How to loose confidence....

[prmurat]

On my last 3 days ride, 2 weeks ago, my speedo & tacho started to act up and my dealer ordered a new one to be installed at my 3600 miles service. I did not use my RT for the last 2 weeks and while starting it today it started on one cylinder only and the check engine lighted up....
I washed the damn thing and when I started it again to put it back in the garage ... Everything was OK!!!
This is not confidence inspiring and I am planning a small ride tomorrow to see what happens.

At the price of 6 Yugos I had better hopes, than Yugo' reliability, and I can't wait to have main players like Honda etc building their own version of a Y 3 wheelers.
Philippe

[JCSMOKE]

Keep in mind that these are still a relatively new machine and the issues are being worked on and fixed all the time. We all wish the fixes would come down from the company faster but with so many computers going at the same time on the bike if you change one issue it is possible for four others to pop up. I believe in my heart that these issues will all be renewed in any other companies that decide to make a 3 wheeler like this. Not to say that I wouldn't buy one from another company, but I would keep in mind the age of the vehicle line before buying.

[prmurat]

After starting normally, my RT went into limp mode for 10 s, then first the check engine light went on, then the DPS light.... the dashboeard was like a pinball machine!
I stopped on the side of the road, waited 30s and re-starte again with no more probd but the now usual speedo/tacho, analog, showing things like 7500rpm @42mph (digital: 4250 @67) or 2700 @ 42...

Dealer visit I guess!
Philippe

[CyncySpyder]

Philippe, I just read thru most of your posts & thought I'd share my insight with you.

1st, your 2011 RT-S is in NEED of DEALER ATTENTION for 2 reasons. It sounds to me like your intrument cluster is bad & needs to be replaced. Scotty & a few others have had this isssue, think Scotty may have had 2 or 3 replaced now. Your correct, that it is not confiidence inspiring, especially at this price point. But as others have noted, WE ARE ALL EARLY ADOPTERS to a BRAND NEW GENRE of on-road vehicle. Anytime a company comes to market with a Brand New offering, there's going to be glitches & issues, and One has to go into their buying decision Knowing this. The make or break moment, is if a company follows-up with their issues & does the best they can to correct them & to take care of their customer, or if they have an "We don't care attitude." BRP gets allot of bad rap, when in fact, its not their fault, but actually that of the dealers, and improper set-up. Most dealers WON'T admit they were wrong, and readily blame the manufacturer. Not saying this is the case for you, cause both your issues are known & have fixes. Just wanted to point it out tho.

2nd, it sounds like you haven't had the Throttle-Body Firm-Ware update done yet, & it sounds like the damage has already been done to your machine. I went thru the same thing myself. This would explain the starting issues that you have been describing in your posts. BRP had an issue with the 2010 RT's and HOT re-starts. To correct this issue, they changed the computer programming to hold open the Throttle-bodies to allow for easy Hot restarts. In doing so, they created a new problem with cold-starts, which it sounds like you are now experiencing. Hence, the new Firm-ware update, they believe they have found that HAPPY-MEDIAN to allow for both Cold starts & Hot-Restarts without issue. Not saying its good, but they are learing as they go & yes, sadly we are their proving grounds. But they are IMPROVING & they DO CARE.

Also, there could be an issue with a loose battery connection as many of the issues you've experienced are symptons of this. Just something else to check into.

Also of note, they do make Grip-Puppies that many here are using, and they increase the diameter of the throttle and also allow transfer of the heat thru the grip. I don't have them personally, but have read many good reviews about them. Believe you can get them on Ebay for under $15 & they are a very easy install.

Last thing I noticed, you come from a long history of 2 wheelers. The SpYder will wear you down like you have posted when you try to ryde it like a 2 wheeler. Best advise I've ever been given was to "LEARN TO LET GO" "IMAGINE YOU HAVE A BABY BIRD IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND, YOU DON'T WANT IT TO ESCAPE, BUT YOU DON'T WANT TO HURT IT EITHER." Once you learn to let go & allow the Spyder to do its thing, the more & more you will like it. When I 1st began ryding, I felt like I was dancing in my seat & I was all over the place. Then, after learning and letting go, its now one of the smoothest rydes on the road.

I mean no disrespect to you at all, and I'm far from an expert. I just remember being in your shoes when I 1st began my own adventure with this Amazing machine we call a Spyder & how frustrated & disillusioned I was to spend close to $30K on a machine that after 9 days, went into the shop for 39 days. I've had my issues like many have, but I can honestly say, I'm EXTREMELY GLAD that I stuck through it. I'm now addicted, ryde every day & love every minute of it. We've put on over 15K miles in just the last 4 months. Teddy & I have been on trips to Florida & New York (from Cincinnati, Ohio) & are planing on visiting family in California in July 2012. I just hope that you can get your "issues" worked out & find a similar level of joy with these Wonderful Machines we call SpYders.

[prmurat]

Thank you for your message... I trust my dealer and have no prob with him, the fact that he sells Vespa, Aprillia & MV may help but I really think he is a good guy and his mechanic seems to know his job!
I am bringing my Spyder as soon as it stops raining and I have no hurry to get it back, so they can take their time...
What really surprised me was the phone call from
Carlo I received yesterday after he read of my problems here... In 40+ years of biking this is the first time I ever received a call from the factory of any of my bikes !!! This is really top notch service (the fact that Carlo speaks French does help too!!!). It gave me a renewed trust in the RT knowing that someone of importance/utility (!!) reads this forum and acts on it.

Let's see what the future brings!
Philippe

[CyncySpyder]

Phillipe, I read your last post & have to admit, a spattering of JOY went thru my heart for you. I guess it proves that BRP IS listening & IS a Company that cares. Like many here, Carlo has also helped me when I was going thru my issues. Got to meet & thank him in person at Lamonsters BAR-B-Q this year. He is a GREAT ASSET to BRP & moreover, a GREAT ASSET TO ALL OF US. Hope your issues all get worked out soon & we get to start reading about your Great Adventures on your Spyder :2thumbs:

[prmurat]

Yeeha.... The dealer just called me to tell me he changed the dashboard and the throttle body, under warranty, did the 3600 miles service and now my RT is ready to be picked up... Seems the throttle body had, kind of, a normal problem on the 2011 which was fixed, after I bought mine, by a software change. Has to do with the fly by wire motor which open the throttle body once the contact is off (this buzzy sound heard for some time )...
Now ...just have to go and pick it up, one the rain stops!!!
Philippe

[Nor-Cal Spyder]

On my last 3 days ride, 2 weeks ago, my speedo & tacho started to act up and my dealer ordered a new one to be installed at my 3600 miles service. I did not use my RT for the last 2 weeks and while starting it today it started on one cylinder only and the check engine lighted up....
I washed the damn thing and when I started it again to put it back in the garage ... Everything was OK!!!
This is not confidence inspiring and I am planning a small ride tomorrow to see what happens.

At the price of 6 Yugos I had better hopes, than Yugo' reliability, and I can't wait to have main players like Honda etc building their own version of a Y 3 wheelers.
Philippe

Honda did make a three wheeler years ago (off road vehicle) and got the "you know what" sued out of them. I doubt you will ever see any competition in this type of 3 wheel vehicle from any major manufacture. The research costs are to much compared to the possible sales they might see. It's a very specialized market with limited interest.

Just my 2 cents...

[prmurat]

Honda did make a three wheeler years ago (off road vehicle) and got the "you know what" sued out of them. I doubt you will ever see any competition in this type of 3 wheel vehicle from any major manufacture. The research costs are to much compared to the possible sales they might see. It's a very specialized market with limited interest.

Just my 2 cents...

Harley made one 20 years ago and IMHO they did not produce it cause they were making too much money at that time (and are specialist of bad moves...MV, Buell etc). Piaggo is making now 2different models, there is one with a BMW engine.... As baby boomers are getting older they will keep on looking for toys and the demand for "older men" toys should increase....

[bullant12]

Harley made one 20 years ago and IMHO they did not produce it cause they were making too much money at that time (and are specialist of bad moves...MV, Buell etc). Piaggo is making now 2different models, there is one with a BMW engine.... As baby boomers are getting older they will keep on looking for toys and the demand for "older men" toys should increase....

Harley got their 3 wheel version back... the Tri-Glide (http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/2011-Motorcycles/tri-glide-ultra-classic.html#) Not bad... But I love my :spyder2:

[prmurat]

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2011/08/03/harley-davidson-penster-tilting-reverse-trike/

Philippe

[prmurat]

So I went to my dealer to p-up my RT.... New dashboard, new injector body....43 miles back home: the tripmeter#2 does not work, but everything is ok, hope it'll stay this way!
Philippe

[Lamonster]

So I went to my dealer to p-up my RT.... New dashboard, new injector body....43 miles back home: the tripmeter#2 does not work, but everything is ok, hope it'll stay this way!
Philippe

Make sure you don't have the trip meter on pause.

[NancysToy]

Make sure you don't have the trip meter on pause.
:agree: It has to say "Pause" to be in service, and reads "Resume" when paused. Also check all your other settings. I have had to reset several with each cluster change. On the last one I had to change from French to English.

[prmurat]

:agree: It has to say "Pause" to be in service, and reads "Resume" when paused. Also check all your other settings. I have had to reset several with each cluster change. On the last one I had to change from French to English.

Pause? Is it on the general settings...
It was in French too!
Philippe

[NancysToy]

Pause? Is it on the general settings...
It was in French too!
Philippe
Just go to the trip meter page, and switch to the desired trip meter. It will say either "Paue" or "Resume" on that screen (asking you what you want to do).

[retiredsquid]

Philippe,
These forums are read daily by many folks selling and servicing the Spyder. That is those concerned with making the Spyder successful. Those dealers tend to be the ones with the best technicians and service support. The horror stories seem to come from places that do not have management involvement. Good luck with your Spyder. We just had our throttle body replaced, too.

[GeoffCee]

I doubt you will ever see any competition in this type of 3 wheel vehicle from any major manufacture. The research costs are to much compared to the possible sales they might see. It's a very specialized market with limited interest.

Just my 2 cents...

I saw this scooter-trike built by Piaggio of Italy for the first time while I was on holiday in France this summer. I've since discovered there are dealerships all over the world. This trike LEANS into bends like a motorcycle but is a feet-up machine when it rolls to a stop. Compared to the Spyder it costs peanuts. Its model designation is MP3 and is available with 500cc and 600cc engines.

[SpyderDen]

I saw this scooter-trike built by Piaggio of Italy for the first time while I was on holiday in France this summer. I've since discovered there are dealerships all over the world. This trike LEANS into bends like a motorcycle but is a feet-up machine when it rolls to a stop. Compared to the Spyder it costs peanuts. Its model designation is MP3 and is available with 500cc and 600cc engines.

Here in the states the Piaggio is available in 250,400,500cc. Had a friend that had both the 250 and 500 models. He put it down twice. Once during a motorcycle safety class and the second just pulling into his driveway. No where near the stability of the Spyder, which by the way, he now rides a RT-S Limited and loves it.

[prmurat]

Well: the tripmeter started to work by itself and the engine light came in @110 miles, then the DPS....switch off the contact on the side of the road and everything was ok after... I WILL not go back to the dealer, 86 miles return is starting to be a pain... I"ll ride till it breaks down for real....
I am sure the people from Peugeot, Citroen, Yugo or even Toyota envy BRP: tons of problems and no one trash Spyders as it was done with their products when they had far few problems.
Maybe it just the facts that once you've paid $30.000, you still have to think it's butter when it's only a POS?
Can't remember the name of this known syndrome...
Philippe

[boborgera]

Maybe it just the facts that once you've paid $30.000, you still have to think it's butter when it's only a POS?
Can't remember the name of this known syndrome...
Philippe

Stockholm Syndrome'

[prmurat]

Stockholm Syndrome'

Even if I feel taken hostage by the money I spent, there is not, still, a BRP guy with a gun pointed at me....;)
Philippe

[prmurat]

So... Finally found the time to go the dealer to check the error codes: seems I "tapped" to much on the brake! I should push more on the pedal...basic caveman trying to brake ! So "operator error". Remind me the beginning of the PC...
Philippe