Is Can Am aware that some 2013 RT's have severe handling issues?

[CurrantRyder]

I just took delivery of a 2013 RT Limited and was horrified at how dangerous its road handling is. Anything above 50 mph goes beyond scarey and after making an extended trip home, following delivery, I consider myself lucky to be alive.

Trucks passing, undulating pavement, mild cross winds, cause the machine to enter into a high speed wobble that is almost impossible to correct with steering inputs. I've been riding for more than 50 years and this is the worst experience on a road bike I've ever had. Trying to hold a steady line, without wandering side to side, is only possible for short distances. The mental attention it takes to hold the machine in your lane, on the interstate, is beyond description.

I hope Can Am is aware of this and corrects quickly before someone gets hurt, ...or worse.

[crazyspyder]

just have to ask, how long you been riding a spyder? because after riding 40years on a 2 wheel harley, my first 3 weeks on a never-ever
riddden a spyder, I was scared stiff and wondered from side to side puckering my cheeks in hope I make my ride safely. NOW..8months down the road i am so confident and riding straight-lined that I can steer with one hand and itch my cheeks at the same time.
cheers!

[CurrantRyder]

just have to ask, how long you been riding a spyder? because after riding 40years on a 2 wheel harley, my first 3 weeks on a never-ever
riddden a spyder, I was scared stiff and wondered from side to side puckering my cheeks in hope I make my ride safely. NOW..8months down the road i am so confident and riding straight-lined that I can steer with one hand and itch my cheeks at the same time.
cheers!

I was thinking the same thing, since I'm new to riding three wheelers. It's the violence of the handling which brings me back to thinking it's a fault in the allignment or electronic power steering. It dosen't just wander, it can change lanes. The trucks passing me by (while I'm doing 65 mph) literally suck me across the lines of my lane. Mild cross winds will do it too, as will less than perfect roadway. It doesn't self correct if you relax on the steering, so how do you get it out of a high speed wobble? Just a question, thanks for any input you can give me.

[Arr MiHardies]

I was thinking the same thing, since I'm new to riding three wheelers. It's the violence of the handling which brings me back to thinking it's a fault in the allignment or electronic power steering. It dosen't just wander, it can change lanes. The trucks passing me by (while I'm doing 65 mph) literally suck me across the lines of my lane. Mild cross winds will do it too, as will less than perfect roadway. It doesn't self correct if you relax on the steering, so how do you get it out of a high speed wobble? Just a question, thanks for any input you can give me.

There is a new spyder ryder thread around here somewhere. maybe someone will link it.
This is a big complaint from new riders. Most often it is due to the rider having a death grip on the handlebars. Relax on the grip. It will help a lot. If that doesn't do enough, try stiffening up your front shocks, and that can help a lot as well. But give the relaxed grip a try first.

[gwritesel]

relaxed grip because if the wind is blowing your upper body around it will translate to the handle bars and you'll be all over the place
Geo.

[TicketBait]

Also something as simple as too low tire pressure i.e.: 13 psi can cause alignment issues above 50 mph. I have mine set at 16.5lbs, others have more.

[dukeBlue48]

I was thinking the same thing, since I'm new to riding three wheelers. It's the violence of the handling which brings me back to thinking it's a fault in the allignment or electronic power steering. It dosen't just wander, it can change lanes. The trucks passing me by (while I'm doing 65 mph) literally suck me across the lines of my lane. Mild cross winds will do it too, as will less than perfect roadway. It doesn't self correct if you relax on the steering, so how do you get it out of a high speed wobble? Just a question, thanks for any input you can give me.

Get a loose grip on the bars, not a tight one.

[Ken Thomas]

Send pictures !! .............

[Pennyrick]

I just took delivery of a 2013 RT Limited and was horrified at how dangerous its road handling is. Anything above 50 mph goes beyond scarey and after making an extended trip home, following delivery, I consider myself lucky to be alive.

Trucks passing, undulating pavement, mild cross winds, cause the machine to enter into a high speed wobble that is almost impossible to correct with steering inputs. I've been riding for more than 50 years and this is the worst experience on a road bike I've ever had. Trying to hold a steady line, without wandering side to side, is only possible for short distances. The mental attention it takes to hold the machine in your lane, on the interstate, is beyond description.

I hope Can Am is aware of this and corrects quickly before someone gets hurt, ...or worse.

There have been some good suggestions posted in response to your concerns. You mention this is the worst experience on a road bike you have ever had. My thought is that could be the problem. The Spyder is NOT a road bike... it is not a bike at all. At first I think we all tried to ride it like we rode a bike and that is just backwards to what is required. If you counter steer as you would on two wheels when encountering 18 wheelers, cross winds or uneven payment you create the wobble. If you try to hold the machine in your lane, you exacerbate the situation.

Take it off the road to a parking lot (church or supermarket, after hours) and try to get used to coasting with no hands on the bars... get the feel for the machine... you can move it around with just your body. You need the lightest grip possible on the bars... remember you have power assisted steering. Once you put 500 miles or more on the new Spyder I think you may be surprised. Please keep us posted on developments. There is a chance it could be partly the fault of the Spyder as Scotty says, but try to eliminate the rider fault first.

[StanProff]

First of all, Safety! Have the machine checked by an experienced Spyder owner or have the dealer pick it up and prove nothing is wrong. All of the info on the forum about the difference in the way a spyder handles is right. I don't know of anyone going from a two wheeler to a spyder that doesn't have some of the issues that you are having but to a much lesser degree. I can pass a 18 wheeler pulling my trailer with one hand on the handlebar taking a drink of water with the other. (not that I advacate anyone to do that) but after a few hundred miles, maybe a thousand or so, I had no concerns with the handling. Yes, tire pressures do affect the spyder perhaps more than you'd think. Anyone remember how sluggish a two wheeler handles with the front tire underinflated?
I have never had a wobble in the spyder so that makes me think that something is wrong for sure.

[BajaRon]

I agree with those who are recommending that you get your front end alignment checked. It's a shame that this may be the issue on a brand new Spyder. But if the alignment is off it can certainly give you steering and tractability fits.

Sorry for leaving this aspect out of my 1st post. Anytime safety is concerned, all possibilities need to be addressed.

Let us know what you find out.

[jerpinoy]

I've experienced the same situations and learned so much from all these threads and thank you to all. The

best thing I did is, I took my time and rode her gently and carefully and now she trusted me more than ever

and I have the best ride ever.

Most accident happened with in the first 500 miles travel of any vehicle especially 2, 3 wheels. Most reason

is familiarity. Ride safelover and God Bless.

[fyrertuck]

First safety check your bike. Next check all the thread for new rides.

I have been riding for 30 years and when I pick my 2012 RTS up in May 2012 man-o-man it was the death ride from hell.

But I will tell you the folks here know there stuff. I first relaxed my grip, then up my front tires to 19 psi and the rear to 30 psi then the front shock to # 5.

The last thing they will tell you, you need a min- of 350 miles ride time before it will feel good to you. This is not a 2 wheeler and you can not ride it like one. I will tell you after 500 mile you will not go back to a 2 wheller.

I love my syder.

[CurrantRyder]

I just took delivery of a 2013 RT Limited and was horrified at how dangerous its road handling is. Anything above 50 mph goes beyond scarey and after making an extended trip home, following delivery, I consider myself lucky to be alive.

Trucks passing, undulating pavement, mild cross winds, cause the machine to enter into a high speed wobble that is almost impossible to correct with steering inputs. I've been riding for more than 50 years and this is the worst experience on a road bike I've ever had. Trying to hold a steady line, without wandering side to side, is only possible for short distances. The mental attention it takes to hold the machine in your lane, on the interstate, is beyond description.

I hope Can Am is aware of this and corrects quickly before someone gets hurt, ...or worse.

After 530 miles, much of it highway, on my new 2013 RT, I think I've finally found why the machine exhibits instability at speed. As "KBFK" mentioned in another string, in this same forum, the sensitivity of the power steering, of some new 2013 models, seems to be more sensitive than older models. In further defining my experience, I am guessing that the electronic circut which governs variable assist (lowering steering sensitivity inputs as speed increases) is either defective or not programed correctly in my model, and perhaps other 2013 machines.

The effect is that the slightest movement of the handlebars causes the machine to get into a wobble when at highway speeds. At lower speeds, the steering is still very senstitive, but not as concerning as when at speed.

This may be a "one-off" issue with my machine, which I have an appointment next week to get checked out, or it may be a more widespread issue which has yet to fully mature as more riding experience with the 2013's unfold.

Bottom line: if you're getting serious about buying, or trading up to a 2013, I would recommend taking it out on the highway for a short test drive, and judge for yourself.

With that said, these are great machines. However, a re-program of the power steering may be necessary for the machine to reach it's ultimate purpose - that of a safe touring experience.

[flybuddy]

After 530 miles, much of it highway, on my new 2013 RT, I think I've finally found why the machine exhibits instability at speed. As "KBFK" mentioned in another string, in this same forum, the sensitivity of the power steering, of some new 2013 models, seems to be more sensitive than older models. In further defining my experience, I am guessing that the electronic circut which governs variable assist (lowering steering sensitivity inputs as speed increases) is either defective or not programed correctly in my model, and perhaps other 2013 machines.

The effect is that the slightest movement of the handlebars causes the machine to get into a wobble when at highway speeds. At lower speeds, the steering is still very senstitive, but not as concerning as when at speed.

This may be a "one-off" issue with my machine, which I have an appointment next week to get checked out, or it may be a more widespread issue which has yet to fully mature as more riding experience with the 2013's unfold.

Bottom line: if you're getting serious about buying, or trading up to a 2013, I would recommend taking it out on the highway for a short test drive, and judge for yourself.

With that said, these are great machines. However, a re-program of the power steering may be necessary for the machine to reach it's ultimate purpose - that of a safe touring experience.

I'm not sure that the older models are any different. Sounds exactly like how my 2012 RT handles. You get used to it but it is disconcerting. The wobble will only come from overcontrolling. This is why it feels worse when near an 18 wheeler, you're having to make lots of small corrections due to the turbulent airflow. I wish there were a way to shut off the power to the steering for highway travel.

[Bryk]

I have been following this thread closely as I am going to be taking ownership in March of a 2013 ST. I imagine it won't be anything like a motorcycle at highway speed with turbulent air. Those of us with 2 wheel experience in cross winds and going near tractor trailers are used to the bottom of the bike pulling out a bit, or getting blown out by the wind.

However with the spyder, much like a small car is easily effected on the highway. Then you throw in the fact that power steering wheels typically have a little bit of give to typically handle winds and turbulence/pulling from a tractor trailer. Now with handlebars as input, but the same effects as a car is going to be a unique experience. It will require fine tuning of the power steering, the rider becoming acclamated, and proper alignment. With the Spyder being so light weight, it is definitely going to require a lot of precision.

[CurrantRyder]

I'm not sure that the older models are any different. Sounds exactly like how my 2012 RT handles. You get used to it but it is disconcerting. The wobble will only come from overcontrolling. This is why it feels worse when near an 18 wheeler, you're having to make lots of small corrections due to the turbulent airflow. I wish there were a way to shut off the power to the steering for highway travel.

Again, I'm not ruling out driver error, but I've driven 2012's and although they were "precise" they were not like my 2013 which has a host of geometry changes. I've upped my air pressures, can't change the shock setting (2013's are non adjustable), and I practice ultra light steering inputs - all to no avail.

I'm hopeful to know more next week when my appointment with the dealer comes up. I'll keep the group informed.

Ken

[krazykat]

I just took delivery of a 2013 RT Limited and was horrified at how dangerous its road handling is. Anything above 50 mph goes beyond scarey and after making an extended trip home, following delivery, I consider myself lucky to be alive.

Trucks passing, undulating pavement, mild cross winds, cause the machine to enter into a high speed wobble that is almost impossible to correct with steering inputs. I've been riding for more than 50 years and this is the worst experience on a road bike I've ever had. Trying to hold a steady line, without wandering side to side, is only possible for short distances. The mental attention it takes to hold the machine in your lane, on the interstate, is beyond description.

I hope Can Am is aware of this and corrects quickly before someone gets hurt, ...or worse.

Please disregard all the hooey you read here about "death grip", "loose grip", "tire pressure", "wheel alignment", etc. You description exactly fits my experience with my first Spyder, a 2013 RT Ltd. Your machine has 2 problems - the left ball joint and the right ball joint. Get those replaced by your dealer. Should be warranty based on an earlier service bulletin. After mine were replaced, it was smooth as silk and very stable whether I gripped the "death grip" or "loose grip". Don't be discouraged, just getter done then enjoy!!!

Been through that........

[CanAmChris]

I guess I am kind of curious what the end result of this thread was.... after 2 years and 4 months. How did it finally turn out CurrantRyder?

[AH-NO-1]

I just took delivery of a 2013 RT Limited and was horrified at how dangerous its road handling is. Anything above 50 mph goes beyond scarey and after making an extended trip home, following delivery, I consider myself lucky to be alive.

Trucks passing, undulating pavement, mild cross winds, cause the machine to enter into a high speed wobble that is almost impossible to correct with steering inputs. I've been riding for more than 50 years and this is the worst experience on a road bike I've ever had. Trying to hold a steady line, without wandering side to side, is only possible for short distances. The mental attention it takes to hold the machine in your lane, on the interstate, is beyond description.

I hope Can Am is aware of this and corrects quickly before someone gets hurt, ...or worse.

I know this is a late response - The changes I made to resolve it.
1) Was a new seat (Corbin) the original was way too mushy which makes your body move with every movement of the spyder. Expensive but well worth it.
2)Spring Stiffners
3)Loosen your grips and relax as others have already told you.

The first two items will let you do #three without even thinking about, you will think that you have purchased a new machine. I personal think that 95% of the problem starts with there seat.

[MouthPiece]

Just saw what I wrote, January 25, 2013. I stand corrected. I definitely needed a laser alignment.

Chris