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Anyone else got Poor brakes on their Spyder? Any fixes?
I have had numerous 2-wheelers and now my first Can-Am, which is a 2023 Spyder RT. I am disappointed in the feel and stopping power of the brakes, compared to my motorcycles. Does anyone else experience this, and is there a good fix for it?
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Very Active Member
It would help to know what year and model Spyder you have and what brake pads are fitted.
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It is a 2023 Spyder RT Limited, with about 1,000 miles on it, with the stock brakes.
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Very Active Member
It should stop on a dime and give you 8 or 9 cents back!!!!
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-22-2024 at 10:18 PM.
Reason: on a dine... ??
2018 RT Ltd - Asphalt Metallic - East Valley of Phoenix
2018 RT Ltd Chrome - Champagne Metallic - Lake Stevens, Wa
(Champagne/Hooker) Magic Mirrors, 360 LED head lights, BajaRon sway bar, H&R springs and shock adjusters, dash cam, foam grips, third brake light 4 LED strobe for 7 seconds and then on steady, rear LED turn signals/8 ohm 50W resistors, sequential turn signals on front fenders, Vredestein and PPA Orb wheels on front and General out back, and driver backrest.
Things that move between machines: Ikea sheep skins, Zumo XT GPS, and extra tools. Hooker is going to be my summer trike up North; and Hookie my winter trike down South.
(Asphalt/Hookie) Elka shocks on front - BajaRon sway bar, OEM driver's backrest, LED headlights, dual USB with voltmeter, dash cam, foam grips - Magic Mirrors - front tires Vredestein Quatrac SL on PPA ORB Chrome wheels.
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Originally Posted by Snoking1127
It should stop on a dime and give you 8 or 9 cents back!!!!
I sort of agree. Yes, the bike is heavier than most of the two wheelers, so it takes longer to gently come to a stop, but if you want to, and press on the brakes hard enough, you will stop practically immediately. I have had my backseat bang into me on many an occasion when she wasn't ready for a harder than normal brake. And if you read the posts about the drop away floorboard, you will find people that have cracked face-shields, chipped teeth, etc. Your bike should be able to stop VERY quickly.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-22-2024 at 10:19 PM.
Reason: Fixed quote display; + ;-)
2019 Spyder RT Ltd. Bought in Jan 2024. Can-Am states only.
Slingmods USB and QuadLock phone mount with vibration dampener | Highway pegs
Rear GENERAL ALTIMAX RT45 SL 225/60R-15 tire | Drink2Go front/rear Cupholders
3D printed Turn Signal/Shifter caps | KOTT Grill covers
LED Headlights | LED Foglights | High Mount Trunk brake/turn lights with brake strobe
Pedal Box+ w/BT | Show Chrome gas shock for rear trunk
Foam Grips | Red Rim Covers
VIOFO MT1 Front/Rear Dash Cam system | Upper Radiator Exhaust Block (SpyderPops)
ShowChrome Heavy Duty seat shock | RLS Cat/Primary Muffler Delete
BRP Intake Air vents
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by MrandMsH
I have had numerous 2-wheelers and now my first Can-Am, which is a 2023 Spyder RT. I am disappointed in the feel and stopping power of the brakes, compared to my motorcycles. Does anyone else experience this, and is there a good fix for it?
New Spyder. New pads. New rotors. Did you bed them in yet? My brakes will lift me off the seat hardly trying.
Last edited by Snowbelt Spyder; 05-22-2024 at 03:17 PM.
Doug
2023 RT Limited, RT 622, BUDS/BUD2 Megatech/Megatronic
”Freedom is not a loophole”
F4 Customs SWCV, Ultimate, Lidlox, Adjustable Side Vents, Leather Like Grips, SS Grills, Centramatic, Garmin XT2, BajaRon Original Sway Bar w/ Lamonster links, RLS CD w/ baffle, P238
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Allen42
I sort of agree. Yes, the bike is heavier than most of the two wheelers, so it takes longer to gently come to a stop, but if you want to, and press on the brakes hard enough, you will stop practically immediately. I have had my backseat bang into me on many an occasion when she wasn't ready for a harder than normal brake. And if you read the posts about the drop away floorboard, you will find people that have cracked face-shields, chipped teeth, etc. Your bike should be able to stop VERY quickly.
You are correct about everything except the floorboard. The breakaway floorboard is no longer on RT's 2020 and newer.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-22-2024 at 10:20 PM.
2020 RT Limited Deep Marsala Chrome
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Very Active Member
All I know is that my F3S stops better and faster than any vehicle I've ever owned. Excellent brakes.
Retired U.S. Coast Guard 76-97
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Originally Posted by Jetfixer
The breakaway floorboard is no longer on RT's 2020 and newer.
Thanks, did not know that. I can't muster up the courage yet to try mine!
2019 Spyder RT Ltd. Bought in Jan 2024. Can-Am states only.
Slingmods USB and QuadLock phone mount with vibration dampener | Highway pegs
Rear GENERAL ALTIMAX RT45 SL 225/60R-15 tire | Drink2Go front/rear Cupholders
3D printed Turn Signal/Shifter caps | KOTT Grill covers
LED Headlights | LED Foglights | High Mount Trunk brake/turn lights with brake strobe
Pedal Box+ w/BT | Show Chrome gas shock for rear trunk
Foam Grips | Red Rim Covers
VIOFO MT1 Front/Rear Dash Cam system | Upper Radiator Exhaust Block (SpyderPops)
ShowChrome Heavy Duty seat shock | RLS Cat/Primary Muffler Delete
BRP Intake Air vents
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Very Active Member
Have you checked the fluid level in your master cylinder?
Are the brakes mushy and don't feel like they are grabbing?
Maybe the brake lines have air in them and need to be bled?
2020 F3 SE6
Safety and Lighting: LED Headlight upgrade, IPS LED Fog lights, Show Chrome LED Fender Signals, LED Signature Light, Tric LED Afterburnerz, MotoHorn 2.0
Suspension: Wilbers Front and Rear Shocks, BajaRon Sway Bar, Vredestein Quatrac Front and Rear Tires
Comfort: Blue Ridge Windshield, Corbin Dual Touring Saddle, Ultimate Floorboards, OEM Passenger Backrest with Rear Shelf, OEM Passenger Floorboards Modified with High Risers from Pierre
Tackform Center Mount Phone Holder w/ rapid charging USB-C.
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As you stated, "first Spyder". Ride more and get used to the characteristics that this bike has as to other bikes. Too early to make conclusions and compare it to "other" bikes yet.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-22-2024 at 10:21 PM.
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Very Active Member
Most of my 50 years on bikes has been on sport touring and so called sport bikes. I did have a Wing and a Valkyrie during those years, but didn't really care for either. While my Spyder RT does have good brakes it doesn't come close to stopping as well as my motorcycles did. I attribute that to the sport tourers being lighter and equipped with very performance oriented brakes. One huge plus for my RT is that it is very stable during heavy braking.
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Very Active Member
I hit a scale on the Oregon coast the other day on a six-day ride from AZ to Wa. Me, the trike, and full storage compartments weighed in at 1350 lbs. Braking still seemed good.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-22-2024 at 10:22 PM.
2018 RT Ltd - Asphalt Metallic - East Valley of Phoenix
2018 RT Ltd Chrome - Champagne Metallic - Lake Stevens, Wa
(Champagne/Hooker) Magic Mirrors, 360 LED head lights, BajaRon sway bar, H&R springs and shock adjusters, dash cam, foam grips, third brake light 4 LED strobe for 7 seconds and then on steady, rear LED turn signals/8 ohm 50W resistors, sequential turn signals on front fenders, Vredestein and PPA Orb wheels on front and General out back, and driver backrest.
Things that move between machines: Ikea sheep skins, Zumo XT GPS, and extra tools. Hooker is going to be my summer trike up North; and Hookie my winter trike down South.
(Asphalt/Hookie) Elka shocks on front - BajaRon sway bar, OEM driver's backrest, LED headlights, dual USB with voltmeter, dash cam, foam grips - Magic Mirrors - front tires Vredestein Quatrac SL on PPA ORB Chrome wheels.
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Originally Posted by MrandMsH
I have had numerous 2-wheelers and now my first Can-Am, which is a 2023 Spyder RT. I am disappointed in the feel and stopping power of the brakes, compared to my motorcycles. Does anyone else experience this, and is there a good fix for it?
I have absolutely NO Complaints!
I trust the brakes on MY Spyder!
but,
I'm older now, and a bit wiser, and I drive like I have something to LIVE 4!
Bill
2020 RTL Chrome, Marsala Red "Non-Directional Tires, Centramatic Balancers"
Front- Kumho KH-16 175/55r15 @17psi, Rear-General Altimax RT-45 215/60r15 @20psi
BaJa Ron Ultra 3 pcs sway bar kit
10W40 Amsoil Synthetic Motorcycle oil
7jurock 25" tinted windscreen w/flip
Frogman Dave's "Signal Button"
If in Doubt, Don't Do It!
" Pros: Excellent Bug Killer, Cons: Pizz Poor Pothole Dodger"
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Very Active Member
I agree with Navydad. If you compare it to a higher end motorcycle, they do feel somewhat wooden and vague. Very automotive like, but not mushy, like air in the lines. However, if you apply the brakes vigorously, then it becomes much sharper and stops the bike well.
2020 RTL SE6
Previously 2008 GS SM5 and 2014 RT SE6
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Very Active Member
Just some thoughts about BRAKING performance ...... Spyders have a large advantage over TWO wheel MTC's .... the amount of rubber in contact with the road surface is IMHO the deciding factor. .... The rear tire alone has more contact than Both tires on a two wheel machine. All Spyders have ABS and most two wheelers don't ( I could be wrong on that ). .... If the Spyder tires are properly inflated using veh. weight as the determining factor ( for Auto tires ) then I don't think a two wheeler can stop quicker .....Mike
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911
Just some thoughts about BRAKING performance ...... Spyders have a large advantage over TWO wheel MTC's .... the amount of rubber in contact with the road surface is IMHO the deciding factor. .... The rear tire alone has more contact than Both tires on a two wheel machine. All Spyders have ABS and most two wheelers don't ( I could be wrong on that ). .... If the Spyder tires are properly inflated using veh. weight as the determining factor ( for Auto tires ) then I don't think a two wheeler can stop quicker .....Mike
Or straighter!
2018 RT Ltd - Asphalt Metallic - East Valley of Phoenix
2018 RT Ltd Chrome - Champagne Metallic - Lake Stevens, Wa
(Champagne/Hooker) Magic Mirrors, 360 LED head lights, BajaRon sway bar, H&R springs and shock adjusters, dash cam, foam grips, third brake light 4 LED strobe for 7 seconds and then on steady, rear LED turn signals/8 ohm 50W resistors, sequential turn signals on front fenders, Vredestein and PPA Orb wheels on front and General out back, and driver backrest.
Things that move between machines: Ikea sheep skins, Zumo XT GPS, and extra tools. Hooker is going to be my summer trike up North; and Hookie my winter trike down South.
(Asphalt/Hookie) Elka shocks on front - BajaRon sway bar, OEM driver's backrest, LED headlights, dual USB with voltmeter, dash cam, foam grips - Magic Mirrors - front tires Vredestein Quatrac SL on PPA ORB Chrome wheels.
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I agree that flat out stopping power of the brakes is very good at a minimum. My problem is me. I find it difficult to not induce some input to the handlebars on one side or the other which causes the bike to dart. The steering is rather quick and keeping a balanced grip on the bars under hard braking is difficult. I know it's me because if I take my hands off the bars first she stops straight. I thought of just raising my hands and covering my eyes might to the trick but that idea didn't go well with the wife.
2020 RT Limited
2018 RT Limited sold, put 18,000 miles on her.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Bunson
. I thought of just raising my hands and covering my eyes might to the trick but that idea didn't go well with the wife.
You just painted a picture in my mind that I'm not sure will go away any time soon.
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Originally Posted by Bunson
I thought of just raising my hands and covering my eyes might to the trick but that idea didn't go well with the wife.
This takes me back all the way to a high school date who actually did this twice when driving us around in her car one day. If she wasn't so pretty, I would have broken up with her on the spot. As it was, I never let her drive again, and we broke up anyway... she wasn't ... uh ... mentally stimulating.
2019 Spyder RT Ltd. Bought in Jan 2024. Can-Am states only.
Slingmods USB and QuadLock phone mount with vibration dampener | Highway pegs
Rear GENERAL ALTIMAX RT45 SL 225/60R-15 tire | Drink2Go front/rear Cupholders
3D printed Turn Signal/Shifter caps | KOTT Grill covers
LED Headlights | LED Foglights | High Mount Trunk brake/turn lights with brake strobe
Pedal Box+ w/BT | Show Chrome gas shock for rear trunk
Foam Grips | Red Rim Covers
VIOFO MT1 Front/Rear Dash Cam system | Upper Radiator Exhaust Block (SpyderPops)
ShowChrome Heavy Duty seat shock | RLS Cat/Primary Muffler Delete
BRP Intake Air vents
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911
Just some thoughts about BRAKING performance ...... Spyders have a large advantage over TWO wheel MTC's .... the amount of rubber in contact with the road surface is IMHO the deciding factor. .... The rear tire alone has more contact than Both tires on a two wheel machine. All Spyders have ABS and most two wheelers don't ( I could be wrong on that ). .... If the Spyder tires are properly inflated using veh. weight as the determining factor ( for Auto tires ) then I don't think a two wheeler can stop quicker .....Mike
Pretty hard to buy a two wheeler without ABS and traction control these days. Pretty much been standard equipment for several years now. There are a few exceptions, but that number is shrinking quickly. Any of my current two wheelers can stop shorter than my 15 RT, but as I said most of my years of riding has been on sport style machines. A lot depends on what type of machine you are used to and the skill of the rider. Fella gets a new two wheeler and starts practicing wheelies. I always got a new one and started practicing stopping.
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Very Active Member
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How about just driving with a lighter touch on the grips.
It's not like it goes faster when you strangle the grips.
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It's not the grip. It's the momentum of your upper body being slung forward.
2020 RT Limited
2018 RT Limited sold, put 18,000 miles on her.
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Originally Posted by MrandMsH
I have had numerous 2-wheelers and now my first Can-Am, which is a 2023 Spyder RT. I am disappointed in the feel and stopping power of the brakes, compared to my motorcycles. Does anyone else experience this, and is there a good fix for it?
If the brake pedal is firm, without a soft feel, and the brakes are not acceptable, your 23 is probably still under warranty. Get a qualified shop or another Spyder owner you trust to evaluate and ensure they are acceptable.
Brakes are a definite safety item. Be sure they work correctly.
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