DPS Problems, We Can No Longer Ignore "The Elephant In The Living Room"

[SSPSpyder]

The bottom line here folks is this -

I love my Spyder and I love this forum, but, I spent a lot of money to be able to have fun riding my recreational vehicle Spyder, not be a guinea pig or test rider or an organ donor.

It is not fun to have to constantly have the nagging thought in the back of my mind of what could happen at any time - air box full of oil, evap cannister causing problems, ground wire, fire, steering malfunction, etc. etc.

While I hope and pray it never happens, I truly believe some unlucky Spyder rider is going to have to become an instant hood ornament on an oncoming vehicle or wrapped around a tree to get BRP to remedy the steering issue in a timely manner.

That is a damn shame.

 

[Blane270sx]

I really think it is a stability control problem and not a true steering problem and that is what is taking the time. The steering motor just does not seem strong enough to pull that hard and I do not think the motor can turn the steering on its own without rider input. If a brake is applied I can see that being hard to overcome so maybe this is not a steering problem but a stability control problem. Whatever the case I know they will get it right and it may not be a fast as we like but I am sure they are concerned and working everyday to find the true problem.

 

[Longlegs]

Your VIN should be on both your registration and your insurance. Do you have an extra copy at home?

No, there both in the ziplock with the manual in the trunk.

 

[Dudley]

No, there both in the ziplock with the manual in the trunk.

Here is what I have done:
I took a picture of both my license plate and VIN number and saved them on my computer.
If you have the Bill of Sale, it will be on it.

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

09 model

It was of a personal nature - nothing really earth-shattering or that would make a difference to anyone out here.
_______________________________________

I'm very interested in finding out if ANY 2009 Spyders have had steering issues . I believe the recall included both years---- but I'm not sure I've heard of anyone with a 2009 having problems---:dontknow:

Me Too!!

Michael:doorag:

 

[dave01]

A question in another thread, "are any of the 09s having problems after the update(s)?" If it's just the 08s, based on the GPS and other sensor problems they've had, could it be the updates are bringing more sensor problems out? 'Course, there's always the chance that the dealer's techs are not checking the sensor's alignments after the updates. Just thinkin'.

john

Went to a bike night tonight in Fl and a man came up to me and was checking out the Spyder. He has an 09 and was asking me if I had any steering issues. His steering got "stuck" and he had to use extra force to correct a drifting left problem.This happened 2 times in one day, so I guess the 09's are not immune. I didnt get his name on this board, but he does come here sometimes. Also, the dealer in Brandon Fl, Barneys, told him there was only 1 update and his backfiring/poor running was due to his 2 Bros exhaust. I gave him the dealer I use and he is going there later this week. This is my main complaint, the lack of trained/qualified people in the service departments that are performing the updates. BRP needs to properly train the people that are supposed to be qualified to perform maintenance/work on thier products period.

 

[musicarcade]

...This is my main complaint, the lack of trained/qualified people in the service departments that are performing the updates. BRP needs to properly train the people that are supposed to be qualified to perform maintenance/work on thier products period.

:agree:

 

[bjt]

I believe that BRP sent detailed instructions with the DPS updates. It's up to the techs at the dealerships to read, understand and follow those instructions. In todays economy, many companies / suppliers can't afford to be giving free face to face training to every person that deals with their equipment. The other solution would be to make the software update procedures idiot proof, which BRP probably should have worked on.

 

[czdaryle]

I can't believe when I hear (see) people say they don't think about the steering issue and just ride. I for one have been pretty luckey with my spyder and haven't had any major issues, but I still, in the back of my head, think about the steering as it can happen at anytime to ANYONE whether you have had an issue or not. The thing with the steering issue is the consquenses are great. I can't imagne how I would feel if my wife was riding with me and something happened. I am not going to stop riding it but I will be honest yesterday was nice here and I thought about going for a quick ride but decided not to, this was the first time this caused me not to take it out. Granted it was just a short fun ride. I'm starting to think being so close to winter to shut her down and hope something is found over the winter or everything (myself included) calm down a little. I have a family and people who love me to consider

 

[Way2Fast]

I believe the recall on file with the NHTSA involves all Spyders made through May, 2009. Approx. 12,500 vehicles are involved worldwide.

 

[NancysToy]

Here is what I have done:
I took a picture of both my license plate and VIN number and saved them on my computer.

...and I thought I was the only nitpicker that did this. Glad to know I am not alone, old friend. Real handy for when the dealer asks what model you have, since that is only listed on the VIN plate, not contained in the VIN itself.

 

[Putt-Putt]

With my conversation the other day with BRP. I was told that all the problems that caused the surging & backfiring is with after market exhausts including the Hindle. That those were the machines effected.

SO DOES THIS APPEAR TO BE THE CASE???

Anybody-- have this surging & backfiring with totally stock machines????

:dontknow: :dontknow: :dontknow:

 

[Smylinacha]

...and I thought I was the only nitpicker that did this. Glad to know I am not alone, old friend. Real handy for when the dealer asks what model you have, since that is only listed on the VIN plate, not contained in the VIN itself.

I made xerox copies of all my stuff - license, credit cards and they are stashed away under lock and key. So that way if I ever lose any of them, I've got them handy. And the best thing, nobody knows where I stashed them and they'll never figure it out!

 

[Smylinacha]

I really do not believe it's the aftermarket products. It is their update that made it run differently. I don't get it - any other bike you can modify w/ aftermarket stuff. Seems like they make it difficult for the Spyder to be customized - unless you buy it from them where they make the cash.

With my conversation the other day with BRP. I was told that all the problems that caused the surging & backfiring is with after market exhausts including the Hindle. That those were the machines effected.

SO DOES THIS APPEAR TO BE THE CASE???

Anybody-- have this surging & backfiring with totally stock machines????

:dontknow: :dontknow: :dontknow:

 

[Putt-Putt]

I really do not believe it's the aftermarket products. It is their update that made it run differently. I don't get it - any other bike you can modify w/ aftermarket stuff. Seems like they make it difficult for the Spyder to be customized - unless you buy it from them where they make the cash.

:agree: With you even the HINDLE wich is BRP supplys. Like you said other bikes are not effected by these minor mods. Also I would like to add cars and trucks. I've done the exhaust & cold air intake systems to sevearal with no problems.

 

[3wheeldemon]

I made xerox copies of all my stuff - license, credit cards and they are stashed away under lock and key. So that way if I ever lose any of them, I've got them handy. And the best thing, nobody knows where I stashed them and they'll never figure it out!

I found that if you actually stash the credit cards instead of the copies you save a lot of money!

3WD

 

[Smylinacha]

Very true! We hardly use ours - bad habit to get into!

I found that if you actually stash the credit cards instead of the copies you save a lot of money!

3WD

 

[Smylinacha]

Hey - aren't you supposed to be at work?

except when YOU'RE calling Magic Man..........

 

[Firefly]

I really think it is a stability control problem and not a true steering problem and that is what is taking the time. The steering motor just does not seem strong enough to pull that hard and I do not think the motor can turn the steering on its own without rider input. If a brake is applied I can see that being hard to overcome so maybe this is not a steering problem but a stability control problem. Whatever the case I know they will get it right and it may not be a fast as we like but I am sure they are concerned and working everyday to find the true problem.

When the VSS kicks in and hits the brakes its a totally different feeling than when the steering locks. The steering 'lock' feels like you're pushing against a magnetic force. If you've had your VSS kick in and hit the brakes --- you'll know its a different feeling than the steering lock.

I have wondered if the system can confuse 'feedback' from the road (coming from the front wheels) as user input.

 

[Questions]

Went to a bike night tonight in Fl and a man came up to me and was checking out the Spyder. He has an 09 and was asking me if I had any steering issues. His steering got "stuck" and he had to use extra force to correct a drifting left problem.This happened 2 times in one day, so I guess the 09's are not immune. I didnt get his name on this board, but he does come here sometimes. Also, the dealer in Brandon Fl, Barneys, told him there was only 1 update and his backfiring/poor running was due to his 2 Bros exhaust. I gave him the dealer I use and he is going there later this week. This is my main complaint, the lack of trained/qualified people in the service departments that are performing the updates. BRP needs to properly train the people that are supposed to be qualified to perform maintenance/work on thier products period.

I couldnt agree more .it doesnt matter where you go it is a rare event to have good knowlegable service at ANY BIKE SHOP. Could it be customers are not complaining enough ?
LOVE my :spyder2:HATE my Dealers