wiredgeorge
08-11-2015, 08:48 AM
I know a lot has been said about laser alignment. I have a 2010 Spyder RT. The factory performed an alignment on this vehicle but as I learned, the method used in 2010 was not really satisfactory. I also learned that a laser alignment can show this easily and that the person doing the alignment must have a BUDS interface to correct the initial factory setting and zero it once the laser alignment is done. In other words, the factory alignment set my Spyder in the wrong orientation and this info is stored in the on-board computer and even if you get a laser alignment and all is squared up, the original on-board computer setting must be zeroed against the new orientation. Hope I got this right as I didn't understand much of this process.
I drove up to Harper Texas to Cliff Fargason's shop. He charges $120 IF the Spyder needs laser alignment and IF the job is done to your satisfaction. I compared this to the quote I got from Coyote in Boerne of $375. Based on forum comments, this seemed a tad high. In any case, my front left wheel was quite a bit out of alignment. You can see how much when the laser hits its carefully placed target. The right wheel was also out a bit but not as much. Cliff corrected this by adjusting the tie rods and centering the laser dots on their targets and resetting the on-board computer through the BUDS interface. I believe BUDS is similar to the interface most car dealerships use to access and change things in the car's on-board computer. Cliff told me what BUDS stands for but I have since forgotten.
I can now ride down the road and take my hands off the bars and they are neutral. The main problem I had noticed that was caused by the mis-alignment was that when a gust of wind hit me or a big truck passed or I went around a sharp high speed turn the front end sort of got squirrely. It was a bit unnerving and the addition of BajaRon's anti-sway bar and Heim links and Elka shocks with the proper springs and the proper inflation of the rear shock really helped but the laser alignment was the cherry on the sunday. BTW: If you are thinking about getting a laser alignment done, Cliff is super meticulous and is an easy ride (give the temps) from San Antonio, Austin or much of the Hill Country. He is right off 290 west of Fredericksburg and there is little traffic on 290 in that direction compared to east of Fredericksburg. I highly recommend his services.
I am pretty sure that BRP is aware of suspension and alignment issues. The tie rods on a 2010 are puny compared to a 2012 and I think the little skinny tie rods may be part of the looseness of the front end. I know the anti-sway bar is... hopefully BRP will continue to refine their Spyder product and improve its handling as they have made significant strides already but to be on the top of the heap need to lead the way in handling and performance.
I drove up to Harper Texas to Cliff Fargason's shop. He charges $120 IF the Spyder needs laser alignment and IF the job is done to your satisfaction. I compared this to the quote I got from Coyote in Boerne of $375. Based on forum comments, this seemed a tad high. In any case, my front left wheel was quite a bit out of alignment. You can see how much when the laser hits its carefully placed target. The right wheel was also out a bit but not as much. Cliff corrected this by adjusting the tie rods and centering the laser dots on their targets and resetting the on-board computer through the BUDS interface. I believe BUDS is similar to the interface most car dealerships use to access and change things in the car's on-board computer. Cliff told me what BUDS stands for but I have since forgotten.
I can now ride down the road and take my hands off the bars and they are neutral. The main problem I had noticed that was caused by the mis-alignment was that when a gust of wind hit me or a big truck passed or I went around a sharp high speed turn the front end sort of got squirrely. It was a bit unnerving and the addition of BajaRon's anti-sway bar and Heim links and Elka shocks with the proper springs and the proper inflation of the rear shock really helped but the laser alignment was the cherry on the sunday. BTW: If you are thinking about getting a laser alignment done, Cliff is super meticulous and is an easy ride (give the temps) from San Antonio, Austin or much of the Hill Country. He is right off 290 west of Fredericksburg and there is little traffic on 290 in that direction compared to east of Fredericksburg. I highly recommend his services.
I am pretty sure that BRP is aware of suspension and alignment issues. The tie rods on a 2010 are puny compared to a 2012 and I think the little skinny tie rods may be part of the looseness of the front end. I know the anti-sway bar is... hopefully BRP will continue to refine their Spyder product and improve its handling as they have made significant strides already but to be on the top of the heap need to lead the way in handling and performance.