Tabulation

[BLACK WIDOW]

There a lot of stories, a lot of opinions, and a lot of speculation concerning the Spyder and related maintenance and safety issues; But has anyone actually kept count of the no's of actual (as reported on this site) DPS issues and other major maintenance issues. If so, what is the mileage and year of the affected Spyders 08 or 09. If we had this data then you could actually begin to see some pattern of failure. Mileage VS model ,ect. Someone that is software savy (not me) could set up a survey and gather some discernible data that would be much better to evaluate than the current spontaneous reporting we are now all reading. Just a thought.nojoke

Michael:doorag:

[WizardMaster]

Our '08 SE5 got the DPS error imediately after the download. I never made it out of the dealers bay before the code came across.:gaah:

[j45p3r]

I think this is a great idea, it could actually be a useful troubleshooting tool.

[Magic Man]

Our 08 SM5 was delivered with totally non-function P/S unit. Never had code or any other warning that Spyder had a malfunctioning DPS unit.

Was given new DPS, new GPS and a download in Nov. of 08 DPS has been fine since, but have not had chance to put any real miles or ride time on it since last fall.

This season with all the rain here in the Northeast and all the shows Spyder only has 200 miles on it since repair. :(

So I really do not know if 'fix" is long or short term yet?

MM

[Bulldogger]

Bought a left over 08 model in 8/09. I bought in in Wisconson and they stated it was updated with the first flash that was available at that time. Actually they stated all updates were done but the emergency brake would stick, so they stated they needed to update to the new spring, so who actually knows what was or wasn't done. Picked the bike up with 1 mile on it. Took it home on a trailer then modified it. It now has 400miles and no issues at all so far. It was manufactured in 5/08 and is a SM5.

[docdoru]

2008 SM5 Secondary Edition with 55K.
Around 30K the steering was acting strange, combined with E error on display. Replaced the GPS and since trouble free. :clap:

[jabba11]

2009 sm5 purchased 9/09 3000 miles no significant issues. Also had the first update with purchase

[dave01]

I'm guessing that if someone took the total miles ridden by everyone posting good and bad about the spyder and divided the number of issues we have had into it, the ratio would be very, very low. Not to discount that some issues were more than annoyances, but i'm beginning to think that the 2 steering issues I have had were really the computers trying to correct my way of riding, more than loss of steering. 30 years of 2 wheel riding has me set in my ways quite a bit and its been fairly difficult for me to adapt, although it has been fun trying.:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

[Bulldogger]

2008 SM5 Secondary Edition with 55K.
Around 30K the steering was acting strange, combined with E error on display. Replaced the GPS and since trouble free. :clap:
Why do you think the GPS would have any effect on steering? are they wired into the same board? I would hope something like the DPS system would have it's own isolated control board.
On the positive side an 08 with 55K gives me confidence:2thumbs: that my wife will have a potential trouble free ride.

[Bulldogger]

I'm guessing that if someone took the total miles ridden by everyone posting good and bad about the spyder and divided the number of issues we have had into it, the ratio would be very, very low. Not to discount that some issues were more than annoyances, but i'm beginning to think that the 2 steering issues I have had were really the computers trying to correct my way of riding, more than loss of steering. 30 years of 2 wheel riding has me set in my ways quite a bit and its been fairly difficult for me to adapt, although it has been fun trying.:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

The lack of counter steering on the Can-am throws you off a little when you jump back on the two wheeler, especially my 03 chief wide handle bars and 800lbs

[Smylinacha]

Very good idea, maybe all we need is 4 columns like in an excel sheet:

Model (SM/SE) Year Issue How it was fixed

I'd have no idea how to put something like this online where we can all go in and fill it out. Plus we'd have to fill out each issue separately so the data could be sorted properly. Well I would love to volunteer and maybe we can put a folder up where members can post this data. I can take it off from there, compile it in Excel and give results from time to time. Just gotta tell everyone to put their issues in one at a time - not one big long story where I'd have to separate each issue. Just be to the point.

[Dragonrider]

2009 SM5,purchased end of June 2009. Had 1st download done at 600 mile service in August. Left dealer, and had DPS failure/limp mode within 5 miles of the dealer. Limped back to the dealer on the side of the freeway (35 mph tops), and after two re-installs, have had no other DPS problems.

Was told it was typical for it to take several attempts for the upgrade to "take" - which is hogwash. Software is software.

[Firefly]

I thought about this too --- it needs to be done in a uniform manner.

Important things I'd like to see tracked:

Year:
Total Miles:
Miles at time of PS problem:

Update 1 Applied: Y/N
If yes - before or after PS Problem?
Did this fix PS problem: Y/N

Update 2 Applied: Y/N
Did this fix Sputter problem: Y/N
Did PS problem occur after update 2: Y/N

GPS Replaced: Y/N
If yes, at what mileage:

DPS Replaced: Y/N
If yes, at what mileage:

Brief description of your PS failure experience:



Something along those lines --- keep it short and sweet--- and only have people that have had problems reply. Some kind of poll / form that we can fill out would be a great way to do it and track the data.

[j45p3r]

This could be done using Google Docs I think.

[Questions]

Why do you think the GPS would have any effect on steering? are they wired into the same board? I would hope something like the DPS system would have it's own isolated control board.
On the positive side an 08 with 55K gives me confidence:2thumbs: that my wife will have a potential trouble free ride.


The GPS (Gear Position Sensor) was electronically tied to the DPS (Dynamic Power Steering) along with the speed sensor. It took into account what gear you were in as part of the DPS calculation on how much assist to give the steering. Addionally , if the GPS is not calibrated correctly or reset during the recall/update , it can cause issues (ask me how we know ha ha). For anyone still experiencing issues , this is why it is important to see your dealer and MAKE sure they know what they are doing!

[Smylinacha]

Darn it - I can't go into Google Docs at work - they block me from it. Wonder why - not like it's porn or anything:cus:

[ataDude]

Why do you think the GPS would have any effect on steering? ...

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Here you go. Read this entire thread:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7831

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[NancysToy]

I thought about this too --- it needs to be done in a uniform manner.

Important things I'd like to see tracked:

Year:
Total Miles:
Miles at time of PS problem:

Update 1 Applied: Y/N
If yes - before or after PS Problem?
Did this fix PS problem: Y/N

Update 2 Applied: Y/N
Did this fix Sputter problem: Y/N
Did PS problem occur after update 2: Y/N

GPS Replaced: Y/N
If yes, at what mileage:

DPS Replaced: Y/N
If yes, at what mileage:

Brief description of your PS failure experience:



Something along those lines --- keep it short and sweet--- and only have people that have had problems reply. Some kind of poll / form that we can fill out would be a great way to do it and track the data.
I feel it is more complex than that. IMO there are several issues or anomalies that have been reported that affect the steering, but may not be directly related to the DPS or updates, or may be felt only because of certain conditions. Off camber turns or highly crowned roads are an example, as are speed, and rider aggressiveness in turning. I just don't think there is a simple answer here.

[Bulldogger]

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Here you go. Read this entire thread:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7831

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Thanks good info. Keeping my own file on trouble shooting as we don't have a dealer anywhere close.