Have Spyders improved much in last 3 years?

[nonseven]

I considered getting a Spyder back in 2010. Issues seen on this forum like fouled spark plugs after a few hundred miles scared me off and I went ahead and bought another Harley.


I have a very short commute to work on days when I might want to ride a Spyder (less than 1 mile) and I was concerned about the fouling plug issue. I read some posts that basically said the Spyders tend to foul plugs unless you really let the engine heat up, and you really don't want to do really short trips.

Is that true, or still true?

I suppose just riding it to work is not a deal breaker - it would just be nice.

As far as other service issues - have they improved reliability in the last few years?

 

[Bob Denman]

My opinion would be that they are much more reliable than they were a couple of years' ago...
In spite of recent reports of some 2013s having wheel alignment issues! pps:
For this year; they improved them in MANY ways:
new frame
improved battery location
revised front suspension
larger Brembo brakes up front
Probably lots more that I'm forgetting!

 

[BajaRon]

The fouled spark plug issue was a very slight problem. Mostly it was people riding their Spyder like it was a Harley. Try that with a crotch rocket and you'll get the same result.

Not that you need to ride a Spyder like a crotch rocket, but if you lug it along at 3,000 RPM then you're going to foul plugs.

The problem was solved by simply putting a hotter plug in the RT, and or riding it like it was designed. I don't think the RS experienced the issue at all.

Going 1 mile on any internal combustion engine is not good. They all need to be heated to operating temperature. But I don't suppose it would be any worse for a Spyder than anything else to be ridden such a short distance.

 

[MouthPiece]

I would think that a spyder would be much better for long distance than short. Let correct that statement. The spyder is much better for long distance than short. If you're considering the spyder for just a short trek, I think you're wasting your money. Get a Cushman or Lambretta. (if they still make those).

However, to answer your thread question. I think they have improved tremendously.

Chris

 

[daveinva]

Fouled plugs? Huh, I had no idea that was ever even a thing with the Spyder, look at how much I paid attention when I bought my 2010. pps:

Back before I bought mine the online research I did (here and at other forums) only really scared me with the DPS deal, but by the time I got my bike the recalls had already been done. Since I bought the RS I never had to suffer through the throttle body dealio, thank goodness.

I've only got 15,000 miles on the RS, but I have ridden it as far west as Wisconsin and as far north as NYC and I've had pretty much zero reliability issues. I hit limp mode precisely once by overcooking the DPS out in the mountains of West Virginia (yeeeeeehaw!!), but other than that, my bike was clearly NOT a Friday factory special. (Knock on wood!)

That said, I too have a short commute-- two miles, door-to-door-- and I never shift out of gear until I get to at least one bar on the bike, Spyder needs to warm up at least a little bit before it runs right, especially on colder days.

Likewise, I find that with my aftermarket mods (JB Pro, Yoshi exhaust, Kewlmetal intake) that if I don't warm up the bike before riding, there's just enough fuel in the pipe leftover from the last ride to give me a wake-up "pop!" backfire if I upshift into 2nd gear. Ride in first gear for a little bit to warm up, and I never get the pop.

Oh, and lastly, because it can never be said enough: as noted, the Spyder RS (at least the pre-2013 models) are high RPM bikes. It's not a Harley, there's no torque at the bottom of the curve, rev it high and listen to the music it makes! :thumbup:

 

[Tazzel]

I would think that a spyder would be much better for long distance than short. Let correct that statement. The spyder is much better for long distance than short. If you're considering the spyder for just a short trek, I think you're wasting your money. Get a Cushman or Lambretta. (if they still make those).

I disagree with your statemet, although I admit that the RT and now the ST are built more for comfort, sort of like riding a sofa on wheels and would be great or long trips. I purchased the RS SE5 because it was smaller, quicker, sportier and I do use it on my short comute to work and back (round trip uder 5miles). I have never had any problems.

 

[Trickie Dick]

Fouled plugs :dontknow:

 

[BikerDoc]

Good to rember that on forums u hear mainly from the 1% that have problems. A nd not the 99% that ride trouble free. I have 50000 miles between two Spyders and have yet to experience a single one of the problems mentioned here

 

[SpydermanCT]

I have a 2010 RTS SE5 with about 15K on it and I have never experienced issues with fouled plugs. With the exception of some very minor issues I have been trouble free and would jump on it at any time, and go any where. I have experienced an extended crank time if the engine is hot and I attempt to start it after a short stop, but it has never failed me. That is something that is characteristic of the 2010 RT.

 

[boborgera]

98 Percent of all Spyders made since 08 are still on the road today!

The other 2 Percent made it home! :roflblack::roflblack:

Just kidding, The only fouling i had was because of [08] the stock spark plug wires.
It seems like there are less reports of problems in the last year or so.:dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

Bobbo, I LIKE that... :thumbup:
It ain't funny; but I'm gonna steal it anyway!

 

[Rockwall]

How many people buy Harley's to ride one mile to work? Anyway, I have about a three mile commute each day and riding the Spyder is a treat somedays. The short ride leaves you wanting and usually leads to a long evening ride besides.:doorag:

 

[ARtraveler]

I believe that I have a pretty good perspective on your question about how the :spyder2:,s have improved over the years.

I have owned a 2008 GS SM5, a 2009 RS SE5, a 2010 RT-S premier edition, and finally a 2011 RT A & C.

I was a little afraid to buy a first year edition (2008) but I did it anyway and got the second one to arrive in Alaska. I put 23,500 miles on the 2008 and farkled it up so it looked like a gold wing. I had NO issues or problems with the bike in the year and a half I had it.

Bought the 2009 for the spouse and had one of the early semi auto transmissions. Also farkeled it up like a gold wing. Its still driving and has over 25,000 miles on it. No problems other than a replaced computer at 1500 miles. Dealer replaced and fixed that issue within two days.

Bought a premier edition #474, RT (2010) because I wanted a touring bike instead of sport bike. The RT-S came with everything, and I am still riding that one today. I have over 29,000 miles on it. I have had a few issues such as the DPS recall and a couple minor mechanical issues--but overall I give it an 8 out of 10. I plan to put about 15,000 additional miles on it this riding season.

Last summer I purchased a 2011 RT A & C (a carry over from the prior year). Akspyderlady put over 5000 miles on it between mid July and early October, when I parked it for the season. We have had no issues with this bike either.

I have no need for a 2012, so have not went there. I am still watching what is going to transpire with the 2013's and will wait and see what happens with many units sold, and many miles of results before jumping in.

I have never made short commutes, my daily commute to Anchorage and back was 40 miles round trip, and I pretty much ride the Spyder rain or shine from snow out--(ballpark Apr 1) to mid October when we get the first snow.

 

[nonseven]

How many people buy Harley's to ride one mile to work? Anyway, I have about a three mile commute each day and riding the Spyder is a treat somedays. The short ride leaves you wanting and usually leads to a long evening ride besides.:doorag:

Certainly I did not buy a Harley for the short trip to work. I've got it to ride and occasionally just want to take it to work. Like you say, if it's a nice day I usually wind up going for a longer ride too. I understand very short trips are not good for any gas engine - that's part of a reason I have a Chevy Volt (I haven't bought any gas since November of 2012). So the short commute is covered.

Sounds like most of you are very satisfied at the reliability of the Spyders. I'll be looking at them again.

 

[lyonsden]

Mine is a 2011 RT A-C and I've put 12,500 miles on it. Never been in the shop for anything other than everyday maintence. (knock on wood).

 

[jerpinoy]

houl

Good news from our spyder owners of their honest reliability answers. It should not be a problem if you are only one mile for work. My advice is to leave 1 hour early for work and just drive and drive till you get to work
this will prevent your spark plug to foul.:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Air Force PAO]

Spyder Reliability

Howdy.

I will be brief. I bought a 2010 RT-S in 2011 with 4,000 miles on it. My Spyder nows has 18,000 miles including a 3,000-mile round trip to the 2013 Rose Bowl Parade. No problems!

 

[denviola]

I live just over one mile from work as well. I rotate my vehicles so I'm not driving any one continuously to and from work. That will not keep the battery charged and is harmful to not completely warm up and lubricate components. If I have to run errands into town which is much further, I try to use the vehicle I drove to work that day. The Spyder is a different story. The one mile commute normally becomes 10-20 miles or more on the way home. No problem!

 

[ThreeWheels]

The fouled spark plug issue was a very slight problem. Mostly it was people riding their Spyder like it was a Harley. Try that with a crotch rocket and you'll get the same result.

Not that you need to ride a Spyder like a crotch rocket, but if you lug it along at 3,000 RPM then you're going to foul plugs.

The problem was solved by simply putting a hotter plug in the RT, and or riding it like it was designed. I don't think the RS experienced the issue at all.

Going 1 mile on any internal combustion engine is not good. They all need to be heated to operating temperature. But I don't suppose it would be any worse for a Spyder than anything else to be ridden such a short distance.

One Mile???????
I have a 28 mile commute and on a good day, I can stretch it out to at least 80 miles.............

 

[Chupaca]

Take the long way..!!

I would think that a spyder would be much better for long distance than short. Let correct that statement. The spyder is much better for long distance than short. If you're considering the spyder for just a short trek, I think you're wasting your money. Get a Cushman or Lambretta. (if they still make those).

However, to answer your thread question. I think they have improved tremendously.

Chris

:agree:Or you could take the long way to work like we all do. To much fun to ryde a mile...