Spyder Loyalty

[Putt-Putt]

Have a cell phone? You could have a breakdown even with a car in the middle of nowhere.

Sounds like you never been out west. You can easily be 200 miles from any cell phone service.
I really hope BRP gets this cleared up once and for all. I have owned dozens of bikes and the only ones I had worries with were the old British bikes. The Hondas-Yamahas-Suzukis-kawasakis I owned never had a problem unless it was something I did to cause it. Yes I did have the causious feeling when I bought my 1st BMW as there are a couple of states that don't even have 1 dealer. And BMW dealers are few and far between compaired the other brands. But that causious feeling left after a while as I never had any problems with it either after owning it for 8 yrs.

 

[BRPjunkie]

No excuses for poor design, component failures or software glitches that cause the Spyder to be unsafe. Basic fact is that riding a motorcycle puts you at a 26 times greater risk of death than riding in a car. While I do not want DPS failure to be the cause, I don't want a sleeping driver, cell phone user, tire blowout or my own driver error to be the cause and those are all more likely than DPS failure. Again, no excuse for what some are experiencing and how frightening it may be, but would you stop riding if the close call was due to any of the more likely death factors out there? You can dump a Spyder and go back to a "safer" ride, but your odds haven't changed much. Right now in Michigan, I'd put the odds at 10 to 1 that it will be a deer that gets me before DPS does.

I probably should have posted this on the "Steering Almost Killed Me" thread.

 

[aka1004]

i bought my spyder without test driving one.
i saw it and i knew it was something i had to have.
i had my share and more of problems (60 days in shop) but i still love to ryde my spyder.
i love the concept as most people and i would be lying if i said i don't care about the attention i get but mostly i just love ryding it.

spyder gives me so much pleasure when i am on it words can not describe it.
i get mostly praises about spyder but i do get "why do you ride that thing which can not even split lanes" here and there. i know i can't pursuade those people but i know i enjoy spyder more than i did any other 2 wheeler.

i am 42 right now but i can see myself enjoying spyder til i can not ryde any more.

til someone comes with something better that is...

so i love my spyder even with all the problems i had but BRP better be on their toes^^

 

[WaltH]

I have a different perspective than Black Widow on the reliability issues based on my accumulated Spyder miles which probably exceeds anyone else’s other than Nickcaro. I have a total of 64,500 miles on two Spyders. I find the Spyder to be very reliable and equal to the many Harleys I previously owned. My Spyders have never been “broken down” on the side of the road or otherwise disabled to the point where they could not be ridden to a dealer. In my first 3,000 miles, I had an electrical connection failure which put me in Limp Home mode. This was a problem the Spyder carried with it from the factory. Last month I had a broken spark plug wire which was repaired under the warranty in Reno NV. This was a problem that may have been caused by my mechanic when he changed the spark plugs prior to the beginning of my trip. These two incidents are the total of my reliability issues with my Spyders. Last month I took my Spyder on an 8,000 mile trip from Naples, FL to Sacramento CA and back by way of the Black Hills of SD and a stop in Wisconsin. Other than the spark plug wire, the Spyder behaved beautifully. I felt very comfortable about its reliability whether I was on the desert, or in the mountains. The many reliability problems described on this forum have not occurred on my Spyders and have not occurred on most Spyders. Other Spyder owners should not start worrying about having a broken spark plug wire just because I had one.

The safety concerns raised by Way2Fast are another thing all together. I understand exactly what he is saying. I have never had a problem with my power steering, but I did have the first reported Spyder fire. After 36,500 miles, my Spyder started on fire while I was riding it into my garage. Fortunately, I was able to push it out of the garage. In less than three minuets the flames were 30 feet high as the gasoline burned. The Spyder was a total loss. With slightly different timing, I could have lost my home or my life. If the fire had started while I was on the highway, I most certainly would have lost my life. This is not something I will ever forget. On my new Spyder I have taken steps that I feel will greatly reduce, or eliminate, the chance of another fire. I have done the canisterectomy and the crankcase breather catch-can modifications.

Unfortunately, there is nothing an owner himself can do to eliminate the risk of a power steering failure of the kind described by Way2Fast. We are all totally dependent upon BRP for the solution. It is very worrisome that the software patches do not seem to have eliminated the problem. In my mind, the apparently ongoing DPS problem is a greater threat than the fires, even though the number of reported incidents may be about the same.

If I ever bail out on the Spyder it will be because of unresolved safety issues and not because of concern for its ability to keep going down the road.

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

Spyder

I have a different perspective than Black Widow on the reliability issues based on my accumulated Spyder miles which probably exceeds anyone else’s other than Nickcaro. I have a total of 64,500 miles on two Spyders. I find the Spyder to be very reliable and equal to the many Harleys I previously owned. My Spyders have never been “broken down” on the side of the road or otherwise disabled to the point where they could not be ridden to a dealer. In my first 3,000 miles, I had an electrical connection failure which put me in Limp Home mode. This was a problem the Spyder carried with it from the factory. Last month I had a broken spark plug wire which was repaired under the warranty in Reno NV. This was a problem that may have been caused by my mechanic when he changed the spark plugs prior to the beginning of my trip. These two incidents are the total of my reliability issues with my Spyders. Last month I took my Spyder on an 8,000 mile trip from Naples, FL to Sacramento CA and back by way of the Black Hills of SD and a stop in Wisconsin. Other than the spark plug wire, the Spyder behaved beautifully. I felt very comfortable about its reliability whether I was on the desert, or in the mountains. The many reliability problems described on this forum have not occurred on my Spyders and have not occurred on most Spyders. Other Spyder owners should not start worrying about having a broken spark plug wire just because I had one.

The safety concerns raised by Way2Fast are another thing all together. I understand exactly what he is saying. I have never had a problem with my power steering, but I did have the first reported Spyder fire. After 36,500 miles, my Spyder started on fire while I was riding it into my garage. Fortunately, I was able to push it out of the garage. In less than three minuets the flames were 30 feet high as the gasoline burned. The Spyder was a total loss. With slightly different timing, I could have lost my home or my life. If the fire had started while I was on the highway, I most certainly would have lost my life. This is not something I will ever forget. On my new Spyder I have taken steps that I feel will greatly reduce, or eliminate, the chance of another fire. I have done the canisterectomy and the crankcase breather catch-can modifications.

Unfortunately, there is nothing an owner himself can do to eliminate the risk of a power steering failure of the kind described by Way2Fast. We are all totally dependent upon BRP for the solution. It is very worrisome that the software patches do not seem to have eliminated the problem. In my mind, the apparently ongoing DPS problem is a greater threat than the fires, even though the number of reported incidents may be about the same.

If I ever bail out on the Spyder it will be because of unresolved safety issues and not because of concern for its ability to keep going down the road.

That doesn't sound to bad--just a big fire and a few little things. Better than some reports. Thankfully you didn't loose your life or your property. nojoke

Michael:doorag:

 

[Batmobile]

As far as people being so shocked by seeing a Spyder torn apart--- not sure what you all expect. It's a machine. Brian and Debs might look a bit rougher than most - but realize they ride and ride and ride--- even in the snow--- which is something BRP says not to do.

Riding in such conditions is going to make things look much worse and may contribute to premature wear and tear. Much of the hardware under the Spyder is zinc-plated - which is horrible once salt gets on it.

Does that mean we shoudn't ride along the coast either? The salt from the ocean on the roads after a rain can be pretty nasty.

I feel my world is shrinking. Now I can only ride in certain areas under certain conditions or my spyder will melt.:joke:

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

Ride

i bought my spyder without test driving one.
i saw it and i knew it was something i had to have.
i had my share and more of problems (60 days in shop) but i still love to ryde my spyder.
i love the concept as most people and i would be lying if i said i don't care about the attention i get but mostly i just love ryding it.

spyder gives me so much pleasure when i am on it words can not describe it.
i get mostly praises about spyder but i do get "why do you ride that thing which can not even split lanes" here and there. i know i can't pursuade those people but i know i enjoy spyder more than i did any other 2 wheeler.

i am 42 right now but i can see myself enjoying spyder til i can not ryde any more.

til someone comes with something better that is...

so i love my spyder even with all the problems i had but BRP better be on their toes^^

I feel pretty much the same way. The Spyder is overall the most enjoyable ride I have ever owned. I am just somewhat perplexed with all the issues that surround the Spyder. I have never owned any Motorcycle that had no issues; even my Goldwing had a frame recall but after that none. I did own a Yamaha Venture that I put 90,000 miles on and was pretty much trouble free. It also came with a 5 year warranty that I don't think I ever used. (that may be why they gave the warranty)nojoke

Michael:doorag:

 

[RTGENE]

Ahhhh help me with this
------I enjoy every minute on the spyder.
Some have problems and we all hear about it.
It occurred to me that some one along time ago said "I made fire" ----the new guy bought some and burned his hand -----that's it fire is no good-----and neither is the outfit that made it.
Others cook with it and love it but say nothing.

Ride your spyder and if it breaks get it fixed and go ride again.
Stop worrying about things you have no control over.

 

[Putt-Putt]

How much worse can you get than totaled from a fire that only took a few seconds. Not only could of killed you; but sounds like it could of wiped out your house and your whole family. :yikes:

 

[Firefly]

Does that mean we shoudn't ride along the coast either? The salt from the ocean on the roads after a rain can be pretty nasty.

I feel my world is shrinking. Now I can only ride in certain areas under certain conditions or my spyder will melt.:joke:

Ha ha,....

Pretty sure on the coast you can easily hose the Spyder down when you get home---- not something you want to try in the dead of winter in Michigan.
Snow also has a way of getting up into everything - and hanging out for a long time. The Spyder just wasn't made to be anywhere near the snow.

I do wish they had used stainless underneath this beast.....

 

[Firefly]

Ahhhh help me with this
------I enjoy every minute on the spyder.
Some have problems and we all hear about it.
It occurred to me that some one along time ago said "I made fire" ----the new guy bought some and burned his hand -----that's it fire is no good-----and neither is the outfit that made it.
Others cook with it and love it but say nothing.

Ride your spyder and if it breaks get it fixed and go ride again.
Stop worrying about things you have no control over.

Great attitude-------- I see some things never change!

 

[BeRight]

Note that FORD is undergoing the largest recall in the road vehicle industry history.

A cruise control switch that gets stuck on-heats up-causes fires.

Just think how long FORD has been making vehicles and now have this problem that took a long time to find with many many fires reported.

Any electro-mechanical vehicle can and will fail and can and will catch on fire.

The Spyder may seem worse to some but not worse to those that had a FORD that caught on fire.

The only thing to fear is fear itself-at least that is the way I choose to live.

I personally ride more and worry less.

 

[Star Cruiser]

I am with you on this

people have racked up some heavy milage on there spyders ... i drive it ...it brakes ill have it towed and rent a car to get home ... all we hear is the bad ...how bout the good ... there are a handfull of people with problems ...but i'm sure there are a sh&* load without...
again just my opinion

I have to agree with tatt2r. I have had a few issues with my NEW 1999 V-Star 1100 (1st year it was out) and a couple of minor issues with my Spyder (also 1st year it was out). I love the Spyder and have travelled 30,000 km this Summer. I would not hesitate to start a cross country trip on L'il Miss Muffet. She is FUN and Reliable I would recommend a Spyder to any of my friends

 

[NewRider]

Well...we could always buy a Ural motorcycle. Made in Russia, and yes, you can purchase them in the USA at dealers. Tough as nails, a bit crude around the edges...but they'll probably run forever...

 

[retread]

I looked at a Ural; around 60 mph top end, mileage in the high 20s, sidecar handling. No thank you. The biggest problem I've had with my Spyder (12,000 miles) was finding where the extra wire was hid when I installed the NMN 4 inch risers.

john

 

[Way2Fast]

I have 16000 miles on my Spyder and have had no problems. I've taken many trips, in fact all but about 1000 miles have been trips. The longest trip to date was 2500 to Vermont. The Spyder was perfect! Iv'e ridden the 2 lane twisties to the the 6 lane interstates. I have never encountered anything the Spyder couldn't handle and I have not had so much as a hic cup from my machine. I say ride with confidence in your machine. Brp has done a wonderful job with the Spyder.

Yeah...ride with total confidence until the blind computer decides it can drive better than you can !! Maybe you will be among the lucky ones who never experience that nightmare...Good Luck !

 

[Firefly]

Yeah...ride with total confidence until the blind computer decides it can drive better than you can !! Maybe you will be among the lucky ones who never experience that nightmare...Good Luck !

Well --- considering 99% or more are 'lucky' riders ---- I'll take those odds --- and continue having tons of fun....

 

[Sarge707]

I have been in BRP Forums (Jet Ski,s) MANY years and the problems are magnified Thousands of times compared to the statistical ##s of problems. Thousands of Spyder owners do not even read Forum,s?
I am Grateful the problems are explained so I,m prepared for the sitation mentally and I feel for Everyone who has encountered a problem.
After this, my 14th BRP Purchase I would say I,m as Loyal as they get and will continue to be pending future experiences as always!:spyder:

 

[Director]

Note that FORD is undergoing the largest recall in the road vehicle industry history.

A cruise control switch that gets stuck on-heats up-causes fires.

Just think how long FORD has been making vehicles and now have this problem that took a long time to find with many many fires reported.

Any electro-mechanical vehicle can and will fail and can and will catch on fire.

The Spyder may seem worse to some but not worse to those that had a FORD that caught on fire.

The only thing to fear is fear itself-at least that is the way I choose to live.

I personally ride more and worry less.

:agree: and I also have a 2003 Ranger and a 2007 Taurus! :2thumbs:

 

[rleathen]

It's easy for those who have never experienced a steering failure on their Spyder to simply write it off as something that is of no concern to them. But believe me, if and when it happens to you it isn't something that can easily be forgotten. I have owned and ridden many motorcycles in the 45 years I have been in the saddle. The only one that I have ever had a very real fear of is my Spyder and this was only after living through two steering incidents that could have easily killed me. It is a grave cause for concern when a steering system developes a mind of it's own and decides it knows best where to blindly steer the vehicle. I road my Spyder twice since the steering incidents and during both rides I was afraid....very afraid that it would happen again. My rides were no longer enjoyable, but full of tension and sweaty palms for fear of a repeat performance at any moment. It seems that the steering malfunction might happen at any time, on any Spyder, with any mileage, so just because it hasn't happened to YOU yet, don't be too confident that it never will happen !!

This is exactly the fear mongering that seems to have flooded the internet of late. And I quote "...if and when it happens to you..." With all due respect what makes you so sure that a systemic problem with the spyder steering is going to ensue that I too will eventually have a problem with my steering based on your words that "when it happens to you".

I do not doubt for a minute that you had a steering problem with your bike that twice was severe enough to have you fear for your life and continue to make you afraid to ride the spyder. The solution is blatently obvious...if you believe that there is a problem and you continue to be afraid to ride it then sell it, but please don't continue to fear monger about the steering problems.

As you are entitled to your opinion I too am entitled to mine and my opinion is that my spyder is one of the most funnest toys I have ever bought, even with some of the challenges that it has experienced. Notice I didn't say "problems" but used the word "challenges" because challenges are relatively easy to overcome and are an indication of the attitude that I hold !