Thermal event

[finless]

Can someone tell me why the picture in the middle does not appear to have been taken at the same location as the two on each side of it. Notice the line of electric poles in the left picture, and none in the middle one? Also, the roadway markings are the same in the two pictures showing the wet spot and what is left, but the center photo does not have any broken white lines as the other two have. The lanes and concrete dividers do not appear to be the same. I think maybe who ever posted these three pictures may have made a mistake and placed the one in the middle in error. I think it was a different event. (just saying)

Dude you kidding? Before you post an insinuation like that you better do a little more evaluation of the pictures. Even on my iPhone when you zoom in on the 2nd picture you can clearly see the same power poles and line running across the road as picture one!

Sheesh man.... Totally classless post!

Bob

 

[finless]

Can someone tell me why the picture in the middle does not appear to have been taken at the same location as the two on each side of it. Notice the line of electric poles in the left picture, and none in the middle one? Also, the roadway markings are the same in the two pictures showing the wet spot and what is left, but the center photo does not have any broken white lines as the other two have. The lanes and concrete dividers do not appear to be the same. I think maybe who ever posted these three pictures may have made a mistake and placed the one in the middle in error. I think it was a different event. (just saying)

Dude you kidding? Before you post an insinuation like that you better do a little more evaluation of the pictures. Even on my iPhone when you zoom in on the 2nd picture you can clearly see the same power poles and line running across the road as picture one!

Sheesh man.... Totally classless post!

Just say'in......

Bob

 

[effgjamis]

Ann, I am sure glad that you not physically injured... I also hope you will be able to overcome the mental anguish that this incident put you through.

God bless

Forrest

 

[wyliec]

Flash Gordon,

What's your theory on the grassy knoll (Dallas)?

SpyderAnn01,

Glad you are okay. Hope you're on another spyder soon.

 

[AbNormy]

thanks

it suits me alot better than charcoal black

Ann! So glad you're OK!

Norm from Austin

 

[BajaRon]

Thank you Steve for posting. I know that BRP keeps tabs on this forum, other forums and their customers. And I know why a corporation like BRP does not post much, or at all. But SpyderAnn is a very big supporter of our beloved Spyder and she rides more than most 10 other riders.

I know Ann isn't going to let this get her down and I applaud her for that. The Spyder is a fantastic ride when it is right, and we are all here to do what we can to make that happen.

This has all the markings of a happy ending for Ann and the rest of us as well. :thumbup:

 

[AWEInCA]

SpyderAnn, we're very sorry to hear about what happened and would like to reassure you that BRP is taking this event very seriously; we will of course be launching a full investigation effective immediately.
Furthermore, rest assured that regardless of the outcome, we'll do everything we can to make it right for you.

This post is awesome! It's nice to see there is someone on the other side of the two way mirror. :clap:

 

[tammieb]

Bike on fire put out by extinguisher

Im really sorry this happened to Ann. It SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. This is not the second 2013 RT to go up in flames. This is the third one I have read about. One happened over 6 months ago. It was not as badly burned because a fire extinguisher was close at hand.however all the Tupperware was melted, the seat burned to a crisp. The bike was a total loss. After numerous letters to BRP the owner finally received a call. BRP was not interested in investigating the intact carcass and the owner was told to take care of it with her insurance. After six months of frustration, the owner finally gave up trying to talk to BRP. Possibly, if BRP had inspected that bike, Ann would not be in the position she is now.

That was my 2010 RT that was put out with a fire extinguisher. It also caught on fire while I was riding it. The fuel cap recall came out immediately after. You are correct, BRP did absolutely NOTHING but tell me to take it up with my insurance. Unfortunately, the bike was not totaled by Foremost Insurance company. Instead they claimed it was worth $23,000, hence, not the 70% they needed to total it. Really, who is going to say a burned motorcycle is worth that amount? They just didn't want to total it. After approximately $11,000 in repairs and six months later, I picked it up still reeking of gasoline. My final receipt even states it smells of gas. Rather than take it home to my garage and risk my house burning down, I drove it directly to another dealership and dumped it for $15,000. Sad part is...someone may be riding that death trap at this very moment!!!!!! That weighs on my conscience. Being an ER nurse I see a lot of motorcycle accidents and burn victims. It scares me to think that bike was not sent to auction. I wrote a letter to the CEO at BRP pleading my case and was met with resistance. BRP would not budge from their "let your insurance handle it" answer. They didn't care about my safety. And, they certainly didn't care about a damaged and unrepairable bike being back on the road. So, in my opinion: they don't care about the present owner either. Hate to sound so bitter but these are the facts.

Glad Ann is okay and it is nice to see BRP respond. I hope BRP will make it right by giving her a brand new spyder. The NHTSA is an excellent resource. I was told to contact the Attorney General's office, BBB, etc. This was a nightmare for me. I put it in the crap happens folder of life and have moved on. But, I had to comment when you mentioned my bike. I have a 2013 RT now equipped with a fire extinguisher (in case I need it for me). I asked BRP for the difference in cost, not a new bike, and they wouldn't even do that. I thought this was a reasonable request. At any rate, I have said my peace. Just wanted to leave you with my side of the story.

I don't plan on being on here again because I am exhausted with this ordeal and don't want to relive it. But, if anyone needs my information to help their case, I can be reached at [email protected] I kept excellent records, research and other documents.

Thanks for reading,
Tammie

 

[AbNormy]

thanks for posting

That was my 2010 RT that was put out with a fire extinguisher. It also caught on fire while I was riding it. The fuel cap recall came out immediately after. You are correct, BRP did absolutely NOTHING but tell me to take it up with my insurance. Unfortunately, the bike was not totaled by Foremost Insurance company. Instead they claimed it was worth $23,000, hence, not the 70% they needed to total it. Really, who is going to say a burned motorcycle is worth that amount? They just didn't want to total it. After approximately $11,000 in repairs and six months later, I picked it up still reeking of gasoline. My final receipt even states it smells of gas. Rather than take it home to my garage and risk my house burning down, I drove it directly to another dealership and dumped it for $15,000. Sad part is...someone may be riding that death trap at this very moment!!!!!! That weighs on my conscience. Being an ER nurse I see a lot of motorcycle accidents and burn victims. It scares me to think that bike was not sent to auction. I wrote a letter to the CEO at BRP pleading my case and was met with resistance. BRP would not budge from their "let your insurance handle it" answer. They didn't care about my safety. And, they certainly didn't care about a damaged and unrepairable bike being back on the road. So, in my opinion: they don't care about the present owner either. Hate to sound so bitter but these are the facts.

Glad Ann is okay and it is nice to see BRP respond. I hope BRP will make it right by giving her a brand new spyder. The NHTSA is an excellent resource. I was told to contact the Attorney General's office, BBB, etc. This was a nightmare for me. I put it in the crap happens folder of life and have moved on. But, I had to comment when you mentioned my bike. I have a 2013 RT now equipped with a fire extinguisher (in case I need it for me). I asked BRP for the difference in cost, not a new bike, and they wouldn't even do that. I thought this was a reasonable request. At any rate, I have said my peace. Just wanted to leave you with my side of the story.

I don't plan on being on here again because I am exhausted with this ordeal and don't want to relive it. But, if anyone needs my information to help their case, I can be reached at [email protected] I kept excellent records, research and other documents.

Thanks for reading,
Tammie

Hi Tammie, did we ride with SARG or SAAME or NARG? recalled someone mentioning you but I hadn't placed the face. I rode with Spyder Anne and her significant other Joe, whose tools were in the bike when it burned in Maggie Valley N C in june. Nicer folks you'll never meet (except maybe here in Central TX!) Glad to see you posting about this hoping BRP gets the message. So sad what BRP has done to help you out. Deal with your insurance company? Seriously? so our premiums can subsidize their products? :banghead:
Every night when I pull in from work I park a box fan in front of mine and won't close the garage door till the bikes completely cool. this defect worries me. being disabled my choices for bikes I can throw a leg over and ride are limited and as pricey as these machines are I sure didn't expect to have to deal with something else. I've spent close to $500 trying to reduce the heat and while it's better I'm still not convinced it's safe.

I'm thinking twice about selling my 92 BMW R100 with sidecar I may need it someday! Please let us know if they ever do step up!

 

[spydercowboy]

Thank you Steve for posting. I know that BRP keeps tabs on this forum, other forums and their customers. And I know why a corporation like BRP does not post much, or at all. But SpyderAnn is a very big supporter of our beloved Spyder and she rides more than most 10 other riders.

I know Ann isn't going to let this get her down and I applaud her for that. The Spyder is a fantastic ride when it is right, and we are all here to do what we can to make that happen.

This has all the markings of a happy ending for Ann and the rest of us as well. :thumbup:

I know they do too and just hope they react fast enough to stop this Ford Pinto freight train.

 

[YIRYDE]

That was my 2010 RT that was put out with a fire extinguisher. It also caught on fire while I was riding it. The fuel cap recall came out immediately after. You are correct, BRP did absolutely NOTHING but tell me to take it up with my insurance. Unfortunately, the bike was not totaled by Foremost Insurance company. Instead they claimed it was worth $23,000, hence, not the 70% they needed to total it. Really, who is going to say a burned motorcycle is worth that amount? They just didn't want to total it. After approximately $11,000 in repairs and six months later, I picked it up still reeking of gasoline. My final receipt even states it smells of gas. Rather than take it home to my garage and risk my house burning down, I drove it directly to another dealership and dumped it for $15,000. Sad part is...someone may be riding that death trap at this very moment!!!!!! That weighs on my conscience. Being an ER nurse I see a lot of motorcycle accidents and burn victims. It scares me to think that bike was not sent to auction. I wrote a letter to the CEO at BRP pleading my case and was met with resistance. BRP would not budge from their "let your insurance handle it" answer. They didn't care about my safety. And, they certainly didn't care about a damaged and unrepairable bike being back on the road. So, in my opinion: they don't care about the present owner either. Hate to sound so bitter but these are the facts.

Glad Ann is okay and it is nice to see BRP respond. I hope BRP will make it right by giving her a brand new spyder. The NHTSA is an excellent resource. I was told to contact the Attorney General's office, BBB, etc. This was a nightmare for me. I put it in the crap happens folder of life and have moved on. But, I had to comment when you mentioned my bike. I have a 2013 RT now equipped with a fire extinguisher (in case I need it for me). I asked BRP for the difference in cost, not a new bike, and they wouldn't even do that. I thought this was a reasonable request. At any rate, I have said my peace. Just wanted to leave you with my side of the story.

I don't plan on being on here again because I am exhausted with this ordeal and don't want to relive it. But, if anyone needs my information to help their case, I can be reached at [email protected] I kept excellent records, research and other documents.

Thanks for reading,
Tammie

I hope that after this incident that BRP contacts the new owner of this Spyder and thoroughly check it or replace it since it still smelled like gas when Tammie sold it to the dealer.

 

[Mackingangsta]

Gas smell

SpyderAnn, we're very sorry to hear about what happened and would like to reassure you that BRP is taking this event very seriously; we will of course be launching a full investigation effective immediately.
Furthermore, rest assured that regardless of the outcome, we'll do everything we can to make it right for you.

I just took delivery of a 2013 rt and I to have a gas smell after riding awhile brp please get to the bottom of this I really enjoy my spyder but I love my health also.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

JUST SAYIN

Can someone tell me why the picture in the middle does not appear to have been taken at the same location as the two on each side of it. Notice the line of electric poles in the left picture, and none in the middle one? Also, the roadway markings are the same in the two pictures showing the wet spot and what is left, but the center photo does not have any broken white lines as the other two have. The lanes and concrete dividers do not appear to be the same. I think maybe who ever posted these three pictures may have made a mistake and placed the one in the middle in error. I think it was a different event. (just saying)

OK YOUR POST TICKS ME OFF...You probably believe in " The 911 Theory that the Twin Towers were blown up internally "...not by Aircraft ! ! ! ...I'm glad you are only a 4 poster .........keep it that way.......:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:...Mike

 

[captblack]

That was my 2010 RT that was put out with a fire extinguisher. It also caught on fire while I was riding it. The fuel cap recall came out immediately after. You are correct, BRP did absolutely NOTHING but tell me to take it up with my insurance. Unfortunately, the bike was not totaled by Foremost Insurance company. Instead they claimed it was worth $23,000, hence, not the 70% they needed to total it. Really, who is going to say a burned motorcycle is worth that amount? They just didn't want to total it. After approximately $11,000 in repairs and six months later, I picked it up still reeking of gasoline. My final receipt even states it smells of gas. Rather than take it home to my garage and risk my house burning down, I drove it directly to another dealership and dumped it for $15,000. Sad part is...someone may be riding that death trap at this very moment!!!!!! That weighs on my conscience. Being an ER nurse I see a lot of motorcycle accidents and burn victims. It scares me to think that bike was not sent to auction. I wrote a letter to the CEO at BRP pleading my case and was met with resistance. BRP would not budge from their "let your insurance handle it" answer. They didn't care about my safety. And, they certainly didn't care about a damaged and unrepairable bike being back on the road. So, in my opinion: they don't care about the present owner either. Hate to sound so bitter but these are the facts.

Glad Ann is okay and it is nice to see BRP respond. I hope BRP will make it right by giving her a brand new spyder. The NHTSA is an excellent resource. I was told to contact the Attorney General's office, BBB, etc. This was a nightmare for me. I put it in the crap happens folder of life and have moved on. But, I had to comment when you mentioned my bike. I have a 2013 RT now equipped with a fire extinguisher (in case I need it for me). I asked BRP for the difference in cost, not a new bike, and they wouldn't even do that. I thought this was a reasonable request. At any rate, I have said my peace. Just wanted to leave you with my side of the story.

I don't plan on being on here again because I am exhausted with this ordeal and don't want to relive it. But, if anyone needs my information to help their case, I can be reached at [email protected] I kept excellent records, research and other documents.

Thanks for reading,
Tammie

Tammie, I am sorry to hear about your issue and am very glad that you are physically ok. I do think, however, that Ann's situation is completely different than yours.

You had a 2010 and from what you wrote, your fire was sometime last year. I am sure you had a number of miles on it and had enjoyed it with no problems. I would think that BRP might have looked at the age of the machine for their response - not to duck the issue but to put it in the proper light. From their standpoint, your bike had been serviced or maybe even repaired in the past. Who knows if that might led to the problem. I am not, in any way, trying to minimize your case but I do think things are different now. I think the real problem was with your insurance company. They sure don't seem to have been on your side!

Ann has had problems from day one with her ride and made every effort to get things corrected. I don't know about her local dealer but I have read about each of her problems and they seemed to be troubleshooting the symptoms and not the cause of all of her problems. I do know that there are some dealers that don't seem to think 'outside the box' when it comes to problem solving so who knows. I am pretty sure that as BRP looks at her case they will probably find that there was a defect from the factory - hopefully they will not find a design problem - but I believe they will correct the problem. I will also be surprised if Ann doesn't ride off with a brand new Spyder in the near future.

I have known for quite a while that BRP monitors this forum and I have even found a couple of folks at my dealership, including the service manager, that looks in now and then.

I see you have a new Spyder and I hope you ride safe and truly enjoy the freedom it can give you.

 

[eagleeye299]

Can someone tell me why the picture in the middle does not appear to have been taken at the same location as the two on each side of it. Notice the line of electric poles in the left picture, and none in the middle one? Also, the roadway markings are the same in the two pictures showing the wet spot and what is left, but the center photo does not have any broken white lines as the other two have. The lanes and concrete dividers do not appear to be the same. I think maybe who ever posted these three pictures may have made a mistake and placed the one in the middle in error. I think it was a different event. (just saying)

The second photo is from the grassy knoll.

 

[Bob Denman]

You are awesome! I love your additude about this. In spite of it all, your humor is still with us. Your a class act, a real credit to the Syder family.:clap:

:agree: :2thumbs:

BRP has been on here a lot more than you know.

They do keep an ear to the ground; they stay in the background unless the circumstances require a more direct approach. :thumbup:


While we're at it; let's give Flash half a break here... (Notice the number of posts; he hasn't learned the dynamics yet.)

 

[Magdave]

Here is my grassy knoll theory. Anne's purge valve went bad possibly contaminating the evap canister. That was less than 2 weeks ago. IF the canister was checked then either the new valve was bad or one of the rubber hoses to/from the canister became dislodged and allowed gas fumes inside the Tupperware. Same if the canister was not checked possible gas in canister, hose was dislodged, or improperly installed and fumes again. Once ignited it was down hill from there. If these things are boiling gas ( they are) then we are all having a possibility of increased fuel system pressures causing the canister to overload. BRP needs to fix the boiling fuel tank issue IMHO that would be a good start. Obviously it would require a recall and some type of insulation between the engine and tank and possibly a better air circulation modification for the engine area. There have been enough reports about the boiling tank/stuck gas cap (from pressure I believe ) and fuel smell for BRP to get on the stick ASAP. I could be wrong but this seems the most likely scenario to me. Here is a little primer on the Evap in general from Autozone. Obviously the BRP system is not limiting all the fuel vapors it should. Does your car ever smell like gas after a long drive?

"EVAP Canister
The canister is filled with carbon pellets used to absorb and store fuel vapors. Fuel vapor is stored in the canister until the control module determines that the vapor can be consumed in the normal combustion process.
EVAP Control System
The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel tank vapors are allowed to move from the fuel tank, due to pressure in the tank, through the vapor pipe, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent line and EVAP vent solenoid to atmosphere.
The EVAP canister stores the fuel vapors until the engine is able to use them. At an appropriate time, the control module will command the EVAP purge solenoid ON, open, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the EVAP vent solenoid OFF, open, fresh air will be drawn through the solenoid and vent line to the EVAP canister. Fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling fuel vapors from the carbon.
The air/fuel vapor mixture continues through the EVAP purge pipe and EVAP purge solenoid into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The control module uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking.
The EVAP system consists of the following components:
EVAP Purge Solenoid
The EVAP purge solenoid controls the flow of vapors from the EVAP system to the intake manifold. This normally closed solenoid is pulse width modulated (PWM) by the control module to precisely control the flow of fuel vapor to the engine. The solenoid will also be opened during some portions of the EVAP testing, allowing engine vacuum to enter the EVAP system.
EVAP Service Port
The EVAP service port is located in the EVAP purge pipe between the EVAP purge solenoid and the EVAP canister. The service port is identified by a green colored cap.
EVAP Vent Solenoid
The EVAP vent solenoid controls fresh airflow into the EVAP canister. The solenoid is normally open. The control module will command the solenoid closed during some EVAP tests, allowing the system to be tested for leaks.
Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
The FTP sensor measures the difference between the pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank and outside air pressure. The control module provides a 5-volt reference and a ground to the FTP sensor. The FTP sensor provides a signal voltage back to the control module that can vary between 0.1-4.9 volts. As FTP increases, FTP sensor voltage decreases, high pressure = low voltage. As FTP decreases, FTP voltage increases, low pressure or vacuum = high voltage."

 

[Bob Denman]

Dave,
That's a good explanation of the systems that could have been invovled; but we still need an ignition source... :dontknow:

 

[NancysToy]

Jumping to conclusions about the cause/causes of this incident is fruitless. There could be many possible reasons, and even more complicating factors or components. The extent of the damage makes reconstructing the exact cause impossible. The initial location of the fire on the right side points to the evap system componenets, but it also points to fuel lines and electrical wiring. As Bob pointed out, three things are needed for fire...fuel, air, and an ignition source. The fuel/air mixture must also be within the flammable range...neither too high nor too low. Given the lack of direct evidence, the cause of this one will, sadly, never likely be known. There is no sense in pointing fingers at the systems or components...or the Spyder's bad habits. Hopefully BRP will use this as a catalyst to take a closer look at some of these systems and reported problems, but expecting a quick, firm answer or unwisely modifying a Spyder as a knee-jerk response, is not adviseable. All any of us can do for now is have sympathy for Ann, be thankful that she was not injured, and wonder what happened.

 

[Magdave]

Dave,
That's a good explanation of the systems that could have been invovled; but we still need an ignition source... :dontknow:

Engine/exhaust heat is enough to cause spontaneous combustion. Ever hear of gassy rags in a closed room combusting? The flashpoint of fuel vapor is pretty low and a hot exhaust will do it.


http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2003/ShaniChristopher.shtml