Who is BRP?

[daveinva]

Perhaps because I haven't had any problems with BRP, I don't have an opinion about them. I'm certain they're great people passionate about their work. I certainly love their Spyder!

Alas, the "rubber meets the road" in the dealer network, which has been demonstrably hit-or-miss since the beginning. But even there, I can't blame BRP all that much.

Think about it from the car owner's perspective: how many car dealers and service centers, irrespective of the major automaker brand they're associated with, try to rip off their customers, swindle them, even outright lie to them? Perhaps I'm too cynical, but in a cuthroat business, I would not be shocked if the simple majority of car dealers have their fair share of shady employees and practices. Certainly, my anecodotal experience has shown that.

Well, motorcycle & pleasurecraft dealers are not immune to the same pressures. For every great dealer, you've got your bad one. For every great salesperson, you find a sloppy one. For every awesome tech, you find one who slept through their class and just wants to earn their paycheck. It's human nature, whether we're talking Honda, Harley, or BRP.

Of course, that doesn't let BRP off the hook from "minding their store," as it were. And we owners have to hold their feet to the fire to always improve their product and service.

Most of all, BRP needs a *larger and deeper* dealer network, with more training *and* more local competition. But that will take time.

Okay, one more thing: IMPROVE THE PARTS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK PLEASE. That's important, guys. A month in the shop is unacceptable.

Bottom line: little else turns me off as fast on a forum than hyperbolic, one-size-fits-all statements about dealers and service. Yes, there are some dealers out there who are 100% rotten to the very core. Then there are dealers that simply have an off day, and you just pulled the short end of the stick. Sadly, it happens, and I for one can't always bring myself to "blame Canada" :joke:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

How many of you former Honda or Harley riders or car owners can say that you have met the head of their Customer Service Department or shaken hands with the companies Head Technical Service guy? Or talked to the company CEO about riding in the rain? I doubt any of you can but I have talked to each of these folks from BRP and I know that a lot of you have too.

Has there been issues with the Spyders well yes of course there has. The difference is that Harley and the others have been making motorcycles since Jesus was a baby and they have had many years to work out their dealer and product issues. The Spyder is still an infant give them some time to work out the kinks.

 

[docdoru]

The Spyder is still an infant give them some time to work out the kinks.

Are WE part of the infant education? opcorn:

 

[Heliplt]

That’s great about BRP, I wish they could transfer there enthusiasm, passion and customer service to the dealerships working on them. When the middle man (dealership)sucks it doesn’t do me any good since I don’t deal with BRP directly

 

[Dochands]

Joseph Armand Bombadier was a businessman from another generation and a French Canadian. Canadian's in my experience are very different folk from us. They are generally a bit kinder and gentler and still take pride in what they do. Plus his company was a family business from the beginning.

I say this only because my only concern with this fine toy, and its been proven now by experience, is the shoddy network of dealers that has represented it.

I am sure the folk at corporate are wonderful and courteous. No doubt at all. But its the dealer and service network that needs the attention and that is almost impossible to control until there are dedicated dealers like for Harley and other major bikes. I am sure I am not the only one who bought my Spyder from a Honda dealer.

And also I am not sure why we need to feel good about the company. If you go to the Jaguar factory or the Harley factory or the BMW factory you will find excited motivated people. And if they give you the grand tour and wine and dine you it's even more exciting. There is really no relationship between that and the quality and service of a product in the field.

What I want to see is the Fab Five begin to complain about service because they get the same service quality a lot of us do. :roflblack:

 

[boborgera]

How many of you former Honda or Harley riders or car owners can say that you have met the head of their Customer Service Department or shaken hands with the companies Head Technical Service guy? Or talked to the company CEO about riding in the rain? I doubt any of you can but I have talked to each of these folks from BRP and I know that a lot of you have too.

Has there been issues with the Spyders well yes of course there has. The difference is that Harley and the others have been making motorcycles since Jesus was a baby and they have had many years to work out their dealer and product issues. The Spyder is still an infant give them some time to work out the kinks.

:dontknow:
Wtih all the Honda's,Yamaha's,Suzuki's,Kawasaki's, I've owned over the years I never had a reason to shake hands, or talk to any of them.
That's like the only time i want to shake hands with my Doctor, Is if i had something wrong going on with me.

 

[boborgera]

.

What I want to see is the Fab Five begin to complain about service because they get the same service quality a lot of us do. :roflblack:

You know if any of the Fab Five + Has a problem, Even if they bring it in to be fixed with out telling the dealer who they are, [That will never happen] The VIN # will tell the dealer who they are, hyea:

 

[Badasz]

Thanks Ron for the thoughts about BRP. If it weren't for their passion we wouldn't be ryding Spyders. Thanks BRP for helping us enjoy our quest for fun. This machine has been a game changer for many people and many more to come.:firstplace:

:agree:The Spyder is an awesome machine with superstar status Im sure in time the bugs will be worked out with the help of BRP and the input and knowledge of the members of this forum

 

[JimAlpha]

Ron- I'm hijacking the thread....

Arthur- I own a 2009 Hyundai Genesis. First edition of a luxury car for Hyundai. Check GenesisOwners.com to validate what I'm about to say.... Since 2009 there have been SO MANY complaints about the car, dealers and Hundai. I dare say more than i've seen here about BRP. I've had my share of new edition issues and stupidity from Hundai. But it still got 2009 car of the year. And I still love my Genesis. My point is I'm seeing potential when you see 'close the doors because they're idiots'.

When I have an employee that s screws up and costs me money ( one guy cost me $100k). People ask if I'm going to fire the guy. Hell NO!! that's one less mistake he'll make in the future. I've just invested in that guy and I'm not going to trash that investment.

I'll say this.... I believe Ron and Lamont. I CHOOSE to believe them because I see that they are trying to help US, not by masking anything, but by offering suggestions and help to ALL of us, members and BRP alike.

I have no idea if Lamont has income from BRP. I don't care! BECAUSE I've met him and see his character and his heart. He also doesn't hold back his opinion, good or bad. I'm 100% positive that he has also given BRP more than one earful. And his motivation?.... To make the product better, make the dealer chain better, give ALL OF US better rides.
Phil Burks
Tyler Texas

Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

:agree:

 

[BajaRon]

To me is seems that you and Lamont receive some benefit from the BRP for the posts both of you make praising Spyders. I have been driving my own cars from when I was 16 years old and I am now 86. Not once did I ever find in one of my cars or the vehicles I would buy for our business the magnitude of problems that I have had or about those that are written to this page by other Spyder owners. I can't understand why so many anonymous messages with nickname signatures are allowed/printed like this one I am answering. I sign my complaints and thoughts. I'm not ashamed of them. If any known vehicle manufacturer received the percentage of complaints that Spyder owners have against the Spyder manufacturer, that are not corrected by the manufacturer, I'm sure that company would have to close down. And that's where the Can Am Spyder line is headed. Signed: Arthur S. Cohen, Ibsen 72, Mexico City, Mexico 11560

First of all, I am very sorry for the problems you've had with your Spyder and your dealer. Lamont and I talk about this kind of thing almost every time we get together.

I am not here to speak for Lamont, he can certainly do that. But I can tell you he is concerned with every Spyder owner who has experienced issues that don't get resolved in a timely manner. And so is BRP.

Lamont works tirelessly, in front of and behind the scenes to help whenever he can. He will never tell you that, and you don't have to believe me, but I know many of you understand this.

I understand the questioning of my motives on this one. I would probably do the same with someone I didn't know. Maybe I am too positive.... I don't think so but isn't that what a forum like this is for? Different opinions?

Would it be safe to say some are too negative?

Yet this is the right place to come with a complaint. I don't have a problem with that. Some complaints get ragged on so I suppose it's fair that I get some ragging for a positive post. I just thought we could use a little bit of genuine upside.

I don't really feel 'Anonymous' here but I realize that there are new people joining SpyderLovers every day and really, I'm just another poster in any case.

I don't know that giving you my home address will afford me any additional credibility. You can look at my Profile, but you're right, anyone can say anything and there really isn't any way to verify it, including people who say they are having problems with their Spyder, their dealer sucks, BRP sucks, etc.

You are right again when you say "seems that you and Lamont receive some benefit from the BRP". I consider the Spyder I ride (which I paid full price for) and the RS that Lamont paid full price for, to be benefits from BRP. But I understand that this is not what you are talking about.

One of the things BRP appreciates about Lamont is that he tells them what he thinks, not necessarily what they want to hear. That combined with the fact that Lamont has been right much more often than not has helped build the relationship.

BRP is smart enough and humble enough to realize that they are not always right, that comsumers are a valuable resource, and that making changes based on outside input is a healty way to run a business. Again, EXTREMELY Rare traits for a large company.

Though I consider myself extremely fortunate to have ridden, shaken hands and been able to spend some great, quality time with BRP personnel, this is not something exclusive to me. Many here have had the same incredible opportunity to rub shoulders with BRP people at every level all the way to the top. Try that with Honda, Harley, or any other manufacturer!

My words are my own as are my thoughts. I receive nothing from BRP for anything I do, here or otherwise, (though I'm not at all opposed to the idea... Hope BRP reads this line! ).

But seriously, BRP is extremely interested in correcting all of the issues that are discussed here. It won't happen fast enough for some of us, and truthfully, it won't happen fast enough for BRP either. The point is, it is happening.

Granted, if everyone had the issues that you describe I suppose BRP might stop producing the Spyder. But the company isn't going away any time soon. They make an astounding number and variation of products from watercraft to aircraft. If the Spyder failed (and believe me, it will not) I'm not sure how much it would impact BRP. But it would certainly impact all the thousands of extremely happy Spyder owners, don't you think?

Your experience is not nearly as widespread as it may seem here in a forum environment. And it is getting more rare every day. BRP is working very hard and many of us here on SpyderLovers are contributing to the solution every day.

I understand the complaining when problems arise, I have complained too! But to stop there is to miss out on the incredible experience that our Spyders offer.

If we continue to do our job at this end, and BRP continues to do their job at their end, we can all take credit for making the Spyder all it can be.

 

[Bill Las Vegas]

Next time you tak to a BRP rep

Next time either of you talks to a BRP rep, please suggest to them that they start installing a hand brake lever on the right handlebar--just like on two wheeled bikes.

 

[arntufun]

Thanks for your thoughts on BRP, I for one, am very happy with my dealer and BRP. Has my ryde been perfect, No. Got stranded with a bad solenoid last year, but it got fixed in a reasonable time, and life goes on. I can certainly understand that people have had problems with their spyders and that their are dealers out there that are far less than perfect, but some of the complaining seems to me to be over the top. If you have major mechanical issues and want to b--ch about BRP, that's cool, I get it, but someone the other day on this forum went on a two paragraph rant because their Spyder squeaked when he backed up! Good god, really, is it that big a deal? Squeaking? Get some ear plugs. I'm just saying that some people have legitimate complaints about bad service and product quality, but many have totally unrealistic expectations. I can tell you from a snowmobiling background, any new first run models are usually problem filled, but for some of us, that is half the fun.
Anyway, thanks BRP for this great imperfect three legged freak you call the spyder, I for one am a fan.:2thumbs:

Although I was not the original poster of what you mentioned above, you probably should watch this video below before you make a statement like you just did. I've heard this plenty of times on many different Spyders even the newer ones. Do you really think this is a unrealistic expectation to design somthing that wouldn't do this ???

And what I really don't get about your post is, your saying half the fun is having your machine back at the shop several times to get the bugs out of the first run models ??? :dontknow::dontknow: Don't take this the wrong way, but IMO I truely think you are the only one on the planet that would think it's fun to take your machine back to the shop for repairs.

 

[BajaRon]

Next time either of you talks to a BRP rep, please suggest to them that they start installing a hand brake lever on the right handlebar--just like on two wheeled bikes.

It has been suggested, requested, begged for and asked, but I don't think you're going to see it. I hope I'm wrong because I've been one of the requesters.

My feeling is there is more to it than just the hardware. My suspicion is the absence of a hand brake is one of the things that separates our Spyder from being a 'Motorcycle' and has something to do with DOT requirements. In other words, if here were a handbrake the Spyder would have to meet additional DOT requirements (maybe restrictions, maybe expensive, unnecessary changes?).

No one has ever confirmed this and I don't expect that we will know the real reason. Just my guess.

The other logical answer is (and the one you'll get from BRP) that you don't need it. Which is true in the purest sense. But also misses the point that it is very handy (use mine all the time) and helps to retain a persons 2 wheeled front brake skills.

But many riders have never had 2 wheels or a front brake and for them it would be a waste. And, of course, it would be an added expense.

I would like to see BRP offer the front brake as an option, at a reasonable price, of course, for the many of us who would like one.

 

[Mowerman]

Ron- I'm hijacking the thread....

Arthur- I own a 2009 Hyundai Genesis. First edition of a luxury car for Hyundai. Check GenesisOwners.com to validate what I'm about to say.... Since 2009 there have been SO MANY complaints about the car, dealers and Hundai. I dare say more than i've seen here about BRP. I've had my share of new edition issues and stupidity from Hundai. But it still got 2009 car of the year. And I still love my Genesis. My point is I'm seeing potential when you see 'close the doors because they're idiots'.

When I have an employee that s screws up and costs me money ( one guy cost me $100k). People ask if I'm going to fire the guy. Hell NO!! that's one less mistake he'll make in the future. I've just invested in that guy and I'm not going to trash that investment.

I'll say this.... I believe Ron and Lamont. I CHOOSE to believe them because I see that they are trying to help US, not by masking anything, but by offering suggestions and help to ALL of us, members and BRP alike.

I have no idea if Lamont has income from BRP. I don't care! BECAUSE I've met him and see his character and his heart. He also doesn't hold back his opinion, good or bad. I'm 100% positive that he has also given BRP more than one earful. And his motivation?.... To make the product better, make the dealer chain better, give ALL OF US better rides.
Phil Burks
Tyler Texas

Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

:agree: Couldn't of said it better.

 

[ARtraveler]

Interesting thread in reply to a previous one.

:agree: with most of what is being said by both sides--these are all mostly valid points.

I totally agree with the point that the important part is that the dealer is the main point between the customer and BRP.

There are a lot of dealers out there that do not service the Spyder well. This is a tech issue that BRP needs to solve.

There are customers out there who have legitimate and serious issues. Customers with problems or dealer issues should be able to get answers on a timely basis. BRP needs to look at this and solve it.

Customers should not have to take their Spyder in several times to get the same problem fixed.

Customers should not have to wait weeks and months to get issues solved. Here we get to ride 6 months out of the year if we are lucky--I don't want my Spyder being fixed for 3 of those months.

I am not going to criticize BajaRon or Lamont--they have done a lot for Spyderdom.

As I mentioned in a previous thread--Lets wait and see--what gets improved in customer service and how the dealer network works out for servicing these high tech vehicles.

IMO: A lot of us are throwing the ball back to BRP--they have a small window of opportunity to shine at this point. Right now--they have the monopoly on reverse trikes. They have an opportunity to totally capture the market by having a machine that excels, and a dealer service network--bar none.

Mention has been made about other reverse trikes by well known companies. I am guessing that a lot of people would jump on a first issue machine by other well known brands.

I love my current Spyder. I have only had small issues with it. I have a wonderful dealer that cares about customer service.

I have owned 3 Spyders with 60,000 miles total on the three, and have spent $80,000 plus on the vehicles and accessories (not even taking into account the money for servicing these machines since 2008). I did not purchase 2011 and will not purchase 2012. I am waiting to see how things work out.

 

[mxz600]

Although I was not the original poster of what you mentioned above, you probably should watch this video below before you make a statement like you just did. I've heard this plenty of times on many different Spyders even the newer ones. Do you really think this is a unrealistic expectation to design somthing that wouldn't do this ???

And what I really don't get about your post is your saying half the fun is having your machine back at the shop several times to get the bugs out of the first run models ??? :dontknow::dontknow: Don't take this the wrong way, but IMO I truely think you are the only one on the planet that would think it's fun to take your machine back to the shop for repairs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFdOKWd9bkM&feature=player_detailpage

That is what is known as a back up alarm. :joke:

Seriously though mine only does that when I push it backwards, not while I'm on it backing up. Odd.

Sometimes it will make a lesser noise while backing up and if I supply light brake pressure it stops.

 

[mxz600]

I don't really feel 'Anonymous' here but I realize that there are new people joining SpyderLovers every day and really, I'm just another poster in any case.

Your anonymous to me. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet. You were going to come to Michigan 2 years ago and meet up with us at Scotty's. Your avatar says "Always late but worth the wait" I'm still waiting. Maybe we'll hook up at the "3 Great Lakes in 3 Great Days". If not I will make Lamonts BBQ one of these years.

Granted, if everyone had the issues that you describe I suppose BRP might stop producing the Spyder. But the company isn't going away any time soon. They make an astounding number and variation of products from watercraft to aircraft. If the Spyder failed (and believe me, it will not) I'm not sure how much it would impact BRP.

Sorry Ron, technically BRP doesn't make aircraft. Bombardier made a split a few years back and BRP makes recreational products and Bombardier builds the planes and trains.

 

[Marker]

Lamont got in today from the BRP dealer’s show in Canada. Picked him up at the airport and he was really tired but he was fired up too.

Not much REALLY impresses Lamont, if you understand my meaning. Believe me, I know. I’ve been trying to impress him since the early 80’s! We won’t go there now.

Anyway, he was really excited about BRP, Can-Am and especially the Spyder. Not that he hasn’t been all along, but I’ve not seen him this fired up for awhile. He’s a pretty level operating kind of guy.

I’ve had some pretty close contact with BRP from the top down. Just because I hang with Lamont, not because of anything I do. And I wish every Spyder owner could meet and interact with BRP management, Tech’s, and customer service personnel like I have had the opportunity to do. This experience is why I have some understanding of why Lamont is so impressed.

We continually hear things like; “What is BRP doing, What are they thinking, Does BRP really care about the customer and their problems?”. Like BRP is this nebulous entity like the BORG or something. The truth is, BRP is an extremely dedicated, tightly knit group of people with a vision, a dream, a purpose, and they have joined together to implement their vision, to make the dream a reality.

Their imagination has become our steel and aluminum stallion which we ride on every road in America, Canada, Australia and who knows were. Their hard work and determination has become our vehicle for friendship, brotherhood and camaraderie with people all over the globe.

So, WHO IS BRP? The answer is, they are people just like you and I, committed personally and corporately to this machine we call the Spyder. They hurt when we hurt, they revel when we revel, they enjoy when we enjoy. And they love the Spyder that we love. They just aren’t in a position to bare their souls here on this forum as you and I are able to do.

When you spend time with BRP people you cannot miss their passion, and I mean genuine passion for their product. I can say, without a doubt, that I have found this in every BRP person I’ve ever spent any time with, whether it be riding with them, having a meal or just sitting and talking. And they ride this machine, a lot... Do you know how rare this is in a corporate structure?

I know nothing is perfect. I'm sure BRP personnel have their issues. But I am saying that we've got one of the best teams in the world backing us up. Though some things will fall through the cracks, they are trying, and I think they are trying very hard.

Get some rest Lamont, then tell us all about your trip to Canada.

Just my opinion..........I think that the reason many of us have a better experience that others is because we have a GREAT DEALER between us and BRP. Mine does a lot to keep me happy all the time!:2thumbs:

Thanks for your thoughts on BRP, I for one, am very happy with my dealer and BRP. Has my ryde been perfect, No. Got stranded with a bad solenoid last year, but it got fixed in a reasonable time, and life goes on. I can certainly understand that people have had problems with their spyders and that their are dealers out there that are far less than perfect, but some of the complaining seems to me to be over the top. If you have major mechanical issues and want to b--ch about BRP, that's cool, I get it, but someone the other day on this forum went on a two paragraph rant because their Spyder squeaked when he backed up! Good god, really, is it that big a deal? Squeaking? Get some ear plugs. I'm just saying that some people have legitimate complaints about bad service and product quality, but many have totally unrealistic expectations. I can tell you from a snowmobiling background, any new first run models are usually problem filled, but for some of us, that is half the fun.
Anyway, thanks BRP for this great imperfect three legged freak you call the spyder, I for one am a fan.:2thumbs:

Very well said Ron :thumbup:

I agree also that your dealer makes all the difference in the world . I cannot say enough how well my dealer looks after me. All of his techs are more than qualified to fix :f_spider: problems. Team Vincent Motorsports is a platinum designated full line BRP product dealership. The dealership is always busy with people buying things and picking up and dropping off their toys, to me thgis is a good sign :2thumbs:

 

[Phil]

I for one am HAPPY... no MORE THAN HAPPY to find a way to help BRP lick this dealer thing. I agree that the dealer chain needs to be improved. I KNOW that is in the works, because the owner of our local BRP dealership was in Montreal with the rest of the gang recently.

We saw this with the release of the Genesis. Prior to the Genesis the Hyundai dealers sold 'throw away cars' and did not have the high touch that comes with Lexus, BMW, etc. In the early days they had not been educated (enough) and many of us were treated like we owned just another throw away car. BAD form on their part. They realized this after many complaints and have taken lots of steps to fix the issue. Now that the EQUUIS is out... it's even more important!!

 

[BIKEMIKE]

I will make this short, I have been riding for more than 35 years have done all the work to all my machines ( bikes and cars ) I have done everything from tune ups to complete rebuilds. From all the reading I have done on this site I do beleive there are not enough service centers for the spyder.
I would love to go the there school and be a service tech where I live. why do you have to sell them to be able to service them for the company.
Just my thought.