Spyders and $$$

[bigsmoke]

Very happy owner of a 2009 GS since July 2009, now over 16,000 mile under my belt.
Lots of positives with this purchase, only one negative.
Can anyone explain why we are charged so much for and oil change on these bikes.
Had mine done last week, the bike was in the shop for ONE HOUR, changed the oil,
filter and a few parts for this oil change to be done, so one hour later the total bill is
$250. plus taxes. What's so special about an hour oil change that you have to charge $250.
OK maybe it is complicated and a sofisticated, machine, but really now $250. for an hour's work.
Lets put out a video on how its done so we middle lower income can do it ourselves.
Does anyone agree here.

[napper39]

theres been at least 4 videos since 2008,on the oil change lamont has done at lest 2,and there are others.serich and you will find,

[Dan McNally]

It is labor intensive . . . if your car dealer had to remove the left front quarter panel of the car, every time you got an oil change, it would cost more, too! Also, chances are they did more than check the oil . . . they probably hooked up the BUDS computer, checked your belt tension, perhaps even adjusted it, and a host of other little things . . . if one guy was wrench turning, and another was hooking up the computer, you may have had a couple "manhours" involved in the one hour they worked on it . . . Also, remember they markup the parts and oil to make a profit, there, too, since they have invested money in buying them . . .

[DrewNJ]

The dealers charge what they charge because they can..and many peeps pay it. It's a specialty vehicle and people who do the dealer services feel they get something out of it...I guess it depends on the person.
Personally, I do my own oil changes with the BRP kit for about $65.
The oil changes are super easy and if you lose the bottom splash pans permanently, the next change is even easier. There is no magic to it and pretty much identical to just about any other bike out there...

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[bigsmoke]

It is labor intensive . . . if your car dealer had to remove the left front quarter panel of the car, every time you got an oil change, it would cost more, too! Also, chances are they did more than check the oil . . . they probably hooked up the BUDS computer, checked your belt tension, perhaps even adjusted it, and a host of other little things . . . if one guy was wrench turning, and another was hooking up the computer, you may have had a couple "manhours" involved in the one hour they worked on it . . . Also, remember they markup the parts and oil to make a profit, there, too, since they have invested money in buying them . . .

hey i am all for profit, i am a businessman also, an hours work for a bike shop should not be so expensive,
what is it, about $175. per hour, well for my Jetta TDI they charge $100. per hour,
I guess these Canam Spyder shops have to charge what they charge since their sales are not like Harley or Honda sales.
Will check into the oil change video and figure it out for myself. Tks.

[MidLifeCrisis]

As mentioned, complexity was and I emphasize was an issue prior to the panel upgrades. Before the upgrade I paid $150 for an oil change. After panel upgrade, I paid $150 for an oil change!!! Here's the part where the dealer charges what they want and the peeps pay it comes to play. Pretty disapointed with my dealer at that point. I had my suspicions they were a rip off prior. my suspicions were confirmed after the easy access panels were added and no cost savings realized.

It's been mentioned here before, the dealers are usually the ones who make or break the ownership experience.

[Bob Denman]

You might need to move to New York...
My dealer charges $50 per hour, and an oil change is just about $115 or so...
Klinger PowerSports in Walton, NY

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Very happy owner of a 2009 GS since July 2009, now over 16,000 mile under my belt.
Lots of positives with this purchase, only one negative.
Can anyone explain why we are charged so much for and oil change on these bikes.
Had mine done last week, the bike was in the shop for ONE HOUR, changed the oil,
filter and a few parts for this oil change to be done, so one hour later the total bill is
$250. plus taxes. What's so special about an hour oil change that you have to charge $250.
OK maybe it is complicated and a sofisticated, machine, but really now $250. for an hour's work.
Lets put out a video on how its done so we middle lower income can do it ourselves.
Does anyone agree here.

...As long as we are into explaining things ............Can you explain why you have not learned how to do this very simple procedure ? ? ? . You've owned the Spyder for 5 years and Now you are wondering about Dealer / Stealer costs .......I don't know what to say ! ! .Mikeguyver

[Chupaca]

as mentioned oil kits are available with all parts need to make your oil change. There are videos you can check out on doing it yourself. It is easy once you do your first and see whats involved. The se5 has two filters so a bit longer than the sm5. But do agree if you have oil change only it's out of line..

[bigsmoke]

...As long as we are into explaining things ............Can you explain why you have not learned how to do this very simple procedure ? ? ? . You've owned the Spyder for 5 years and Now you are wondering about Dealer / Stealer costs .......I don't know what to say ! ! .Mikeguyver

You are absolutely correct bro, just a little correction here, I bought the bike in 2012 from a dealer in Maryland.
And yes I will learn how to do this oil change on my owe.
I thought that because I still have the Best Warranty in effect till March 2015 I had to get oil changes done by a certified
Canam dealer, that's all. was just venting about the costs involved with these oil changes.
I will check into Lamonster's video inventory for DIY.

[Bob Denman]

...As long as we are into explaining things ............Can you explain why you have not learned how to do this very simple procedure ? ? ? . You've owned the Spyder for 5 years and Now you are wondering about Dealer / Stealer costs .......I don't know what to say ! ! .Mikeguyver

Guyver,
I don't do my own servicing... I simply lack the mechanical and physical skills for the job...

Not everybody has great health, and a well-equipped garage...

[DrewNJ]

You are absolutely correct bro, just a little correction here, I bought the bike in 2012 from a dealer in Maryland.
And yes I will learn how to do this oil change on my owe.
I thought that because I still have the Best Warranty in effect till March 2015 I had to get oil changes done by a certified
Canam dealer, that's all. was just venting about the costs involved with these oil changes.
I will check into Lamonster's video inventory for DIY.

"technically" they can't force you or void your warranty if they don't do the service. however, they can hassle you quite a bit if there is a failure where the oil system or servicing is called into question. something to think about for sure as I can see a bad dealer being a real pain...
Personally, its one of the reasons I have never been into extended warranties...

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[Woodsrider]

You are absolutely correct bro, just a little correction here, I bought the bike in 2012 from a dealer in Maryland.
And yes I will learn how to do this oil change on my owe.
I thought that because I still have the Best Warranty in effect till March 2015 I had to get oil changes done by a certified
Canam dealer, that's all. was just venting about the costs involved with these oil changes.
I will check into Lamonster's video inventory for DIY.

Now I'm really confused, the original post says you've had a 2009 since 2009 and put 16k miles on it, but you bought the bike in 2012?

Or were you doing your own oil changes on the 2009 and not on the 2012?

[jerpinoy]

I don't mind saving by diy on my next oil change. that some of us not capable DIY due to many different reasons.

[Bob Denman]

The last time I looked; those oil change kits at my dealer, were selling for about $85.
He charges about $115 when he changes it...
For thirty bucks; I'll let the mess and hassle be his!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

You are absolutely correct bro, just a little correction here, I bought the bike in 2012 from a dealer in Maryland.
And yes I will learn how to do this oil change on my owe.
I thought that because I still have the Best Warranty in effect till March 2015 I had to get oil changes done by a certified
Canam dealer, that's all. was just venting about the costs involved with these oil changes.
I will check into Lamonster's video inventory for DIY.

.....Bro....your original post says " I have been the very Happy owner of 2009 GS since July 2009 "........ ?????????....Now it's a 2012 purchase ? ? ? ?

[bigsmoke]

[QUOTE=BLUEKNIGHT911;832271].....Bro....your original post says " I bought the bike in 2009 "................is /was that a typo ?????????[/QUOTE

yep, sorry guys typo, I bought this bike in July 2012, it had 4000 miles on it, now has a little over 20,000 miles.
Like I said very happy with this toy, better than Viagra for me.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Guyver,
I don't do my own servicing... I simply lack the mechanical and physical skills for the job...

Not everybody has great health, and a well-equipped garage...

Bob I didn't know SQUAT about the Spyder when I bought it either. But it isn't the moon lander. You take it apart and figure things out .....I stripped my new RT down almost completely to the frame without the Shop Manual and have put it back together without the Shop Manual......You just have to have faith in yourself and GO FOR IT........Also don't lose any PIECES .....Mikeguyver

[Bob Denman]

You're simply not listening...
HEALTH issues have forced my decision.
The vision in my left eye is corrected to 20/360...
Diabetic neuropathy has taken the strength out of my thumbs; grasping a tool is no longer within my abilities...



I'm such a wreck; but I'm staying alive!

[StealthSpyder]

Like I said very happy with this toy, better than Viagra for me.

Lol! You may not have intended it this way, but everyone may now think that the Spyder works better for your, ahem lil issue, than your viagra does hahaha

[Dan_Ashley]

Bob I didn't know SQUAT about the Spyder when I bought it either. But it isn't the moon lander. You take it apart and figure things out .....I stripped my new RT down almost completely to the frame without the Shop Manual and have put it back together without the Shop Manual......You just have to have faith in yourself and GO FOR IT........Also don't lose any PIECES .....Mikeguyver

Not everyone is "wrench competent." I am not. I am "wrench deprived." Probably due to my upbringing. Back in the old country they didn't have wrenches. They only had hammers and pliers. So, if I can't beat it apart, or twist the business out of it with a pair of pliers, I am doomed to taking it to a professional.

[Bob Denman]

Maybe you can get your Pharmacy to bill your Medical insurance for the bike...

PLEASE let us know if THAT works!

[wyliec]

Guyver,
I don't do my own servicing... I simply lack the mechanical and physical skills for the job...

Not everybody has great health, and a well-equipped garage...

Bob D.,

If I wanted to change my oil, I could; I choose not to. I just want to do my part to keep a good dealer (Ingles Power Sports) in business.

[sypderrobinson134]

I had the same issue, didn't want to pay an arm and leg for the change, I learned to do it myself on my rs and it's pretty easy. YouTube is a great tool


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[ARtraveler]

Some issues I will leave others to discuss.

: Yes, and expense money seem to go hand in hand. Similar to any toy we own. Truck, RV, Boat, etc. ...

: $250 for an oil change is lower than a lot of us experience. A lot have mentioned $300 and plus. My dealer gets $110 per hour. Add the ballpark $80 for the oil change kit, that leaves $60 for the "house--not counting overhead costs."

: I cannot do my own oil changes. I do not have either the mechanical ability or the physical capability to do work on my They gots me where they wants me.

I like the and have been able to handle the upkeep. So, in that, I consider myself fortunate. When I can no longer handle it, it will be time to sell my beloved 's.