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2011 spyder rt upgrade suspention

budro

New member
I was reading brp 2011 propaganda today. It says the front suspention on the rt has been upgraded to reduce body roll. Does anyone know what this upgrade is?----Budro
 
It sounds like a huge safety issue and a RECALL should be issued. It would be horrible to see anyone injuried or killed due to BRP having knowledge of the problem and only offering an upgrade.
I am not a fan of the excessive body roll on the RT, but it certainly isn't a safety issue. Are there reports of rollovers? Are there reports of other serious incidents related to the excessive lean in the turns? It just makes riders uncomfortable, and slows down their ride. Over-reaction and strong words will likely be ignored, and nobody gets a solution. You might try a less reactive, more positive approach.
 
Your right, I over reacted. I guess spending $26K two months ago and thinking I have to pull some more money off the money tree to fix the problem tends to cause that. I have already adjusted the shocks and inflated the tires. I apologize.

I think Scotty is saying the bike is perfectly competent as it comes from the factory. Regardless of what you spend on the bike, some people will be unhappy with the seat, or the shocks, or the exhaust, etc. The after market takes care of those needs. I can't think of a bike that comes from the factory in a configuaration that will please everyone. And items which are potential safety problems do get recalled and corrected.
 
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I am not a fan of the excessive body roll on the RT, but it certainly isn't a safety issue. Are there reports of rollovers? Are there reports of other serious incidents related to the excessive lean in the turns? It just makes riders uncomfortable, and slows down their ride. Over-reaction and strong words will likely be ignored, and nobody gets a solution. You might try a less reactive, more positive approach.

:agree: Even with the pre-load set at the stiffest position, the RT has more body roll than I like but it's far from dangerous. Additionally, I knew what to expect from my demo ride and I wouldn't have spent $21,000 without taking one. By the way, increasing the front tire pressure to more than about 18 PSI on OEM tires seems to increase rather than decrease the body roll in my case. Others may feel different, but that's what the seat of my pants tells me.

Cotton
 
I AGREE ......

I am not a fan of the excessive body roll on the RT, but it certainly isn't a safety issue. Are there reports of rollovers? Are there reports of other serious incidents related to the excessive lean in the turns? It just makes riders uncomfortable, and slows down their ride. Over-reaction and strong words will likely be ignored, and nobody gets a solution. You might try a less reactive, more positive approach.

I fully agree with you. If I was so dissatisfied with a product I would get rid of it. We are starting to sound more like the Gold Wing boards of the past.

I am a very happy camper with my last 2 Spyder purchases and Dealer ....
 
I think Scotty is saying the bike is perfectly competent as it comes from the factory. Regardless of what you spend on the bike, some people will be unhappy with the seat, or the shocks, or the exhaust, etc. The after market takes care of those needs. I can't think of a bike that comes from the factory in a configuaration that will please everyone. And items which are potential safety problems do get recalled and corrected.
:agree:
In 2010 BRP went with what they thought the touring rider would want and that was a plush ride and like you said some people are not going to like that and want to change it. I've never owned any bike that I didn't change the suspension on. It's a given that those who want the most out of their rides are going to do that and that is an area where cost is cut. I'm thankful that there is a aftermarket solution for all the things that most folks change including seats and windshields.

Because this is not a safety problem and I would say most folks are pretty happy with the handling I don't see BRP doing any sort of recall on the front suspension. Just like any product there are lessons learned from the feedback of real world users and smart companies make changes accordingly. I know I was a little ticked off with I bought my first iphone and two months later they added video and a lot faster chip, I had to decide if I was going to keep what I had or upgrade, I didn't expect Apple to swap out phones with me. By the way my phone cost twice as much as a set of RT shocks. :(

Here's what you could do if you really wanted the 2011 shocks. Right now there is a want ad on our board for anyone who has a set of 2010 RT shocks. If it were me I would track down the part numbers for the 2011 RT shocks and have your dealer order them and assemble them and when that's done go ahead and sell your 2010 shocks here to the RS guys. For one they will be assembled and that's a plus and chances are they won't be available much longer so they will be in demand. Even at list price the shocks are less than $250 bucks. It takes less than an hour to swap them out on a RT because none of the body panels have to come off. I dare say you could do this deal just about for free.
 
I can deal with the suspension the way it is, unless I am trying to chase down some crazy guy on a yellow Spyder or one on a silver turbo rocket. For that reason, I am going to get a set of the 2011 shocks ordered ASAP. For the cost, any improvement will be a help.
 
:agree:

Here's what you could do if you really wanted the 2011 shocks. Right now there is a want ad on our board for anyone who has a set of 2010 RT shocks. If it were me I would track down the part numbers for the 2011 RT shocks and have your dealer order them and assemble them and when that's done go ahead and sell your 2010 shocks here to the RS guys. For one they will be assembled and that's a plus and chances are they won't be available much longer so they will be in demand. Even at list price the shocks are less than $250 bucks. It takes less than an hour to swap them out on a RT because none of the body panels have to come off. I dare say you could do this deal just about for free.

I like the way this guy thinks. :ani29:
 
Agree 100%...

:agree:
In 2010 BRP went with what they thought the touring rider would want and that was a plush ride and like you said some people are not going to like that and want to change it. I've never owned any bike that I didn't change the suspension on. It's a given that those who want the most out of their rides are going to do that and that is an area where cost is cut. I'm thankful that there is a aftermarket solution for all the things that most folks change including seats and windshields.

Because this is not a safety problem and I would say most folks are pretty happy with the handling I don't see BRP doing any sort of recall on the front suspension. Just like any product there are lessons learned from the feedback of real world users and smart companies make changes accordingly. I know I was a little ticked off with I bought my first iphone and two months later they added video and a lot faster chip, I had to decide if I was going to keep what I had or upgrade, I didn't expect Apple to swap out phones with me. By the way my phone cost twice as much as a set of RT shocks. :(

Here's what you could do if you really wanted the 2011 shocks. Right now there is a want ad on our board for anyone who has a set of 2010 RT shocks. If it were me I would track down the part numbers for the 2011 RT shocks and have your dealer order them and assemble them and when that's done go ahead and sell your 2010 shocks here to the RS guys. For one they will be assembled and that's a plus and chances are they won't be available much longer so they will be in demand. Even at list price the shocks are less than $250 bucks. It takes less than an hour to swap them out on a RT because none of the body panels have to come off. I dare say you could do this deal just about for free.

Lamont, my sentiments exactly. Any vehicle can have real problems that need to be addressed, but for the most part vehicles evolve and improve. And when you have a vehicle as new and complex as the RT, the rate of change may be pretty fast. But improvements should not be confused with an indictment of a previous feature worthy of a recall.

Anyway...off my soapbox... Have you learned of the 2011 RT shock performance? You mentioned in another post that the change was a new shock and (stronger?) springs? Have you or any other early adopters ridden the new model and have any feedback? I'm very interested in the Elka's, and I'm trying to get some pricing from Works Performance, but at the end of the day it will be a cost issue. BTW, someone has already spoken for my slightly used 2010 shocks. Thanks.
 
It sounds like a huge safety issue and a RECALL should be issued. It would be horrible to see anyone injuried or killed due to BRP having knowledge of the problem and only offering an upgrade.
Just imagine all those cheap RT shocks we can buy to bolt onto our GS. :roflblack:
 
I run 30psi in the front an 34psi in the rear. the shocks are set at the max I've lurned to relax more in turns an love the ride so does the better haif . I'am going to have the shop [ Ridenow Ocala,fl ] rotate my tires this sat [roate meaning take the tires off the rims an roate them ] at 5k mi on them I think it's time to do it. I roate my car tires every other oil change an they last a lot longer. I'll let you check them out at the BQ . Hope every one Has a safe trip to the Somkys:2thumbs:
 
just to preface this, I don't have the long time bike experience that many of the people who have commented on this have. What I do have? A newbie's experience with the RT for 2+ months. So while this is based on limited experience, it's personal experience.

I had enough problems with the handling in the first 2 weeks that I almost took the spyder back. If I had not found SyperLovers.com, and several posts dealing with adjusting the front shocks and tire pressure, I probably would not be a owner now. That said, armed with a bit on knowledge from here, I was able to easily start making adjustments.

The ride is much better now, but in very heavy traffic at 70+ mph, I still get some body roll and a bit of jerking. Its enough that I try to stay out of that kind of situation. I'm still going to continue to adjust the front end a bit more to see if it will smooth out some more.

My personal opinion is that the front end is too soft. I'm a big guy, 6'2'' 270, and the front end, with max pre-load on the shocks, is just stiff enough for me. I haven't tried driving with a passenger, but I doubt it would handle the extra weight very well at highway speeds.

I think it would be in BRP's best interest to at least offer a discounted upgrade for 2010 RT owners for the new and improved shocks/springs. For one, it is a *potential* safety issue (at least for some owners). Two, your current customers can have a pretty big impact on future sales. Having a happy, positive, customer base out there talking to potential customers can be a strong incentive.

I'm still a happy Spyder ryder. I also am pretty positive when answering questions, although I do mention the issues I had at first with the handling. It would tickle me pink to be able to tell people BRP went the extra mile for us and offered the upgrades to their current customers.

Curly
 
I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the factory to offer you a discounted shock but I would bring this up with your dealer and see if he can do anything for you.

just to preface this, I don't have the long time bike experience that many of the people who have commented on this have. What I do have? A newbie's experience with the RT for 2+ months. So while this is based on limited experience, it's personal experience.

I had enough problems with the handling in the first 2 weeks that I almost took the spyder back. If I had not found SyperLovers.com, and several posts dealing with adjusting the front shocks and tire pressure, I probably would not be a owner now. That said, armed with a bit on knowledge from here, I was able to easily start making adjustments.

The ride is much better now, but in very heavy traffic at 70+ mph, I still get some body roll and a bit of jerking. Its enough that I try to stay out of that kind of situation. I'm still going to continue to adjust the front end a bit more to see if it will smooth out some more.

My personal opinion is that the front end is too soft. I'm a big guy, 6'2'' 270, and the front end, with max pre-load on the shocks, is just stiff enough for me. I haven't tried driving with a passenger, but I doubt it would handle the extra weight very well at highway speeds.

I think it would be in BRP's best interest to at least offer a discounted upgrade for 2010 RT owners for the new and improved shocks/springs. For one, it is a *potential* safety issue (at least for some owners). Two, your current customers can have a pretty big impact on future sales. Having a happy, positive, customer base out there talking to potential customers can be a strong incentive.

I'm still a happy Spyder ryder. I also am pretty positive when answering questions, although I do mention the issues I had at first with the handling. It would tickle me pink to be able to tell people BRP went the extra mile for us and offered the upgrades to their current customers.

Curly
 
You guys are right, I am wrong. I surrender, I need to stop the bleeding. Ha, I had a bad day and thanks for setting me straight.

Yup you're judged wrong by the court here so you are wrong. I still agree with your original post though but you got to be wrong just cause you're out numbered they have got to be right? Bill :gaah:
 
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Maybe, but I ask...

Yup you're judged wrong by the court here so you are wrong. I still agree with your original post though but you got to be wrong just cause you're out numbered they have got to be right? Bill :gaah:

I have yet to hear of anyone citing the 2010 RT suspension setup as cause for an accident. I know the suspension needs improvement (I'm upgrading my shocks), but I haven't seen any evidence on this forum that could justify treating the 2010 shocks as warranting a safety recall. BRP would need to be presented with sufficient evidence to make such a recall.

If one is a savvy enough rider to recognize that the suspension could use improvement, then they should be smart enough to drive accordingly. JMO.
 
Man another thread on this... LOL.. At least after reading this thread I feel better about the post I made in the other...:2thumbs:

Good stuff Lamonster :doorag::spyder2:
 
I sure would be interested to hear from those with experience as to which upgrade is likely to yield more improvement on an RT, improved front shocks, or the Evoluzione sway bar. Comments ?
 
I sure would be interested to hear from those with experience as to which upgrade is likely to yield more improvement on an RT, improved front shocks, or the Evoluzione sway bar. Comments ?
Well, I have both the Evolution Swaybar and the Elkas and it is totally different from stock. I run 22psi in my front tires as well and I know my RT is not plush but I prefer a solid feel and firm ride and would never go back. I don't think the 2011 shocks would give me what Elka has done for me. Sooo Much Better now:sour:
 
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