FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

[Gwolf]

This thread has active links to Can Am help videos and previous posts on the Spyderlovers Forum dealing with questions or problems which come up frequently. Click on a link and jump to your answer, or at least more information than you had before.

Click the spoiler buttons to open the subject. Click again to close the subject.

Spoiler: #1- Preemptive Strikes

★(1) The cable controlled latches on the seat & frunk. It is a recurring problem if you lock the keys in the frunk or need to get under the seat and the cables have stretched slightly, the ignition key will not open them. There is a whole other section dealing with how to get the seat to release or how to open the frunk when the key will not release the latching mechanism. There are certain things you can do before hand to make out of adjustment latch bolts, stretched cables and whatever else is preventing things that are supposed to open from doing it. If you go ahead before the problems occur and put emergency latch releases on them, The fix should not take more than an hour at most. Doing it now will be better than having to go through the problems of getting the stuck latch open, and then needing to fix it also. How to get a stuck latch to open is one of the most frequently asked questions on the forum.
★(2) The oil drain plugs.The same preemptive strike recommendation goes for them. The drain plugs are in a bad place to begin with. They are upside down and unless you have been turning wrenches for several decades, you will have to stop and think about which way loosens or tightens. Next problem is the plugs have tiny little Allen hex or Torx bits that go in the OEM plugs to turn them, The under side of the engine has a lot of plastic covers in the way, one of the plugs is on a slightly tilted alignment, the little Allen or Torx fittings in the plugs may be stuffed full or hard dried mud or hardened limerock dust so that the tools do not go in deep enough, and visibility under there is not good. The thing to do is before your very first oil change, order the after-market plug set with the large hex heads on them that a socket will fit on. Get the OEM plugs out and drop them in the coffee can where the other stuff you will never use again is stored.

Spoiler: #2-Motorcycle Laws and Licensing

★ Current Motorcycle Laws of All 50 States --LINK-- AMA Database
State by state laws of the USA that pertain to motorcycles provided and updated by the American Motorcyclist Association.
The AMA database is the most comprehensive and accurate place to find out about the motorcycle laws in every State. The website asks you to sign in, but you don't have to. All you have to do is, where you fill in the blanks on the main page, just put the State you are researching in the first blank space. All the State laws that apply to motorcycles will pop up for the State you selected just below where you are. It's easy to switch to a different State... put another State in the first blank space. You can filter for specific laws, but there's no need to do that unless you want to.
★ A general guide to the laws of Australia which pertain to motorcycles from the Australian Government Licencing Information Website.
-- LINK - Jump to website
★ Visitor & Tourist Guide to some of the laws and license requirements for Motorcycle Touring in Europe..- LINK - Jump to Website
As stated on the website, be sure to research further the specific laws of the countries you plan to visit.
★ Most other countries have specific laws and provisions for licencing of visitors and tourists. Research the specific countries you wish to visit . The American Embassy in those countries should be able to provide you up to date and accurate information.
★ Introduction and Information on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation - LINK - Go to MSF website

Spoiler: #3-Seat Latch Won't Release

Turn on the sound for your device in order to hear the video sound track.
★ (1) U-Tube Video - Putting emergency release cable on your seat latch-3.24 minutes-- Using Fishing leader

★ (2) U-Tube Video by Keith Johanson forum member how to put emergency release cables
on Frunk and/or Seat Release Latches- 9.36 minutes-- Using Bicycle brake cables

★ (3) U-Tube Video by Martin The Vlogger on removing Passenger Seat for Spyder RT 20+ - 3.04 minutes-- RT 20+ Pax Seat Removal

★ (4) U-Tube Video Spyder RSS seat removal and installation- 6.02 minutes-- Spyder RSS seat removal and installation

★ (5) U-Tube RT Seat Pin Adjustment- 4.54 minutes -- Adjusting RT seat lock pin

★ (6) Removing Seat when the key will not unlatch it. Spyderlovers Forum Thread link, with pictures of latch and many other links, during the entire removal of a seat when the key no longer unlocked it. -- Member Poasttown successfully removes a seat that is locked and key won't work.

★ (7) Another stuck seat that won't unlock thread -- Some useful suggestions on this thread

★ (8) More stuck seat threads -- https://www.spyderlovers.com/thread...a-key-any-hints-on-how-to-get-it-open.147576/

★ (9) And more stuck frunks and seats -- https://www.spyderlovers.com/threads/frunk-and-seat-wont-open.121204/

★ (10) U-Tube Video - Martin The Vlogger gets in a LOCKED FRUNK without any tools. -6.58 minutes.
Best method yet! LINK TO Video- How To Do It!

Spoiler: #4- Parts, Shop, & Repair Manuals

★ Official BRP Operator's Guide Manuals for Spyder and Ryker, all years, all models. These are for digital downloading in PDF format.
This is the standard Operator Manual, containing all the specifications, explanation of controls, meaning of dash symbols, starting/stopping procedure, trouble shooting guide, and all the other information that is in the Operator Manuals. If you bought used and did not receive the manual, or just want a digital copy for the smart phone, download the correct year and model for your Spyder or Ryker. If you are considering buying a new or used Spyder or Ryker download the manual for it and get all the most important information for the one you are considering.
Click to go to BRP Download Website
International in several languages, current through 2026 models, contains instructions for adjusting dash for MPH or KPH, setting clock, modes, controls, and other information the owner should know. Random Sample Screen Shot of the Owner Guide Index;

★ Official BRP Spyder and Ryker Shop & Repair Manuals Website with manuals listed for most models and years.
--- BRP Manuals This link opens the BRB Spyder & Ryker Manuals website in another tab if you have tabbed browser.

★ On line Parts Manuals for Spyders, Rykers, and many other brands of recreational vehicles. You will need to fill in the information requested, such as model, year, and on or off road. When you have submitted enough information the website will open with illustrations and exploded view of most of the parts categories of your model. the illustrations have identification numbers on them or on arrows pointing to smaller parts that will cross reference to the factory part number for that part. It is international and lists the Japanese, European, North American, etc parts separately.
Parts Manuals

Spoiler: #5- Pictures Too Large

Threads that have information and hints on posting your pictures:
★ (A) Attach files and post Thumbnails on new forum software
Attaching Files and posting thumbnails
★ (B) Trouble up-loading Pictures / Making pictures smaller
Making pictures smaller
★ (C) About re-sizing pictures
About re-sizing pictures
★ (D) Finish up the job...... Properly insert the thumbnail and finishing up by Peter Aawen - step by step. Only one post.
Go to the post on finishing up the job

(Continued Next Post)

 

[Gwolf]

Spoiler: #6-All About VIN Numbers

★(1) How to find the VIN Number
There is a section in your Can Am Vehicle Operators Manual showing where to find the VIN number. Look in index.
Nice Tutorial on finding the VIN number on 1330 Ace Spyders!
If you have tabbed browser, right click the link and open in a new tab.
No tabbed browser, just click the link..........
-- VIN Number Tutorial
★(2) The Can Am VIN Decoder - An on line Can Am Website where you can paste in the VIN number of any Can Am product, Including Spyders and Rykers. You submit the VIN number and the VIN decoder returns a lot of information on the build and history of that VIN.
Go To Website For More Info
★(3) 10th character in VIN # (USA and Canada Only)
The 10th digit of a Can-Am VIN indicates the vehicle's model year. This is the same standard used for all vehicles built since 1981.
Here is how the 10th-digit code corresponds to the model year:
1980–2000: The model year is represented by a letter from A to Y (skipping I, O, Q, U, and Z).
2001–2009: The model year is represented by a number from 1 to 9.
2010–present: The alphabet was restarted, so A represents 2010, B is 2011, and so on.
★(4) Can Am Safety Recall Vin Lookup. Find out if there are any safety recalls on you Can Am vehicles.
Safety Recall Checked By VIN

Spoiler: #7-Spyder Belt Adjustment

★(1) Belt Tension Measurement Conditions (June 2024)Subject- Belt tension measured with Spyder sitting on level surface or measured jacked up with rear running gear hanging from suspension. Continuing belt tension posts on Spiderlovers
★(2)Belt Tensioner or Vibration Damper (August 2022) Subject- To run a damper or no damper / upgrading & repairing dampers from Spiderlovers Post. No Damper / Best Damper
★(3) Measuring Belt Tension - U-Tube Video, Using a Krikit Gauge -Go TO Video
★(4) Correct Belt Tension (2018-2022) Subject Correct Belt Tension & Service Bulletins (really long post). Correct Belt Tension Post
One Newton = 0.224809 pounds of force So 775 Newtons is equal to (Multiply 775 times .224809) 174.226975 pounds of force - Basically 174 pounds. That is also Plus or Minus 150 Newtons according to my 2019 F3-S Spyder Service & Repair Manual. That works out to Plus or Minus about 34 pounds (0.224809 times 150 Newtons = 34 pounds). The belt could be adjusted to the manual specs anywhere between 140 and 208 pounds. Not very precise specifications there. Setting the belt at about 150 to 160 pounds would be within the manual spec, but would need to be tested to determine if there is vibrations and how much. This was a long and complicated mathematics nightmare and there are newton to pounds or pounds to newtons converters on the Web which will do it for you without an algebra test. There is no absolute correct answer and the belt adjustment specs may vary form one year and/or model to another. The correct answer is that it is a personal opinion and should be set to where it works best for you and your machine. If a dealership mechanic set the belt tension, the only way you will really know what it is will be to buy or borrow a Krikit and click it. There are no solid conclusions on the subject of belt tension, but it was important to try to gather as much information as possible into one place so that each Spyder owner could review it and form their own opinions.
Gates Belt Tension Measuring Device

★(5) Normal suspension compression on a Can-Am Spyder causes the final drive belt to tighten and then loosen as the suspension travels through its arc. This occurs because the rear swingarm's pivot point is separate from the output shaft, altering the distance between the drive and rear sprockets as the suspension moves.
How suspension travel affects belt tension

• Pivot point geometry: Unlike many motorcycles where the swingarm and drive sprocket share a pivot point, the Spyder's design means the distance between the drive pulley and the rear sprocket changes with suspension travel. The belt will be at its tightest when the two pulleys are at their maximum distance from each other.
• Design assumptions: Can-Am engineers set the initial belt tension to operate within a proper range during normal suspension movement, such as going over bumps. The suspension setting should be adjusted to compensate for additional weight (like a passenger) to maintain this intended operating range.
• Consequences of improper setup:
  • Low suspension: If the suspension is consistently too low for the load, the bike runs deeper into the suspension travel than intended. This can cause the belt to be constantly too tight, leading to issues.
  • Excessive tightness: An overly tight belt can cause premature wear on the belt and put excessive stress on the output shaft and rear wheel bearings, potentially leading to bearing failure.
  • Excessive looseness: While compression tightens the belt, if the static tension is too loose, the belt can experience excessive vibration, especially during acceleration and deceleration. This "belt slap" can be uncomfortable for the rider and cause extra wear.

Common adjustments and solutions

• Stock suspension adjustments: Some Can-Am Spyder models, like the RT, feature air-adjustable rear suspension to compensate for rider and passenger weight. For models without a self-leveling system, riders must manually adjust the rear shock's air pressure.
• Aftermarket tensioners: Aftermarket products, such as belt idlers and spring-loaded tensioners, are available to help maintain more consistent belt tension throughout the suspension's range of motion. These are designed to reduce belt vibration and prolong the life of drivetrain components, especially when riding under a heavier load.
• Vibration troubleshooting: When experiencing vibration, some riders experiment with adjusting the belt tension within the recommended specifications to find a "sweet spot" that minimizes the vibration at their normal cruising speed. An aftermarket belt tensioner is often the most effective solution for consistent belt flutter.

(Still Under Construction)

​

 

[Little Blue]

Sounds like a great idea. I hope you are able to make it happen. I will be watching this Thread.
Thanks for your time.

 

[Gwolf]

Sounds like a great idea. I hope you are able to make it happen. I will be watching this Thread.
Thanks for your time.

It is already happening. I have several pages of links to repair videos, Shop Manuals, and Parts Manuals under the spoiler tabs. The FAQ is active now. You can open the spoiler tabs and browse if you like. Just added an on line parts manual which has exploded diagrams of different parts groups for most models and years.

 

[Little Blue]

Okay I will check it out in more detail.
Thanks for your time.

 

[Gwolf]

Recently added to Manuals Section is the PDF Operator Manuals links for all Spyder & Ryker through 2026 model. Digital copies of the full manuals for download with all the information contained in the hard copies.

Don't bother sifting through the smoke and mirrors of the new models advertising websites. Download and read a manual for the one you are interested in to see if it is up to all the advertising hype.

 

[Gwolf]

New content just added that everybody needs to see. U-Tube Video by Martin The Vlogger shows you clearly, exactly how to open the frunk without using any tools. It only takes him a few minutes and the frunk is open.

It is (10) U-Tube Video under the Seat Latch Spoiler Tab.

Everybody should watch how he does it, because you can do this on the side of the road or in a motel parking lot, just anywhere quickly and easily. It will work if you lock the keys in the frunk. It will work if the cable is stretched or the pin is out of adjustment. I think the only time it would not work is if the unlocking cable was broken on the frunk end.

 

[Mikey]

I think you're doing a noble thing here. and good luck with it sincerely, but I hit your parts link and just for kicks tried to highlight a part and get a price and it didn't do much. I don't know if you had intended it to, but it didn't work well! Good luck I hope the higher ups work with you and make something good out of this post!!

 

[Gwolf]

I think you're doing a noble thing here. and good luck with it sincerely, but I hit your parts link and just for kicks tried to highlight a part and get a price and it didn't do much. I don't know if you had intended it to, but it didn't work well! Good luck I hope the higher ups work with you and make something good out of this post!!

It was working fine. I will check it again. I checked it. You have to put all the info in so it can find the right model and year. It won't give you a price. That is not what it is for. It is to find the exact part number you are looking for. They couldn't put a price on the web where they have a website with 15 or 20 thousand parts. They could never keep up with all the price changes. You get the exact part number and then you have to order the part through a dealer. There is nothing in the other manuals where you can find the part numbers.

I just got this from it.





If you needed the part number for the gasket or some other part, where else would you get it?

Something else it does too. If you took something apart and can't remember just how it was put together, the exploded illustrations would show you exactly where each part goes.

 

[Sptech09]

This thread has active links to Can Am help videos and previous posts on the Spyderlovers Forum dealing with questions or problems which come up frequently. Click on a link and jump to your answer, or at least more information than you had before.

Click the spoiler buttons to open the subject. Click again to close the subject.

Spoiler: #1- Preemptive Strikes

★(1) The cable controlled latches on the seat & frunk. It is a recurring problem if you lock the keys in the frunk or need to get under the seat and the cables have stretched slightly, the ignition key will not open them. There is a whole other section dealing with how to get the seat to release or how to open the frunk when the key will not release the latching mechanism. There are certain things you can do before hand to make out of adjustment latch bolts, stretched cables and whatever else is preventing things that are supposed to open from doing it. If you go ahead before the problems occur and put emergency latch releases on them, The fix should not take more than an hour at most. Doing it now will be better than having to go through the problems of getting the stuck latch open, and then needing to fix it also. How to get a stuck latch to open is one of the most frequently asked questions on the forum.
★(2) The oil drain plugs.The same preemptive strike recommendation goes for them. The drain plugs are in a bad place to begin with. They are upside down and unless you have been turning wrenches for several decades, you will have to stop and think about which way loosens or tightens. Next problem is the plugs have tiny little Allen hex or Torx bits that go in the OEM plugs to turn them, The under side of the engine has a lot of plastic covers in the way, one of the plugs is on a slightly tilted alignment, the little Allen or Torx fittings in the plugs may be stuffed full or hard dried mud or hardened limerock dust so that the tools do not go in deep enough, and visibility under there is not good. The thing to do is before your very first oil change, order the after-market plug set with the large hex heads on them that a socket will fit on. Get the OEM plugs out and drop them in the coffee can where the other stuff you will never use again is stored.

Spoiler: #2-Motorcycle Laws and Licensing

★ Current Motorcycle Laws of All 50 States --LINK-- AMA Database
State by state laws of the USA that pertain to motorcycles provided and updated by the American Motorcyclist Association.
The AMA database is the most comprehensive and accurate place to find out about the motorcycle laws in every State. The website asks you to sign in, but you don't have to. All you have to do is, where you fill in the blanks on the main page, just put the State you are researching in the first blank space. All the State laws that apply to motorcycles will pop up for the State you selected just below where you are. It's easy to switch to a different State... put another State in the first blank space. You can filter for specific laws, but there's no need to do that unless you want to.
★ A general guide to the laws of Australia which pertain to motorcycles from the Australian Government Licencing Information Website.
-- LINK - Jump to website
★ Visitor & Tourist Guide to some of the laws and license requirements for Motorcycle Touring in Europe..- LINK - Jump to Website
As stated on the website, be sure to research further the specific laws of the countries you plan to visit.
★ Most other countries have specific laws and provisions for licencing of visitors and tourists. Research the specific countries you wish to visit . The American Embassy in those countries should be able to provide you up to date and accurate information.
★ Introduction and Information on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation - LINK - Go to MSF website

Spoiler: #3-Seat Latch Won't Release

Turn on the sound for your device in order to hear the video sound track.
★ (1) U-Tube Video - Putting emergency release cable on your seat latch-3.24 minutes-- Using Fishing leader

★ (2) U-Tube Video by Keith Johanson forum member how to put emergency release cables
on Frunk and/or Seat Release Latches- 9.36 minutes-- Using Bicycle brake cables

★ (3) U-Tube Video by Martin The Vlogger on removing Passenger Seat for Spyder RT 20+ - 3.04 minutes-- RT 20+ Pax Seat Removal

★ (4) U-Tube Video Spyder RSS seat removal and installation- 6.02 minutes-- Spyder RSS seat removal and installation

★ (5) U-Tube RT Seat Pin Adjustment- 4.54 minutes -- Adjusting RT seat lock pin

★ (6) Removing Seat when the key will not unlatch it. Spyderlovers Forum Thread link, with pictures of latch and many other links, during the entire removal of a seat when the key no longer unlocked it. -- Member Poasttown successfully removes a seat that is locked and key won't work.

★ (7) Another stuck seat that won't unlock thread -- Some useful suggestions on this thread

★ (8) More stuck seat threads -- https://www.spyderlovers.com/thread...a-key-any-hints-on-how-to-get-it-open.147576/

★ (9) And more stuck frunks and seats -- https://www.spyderlovers.com/threads/frunk-and-seat-wont-open.121204/

★ (10) U-Tube Video - Martin The Vlogger gets in a LOCKED FRUNK without any tools. -6.58 minutes.
Best method yet! LINK TO Video- How To Do It!

Spoiler: #4- Parts, Shop, & Repair Manuals

★ Official BRP Operator's Guide Manuals for Spyder and Ryker, all years, all models. These are for digital downloading in PDF format.
This is the standard Operator Manual, containing all the specifications, explanation of controls, meaning of dash symbols, starting/stopping procedure, trouble shooting guide, and all the other information that is in the Operator Manuals. If you bought used and did not receive the manual, or just want a digital copy for the smart phone, download the correct year and model for your Spyder or Ryker. If you are considering buying a new or used Spyder or Ryker download the manual for it and get all the most important information for the one you are considering.
Click to go to BRP Download Website
International in several languages, current through 2026 models, contains instructions for adjusting dash for MPH or KPH, setting clock, modes, controls, and other information the owner should know. Random Sample Screen Shot of the Owner Guide Index;

★ Official BRP Spyder and Ryker Shop & Repair Manuals Website with manuals listed for most models and years.
--- BRP Manuals This link opens the BRB Spyder & Ryker Manuals website in another tab if you have tabbed browser.

★ On line Parts Manuals for Spyders, Rykers, and many other brands of recreational vehicles. You will need to fill in the information requested, such as model, year, and on or off road. When you have submitted enough information the website will open with illustrations and exploded view of most of the parts categories of your model. the illustrations have identification numbers on them or on arrows pointing to smaller parts that will cross reference to the factory part number for that part. It is international and lists the Japanese, European, North American, etc parts separately.
Parts Manuals

Spoiler: #5- Pictures Too Large

Threads that have information and hints on posting your pictures:
★ (A) Attach files and post Thumbnails on new forum software
Attaching Files and posting thumbnails
★ (B) Trouble up-loading Pictures / Making pictures smaller
Making pictures smaller
★ (C) About re-sizing pictures
About re-sizing pictures
★ (D) Finish up the job...... Properly insert the thumbnail and finishing up by Peter Aawen - step by step. Only one post.
Go to the post on finishing up the job

(Continued Next Post)

Exactly what I am looking for! Thank You

 

[Gwolf]

Exactly what I am looking for! Thank You

Parts manual is under tab #4. Hope you find the numbers you want.

 

[greer]

Excellent Gwolf, thank you!

Sarah