Was a Spyder a Mistake?

[Pat Clark]

This is my second Spyder. The first was a used 13RTL. Had one issue with the reverse switch (fixed under warranty) Made the mistake of test riding a 16 F3T. Traded the RTL with 45,000 miles on it. The 16 F3T (one of the last SEM's) is now just shy of 30k. The only thing that's been done to it is oil changes and rear tires (just on my second) My biggest issue is my girlfriend falling asleep and banging the back of my helmet when she slumps forward Maybe I've been lucky or maybe it's just a good machine. What you read most on forums and product reviews are people with complaints or problems. Probably most of which are justified but to me it seems that folks with no or few issues with products don't post, they just keep on truckin'. Hope your issues get resolved. Ride safe, life is short.

Pat

 

[biker01red]

Like you I have been at this for over 50 years. Owned them all and rode them all over this great country. I actually have a very good dealership that has been selling Spyders since the very beginning. They have always answered any questions I have had and seem to be knowledgeable about what they sell. They are a multi brand dealer, but their Spyder customers do not get treated as second class citizens. They have two good techs, but I do my own work because I enjoy it and I am a mechanical kind of guy. I bought a 2015 base model RT in January of 2017. It was brand new and sitting back in the corner all by itself. It was black and as the base model probably not very appealing to most shoppers. I got a great deal on it. At this time it has 25,000 miles on it including a 5000 mile trip to Nova Scotia and the New England states. I installed car tires and Baja Rons shock adjusters and other than a few farkles that is it. Bike is stock, gets oil, filters, and other maintenance at the suggested mileage. I am on the original battery and the RT has been trouble free and reliable. I have experienced the dreaded DESS error twice and both times were after washing the bike and hosing it off leaving a small puddle around the ignition switch. Never other than that. When I can find someone near Ohio with the program to disable the DESS mine will be disabled post haste. Rt is a complicated piece of machinery, but not nearly as complicated as the 2017 Tacoma in the driveway. I would think nothing of jumping on the RT and heading for your place in northern California. Count me as a satisfied customer. Oh yeah, talk about living on the edge. I didn't purchase the extended warranty.

I am also in Ohio.. Whois your Dealer ?

 

[Capt. Bob]

In the past few years, I have owned 3 Harley Tri Glide Ultras and one 2015 F3S. I bought my F3S with 6k miles from a dealer and only rode it about 4k miles in 1.5 years. However, I did not experience any malfunctions that would have left me stranded. My only knock on BRP products is that there are too few dealers and many of the dealers have only 1 technician that can work on the product which makes wait times extraordinarily long.

With the relatively low volume of sales that BRP has in the USA, there are also many reported issues with parts availability of even pretty common parts. For some of those reasons and the fact that I didn't ryde my Spyder as often as I thought I would, I sold it this past year. There were some things I liked better on the Spyder than the Harley like the comfort of the ryde, but in the end, I chose a noisy, rougher riding piece of American iron that I can at least find a ton of techs for if needed and lots of parts availability.

 

[PMK]

2014 RTS in this house. We bought it in January of 2014, back when this forum had most of the group profoundly saying never buy a first model year, let them get it sorted out and so much more. Ironically, many of those naysayers did buy the first model year a few months later, and fully enjoyed it.

The Spyder is a machine, as we both realize, it can have mechanical issues, just like any car or other motorcycle.

The 2014 RT series is actually not a bad machine at all. The two known concerns for the machine are the DESS and the front tires.

The true downside with any Spyder is that the dealership structure is weak or non existent in most areas, and the techs often are not very good. Add to that the BRP corporate method of dealing with Spyders, and poor dealership structure makes things difficult also.

Fortunately, the DESS has been sorted out. Ideally that new module will resolve your issues. If not replace the DESS antenna if possible and not the entire ignition switch.

As for those tires, after you resolve the DESS concern, swap away the oem Kendas for some automotive tires. Then enjoy many miles with that Spyder.

You might also consider lowering the drive belt tension to 140 pounds with the wheel off the ground. This will reduce vibration from the belt.

As for the dealers and BRP corporate, sadly, no changing that. Find a reputable quality dealer, even if it requires some distance to get there, and use them. For comparison, I ride 2 1/2 hours, 155 miles one way to our dealer of choice when needed. To do this, i pass by our local dealer 10 miles from home, and pass by several other Spyder dealers also.

All the best with it.

 

[bodymanpainter]

My wife and I bought a 2014 RTS new in Feb. 2014 and took it on many long trips pulling a trailer and two up with
no problems at all and 34000 miles later she sold it because she didn't want to ride anymore.
So I can say that ours was a great and dependable bike, I also have a 2016 F3T with over 38000 trouble free miles
and would not hesitate to go cross country on it now. So my experience with the Spyders has been very good, be
patient and give it some time and you will more than likely come to love the bike and all that it has to offer.
Any way good luck to you and hope it all works out well.
Toby

 

[Don'tPanic]

w6ada - you gotta remember that people mostly post questions about problems they're having on forums, not to brag how reliable or great something is. Also, negative news travel faster and prompt more replies than something positive, so by definition you'll find more problems on forums.

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Navydad]

I am also in Ohio.. Whois your Dealer ?

PM sent

 

[Easy Rider]

Tell the lady of the house to relax and enjoy the Ryde.

TELL ??......My experience with 50 years of marriage tells ME that would NOT be a good idea.

Hint maybe.....suggest maybe.......but TELL, never.

Once she has made up her mind that she doesn't like it......you're done.

 

[bikerbillone]

This is a very good thread, an yes, I've been lurking on spyderlovers for some time. For those of us, or maybe just me, can someone post exactly what the DESS is, is that when the machine goes in to the limp mode? Subscribed.

 

[trikermutha]

Bill

Copied from my manual.



D.E.S.S. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The D.E.S.S. system is an electronic anti-start system that allows engine starting only with a programmed key. It is composed to the following components: – The ignition key(s) – The D.E.S.S. antenna – The D.E.S.S. module – The ECM. rm

 

[bikerbillone]

Thanks, I read a lot references to it on this forum, so from your comment, I'm thinking the machine just won't go or start unless all well within the machine.

 

[Bob Denman]

If the OP didn't do his research before he bought the bike: it probably was a mistake for him to buy it! nojoke

 

[bikerbillone]

Some of us have made the same mistake, there are times no matter how much time dedicated to research, the buy doesn't work out. I know I've screwed up, riding since 1968 and not every motorcycle I've owned has made me content.

 

[fjray]

It was a mistake for me. It only left me stranded once but it was in the middle of Wy. on a reservation about 400 miles from help. I tried all the good stuff but never could make it handle with any confidence. After 15,000 miles I threw in the towel and went back to two wheels. When I can't hold the bike up then if they still let me drive I'll get a convertible. :thumbup:

 

[Blipsman]

Dealer problems

I have been a Spyder owner for about two months. I bought a 2014 Spyder RT with less than 3,000 miles. I loved it!. I have been riding two wheels for about 50 years starting with a Honda 305 to many other Honda's, lots of Goldwings and toured my entire adult life. Got into Harleys at "middle age" and had a bunch. I had a number of Harley's over the years and left two wheels (except for a Vespa, so much fun) for about ten years. Now, why am I telling you all this? Well, I guess to say I am not new to motorcycling, but I may have made a mistake paying well into five figures for a Can Am Spyder.

Within 300 miles of purchase, I began having the "DESS Key Error" Then I learn this is frequent for 2014 to 2016 Spyder RT's and it really wasn't until 2017 or 2018 did BRP correct this problem. So,right now, the Frunk is off and I am awaiting a DESS module and hope this resolves this issue. Never mind that my wife of 40 plus years now views the Spyder as "unreliable", and for those of you married a long time know the life span on that is, well, a long time.

But, more importantly, some extensive reading around this and another CAN-AM Spyder forums find some frequent threads regarding some significant and serious reliability issues. Looking further shows what seems to be an inordinate feeling the majority of Can-AM dealers are sub par, uncaring, and some even lie to customers. This cannot be true for no manufacturer could remain in business with such a reputation. Yet, the thread seems to be true.

I live in California and I have three Can-Am dealer/ service centers within 150 miles. None closer. The first is where the Spyder was sold new in 2014. I called them to see what service my Spyder had and when. After about ten days and six messages, no one from the dealer ever even called me back. Hmmmm... my first experience with a Can-Am dealer not good. The other two dealers had a waiting list of three to five weeks just for an (3,000 miles service) oil change. I could go on. I am doing the DESS module change myself mostly because now I don't really trust the dealers. But as alarming as this is was the Spyder owners making statements that "It isn't like a Goldwing" (ie reliability), or "I don't ever take it more than 75 miles from home". And many others I have read, irrespective of the irony of a Touring Bike not being reliable enough to travel more than 75 miles from a trailer to take it home!.

Anyway, I guess I am looking for the real owners picture of the Can-Am Spyder, specifically from 2014 on. I know people who find their product great don't often write in forums (or at least I hope this theory is true), but please tell me if your experience with a Spyder (or and a dealer) was positive, and most importantly, are they really a "Touring" motorcycle, or are they just too unreliable to trust them on a trip.

I bought a 2018 RT Limited July 9th 2018. I’m 304 from Panama City beach Florida and have been 2wice. I drove it 138 miles home right after purchase cause I had to go to Atlanta to purchase a Spyder just because the local dealer in B’ham, AL would not schedule me a test ride even after telling them I was gonna get one that week. I called 3 or 4 times for the next week with no reply. So off to Georgia. I had my brand new Spyder for 2 weeks before the B’ham dealer called me back. I was nice and said no thank you, I don’t need to test drive one because I got one I can ride everyday. They were floored.
Had one service done at 4500 miles been on 3 trips the shortest was 200 miles and I’m fixing to go 346 to Maggie Vally NC.
So I’ve had no issues with my Spyder. Just a few issues with certain dealers. Trust has to be earned. I’m not giving it to a dealer for free!!!

 

[dcarver]

I feel your pain brother. It was like the commercial :can we fix transmissions we fixed this 11 times this year; At Spyder fest this year told CAN AM rep our trials and tribulations. They had KC MO dealership get in touch when to hammer it out. There is a recall on 014 viin # I do not know I Told them I beg to differ on extended warrenty copay My point was it was never right from new. It was resolved no copay thanks to CAN AM. THANK YOU CAN AM rep. he kept word. What it turned out to be was the pick up surround the ignition! Had keys changed,reprogammed. etc etc. There is a recall on some. Got it back went to SPYDER JAM Cuba MO. Made sound and told BROS what up with this sound? Told me that is normal comp, processing. Now it works great. Never heard the sound before I hope and think it fixed. DESS came up 59 times. FOR REAL no joke and its not funny. Been all over and do not want to be in Dead Wood Blue Ridge Mtn. or any where far from KC and be stranded. Go to good CAN AM dealer tell them your issue Call Canada they now know how to fix and if it under recall. Hope it helps . Safe and joy on your journey where ever it might be. DC KC SPYDER RYDERS

 

[ThreeWheels]

I'll be a bit contrarian

In life, I'm a big believer in the power of "Hell Yes !"
That is, if you can't say "Hell Yes !" to something, then the answer is no.
Any wishy washy yes, or a doubtful yes, or a guarded yes, all mean NO.
In essence, if you have any doubts about your Spyder's reliability, or doubts about your Spyder's comfort, then YES, you've made a mistake.
You will never enjoy riding it because doubt will constantly ruin any good experiences you might have otherwise had.
Get out now before you sink any more money into your machine, and find something you like better.
I know that's probably not what you want to hear, but there you have it.
As for me, I love my machine, and am always eager to ride it along with the remarkable Susan.
I've ridden as far as 1500 miles away from home on trips that last a week, with no cares or worries, except for an annoying hiss in the BRP blurtooth system, and I've just solved that problem as well.
As always, my free advice comes with a doube your money back guarantee.

 

[askitee]

Hi w6ada,

You are inside my head. I've had my 2017 RT Ltd bought new for 13 months now and over the last 3 months have been wondering the same thing. I've had more issues with my RTL than I've had combined with all the motorcycles I've owned in 54 yrs. I struggle to trust the bike in terms of "waiting for the next issue to crop up" and have had my share of random error codes, poor handling, ball joints failing at 10,000 kms, park brake coming on when it felt like, VSS cutting in at some of the most dangerous times, and almost lead to the loss of my wife and I's life on 2 occasions. Then there's the tires, which are more suited to a wheel barrow than a touring motorcycle. Even my wife who loved the RTL to death when we first bought it has lost a lot of trust.

I miss the fact that on my tourer's (Honda's too) reliability just wasn't something I had to think about, nor as is the case in Australia, the price of spares and accessories at prices that defy belief which only adds to the discomfort - knowing you'll be buying them often and the minimum 30 day wait for a part to arrive.

Almost weekly something comes along and makes the BRP product look bad - my daughters $700 car, built in 2007 and has clocked up 200,000 kms in, has never had a problem, my wifes car, a small buzzbox for town running in 4 years no issues, my history with Lexus, cars that just don't have problems - these show its possible.

Theoretically and according to our BRP people in Australia, the RTL is BRP's flagship product; the "best we make" and "sell", feature rich, purpose built, high priced luxury.... well in reputation but not reality.

One thing I can say is that one savior was changing dealerships. The Service Dept at the dealership from where I bought the RTL are 130kms away, were hopeless and it wasn't until I took it to another dealership (600kms) that issues with Handling, VSS and dangerous habits were rectified. It restored my confidence, but it gets shaken when I spend a lot of time touring with other Spyder riders and the topic of conversation most days on FB, forums and gatherings is "this has broken or failed or is reporting an error".

I really really really wanted the Can-Am experience to be one that matched what the bike appears on the surface to be - but its fading over time.

I also state this is my opinion and experience only - I am not expecting everyone to agree. Perhaps there are Spyders that run without issue - I just haven't met one yet.

 

[007james]

Askitee, ....I agree with you. I have bought 2 new Spyder RT Limiteds. A 2012 & 2016, and after riding a combined 90,000 miles on them, I STILL do not have enough trust in ANY Can-Am Spyder to venture any further away from my house than a hundred mile Radius, because I never know when the next problem will shut me down completely, or put me in to a Limp Mode, or ever allow me to be comfortable enough to head on a long Cross Country Trip as many Spyder Owners Brave Souls report here. Hell, just needing a new rear tire every Oil change on the 2014s and up, should scare any one away from buying a new Spyder!! ) My Wife rode with me on my new 2012 RT Limited for the first 3000 miles, but after the constant problems, she refused to ride any more with me. I could have purchased a fully loaded new Corvette Sports Car for the money I have spent on my 2 Spyders, but its too late now. And Corvettes Appreciate in Value, rather than depreciated by at least 50% the first 3 years. My $31,000 2016 RT Limited would not bring me 50% of that from most Dealers on a Trade, and Car Dealers won’t touch Spyders on Trades, unless we almost give them away to them. Spyders are insanely expensive Toys, to buy, own, and maintain, and unless any Buyer has an extremely friendly relationship with a Dealer who has at least ONE Factory trained compete Tech. they better be real knowledgeable in not only simple mechanics, like oil and filter changes, but better be an Electronic Whizzard to be able to diagnose and repair all of the Codes that can pop up and leave us on the road in Limp Mode. Sure, Spyder Lovers can ignore the crappy Kenda tires BRP refuses to change, plus the Belt Chatter with shaking of handlebars, etc., and Sprocket failures, as is happening around the 20,000 mile mark on RTs and Fs, as my 2016 in in the shop right now for the 2nd Sprocket Failure ,waiting for BRB to approve another “ Case” for the Dealer to diagnose and repair under Warrantee. I lost 10 weeks of my Summer riding last year, ( 2018) because of Sprocket failure, on my 2016, and will most likely loose a good part of my 2019 Summer riding again because of Sprocket Failure. I could go on,.....but don’t want to further irritate the Die Hard Spyder Lovers that refuse to see their Spyders with out looking at them through Rose Tinted Glasses. Will I ever trade my 2016 for another new Spyder? ( Will the Pope ever convert to Protestantism?, )

Hi w6ada,

You are inside my head. I've had my 2017 RT Ltd bought new for 13 months now and over the last 3 months have been wondering the same thing. I've had more issues with my RTL than I've had combined with all the motorcycles I've owned in 54 yrs. I struggle to trust the bike in terms of "waiting for the next issue to crop up" and have had my share of random error codes, poor handling, ball joints failing at 10,000 kms, park brake coming on when it felt like, VSS cutting in at some of the most dangerous times, and almost lead to the loss of my wife and I's life on 2 occasions. Then there's the tires, which are more suited to a wheel barrow than a touring motorcycle. Even my wife who loved the RTL to death when we first bought it has lost a lot of trust.

I miss the fact that on my tourer's (Honda's too) reliability just wasn't something I had to think about, nor as is the case in Australia, the price of spares and accessories at prices that defy belief which only adds to the discomfort - knowing you'll be buying them often and the minimum 30 day wait for a part to arrive.

Almost weekly something comes along and makes the BRP product look bad - my daughters $700 car, built in 2007 and has clocked up 200,000 kms in, has never had a problem, my wifes car, a small buzzbox for town running in 4 years no issues, my history with Lexus, cars that just don't have problems - these show its possible.

Theoretically and according to our BRP people in Australia, the RTL is BRP's flagship product; the "best we make" and "sell", feature rich, purpose built, high priced luxury.... well in reputation but not reality.

One thing I can say is that one savior was changing dealerships. The Service Dept at the dealership from where I bought the RTL are 130kms away, were hopeless and it wasn't until I took it to another dealership (600kms) that issues with Handling, VSS and dangerous habits were rectified. It restored my confidence, but it gets shaken when I spend a lot of time touring with other Spyder riders and the topic of conversation most days on FB, forums and gatherings is "this has broken or failed or is reporting an error".

I really really really wanted the Can-Am experience to be one that matched what the bike appears on the surface to be - but its fading over time.

I also state this is my opinion and experience only - I am not expecting everyone to agree. Perhaps there are Spyders that run without issue - I just haven't met one yet.

 

[Wahrsuul]

The "Die Hard Spyder Lovers" are that way because they haven't had the issues you're dealing with. Seems you've put an awful lot of miles on an unreliable vehicle. Why didn't you get rid of it when it became such an issue?

Though I will say it's why I bought used the first time. If it becomes too much of a maintenance nightmare or unreliable, then I can get rid of it without too much loss.