New spyder owner-Very Disappointed!!!

[Kbull]

I'd done a lot of research before making my 2014 rts purchase including reading reviews on SpyderLovers forum. I really felt that I would purchase a fantastic bike. However that has not been the case. I would like to point out that it's very important to do a bit more research and buy from a dealer who works on spyders, after making the purchase and discovering that the many problems that I had, that the machanics don't like to work on the spyders because there is too much plastic. I initially took it in because it had a severe shake in the front, which is still not fixed. Then they were fixing a recall for the ignition and scratch the console so now that part on back order. They gave me a loaner to use for 11 weeks. They called last week and asked me to return the loaner cause they had it rented out, and that I can take mine back till the console comes in. I was quickly disappointed to discover that I still had wheel shake and that my passenger can feel a strong vibration on her left foot at 2900 rpm and going up a hill. So then we stop and fuel up, and we are smelling gas. Now it's leaking down the right side of the bike and a lot of it. We had a scheduled ride to lake Michigan today and it was miserable, we both developed headaches and smell like gas. I ready to give it back.

[Dan_Ashley]

I'd done a lot of research before making my 2014 rts purchase including reading reviews on SpyderLovers forum. I really felt that I would purchase a fantastic bike. However that has not been the case. I would like to point out that it's very important to do a bit more research and buy from a dealer who works on spyders, after making the purchase and discovering that the many problems that I had, that the machanics don't like to work on the spyders because there is too much plastic. I initially took it in because it had a severe shake in the front, which is still not fixed. Then they were fixing a recall for the ignition and scratch the console so now that part on back order. They gave me a loaner to use for 11 weeks. They called last week and asked me to return the loaner cause they had it rented out, and that I can take mine back till the console comes in. I was quickly disappointed to discover that I still had wheel shake and that my passenger can feel a strong vibration on her left foot at 2900 rpm and going up a hill. So then we stop and fuel up, and we are smelling gas. Now it's leaking down the right side of the bike and a lot of it. We had a scheduled ride to lake Michigan today and it was miserable, we both developed headaches and smell like gas. I ready to give it back.Get a new dealer to work on it.

[Cruzr Joe]

sounds like a poor or ill equipped dealer. Don't blame the machine, i have a 14 RTS and it performs great. Call BRP Customer service and get a case started.

Cruzr Joe

[chuck gross]

Go to another dealer for any future service if this one doesn't like to work on them this is a major red flag.
I have seen many times on spider lovers that the 2014 models had a run of defective tires.
Any dealer can do your service or warranty work have them order you some new tires on warranty this is a known problem:thumbup:

[Chupaca]

You are having these problems. A good dealer is essencial and many of us drive many miles to find them. Have not heard of any lately with the shaking but there were some faulty tires from the tire factory the dealer should know about. I could go into what should be done but this is not your solution. If there is another dealer you may want to check with them. This is all warranty stuff and should not be a problem. Vibrations to the passenger would be belt may need proper adjusting...hope your problems get resolved cause it is a great machine and running right will give you both a great deal of pleasure...:thumbup:

[BajaRon]

There is no greater joy than to ride a Spyder that is right. There is little that will disappoint more than owing a Spyder that isn't right.

It is a shame that your Spyder was not right from the factory. But to be fair, that happens with every kind of vehicle. The real breakdown here is the dealership.

Under motivated, under-skilled and not all that interested in making it right. Sounds like a very bad combination.

Hard to say what your best approach would be. But taking it back and getting your money refunded may not be a bad idea if you can't get the issues resolved.

[Seadog1]

I am a bit confused why are idiots allowed to become Spyder Dealers in the first place?

[ARtraveler]

:welcome:Please keep us in the loop. It does sound like poor mechanical ability with the dealership. I did note they have given you a loaner for 11 weeks--that seems pretty good IMO.

Kind of a bad/good mixture from the dealer here.

[PrairieSpyder]

:welcome:

I'm sorry your first post is about a bad experience. I agree with the previous responses that you should find a different dealer!

[Dan_Ashley]

I am a bit confused why are idiots allowed to become Spyder Dealers in the first place?
Yeah me too. Also change out the words "spyder dealers" for each of the following: lawyers, bankers, call center operators, DMV clerks, teenagers, traffic planners, politicians, real estate agents, insurance companies, oil companies, car dealers, software companies, neighbors, ex-wives, adult children, homeless beggars, journalists, "greens", climate change deniers, global warming fanatics, religious fanatics, anti-smoking fascists, smokers, noisy children in restaurants/movies/church, guys with full heads of hair...

[cptjam]

We used Shawmutt hills canam dealer in Grand Rapids. Great folks! They will fix it. Idk about cement city. Get it fixed, enjoy fall rides, farkle all winter!

[jerpinoy]

I am a bit confused why are idiots allowed to become Spyder Dealers in the first place?

:agree: and I hope BRP are watching and take care of you instead. Make sure talk to BRP about this incompetent dealer.

[ny10547]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.
Was wondering if the vibration your wife feels is coming from the belt.
For your vibration in the front end, I had that too. For me the vibration occurred between 55 and 65 mph. I could feel and see the vibration occurring especially on the left wheel. Went back to the dealer and he rebalanced the tires but I still felt the vibration. Contacted BRP and got a case number. Shortly after that Steve from BRP contacted me and had my dealer replace the front tires. So far the vibration appears to be gone. Give the a hollar.
Scott

[Bob Denman]

888 272 9222
Customer Service Callcenter

Give them sa call...

[mindman]

Oh Man....sorry about your problems! This definitely sounds like a dealer issue. I recently changed to a more experienced/willing dealer myself. My 2014 is fantastic and a joy to ride. I hope you can find another/better dealer soon. Easier said than done I know, but don't let this bad experience close your mind to what I'm sure will be a happy future once you get the dealer situation straightened out.

[FullCircle]

One of the first things I learned from this site was that tech and service issues were a major problem. So when I began my search for a Spyder I made it a point to talk with the shop foreman and the techs that worked in the shop. If they didn't have time to talk to me and explain what training they had before the sale I knew they wouldn't have time for me after the sale. I purchased my Spyder at a smaller dealer but his mechanic has been with BRP for a long time and is a great guy to talk with. The owner of the Dealership expressed that they wanted to keep people as customers through service and support after the sale. I went to several places which were more impressive on the showroom floor but the shop mechanics had a bad attitude or seemed lost when you ask them questions about the Spyder. I'm very happy with my 2014 RT runs out smooth, does not pull or tart around, no vibes other than a little belt vibration between 74 and 80 mph then it goes away. It's as smooth as silk I don't miss the Goldwing at all. I'm hoping for the best but I know anyone can experience problems at any time and when that time comes I hope my dealer lives up to my expectations.

[liketoride2]

<< the machanics don't like to work on the spyders because there is too much plastic.>>

I found this interesting. Each of the three dealers I have used in the 3 1/2 years since buying my RT had one tech who specialized in Spyders and that was largely all he did. Not having a Spyder specialist tech seems to me to be a setup for problems and failures and seems likely a large part of your problems with this dealership.

Mike
Idaho
www.rtwrider.net (http://www.rtwrider.net)

[StanProff]

I'd done a lot of research before making my 2014 rts purchase including reading reviews on SpyderLovers forum. I really felt that I would purchase a fantastic bike. However that has not been the case. I would like to point out that it's very important to do a bit more research and buy from a dealer who works on spyders, after making the purchase and discovering that the many problems that I had, that the machanics don't like to work on the spyders because there is too much plastic. I initially took it in because it had a severe shake in the front, which is still not fixed. Then they were fixing a recall for the ignition and scratch the console so now that part on back order. They gave me a loaner to use for 11 weeks. They called last week and asked me to return the loaner cause they had it rented out, and that I can take mine back till the console comes in. I was quickly disappointed to discover that I still had wheel shake and that my passenger can feel a strong vibration on her left foot at 2900 rpm and going up a hill. So then we stop and fuel up, and we are smelling gas. Now it's leaking down the right side of the bike and a lot of it. We had a scheduled ride to lake Michigan today and it was miserable, we both developed headaches and smell like gas. I ready to give it back.

Did you not test drive it before buying signing the papers? Would you buy a car without test driving it? Should have never left the dealer with it if it has all of these problems. By the way, the plastic can be stripped off in 10 minutes. 11 weeks with a loaner? Did it have problems as well? Contact BRP customer service and get to a REAL dealer. This bike was not set up right when it came out of the crate. You rode the bike with gas leaking down the right side?

[ThreeWheels]

Where is the forum member BRP Cares?
Boy, they sure hand pick the threads they respond in?

[Bob Denman]

He probably actually has to WORK during the day... :D
Do you read every thread in every post? :dontknow:

I don't! :shocked:

[NovaSpyder]

I still think you purchased a fantistic bike but like the others have said didn't get a fantastic dealer.

i mentioned the vibration at 90k (55mph) to my dealer and was told we'll have a look but may replace the tires, which they did, I also mentioned my key would stick once in a while, no problem, they replaced the ignition, and did the break in service, all in one morning. My dealer is BRP only which I think is a big plus. 11 weeks is ludicrous. But the gas leaking, well that is a major concern, anf from everything I have read is not an issue with the 2014's but more like dealer prep issue.

My dealer is 3.5 hour drive away, there is another closer but I was not sure about them, I just don't know enough about them. The drive is just more fun seat time;)

[Jedye]

Did you not test drive it before buying signing the papers? Would you buy a car without test driving it? Should have never left the dealer with it if it has all of these problems. By the way, the plastic can be stripped off in 10 minutes. 11 weeks with a loaner? Did it have problems as well? Contact BRP customer service and get to a REAL dealer. This bike was not set up right when it came out of the crate. You rode the bike with gas leaking down the right side?

Why would you assume there was no test drive? When I bought my 3rd RT-L, I drove it over 100 miles to get home... and then put another 1000 miles on it within the week... and no problems. Until just over 1200 miles... when the left front tire began to shake. I brought it back to my dealer and they rebalanced the tire... still shakey. I got a Laser Alignment... still shakey. The shake didn't go away until after I put Ride-On in all three tires.

Doesn't sound like it was set up correctly out of the crate so I agree with you... but the shakey tire may not have presented itself right away... like mine did.

[flaggerphil]

As others have said, you need a new dealer. I had to do that early on in my ownership.

[BikerDoc]

A bad assembly job makes for a nightmare spyder. a good assembly can produce thousands of trouble free miles. I have 22000 so far on my 2014 RT because I have a great dealer that pays extra attention to assembly and test rides.. unfortunately some dealers don't even test ride the bikes after assembly

[Kbull]

We received a call from the dealer tonight, they asked me to make a detailed list of the problems I'm having. And because of the gas leak they are going to pick it up. So hopefully we can get these problems resolved. Thank you to those that gave me support, and I will fill you in when I get to drive it again. If I posted this to the wrong thread I'm sorry I'm new and I'm also new to posting threads.

[PMK]

The fuel leak is a real concern. With luck it is a simple fuel cap defect or possible not tight enough or something. I don't know but hope it is simple.

Your other concerns, such as the shake has been posted about many times. Not good to hear, but consider also the BRP does not build the tires. Honestly, in simple terms, I doubt BRP could tell if a tire was bad during assembly. Maybe have the person balancing check the run out, but even so, that may not be effective.

The ignition switch, if under recall should have been done prior to you taking delivery, assuming yours is within the effective serial number range. Regardless, getting the upgrade should save problem later. As for the scratched paint. Never good but it does happen. Not sure of the location or details of how it happened but not good. I may have read you are getting a new painted panel. This is an acceptable solution, but parts do need to be ordered.

The vibration...expect some at higher speeds or maybe pulling away from a stop that last a second. Overall, most speeds are pretty smooth, but that 75 range does vibrate some. With care during adjustment, most of the vibration will be better or gone. The factory setup as delivered seems off, but safe. A properly aligned belt will not smell of rubber or ride the inside rear pulley flange in a forward direction.

11 Weeks is a longtime, possibly the dealer is waiting on the painted part due to backorder, I don't know.

Hopefully the Tire(s)

Upon pick up, take test drive before heading home.

It is a good machine. Ours was not perfect either. I have plans to visit a known good dealer in November. We may discuss a couple of items for warranty.

PK

[spyder3]

Congrats on your spyder. Like others have said, find a new dealer so you can be happy with your purchase.:thumbup:

[MarcusB]

I had to have a tire replaced because of a cut, picked up bike & on the way home it shook badly. dealer had closed, I got home & loosened & retorqued the front wheels & the shake was gone. i feel these wheels are very sensitive to being improperly torqued. Hope this might help. MarcusB

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: I hadn't thought of that one... nice catch! :clap: :2thumbs:

[autoexacto]

Don´t know if it is any consolation, but had the same problems as to regards to ¨dealers issues¨ and I reside in México so is a global problem. Bought my RT-Ltd SE6 2014 2.5 hrs from here bc the local dealer would not return my calls nor send requested info. Got the unit and had some minor issues, took it locally and what a PIA was to deal with them, bad attitude, lack of knowledge, lying all over, etc. SO called BRP México and they transferred to their local Tech Support Manager and recommended me a dealer 3.5 hours from here. Took her (Arañita = Spyder) to the dealer last tuesday and should be ready the next 48 hours (hopefully).

No matter what kind of vehicle you buy, if the after sales department and service sucks, then any small details will be a major PIA.

Let us know if they resolved all your issues!

Best regards from Tequila Country!:D

[Kbull]

Picked up my ride today new front tires new gas cap windshield screws and no gas smell this spyder now runs so smooth no vibes no shake,new dash

[stormtrooper]

Picked up my ride today new front tires new gas cap windshield screws and no gas smell this spyder now runs so smooth no vibes no shake,new dash



:clap::yes::clap::yes: Now maybe you can enjoy your Spyder :yes:

[wolphspyder]

Thats great, glad that they got it fixed for you, they really are great rydes:thumbup:....so now, get out on that :spyder2:, and ryde it like you stole it . :congrats:

[Roadster Renovations]

Awesome you got it fixed!

[SpyderAnn01]

Glad to hear you got the problems fixed and just in time to put it away for the winter. :banghead:

[Motorcycledave]

Can you say LEMON LAW
In California there is an agency called the B-A-R if a company does enough stuff like that
they shut them down or fine the you know what out of them .. maybe you have such a law where you live, it can't hurt to check




I'd done a lot of research before making my 2014 rts purchase including reading reviews on SpyderLovers forum. I really felt that I would purchase a fantastic bike. However that has not been the case. I would like to point out that it's very important to do a bit more research and buy from a dealer who works on spyders, after making the purchase and discovering that the many problems that I had, that the machanics don't like to work on the spyders because there is too much plastic. I initially took it in because it had a severe shake in the front, which is still not fixed. Then they were fixing a recall for the ignition and scratch the console so now that part on back order. They gave me a loaner to use for 11 weeks. They called last week and asked me to return the loaner cause they had it rented out, and that I can take mine back till the console comes in. I was quickly disappointed to discover that I still had wheel shake and that my passenger can feel a strong vibration on her left foot at 2900 rpm and going up a hill. So then we stop and fuel up, and we are smelling gas. Now it's leaking down the right side of the bike and a lot of it. We had a scheduled ride to lake Michigan today and it was miserable, we both developed headaches and smell like gas. I ready to give it back.

[ARtraveler]

Picked up my ride today new front tires new gas cap windshield screws and no gas smell this spyder now runs so smooth no vibes no shake,new dash

Thank you for posting the good outcome. Of all the :spyder2:'s made so far, I really do like the 2014 RT the best. Hope you will come to feel this way also.

[Mexican]

Don´t know if it is any consolation, but had the same problems as to regards to ¨dealers issues¨ and I reside in México so is a global problem. Bought my RT-Ltd SE6 2014 2.5 hrs from here bc the local dealer would not return my calls nor send requested info. Got the unit and had some minor issues, took it locally and what a PIA was to deal with them, bad attitude, lack of knowledge, lying all over, etc. SO called BRP México and they transferred to their local Tech Support Manager and recommended me a dealer 3.5 hours from here. Took her (Arañita = Spyder) to the dealer last tuesday and should be ready the next 48 hours (hopefully).

No matter what kind of vehicle you buy, if the after sales department and service sucks, then any small details will be a major PIA.

Let us know if they resolved all your issues!

Best regards from Tequila Country!:D
Muy buen comentario!

[Dan McNally]

Nothing is worse for a Spyder than a lousy dealer and a mechanic who doesn't like to work on one . . . as others have said, you need a better dealer . . . or you need to have a sit down with your current dealer and discuss an employee who would tell you he doesn't like working on them . . . and suggest they find a qualified mechanic who doesn't have a serious attitude problem . . . that mechanic should not get near your Spyder, ever. :banghead:

[Bob Denman]

Thank you for posting the good outcome. Of all the :spyder2:'s made so far, I really do like the 2014 RT the best. Hope you will come to feel this way also.

:agree: :congrats:

[cuznjohn]

if you think the spyder has a lot of plastic, you should try working on a goldwing, but glad it is solved

[JayBros]

Glad to hear you got your issues with your Spyder resolved. IMO all of us would have been honked off at the time it took had it happened to any us. To avoid future frustration with what is also IMO a design deficiency run, don't walk to the nearest Harley dealer and get a flexible valve extension, http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/valve-stem-extension, to use when checking and inflating your rear tire. I wrestled the pig a few times until I got sick of the hassle and found the answer here on SL. Be safe and enjoy your miles; they're a blast!

[MouthPiece]

Picked up my ride today new front tires new gas cap windshield screws and no gas smell this spyder now runs so smooth no vibes no shake,new dash

I'm interested in knowing how long you had a "loaner" for all the down time that you had with your spyder in the shop.

​Chris

[PW2013STL]

Picked up my ride today new front tires new gas cap windshield screws and no gas smell this spyder now runs so smooth no vibes no shake,new dash


Thanks for letting us know :2thumbs:


:cheers: here's to many many many miles of trouble free miles of smiles.

[2Paw]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by Kbull http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=898690#post898690)
Picked up my ride today new front tires new gas cap windshield screws and no gas smell this spyder now runs so smooth no vibes no shake,new dash

I too had a shake in the front end of my 2012 RTS at 30-43 mph, new tires "fixed" my problem also, for less than 2000 miles and now it's back.
I've discovered that if I keep the psi at 20 and balanced between sides it is not as prevalent but it's still there. I have some other issues as well so I need to get it into the dealer.

[DRAGN]

If you are in the neighborhood get with Jay at Extreme Power Sports in Gaylord, Michigan
Russ is the owner and has treated me fairly. Very competent folks.

[Bob Denman]

:cheers: here's to many many many miles of trouble free miles of smiles.

:agree::cheers: :thumbup: