Sticky steering

[Smylinacha]

I had both updates and then mine went.

 

[NancysToy]

I don't think I would worry about the second update. It is an engine performance update that corrects the changes they made in the steering recall update, that made some Spyders run poorly and smell of gasoline. If your VIN calls for it, and you have any surging or fuel smell after the steering recall, I would recommend the update. It is my belief that the recall alone exposed the issues that some people are now seeing as steering failures. I doubt that having also had the second update was more than a coincidence, since most people had both, There is no way to say which, if any, was associated with the steering problems, under those circumstances. I expect that if you are going to have the steering problem, you will have it just as readily after the recall alone. Just my 2¢, of course.

 

[SpyderWolf]

I don't think I would worry about the second update. It is an engine performance update that corrects the changes they made in the steering recall update, that made some Spyders run poorly and smell of gasoline. If your VIN calls for it, and you have any surging or fuel smell after the steering recall, I would recommend the update. It is my belief that the recall alone exposed the issues that some people are now seeing as steering failures. I doubt that having also had the second update was more than a coincidence, since most people had both, There is no way to say which, if any, was associated with the steering problems, under those circumstances. I expect that if you are going to have the steering problem, you will have it just as readily after the recall alone. Just my 2¢, of course.

:agree:

My Spyder started the surging issue after having the steering recall applied to it. The important thing to remember is that the first "update" was actually a recall and the dealerships are forced to do it once the Spyder is hooked up to BUDS. This is for safety reasons on all Spyders. The other updates have been for a range of VIN numbers, or if your Spyder has the symptoms of a known problem.

Hopefully the weather will be good enough for you to get it in to your dealer. When I first got my Spyder I rode it more in the rain that out of the rain for 2 months.

 

[jwhatman]

Okay, I did end up taking the spyder in for its service, rain and all. I did talk to the mechanic and he informed me that if he hooks it up to BUDS it will do the second update automatically. I declined. I explained to him about the third update coming soon, and he also agreed that the second update shouldn't be done yet. He does know about the steering. He said he worked on another spyder who had the second recall done. As he was checking the steering he noticed that they had it set jacked over to the left. The owner complained of the bike being hesitant in steering response, then it would just suddenly veer off in the direction he wanted to go without warning. The tech realigned the steering and set it to zero, then checked it again. The owner has not had a problem since. They do remember you Lamont, you left quite an impression on them. When I go for the third update the tech wants to check out the steering and he is going to check all the units for me to make sure no other issues.
These guys just always treat me right, even wiping down the seat and putting it under cover so I wouldn't get on a wet seat, even though it was still raining. So I will be waiting for the third update. I did get to finally sit on a RT, big plush and comfy, just like my recliner at home.

Thanks,
Joyce

 

[groundeffect]

Thanks for sharing the update.

I explained to him about the third update coming soon, and he also agreed that the second update shouldn't be done yet.

Can you elaborate a little on the third, update? What is this third update?


thank you

 

[SpyderWolf]

Okay, I did end up taking the spyder in for its service, rain and all. I did talk to the mechanic and he informed me that if he hooks it up to BUDS it will do the second update automatically. I declined. I explained to him about the third update coming soon, and he also agreed that the second update shouldn't be done yet. He does know about the steering. He said he worked on another spyder who had the second recall done. As he was checking the steering he noticed that they had it set jacked over to the left. The owner complained of the bike being hesitant in steering response, then it would just suddenly veer off in the direction he wanted to go without warning. The tech realigned the steering and set it to zero, then checked it again. The owner has not had a problem since. They do remember you Lamont, you left quite an impression on them. When I go for the third update the tech wants to check out the steering and he is going to check all the units for me to make sure no other issues.
These guys just always treat me right, even wiping down the seat and putting it under cover so I wouldn't get on a wet seat, even though it was still raining. So I will be waiting for the third update. I did get to finally sit on a RT, big plush and comfy, just like my recliner at home.

Thanks,
Joyce

Once again it sounds like a great service department and a very good mech as well. You can't beat that.

Thanks for sharing the update.
Can you elaborate a little on the third, update? What is this third update?
thank you

While many think BRP is not doing anything about these steering issues, some of us believe they are trying to figure out what the main cause is but it is not an easy fix. It is believed that they will be releasing a third update once they come up with a solid resolution.

I for one do not think they want to be like Toyota, and put a shim in place that does not truly fix the issue people are having.

 

[NancysToy]

While many think BRP is not doing anything about these steering issues, some of us believe they are trying to figure out what the main cause is but it is not an easy fix. It is believed that they will be releasing a third update once they come up with a solid resolution.

I for one do not think they want to be like Toyota, and put a shim in place that does not truly fix the issue people are having.

I doubt you will see another "update". Programming may have exposed the problems, but they seem to be hardware (or compatibility) related. IMO, it is going to take hard parts to fix them. I'm sure they would not want to put their eggs in that same basket again. At this point any third update is just a rumor.

If you have problems, get it fixed now! Maybe they will have to do it again later, but they cannot determine what the problems are unless they have the failed Spyders in hand. If everybody just waits, this thing will stall forever. Besides, do you really want to ride a Spyder with known issues?

 

[Tom in NM]

Now is the time.

I doubt you will see another "update". Programming may have exposed the problems, but they seem to be hardware (or compatibility) related. IMO, it is going to take hard parts to fix them. I'm sure they would not want to put their eggs in that same basket again. At this point any third update is just a rumor.

If you have problems, get it fixed now! Maybe they will have to do it again later, but they cannot determine what the problems are unless they have the failed Spyders in hand. If everybody just waits, this thing will stall forever. Besides, do you really want to ride a Spyder with known issues?

:agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: !


Joyce, I have had the steering issue. GET IT FIXED.

Putting the updates and repairs off over "things" you have heard - that may not even apply to your situation - is a very poor action plan. It sounds like you have a good service department and you like them - now is the time to put your faith in them and get this problem resolved.

Joyce, I have said my experiences with the steering problem were preferable to having a tire blow out. BUT, please, do not accept this as it is a minor inconvenience - if it happens on a slick road surface or on a highway S curve with lots of traffic, the results could result in a total loss of control.

I would not let a family member or friend ride with this known problem - period! The Spyder would be in the shop and I would be working with them to get the problem resolved - no matter how many steps/visits it might take. BRP and my service department did a fantastic job - since the "fix", my Spyder has been perfect and has never run better.

Please, do not put it off.

Tom

 

[jwhatman]

I appreciate all the replies. I want to thank Tom in NM for getting me to really think hard on getting the second update. I agree it is a safety issue. I will be calling the dealer on my next day off to set up an appointment to talk to the spyder tech and have him walk me through what the second update it actually updating and how it's done. They are really great on helping you understand what they are doing and why. I'll let you know when I go in again.
Joyce