Online DPS Petition...Interest?

[bone crusher]

Bonecrusher, the one thing about all the talk on the steering issue is that some balance is lacking - for example, your comment on "this steering horror" and "hard to imagine just how scary it was". Based on my experiences - that kind of description is way over the top and overly dramatic.

I can only judge based on my experience and those that have said that it mirrored theirs. For me, it was nowhere near as "exciting" as having a tire blowout or hitting an icy patch of road and losing control. It was about on par with hitting some lumber or large tire parts in the road. Others ( given traffic, road conditions, rider strength and speed ) could have had more of an experience. Scary? Probably, but for me, it was unsettling and quickly became an irritation when it happened a few times in as many miles and even became "predictable".

Was it a "horror" or un-imaginingly" scary? No. Neither was it a feeling of "total loss of control" or the Spyder steering itself into oncoming traffic as if it had a mind of its own. Here is a link to my initial description: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...32&postcount=1 . As I posted before, the most unsettling thing about it is when the steering "unsticks" and you find you have "overcompensated" and they Spyder goes suddenly goes to the left.

Is this a serious problem, yes, it needs to be fixed and I believe mine has been. But, in the scheme of things that can happen - like hitting some road debris and/or having a tire blowout - ( in my case ) this was a lot less threatening.

I have mixed feelings about the people who succumb to the hype or sheer volume of alarm over this issue. On one hand, riding a Spyder is dangerous - riding any motorcycle is. It calls for attention, vigilance, good reflexes and skill - and even then, stuff happens. If someone feels they are "up to that", trained and practiced enough - it is their choice to "go for it!". On the other hand, when the hype gets so one-sided to the negative or laden with uncertainty, that they feel they are doomed if they ride - they are not getting the best information to help them evaluate the risk and make up their own minds.

I cannot tell anybody to ride or not to ride.
I cannot tell if a "steering" event is within their capabilities or not.
I can only relate my experience - as factually as I can - so they can determine for themselves that if it happens to them, they can deal with it.

For me, that kind of information sharing is what I come to SpyderLovers.com for. Riders like Dudley, Lamont, Ron, Scotty, Pitmon, Brian, Firefly and lots of others have really provided great info so I could make my own decisions. Thanks all.

But, the hype and ing does not add any value for me, just the opposite. I feel sorry for the new riders who only have those kind of comments to help them form opinions and evaluate risks.

Tom

Tom,

The experience is completely subjective, and as such, your take on it is only your take. Your reference to what is 'exciting' while on a bike can be offensive to those who differ with your opinion and felt as though their life was endangered. With that being said, your insistence on diminishing the risk and many other riders' concerns is a bit disheartening. Your experience was positive so you cannot comment for those whose bikes have been at the dealer for months and many attempts have failed. I know your intent is not to rub everyones' nose in as you compare your experience to theirs, but I think you are lacking in sensitivity...please consider this...

[Smylinacha]

I think I'm all done w/ the thread too although it is a good one but I simply have nothing more to say except I will help get a ball rolling if needed.

I thought long and hard and have decided I will not ride it until it is fixed. I would love to hear it be the DPS and all people gotta do is get them replaced - that would be great! But until I hear it is and why it needed replacing, then I will not ride. I do not feel confident with it.

HDX, please keep that nice "cushy" seat on the Roadglide cuz I'll be your backseat driver for a while.

[RoadHammer]

email/ phone contact

SpyderTechSupport@BRP.com

Carlo......... Toll Free 1-888-864-2002
Spyder Web Representative
Consumer Services Group
BRP
Phone 715-848-4957 USA / 819-566-3366 Canada
Fax: 819-566-306

[BajaRon]

Ron,

I'm not tryig to be a smarta$$;

Not taken that way in any respect. I enjoy discussion based on facts and accurate assessment. Of course that varies and hence, the discussion.

but what has BRP done in regards to correcting the steering issue?

Though not necessarily short, here is my short answer.

BRP has done a lot of research, testing and followup on the steering issue. BRP has installed new DPS units and other components on a number of Spyders which has fixed some.

BRP has developed software upgrades which has fixed some.

BRP continues to work with dealers and customers and continues to fix, at least, some steering issues.

Right now BRP is spending time and money to find a realistic and final solution. Previoius solutions created some unforseen side effects in some Spyders and did not resolve all issues as hoped. It is my opinion that BRP is doing their best to check out all possibilities before implementing the next fix and this takes time.

Admittedly, these steps have not resolved all steering issues. For some this seems to equate to BRP having done nothing at all. I don't mind laying blame where it is due but we should also give credit where it is due. There is no question that BRP has done quite a bit to reslove the steering issue. There is not doubt progress has been made evidenced by repaired Spyders. I think BRP is making an honest effort and a final resolution will be found.

I know there was a posting in Nov. where they said owners had reported steering issues and they were sending out techs. to check things out.?

I think this is close enough.

They didn't admit there was a problem..

True, and this is a sticking point with some. But for the life of me I cannot understang why. Anyone who has any idea of the current world we live in has to understand that it is legal, corporate suicide to admit anything. Any attorney will tell you this. It is unfortunate, but any company that does not understand the real world cannot survive. It's a no brainer.

Since then they have replaced the DPS along with other parts on Spyders with a steering issue...

Yes, as covered above.

It appears that some Spyders have been back multiple times to the dealer for the same issue....

This is also true, though I believe it is a small percentage of those Spyders with the original problem. And there could be several possible causes from defective parts to poor or improper installation (both hardware and software). This is one of the difficulties as no one solution seems to be the cure for all steering issues.

Then, there were some lucky enough who had their DPS changed or one of the other parts and there Spyder is running with no more steering issue; at least up to this point....

Some might call it luck. But it may be no more than lucky to have a good mechanic or a responsive dealership.

Two more questions and they're just for you. Do you feel your Spyder steering issue has been permanently fixed,?

As far as I can tell my steering issue is permanantly fixed. I could choose to worry about it, as some have, but I've put over 7K miles on the fix and I'm very happy with it. I guess I could say, "So Far" but that would be true of anything I've ever had fixed, including my knees!

and if so, will you be taking it back to the dealer when BRP comes out with a fix to correct the current steering problems?

I will have to wait and see on that. It will depend on what BRP says the Fix is supposed to Fix.

I got the 1st update and it worked very well for me. Though it didn't work as well for everyone, I personally think it did work well for the great majority.

A few owners have had repeated problems with their Spyders and I am very sorry for that. But I wonder how many Spyder owners have become dissatisfied with, and even sold their Spyder because they visited here and not because they were actually unhappy with the product.

[BajaRon]

I guess that makes one of us......

You know what Abraham Lincoln said....

"You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time..."

Maybe you are in a 3rd group!

[jsmiley]

This is a free online petition. Just need some word smithing and a new thread to post it in.

I will sign for sure. Luv my spyder, but have every reason to believe that BRP is never gonna recall this DPS.

Should have been recalled all ready before someone gets killed.

[Magic Man]

I
I just try to not be fooled......

Like we believe that.

This from a guy who has "chrome sh*t" on his bike.

MM

[Way2Fast]

This is a free online petition. Just need some word smithing and a new thread to post it in.

I will sign for sure. Luv my spyder, but have every reason to believe that BRP is never gonna recall this DPS.

Should have been recalled all ready before someone gets killed.

Is that a link? If it is it doesn't work ??

[stgilmer]

Is that a link? If it is it doesn't work ??

http://www.petitiononline.com/

[czdaryle]

I think the real problem here is some of the people think that putting in a new DPS is a fix and some don't. I'm the one of those that don't. If it was the real fix why is BRP still looking at a steering fix. I know it is my problem but I'm not sure I will ride it again till I hear a true fix. I have till spring so I will cross that bridge when I come to it

[Sarge707]

email/ phone contact

SpyderTechSupport@BRP.com

Carlo......... Toll Free 1-888-864-2002
Spyder Web Representative
Consumer Services Group
BRP
Phone 715-848-4957 USA / 819-566-3366 Canada
Fax: 819-566-306

Thank You Ferno!!
Calls and Direct E-Mails will get their attention MORE than hoping their going to read your particular Post?
Call EVERY DAY if need BE!!!!!

[BajaRon]

I think the real problem here is some of the people think that putting in a new DPS is a fix and some don't. I'm the one of those that don't. If it was the real fix why is BRP still looking at a steering fix. I know it is my problem but I'm not sure I will ride it again till I hear a true fix. I have till spring so I will cross that bridge when I come to it

I think the problem is more than one issue affecting the Spyder steering. It appears the majority of Spyders are cured with DPS replacement. That's probably why this is where BRP starts.

But DPS replacement does not fix all Spyders, and this is what generates a lot of concern.

You've placed yourself in a Catch 22 situation. You will not know if your Spyder is fixed unless you ride it and you won't ride it until you know it is fixed.

I had steering issues. I had a new DPS put in about 8,000 miles ago. I've been problem free ever since. I think my result is much more common than the repeat issues that we continue to hear so much about.

When a Spyder is fixed the owner may or may not post about it. If they do post it gets a few "That is great news" responses and goes away.

With a steering repair does not work it gets tread after thread with dozens of posts keeping it at the top of the page and it lives for a very long time making it appear that repeat problems are the norm rather than the exception.

Which in turn feeds that concern. It is a vicious cycle that feeds on itself and (I think) tends to leave reason and a rational approach behind.

[M2Wild]

This is a free online petition. Just need some word smithing and a new thread to post it in.

I will sign for sure. Luv my spyder, but have every reason to believe that BRP is never gonna recall this DPS.

Should have been recalled all ready before someone gets killed.

I think this thread alone is a petition to ask BRP to provide us with a satisfactory explaination on current DPS issue. Toyota finally admitted to their Prius ABS issue .... time for BRP to do the same.

[Arachnid]

I think this thread alone is a petition to ask BRP to provide us with a satisfactory explaination on current DPS issue. Toyota finally admitted to their Prius ABS issue .... time for BRP to do the same.

yep,
about the same number of people involved too :

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 124 reports from drivers about the issue, including four of crashes. (AP wire)

Mike

[NancysToy]

yep,
about the same number of people involved too :

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 124 reports from drivers about the issue, including four of crashes. (AP wire)

Mike

I'm confused, how is 19 NHTSA complaints about less than 15,000 Spyders about the same number as 124 complaints about 270,000 2010 Prius vehicles?

[Arachnid]

I'm confused, how is 19 NHTSA complaints about less than 15,000 Spyders about the same number as 124 complaints about 270,000 2010 Prius vehicles?

Oops my bad, was it 19? thought I heard 120 somewhere?

Mike

[Amanda B]

For those that have had the steering issue: Does your spyder seem fine and then just out of the blue start messing up?

[stgilmer]

For those that have had the steering issue: Does your spyder seem fine and then just out of the blue start messing up?

Just happens out of the blue. Nothing to lead up to it, thats why it will startle you so bad(scare, tramatize...etc..) No signs that you can be looking for. Just be ready if it does it is all I can say.

[Amanda B]

I think the day that I was going to take the bike in for recall work, that I had the steering issue but it just so happened that I wasn't really going very fast and no one was coming down the road. Either I had the steering issue or I really had a brain fart when I went to turn, because instead of turning it went straight. After the recall work was done it hasn't happened again, so whether it was my fault or the bike I was hoping I was safe now! Well, there is still a month or so before it is warm enough for my likings so hopefully they will have it figured out by then.

[NancysToy]

I'm confused, how is 19 NHTSA complaints about less than 15,000 Spyders about the same number as 124 complaints about 270,000 2010 Prius vehicles?

Revised figures were released for the Prius tonight. 124 complaints about 37,000 affected vehicles.

[bjt]

Revised figures were released for the Prius tonight. 124 complaints about 37,000 affected vehicles.

I was gonna say, if Toyota sold 210,000 Prius in 2010, they'd be doing cartwheels in Japan.

[NancysToy]

I was gonna say, if Toyota sold 210,000 Prius in 2010, they'd be doing cartwheels in Japan.

I guess that 270,000 figure included japan, where they are extremely popular.

[Way2Fast]

I had always been under the impression that it was the NHTSA that was responsible for having manufacturers issue safety recalls on defective/dangerous vehicles. From what I read in todays newspaper it seems like the manufacturer is the one who decides if they will issue a recall. So what actually does the NHTSA do? Are they just another useless government agency that spends our tax dollars needlessly? Why bother to even file complaints with them regarding vehicle safety issues? They didn't order Toyota to do anything about the gas peddle issue. Now with the Prius brake issue...Toyota was quoted saying "at this time they don't intend to do a recall as the brake's are acting normally for a hybrid vehicle." Why are the safety issues left up to the manufacturer's. Any solution they come out with will be based on $$$ rather that a proper repair.

[lightman02]

From what I read in todays newspaper it seems like the manufacturer is the one who decides if they will issue a recall.

That’s why they call it a voluntary recall. The NTSA will recommend a recall however they will pass on reports of problems logged to the manufacturer and the manufacture will decide if they should issue a recall. However if there are enough reports of a dangerous situation and the manufacture does nothing then I believe the NTSA can step in and force them to do a recall or pull the vehicle if they find serious issues the manufacture is not willing to correct. The NTSA is a way to have you issue officially recorded in a database instead of the dealer or manufacture just blowing it off and pretending you never had the issue and covering it up.

[BajaRon]

That’s why they call it a voluntary recall. The NTSA will recommend a recall however they will pass on reports of problems logged to the manufacturer and the manufacture will decide if they should issue a recall. However if there are enough reports of a dangerous situation and the manufacture does nothing then I believe the NTSA can step in and force them to do a recall or pull the vehicle if they find serious issues the manufacture is not willing to correct. The NTSA is a way to have you issue officially recorded in a database instead of the dealer or manufacture just blowing it off and pretending you never had the issue and covering it up.

I believe this is correct. It's a pretty big stick that NTSA carries. Think about it. They can go to the manufacturer and say "Either you call it voluntarily and look good or we can call it."

Plus, if the manufacturer voluntarily makes the recall they can opperate within their own parameters, as long as it meets the NTSA goals. If NTSA calls it then the manufacturer has to proceed as NTSA dictates.