wind therapy.

[jaherbst]

I hope it is just the summer heat, although I have never visited either Ride Now's without seeing at least half a dozen RT's on the floor even in the summer. People ride here in the summer heat regardless. Not for me!

I think of course the Ryker put a big dent in the RT sales mainly due to much lower price. Just don't want the RT's to go away as we really enjoy ours. Service is also a concern.

I hope some of you are correct in saying it is just a seasonal thing but I am not so sure.

Jack

[C. Lee]

The dealer I purchased my 19 from said they cant keep rykers in stock. "They sell as fast as they come in" was the quote I was told. Chris

[Navydad]

Motorcycle sales are terrible here in southern Ohio. Neither new or used bikes are moving and if you are a buyer there are some great deals to be had. The side by side and four wheeler market is doing very well. That market is what is keeping several dealerships doors open. Folks here seem to be keeping their bikes longer. My buddy has a repair shop and the number of older, higher mileage bikes he works on has grown a lot. Guys are saying "hey, it runs well, cheaper to keep her."

[ARtraveler]

I am also thinking that it is a cyclical thing. Most dealers are in slow down as we approach Labor Day. When in AK, a lot of people parked their mc's by September 30...since snow can come anytime in October. I always rode there until the black ice hit the roads.

Ryker has also put a dent in sales for the Spyder line. Many who were dyed in the wool Spyder people, have tried the Rykers and they like them. And then we hear things like my dealer said they sold over 200 Rykers and can't get enough of them. Always wondered about that.

The new year announcements for the line will tell much. :bbq: :bbq:

[WisconsinDavid]

Have a friend that works higher up in Polaris (Indian). They are sticking with the Slingshot niche'... so far. The memory of Victory still casts a large shadow. The Slingshot is not a very profitable endeavor for a company that is feeling the headwinds of the economy and culture. From different things I've read, across all branding, motorcycles are not a big deal with the young demographic. Everyone is scrambling trying to reverse that trend away from cycles/trikes. There are less and less of us older buyers... the market continues to shrink and shrivel.

[Graywolf1]

With kids going back to school and the seasons changing I would say recreational vehicle sales are always lower. My husband bought his Spyder last month and because of the great deals, I bought the smaller 2019 F3T.

[Papa103]

The dealer I purchased my 19 from said they cant keep rykers in stock. "They sell as fast as they come in" was the quote I was told. Chris

c. Lee I just bought the same spyder you have a week ago (mines chrome not dark). I've been running the wheels off it. Almost 800 miles. I had a Harley rider come up on side of me a couple days ago to say nice color.

[jaherbst]

Nice Color!

Jack

[pegasus1300]

Have a friend that works higher up in Polaris (Indian). They are sticking with the Slingshot niche'... so far. The memory of Victory still casts a large shadow. The Slingshot is not a very profitable endeavor for a company that is feeling the headwinds of the economy and culture. From different things I've read, across all branding, motorcycles are not a big deal with the young demographic. Everyone is scrambling trying to reverse that trend away from cycles/trikes. There are less and less of us older buyers... the market continues to shrink and shrivel.

Nice color.:thumbup::D

[MikeT]

I see that the BRP Can-Am rebates have already started. $3500.00 on RT/RT Limited.

[Wahrsuul]

Apparently the Baby-Boomers all have motorcycles.

Generation X is only buying a few, and the next generation isn't buying any at all.

A recent study was done to find out why Millennials don't ride motorcycles:

Here are the study results:


1. Pants won't pull up far enough for them to straddle the seat.

2. Can't get their phone to their ear with a helmet on.

3. Can't use 2 hands to eat while driving.

4. They don't get a trophy and a recognition plaque just for buying one.

5. Don't have enough muscle to hold the bike up when stopped.

6 Might have a bug hit them in the face and then they would need emergency care.

7 Motorcycles don't have air conditioning.

8. They can't afford one because they spent 12 years in college trying to get a degree in Humanities, Social Studies or Gender Studies for which no jobs are available.

9. They are allergic to fresh air.

10. Their pajamas get caught on the exhaust pipes.

11. They might get their hands dirty checking the oil.

12. The handle bars have buttons and levers and cannot be controlled by touch-screen.

13. You have to shift manually and use something called a clutch.

14. It's too hard to take selfies while riding.

15. They don't come with training wheels like their bicycles did.

16. Motorcycles don't have power steering or power brakes.

17. Their nose ring interferes with the face shield.

18. They would have to use leg muscle to back up.

19. When they stop, a light breeze might blow exhaust in their face.

20. It could rain on them and expose them to non-soft water.

21. It might scare their therapy dog, and then the dog would need therapy.

22. Can't get the motorcycle down the basement stairs of their parent's home.

[jaherbst]

Well that about sums it up!

Jack

[johnsimion]

Apparently the Baby-Boomers all have motorcycles.

Generation X is only buying a few, and the next generation isn't buying any at all.

A recent study was done to find out why Millennials don't ride motorcycles:

Here are the study results:


1. Pants won't pull up far enough for them to straddle the seat.

2. Can't get their phone to their ear with a helmet on.

3. Can't use 2 hands to eat while driving.

4. They don't get a trophy and a recognition plaque just for buying one.

5. Don't have enough muscle to hold the bike up when stopped.

6 Might have a bug hit them in the face and then they would need emergency care.

7 Motorcycles don't have air conditioning.

8. They can't afford one because they spent 12 years in college trying to get a degree in Humanities, Social Studies or Gender Studies for which no jobs are available.

9. They are allergic to fresh air.

10. Their pajamas get caught on the exhaust pipes.

11. They might get their hands dirty checking the oil.

12. The handle bars have buttons and levers and cannot be controlled by touch-screen.

13. You have to shift manually and use something called a clutch.

14. It's too hard to take selfies while riding.

15. They don't come with training wheels like their bicycles did.

16. Motorcycles don't have power steering or power brakes.

17. Their nose ring interferes with the face shield.

18. They would have to use leg muscle to back up.

19. When they stop, a light breeze might blow exhaust in their face.

20. It could rain on them and expose them to non-soft water.

21. It might scare their therapy dog, and then the dog would need therapy.

22. Can't get the motorcycle down the basement stairs of their parent's home.

Hmmmm ... which generation raised these little "monsters" and doesn't take a lick of responsibility for the way they are?

[bushrat]

Further to billybovine's #7 post above (BRP's first quarter results for this year), they have just released, today, their 2nd quarter results - see: https://www.american-stock-research.com/brp-inc-q2-2020-earnings-report-30aug2019.html - which appear to show a further increase/improvement. Wouldn't seem that BRP or Spyder sales are decreasing or in danger of disappearing anytime soon. BRP claims to be capturing an increasing share of the market, from what I read and hear. BRP does suggest that sales of their CanAm side-by-side are "robust".

ADDED NOTE: Perhaps I also should have pointed out that BRP notes that "inventories" make up just over 30% of their asset value, and that "anything over 20% makes them rather TWITCHY". Perhaps this means they have a lot of stock sitting on hand and undistributed to dealers, which may be why Jack and/or others aren't seeing as much in showrooms at the moment.

[jaherbst]

In my original post I was wondering why no RT's were in there inventory at either store here in town. Also the few Rykers and only two F3's were the only stock on hand and were rearranged and stuck back in a corner. The main area's of display were for Side by Sides.

[ARtraveler]

I have been saying for a couple years that I think the RT is on the way out as we know it. No major changes since 2014 and the 1330. The F3 seems to be the "new" iteration of the product.

There have been some new "teasers" concerning RT...but we will have to see what happens with the 2020 announcements.

Do you think it is possible that the dealership is getting ready to "dump" the Spyder/Ryker lineup? There is a lot of that going on the past year. AK is now Spyderless as far as dealers go.

[JoshHefnerX]

In my original post I was wondering why no RT's were in there inventory at either store here in town. Also the few Rykers and only two F3's were the only stock on hand and were rearranged and stuck back in a corner. The main area's of display were for Side by Sides.

Not sure which Ridenow you were at but there were several Spyders (F3's and RT's) at the Peoria location when I took a test ride. Bout 2 weeks ago.


The motorcycle ind is headed for dark territory. There's been articles for the last few years as sales have been slumping in general. As the population ages they've been giving up their 2 wheels - some going to 3 but there's nobody to replace them buying 2 wheels. The Millenials have no interest in vehicle ownership at all. They'd rather Uber, or ride the mass transit so they can play on their tablets. They're also unable/unwilling to deal w/ the stresses of traffic driving for the ones that have jobs.


As for Can-am's financials. They've taken a large chunk of sales from Polaris on the sxs market. The X3 and Maverick trails are really selling. As soon as I got my x3 many long time polaris fans have started to look at alternatives esp due to all of the recalls for catching fire, and the performance of the Can-am products.

Looks like they're making some serious money in sales, but inventory is a bit high. If it's in sxs's they'll sell those though no problem.

Somewhere on here there was mention of dealers being suggested to clear out their Spyder inventory ahead of the announcement forthcoming. Which means there's probably some new product in the pipeline. They did say they were going to be releasing new products across all lines every 6mo or so for the next couple of years. Riker was about 6mo ago...

[dondje]

The dealer I purchased my 19 from said they cant keep rykers in stock. "They sell as fast as they come in" was the quote I was told. Chris

Been to the dealer a half dozen times to test ride a 900 or Rally Ryker. Always sold out. They do usually have a 600 on the floor, but even those are selling. Last time I was there, a Rally pulled in beside me. The guy said he picked it up the day before and was back to get the color panels that just came in. He waited 3 weeks to get his and bought without seeing a Rally in person.

Regards,

Don

[Knight]

The dealership I bought my '19 F3 from had a few Rykers, but my F3 was the last '19 they had. Like others have said, I attribute that to changing seasons and them gearing up for what sells for them in the Fall.

[ChicagoSpyder]

I agree... the Slingshot is a blast. I have a 2019 SLR Sling and a 2018 RTL and I find myself more and more taking the Sling... It is a blast to drive. To be honest I still feel the RTL is more comfortable for a long trip. although I did drive the Sling 1600 miles in 2 days on the way home from Georgia..... If anyone is interested, the sneak peak from Polaris shows what looked like an auto trans and a different power plant for the SS for 2020. I think a lot of folks do not like shifting.....

Just a side note, I have a 7" ride command unit in my Sling and it is ready to go in seconds. You start the Sling and by the time you are ready to go the music is playing... Why can't our RT's do the same. Sometimes I am already driving before it has "booted up"?

The Slingshot is a blast, I put 170 miles on one last fall following a friend who was on a GW and we hit some great hilly and curvy roads, what I didn't care for was cresting hills with driveways with my arse only being few inches above the pavement, I like the head position on a bike much better, plus I can stand on a bike to get that extra view. If I were to buy a SS it would only be with a manual.


Not sure about spyder sales, but car sales in general is down in my area. I had been looking at a convertible and was going to wait until September or October. But I decided to go look at a couple anyway. The first dealership did the bate and switch. After driving nearly 2 hours for their advertised price, they added over $3500 in fees. Then the next dealership had exactly what I wanted, but the price was $33k. They lowered the price to $31k. After the test drive, I decided to just leave, and the salesman and manager told me that they had been getting no sales because everyone was into getting kids ready for school. I made them an unreal offer of $28k out the door. To my surprise, they decided to go for it. Took a little prying, but now I am happy with the deal. Not bad for a 2 year old, $50k car. I actually considered a slingshot, but couldn't fit very well. This gives me the open air feel, and I can put the top up when I want. Besides, I still have the spyder and Vmax for my super fix of wind therapy.
Great deal on that Stang!!


I hope it is just the summer heat, although I have never visited either Ride Now's without seeing at least half a dozen RT's on the floor even in the summer. People ride here in the summer heat regardless. Not for me!

I think of course the Ryker put a big dent in the RT sales mainly due to much lower price. Just don't want the RT's to go away as we really enjoy ours. Service is also a concern.

I hope some of you are correct in saying it is just a seasonal thing but I am not so sure.

Jack

The best riding weather is coming! I think the Ryker is the portend for what we're going to see for all Spyders, and that's shaft drive which our machines really should have came with for the amount of money we spent on them.

[jaherbst]

Not sure if they are going to dump the Spyder but one would think that. Ride now is the largest Can Am dealer in the USA. They have 40+ dealers throughout the entire country. We love our RTL (2014) and am concerned about continued service if the Spyder's go by the wayside. I hope not.

Jack

[ChicagoSpyder]

Not sure if they are going to dump the Spyder but one would think that. Ride now is the largest Can Am dealer in the USA. They have 40+ dealers throughout the entire country. We love our RTL (2014) and am concerned about continued service if the Spyder's go by the wayside. I hope not.

Jack

Bombi won't dump the Spyder, but they will refine it and I do expect shaft drive to be on the next iteration of the Spyder, also look to see an electric Spyder. In the vid below at the 2 minute mark you will see an electric Spyder behinder the Commander :ohyea:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=121&v=10npI9fR-f4

[ARtraveler]

An interesting catch on the Spyder in the back. Also caught it under a tarp with just the fender showing. Cannot tell what stage that was in though. Would have been nice to see it riding down the trail with the 4 x 4. :bbq:

[Tazzel]

Younger people don't have the budget for luxury items, they can barely afford food and rent. Motorcycles of any brand is just that a "can do without" this is why a lot of casinos are not doing well. Younger people are just not interested.

[jaherbst]

About the only thing they are interested in are their Cell Phones and "Safe Places". No interest in mechanical things. Almost every "Red Blooded" American boy used to be obsessed with cars. Not any more!

Jack

[Millermatic252]

I'm probably the youngest spyder owner. 27 when I bought it, though two days later I turned 28. I'm well within the demographics everyone is talking about here. Haven't considered a two wheel bike in a few years. Not an interest of mine anymore. Besides, I get way more compliments on the spyder than my friend does on his two wheel bike.

The dealership I went to had a few of the higher end spyders on the inside of the store and then about 10 others outside. A few rykers, but I guess those sold because I didn't see them there last time I went.

[wifesspyder]

If CanAm doesn't get dealers around the country up to speed on repairs and upgrades, do something about the ridiculous cost of parts, extremely long wait times for said parts, plus waiting weeks to get into dealers for service, get better quality control over the cheezy switches the Spyder uses that result in failures and again those weeks long waits for parts, CANAM will not have to worry about sales. The line will die out due to self inflicted wounds. They are already getting a bad rep for reliability I think.

[XB12X]

if you think they have a bad rep for reliability, watch Great Rydes on YouTube. 64,500 miles on an F3 and going strong. And by no way is he unusual.

[JeffandLori]

if you think they have a bad rep for reliability, watch Great Rydes on YouTube. 64,500 miles on an F3 and going strong. And by no way is he unusual.

He had his motor replaced.

[BillyChampagne]

I have been saying for a couple years that I think the RT is on the way out as we know it. No major changes since 2014 and the 1330. The F3 seems to be the "new" iteration of the product.

There have been some new "teasers" concerning RT...but we will have to see what happens with the 2020 announcements.

Do you think it is possible that the dealership is getting ready to "dump" the Spyder/Ryker lineup? There is a lot of that going on the past year. AK is now Spyderless as far as dealers go.

Not sure about the dump. However, the three dealerships near me have a good amount of RT,s and F3's and they say are selling.
Possibly its a regional thang?

[billythekidd]

If CanAm doesn't get dealers around the country up to speed on repairs and upgrades, do something about the ridiculous cost of parts, extremely long wait times for said parts, plus waiting weeks to get into dealers for service, get better quality control over the cheezy switches the Spyder uses that result in failures and again those weeks long waits for parts, CANAM will not have to worry about sales. The line will die out due to self inflicted wounds. They are already getting a bad rep for reliability I think.

It is not only Can-Am... I have a 2019 Slingshot as well and it took over 2 months just to get a new steering wheel... (cosmetic damage) they were back ordered. Harleys have always had terrible wait times during the riding season.... I think this is just an industry problem and not a Can-Am issue.

[SuperG]

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/brp-outpaced-powersports-industry-q2-160600916.html

BRP is doing quite well.

[2dogs]

...
The best riding weather is coming! I think the Ryker is the portend for what we're going to see for all Spyders, and that's shaft drive which our machines really should have came with for the amount of money we spent on them.

Hell yes, and spin on oil filters, and many many more up to date improvements that other manufacturer have taken advantage of in the 21st century.

[Wahrsuul]

I don't like spin on oil filters and wish they'd get away from them on cars as well. Cartridge filters have a lot less waste, and everything but the media itself is dictated by the engine manufacturer.

[Wmoater]

If CanAm doesn't get dealers around the country up to speed on repairs and upgrades, do something about the ridiculous cost of parts, extremely long wait times for said parts, plus waiting weeks to get into dealers for service, get better quality control over the cheezy switches the Spyder uses that result in failures and again those weeks long waits for parts, CANAM will not have to worry about sales. The line will die out due to self inflicted wounds. They are already getting a bad rep for reliability I think.


I’ve got to disagree with that..... It doesn’t matter what off-road, onroad, boat, sled or jet ski you own all the dealers are swamped. Very few dealers will have more than 2 or 3 mechanics. Every machine on the market has packed everything so tight and has so much technology crammed into one small area it is impossible to simply rip apart a machine like in the 80’s and 90’s fix and strap back together in 1 hours worth of time. The computers help but still to get to the parts and time they are only getting at most 6 machines each a day out per person in most cases. Look at how many powersport vehicles have been sold in the last 5 years. Powersport “Lots” in the 90’s had maybe 50 units total for sale. Most “lots” now have 100’s and 10 different versions of the same unit. You are not the only person, think about every machine sold in the last 3 years crammed into a shop over 365 days for simple yearly service. Lets say they sold 1000 units in a year thats now a potential of 3650 units to service. Not going to happen. Sales may have hit an all time high but think of all the newer units out there that are considered new because they are 5 years old. Yes I do all my own work but I’d say now only 50% of the people do. Machines are not like they used to. Fathers don’t rip the machines apart like they used to. Fathers don’t make their kids fix what they break like they used to so add all those people in with the amount of machines out there now and thats why you get 2 week waiting.


I have riden every type of machine out their and will say the spyder is one of the smoothest, comfortable, technological machines out there. It will not die it will simply change. The swing will come around again. Look at 4 wheeler. Died in 200’s can am cam out with new machine and everyone followed and bam outlanders lead now. Polaris came out with the side x side and now can am’s mav has upped the game and now they are the new thing. Same will happed with spyder in a few years. The cycle always turns every 10 years. Same with sleds and jet ski’s