A question for all Spyder owners. [Archive] - Can-Am Spyder & Ryker Three Wheel Motorcycles

mxz600

01-24-2010, 01:17 PM

If you knew then what you know now, would you have purchased your Spyder? Yes, no, maybe.

My answer is maybe. I would have to give it more thought with the steering issues. It is a little disconcerting.

The worst thing going on when I bought mine was the noisy brakes. I figured I wasn't buying one of the earlier produced Spyders and that I would be OK. I was wrong. Six weeks of ownership and my brakes would make a god awful sound like a dying dog. I had the brakes replaced and everything was fine until the steering update. After the update I had hesitation issues and one minor steering glitch. My dealer did the update to the update but said my VIN# wasn't on the DPS switch replacement list. They delivered my Spyder to me in a trailer (snow was already falling) so I have not had it out yet to see if it runs any better.
Overall I am very happy with my Spyder. I do feel like I am one of the lucky ones as I have not had any major things go wrong and have not had any down time during prime riding time. Another thing going for me is that it is a toy and not a major source of transportation. I also do not use it for long trips, although I may be riding the Spyder to Denver NC this summer. We'll see how that goes.

Al Bragg

01-24-2010, 01:25 PM

I would have.

docdoru

01-24-2010, 01:26 PM

Yes, until there is going to be a real competition in the Y concept. :thumbup:

Jeaux

01-24-2010, 01:31 PM

'08 SM5..........
I never had an issue with the steering, but got the #1 update anyway, which produced the spitting/sputtering at specific RPM's. The #2 update totally took care of that issue, and I've had absolutely no problems with my Spyder from that point !! (Didn't have issues before the #1 update, as far as that goes....)
All in all, I've been completely happy with my Spyder !! I think a lot of it deals with the dealer's attitude and level of competency...... I have an exceptional dealer with a top-notch service department, and they give me a level of service that keeps me happy and confident !! (Bradford Marine in North Little Rock, Arkansas)
And, yes......... I would go for the Spyder again in a heartbeat !! :yes:

NancysToy

01-24-2010, 01:34 PM

I guess I have to say "Yes," since I just purchased the second one.

chasen_racen

01-24-2010, 01:39 PM

:agree: I'm with Scotty on this one. I too bought my second Spyder.

DynamoBT

01-24-2010, 01:41 PM

Believe it or not, even with all my moaning and groaning about the steering problems, I would buy a Spyder knowing what a do.

BRP is going to solve all the problems eventuallly. Look what Toyota is going through. One thing that doesn't help is that each dealer probably only sees a few Spyders for service. No way to be expert in repairs. Until that time that dealers are more proficient servicing, we're going to see BRP techs coming from the factory to deal with some problems.

Anyway, I do think all the problems will be solved eventually. A bit of a rough road we're rying right now. But it's going to get better.

Dragonrider

01-24-2010, 01:56 PM

My Spyder replaced my ATVs which I rode for decades.. so, yes, I would. However, I would not consider purchasing another one.

SpyderWolf

01-24-2010, 01:58 PM

I would definitely buy another one without hesitation. I only had mine for a month, and my wife was riding it enough to the point we bought her one as well.

While my car may have many more built in safety features, there is no guarantee that I won't have problems with it that could cause me to die in a car crash. Each individual needs to look at the situation and judge how much risk they are willing to take for themselves. In my case, the risk is well worth the reward and the miles of smiles I get while ryding my Spyder. It also cool to have my wife as my ryding buddy, and still be able to take our son along with us. :thumbup:

ivanlee

01-24-2010, 02:00 PM

fastfraser

01-24-2010, 02:20 PM

:2thumbs: Buy again for sure !!!

:2thumbs: Hope to get a RTS in the late summer, early fall ,when hopefully the price comes down and there hasn't been and serious problems.

Hamie

01-24-2010, 02:21 PM

Got mine in December '09 knowing I may have problems...and would do it again...

TonyMac

01-24-2010, 02:37 PM

j45p3r

01-24-2010, 02:44 PM

Yes, absolutely. When I'm not riding my snowmobile I'm thinking about riding my Spyder this spring.

Neez

01-24-2010, 03:45 PM

I plan on keeping my Spyder for 5 years (when the extended warrantee runs out.) I will buy another Spyder at that time, under 2 conditions: that all the steering issues are properly, completely resolved, and that maintenance and part delivery times are shortened. Otherwise, going on extended trips is worrysome.

boborgera

01-24-2010, 03:46 PM

I purchased my Spyder a year and a half ago. I have a history with BRP. I knew what i was getting into,
I bought the concept, reverse trike.
Will i buy another Spyder no'' I'll just run this one till ????
BMW brings one here,, reverse trike [ rumors this year]
Or until someone else does.:popcorn: Nothing against BRP it was a great first try;
but I'm not going to trade in a 15 thousand $ Spyder for a 25 thousand $
Spyder hoping they got it right the second time around.

Donzo

01-24-2010, 04:09 PM

Yes, I would buy it again - I love riding the Spyder and it has saved my butt at least twice - once on black ice where 3 guys on bikes went down in front and behind me and on an emegency stop that would have been to short a distance for a 2 wheeler.
The money spent and possible injury that may have come from the above has me sold on the fun AND safety of the Spyder

Sarge707

01-24-2010, 04:14 PM

Best Thing I ever did!!! :D:ohyea:

ameobe

01-24-2010, 04:41 PM

Best Thing I ever did!!! :D:ohyea:
:agree::thumbup::ohyea:

BajaRon

01-24-2010, 04:45 PM

Absolutely! :thumbup:

M2Wild

01-24-2010, 04:47 PM

Yup, I do it again. It was a good deal, fun ride and I just wanted one. Nothing that went wrong I couldn't handle yet. Have the extended warrenty to back me up. I will be trying to put as many miles on it as I can before the warrenty run out.:D

caser

01-24-2010, 05:04 PM

Without hesitation, having way to much fun with it. :2thumbs:

glynnk

01-24-2010, 05:25 PM

Yep, but traded in th GS 09 for the RT-S!:joke:

Glynnk

mxz600

01-24-2010, 05:26 PM

I guess I have to say "Yes," since I just purchased the second one.
-Scotty http://www.pmdawnonline.com/forum/images/smilies/velo.gif
Happy owner of 2010 Spyder RT-S
& co-owner of 2008 Spyder GS

Hey Scotty, is Nancy Happy owner of 2008 Spyder GS
& co-owner of 2010 Spyder RT-S :dontknow: Just wonderin'

Cajunborn

01-24-2010, 05:44 PM

For all who purchase Spyders after April 2009 you get to take off your taxes double the tax you paid on your Spyder when you do your taxes. Part of *****'s Stimulation package.:2thumbs:

NancysToy

01-24-2010, 06:05 PM

Hey Scotty, is Nancy Happy owner of 2008 Spyder GS
& co-owner of 2010 Spyder RT-S :dontknow: Just wonderin'
Yep, but she hasn't expressed any interest in riding the RT-S herself. I had to talk her into just sitting in the driver's seat.

Dukester

01-24-2010, 06:06 PM

A BIG YES!!!!!!!! I hope to make a deal on a RT later this year.

ataDude

01-24-2010, 06:24 PM

If you knew then what you know now, would you have purchased your Spyder? Yes, no, maybe....

.
From a former Spyder owner:

No.
.

SpyderSteve

01-24-2010, 06:33 PM

QUOTE=TonyMac;174893]I would again in a New York minute. I understand the issues with being an early adopter. I'm amazed every day when a new person on the streets sees it and asks questions like a kid on Christmas morning.

This sucker is really unique, fun and I really love it/QUOTE]
:agree:

BumbleBee

01-24-2010, 07:21 PM

I guess I have to say "Yes," since I just purchased the second one.

YES
:agree:, Same here :2thumbs:

mdr

01-24-2010, 07:32 PM

Maybe

I still love the concept and enjoy the ryde every time I get out. My SO likes ryding on the back more than the harley, and I find it easier to do longer trips on 3 wheels.

Disappointed with the steering issues, and the fact that ryders have been left without their spyders for weeks-months at a time because brp and/or their dealers couldn't get things fixed. Also, I know it's a (new) toy, but the resale is brutal.

Smylinacha

01-24-2010, 08:21 PM

BMW might have one? Nice! I am interested in seeing one.

I feel the same way you do - I'll keep my Spyder for now and hopefully won't have any steering issues this season. But if it starts up again and BRP doesn't have an answer, I will get rid of it by legal means. No way would I sell it to someone unless they wanted it full knowing about the steering problem.

But if my Spyder runs fine, I was thinking at another RS in 2011 but I really want to see how these 2010's do - I'll be watching to see if they do or don't have any major problems and if BRP's shipping out parts to customers in a more TIMELY manner improves.

I purchased my Spyder a year and a half ago. I have a history with BRP. I knew what i was getting into,
I bought the concept, reverse trike.
Will i buy another Spyder no'' I'll just run this one till ????
BMW brings one here,, reverse trike [ rumors this year]
Or until someone else does.:popcorn: Nothing against BRP it was a great first try;
but I'm not going to trade in a 15 thousand $ Spyder for a 25 thousand $
Spyder hoping they got it right the second time around.

truck 85

01-24-2010, 08:23 PM

YES YES YES :clap::2thumbs: it is the most fun i have ever had with my pants on

obiwanbill

01-24-2010, 08:46 PM

with a missing right leg, Spyder is my only choice. I had a bad battery and a bad coil replaced under warranty. Didn't have the steering problems that others had but the dealer put in the computer upgrade any way.

As others have said, having a great Service Mgr helps the experience. Mine is Dewey at Plymouth Motorsports in Plymouth MI.

The closer dealer-stealer in Maumee-Toledo is dishonest...had enough trouble with them when I had 2 legs and a Honda.

jlb

01-24-2010, 09:48 PM

Got mine in December '09 knowing I may have problems...and would do it again...

Me too, picked up my '08 in Oct '09. I've no reason not to reccomend it to others. Love my spyder & can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can ride again.

ntxYguy2009

01-24-2010, 11:18 PM

Yes. :2thumbs:

David

spyderflyer

01-24-2010, 11:27 PM

yes ,I road 5000 miles last summer and my spyder road great:2thumbs:

WackyDan

01-24-2010, 11:36 PM

I'd be hesitant to be honest. I haven't had much go wrong with my 08... So no biggy.

Props to GroundEffect though that bought one after hanging here a bit.

3tracs

01-24-2010, 11:37 PM

Absolutely. I love the way it rides and would do it again. :thumbup:

I can't wait till the snow and ice are gone so I can get it out to ride. Will try to get it to the dealer for a checkup before the good weather gets here.

bone crusher

01-24-2010, 11:50 PM

I would again in a New York minute. I understand the issues with being an early adopter. I'm amazed every day when a new person on the streets sees it and asks questions like a kid on Christmas morning.

This sucker is really unique, fun and I really love it:2thumbs:

A guy from Texas saying 'in a New York minute', that says it all...

And yes, I'd buy mine again and again...it's a new concept and new vehicle...normal to have problems...any vehicle that is a new model, concept, configuration, etc...has problems...it is the same in the auto industry...nothing out there is as cool as a Spyder!

Saluda

01-25-2010, 05:48 AM

Yes.

Kerrville Bob

01-25-2010, 07:44 AM

Yes, even though I've had some unusual problems. I'm now on my third Spyder. I'm a sport bike rider (I've owned 3 FJR 1300s plus others). Would you believe I've only got an SE5 now. I've learned to ride it like a sport bike or at least I've learned to keep pace with my sport bike riding buddies.
Short story--
Bought Spyder 1 SE5 for my wife. Ends up she puts 400-500 miles on it and I put the other 22,000 on it. Liked the paddle shift but had to buy a Spyder 2 SM5 to make sure I wouldn't like a standard shift better than the automatic. Guess what? I like the SE5 better. Next I hit a black lab on Spyder 1 and totalled it. Sold Spyder 2 this past week and have already outfitted Spyder 3 (an SE5) with all the extras I had on Spyder 1. Next long ride is to Daytona and bike week. Hope to see ya there on yellow Spyder.

PS: All my Spyders have been '08s. :2thumbs:

groundeffect

01-25-2010, 07:56 AM

I'd be hesitant to be honest. I haven't had much go wrong with my 08... So no biggy.

Props to GroundEffect though that bought one after hanging here a bit.

Thanks for the note, Dan. I'm not a Spyder owner yet, but indeed, I have put a deposit down on an RS. It's not in yet, and as I understand it, there are some delays - The truck has not yet been shipped from BRP as it is waiting for some new skidoos to be manufactured to make it on the truck also, before it comes to my area. I really do hope the truck gets here soon!

Throughout the last 6-7 weeks of research (on this forum, old and new posts, other forums, internet reviews, talking with Spyder owners here, locally and on the phone, videos, etc...), and knowing I have some wrench time on my previously owned motorcycles, I am indeed purchasing a Spyder (RS 2010 SM5).

Cheers and Ryde Safe, everyone.

Motorcycle Mama & Papa

01-25-2010, 08:28 AM

I LOVE MY SCI-FI BEAUTY.:yes: CAN'T WAIT TILL THE WEATHER CLEARS UP.

Desert Spyder

01-25-2010, 08:52 AM

Absotootly!

Recluze

01-25-2010, 09:52 AM

Absolutely. Too much fun. I would not buy another though. Unless they change the engine.

Some Guy

01-25-2010, 10:01 AM

Yes! I've had a blast with my Spyder...I just wish it would warm up and stop snowing so I could ryde more!

j45p3r

01-25-2010, 10:06 AM

Absolutely. Too much fun. I would not buy another though. Unless they change the engine.
I agree, that is the only reason I would trade up and get another one, but if I was to go back in time to before I bought my Spyder, knowing what I know now, I would definitely buy it again.

Firefly

01-25-2010, 10:10 AM

YES!

The problems with them have been far and few between - although I could see how some potential owners would be turned off by reading some of the constant complaints online.

To expect perfection from any machine (especially a 1st year model) is unrealistic.

I'll ride mind till the wheels fall off - no need for a second one in the near future.

mxz600

01-25-2010, 10:23 AM

...I just wish it would warm up and stop snowing so I could ryde more!
Not yet damn it. It needs to snow more. All the people that live in the snow states need to buy a sled, then you'd have the best of both worlds. Trust me when I say this. As much fun as the Spyder is to ride, a snowmobile is on a higher level.
Some Guy, I know I have a snowmobile suit and helmet that will fit you. Come on over some time and we'll go for a spin. If it snows some more.

mxz600

01-25-2010, 10:54 AM

Thanks to all for your answers. It was good to see all the positive responses. The original question (I don't always explain myself very well) was based on the steering issue only and the consequences that may be involved. Would you buy one if you knew that up front and had not owned one yet. That is why my answer was maybe. Now that I've owned one for a year and know how much fun they are, even with potential problems I would definitely buy one again. The problems are few and far between for most of us.
I love my Spyder

j45p3r

01-25-2010, 11:20 AM

to ride a snowmobile is on a higher level.
You got that right, nothing compares.

BRPjunkie

01-25-2010, 11:31 AM

Absolutely would do it again. Article in today's paper reports that 43% of motorcycle owners are baby boomers (born 1946 - 1964) and will want to keep riding. Trikes are increasingly becoming the ride of choice. That was a big part of our decision; greater stability/safety. I think BRP was on to this trend.

WackyDan

01-25-2010, 01:01 PM

You got that right, nothing compares.

Indeed. I grew up in Central NY, and there we did a lot of trail and lake riding. Most of the sleds I ever rode on were short track sleds, very fast.

Fast forward to when I started skiing out west... I'd break up my days of skiing with Snowmobile tours. What a difference sledding on 4+ feet of powder on a long track with huge paddles.

SpydeeBite2

01-25-2010, 02:22 PM

Yes, absolutely. Nothing is perfect or foolproof. BRP with get the issues resolved.

Some Guy

01-25-2010, 02:45 PM

Some Guy, I know I have a snowmobile suit and helmet that will fit you. Come on over some time and we'll go for a spin. If it snows some more.

You'd better watch it...I'm just crazy enough to accept that offer! :D

It's been a long time since I've been on a snowmobile.

woodz428

01-25-2010, 03:00 PM

Didn't find about some of the issues until after I bought it, but before it arrived. Didn't change anything. Been an advocate of reverse trikes since the late 70s and was glad someone finally built one.Doubr I would have interest in an RT, or BMW version. I like BMW's, but if I feel the Spyder is over technologized( is that a word?), I am sure a BMW version will make it look basic.

mxz600

01-25-2010, 03:06 PM

technologized( is that a word?),

I don't know, but I like it.

mxz600

01-25-2010, 03:12 PM

You'd better watch it...I'm just crazy enough to accept that offer! :D

It's been a long time since I've been on a snowmobile.

If we get enough snow before the season ends (and we better:gaah:) I'll PM you on a Friday to set up a possible Saturday ride.:2thumbs:

jnt

01-25-2010, 03:33 PM

A B S O L U T E L Y ! ! ! One of the best things we ever did!!

SpyderByter

01-25-2010, 04:13 PM

A big yes !

I put 15 thousand miles on it last year, and loved every minute. :ohyea:

The only thing I would have done differently is wait for a better deal. I bought when demand was high, before the were any incentives or ability to deal. So I paid full price, prep, frieght, etc. and ended up waiting until November to actually get it anway. Had I waited until 2009 I may have saved a few grand, when people were selling low miliage Spyders at a loss. There was a niclely customised Spyder on sale in this forum I would have snappped up if I had not already purchased. So the loss in value over a year from 18 grand to about 10 hit hard.

Besides that, my dealer has been great and the machine has had minimal problems for the amount I use it.

tatt2r

01-25-2010, 06:53 PM

Have a 2008 PE girl friend has a 2009 had to sell one of my vehicles to pay lawyer fees from exwife kept spyder sold hummer and guess what would have been more practicle living in NH

Arachnid

01-25-2010, 08:28 PM

When I bought mine the only gripe on the forum was the squeaky brakes.
If I had read all this stuff before I got mine, I wouldn't have gotten it.
Fortunately, I got it.:thumbup:
And have had no problems ever since.

Mike

ocfire82

01-25-2010, 08:40 PM

Yes I would.I have yet to have a problem with my spyder:2thumbs:

Tom in NM

01-25-2010, 11:55 PM

. . . . yes I would.

It has been about a year now. A few issues ( steering, being the big one ) but, with a new service shop and BRP standing behind their product - everything got fixed fast, less than a week over Christmas.

Really, this thing is the most fun and enjoyment I have ever had on wheels.

Tom

txknight67

01-26-2010, 12:31 AM

:clap:I never had the steering issue. :clap:Looking to buy another one soon.

Awesome avatar.:thumbup:

txknight67

01-26-2010, 12:40 AM

I definitely would have. I'm with the others, a new concept design takes awhile to iron out the bugs. I usually wait on vehicles until a year or so has passed so that the bugs can get ironed out, but in this case, everything just came together so I bought.

Going back in time, knowing about the steering, YEP, would of still bought. And am having a blast....also steering seems to be fixed. Haven't had a problem in the last 200 or so miles.