Potential Buyer - Time to Stay Clear of a Spyder

[BajaRon]

LOL I have to admit you people are passionate you either hate it or love it there is no in between. I would not say I no nothing about it I have ridden serveral of them and talked to 5 people who own them in town.

The last person I spoke with was a veteran from the Vietnam War, being a veteran myself I knew I could trust his input. He just returned from a 5,000 mile trip. He had pluses and misses about the spyder so a fair evaluation.

But I like to hear what others think postive or negative comments are good, I like when a person stands up for something they like. I am just a due diligent guy. As far as being scared to go outside or walk across the street I dont think so after serving this country.

I do respect what you all have said I know it is what you feel. Thanks

Laying everything else aside, I want to say to you and to anyone else that has put their life on the line for America, thank you!

I am not a veteran. It would have been the Vietnam war for me. I didn't have to go and I chose not to. Some of my friends went and some never came back.

I have several veteran's in my family and some serving right now (not to mention friends).

I know this is not Spyder related. But the only reason I am free to jump on my Spyder and go where ever I want in this great country is because of men and women that have been willing to make the sacrifice.

So whether or not you ever buy a Spyder, my respect and gratitude remains.

Thank you, each and every one!

 

[Firefly]

Very zen like comments. I understand once you buy something you want to defend the purchase, I would do the same, just looking at the machine as a purchase and the toss up of riding it versus it in the shop all the time.
I do not think it has to do with life and death issues just common sense buying vs. an emotional purchase.
Like I said it is great you love it if you do I am just looking for honest responses and you have all done that
Thanks - any other comments -
Like has BRP replaced and backed these Spyders that catch fire, if yes and they are backing their products then I would buy but have not heard that comment made.
So, of the seven that caught fire how many has BRP backed and replaced?

I fully understand what you mean about people buying something and the defending it so that they don't have any buyers remorse. I, for one, am not like that. If I buy something that's a POS - I tell people, sell it and move on.

As far as BRP covering these fires - I don't believe that has been the case because they have not yet shown it to be a manufacturing defect. Could just as easily be operator error. This is why we all have insurance. I'm 99% sure that of the 6 or 7 fires that we know about - they were all covered by insurance policies - not BRP.

I bought the extended warranty--- which gives you an extra 3 years (so 5 years total) of protection - for any failure on the bike--- plus roadside towing for 5 years.

I've had only minor problems - parking brake--- fixed without me paying a dime - Power steering problem - fixed without paying a dime-- and it seems there was one other issue that they fixed--- promptly and without any payment.... oh-- yeah-- it was the GPS sensor.

Overall I'm thrilled with my Spyder---- and my dealer--- which is the most important part of the deal in my opinion.

Some people have broken one of the front shock adjustment cams when trying to adjust the shocks tighter---- and BRP covers it - whether it was operator error or poor quality parts.

The first rider out here to report a fire went right out and bought another one after getting his insurance check---- so they obviously have plenty of confidence in this bike.

12,000 miles here----- been 2 of the best years of my life!

 

[RCB]

Thanks

BajaRon Thanks and I guess I just learned due diligience is needed at times to be safe and stay safe. Everyone's comments are greatly appreicated and it never offends me when a person speaks out about what he likes or stands for, I just repsect that perosn more.
Thanks again

 

[draboo]

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is a proof against all argument, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance--that principle is condemnation before investigation.”

Take one for a test ride, talk face to face with some owners. For all you know, we are just a bunch of axe murderers posing as meek and mellow reverse trike fanatics!

 

[Firefly]

You need to go someplace else and buy something else!

BRP is not going to say they are backing these fire damaged Spyder's until the root cause of these fires has been determined. Which as of now still has not been found.

There is a whole bunch of "Salem which hunt' type of speculation as to just what could have happened, but nobody knows for a fact just what has happened to these bikes as of yet.

For BRP to come out and say "we'll back these fire damaged Spyder's even though nobody knows for sure what the cause of these fires has been" will never happen. When it is found out just what happened to these bikes and IF it is found to be BRP's responsibility, then we see what they do about it then.

Until then, no manufacturer would ever say "just because we make it, and it caught fire we'll cover it" no way!

Almost everybody here love's their Spyder, and would buy one again as they are so much fun. Yes some of these first year cutting edge bikes had some adjustments needed. But I, as most of us here are glad BRP had the balls to bring out such a cutting edge bike in the first place.

If you want all of us here to plead and beg you to buy a Spyder you're in the wrong place. I, as everybody else here don't need you to buy or even like a Spyder to somehow validate our purchases, as we are all very happy with our bikes for the most part, one and all.

But, I don't think coming into a forum called Spyder LOVERS (which was started for people who do just that, Love Spyder's) and tell us how you're not going to buy one because they have this wrong with them or that wrong with them. Or that BRP won't give you (not even an owner) the answers you want about these fires so you'll buy one, is something I for one could do without hearing.

So don't buy one, it's your choice and money! But me, I don't give a hoot if you ever do! I LOVE OUR 2 SPYDERS and would buy one again in a heartbeat!

So, that's just what I"m going to do again for the third time as soon as the new 2010 touring models come out.

MM

:chill::chill::chill:


C'mon guys---- let's not scare this person off that has a genuine interest in the Spyder. I don't think he has deserved some of the harsh comments out here. He has valid concerns - perhaps based on incorrect data (50/50, etc.).

Isn't the idea out here to be educational in all matters Spyder-related?

I hope you stick around RCB---- and make an educated decision based on what you learn--- and what your personal wants are.

I could easily see someone coming in here and seeing all the fire posts (which I've been a part of) and getting a bad feeling about the Spyder.

Lamonster put it well about the Dr.'s office - and he (I think) actually mentioned weeks ago about how all the negative posts (which I'm guilty of too) could turn away someone new looking for info----- and now we have that exact situation.

I'll change my tag line like others have done to "very happy Spyder owner"--- but perhaps a poll at the top of the page(sticky style) where we can all vote about how we like our Spyder's----rating from 1-5... also a dealers one and a BRP one.... That way someone like RCB can easily find good info about how pleased people really are.

 

[RCB]

That makes sense

Firefly thats a great idea - Thaks

Draboo - read my earlier posts and you will have ridden several and talker to several owners

Thanks

 

[RCB]

opps

ok i guess i was going to fast there on the last post

draboo - if you read my early posts you will see I have ridden several and talked to several Spyder owners - Thanks

 

[rleathen]

I appreciate the input. I am going to call the manufacturer and see what they say. If they repsend positively and really back there product then I am going to look at it again.
Like I said daelign with repairs is no issue dealing with fires - wow not a good thing. I am surprised that the manufacturer has not taken a more aggressive approach to fix this. You know that if a car company had vehicles catching firer they would be off the road immediately.
So I will keep a positive outlook that it will be fixed and return to purchase soemday.
Good to hear that there are some doing well
I was going to buy a 2008 SE5 with low milage on it and the recall had just been done on it so now with the news of the recall causing potential problems I think sitting back and waiting to see is the best option. If these are good machines there will be plenty to buy in the future.

I am sorry I could not hold off on responding to this. I am a profesional firefighter and fighting fires is what I do for a living. I can not count the number of vehicle fires I have been to over my 18 year career. I can tell you GM's catch fire, Ford's catch fire, Chryslers catch fire, Delorian's catch fire and so do many European cars. The fact is vehicles, regardless of manufacturer or age catch fire. To quote a fellow forum member "I am surprised that the manufactuer (GM, Ford, Chrysler or any other manufacturer) has not taken a more aggressive approach to fix this".

 

[RCB]

Thanks

Good inforamtion from someone who knows
Thanks!

 

[QuadManiac]

I doubt that Ferrari or Rolls Royce would do anything different when a VERY small number of their vehicles are involved in fires, as I'm sure there have been. If any common causal issue is identified, you can bet that BRP, Ferrari and Rolls will all do about the same thing (as would Ford and GM) - find and fix the correlating cause.

As Lamonster said, forums are places where people come with problems, looking for solutions. Few just come here to post - "Hey, my (put brand name of product here) works great... I just wanted to let the world know!"

Relative to the Spyder, look at the number of vehicles out there (and the number of ppl belonging to this forum) vs. the number of reported problems. I think you'll see that statistically, the large majority of owners DO NOT have issues; and your decision should be based upon that statistic, not on the (expected) large number of posts with issues.

Regardless of your final decision, I applaud you for taking the time to investigate before making that decision. I can tell you that, in my case, I did the same for nearly a year before finally deciding to go for it... now that I'm 5 months and 3500 miles past that point, I truly wish I had made my purchase earlier - what great times I have missed!

 

[Dudley]

Draboo - read my earlier posts and you will have ridden several and talker to several owners

Knowledge is relative. Riding "several" Spyders and talking to "several" owners does not create "knowledge". It may have given you some familiarity and input, but definitely not knowledge.

 

[barkingspyder]

I hope you stick around RCB. This is a great place for a great ryde. This thing has given me more happiness than the money I spent on ithyea:

 

[Kjen]

PSSTT: I love our :spyder2:. After the 13,000 plus journey I still would do it again. No problems, mechanical or otherwise. What's the total :spyder2: numbers out there? Doubt these things being discussed has/will happen to all of them, it's a chance one takes with any purchase. It's a fun machine, you look way cool pulling into a parking lot or just going down the street.

 

[Zerocool]

I am not sure where you are getting your 50/50 percentages of a "bad one". Do you have a source other than this forum and the usual forum chatter? As big as it is, this forum is not a valid sampling.

I also think you are overlooking the undeniable value of all the saved marriages, continuing friendships, side-stepped bar fights, saved jobs, pleasant gatherings, and general quality of life - if some of the posters here did not have this forum as an outlet to commiserate and speculate about their Spyder and the state of quality, service, dealerships, engineering and corporate practices. The world "out there" would be a very taxing place without it, even coming from the small number of people doing that here. You just try talking to your Significant Other about the ins and outs of stock shock absorbers ( on any vehicle of your choice ) for more than 2 hours in a day and you will see what I mean, IF you are not hurt very badly before you can go on that long. And don't even start on Motor Oil! Hospital bills and ostracism WILL occur. A lonely, painful, expensive world.

Why, look what it has done for you so far - you get to complain and sound knowledgeable without even owning one.

Seriously - Spyder ownership and community will PROBABLY give you more smiles and enjoyment than you can imagine. Do the test drives. Continue doing the homework. If the Spyder is for you - there is one out there with your name on it. And, it could save you a lot of pain in your personal life, on top of it.

Tom

:agree:

RCB, I've had no issues with my :spyder: AND it's one of the Premier Editions (i.e. first ones made/released.)

The only problem you'll find me citing has been REALLY LOUD squealing rear brakes. I was able to readjust those myself. Really embarrassing when it happened, but the fix was simple.

 

[RCB]

Great

There seems to be some good people in here - Thanks

 

[steven888]

understand

I understand how you feel. I have had really no problems and enjoy riding it so much. But, I would be skeptical to buy one if I read all the bad things you hear about the spyder. I am very glad I have a great one. It is awsome. It kicks ass. Good luck.

 

[NewRider]

About the fires...

Your concern about fires in understandable. However, my understanding about the fires is this: there were a total of four or five. The problem is that this has been bandied about, to make it seem like a major problem. It's not.

Secondly...in most of those cases, it now appears the majority were caused by dum-dums who overfilled their tanks. The information is very specific: stick the nozzle in. When it cuts off - DON'T CONTINUE TO PUMP GAS IN!

BRP has no reason to honor warranties, for stupidity.

Anyway...please reconsider hesitating about buying a Spyder. Rest assured, a few minor warts and all, they are still an absolute blast.

Come join us! The water's fine...and so is the road...

 

[RCB]

Great Comments

I apprecaite the time to let me know your thoughts
I am going to call BPR and the local dealer to get their take and then decide
Thanks - :chat:

 

[BajaRon]

I apprecaite the time to let me know your thoughts
I am going to call BPR and the local dealer to get their take and then decide
Thanks - :chat:

Hey! Great idea! You'll get 2 more completely unbiased perspectives that way! :roflblack:

 

[COOLMACHINE]

name caller....

Hey RBC
don't be calling us names.... "Good people....." You may be stretching the truth a little bit there.....

There seems to be some good people in here - Thanks