Swerving.. Spyder or human error?

[dadunston]

Hi community,

I purchased my STS 2013 in April, has about 2800 miles on it. Just now found time to ask a few questions

During my 600 mile maintenance I received new ball joints. At first I thought it was the roads that I was driving on, but I'm not sure so I'm looking for any thoughts from other spyder lovers!

When driving at speeds above 50MPG it feels like the steering wheel or front end is extremely sensitive which feels like I'm swerving from left to right and can't seem to keep a straight line. Also, when braking hard
(almost reaching ABS lockup), its very easy to go left or right and not stay straight.

Is it just me or could something be out of whack with my machine? Any help is greatly appreciated as always!

[NancysToy]

Go back to the dealer and have him align the front end, too, using the procedures and tools developed for the 2013 model. Too little toe-in will make the Spyder real skittish. Also check your front tire pressure. Too much or too little can do the same thing. I'd recommend starting around 18 psi annd experimenting between 15-20 up front. Human error can be entering into the equation, too. Be sure and hold the handlebars loosely, don't overcontrol, and remember not to countersteer.

[SpyderAnn01]

Also have them check the front shocks there were some bad ones on some 2013

[Chupaca]

Have them check it out completely. Especially the alignment and ties pressure...!!

[Bob Denman]

"It's a poor mechanic who always blames his tools..."
No doubt; have them check the alignment, and play around a bit with the front tire pressures...
But don't forget what else Scotty said, " Be sure and hold the handlebars loosely, don't overcontrol,"
I'm not saying that it's your fault; I'm just saying that it might not be all the machine's fault...

[dadunston]

Have them check it out completely. Especially the alignment and ties pressure...!!

Tire pressure is good both fronts are at 18 with 28 on back.

I spoke to the dealership, they said that the 2013 models do not undergo alignment as the front end was redesigned to help with the handling and that they don't have anything to align them with equipment wise. Dealership is Fredericksburg Motor sports (http://www.fmscycles.com/index.htm)

They said Spyders have a bad tendency to feel "floaty" and I'm not use to it yet. I've put 3000+ miles on my ST since April and feel pretty comfortable. The feeling change was noticed after the ball joint replacement they did for me.

Have I been mislead and any other thoughts?

[Bob Denman]

I spoke to the dealership, they said that the 2013 models do not undergo alignment as the front end was redesigned to help with the handling and that they don't have anything to align them with equipment wise. Dealership is Fredericksburg Motor sports (http://www.fmscycles.com/index.htm)

Did you buy that?

Don't!

[dadunston]

Did you buy that?

Don't!

I did lol! I'm calling BRP to get something in an email to show the dealership, I'm starting to feel unsafe on this thing and the dealership is actually refusing to take my money because they said its not possible. A dealership refusing money, OMFG.

[reverendg]

Yeah right.....a suspension like the spyders, and no adjustment? I guess all those screw in links and rod ends and ball joints just get screwed in until they "feel right", the suspension is designed to work around it? Not a chance.

[NancysToy]

Tire pressure is good both fronts are at 18 with 28 on back.

I spoke to the dealership, they said that the 2013 models do not undergo alignment as the front end was redesigned to help with the handling and that they don't have anything to align them with equipment wise. Dealership is Fredericksburg Motor sports (http://www.fmscycles.com/index.htm)

They said Spyders have a bad tendency to feel "floaty" and I'm not use to it yet. I've put 3000+ miles on my ST since April and feel pretty comfortable. The feeling change was noticed after the ball joint replacement they did for me.

Have I been mislead and any other thoughts?

I'd sure try to find another dealer. Not only can they be aligned, there is a new procedure, new specs, new tools, and a Knowledge Base article outling the procedure. Have them contact BRP dealer tech support for advice.

[dadunston]

I'd sure try to find another dealer. Not only can they be aligned, there is a new procedure, new specs, new tools, and a Knowledge Base article outling the procedure. Have them contact BRP dealer tech support for advice.

Do you happen to have a knowledge base article link and the procedure name so I can go harder with my facts?

I called 3 dealers and they are all saying the same thing about there not being a need to align them because they only have "toe", I'm not car part savy.

[dadunston]

Do you happen to have a knowledge base article link and the procedure name so I can go harder with my facts?

I called 3 dealers and they are all saying the same thing about there not being a need to align them because they only have "toe", I'm not car part savy.

I've also found this link:

http://spydertechnician.blogspot.com...ter-wheel.html

[NancysToy]

Do you happen to have a knowledge base article link and the procedure name so I can go harder with my facts?

I called 3 dealers and they are all saying the same thing about there not being a need to align them because they only have "toe", I'm not car part savy.

They do only have toe-in alignment, but that is what tends to make them wander. It is still alignment. Lazy, uninformed dealers give me a rash! Sorry, I don't have access to the Knowledge Base article. The draft KB article or Service Bulletin was posted here when all the 2013s were having wandering problems at first blush. BTW, 18 is a little high up front for the 2013's. Try 15-16 and see if it is better. Remember, tire pressures are supposed to be measured cold.

[dadunston]

They do only have toe-in alignment, but that is what tends to make them wander. It is still alignment. Lazy, uninformed dealers give me a rash! Sorry, I don't have access to the Knowledge Base article. The draft KB article or Service Bulletin was posted here when all the 2013s were having wandering problems at first blush. BTW, 18 is a little high up front for the 2013's. Try 15-16 and see if it is better. Remember, tire pressures arte supposed to be measured cold.

I've got a lot to learn! thanks for the support and prompt replies! (highfive)

[SpyderAnn01]

They do only have toe-in alignment, but that is what tends to make them wander. It is still alignment. Lazy, uninformed dealers give me a rash! Sorry, I don't have access to the Knowledge Base article. The draft KB article or Service Bulletin was posted here when all the 2013s were having wandering problems at first blush. BTW, 18 is a little high up front for the 2013's. Try 15-16 and see if it is better. Remember, tire pressures are supposed to be measured cold.

Scotty, just curious why you think 18 is too high on the 2013? Mine was delivered with 21 in the front and I did drop it down to 18 but I thought 15 - 16 was too low

[ARtraveler]

Sorry to hear of your issues with the . Lazy or incompetent dealer(s) seem to be at the root of the issue here. Please keep us informed as you work on getting your problem(s) solved

[Bob Denman]

Scotty, just curious why you think 18 is too high on the 2013? Mine was delivered with 21 in the front and I did drop it down to 18 but I thought 15 - 16 was too low

Everybody has their own personal "Comfort Level" for suspension settings... BRP seems to universally suggest tire pressure settings that are quite low; perhaps to give a nice, cushy ride.
What they don't seem to have realized yet; is that some of us are enthusiasts... We'll gladly sacrifice some ride comfort for better handling!

[NancysToy]

Scotty, just curious why you think 18 is too high on the 2013? Mine was delivered with 21 in the front and I did drop it down to 18 but I thought 15 - 16 was too low

The new, lower profile tires seem to like a little less pressure than the earlier models did. The new ones are a little more "squirmy" at the higher pressures, from what I have heard...and the increase above the OEM recommended pressure is no longer needed to counteract the tire portion of the body roll with the more rigid tires.

[BajaRon]

Why is it that dealerships today have such a long list of 'Can'ts'?

If the front end can't be aligned, then why are there adjustments on the tie rods?

Why is there a detailed procedure for proper alignment from BRP?

Amazing! But the fact remains that if the customer doesn't know more than the dealer you could be in big trouble.

[Jharpo]

Why is it that dealerships today have such a long list of 'Can'ts'?

If the front end can't be aligned, then why are there adjustments on the tie rods?

Why is there a detailed procedure for proper alignment from BRP?

Amazing! But the fact remains that if the customer doesn't know more than the dealer you could be in big trouble.

And if it wasn't for guys like you and Scotty, I would still be sitting here saying "Duh". I just wanted to thank all you guys for stepping up to the plate with answers so we can go to our dealers a lot more informed.

[Spydr in KS]

The new, lower profile tires seem to like a little less pressure than the earlier models did. The new ones are a little more "squirmy" at the higher pressures, from what I have heard...and the increase above the OEM recommended pressure is no longer needed to counteract the tire portion of the body roll with the more rigid tires.

I ran 18 psi front on my 2008. My STS was delivered with 13 psi. I pumped it up to 18 and didn't like the ride or handling. I settled on 16 as good for me. I doubt tire pressure is the OP's problem, but I'd try 15-16 psi and see if you like it better,

[HuckFin]

Scotty, just curious why you think 18 is too high on the 2013? Mine was delivered with 21 in the front and I did drop it down to 18 but I thought 15 - 16 was too low

So far, I've been running 14 on the front and 24 on the back on my 2013 RS-S and love the way it handles.

[SpyderAnn01]

I will say that when I dropped my front tire pressure from 21 to 18 it did help the handling.

[Bob Denman]

And if it wasn't for guys like you and Scotty, I would still be sitting here saying "Duh". I just wanted to thank all you guys for stepping up to the plate with answers so we can go to our dealers a lot more informed.

[Ga Blue Knight]

Why is it that dealerships today have such a long list of 'Can'ts'?

If the front end can't be aligned, then why are there adjustments on the tie rods?

Why is there a detailed procedure for proper alignment from BRP?

Amazing! But the fact remains that if the customer doesn't know more than the dealer you could be in big trouble.

Its really amazing that they would deny doing work for pay through lack of knowledge. This type of thinking is becoming more common with the smaller rural dealerships as their trained techs leave for better paying jobs. When the Spyder first came out the dealerships had to have a trained tech. Now years later there either does not seem to be a requirement anymore or BRP is not checking. This is not a good direction to be heading in for a long term future for the Spyder. While I don't mind riding 110 miles for the next closest dealer I doubt many new riders will se that a ok.