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What to do (steering revisited)

That would not be true if the DPS problem is mechanical. Someone posted recently that they still had the sticking issue with all electrical power to the DPS disabled/disconnected......Counting on the kill switch is NOT a viable solution......
:agree:
 
I guess I did not realize that some of the steering issues were mechanical. Granted, a mechanical steering problem would not be resolved by hitting the kill switch. On the plus side, a mechanical issue should be easily fixed by replacing the part.

The Spyder is not that hard to steer without PS unless you are going very slow. And if you're going very slow I can't imagine a steering issue of any kind would get you into too much trouble.

I rode mine for 7,600 miles with no PS assist at all. It's more of a convenience (much appreciated, I must say) than a necessity. Hitting the kill switch at speed isn't going to make the Spyder steer any differently untl you lose enough speed to where it makes little difference. Your adrenalin will more than make up for the added effort at low speed.
 
You should learn to always shut off the Spyder (or any motorcycle) with the kill switch. Then it becomes second nature. In an emergency (broken throttle return cable, blown clutch, fire, etc.) you may want it in a hurry.
:agree:it is the only way I shut down any of my rides :coffee:
 
I'm not trying to argue with you Ron, but........

The issue you had with no power assist is NOTHING like what others are experiencing with steering that locks or sticks. ......
You're right and I never claimed that my steering issues had anything to do with my recommendation to use the Kill Switch to resolve an emergency DPS problem caused by errant sensor input.

You're comparing apples to oranges...
Only if you mix and match my statements taking them out of context.

..Without having it happen to you, there is no way can can state what the steering might do at speed, once it is locked. ..
My remarks were directed exclusively towards using the kill switch in response to a non-mechanical steering issue at speed. I thought that was the subject of this thread. The possibility of a mechanical lock was introduced later and I acknowledged that I had not considered this in my remarks.
..Intentionally minimizing the possible outcomes is reckless.....
I'm not sure how you arrive at this conclusoin based on my remarks in context. If somehow I gave that impression I am sorry. If the steering problem is electrical, using the kill swicth should resolve it. At that point the only steering problem a rider is left with is manual steering mode. My point was this is easily managed.

If the steering is still locked after using the kill switch then it is a mechanical issue which I did not intend to address.

..If the locked steering is overcome by 'adrenaline',.....
Somehow there is a disconnect between what I wrote and what you are reading.

My statement about Adrenalin was in response to those saying the Spyder may become hard to steer in "Manual" mode. It had nothing to do with mechanically locked steering. I referenced my personal experience with manual vs. Power Assist steering having used the Kill Switch at speed. I said; "Your adrenalin will more than make up for the added (steering) effort at low speed". I don't see this being "Intentionally minimizing or reckless...". It is a simple statement of fact.

...it is easy to oversteer in the opposite direction(as many have reported), perhaps putting yourself in the opposite lane. At that point, having an engine that is still running might be beneficial to get out of the way of oncoming traffic,.....
All of this is in reference to a mechanical issue which I never gave any advice for.

I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I made no blanket statments intened to resolve all steering issues with the kill switch.

The kill switch is an electricial remedy ONLY and certainly not effective for a mechanical failure. I stated this very thing in my previous post.

My understanding was that at least most of the steering issues were electronic or sensor related causing the DPS to resist, rather than assist rider input. Some have even recommending pulling relays to kill their power assist. This too will only eliminate electronic steering issues, not mechanical ones.

I think everyone understands that killing power may create other hazards such as slowing in traffic, etc. I did not leave that out as an attempt to minimize the situation.
 
this problem looks is a turn off for me.

I guess they have complicated this vehicle too much.

Has this happened to anyone with tragic concecuenses?
 
this problem looks is a turn off for me.

I guess they have complicated this vehicle too much.

Has this happened to anyone with tragic concecuenses?

What type of Spyder were you looking at?

Before dropping the idea of getting a Spyder, you should be aware that most of the people who have had the problem are ryding the 2008 models. So far, from what I have been told by others on here, very few 2009 models are having the issue and the DPS part number for 2009 is different than the one for 2008. The new 2010 RT has a totally different steering set up on it, and so far there have not been any reported problems with these Spyders either.

As for the tragic consequences question, I believe there was a thread on here about someone who got in an accident; however, I do not remember if they were injured badly or not.
 
What type of Spyder were you looking at?

Before dropping the idea of getting a Spyder, you should be aware that most of the people who have had the problem are ryding the 2008 models. So far, from what I have been told by others on here, very few 2009 models are having the issue and the DPS part number for 2009 is different than the one for 2008. The new 2010 RT has a totally different steering set up on it, and so far there have not been any reported problems with these Spyders either.

As for the tragic consequences question, I believe there was a thread on here about someone who got in an accident; however, I do not remember if they were injured badly or not.

I would consider this serious where the rider was hurt badly:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8814&highlight=hospital

However, it's just like Lamonster said in another thread and that is BRP is very close to solving the steering issues. I received an e-mail from Carlo today, which re-enforced what Lamonster said. And, I feel much better that it was an e-mail; this way I have something in hand rather than a voice mail. I feel good enough to start spending money on mods again.
 
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I would consider this serious where the rider was hurt badly:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8814&highlight=hospital

However, it's just like Lamonster said in another thread and that is BRP is very close to solving the steering issues. I received an e-mail from Carlo today, which re-enforced what Lamonster said. And, I feel much better that it was an e-mail; this way I have something in hand rather than a voice mail. I feel good enough to start spending money on mods again.

Thnaks for posting the link wyliec, I joined the forum well after this incident had taken place and had not actually seen the thread myself before.

It is also good to hear that you received that email message from Carlo. Thanks for sharing that info! :thumbup:
 
My apologies for reading more into your post than you intended. With all the bickering occurring over this DPS issue, on several different threads, I suppose I responded to more than just the post I quoted.

It is an emotional issue and I don't blame anyone for being on edge about this. Any steering problem is very serious and should never be taken lighly. Especially one that can crop up without warning.

You could be right. If you felt I was minimizing the issue someone else may have gotten the same impression.

Though I have never experienced a dangerous steering problem there is no guarantee that I will not. I would like to see a permanante, definite solution as much as anyone. Since I can't offer that I was hoping to suggest one viable option that might save a rider in an emergency.

I hope no one goes away thinking their Kill Switch is a reliable solution for a Spyder showing any signs of a steering problem.

Argument is designed to win a battle. Discussion allows people to come to an understanding. Though it may appear otherwise, I am aiming for the latter.
 
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