Your opinion please

[That Guy]

My 2011 rs se5 is being delivered tomorrow. Ive waited 2 weeks for the phantom rims and powder coating of back rim black. Will post picks tomorrow evening.

My concern is the amount of disatisfaction I am reading from owners on this site regarding issues and the inability to resolve them with dealers and/or brp.

I cant lie, this is a big purchase for me. This concerns me.

Is this a high quality product? Most reviews tend to be positive, but possibly bias.
I do plan to extend the warrenty for an additional 3 years. Im still concerned about the durability.
The spyder dealer said the heating issues have been resolved for 2011. Is this true?

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

After all is said and done, im still very excited.

Regards

[8 Legged Freak]

The ryders with issues big or small are more likely to post. The vast majority of Spyders have not had a problem. I have not had a single issue with my ride and I have had it for 17 months.

[jedd]

Remember this is a forum and used as a tool for helping with problems, and can track trends also, the result is you see problems posted here. If problems others are having take away from your enjoyment you should not read the forums. I've noticed very few problems involving 2010 and 2011 models. The major majority of the members have had little or no problems with the Spyder. Nothing is perfect and I like it when someone posts a issue they may have experienced, it helps make the product better, and I am 100% confident your 2011 would not be as reliable as it will be without this forum.

So Relax, read and learn, and enjoy

Jim

[retread]

You'll hear more gripes than happys on any owner's web site.
The Spyder is still relatively new, and can be very complicated compared to a standard motorcycle. I'm on my third dealer, the other two aren't around anymore.
That said, most of us here have had few major problems, and most of them involved inexperienced techs and waiting for parts.
My Spyder is an 08, over 20K miles, and is more pure fun than any bike I've owned in 57 years of riding.

john

[That Guy]

I thought about that. Would love to hear about ways to keep my spyder healthy. Any advice would be helpful.

[That Guy]

You'll hear more gripes than happys on any owner's web site.
The Spyder is still relatively new, and can be very complicated compared to a standard motorcycle. I'm on my third dealer, the other two aren't around anymore.
That said, most of us here have had few major problems, and most of them involved inexperienced techs and waiting for parts.
My Spyder is an 08, over 20K miles, and is more pure fun than any bike I've owned in 57 years of riding.

john

Now that made me feel better.

[Yol Bolsun]

TG:

Keep in mind that the membership here is just a small slice of the Spyder owner population. While most of us here, frequent this board because of the camaraderie and support we find here, there are other forums both here and abroad. And still, my guess is that there is another 50% or more of Spyder owners that do not even frequent any forum. Check the total membership here and then take time to note the actual number of dissidents. You will probably find that the percentage of happy campers, errr..ryders is in the 95%+ range. These Spyders are new technology and new experiences for all.

Get your Ryde and judge for yourself and know that the members here are an excellent support system as you discover the uniqueness of the Spyder.

Soapbox is now open for others....

[jedd]

#1 Read owners manual, then follow the maintenance schedule listed in the manual.

Jim

[BajaRon]

I will completely agree with the previous posts. And I fully understand that your reaction and concern is a very reasonable response. But it isn't really what it seems on the surface.

When you turn on the evening news what do you get? A lot of positive, faith in your fellow man inspiring reports?

No, you don’t. If all you knew about your fellow man is what you see on the news you’d have no faith in anyone.

It’s kind of like that here or on any forum. People with problems take up 80% of the posts. Another 15% is taken up with people trying to help and 5% just plain kibitzing!

Ok, so my percentages aren’t accurate but my point is, don’t start to own someone else’s problems or you’ll ruin your Spyder experience.

We’ve had people here actually sell their perfectly good, problem free Spyder because someone else had problems with theirs.

Get your Spyder, Ride your Spyder, Love your Spyder, and in the off chance that you have problems, get to Spyderlovers.com and we will do everything we can to help you out.

But, remember to post the good experiences here as well. Maybe you can help us find more balance!

[That Guy]

I will completely agree with the previous posts. And I fully understand that your reaction and concern is a very reasonable response. But it isn't really what it seems on the surface.

When you turn on the evening news what do you get? A lot of positive, faith in your fellow man inspiring reports?

No, you don’t. If all you knew about your fellow man is what you see on the news you’d have no faith in anyone.

It’s kind of like that here or on any forum. People with problems take up 80% of the posts. Another 15% is taken up with people trying to help and 5% just plain kibitzing!

Ok, so my percentages aren’t accurate but my point is, don’t start to own someone else’s problems or you’ll ruin your Spyder experience.

We’ve had people here actually sell their perfectly good, problem free Spyder because someone else had problems with theirs.

Get your Spyder, Ride your Spyder, Love your Spyder, and in the off chance that you have problems, get to Spyderlovers.com and we will do everything we can to help you out.

But, remember to post the good experiences here as well. Maybe you can help us find more balance!

Good advice. I am very excited. Your right about not letting it ruin my experience.
Im sure when I turn it on, I will be smiling. I might even kiss it.

[StriperKing]

I have had a few small problems but BRP and my dealer were all over it. Very pleased. Alot of people on here including myself like to read the posts but it is also a good way to stay informed so if you might have a problem you will be more knoledgeable about it. I also like to see what others do as far as mods, rides, etc. I think you will be very happy with your Spyder.

[jedd]

5% just plain kibitzing!

!

That me!!

[bone crusher]

Don't stress...enjoy your bike and stay on good terms with your dealer. The vast majority of owners have no issues...

[napper39]

ive told every one i can that if you do these things you most likely wont have any problems ,make sure to keep the battery charged,i use a battery maintainer and it is on the batt,all the time im not riding,there about 35 dollars at wallmart.next check youe fusess and relays about every 500 miles they vibrate loose ive found them loose two times,so push them in ,there easy to get too.dont let your foot near the brake while your riding unless your stoping.it will put you in limp mode,the machine thanks there is something wrong with the brakes.the battery is real inportant and dose vibrate loose some times .uther than that i cant tell you any thing else.so ride and have fun.and for the heat you might want to look at are venders for help.so ride like the wind,have fun and lets us know how your doing.

[Radthorne]

But, remember to post the good experiences here as well. Maybe you can help us find more balance!

I'll start! I've had my RT for 3 1/2 days now (so I can't comment one way or the other on reliability as yet). But - my wife and I took a quick ride after work today before the sun went down, on a local road that I didn't know other than that I could see a squiggly-arrow sign pointing up the hill. Off we went, through swooping curves under a gorgeous canopy of very tall trees overhanging us from both sides of the road and sweeping past our heads. For two non-motorcycle people, it was a totally new view of the world. And it reinforced for us that it was a lot of money well spent!

[That Guy]

Would anyone know what changes have occurred to the spyder since 07/08. Im unable to find info on its evolution. Has brp attempted to resolve issues.

[MickeyFisher]

I'll start! I've had my RT for 3 1/2 days now (so I can't comment one way or the other on reliability as yet). But - my wife and I took a quick ride after work today before the sun went down, on a local road that I didn't know other than that I could see a squiggly-arrow sign pointing up the hill. Off we went, through swooping curves under a gorgeous canopy of very tall trees overhanging us from both sides of the road and sweeping past our heads. For two non-motorcycle people, it was a totally new view of the world. And it reinforced for us that it was a lot of money well spent!

Absolutely, it's a whole new way of seeing the world. congratulations!

[Pincushion]

In 24 months and 2 days and I have collected just shy of 32K miles on my '08 GS (RS)....
I have never once regretted my decision to buy my Spyder.
two thumbs way up
-G

[ARtraveler]

All of the above is good advice. Currently, we are on a reliability and issues kick.

As mentioned by many--most owners are happy and have not had to many issues.

There have been a few that have had issues and have had problems that seem to be ignored by the dealer and BRP back up help.

My personal experience: Have owned three 's. 2008: 22,000 miles before trade, 2009: 20,000 miles and still going, 2010: 18,000 miles and still going.

Have had a few minor glitches and dealer has performed recall issues. I am fortunate to have a dealer that cares about customer service--so I am very happy with my . I would recommend them to anyone.

[Freddy]

I am a member of a Kawasaki C14 and Triumph 1050Tiger forum and own a Spyder. The levels of dissatisfaction on those forums is significantly less.

[Bob Denman]

Try to put aside the "What if this thing blows up in my face?" mindset... That just ain't gonna happen! The Spyders are pretty new so there's no doubt that some teething problems have existed. BUT... They've been working on that issue and things just keep getting better and better!
So get out on it and log some miles and smiles!

[CJ/johnnyg]

Ok I'm a new owner with My RS with only 1900 Miles on it, but We have had our RT for over a year. We haven't had any major problems with ours. At least nothing that our dealer hasn't taken care of. Just like any new vehicle you might have to get a few bugs worked out. I feel for those thathave had lot of issues. But I think its all in your attidude with the dealers as how they treat you. Don't go jump on there case right off the bat its not their falt, give them a chance to fix it. If I was having trouble all the time I would think it would be time to trade it in and get a new one. There is always one rotten apple or Lemon in the barrel. Just ride yours have fun and worry about the other if it happens. I know you will love the ride. Happy riding. CJ

[Questions]

I am a happy owner. I have had my 2009 GSM for 18 months. Just turned over 10,000 miles and that is with it sitting in dry dock last year for two months while I mended a broken foot. I am looking to buy a new RT.

I can't speak to BRP response as I have had only 1 minor issue when I first got it. Fixed immediately and other than scheduled maintenane has never seen the dealer since.

My last bike was a 2004 Harley Ulra which I traded with 100,000 miles. Only 1 time in the shop, again with exception of scheduled maintenance.
I attribute the success with my bikes to my respect to them. I never "ride them like I stole them" (OK, maybe with the exception of a bad a**** Mustang or Hemi etc thinking they are faster than me). Do your
maintenance, treat it with respect and look forward to many trouble free miles

Jim

[BajaRon]

I am a member of a Kawasaki C14 and Triumph 1050Tiger forum and own a Spyder. The levels of dissatisfaction on those forums is significantly less.

How many of these are 1st time, never owned a motorcycle before owners? I'd bet a very small percentage. And I think this is one of the big hurdles for the Spyder.

Not sure what the 1st time MC ownership percentage is for the Spyder but I'll bet it's way beyond any other machine out there. I've noticed that at least some complaints are the result of not having any similar machine to compare it to. 1st time owners tend to compare the Spyder to what they know, a car.

Granted, this does not explain away real issues, but the Spyder is a completely new and different animal from the ground up. The lions share of issues were generated by the 1st and 2nd year production models. And things are definitely looking better all the time.

I think it is difficult to get an 'Apples to Apples' assessment sometimes when you're talking about the Spyder.

[arntufun]

I love my Spyder and I have a blast ryding it even if I'm just going to the store for milk or bread. No two wheels I have ever owned is this much fun. Thats is no lie.

BUT......

I will be the first one to tell you "IF" you have issues or problems with your machine, lock your guns up because you will not be a happy camper. Your Spyder will be in the shop for weeks if not more.

You want honesty, there you go.