I would like to make a request,

[txknight67]

Look at the picture above, you can SEE the sprocket wheel imprints on the plate! That's from the AFTERMARKET CHROME CHAIN PLATE BRACKET!

If the plate cracked, I bet that's why. Over-torqued and too tight.



V.

UMMMM, NOPE! Those star washer marks are from a set up I was putting together in the garage and then decided wouldn't work. By that time the marks were already there. I then had aluminum bar stock backing that license plate with a flat washer on the license plate and a lock washer on top of the flat washer.

The frame put absolutely no marks on the license plate and was installed in response to the cracking of the license plate!!!! The frame has since cracked/broken....so I went back to the light weight aluminum bar stock and the license plate and inspection bracket quit flexing....Wednesday May 19 in fact and now on Friday May 21 my fender side braces are cracked.....STILL sound like over torquing?

And I have been doing this mechanic thing far too long to over torque the out of something....especially to the point of it causing cracks. The last time I did that I was 23 years ago when I was young and dumb and didn't know any better.

[bone crusher]

Okay everyone, this thread is getting to be a bit toxic...

I think the problem in this case is likely not BRP's issue. If Texas requires something extra, then it's the owner's job to make it work. I do agree that dealing with the Texas DMV is the way to go. Recourse with BRP is not going to get anyone anywhere. I really don't think BRP cares that much about individual state laws regarding license plate extras. For that matter, the sticker can be placed on any type of material, provided it is visible...a lighter material can also be punched so as to allow air through it. As far as cracking and the like, people do so much to their bikes, who knows what causes these issues. If four people chime in, it's just four...that really isn't that many and who knows why these four had problems...each one could be for a different reason.

I think one of the vendors here (Matt, Magic, Henry) should come up with a more stable license bracket and light combo that can be simply switched out...who knows...

Until then, you're on your own...

[GeminiJane]

Thanks to all for posting, though. I find it helpful to hear about these things since I run out to the garage and double check if my relevant parts are starting to show signs of stress/wear and can then take action to prevent it.

Besides meeting a lot of great people on this site, the sharing of relevant information is one of the best features of the forum. When I got back from my ride this week with the guys headed to CA, I realized my parking brake was no longer functional. All I had to do was run a search on that topic and not only had great descriptions on the "why's" and "how's" but also a video which is totally helpful. I've always relied on my husband to handle things like oil changes and brake adjustments but with the help I get on this forum I'm confident enough to try them on my own. It's comforting knowing that such information is just a click away and certainly cuts down on the 250 mile round trip to my dealer/servicer. So thanks to those who take the time to bring up what seems to some like even the most trivial of issues.

[txknight67]

First off, I realize I did not make myself clear with my initial post. I do not expect BRP to replace my license plate or my inspection tag bracket. To those that stated that was a DMV and personal issue, I agree.

However, I do expect BRP to take another look at the rear fender design as some people are having issues even with just the license plate back there, which as I have stated before is required by practically every nation in the world. And in the process, I as a consumer, expect them to take into account all state/province and federal/national laws that apply. (however naive that my seem to some)

I also found this thread educational.

In that I found out it seems to be quite naive and extremely silly of me to expect the factory mount points to allow me to meet all state and federal laws. And that it was silly of me to not know I needed to become an expert on said laws before I ever bought the bike so I would know to tell the dealer not to provide me with the inspection tag bracket (which, BTW, I have seen in one form or another on every motorcycle in the state that I have looked at) and just put the sticker on the bike somewhere.

I also am glad it was pointed out to me how bad a mechanic I am. So bad that the sport rack I installed 14k miles ago is still on, intact, not cracked, and functioning perfectly. So bad in fact that after I found out people were having issues with the latch pin on aforementioned sport rack coming loose and breaking ears off, I wouldn't think to inspect every so often. Which I have found loose twice and am now trying to figure out a different way to secure said latch pin. So bad that I figured out a way to install an oil separator between my crankcase and air box, yet still meet EPA regs. In fact sooooo bad, I can't even install a license plate without over torquing and cracking it.

And something I found interesting. During all this, I discovered that I could look back and see the edge of the fender while rolling down the highway. So on a particularly smooth stretch of highway, which would take the motion of the swing arm out of the picture for the most part, I looked back, and with just the inspection tag bracket and license plate on (no metal frame surround) and braced with only 1/8 inch thick aluminum bars, the fender was bouncing up and down over an inch. After I removed the tag bracket, yet still having the license plate braced with the same 1/8 inch thick aluminum, the fender was barely moving. Just the vibrations one would expect from the engine running and minor imperfections in the road. Seems to point to wind buffeting of the inspection tag bracket to me.

Now, because I actually reported something I naively felt was a problem to BRP, they are refusing to replace my fender side brackets under warranty as the damage was caused by a dealer supplied part which he provided to meet state laws. This is by no means a reflection on my dealer. As I have stated before, I have seen these inspection tag brackets on many a motorcycle at multiple dealerships. So he, evidently as naively as me, expected the factory supplied mount points to allow him to use that bracket to meet state law. And BTW, that tag bracket is very light weight aluminum....I don't think even plastic would be lighter....anyway plastic strong enough to hold together on a motorcycle. And definitely strong enough to hold together on this bike.

With that, I bid you adieu.

[IWN2RYD]

Just a thought.... Is this why BRP wants $90 for the heavy duty Billet License Plate Frame? As a way to reduce the fatigue you're all experiencing?

[Texmac1011]

My plate cracked during our trip to Colorado this week, but I'm thinking it is a different cause. We rode thru some hellacious winds in Kansas and Colorado with no plate problems and halfway home with no problems. Then I checked the plate halfway home and it was bent straight out from the rear at a 90 degree angle and one corner of the plate was cracked at the bolt. To bend it to this extreme, I think the rear tire had to throw something up and hit it very hard.

I tied it down with the all important tie wire my smart wife packed (along with duct tape, electrical tape, screw drivers, etc.)

I took it in for the 12k service today and my dealer said he has not had any reports of this bending issue.

I don't think this would have happened if the the inspection sticker plate was not hanging out there to be hit. I will definitely move it when I get the bike back. Probably not to a "legal" location, but, if my new location is a problem, maybe my local lawmen can make a recommendation.

[TexasTripod]

I have the exact same set-up as shown in your pictures (except for the chain like frame) and about 10 days ago the same thing happened to me. I heard a metallic noise and looked in the mirror just in time to see my inspection sticker plate sliding down the road!! I turned around and picked it up and noticed that it had broken in two where the top two license plate bolts attach to the bracket. Also noticed that the license plate was now bent up and had about a two inch crack near the right bolt hole. I went home and drilled a hole in the bottom of the license plate and put a nylon bolt through it and then threw the inspection plate in the frunk. If the cops stop me I'll just open the frunk and show them the insp. sticker. Waaaaaaay too much vibration on the rear fender if you ask me. Just my opinion.

[Texmac1011]

I cut the inspection sticker plate down and mounted it between the tail lights. When I removed the license plate, the top right corner of the inspection sticker plate fell to the ground. The license plate cracked and the inspection sticker plate was broken completely.

I also put a 3rd bolt in the license plate thru the metal plate behind the
fender between the K and the 5.

I don't think I will have any more problems with this.

[Michael211_2000]

Has there been any consensus on the best way or place to apply the state inspection stickers yet? This topic may be old, but my Spyder is new(ish)... the state inspector that inspected my 2012 Spyder RS last week was clueless where the sticker should go; I put it in a bag with the registration information in the frunk for now.



Lotta ugliness in this thread guys, I would hope Spyder owners would have each other's backs a little more than this.

- Michael

[Bob Denman]

It must have been the heat...

[NancysToy]

Has there been any consensus on the best way or place to apply the state inspection stickers yet? This topic may be old, but my Spyder is new(ish)... the state inspector that inspected my 2012 Spyder RS last week was clueless where the sticker should go; I put it in a bag with the registration information in the frunk for now.



Lotta ugliness in this thread guys, I would hope Spyder owners would have each other's backs a little more than this.

- Michael

It's a three year old thread. I'm sure things have changed.

[Yazz]

Has there been any consensus on the best way or place to apply the state inspection stickers yet? This topic may be old, but my Spyder is new(ish)... the state inspector that inspected my 2012 Spyder RS last week was clueless where the sticker should go; I put it in a bag with the registration information in the frunk for now.



- Michael

There should be a plastic piece hanging below the rear license plate to put you inspection sticker on, like the pictures shown in this post. Maybe the previous owner took it off?

I keep my inspection sticker on the piece-o-plastic in the frunk. If someone wants to see it, I get it out.

[TexasTripod]

It's a three year old thread. I'm sure things have changed.

In my case things have definitely changed. After having my Spyder worked on several times at different dealerships with only one mechanic actually knowing what he was doing ,I traded mine for a KLR-650 and some cash. I still lurk on this site from time to time and its obvious to me that there is still a need for better trained technicians.

[Yazz]

In my case things have definitely changed. After having my Spyder worked on several times at different dealerships with only one mechanic actually knowing what he was doing ,I traded mine for a KLR-650 and some cash. I still lurk on this site from time to time and its obvious to me that there is still a need for better trained technicians.

Remember the problems you were having with your Spyder and the issues with getting it fixed. Understand why you switched rides, and would have done then same in your situation. The KLR-650 looks like alot of fun!

Why don't you come up for FlamingoBabe and HotGlue's BBQ around Memorial Day. Doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you show up... You're still family...

[billrob71]

This is a old thread, is is possible that that metal license plate frame putting extra weight on the backing could of had a part in it breaking?

[tajohn]

Yep, you nailed it,a bolt between the K and 5. I drilled a 3/16 hole put a bolt ,star washer and nut in that same spot 3 years ago after mine cracked. Problem solved.

[Ronbo]

Wow

[flaggerphil]

Glad I don't live in Texas...