• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

I would like to make a request,

Man, I agree with you!

I installed a butler cup, with suction mount on the inside of my windshield and while riding, some drops of coffee fell on my leg and burnt me! Couldn't BRP have designed an RT with an OEM coffee holder.

Why didn't BRP make coffee cooler so it wouldn't burn!

While they're at it, can't BRP achieve World Peace! :gaah:

Seriously man, you really want to go after a manufacturer for a State issued bracket? If you worry about things like that, you must be a nervous wreck!

Do you sue your neighbour because the fallen leaves from HIS trees blow over to YOUR lawn?

Do you sue the hardware store because the package you received didn't fit in the mailbox you bought?

Do you sue God for raining on your parade?

:roflblack:

V.
 
I have a plastic holder for mine that puts the sticker right below the plate. I have had no problem for 9k miles (knock on wood).
 
I don't have an inspection tag or anything else hanging down, but I have the same problem with my license plate cracking and even breaking off. I am on my third plate on this Spyder. I think Florida charges me $29 every time I have to replace a lost or damaged plate. There is a large crack on my current plate.

The problem results from extreme vibration and the fact that there are only two anchor bolt holes in the fender. The plate sort of flaps as it vibrates. Just follow another Spyder down the road for a while and you will understand the amount of vibration the fender is subjected to. I have also had the fender support brackets crack (first Spyder).

I have tried various solutions for this problem and I am still trying. In Florida the plate must be horizontal.
:agree:
I think so to that the excessive vibrations in the back fender are responsible: running the 4th plate and 3rd frame...starting with this year in FL to order a lost personalized tag=$70. :popcorn:
 
Man, I agree with you!

I installed a butler cup, with suction mount on the inside of my windshield and while riding, some drops of coffee fell on my leg and burnt me! Couldn't BRP have designed an RT with an OEM coffee holder.

Why didn't BRP make coffee cooler so it wouldn't burn!

While they're at it, can't BRP achieve World Peace! :gaah:

Seriously man, you really want to go after a manufacturer for a State issued bracket? If you worry about things like that, you must be a nervous wreck!

Do you sue your neighbour because the fallen leaves from HIS trees blow over to YOUR lawn?

Do you sue the hardware store because the package you received didn't fit in the mailbox you bought?

Do you sue God for raining on your parade?

:roflblack:

V.
No need to get so sarcastic and mean. There are others of us that have commented that our license plates have also broke. He is not just talking about the inspection bracket, he is talking about his actual plate breaking apart. I had not only my plate break due to excessive vibration but a bracket and both my rear fender arms. The fender arms were replaced under warranty. So, you see, this is a known issue, that there is excessive vibration in the rear of some spyders. I finally had to break down and purchase a metal plate holder to prevent losing and having to replace my license plate. Please take the time to read the posts and see all sides of the issue before you go flaming.
 
I don't think I was mean, and if I was, I'm sorry. I definitely was sarcastic.

The OP posted a picture of his plate with a monstrous chain-type looking chrome plate bracket. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that heavy metal bracket didn't help his case.

But really, does every manufacturer of every plated vehicle on the road cater to the specifics of each States/Country's licensing regulation? Other than giving you a front plate bracket, that's about it.

The fact that Texas requires this ugly and huge inspection sticker is not BRP's fault, nor should BRP be blamed for the State issued sticker bracket causing plate damage. That's just ridiculous, hence my sarcasm.

I would take it up with the Texas DMV instead. It's their plate and their sticker.

:lecturef_smilie:

V.
 
Well let's see....every state in the U.S. requires a license plate and people are starting to come out of the woodwork saying their plates are breaking without an inspection bracket. In fact there are very few nations in the world that don't require a license plate.

Sounds like someone needed to bring it up.


BRP provided a place to hang your plate, no? The plate fits? Aside from that, you're barking up the wrong tree.

People coming out of the woodwork? Where!?! :yikes: I looked around every wood trim, tree, rocking chair and wood pile around my neighbourhood and didn't see any broken plates! :dontknow:

Talk to the Texas DMV, their plate, their sticker.

Or, take Lamont's advice and relocate the darn sticker. This is definitely NOT BRP's problem.

--->insert sarcasm<---

:roflblack:

V.
 
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DSCF0117.jpg

DSCF0119.jpg
DSCF0120.jpg

Look at the picture above, you can SEE the sprocket wheel imprints on the plate! That's from the AFTERMARKET CHROME CHAIN PLATE BRACKET!

If the plate cracked, I bet that's why. Over-torqued and too tight.

:clap:

V.
 
I don't think I was mean, and if I was, I'm sorry. I definitely was sarcastic.

The OP posted a picture of his plate with a monstrous chain-type looking chrome plate bracket. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that heavy metal bracket didn't help his case.

But really, does every manufacturer of every plated vehicle on the road cater to the specifics of each States/Country's licensing regulation? Other than giving you a front plate bracket, that's about it.

The fact that Texas requires this ugly and huge inspection sticker is not BRP's fault, nor should BRP be blamed for the State issued sticker bracket causing plate damage. That's just ridiculous, hence my sarcasm.

I would take it up with the Texas DMV instead. It's their plate and their sticker.

:lecturef_smilie:

V.
Then I too apologize, the tone sounded a bit mean to me and I know it is hard to read proper tone on the internet. I do get the sarcasm. I also don't think he is blaming the inspection sticker completely on his plate breaking, that is why he posted this, looking for others that may have had the problem. Also, I disagree that his chain link frame is what caused the license to break, as you read these posts, you will see at least 4 others have had the same problem. I do believe it has something to do with the vibration of the spyder. I doubt it will be covered under warranty but it would be nice if they noticed and maybe considered on future spyders having a more secure plate placement, maybe 4 bolts or come with a frame, something like that.
 
Man, I agree with you!

I installed a butler cup, with suction mount on the inside of my windshield and while riding, some drops of coffee fell on my leg and burnt me! Couldn't BRP have designed an RT with an OEM coffee holder.

Why didn't BRP make coffee cooler so it wouldn't burn!

While they're at it, can't BRP achieve World Peace! :gaah:

Seriously man, you really want to go after a manufacturer for a State issued bracket? If you worry about things like that, you must be a nervous wreck!

Do you sue your neighbour because the fallen leaves from HIS trees blow over to YOUR lawn?

Do you sue the hardware store because the package you received didn't fit in the mailbox you bought?

Do you sue God for raining on your parade?

:roflblack:

V.

My fender side brackets are now cracked, but I know, that STILL isn't BRP's problem because it is being caused by a state issued bracket? That's $50 :cus: bucks a piece!!!!

Whatever dude! Talk :cus: when you have to start spending that kind of money every month because of a state issued bracket!!!!
 
Look at the picture above, you can SEE the sprocket wheel imprints on the plate! That's from the AFTERMARKET CHROME CHAIN PLATE BRACKET!

If the plate cracked, I bet that's why. Over-torqued and too tight.

:clap:

V.

UMMMM, NOPE! Those star washer marks are from a set up I was putting together in the garage and then decided wouldn't work. By that time the marks were already there. I then had aluminum bar stock backing that license plate with a flat washer on the license plate and a lock washer on top of the flat washer.

The frame put absolutely no marks on the license plate and was installed in response to the cracking of the license plate!!!! The frame has since cracked/broken....so I went back to the light weight aluminum bar stock and the license plate and inspection bracket quit flexing....Wednesday May 19 in fact and now on Friday May 21 my fender side braces are cracked.....STILL sound like over torquing?

And I have been doing this mechanic thing far too long to over torque the :cus: out of something....especially to the point of it causing cracks. The last time I did that I was 23 years ago when I was young and dumb and didn't know any better.
 
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Okay everyone, this thread is getting to be a bit toxic...

I think the problem in this case is likely not BRP's issue. If Texas requires something extra, then it's the owner's job to make it work. I do agree that dealing with the Texas DMV is the way to go. Recourse with BRP is not going to get anyone anywhere. I really don't think BRP cares that much about individual state laws regarding license plate extras. For that matter, the sticker can be placed on any type of material, provided it is visible...a lighter material can also be punched so as to allow air through it. As far as cracking and the like, people do so much to their bikes, who knows what causes these issues. If four people chime in, it's just four...that really isn't that many and who knows why these four had problems...each one could be for a different reason.

I think one of the vendors here (Matt, Magic, Henry) should come up with a more stable license bracket and light combo that can be simply switched out...who knows...

Until then, you're on your own...
 
Thanks to all for posting, though. I find it helpful to hear about these things since I run out to the garage and double check if my relevant parts are starting to show signs of stress/wear and can then take action to prevent it.

Besides meeting a lot of great people on this site, the sharing of relevant information is one of the best features of the forum. When I got back from my ride this week with the guys headed to CA, I realized my parking brake was no longer functional. All I had to do was run a search on that topic and not only had great descriptions on the "why's" and "how's" but also a video which is totally helpful. I've always relied on my husband to handle things like oil changes and brake adjustments but with the help I get on this forum I'm confident enough to try them on my own. It's comforting knowing that such information is just a click away and certainly cuts down on the 250 mile round trip to my dealer/servicer. So thanks to those who take the time to bring up what seems to some like even the most trivial of issues.
 
Some final thoughts.

First off, I realize I did not make myself clear with my initial post. I do not expect BRP to replace my license plate or my inspection tag bracket. To those that stated that was a DMV and personal issue, I agree.

However, I do expect BRP to take another look at the rear fender design as some people are having issues even with just the license plate back there, which as I have stated before is required by practically every nation in the world. And in the process, I as a consumer, expect them to take into account all state/province and federal/national laws that apply. (however naive that my seem to some)

I also found this thread educational.

In that I found out it seems to be quite naive and extremely silly of me to expect the factory mount points to allow me to meet all state and federal laws. And that it was silly of me to not know I needed to become an expert on said laws before I ever bought the bike so I would know to tell the dealer not to provide me with the inspection tag bracket (which, BTW, I have seen in one form or another on every motorcycle in the state that I have looked at) and just put the sticker on the bike somewhere.

I also am glad it was pointed out to me how bad a mechanic I am. So bad that the sport rack I installed 14k miles ago is still on, intact, not cracked, and functioning perfectly. So bad in fact that after I found out people were having issues with the latch pin on aforementioned sport rack coming loose and breaking ears off, I wouldn't think to inspect every so often. Which I have found loose twice and am now trying to figure out a different way to secure said latch pin. So bad that I figured out a way to install an oil separator between my crankcase and air box, yet still meet EPA regs. In fact sooooo bad, I can't even install a license plate without over torquing and cracking it.

And something I found interesting. During all this, I discovered that I could look back and see the edge of the fender while rolling down the highway. So on a particularly smooth stretch of highway, which would take the motion of the swing arm out of the picture for the most part, I looked back, and with just the inspection tag bracket and license plate on (no metal frame surround) and braced with only 1/8 inch thick aluminum bars, the fender was bouncing up and down over an inch. After I removed the tag bracket, yet still having the license plate braced with the same 1/8 inch thick aluminum, the fender was barely moving. Just the vibrations one would expect from the engine running and minor imperfections in the road. Seems to point to wind buffeting of the inspection tag bracket to me.

Now, because I actually reported something I naively felt was a problem to BRP, they are refusing to replace my fender side brackets under warranty as the damage was caused by a dealer supplied part which he provided to meet state laws. This is by no means a reflection on my dealer. As I have stated before, I have seen these inspection tag brackets on many a motorcycle at multiple dealerships. So he, evidently as naively as me, expected the factory supplied mount points to allow him to use that bracket to meet state law. And BTW, that tag bracket is very light weight aluminum....I don't think even plastic would be lighter....anyway plastic strong enough to hold together on a motorcycle. And definitely strong enough to hold together on this bike.

With that, I bid you adieu.
 
My plate cracked during our trip to Colorado this week, but I'm thinking it is a different cause. We rode thru some hellacious winds in Kansas and Colorado with no plate problems and halfway home with no problems. Then I checked the plate halfway home and it was bent straight out from the rear at a 90 degree angle and one corner of the plate was cracked at the bolt. To bend it to this extreme, I think the rear tire had to throw something up and hit it very hard.

I tied it down with the all important tie wire my smart wife packed (along with duct tape, electrical tape, screw drivers, etc.)

I took it in for the 12k service today and my dealer said he has not had any reports of this bending issue.

I don't think this would have happened if the the inspection sticker plate was not hanging out there to be hit. I will definitely move it when I get the bike back. Probably not to a "legal" location, but, if my new location is a problem, maybe my local lawmen can make a recommendation.
 
License Plate Cracking

I have the exact same set-up as shown in your pictures (except for the chain like frame) and about 10 days ago the same thing happened to me. I heard a metallic noise and looked in the mirror just in time to see my inspection sticker plate sliding down the road!! I turned around and picked it up and noticed that it had broken in two where the top two license plate bolts attach to the bracket. Also noticed that the license plate was now bent up and had about a two inch crack near the right bolt hole. I went home and drilled a hole in the bottom of the license plate and put a nylon bolt through it and then threw the inspection plate in the frunk. If the cops stop me I'll just open the frunk and show them the insp. sticker. Waaaaaaay too much vibration on the rear fender if you ask me. Just my opinion.
 
I cut the inspection sticker plate down and mounted it between the tail lights. When I removed the license plate, the top right corner of the inspection sticker plate fell to the ground. The license plate cracked and the inspection sticker plate was broken completely.

I also put a 3rd bolt in the license plate thru the metal plate behind the
fender between the K and the 5.

I don't think I will have any more problems with this.
 
Has there been any consensus on the best way or place to apply the state inspection stickers yet? This topic may be old, but my Spyder is new(ish)... the state inspector that inspected my 2012 Spyder RS last week was clueless where the sticker should go; I put it in a bag with the registration information in the frunk for now.

:dontknow:

Lotta ugliness in this thread guys, I would hope Spyder owners would have each other's backs a little more than this. :shocked:

- Michael
 
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