Dr. Cowtown cured my shakes

[Y Rider]

From the first day I got my 2011 RT Limited last April I noticed that the control console would rock side to side slightly at speeds between 35 and 50 mph. It was barely noticeable but was there. After reading about Ride-On I decided to try it. After 20 miles or so all seemed to be okay. However, after about 1000 miles it started again and also the handle bars would develop a shake at around 45 mph. After about 3000 miles on the odometer the shakes started to get bad enough that I could see the front fenders shaking anywhere between 35 and 50 mph. I decided to take the wheels to a local tire shop and have them spin balanced. They washed out the Ride-On and balanced them the best they could. They told me that both were out of round and should be replaced. I re-mounted the wheels and it seemed to be much better but there was still a significant shake in the handle bars around 45 mph. The tread on the tires had even wear and the bike handles well on the highways so I know it's not an alignment issue. After about another 1000 miles the shakes were back with a vengence.

I called Cowtown USA in Cuba, MO and talked to Dan in the service department. They contacted BRP concerning my tire problem. Unfortunately since there were just over 5700 miles on the tires I was out of luck. BRP wasn't going to do anything for me even though this was a problem since day one. However, Dan offered me a great price for a set of new tires and they had them in stock. So I fired up the Spyder and headed south to Cowtown. When I arrived they immediately started on the job and about an hour later I was ready to head back with a new set of tires. WOW! What a huge difference. No fender or console shakes. Completely smooth from 0 to 70+ mph. I can now ride at 45 mph without getting the feeling my Spyder is possessed. The Spyder has never been smoother riding.

Although I am extremely happy with Cowtown and the great service I received I am disappointed in BRP for not standing by their product. I know tire warranties on cars are handled by the tire manufacturer but on a Spyder it should be different. Especially since you can only get the tires though BRP.

 

[WackyDan]

There have been several people who discovered out of round wheels on their Spyder. Shame.

 

[GloryRyders]

At least Cowtown helped you out:2thumbs:................way to go Dan!:clap:

 

[SteveMac]

At least Cowtown helped you out:2thumbs:................way to go Dan!:clap:

Ditto!

 

[1BLACKSPYDER]

Y Rider,
My LTD has had the same issue form day one also. Did you replace the wheels and tires or just the tires? Mine just turned 3000 miles don't know what help my dealer will be. Might have to make the 6hr drive to Cowtown for the fix?

 

[Y Rider]

Y Rider,
My LTD has had the same issue form day one also. Did you replace the wheels and tires or just the tires? Mine just turned 3000 miles don't know what help my dealer will be. Might have to make the 6hr drive to Cowtown for the fix?

The wheels were fine. I jacked up the front end enough so I could spin the wheels. I took a piece of wire and taped it to the side of the fender then bent it to where it was almost touching the top of the rim. I spun the wheel and it was perfect. Did the same for the inside of the wheel and it also looked good. Moved the wire to the front center of the fender and aligned the end of the wire with the center of the tire. There was almost an 1/8" change in height. The right side tire was almost as bad. The wheels were okay but out of round condition of the tires caused my left wheel to shimmy. The right side would also shimmy but not as bad. Changing the tires was all that was necessary. Too bad BRP wouldn't step up to the plate and at least give be some kind of pro-rated warranty. My Spyder is just a little over 4 months old. I hope I don't have to change out the tires again in another 5K miles.

 

[1BLACKSPYDER]

Thanks I'll check the run out next week and let you know :2thumbs:

 

[ThreeFeet]

Tires

I had only 6+++ miles on my RS SE5 and had to buy new tires. Was NOT a happy camper!! Figured out the wheel alignement was off FROM THE FACTORY.... Should have known this as I have had trailers with that problem just forgot tho. BRP wouldn't help me on mine either. Ruined a good set of tires. Sold the RS with the new tires still on it and it had 11525 ish. Sooo stuff happens I guess. The new tires should do well no that all else is squared away.:2thumbs: