My Spyder wish list - what's yours?

[PeterKelly]

I have not been riding Spyders long but now have a 21 RTL an a 15 F3 S (in different locations) and have put a combined 10 thousand kms on them. It's not a lot of experience but enough time for me to form a "wish list" of things that I would like to see changed or added to the next crop of Spyders.

I suspect that we are unlikely to see significant changes or updates as BRP (along with other automotive manufacturers) is in a transition phase trying to figure out how to replace, or at least hybridize, their ICE products. The announcement of the electric bikes was telling and I suspect that project will eat up all the resources and dollars that BRP can afford. Still it's nice to fantasize.......

Here's is my wish list in no particular order

1) Give us handlebar mounted brakes - preferably two. I think a footbrake detracts from the motorcycle "feel" of the Spyder. Eliminating the footbrake would also make the riding position better (for me at least) as my right leg would not not be as splayed out.

2) It's time for a key fob (with a built in alarm) instead of a chipped key. I think there are several advantages in having a fob not the least being able to use an emergency starting procedure with a code if the key is lost. I lost a key in the middle of a 5 day trip on one of my HD's and was able to continue using the fob code.

3) I think an optional fully automatic mode would be useful in heavy traffic. This is probably a controversial one but I think it would be helpful.

4) A significant tech upgrade please - BRP Connect works for some folks but I think most find it clunky and limited. Being able to play music from a USB stick would be a good upgrade.

5) Spend some time and effort on customer relations. I have had two occasions that required me to contact BRP and the customer service was a bit underwhelming both times. BRP is a relatively small company and could distinguish itself by providing a more caring and responsive customer experience. Harley made a bit deal out of (and got lots of brownie points) out of their Project Rushmore where they supposedly spoke to hundreds (maybe thousands) of HD riders about their wish list and, again supposedly, incorporated some of the ideas into their 2014 touring models. Who knows how extensive the canvassing really was and how many suggestions were taken up but it sure made good PR.

Anyway there are five things on my wish list and I would be interested to hear from others.

[bigbadbrucie]

My thoughts on your “wish list”, or more correctly my thought on your first wish in this list....the brakes. Every motorcycle I’ve ever owned, going back to my first bike.....have ALL had a foot brake with the early bikes having a separate hand brake for the FRONT wheel. Later on the lever and the foot brake WORKED IN TANDEM with each other. So....hand brake only is NOT a motorcycle feel - just my 2 cents worth, and that's all my opinion is probably worth!

[Rider Steve]

My list is just having the thing operate properly for a long time.

[SeniorRider]

Excellent list for BRP to consider. I think that more Spyders would be sold if BRP followed your list.

I would also like to have a right hand brake, but keep the foot brake just like all of my motorcycles have had.

A full auto mode would make it easier for a beginner rider.

They should also make it easier to get on and off, which I had to fix with the Ultimate floorboard on my F3-S.
Having a two position handlebar would help customize the fit without having to change handlebars.

[ES44AC]

Thats a very good list !

Better FACTORY sway bar for the RT's.

[ButterSmooth]

Shaft Drive. Gravel roads and chip seal are in abundance around here. We have two seasons: Winter with cinder covered roads; Summer with full time chip sealing.

[pidjones]

Maybe not for BRP - I understand their fear of lawsuits. But, someone could surely hack the OS (they've hacked your corporate system already) so we don't have to press the Mode button every startup. I'd pay $50 for that.

For BRP - I just pulled my rear wheel off of my '21 RTL to get the tire changed. Why is the Rear Panel so )(&*^$ hard to remove? Yes, you can just jack it up higher but that's not what your manual says.

[ARtraveler]

Good luck on the list.

Don't hold your breath on most of the items.

I believe Ryker has the CVT (closest to fully automatic). Engage it in gear and drive.

[FrogmanDave]

I completely agree with #2 through #5. I couldn't care less for hand brakes.

[Bfromla]

1. If “Touring” is part of the model name (ie RT, ST, F3T) is involved, then the warranty should match touring, not some 2 year break-in period (particularly aggravating that both the oil & water pumps failed AFTER the warranty & Best expired then it's been wholly discontinued too ).

2. Hand brake, Connect, full auto - all would be better suited as OPTIONS, especially for disabled.

3. If not adding more dealers, then more “certified” technicians & service shops; heck, even a mobile tech with the roadside program; and a customer service reflecting rating system. Better Reasonable Prices
(see what I did there? )

[blacklightning]

My list is just having the thing operate properly for a long time.

if they could just get the current items working correctly and have parts for repairs when needed, it would go a long way. My biggest gripe about the current spyders would mainly be the lack of view in the mirrors. But that is not a deal breaker for me.

[ollicat]

Shaft drive

I used to think fully automatic but I do like engaging with the engine.

[ButterSmooth]

Shaft drive

I used to think fully automatic but I do like engaging with the engine.

My fantasy is a one side swing arm with the shaft and the brake mounted on the same side. Imagine removing the lug nuts and taking the wheel off -- nothing like the current nightmare. It could even have a hinged rear fender so the wheel could be rolled out. On my fourth rear tire and tire changes have been the BIG headache with the Spyder.

[Woodenfish]

https://youtu.be/5A4f9CXsGV8

I’m having a hard time inserting a video but I believe this solution would offer many riders what they are looking for.

[WDAVEY]

My wish list should be relatively easy/cheap to incorporate. 1) Put the windshield up/down button back on the left handlebar where is was on my '19. Eliminate the "feature" that lowers the windshield every time I turn the bike off, leave it where I want it! 2) I don't need 4 different buttons to raise/lower radio volume! 3) Copy/steal/plagiarize Harley Davidson stereo and GPS integrated system, the BRP system is a joke. 4) Make fluid check points accessible without removing body panels for Coolant, brake fluid and oil levels. 5) Eliminate the need to push the !@!%!#$@^ mode button every time I start the #$@@$^#$ Spyder!

[Deanna777]

I have everything on my spyder that I want.

Deanna

[Rockdog]

Shaft drive.. had to get new belt at the first service…. First service was $350 or so…..new belt and installation was $750 or so….nice surprise for first time services done on RTL…..