Should I get Updates

[sbloom]

I am about to purchase a 2009 SE Spyder with 4,000 miles on it. It has been very well taken care of by the original owner. He tells me it runs great and he has had no problems. He tells me however that he has never had any of the updates or warranty recalls taken care of. What do you think I should do as far as these issues are concerned? What recalls or updates do you think I must or should have. All opinions are valued.

Thank you,
Steve Bloom

 

[jima1153]

I am in the same boat. I've got a 2009 with 3100 mi and have not had the updates installed yet. There is probably no right or wrong answer here. I will probably get mine done early next spring since my riding season is about over. There might be some more updates from BRP by then . I'm kinda in a "if its not broke, don't fix it" mode. But my dealer has had no issues with his installs.

 

[fastfraser]

welcome 1st time you take it for service BRP is mandated to do the steering recall and updates. Might as well get the updates done as it could save you some grief down the road.

 

[Texmac1011]

Definitely recalls as soon as is convenient. They are safety related.

 

[BillGargan]

The first update -- as previously noted -- is mandatory when a dealer services your Spyder. It absolutely should and must be done for safety.

The second update is -- by all reports so far -- Vin specific. That is, some need it and some don't. And, this update is not yet available at all dealers. Your dealer will make this decision based on need and availability.

 

[bone crusher]

The first update -- as previously noted -- is mandatory when a dealer services your Spyder. It absolutely should and must be done for safety.

The second update is -- by all reports so far -- Vin specific. That is, some need it and some don't. And, this update is not yet available at all dealers. Your dealer will make this decision based on need and availability.

Agreed,

The first is mandatory...no option...I wouldn't get the second unless you're having problems with the first...most won't have any issues...for those who do, the second should address those concerns.

I got the first update and no issues...no need for the second...

Sometimes, the more you do, the worse off you are...

 

[sbloom]

I appreciate all the info that is coming in. Sounds like update one for sure and wait and see if the second is needed. What about the things I am hearing in regard to extended tubes and the radiator reservoir, is that for 09 models as well?

 

[BeRight]

I appreciate all the info that is coming in. Sounds like update one for sure and wait and see if the second is needed. What about the things I am hearing in regard to extended tubes and the radiator reservoir, is that for 09 models as well?

I would recommend getting both. If you don't get the second then at least do the evap can hose extend mod yourself.

 

[BillGargan]

I would recommend getting both. If you don't get the second then at least do the evap can hose extend mod yourself.

Based on information so far, BRP has or will set the specifics for the second update based on Vin numbers -- because it is reasonable to expect they know which Spyders need the change.

To advise and presume you know better than the designers and manufacturer is presumtuous in the extreme. You are taking others safety into your ?capable? hands. I hope you have a liability policy that can compare with the one BRP carries.

We all need to keep our "advice" to what we know and not speculate about what should be done or not. At least where safety is concerned.

 

[Tom in NM]

Agreed . . . . .

Based on information so far, BRP has or will set the specifics for the second update based on Vin numbers -- because it is reasonable to expect they know which Spyders need the change.

To advise and presume you know better than the designers and manufacturer is presumtuous in the extreme. You are taking others safety into your ?capable? hands. I hope you have a liability policy that can compare with the one BRP carries.

We all need to keep our "advice" to what we know and not speculate about what should be done or not. At least where safety is concerned.

. . . . but, Bill I think there was some confusion on one of the postings on the 2nd update and that it was only for certain VINs. That turned out to be for a "Recall" on specific models - the dealer thought that was what the owner was asking about, not the second software update.

The official BRP release on the Second Update (issued September 28th) is here:
http://spyder.brp.com/en-US/Share/Community/News-Detail.html?ArticleID=fb85b365-84b8-4256-9294-4d14e8a6b5ae

The part that addresses the 2nd update requirements states:
The quantity of vehicles affected by performance issues after the DPS recall has been very limited; however, there are reports of surging between 3000 and 4000 RPM when the vehicle is ridden at constant RPM in any gear. The solution for this includes an update to the ECM software as well as the installation of a new Evap canister vent hose. Please note that these updates are not necessary if you have not noticed changes in the performance of your roadster since the DPS safety recall was performed.

Basically, the first software update to correct the DPS issues is mandatory and BRP strongly urges owners to have it performed.
The second software update is for owners experiencing problems after the DPS update. It is optional.
The VIN list is for "recalls" where a group of Spyders is known or suspected of having an issue. I remember that there was one for some Spyders brake fluid canisters that were leaking.

Of course, everyone should read the whole release for themselves and contact their dealer if they have any questions.

Tom

 

[SSG Bean]

To add to the response from Tom: BRP initially claimed that the performance issues with the recall were caused by aftermarket performance parts. I'm not sure how precise the actual correlation was, but, my understanding, is that machines with mods, such as exhausts, filters, etc.. were recommended to get the 2nd update. I certainly could be wrong, because there was a fair amount of misinformation in the beginning.

 

[BajaRon]

To add to the response from Tom: BRP initially claimed that the performance issues with the recall were caused by aftermarket performance parts. I'm not sure how precise the actual correlation was, but, my understanding, is that machines with mods, such as exhausts, filters, etc.. were recommended to get the 2nd update. I certainly could be wrong, because there was a fair amount of misinformation in the beginning.

The information has definitley been all over the map but I do not believe your statement is correct. I believe this line of thinking evolved out of the initial statements from BRP that (as you said) problems with the 1st Update were caused by aftermarket additions.

Though I can't say that none of the 1st Update issues were aftermarket induced, it was found that many, if not most, of the problems ocurred on bone stock Spyders.

The fact that there is a 2nd Update is, in and of itself, an admission that the problem with the 1st Update was NOT aftermarked induced.

First, BRP is not in the business of supporting aftermarket changes to the Spyder with computer software updates. And second, there is no way a single software update could be configured to work with every aftermarket system installed on every Spyder.

The simple answer to these 2 Updates is;

Update #1 - Universally required as a safety update. No matter what the 1st update was designed to do, how it accomplishes the desired end, or even if the customer wants the update or not, BRP intended every Spyder made to receive this update. My opinion? Everyone should get this one.

Update #2 - Designed to fix the relatively few (according to BRP) issues caused in some Spyders by the 1st Update. If the 1st Update did not cause a problem for your Spyder then you do not need the 2nd Update. My opinion? If you need it, get it, if you don't, well, I guess I don't have an opinion about that.

And the 2nd Update is designed to address only the surging experienced below 4000 RPM. This is a purge valve timing issue (software caused) and the only issue addressed by the 2nd Update.

It won't fix squeeking brakes, low tire pressure or steering problems.

 

[bone crusher]

The second update is only for those with problems with the first...there are thousands of spyders out there that are just fine with the first update...

It's NOT correct to say to just get both cause it'd be cool, or for whatever reason...each update changes parameters of performance and safety...your bike NEEDS the first for the steering correction...if some of the ancillary corrections were outside the 'norm' for your bike, the second update should correct those.

I think the safest thing to do is to get the first update and see how your bike works...if it has problems, then get the second...if not, why fix what isn't broken...

 

[Trickie Dick]

Get it or not

After the recall fixdontknow, after about 750 miles I started to experience minor surging. At this time I also started to get the gas smell. This was back when it was warm and/or the spyder got hot. Well the weather has cooled off and the surging has gone away but not the gas smell. Every time I start it and warm it up to 2 bars, I get the odor within a block of riding.
No other issues. No steering problems, etc. I guess my question is, do I get the 2nd update done or not. :dontknow:

 

[BeRight]

I am about to purchase a 2009 SE Spyder with 4,000 miles on it. It has been very well taken care of by the original owner. He tells me it runs great and he has had no problems. He tells me however that he has never had any of the updates or warranty recalls taken care of. What do you think I should do as far as these issues are concerned? What recalls or updates do you think I must or should have. All opinions are valued.

Thank you,
Steve Bloom

This is what I did for my 2008 SM5:
1. Called to schedule safety recall and any other needed updates. Dealer asked for VIN number so that they could see what the BRP system showed that my Spyder needed.

2. Dealer called back next day and indicated that Safety Recall (1st update) and ECM (second update) needed to be performed. They ordered parts thru BRP for evap can hose extend (part of ECM update). Expected to get parts in 3 days - they did.

3. Dealer did both updates in about 45 minutes and off I rode failure free for about 500 miles.

You asked for my opinion/recommendation: it remains the same- get both updates if required. Your dealer will verify through BRP system what updates you need.

Is my Spyder safer to ride now than before - no one knows - parts fail, software fails, latent defects might remain in the hardware and software, glitches happen.

I personally ride more and worry less.

 

[sabunim5]

I had the 2nd update even though I had no problems after the first update. I wanted the longer evap. canister hose as I had the dreaded "gas smell" a few times and it was a mod I was going to do myself at my 12k service. BRP saved me the time and the money by doing it for me. I have had no issues and no gas smell since the second update,but I have less than 1k miles since the 2nd update.

 

[SSG Bean]

I just scheduled to have both the recall and the "engine optimization update" performed tomorrow afternoon at Reno's in south KC. I do see the point of just getting the recall and seeing how it works out before going forward with the update. However, I live a considerable distance from the dealer I trust, so I do not want to have to worry about having the adverse effects and being far from the dealer. I will kill two birds with one visit and hope for the best! So far, I've not had a single major issue with the spyder and I'm confident that this work will not change that.:thumbup:

 

[Tom in NM]

that works . . . .

I just scheduled to have both the recall and the "engine optimization update" performed tomorrow afternoon at Reno's in south KC. I do see the point of just getting the recall and seeing how it works out before going forward with the update. However, I live a considerable distance from the dealer I trust, so I do not want to have to worry about having the adverse effects and being far from the dealer. I will kill two birds with one visit and hope for the best! So far, I've not had a single major issue with the spyder and I'm confident that this work will not change that.:thumbup:

That sounds reasonable and is your personal choice. Given your situation, it is likely I would do the same thing.:thumbup:

Tom