2013 Can-Am Spyder RT Safety Recall - Elevated Temperature in Engine Compartment

[SpyderAnn01]

I think the root of the problem many of you have is your pissed because you drank the 2013' koolaide about how much better those machines were supposed to be vs. The older RT, paid a premium for your 2013 and then less than a year later the 1330 made its debut for the 14' and you feel you were shorted.
Now, you've pissed and moaned so much about it that anyone who does any research about a 2013 RT is scared to death of it.

Ive been around the v990 motor in a few past Aprilias for some time. I have a wrecked track rsv in my shed with more money in the motor than the bike is worth. The v990 is probably the main reason I chose to try a spyder. I've helped a few 13' owners (and others) properly tune their 13' machines. Lets just say i have a decent idea on what makes the v990 tick. I had a lot of the info here for awhile but deleted it all because it caused to much bickering. Most people felt brp should fix it and others would rather wrap everything up. Fine, whatever.
You can add that to my profile if it makes you happy......[emoji6]

Seriously? I wasn't unhappy with you until this comment. There are many reasons why someone purchases a Spyder but to make it seem like it is their fault that the 2013 RT are crap is just wrong. You would feel differently if you owned one.

 

[DrewNJ]

Seriously? I wasn't unhappy with you until this comment. There are many reasons why someone purchases a Spyder but to make it seem like it is their fault that the 2013 RT are crap is just wrong. You would feel differently if you owned one.

Sorry you feel that way Ann. Honestly, it is what it is. However, we all make poor decisions sometimes. Most times those poor decisions are unintentional, but are hard ones to digest once we realize we wouldn't have made that same choice again.
For some people its easier to admit and move on, Others are more stubborn and decide to dig their heels in the sand.
Yes, it was a "choice" to buy what they did. Is it right things turned out the way they did? No. But its the way life is dealt to us sometimes.....

Personally, life is to short, if I would have bought one of those problematic machines, I would have either made it right on my own dime, or dumped it and moved on. I've been there with other powersports/hobbies. My wife reminds me periodically...[emoji57]
For some its harder because its a big blow to our pride (especially the male pride/ego....again, been there [emoji38] ) and for others they paid a big premium when they purchased so they are SO upside down in it......easy to end up upside down with a big dollar RT.
Have a good evening Ann.

 

[jaherbst]

Seriously? I wasn't unhappy with you until this comment. There are many reasons why someone purchases a Spyder but to make it seem like it is their fault that the 2013 RT are crap is just wrong. You would feel differently if you owned one.

If anyone knows about the heat of a 2013 RT,.Ann does. Too bad those who never owned one or had money tied up in one try's to be the know it all expert on the subject.

Jack

 

[oldguyinTX]

TO EVERYONE

This thread is not about pissing matches between anyone, it was started by BRP to provide us, Spyder Owners, with information that is relevant to the Spyders that a lot of us own. All of you folks (no names) who are using this thread to rant and rave, make personal attacks, and generally denigrate anyone who doesn't agree with you need to take a break and take your vitriol somewhere else. There has been enough of it on this forum already. If you feel like you have to knock people down, do it somewhere else. Got my fire suit on, so if you want to blast me, be my guest. Or, put me on "ignore". Whatever floats your boat.

 

[vided]

What baffles me is that not all of the '13 ST's and RT's have a serious heat issue. Case in point; I own a '13 ST-S and have never had boiling gas, gas fumes, or gas dripping from the canister. I did have some moderate heat issues with Tupperware being quite warm but not hot. This was solved by wrapping the pipes and using reflective heat tape on the inside of my panels. I also have a friend that owns a '13 RT LTD and he says he has had zero heat issues. He lives north of Atlanta and it easily gets into the 90's in the summer.

The only things in common with other 2013 ST and RT owners is the frames are the same and I assume they were all assembled at the same factory. Very perplexing!!!:dontknow:

:agree: so far i've had no fumes or burnt legs. every once in awhile i get a quick blast of heat on my right foot.

 

[jcthorne]

Can we PLEASE keep this thread to the subject. 2013 Spyder RT heat issues.

Not other model years, not ST.


Next, there is no baffling quandary over why some 2013 RTs dont have heat issues.

THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME DESIGN DEFECT
as stated by BRP and soon by NHTSA.

Yes, some owners do not perceive the issue, neither did the owners who's bikes burned to the ground. Its a design defect and applies to ALL 2013 RT models. (likely others too but not for discussion in this thread).

 

[jaherbst]

Can we PLEASE keep this thread to the subject. 2013 Spyder RT heat issues.

Not other model years, not ST.


Next, there is no baffling quandary over why some 2013 RTs dont have heat issues.

THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME DESIGN DEFECT
as stated by BRP and soon by NHTSA.

Yes, some owners do not perceive the issue, neither did the owners who's bikes burned to the ground. Its a design defect and applies to ALL 2013 RT models. (likely others too but not for discussion in this thread).

Amen! You said it correctly. There are heat/fume problems with other models and previous years but this thread is about the 2013 RT's. Please read the first post from BRP on this thread. Throwing in all the other years, models and problems or non problems only confuses the main issue.

 

[garb55]

And you wounder why

BRP does not post on this site very often
Could it be because every time the start a thread to give some info or inform everyone what is happening it becomes a crying thread for all the babies on this site
Go ahead and get mad at me because I know some of you will
Every complaint that is not even related to the topic of the thread is posted here
If some of you would grow up and be more constructive instead of crying we might have more help from BRP
Its ok to point out problems you are having and ask for help
But some people think that bad mouthing everything is the way to get what they want
In reality it usually works just the opposite

I do not have a 2013 so I can not comment on the heat problem
I had a 2008 GS [some heat but it is a motorcycle]
Now have a 2014 RT [still very slight heat in stop and go again its a motorcycle]


Thank Steve for the info and please ignore the negative posts
Don

 

[finless]

The problem is this is not just a 2013 issue. While they are the worst, the issues with boiling gas and fumes are related to all RT's.
BRP is just doing the minimum to fix the 13's when in fact they should have a fix for all of them.
In fact from 2010 on, more non-13's burned up that 13's if you count up all the fires.

Remember what caused this investigation? Not just a 2013 burned up last year but also a Cop's Spyder which was not a 2013. That burn up got the attention of the NHTSA.

So tell me I am crying and whining but it's a fact.

Bob

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

it really baffles me why some bikes have major heat issues and some don't. my main question is will the bikes that are fine soon become a bike with a problem.

Baffling question, to say the least. Does anyone know of any objective evidence that shows how the heat problem varies from one 2013 RT to the next? There's no question there is a heat problem, but is one major factor individuals' tolerance levels or not? I have had very little heat problem with my 2013 RT, other than the hot foot issue. I fixed that with a block off and cutting a big hole in the plastic behind the fan, which strictly speaking, I really should not have had to do. When I installed Jim's bump skid plate, right after I started riding the bike, his instructions included a comment about removing the underneath splash guards to enhance air flow. That is probably one reason why I've never had an unbearable heat problem, but here again, strictly speaking, I should not have had to do that.

I have had very little gas smell problem after coming in from a ride, but there has been some. A good share of my summer riding is in 90°+ temps. Only one time that I can think of did I notice a real gas smell problem. I stopped to take some pictures and left the bike running. After about 5 or 10 minutes I could smell the fumes all the way across the two lane highway. I don't remember if I listened to hear if the gas was boiling.

I had the cat delete done when I was at Lamonster's BBQ last fall but mostly to see if it would increase mileage. Since it was late in the year and weather was cooling I can't say how much, if any, it helped with the heat issue.

As far as a fix, I would be happy to fork over a few grand, like maybe $2k or $3k or so, and have BRP change out the engine and tranny for the 1330 engine. The local tech said it's probably doable but there would be quite a few changes needed. The ECM, of course is different, and he said the VSS is different. Some of that maybe could be done with new firmware, but maybe not. I think there are some other differences but I don't know what they are.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Baffling question, to say the least. Does anyone know of any objective evidence that shows how the heat problem varies from one 2013 RT to the next? There's no question there is a heat problem, but is one major factor individuals' tolerance levels or not? I have had very little heat problem with my 2013 RT, other than the hot foot issue. I fixed that with a block off and cutting a big hole in the plastic behind the fan, which strictly speaking, I really should not have had to do. When I installed Jim's bump skid plate, right after I started riding the bike, his instructions included a comment about removing the underneath splash guards to enhance air flow. That is probably one reason why I've never had an unbearable heat problem, but here again, strictly speaking, I should not have had to do that.

I have had very little gas smell problem after coming in from a ride, but there has been some. A good share of my summer riding is in 90°+ temps. Only one time that I can think of did I notice a real gas smell problem. I stopped to take some pictures and left the bike running. After about 5 or 10 minutes I could smell the fumes all the way across the two lane highway. I don't remember if I listened to hear if the gas was boiling.

I had the cat delete done when I was at Lamonster's BBQ last fall but mostly to see if it would increase mileage. Since it was late in the year and weather was cooling I can't say how much, if any, it helped with the heat issue.

As far as a fix, I would be happy to fork over a few grand, like maybe $2k or $3k or so, and have BRP change out the engine and tranny for the 1330 engine. The local tech said it's probably doable but there would be quite a few changes needed. The ECM, of course is different, and he said the VSS is different. Some of that maybe could be done with new firmware, but maybe not. I think there are some other differences but I don't know what they are.

Mac, I didn't find my 2013 RT to be unbearably hot. It did have bad gas smell, probably due to the evap canister being full of fuel. Which was why it went up in flames.

 

[jaherbst]

With 152 posts it appears this has become a "HOT TOPIC". (pun intended)

A lot of very concerned riders here as it should be. My hopes for all of you is a good outcome for everyone involved. I miss my Vivid Red 13 but certainly not the Gas fumes and heat. Even though I traded for a 14 I am with all of you till a satisfactory out come is reached. 75 in April and I did not feel I had 5-10 years left to see a good resolution to this very serious problem.

Jack

 

[HIspyder]

I'm so glad I bought in last year, and I do feel for those who are experiencing these heat and gas fume issues.

Reminds me of my days as a Nissan Tech and the 87 - 88 Nissan Van.

What happens when you build a vehicle around an engine with no way for the hot air to escape? Recall after recall, the final one taking 13 hours to complete and inspection required by an indipendant inspector after the recall was completed. After that didn't work, Nissan offered to buy them all back. We drained all the fluids, removed the batteries, wheels and off they went to the bone yard on a flat bed. What a nightmare. :banghead:

 

[spacetiger]

"What happens when you build a vehicle around an engine with no way for the hot air to escape?

I like this phrase, it is apropos

Jerry

 

[STELLING MAN]

2013 RTS-SE5

I've got a Viper Red 2013 :f_spider: I havn't had any gas smell but I do get a lot of heat so I will just hang on and let this play out and see what happenes..

 

[BRPcare]

Update: recall posted on NHTSA website

Hi everyone,

The recall has now been posted on the NHTSA website for owners of 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT vehicles in the United States. I've updated the original post; pasted below you'll find a copy of the letter being sent out to consumers.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INTERIM NOTICE

Re: Can-Am® Spyder® Roadster RTTM 2013 – Elevated Temperature in Engine Compartment

Dear Can-Am Spyder RT 2013 Owner,

This interim notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic Motor Vehicle and Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Acts. BRP has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on certain Can-Am roadster models. Our records show that you own a potentially affected vehicle.

What is the potential problem?
Under very hot ambient conditions and low speed riding, the temperature in the engine compartment may rise and thereby increase the risk of a skin burn or a vehicle fire.

Which models are involved?
Can-Am Spyder RT roadster, model year 2013.

What BRP will do?
BRP intends to repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). However, the parts required to provide a remedy to this condition are not currently available and will become available starting in May 2015. Nevertheless, we wanted to contact you as quickly as possible to inform you of this safety recall. BRP will contact you with another letter when the remedy is available in your area, instructing you to make an appointment with your BRP Can-Am Roadster dealer. Please understand that we will prioritize the hottest areas of the countries as parts become available.

What should you do until your vehicle is repaired?
You can keep using your vehicle while taking the following precautions in hot riding conditions (ambient temperature of approximately 30 C/85 F and more):

• Avoid idling or slow traffic riding for a long period of time.
• Avoid parking in an enclosed area immediately after your ride, let your vehicle cool down first
• Avoid prolonged direct contact with body panels; wear appropriate riding gear as stated in the Operator’s Guide.

What to do if you feel this notice is an error?
This notice was mailed to you according to the most current information we have available. If you no longer own this vehicle or some information in this notice is incorrect, please contact BRP at your
earliest convenience.

For US residents only
If you believe that BRP has failed or is unable to remedy the defect within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the toll free Auto Safety Hot Line at 1- 888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. If you are a vehicle lessor, federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

Your continued satisfaction with your roadster is important to us. We have taken this action in the interest of your safety and your vehicle's proper operation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and appreciate your patience while we prepare the remedy for this condition. If you have questions or need assistance:

• Visit www.can-am.brp.com
• Or call: 1-888-272-9222, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time Monday to Friday

Sincerely,
After-Sales Service Department

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can post them in this thread and I'll do my best to address them. Thanks again.

 

[KennW]

BRPCare. You've stated that all's those affected will receive "written" notification by the end of February. Almost at the end of February now and to date haven't received any notification from BRP. My question Sir is does this written advice by BRP apply for 2013 RT Owners in USA and Canada or the owners of "all" 2013 RT Models world wide ?? Living in Australia where we constantly experience high ambient temperatures the heat I've experienced on numerous occasions is so bad that I'm simply unwilling to ride my RT on many, many occasions as I'm affray of it catching fire or my legs getting cooked. I always wear correct protective clothing but there has been several occasions where I've had extremely uncomfortable heat rash to my upper, inner thighs and right leg and foot. I find this so extremely disappointing after making such a major financial investment in a big boys toy. Having to limit my riding to days where the temperature of the day is not to hot ride my RT. Touring (which was the main reason for purchasing my RT) is completely out of the question due to these heat issues, just not prepared to travel to far from home. Thankfully BRP has finally admitted that there is not only an overheating issue but also a very real chance of the machine catching fire. SORRY have digressed. BRP are have now stated their intentions re looking after owners of 2013 RT's in Canada and the USA but what of those of us in Australia and come to think of it the rest of the world ?? Can we expect similar written notification from BRP in the same time frame as those in USA and Canada and then again in May (I believe was the date of the expected fix to be available) a further notification in writting when we can expect our 2013 RT's to have the fix fitted ?? Sincerely, Kenn Wightwick. (from sunny and quite often very hot Queensland, Australia)

Regards from Sunny Queensland, Australia

 

[BRPcare]

Can we expect similar written notification from BRP in the same time frame as those in USA and Canada and then again in May (I believe was the date of the expected fix to be available) a further notification in writting when we can expect our 2013 RT's to have the fix fitted ?? Sincerely, Kenn Wightwick. (from sunny and quite often very hot Queensland, Australia)

Regards from Sunny Queensland, Australia

Hi KennW,

Thanks for asking - yes, in fact, this recall will apply to owners of 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT model worldwide, including Australia. Once I have more information on how the recall will be deployed in other countries I'll let you know right away.

 

[RBS66]

Hello Steve
Can you clarify this part of the recall.

For US residents only
If you believe that BRP has failed or is unable to remedy the defect within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the toll free Auto Safety Hot Line at 1- 888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov


Thank you Rob

 

[copilot]

I am patiently waking by the mail box in the snow.
I have made some improvements on my rtl and any help you can help with will be appreciated.