4th time back to the dealer since I bought my RT in October

[Mattman]

I lusted after this machine for so long and finally bought one in October. The dealer seemed competent and knowledgable enough.

On the way home, it went into limp mode. From reading this site, I made the assumption that it was probably from riding the break or something. Shut it down and restarted with no problems. A couple of months later, the check engine light would come on every second or third time that you started it. I took it in and asked that they check things out. The diagnosis-it needed a firmware update.

A couple of months later, the problem has persisted in addition to the display needle on the tachometer scratching the glass. After being without my bike for 2 1/2 weeks, I find that they have had to replace the entire display and the throttle body.

A couple of months go by and the bike is showing the same signs again except that now it occasionally just shuts off. This is a bike with less than 1500 miles on it!

I have been planning a cross country trip (Fort Worth to San Diego) with my 10 year old son this summer. I certainly don't have any faith that this bike is going to make it reliably. I've put a call into my dealer explaining the problem and my frustration. I let them know that I believe that I have a lemon and that I'm very disappointed in this very expensive purchase.

The dealer is sympathetic and has apparently reached out to BRP. Now I need to figure out how to safely get my RT up to the dealer so they can work on it again.

At this point, I'm afraid that the only thing that is going to make me feel secure is replacing the bike. It seems like the Spyder RTs fall into two categories. They're either wonderful machines that give people thousands of miles of happy Ryding or they are problematic POS's that spend more time getting serviced than getting ridden.

How has BRP been on getting the problematic Spyder owners securely back on the road and enjoying their RTs again?

[MouthPiece]

I lusted after this machine for so long and finally bought one in October. The dealer seemed competent and knowledgable enough.

On the way home, it went into limp mode. From reading this site, I made the assumption that it was probably from riding the break or something. Shut it down and restarted with no problems. A couple of months later, the check engine light would come on every second or third time that you started it. I took it in and asked that they check things out. The diagnosis-it needed a firmware update.

A couple of months later, the problem has persisted in addition to the display needle on the tachometer scratching the glass. After being without my bike for 2 1/2 weeks, I find that they have had to replace the entire display and the throttle body.

A couple of months go by and the bike is showing the same signs again except that now it occasionally just shuts off. This is a bike with less than 1500 miles on it!

I have been planning a cross country trip (Fort Worth to San Diego) with my 10 year old son this summer. I certainly don't have any faith that this bike is going to make it reliably. I've put a call into my dealer explaining the problem and my frustration. I let them know that I believe that I have a lemon and that I'm very disappointed in this very expensive purchase.

The dealer is sympathetic and has apparently reached out to BRP. Now I need to figure out how to safely get my RT up to the dealer so they can work on it again.

At this point, I'm afraid that the only thing that is going to make me feel secure is replacing the bike. It seems like the Spyder RTs fall into two categories. They're either wonderful machines that give people thousands of miles of happy Ryding or they are problematic POS's that spend more time getting serviced than getting ridden.

How has BRP been on getting the problematic Spyder owners securely back on the road and enjoying their RTs again?

My experience with BRP has been nothing short of great.

Chris

[Mattman]

Did you have issues with your bike or were you one of the many that have had a problem free experience?

[IWN2RYD]

We had issues with "One" of our three. Our Dealer (Clem's and a sponsor of this site) was exceptional. I will also say that we had very frustrating times with BRP that BRP did make right.

[fastfraser]

2009 RS 25,000 miles with some growing pains sold to buy a 2011 RTS 12,000 miles with some growing pains. Love this machine . As stated growing pains . Its new, its evolving. Biggest problems that I see from reading all these post is mostly DEALER based ( good dealer -bad dealer ) BRP reads these post and reacts in a positive way . Just look at the way the Spyder has evolved in such a short time frame and all the updates that have been released. Granted some are fixes but non the less they are working hard to make a better Spyder ! Sorry you can't rely on your Spyder and you are having trouble hope you get it fixed and you and your son can have a good trip . To me your troubles have been small, but I think your dealer could have fixed them in a more timely fashion .

[Jornie1]

Notice I didn't say stop your pain...only ease it a bit, I hope, and also to help you not feel like the "Lone Ranger" so to speak. We, my wife and I both have 2010 RT's, both with around 15K+ miles on them. Here are the documented chronological facts.

My RT - MAINTENANCE - RECALLS - WARRANTY - DOWNTIME
5/13/2010 thru 7/3/10 Main transmission shaft and clutch damage all parts replaced. Dealer picked up by trailer.
48 Days
07/15/2010 - Rear Air Shock Replaced 1056 mi.
1 Day
09/28/2010 - Replaced power steering pump DPS @ 5075 miles
1 Day
12/02/2010 - R&R cruise control switch.... Failed
1 Day
04/19/2011 - 05/04/2011 Another major clutch tear down & repair done by Dealer 8373 mi. Loud noise in clutch.
16 Days
06/15/2011 - New 2011 Instrument Cluster - Old one had programming error, causing delay transmitting in C/B radio transmitting.
1 day
08/09/2011 - 09/24/2011 - New motor & clutch due to transmission won't shift into 2nd gear. 3rd major clutch repair
47 Days
09/24/2011 - New Muffler due to loud rattle internally when muffler hot 3787 mi on new Odometer Installed by me so I didn't have it in the shop for a day or three.
10/25/2011 - 11/17/2011 Spyder picked up by dealer. Clutch fluid gone again being drawn into the vacuum assist side of the clutch and blown out the exhaust. Bad Clutch Servo valve, part back ordered.
24 Days

DOWN TIME - 138 days.

Now here comes the contrasting side of the story:

My wife's RT: MAINTENANCE - RECALLS - WARRANTY WORK
07/27/2010 - Replaced Rear Air Shock 431 miles
1 day
9/28/2010 - Replaced CB radio
9/28/2010 - Replaced Oil Pressure Switch
9/28/2010 - Replaced power steering pump DPS
1 day all on 9/28/2011
3/02/2011 - Instrument Cluster Replaced under warranty Miles on old odometer: 5987 Miles
1 Day
6/15/2011: Rear Shock replaced under warranty Elizabethton Can Am Dealer
1 Day
Down time - 4 days

So as you can see, with identical machines, same mileage, same oil change & service intervals. 138 days of down time vs. 4 days... Huh??

My dealer, Sun Sports Ft Myers, FL bent over backward trying to help me in every way they could. BRP, same story, their support was excellent, especially Carlo Viola, BRP's customer service specialist. He called me several times. Two or three of those times were un-solicited by me. I suppose he saw one of more of my posts on SL.COM and he called to see how he could help. I don't think customer service can get much better than this. I should also give a grateful tip of the hat to the gang at Elizabethton ATV in Elizabethton, TN for their help with some of my problems mid way through a long trip.

So you see... you are right, there are two kinds of Spyders, I own one of each. Would I do it again...Dang right I would!!!!! We love these things.

I hope this makes you feel a little less a loner out there. See you in Durango... Len

[ARtraveler]

[Mattman]

The dealer is responsive so we'll see how it goes. I hope to have a positive story to tell when all is said and done.

[scooterexpress]

i've got a 2011 rts se5 and the only thing thats gone bad was the rpm gauge went wacky and scuffing the faceplate so they replaced the cluster and i was completely unaware that when the cluster gets replaced you start over on miles which in turn started my warranty over also. i only had about 1100 miles on it when this happened. but heres something the dealer didnt do when they replaced the cluster was re-cal the rear suspension i had to really convince them this had to be done this was after i talked to lamonster and he informed me about this.the only reason i brought this up i had no ind graph showing the adj on the shock. the dealerships really need to send these mech to a school for spyders. when i have to tell the service dept to ref this website for help thats good but bad in a sense they don't know what there doing.

[daveinva]

I think the one thing you can say about the RT is that sadly plenty seem to be built on Fridays .

[gbouten]

i've got a 2011 rts se5 and the only thing thats gone bad was the rpm gauge went wacky and scuffing the faceplate so they replaced the cluster and i was completely unaware that when the cluster gets replaced you start over on miles which in turn started my warranty over also. i only had about 1100 miles on it when this happened. but heres something the dealer didnt do when they replaced the cluster was re-cal the rear suspension i had to really convince them this had to be done this was after i talked to lamonster and he informed me about this.the only reason i brought this up i had no ind graph showing the adj on the shock. the dealerships really need to send these mech to a school for spyders. when i have to tell the service dept to ref this website for help thats good but bad in a sense they don't know what there doing.

Are you sure your warrenty starts over? I would think they would note the milage they replaced the cluster at.

[Firefly]

BRP warranties are not related to miles.... They go by date of purchase.

[arntufun]

I think the one thing you can say about the RT is that sadly plenty seem to be built on Fridays .

I can't believe the amount of RT issues on this board lately.

[Sarge707]

I wanted to add an RT to my garage with the RS BUT lately I,m happy to just do my own maintenance on a Great Running RS!

[scooterexpress]

sorry the warranty i was referrin to was the dealerships maintence warranty 3/36.

[DocRags]

I can't believe the amount of RT issues on this board lately.

So, are you wondering why they aren't posting on the RT section of the forum, or just noticing that the RT's are going through the same growing pains as a lot of the 2008 GS/RS's?

[Radthorne]

I can't believe the amount of RT issues on this board lately.

Isn't gonna help; Holly still wants one.

[Mattman]

So far the dealer is proving to be very much on my side. I've started to get a taste of the BRP bureaucracy and that's a bit frustrating. I've bought a vehicle that I clearly can't. Count on but I want to be an enthusiastic owner. Hopefully BRP wants that too.

[CyncySpyder]

IMHO, Proper dealer set-up makes the difference between the 2 RTs that you refer to. Unfortunately, I was in your same situation 2 years ago myself. The dealer where I got our original 2010 RT-S in WVA rushed the Set-up & from day 1 we had issue after issue after issue. The local service shop (no longer a Spyder dealer, thank god) had the byke more than I did, it was a nightmare, but I was still addicted to the Spyder, as I still am. No dealer is going to admit that the problems your facing are their fault, and will be quick to blame BRP for the problems. Don't get me wrong, BRP is not perfect, no company is, & with this still being a relatively New To Market Vehicle, BRP has surely gone through, and still are going through their growing pains. We are ALL early adopters to a brand new niche vehicle & as such, are genuie-pigs of sorts. Not saying its right, but it IS a fact of life. BRP realized that they needed a middle man between themselves and the dealers and consumers, & Carlos was brought into the mix as a Cunsumer Relations Specialist, or whatever his actual title is. That man has helped countless Spyder Owners out with frustrating situations where the buck keeps get'n passed, but no action being taken. I know if it weren't for him, Teddy & I wouldn't be here today. I had lost all faith in our 2010 Spyder, and after 13,700 miles in about 11 months, (of which more than 3 months it was stuck at the dealers for service) my faith was finally restored by trading in that unit, for our current 2011RT-S that we got from Len at CowTown USA in Cuba MO. Len & the crew at CowTown are 2nd to none & I really can't convey the difference in a dealer that knows how to propperly set-up a Spyder & those that just slap it together & send you on your way. If you haven't gotten Carlos involved, I would suggest doing so. He can't perform magic, but he should be able to help.

Cause when you get your Spyder to be bug-free, the enjoyment & adventures you can have are almost limitless. Teddy & I now have over 23,000 miles on our new Spyder & have travelled to Florida, New York state & all over the midwest & have met so many other SpyderLovers, that I can't imagine our lives without having our Spyder in it. Keep the faith, its worth it, & I hope they get you to be a Happy Spyder Owner sooner than later. Good Luck.

[Mattman]

IMHO, Proper dealer set-up makes the difference between the 2 RTs that you refer to. Unfortunately, I was in your same situation 2 years ago myself. The dealer where I got our original 2010 RT-S in WVA rushed the Set-up & from day 1 we had issue after issue after issue. The local service shop (no longer a Spyder dealer, thank god) had the byke more than I did, it was a nightmare, but I was still addicted to the Spyder, as I still am. No dealer is going to admit that the problems your facing are their fault, and will be quick to blame BRP for the problems. Don't get me wrong, BRP is not perfect, no company is, & with this still being a relatively New To Market Vehicle, BRP has surely gone through, and still are going through their growing pains. We are ALL early adopters to a brand new niche vehicle & as such, are genuie-pigs of sorts. Not saying its right, but it IS a fact of life. BRP realized that they needed a middle man between themselves and the dealers and consumers, & Carlos was brought into the mix as a Cunsumer Relations Specialist, or whatever his actual title is. That man has helped countless Spyder Owners out with frustrating situations where the buck keeps get'n passed, but no action being taken. I know if it weren't for him, Teddy & I wouldn't be here today. I had lost all faith in our 2010 Spyder, and after 13,700 miles in about 11 months, (of which more than 3 months it was stuck at the dealers for service) my faith was finally restored by trading in that unit, for our current 2011RT-S that we got from Len at CowTown USA in Cuba MO. Len & the crew at CowTown are 2nd to none & I really can't convey the difference in a dealer that knows how to propperly set-up a Spyder & those that just slap it together & send you on your way. If you haven't gotten Carlos involved, I would suggest doing so. He can't perform magic, but he should be able to help.

Cause when you get your Spyder to be bug-free, the enjoyment & adventures you can have are almost limitless. Teddy & I know have over 23,000 miles on our new Spyder & have travelled to Florida, New York state & all over the midwest & have met so many other SpyderLovers, that I can't imagine our lives without having our Spyder in it. Keep the faith, its worth it, & I hope they get you to be a Happy Spyder Owner sooner than later. Good Luck.

How does one get a hold of Carlos?

[CyncySpyder]

SC20120316-221423.jpg

[kyspyder]

First of all, the gentleman's name is CARLO Viola. He can be reached via e-mail @ carlo.viola@brp.com
His voice mail may also be reached by telephone @ 819-566-3035. He will call you as soon as he can.
Carlo has been extremely helpful to a number of folks with varying questions and/or problems including myself.
Carlo is a dedicated professional and will treat you with respect, courtesy and efficiency.
I would suggest that you try to do the same with him when discussing your problem, even though you are frustrated.
Carlo is truly trying to help all of us!!!

KYSPYDER

[stillriding]

First of all, the gentleman's name is CARLO Viola. He can be reached via e-mail @ carlo.viola@brp.com
His voice mail may also be reached by telephone @ 819-566-3035. He will call you as soon as he can.
Carlo has been extremely helpful to a number of folks with varying questions and/or problems including myself.
Carlo is a dedicated professional and will treat you with respect, courtesy and efficiency.
I would suggest that you try to do the same with him when discussing your problem, even though you are frustrated.
Carlo is truly trying to help all of us!!!

KYSPYDER

Speaking from experience, I couldn't agree more!

[Mattman]

Thanks for the suggestions and contact info. I will reach out to Carlo tomorrow!

[CyncySpyder]

Just know, it may take him a few days or so for him to get into touch with you. I've found that he usually tries to get as much info from BRP & the dealers about your issue, before he makes contact, so he knows whats going on. Just know, once he does get involved, usually good things start to happen. Hoping for a good outcome for you