Bummed out waiting for a part

[vito1943]

A month ago today I dropped off my Spyder at the local CanAm dealer (where I have had no complaints whatsoever about their service in the 3 years that I have owned my 2021 RT). My Spyder had gone into "Limp Home mode" and it turned out it was due to a faulty speed sensor. Now, a month later, they are still awaiting the replacement sensor needed, and are trying to find one at other dealers since CanAm says it is on backorder. Maybe foolishly I thought that I would be without my Spyder for a few days at most, but now as I see the riding season rapidly slipping away I guess I have to be prepared to just look forward to riding again next Spring. I have another bike, a little Royal Enfield Hunter 350, but it is the Spyder that I wish I was riding. In my 40 years plus of riding motorcycles, mostly Hondas and Triumphs, I have never before found myself having to wait a month for a needed part. This has all made me wonder if maybe I should have considered that Harley Triglide instead, despite how much I enjoy my Spyder.

[Bangorbob]

What you have stated bothers me a little. Meaning lack of parts and lack of dealers nationwide. I have been thinking of maybe a tri glide or Goldwing trike. As a lot of us who live 50+ miles from a dealer.

[BajaRon]

A month ago today I dropped off my Spyder at the local CanAm dealer (where I have had no complaints whatsoever about their service in the 3 years that I have owned my 2021 RT). My Spyder had gone into "Limp Home mode" and it turned out it was due to a faulty speed sensor. Now, a month later, they are still awaiting the replacement sensor needed, and are trying to find one at other dealers since CanAm says it is on backorder. Maybe foolishly I thought that I would be without my Spyder for a few days at most, but now as I see the riding season rapidly slipping away I guess I have to be prepared to just look forward to riding again next Spring. I have another bike, a little Royal Enfield Hunter 350, but it is the Spyder that I wish I was riding. In my 40 years plus of riding motorcycles, mostly Hondas and Triumphs, I have never before found myself having to wait a month for a needed part. This has all made me wonder if maybe I should have considered that Harley Triglide instead, despite how much I enjoy my Spyder.

Get the part # and do your own search. Dealerships don't always put much effort into it. You might get lucky spreading a wider net.

[CloverHillCrawler]

Get the part # and do your own search. Dealerships don't always put much effort into it. You might get lucky spreading a wider net.

And I would invoice the dealer a finders fee for getting it for them in a reasonable amount of time if you can find it before they get it.

[Bfromla]

Know your pain. Sorry, little light for you - at least your dealer would look at it (not 10+y Old) & parts are not discontinued, like soo many others! Good luck all the same.

[Raven]

vito, don't think Harley is any better.
I have waited for parts to many times than I care to remember.
One tine my bike was in the shop from May till August waiting for a fuel pump, so much for ridding season.
The bike was still under warranty.

[canamjhb]

You are experiencing the exact same reason my Spyder was replaced by a Goldwing trike. I had 3 different month long + parts/service issues in 3 years of ownership. My Goldwing trike was not totally trouble free, but I never had to wait more than a few days for any parts or service. Fortunately, in my area, there are many good shops capable and willing to work on and service Hondas regardless of age whether it was triked or not. Lack of parts availability and good timely dealer service are the reasons why there is no Spyder in my garage today. Good luck..... Jim

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Vito. Rear speed sensor? Was it damaged? Where’s the machine now? I'm asking because it wasn’t that long ago a member here had a fault on the rear sensor. Turned out that it, and the hole, was just caked with dirt and various other kinds of road scum. Took it off, cleaned everything, reinstalled. Boom. All fixed.

[2dogs]

As indicated on this and other sites, BRP and its dealer network can be their own worst enemies when it comes to customer service after the sale. Reputable independents are often your best bet for honest, reliable information and service. One good example of a long list, is BajaRon. Luckily I live close (30 miles is close for me) to a very knowledgeable honest independent whose only shortcoming is a long line of customers in front of me. Once you find a good shop, treat them like you'd want to be treated.

[Mikey]

Fox Powersports
720 44th Street SW
Wyoming MI 49509
Phone: 866-829-6884
Email: shssupport@foxpowersports.com
Just for kicks give them a call and see if you can get that part!!

[Albec]

Reading this, and like threads, makes me VERY nervous about keeping my Spyder for the long haul.

I normally do all my own work, and I keep vehicles pretty much till I drive the wheels off.

I don't see this happening with Can-Am and I hope that I didn't make an expensive mistake by buying this toy.

I don't get BRP's philosophy on these things...

[Bangorbob]

Reading this, and like threads, makes me VERY nervous about keeping my Spyder for the long haul.

I normally do all my own work, and I keep vehicles pretty much till I drive the wheels off.

I don't see this happening with Can-Am and I hope that I didn't make an expensive mistake by buying this toy.

I don't get BRP's philosophy on these things...

Exactly my feelings.

[LongIsland]

A month ago today I dropped off my Spyder at the local CanAm dealer (where I have had no complaints whatsoever about their service in the 3 years that I have owned my 2021 RT). My Spyder had gone into "Limp Home mode" and it turned out it was due to a faulty speed sensor. Now, a month later, they are still awaiting the replacement sensor needed, and are trying to find one at other dealers since CanAm says it is on backorder. Maybe foolishly I thought that I would be without my Spyder for a few days at most, but now as I see the riding season rapidly slipping away I guess I have to be prepared to just look forward to riding again next Spring. I have another bike, a little Royal Enfield Hunter 350, but it is the Spyder that I wish I was riding. In my 40 years plus of riding motorcycles, mostly Hondas and Triumphs, I have never before found myself having to wait a month for a needed part. This has all made me wonder if maybe I should have considered that Harley Triglide instead, despite how much I enjoy my Spyder.

I found this online at https://www.canampartsking.com/. I looked at the Mechanics front brake part# 710006981 and Mechanics rear brake part# 710006982. Seems they have it in stock. Good luck.
Screenshot 2024-10-26 104007.jpg

[AndysF3S]

Reading this, and like threads, makes me VERY nervous about keeping my Spyder for the long haul.

I normally do all my own work, and I keep vehicles pretty much till I drive the wheels off.

I don't see this happening with Can-Am and I hope that I didn't make an expensive mistake by buying this toy.

I don't get BRP's philosophy on these things...

I have ridden Skidoo, Canam and now a 22 F3S since 1996 and have not had any problem getting the odd part from BRP to date. I do the maintenance myself, once off warranty and have found Rotax/Skidoo/Canam to be very reliable. The reason I post this it is easy for someone new to the product to get discouraged due to all the negative posts.

I have a 22 Sierra AT4 Duramax 3.0 1500 and if you check out their site you will see the same thing. Bottom line is buy whatever you think is the best and you are happy with.

[Albec]

I have ridden Skidoo, Canam and now a 22 F3S since 1996 and have not had any problem getting the odd part from BRP to date. I do the maintenance myself, once off warranty and have found Rotax/Skidoo/Canam to be very reliable. The reason I post this it is easy for someone new to the product to get discouraged due to all the negative posts.

I have a 22 Sierra AT4 Duramax 3.0 1500 and if you check out their site you will see the same thing. Bottom line is buy whatever you think is the best and you are happy with.

I'm on the Duramax forum too.

But reading here on the difficulty that some are having with obtaining parts and combining this with the reports that many dealerships are no longer doing work on 'older' Spyders, this is not good for long time ownership of this Can-Am product.

[vito1943]

Its now TWO MONTHS that my 2021 RT has been sitting at the dealer awaiting a part from CanAm. Up until the speed sensor went bad and put me into Limp Home mode the Spyder has been flawless, but this is really souring me on CanAm. The dealer keeps apologizing and now tells me that the part is expected in the next few days, and they will trailer my Spyder after replacing the sensor and bring it to me since it is getting too damn cold to ride it home (its 26 degrees this morning as I type this). Thankfully I also own a two wheeler, so I have not totally missed out on riding this Fall, but this waiting has really bummed me out.

[Bfromla]

Its now TWO MONTHS that my 2021 RT has been sitting at the dealer awaiting a part from CanAm. Up until the speed sensor went bad and put me into Limp Home mode the Spyder has been flawless, but this is really souring me on CanAm. The dealer keeps apologizing and now tells me that the part is expected in the next few days, and they will trailer my Spyder after replacing the sensor and bring it to me since it is getting too damn cold to ride it home (its 26 degrees this morning as I type this). Thankfully I also own a two wheeler, so I have not totally missed out on riding this Fall, but this waiting has really bummed me out.

Thanks for update, sorry not resolved. Least can stay sane (some wind therapy)

[BajaRon]

Its now TWO MONTHS that my 2021 RT has been sitting at the dealer awaiting a part from CanAm. Up until the speed sensor went bad and put me into Limp Home mode the Spyder has been flawless, but this is really souring me on CanAm. The dealer keeps apologizing and now tells me that the part is expected in the next few days, and they will trailer my Spyder after replacing the sensor and bring it to me since it is getting too damn cold to ride it home (its 26 degrees this morning as I type this). Thankfully I also own a two wheeler, so I have not totally missed out on riding this Fall, but this waiting has really bummed me out.

They've probably got one sitting right there on the showroom floor. My dealer gave me the same run-a-round for a failed DPS. Told me they couldn't get one for at least 2 months. I said, 'You've already got one!'. And pointed to a Spyder sitting in the showroom. They said, 'You expect us to take one off a new Spyder?' I said 'Sure!, why not? You expect me to wait 2 months and let the Spyder I already paid for sit during riding season?'.

They took the DPS of their Spyder and I was down the road the next day.

[nightfalcon]

Parts supply for sensors and other vulnerable items shouldn't be a lottery. KTM are learning the hard way about the pitfalls of poor customer service. My experience with Can Am isn't a happy story either, suffice to say they're quite comfortable throwing their dealers and customers under the bus. I've been there loads of times with bike manufacturers (Triumph NZ is notorious for not having basic items in stock) but as @bajaron points out, use the internet, it's a big world out there and it's saved my bacon a few times.

[CharltonHeston]

Hello - not sure if I have the privilege to reply here, but I have been thinking about buying a new 2024 or 2025 RT. I'm a lifetime Honda guy who went to KTM in 2018. Bought a new KTM adventure bike. Mechanically, the engine was great. I did have the notorious 1st-to-2nd gear miss issue in the transmission, but I wanted to love the KTM so bad that I was willing to accept the fact that I need to be extra careful upshifting 1st to 2nd. Then suddenly, the electronic dash failed. The bike would start and run but the dash no longer worked. I took to the KTM dealer (who was excellent) and he said the electronic dash failed and also lost my odometer reading. The dealer, while good, told me KTM was not willing to cover the dash under warranty because the bike was 15 months old. Needless to say, the bike was at the dealer for 2 months getting a new dash, certifying the odometer, and paying the $2000 bill. I essentially left the bike at the dealership, altho I did physically bring it home but asked the dealer if he would sell it on consignment (at a loss). I eventually came back to Honda, one of which I have today.

So, I'm really afraid to buy a Can-Am Spyder when I hear stories about parts availability and dealers refusing to work on machines. I have no problem doing my own maintenance, but I depend on the dealer for warranty issues and complex problems. These machines are complex, and troubleshooting can be very difficult. I really want to buy the RT, and I have been mentally planning trips that would be fun to do.

Let me know your thoughts. Are these machines a fun novelty, but not dependable transportation? Or do they have a reasonable statistical probability of issues, but not unlike any other motorcycle?

CH

[ARtraveler]

Hello - not sure if I have the privilege to reply here, but I have been thinking about buying a new 2024 or 2025 RT. I'm a lifetime Honda guy who went to KTM in 2018. Bought a new KTM adventure bike. Mechanically, the engine was great. I did have the notorious 1st-to-2nd gear miss issue in the transmission but I wanted to love the KTM so bad that I was willing to accept the fact that I need to be extra careful upshifting 1st to 2nd. Then suddenly, the electronic dash failed. The bike would start and run but the dash no longer worked. I took to the KTM dealer (which was excellent) and he said the electronic dash failed. It also lost my odometer reading. The dealer, while good, told me KTM was not willing to cover the dash under warranty because the bike was a 15 months old. Needless to say, the bike was at the dealer for 2 months getting a new dash, certifying the odometer and paying the $2000 bill. I essentially left the bike at the deanship (I did physically bring it home) but asked the dealer if he would sell on consignment (at a loss). I eventually came back to Honda which I have today.

So, I'm really afraid to buy a Can-Am Spyder when I hear stories about parts availability and dealers refusing to work on machines. I have no problem doing my own maintenance but I depend on the dealer for warranty issues and complex problems. These machines are complex and troubleshooting can be very difficult. I really want to buy the RT and I have been mentally planning trips that would be fun to do.

Let me know your thoughts. Are these machines a fun novelty, but not dependable transportation? Or do they will have a reasonable statistical probability of issues, but not unlike any other motorcycle?

CH

I am a long time Spyder owner and am one of the few that have owned 7 different Spyders, over15 years. This covers over 200,000 Spyder miles. Prior to 2008 and a little beyond I have owned every flavor of rice burner and a myriad of sizes. From 80cc to 2000cc and many in-between. At 79, I sold my last two Spyders and no longer ride motorcycles. Age and health finally got to me. In other words, I think I am qualified to say, I like motorcycles. I started riding in 1966.

My experience with the CanAm Spyder brand has been good. I NEVER have had a major breakdown, NEVER been stranded, and have NOT had issues with parts or service. I have been posting here since 2010 and have had many stories to tell. I lived in Alaska from 2001 until 2019 and then moved to Arkansas in 2019. Buying a Spyder today is like a crap-shoot. You can either have good luck or bad. I do not recall hearing any bad stuff about Ohio dealers, so that is in your favor. You are also 2 states away from iMoto, a place that delivers and has reasonable prices. I bought 2 Spyders from them. I have voiced comments over the years about poor dealer service, (as noted on the site) and the latest trend of "we don't work on machines that are 10 years or older." Another caveat, on any internet site, you are going to hear more about the "bad" stuff and "complaints." People like to use public forums when they have an axe to grind or a major complaint against a specific dealer. As a moderator, we look at these very carefully and try to keep the situations a bit more balanced. The blatant trouble makers do not have a chance here.

Parts and authorized service are a BRP (CanAM) thing. The complexity of the machines CAN be an issue, depending on the dealer. Parts are a BRP thing. It appears, that the parts problem have got a bit worse over the last few years. But, we also hear that about every other brand also. I was one of the first owners of a Spyder in Alaska. And I had four new ones in a row (2008, 2009, and 2010, and 2011). Then, I mellowed out a bit.

I am still on the SL site even though the Spyders have been gone since 2023.

A new Spyder is a decision you have to make. Best wishes in your choice. I vote go for it.

[DickB]

Hello - not sure if I have the privilege to reply here, but I have been thinking about buying a new 2024 or 2025 RT. I'm a lifetime Honda guy who went to KTM in 2018. Bought a new KTM adventure bike. Mechanically, the engine was great. I did have the notorious 1st-to-2nd gear miss issue in the transmission, but I wanted to love the KTM so bad that I was willing to accept the fact that I need to be extra careful upshifting 1st to 2nd. Then suddenly, the electronic dash failed. The bike would start and run but the dash no longer worked. I took to the KTM dealer (who was excellent) and he said the electronic dash failed and also lost my odometer reading. The dealer, while good, told me KTM was not willing to cover the dash under warranty because the bike was 15 months old. Needless to say, the bike was at the dealer for 2 months getting a new dash, certifying the odometer, and paying the $2000 bill. I essentially left the bike at the dealership, altho I did physically bring it home but asked the dealer if he would sell it on consignment (at a loss). I eventually came back to Honda, one of which I have today.

So, I'm really afraid to buy a Can-Am Spyder when I hear stories about parts availability and dealers refusing to work on machines. I have no problem doing my own maintenance, but I depend on the dealer for warranty issues and complex problems. These machines are complex, and troubleshooting can be very difficult. I really want to buy the RT, and I have been mentally planning trips that would be fun to do.

Let me know your thoughts. Are these machines a fun novelty, but not dependable transportation? Or do they have a reasonable statistical probability of issues, but not unlike any other motorcycle?

CH

This is my 2014 RSS project, before and after. It ran and drove, but as you can see the whole front end was missing. I purchased and installed more than 20 parts, some used, some new, to make it whole. A few of the new parts took two weeks to arrive, but I was able to source everything.

It's helpful to get a service manual - pdf versions are about $25 - and BUDS diagnostic system if doing your own maintenance and repairs. I did have a faulty yaw rate sensor, which I replaced with a used part to save $$ and needed BUDS to calibrate it. You can do a lot without BUDS, but for some repairs such as to replace sensors and properly bleed brakes it is necessary. (BTW, BUDS can set the odometer.) BUDS is not cheap, but the closest dealers are two hours away for me, necessitating two round trips and trailer rental for repairs, so for me, BUDS was worth the expense. I have used it to repair my Ryker, Spyder, and reset the service message on my Sea Doo.

I've had no issues since the rebuild, but I have added only 3500 miles since I got it in April.

As far as complexity, Spyders have stability control which motorcycles don't. This does add electronics and sensors such as a yaw rate sensor, steering angle sensor, pillion rider switch, etc. They also have electrically assisted steering, with a torque sensor, electric motor, and electronics. Other systems such as electronic gauges and ABS will be similar to many two-wheel motorcycles, but yes, Spyders are more complex.

[2dogs]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but it's my impression that BRP (Buying Readymade Parts) is for the most, just an assembly plant.

[vito1943]

At this point, while still waiting for the dealer to get the needed part and effect the repair, it doesn't much matter whether it happens in the next few days or the next few months since I won't be riding anyway. But in the three years I have had my Spyder I have been so pleased with it that a "next bike" has not even crossed my mind. At 81 I sort of assumed that this would be my "final" motorcycle. If come March I still don't have the RT, I will have to start thinking about what is next. I know that I do not want a traditional trike, and I also would not be happy with just a lightweight motorcycle. Maybe a new bike with a side car. Maybe a mega scooter if there still are such things, or maybe a mid-sized bike with the extras that I now feel are essential such as cruise control and ABS, even if that means my wife will no longer ride with me. But I am hopeful that this won't be necessary and that by the start of the next riding season I will be back on my Spyder and hoping for at least a few years of trouble free riding.

[2dogs]

Currently, I own and ride a 14 RT SE6 because I've developed a certain physical limitation that prevents me from safely riding a 2-wheel scooter. My Spyder has been at the dealership in their repair shop waiting for parts longer than I care to mention. Simple inexpensive parts no less, but exclusive to the Spyder. The dealer's answer to my, "Why don't you have these simple parts on hand," was, "We can't afford to have every nut and bolt for every spyder on hand all the time."

If it weren't for my limitation, I wouldn't even park my Harley within 100 yards of a Spyder. However, I have to say that my Spyder has safely kept my face in the wind for much longer than I expected, and hope to continue. My wife tells me when I die, she's going to bury that Spyder right along with me, so she never has to see that thing again! LOL