Friend pointed this out today

[Bfromla]

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/motorcycle-brand-highest-owner-satisfaction-150000516.html

[SNOOPY]

I'm satisfied with what I have, but I'll be one of the ones who won't buy another CanAm :popcorn:

[PMK]

Ironically, there was a big shouting match about another Consumer Reports / Can Am statistic that was going on here. That report put Can Am at the bottom in terms of needing dealer service.

While the bickering I mentioned above was in full swing, the same information your friend linked you to came across my phone.

Simply proof that without all the facts, this place, or more accurately, those with a burden to bear or others that follow the leader, is simply a lynch mob mentality.

Enjoy what you have, at some point this entire Consumer Reports article will be brought forward and maybe some will read it from the opening word to the last sentence and post what was really written.

PK

[arntufun]

I'm happy Slingshot was at the top of the list. :thumbup:

[vided]

I'm happy Slingshot was at the top of the list. :thumbup:


and for styling also :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

[Roadster Renovations]

Very satisfied with my RT. Not planning on any changes.

[Chupaca]

Hey..!! We did good on this one...:yes::yes:

[Orange Spyder Man]

I'm satisfied with what I have, but I'll be one of the ones who won't buy another CanAm :popcorn:

I won't buy another Can Am either...

osm

[ARtraveler]

Interesting statistics.

I have never had a problem with any of my Spyders that would warrant my ditching the brand. If I had the money and the health, I would for sure buy another and be a six time owner.

I also note that they rated Kawasaki as second to last on would I re-buy. I have also owned 6 Kawi's over the years. NEVER had a mechanical problem or an issue with any of them. Change the oil and filter, replace a tire, and just ride, ride, ride.

Guess that I just don't fit the pattern of the "standard" customer.

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: Sorry...
I didn't buy mine to make anybody else happy...

...I bought it for ME! :clap: :D :thumbup:

[Explorer]

I would buy my 2014 STL again, in a heartbeat. It does exactly what I bought it to do. 19,000 trouble free miles. And, I would still pass several dealers, to buy and service it at CFPS. Leaving tomorrow for 5 mo. road trip. SpyderFest, Deadwood, and many interesting places before and after.
Be Safe,
Roger

[Oldmanzues]

I would buy another if I thought a few more years to ride then now because of age. I would recomend spyder to any and evry body looking for three wheel rides.

With all these wonderfull surveys, where, when and with who were they done? Many two wheel riders think three wheel riders shoud not be allowed in their group.
Dealers in the are make a huge difference. In one area Henderson Dealers are great so the brand is great, go to another, dealer is poor, Hendersons are poor. Yes, Henderson made a motorcyle a long time ago.
I look around and buy what I want and can afford and I can get decent service for. I know it is not much for some, bu I have over 45 K on Spyder dating back to 2008 GS. No real problems. About 450 k on HD, Honda, Kaw, Bridgestone, Puch, Royal Enfield and a few more. Age kind of getting in way of long trips anymore.

[JayBros]

It would be interesting to know how the survey established the parameters from which they came up with Can-Am Spyders having average handling satisfaction. I am very satisfied with my RT-S and intend to ride it as long as the Big Fella will allow me the pleasure. I knew from the outset that it was not going to handle like a two wheeler and was not in the least looking for it to behave so.

[Magdave]

Ironically, there was a big shouting match about another Consumer Reports / Can Am statistic that was going on here. That report put Can Am at the bottom in terms of needing dealer service.

While the bickering I mentioned above was in full swing, the same information your friend linked you to came across my phone.

Simply proof that without all the facts, this place, or more accurately, those with a burden to bear or others that follow the leader, is simply a lynch mob mentality.

Enjoy what you have, at some point this entire Consumer Reports article will be brought forward and maybe some will read it from the opening word to the last sentence and post what was really written.

PK

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/05/motorcycle-reliability-and-owner-satisfaction/index.htm

[daveinva]

What's interesting about these stats is there can be so many reasons for them.

Poor reliability? I can see that. But *why*? Bad opinion of the machine? 2008 owners might feel that way, having suffered through the DPS error days. Bad opinion of the manufacturer? 2013 owners might feel that way, unhappy with BRP's attempts to resolve that year's heat problems. Bad opinion of the quality and/or cost of maintenance? Every dealer is different, some awesome, some awful, many often both depending on the day of the week.

Although with a new brand, the variation on Can-Am dealers feels far wider at this point than it does with other, more established brands. I walk into an H-D or BMW dealership, I generally know what kind of service and attention I'm going to get-- first-rate, IME. I walk into a Japanese sportbike mega-mill, where they're turning around liter bikes for the local squids, I might have to take a number; again, won't bother me if that's what I know I'm getting into. There's a difference between Morton's and McDonald's, and it ain't just price.

The fact is, any one factor, however minor, can be the variable that brings the whole score down. You talk to everyone here, and you'll almost certainly find EVERYONE with a story about BRP, their dealer, or their bike that, taken in isolation, would turn off the owners-- and certainly scare off prospective ones.

But it's a testament to the people who have had great experiences with their Spyders that the satisfaction rate is so high for such a new brand. Meaning, even if Can-Am is in the relative dumps in reliability at this stage, it sure doesn't seem to matter to most of the respondents. Which just proves that loyalty can be a finicky thing-- ask anyone who loves British classic sportscars, or Italian motorcycles, or any one of a list of vehicles that owners love... and love to hate.

Anyway, I don't believe I'm alone: from day one, I've graded the Spyder on a curve. Not a steep one-- not at these prices!-- but a curve nonetheless. It's a new vehicle, with new dealers, and frankly, new riders. It hasn't even been around for ten years yet; but it's still here. Here's hoping it's only upward and onward in the many, many years to come.

[900Dave]

What's interesting about these stats is there can be so many reasons for them.

Poor reliability? I can see that. But *why*? Bad opinion of the machine? 2008 owners might feel that way, having suffered through the DPS error days. Bad opinion of the manufacturer? 2013 owners might feel that way, unhappy with BRP's attempts to resolve that year's heat problems. Bad opinion of the quality and/or cost of maintenance? Every dealer is different, some awesome, some awful, many often both depending on the day of the week.

Although with a new brand, the variation on Can-Am dealers feels far wider at this point than it does with other, more established brands. I walk into an H-D or BMW dealership, I generally know what kind of service and attention I'm going to get-- first-rate, IME. I walk into a Japanese sportbike mega-mill, where they're turning around liter bikes for the local squids, I might have to take a number; again, won't bother me if that's what I know I'm getting into. There's a difference between Morton's and McDonald's, and it ain't just price.

The fact is, any one factor, however minor, can be the variable that brings the whole score down. You talk to everyone here, and you'll almost certainly find EVERYONE with a story about BRP, their dealer, or their bike that, taken in isolation, would turn off the owners-- and certainly scare off prospective ones.

But it's a testament to the people who have had great experiences with their Spyders that the satisfaction rate is so high for such a new brand. Meaning, even if Can-Am is in the relative dumps in reliability at this stage, it sure doesn't seem to matter to most of the respondents. Which just proves that loyalty can be a finicky thing-- ask anyone who loves British classic sportscars, or Italian motorcycles, or any one of a list of vehicles that owners love... and love to hate.

Anyway, I don't believe I'm alone: from day one, I've graded the Spyder on a curve. Not a steep one-- not at these prices!-- but a curve nonetheless. It's a new vehicle, with new dealers, and frankly, new riders. It hasn't even been around for ten years yet; but it's still here. Here's hoping it's only upward and onward in the many, many years to come.


Excellent post! :2thumbs:


I have one of the 13's with heat issues and I fixed them. Mostly on my dime. We love this bike and have had NO mechanical issues at all. We also have very good dealer in my opinion, Blackmans Cycle Center. I would (will) buy another Spyder.

[rcantrell52]

Interesting information

Reese

[SNOOPY]

Interesting statistics.

I have never had a problem with any of my Spyders that would warrant my ditching the brand. If I had the money and the health, I would for sure buy another and be a six time owner.

I also note that they rated Kawasaki as second to last on would I re-buy. I have also owned 6 Kawi's over the years. NEVER had a mechanical problem or an issue with any of them. Change the oil and filter, replace a tire, and just ride, ride, ride.

Guess that I just don't fit the pattern of the "standard" customer.


Mines not so much the brand, but my experience w trying to enjoy it. Including the people associated w it. While a few here and in the motorcycle community around me have been nice/friendly, a great deal have been people I never wish to meet or hang around with. That kills a big part of the experience for me. Between that, the issues w the bike, and just plain moving on to another toy eventually ...I just don't see buying another.

.

[ronrico]

Like some have said it is a personal choice; as for me I just traded my 2011 RT-L in on a 2014 RT-L. Just hope that the new one is as good as the first one.

[Dan_Ashley]

I wish I could afford to own two. It is the most fun motorcycle I've owned.

[Magdave]

Lets get some facts straight. First BRP was founded in 1942. They started building Ski Doo's in 1959 and motorcycles in 1970. There are not new to this game so the post above about them being new to this is not true. By now they should have it together. They have sold some awesome products and had the snowmobile market pretty much cornered for some time. I believe the Spyder is basically a snowmobile with tires on it in fact you can modify one to do just that.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62277&d=1361212509


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Recreational_Products

During the 1970s, Bombardier built the Can-Am (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can-Am_motorcycles) brand of off-road (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-road) competition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_sport) motorcycles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycles) designed for motocross (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motocross) and enduro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enduro) with Rotax engines displacing 125, 175, 248 and 366 500 and 800 cc. The bikes competed successfully in professional racing with Gary Jones (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Jones_(motorcyclist)) winning the 1974 US 250cc AMA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Motorcyclist_Association) motocross national championship (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMA_Motocross_Championship).[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Recreational_Products#cite_note-4) In 1983, Bombardier licensed the brand and outsourced development and production of the Can-Am motorcycles to Armstrong-CCM Motorcycles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong-CCM_Motorcycles) of Lancashire, England (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancashire,_England). 1987 was the last model year for Can-Am.

Lancashire, England (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancashire,_England). 1987 was the last model year for Can-Am.In 2007 Bombardier renamed their all-terrain vehicle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-terrain_vehicle) line of products Can-Am. Can-am Off-Road (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can-Am_Off-Road) has seven models of ATVs, the Outlander, the Renegade, the Commander, The Maverick, the DS, the Traxter, the Quest, and the Rally. The Traxter and Quest (no longer in production) had two engine sizes 500cc and 650cc. The Rally (also no longer in production) was available with a 200cc engine. The Outlander is a utility style ATV available with five engine sizes- 400cc single cylinder and 500cc, 650cc, 800cc and 1000cc V-Twin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-Twin) engines. The Outlander MAX is available for 2-up riding and the Outlander X-MR is built specifically for mud riding. The Renegade is available with three engine choices, a 500cc, 800cc or 1000cc V-Twin engine. The Renegade X-XC is a separate trim level built specifically for cross country racing. The Outlander 800R X-XC is a version of the Renegade with the same trim level for cross country racing and non-racing trail riding. The XT-P is the modern outlander XXC and features the XT package with front sway bar and beadlock wheels. The 1000cc engine was introduced into the quad classification in the 2012 model year for both the Outlander and the Renegade series. The DS has four engine choices, a 450cc, 250cc, 90cc and 70cc. A 650cc engine was once available but has since been discontinued. An "X" trim level is available for the DS-450 and the DS-90. The Commander is a SSV or Side by side introduced for 2010 with either 800cc or 1000cc engines. Commander has several trim levels, including XT, X and LTD (Limited) at the time the only engine option for the extra packages was the 1000. The XT had upgraded wheels, winch, front bumper and upgraded gauge and steering wheel. The X package had Bumpers, rock sliders, XT gauge and steering wheel, X package seats, and beadlock wheels. Commander Limited includes air ride suspension, an am/fm radio with four speakers, an iPod adapter,XT package and built-in touch screen GPS. All Can Am ATVs except the DS-70 and the DS-90 feature four-stroke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke) Rotax engines. The maverick side by side was introduced to stand up to the commander's rival the Polaris RZR XP 900. The Maverick has an updated version of the commander's 1000cc V-Twin Rotax engine (1000R) this engine had a massive 101 horsepower. This was achieved by using high flow dynamics to increase exhaust and air flow. The maverick was a revolution into the horsepower triple digits. The maverick comes in 6 packages today (February 2014) Base, XRS, XRS DPS, XMR, X ds, and X ds Turbo. In the X ds lineup Can Am brought the first factory installed turbocharged engine to the industry. The turbo boosts the horsepower of the maverick froma all ready amazing 101 horsepower to 121 horsepower.
Invention of the three-wheeled roadsterIn 2007, BRP announced the launch of a new three-wheeled roadster called the Spyder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRP_Can-Am_Spyder_Roadster), which was released in Q4 2007 under the Can-Am brand.[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Recreational_Products#cite_note-Jalopnik-5) This is the first vehicle from BRP to go on the road.

The question at this point is why is there such a disparity between dealerships in quality and cost of service. That is probably the root of the scoring. They have been building and selling motorized vehicle for 72 yrs now. They should be making their customers receive the same quality service and reliability at every dealership with each product they sell. I don't think that is the case.

[SNOOPY]

Probably because they speak French and their dealers speak English. :popcorn:




roflmao

.

[jcthorne]

I'm happy Slingshot was at the top of the list. :thumbup:

We are happy for you. Go enjoy your open air sports car.

This is a spyder forum.

[jcthorne]

I won't buy another Can Am either...

osm


If there was only a viable competitor, I would feel exactly the same way. All it took was one ride on a wing trike to say never mind. So until someone else builds a reverse trike to compete, guess I just put up with BRP's three ring circus. They will either get better or a competitor will eventually come along.

[jcthorne]

Probably because they speak French and their dealers speak English. :popcorn:




roflmao

.

You are assuming they actually try to talk to each other.....:sour:

[Bob Denman]

Dave,
Thanks for the History lesson; but your premise that they've been in the business for a long time, so they should be better at it... doesn't really hold water.

The Spyder is their first street legal bike in a VERY long time. There's probably only a handful of the original dealers left in business from their first g-round with the street. If any! :shocked:

The Spyder is (My Guess) probably one of the most technically sophisticated bikes on the market...
While that is an asset; it is also a big challenge.
Give them enough time, and they'll sort it all out! :thumbup:

[SNOOPY]

You are assuming they actually try to talk to each other.....:sour:



oops...

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

OK, here in easy to read clear type is the paragraph from the Consumer Report article. You can see the chart pretty well here. See post #34. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?78984-CONSUMER-REPORT/page2&highlight=consumer+report


More than 11,000 riders sound off on over 12,300 motorcycles

Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki are among the more reliable motorcycle brands. Conversely, Triumph, Ducati, BMW and Can-Am are among the more repair-prone brands. That's what we found based on the feedback of more than 11,000 subscribers reporting on over 12,300 motorcycles purchased new between 2008 and 2014. The graph shows the percentage of motorcycles from each brand that we predict will need a repair by the fourth year of ownership. Our statistical model estimates failure rates for 4-year-old motorcycles not covered by a service contract and adjusts for mileage driven over a 12-month period. The mean annual mileage is around 3,800 among all motorcycles included in this analysis. Differences of fewer than 10 points between brands are not meaningful. Note that models within a brand may vary, and design or manufacture changes may affect future reliability. Still, choosing a brand with a good repair estimate can improve your odds of getting a reliable motorcycle.



Here is the table, in a revised format since it won't copy and paste exactly.



Brand
Repairs and Serious Problems






Motorcycles
% of owners reporting
problems


Yamaha


11%





Suzuki


12%





Honda


12%





Kawasaki


15%





Victory


17%





Harley-Davidson


26%





Triumph


29%





Ducati


33%





BMW


40%





Can-Am


42








Source: Annual Product Reliability Survey, Consumer Reports National Research Center.

[SPYD3R]

I LIKE THE SPYD3R SO MUCH, I HAVE 2....
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=105321&stc=1 http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=105322&stc=1
DAN P
SPYD3R RS/F3-S

[Grandpaspeed]

I never have paid much attention to this type of stuff I buy what I want when I want it. The F3 is my first Spyder and I love it and don't care if anyone else even likes it. I have owned several BMW and Harleys and have had very good luck with them all. Every company makes something that has had or will have problems what is important is how they deal with it and from what I have experienced with Can Am they are dealing with the problems that arise. I received a phone call from BRP a few days back, I have never received a call from any other manufacturer. It's your right to complain about anything you want for me l love my Spyder.