Under $10,000 Spyder

[ByeSpyder]

The only 'Yugo' version of anything has been a Yugo, and the market pretty much rejected that.

This is a SpyderLovers forum; why are you so down on Spyder engineering and QC?

I can readily name at least a dozen cars manufactured within the past two and a half decades that were "Yugo" like. If you want current examples consider the SmartCar and anything by Fiat. American manufacturers are not exempt either. GM's diesel powered sedans, the pseudo Chev/Cadillac, Pontiac Fiero, Chevy Nova....the list goes on.

If the name "SpyderLovers" suggests the only admissible topics are to praise the Spyder then someone should publish the reason for the site's existence. Otherwise, I assume, as would most people that all discussions relevant to the Spyder are eligible for discussion.

I owned my Spyder for a bit longer than one year but if I had found this site prior to buying it I would have passed on the purchase. Most people know the story of any German-made luxury car - the high maintenance costs and very troublesome nature of the overly complex operating systems. I found the Spyder the Can-Am equivalent. I could list dozens of individual items but here are a few basic ones which Can-Am could have fixed simply by reading the posts on this site:

Incredibly sensitive brake and oil levels throwing limp mode codes when no real issue exists.
CANBUS - need I say more?
Weak windshield supports
Cost/ease of simple maintenance (oil change being the main culprit)
Incompetent dealer service departments and techs and need for non-available diagnostic tools for owners
Incompetent audio and CB (not even going into the difficulties with the 2018 dash)
Need for post purchase alignment, adequate sway bar and shocks
Kenda tires
Difficulty checking/airing rear tire

Note: These are not necessarily MY personal issues but those I have gleaned from the many posts on this site.

A motorcycle-type vehicle costing over $30,000 new should excel at both design and maintainability. The Spyder falls very short of that standard. I have owned dozens of two-wheelers over the years including some very labor intensive British marques but none of them have even come close to the absurdity of the Spyder.

And regarding Can-Am's other products - someone mentioned Sea-Doo. I was doing some intensive research a few months ago on PWC's and was not impressed by the Sea-Doo line when compared to other manufactures. While some of their models seem to perform very well, especially in salt water, their turbo engines have several very weak areas including the use of porcelain washers which fail frequently and cause catastrophic damage to the engine. This type of design failure is inexcusable. The bottom line is I see similar systemic discrepancies in the design, manufacture and support of their PWC's that I see in the Spyder. I will never touch another Can-Am product as a result.

[Bob Denman]

Do you even own a Spyder?


Troll.jpg

[aka1004]

Do you even own a Spyder?


Troll.jpg

His name is byespyder, last name troll.

I would like to see another Spyder model even if it’s under powered.
I don’t want a ride RT or F3.

[Bob Denman]

I don't think that with even just 60 horsepower: it would be "underpowered"...
It would just be different from what we're currently used to!

And if it's a simpler bike: that means that there's less things to go wrong!

[jcthorne]

I owned my Spyder for a bit longer than one year but if I had found this site prior to buying it I would have passed on the purchase. Most people know the story of any German-made luxury car - the high maintenance costs and very troublesome nature of the overly complex operating systems. I found the Spyder the Can-Am equivalent. I could list dozens of individual items but here are a few basic ones which Can-Am could have fixed simply by reading the posts on this site:

Incredibly sensitive brake and oil levels throwing limp mode codes when no real issue exists.
CANBUS - need I say more?
Weak windshield supports
Cost/ease of simple maintenance (oil change being the main culprit)
Incompetent dealer service departments and techs and need for non-available diagnostic tools for owners
Incompetent audio and CB (not even going into the difficulties with the 2018 dash)
Need for post purchase alignment, adequate sway bar and shocks
Kenda tires
Difficulty checking/airing rear tire

In fairness, BRP has listened and HAS addressed some of these.

Incredibly sensitive brake and oil levels throwing limp mode codes when no real issue exists. Fully addressed on new models, both RT and F3.
CANBUS - need I say more? Nothing wrong with the communications protocol. This is not even BRP Specific. A number of powersports companies use it.
Weak windshield supports Fully addressed on new F3 model.
Cost/ease of simple maintenance (oil change being the main culprit). No more expensive or difficult to maintain than other powersports vehicles. Newer models have also drasticly reduced maintenance intervals and requirements.
Incompetent dealer service departments and techs and need for non-available diagnostic tools for owners. I completely agree with you on the dealer network. This is the biggest problem BRP needs to address. The diagnostic software (BUDS) is readily available to anyone that wants to purchase it. This is no different than every automobile or other powersports vehicle in production. BRP does not even make this, its third party.
Difficulty checking/airing rear tire With the right air chuck, there is no problem checking or filling the rear tire. I do this multiple times a day on Spyders. Get the right tool for the job.

[Joel The Biker]

I'm sure its fake news. Any spyder under $10,000 would certainly be a piece of junk. Heck, our $30k machines have enough problems now. Can you imagine if they made them with cheaper parts? They would be in the shop ALL the time.

I say, if BRP wants to increase Spyder sales, lower the price. If they can offer $4500 rebates on new Spyders, then they can lower the MSRP on all their Spyders which should increase sales so dealers dont have to try and sell leftovers that are 1 or 2 years old. Win-Win.

[Bob Denman]

Those big rebates are on non-current models. They want to get them cleared off of showroom floors.
So do the dealers: they've been paying floorplans on them!

It's almost an even bet; that they couldn't stay in business with these pricing strategies in place full-time.

[Highwayman2013]

I can readily name at least a dozen cars manufactured within the past two and a half decades that were "Yugo" like. If you want current examples consider the SmartCar and anything by Fiat. American manufacturers are not exempt either. GM's diesel powered sedans, the pseudo Chev/Cadillac, Pontiac Fiero, Chevy Nova....the list goes on.

If the name "SpyderLovers" suggests the only admissible topics are to praise the Spyder then someone should publish the reason for the site's existence. Otherwise, I assume, as would most people that all discussions relevant to the Spyder are eligible for discussion.

I owned my Spyder for a bit longer than one year but if I had found this site prior to buying it I would have passed on the purchase. Most people know the story of any German-made luxury car - the high maintenance costs and very troublesome nature of the overly complex operating systems. I found the Spyder the Can-Am equivalent. I could list dozens of individual items but here are a few basic ones which Can-Am could have fixed simply by reading the posts on this site:

Incredibly sensitive brake and oil levels throwing limp mode codes when no real issue exists.
CANBUS - need I say more?
Weak windshield supports
Cost/ease of simple maintenance (oil change being the main culprit)
Incompetent dealer service departments and techs and need for non-available diagnostic tools for owners
Incompetent audio and CB (not even going into the difficulties with the 2018 dash)
Need for post purchase alignment, adequate sway bar and shocks
Kenda tires
Difficulty checking/airing rear tire

Note: These are not necessarily MY personal issues but those I have gleaned from the many posts on this site.

A motorcycle-type vehicle costing over $30,000 new should excel at both design and maintainability. The Spyder falls very short of that standard. I have owned dozens of two-wheelers over the years including some very labor intensive British marques but none of them have even come close to the absurdity of the Spyder.

And regarding Can-Am's other products - someone mentioned Sea-Doo. I was doing some intensive research a few months ago on PWC's and was not impressed by the Sea-Doo line when compared to other manufactures. While some of their models seem to perform very well, especially in salt water, their turbo engines have several very weak areas including the use of porcelain washers which fail frequently and cause catastrophic damage to the engine. This type of design failure is inexcusable. The bottom line is I see similar systemic discrepancies in the design, manufacture and support of their PWC's that I see in the Spyder. I will never touch another Can-Am product as a result.

As I recall the Yugo was a Fiat design that they sold to the commies.

[Lamonster]

I'll be ordering two of them as soon as they hit the market. This is not a replacement for your Spyder so why all the negative stuff before you even see it and the market it's going after? It will be the Spark of the Spyder world and the Spark has done pretty well and is a blast to ride.

[Bob Denman]

I'm pretty interested in seeing what it's going to be also! I'm thinking that a simpler, lighter bike could be a real hoot!

[Pirate looks at --]

I'm sure its fake news. Any spyder under $10,000 would certainly be a piece of junk. Heck, our $30k machines have enough problems now. Can you imagine if they made them with cheaper parts? They would be in the shop ALL the time.

I say, if BRP wants to increase Spyder sales, lower the price. If they can offer $4500 rebates on new Spyders, then they can lower the MSRP on all their Spyders which should increase sales so dealers dont have to try and sell leftovers that are 1 or 2 years old. Win-Win.

Well I am willing to bet you are wrong. I KNOW they are coming out with an "entry level" Spyder and my sources in BRP, and Lamont's post above should prove that point!

[Bob Denman]

What we need to see... some pictures, and perhaps a few details!

[Kiry]

Plus, I'd love to see a smaller one for metro areas. The Nikken seems to do well there, why not something smaller from BRP? Plus with a pricepoint that doesn't appeal to the touring or high sport category just might be the ticket.

I love my F3. I wouldn't trade it in now that I have it. However as it is my first bike period, that price was a bit to shoulder. I decided to roll the dice because I wanted to try. Many may not due to the risk. Had there been one more entry level, I think it would be an easier entry for those first riders.
Particularly as the interest rates rise......

[ByeSpyder]

I'll be ordering two of them as soon as they hit the market. This is not a replacement for your Spyder so why all the negative stuff before you even see it and the market it's going after? It will be the Spark of the Spyder world and the Spark has done pretty well and is a blast to ride.

As a support/merchandiser for aftermarket pieces and parts for the Spyder community I can easily understand why you would be wanting the new model(s). But as with a fresh model of a new car it is probably best for the average buyer to wait to see how it plays out in real life. First issues are notoriously trouble prone.

My post was not targeted at the Spark however but Can-Am in general. Researching their PWC offerings uncovered a ton of similar complaints as have been listed on this site with Spyders. I am thinking their engineering, design and manufacturing processes need to be proofed to ensure these types of issues are not systemic because it sure seems as if they are.

And an afterthought: Do you know if Trump's tariffs are going to affect Can-Am products? If so, it will be yet another bridge to cross for the new, "low cost" vehicle.

[wyliec]

Plus, I'd love to see a smaller one for metro areas. The Nikken seems to do well there, why not something smaller from BRP? Plus with a pricepoint that doesn't appeal to the touring or high sport category just might be the ticket.

I love my F3. I wouldn't trade it in now that I have it. However as it is my first bike period, that price was a bit to shoulder. I decided to roll the dice because I wanted to try. Many may not due to the risk. Had there been one more entry level, I think it would be an easier entry for those first riders.
Particularly as the interest rates rise......

First, I'll say there is nothing wrong with the idea of an under $10,000 spyder. I'm just curious about the statement I bolded. Do you feel it will be easier to maneuver for the metro riding, and/or less gas expense?

I just re-read your post. It looks like your saying it is an easier entry for first timers. I'm still curious about the metro comment. Maybe you think it may not have enough power for the highway? Just curious.

[wingit3611]

Just saw a Chinese 250 version of Can-am for $3500 yesterday

[Bob Denman]

It might have been a Chinese version of something: but Can Am had nothing to do with it!

[Samson]

Yugo, I haven't heard that name in years. Back in the early 80's I was building spec homes for myself. We purchased 25 Yugo's and put 1 in the garage of the homes as an incentive, free car with every home. Brings back memories!

[Bob Denman]

I heard that they wanted to bring out a four door version: the Wego!

[ByeSpyder]

Yugo, I haven't heard that name in years. Back in the early 80's I was building spec homes for myself. We purchased 25 Yugo's and put 1 in the garage of the homes as an incentive, free car with every home. Brings back memories!

Why did you hate your customers?

[BryanSD]

Plus, I'd love to see a smaller one for metro areas. The Nikken seems to do well there, why not something smaller from BRP? Plus with a pricepoint that doesn't appeal to the touring or high sport category just might be the ticket.

I love my F3. I wouldn't trade it in now that I have it. However as it is my first bike period, that price was a bit to shoulder. I decided to roll the dice because I wanted to try. Many may not due to the risk. Had there been one more entry level, I think it would be an easier entry for those first riders.
Particularly as the interest rates rise......

Exactly, I too would like to see a "commuter version" of the Spyder that won't break my piggy bank. Something to get me from point A to point B in the city during the weekday and some cruising fun over the weekend. My wife and I are currently sharing a 2017 RT but now starting to think we each should be riding our own Spyder. A $10,000 Spyder is exactly what we're looking for. We'll of course plan to ride two-up on the RT for long trips and share the driving.

[asp125]

Our $10000 Spyder is our GS. With all the complaints about the later models (yeah yeah, squeaky wheel and all, but there seems to be a lot of them) I think we'll keep our simpler Spyder until it falls apart. It's been trouble free in the 7 years we've owned it. Replacement with a newer potentially more complex model isn't in the cards on a retiree income.

[Kiry]

First, I'll say there is nothing wrong with the idea of an under $10,000 spyder. I'm just curious about the statement I bolded. Do you feel it will be easier to maneuver for the metro riding, and/or less gas expense?

I just re-read your post. It looks like your saying it is an easier entry for first timers. I'm still curious about the metro comment. Maybe you think it may not have enough power for the highway? Just curious.

A few months ago I visited Paris and found it interesting that mostly people rode scotters, or narrow sports bikes. I think I might have seen one tour bike. Many bikes get preferred areas over area, those areas are too small for current spyders.

So just curious if a new one would be smaller perhaps? Fit better in spaces for those areas.

[Bob Denman]

It's a completely different type of riding over there... We're spread out across a Continent...
They just don't need the big "Horizon Chasers" over there. Touring one Nation might be equivalent to touring just s single one of our States.

[blacklightning]

I am interested in seeing what a $10k version will look like. But I don't think I will be getting one, unless the wife want's her own spyder. I am very happy with my F3T and will be riding it for years to come. I do like the fact that the msrp will be under $10k. Because that might mean that come Sept. of 2019, they may be out there for around $8k or less. Most of the times, there is at least a 25% savings near the end of the year.