2013 Rt Limited handling issues

[Mettlerk]

Hi everyone! New Spyder owner! hyea::2excited: My wife and I just purchased a 2013 RT limited. Wow, what an upgrade this was from our 2011 Vision.

On our first ride through the back roads on Charleston, SC I could not have asked for anything more from a cycle. However, once we left the back roads and opened it up, over 50 MPH, it took everything I had to keep it between the lines. At first I chalked it up to inexperience, first time on a 3 wheeler, but have found out through this forum and research that there are a few problems with this machine out of the factory.

I checked the tire pressure, as others suggested, the dealer set it a 20psi. I lowered it to 16psi and the handling improved a little. I figured i'd look into upgrading the shocks to the Elka's that everyone is talking about. So i called Cowtown and was transferred to a tech, Len wasn't available, and asked him about shocks and a sway bar for my machine. The gentlemen i spoke to, forgot his name, was very helpful and quickly told me that my dealer needed to look at the front end and contact BRP tech support about the handling issues. Apparently, some of the 2013 not only have alignment issues but bad shocks!

Has anyone had these handling issues with this model? if so, has it been fixed and what was done to correct it?

Thanks,

Ken

 

[boborgera]

Hi everyone! New Spyder owner! hyea::2excited: My wife and I just purchased a 2013 RT limited. Wow, what an upgrade this was from our 2011 Vision.

On our first ride through the back roads on Charleston, SC I could not have asked for anything more from a cycle. However, once we left the back roads and opened it up, over 50 MPH, it took everything I had to keep it between the lines. At first I chalked it up to inexperience, first time on a 3 wheeler, but have found out through this forum and research that there are a few problems with this machine out of the factory.

I checked the tire pressure, as others suggested, the dealer set it a 20psi. I lowered it to 16psi and the handling improved a little. I figured i'd look into upgrading the shocks to the Elka's that everyone is talking about. So i called Cowtown and was transferred to a tech, Len wasn't available, and asked him about shocks and a sway bar for my machine. The gentlemen i spoke to, forgot his name, was very helpful and quickly told me that my dealer needed to look at the front end and contact BRP tech support about the handling issues. Apparently, some of the 2013 not only have alignment issues but bad shocks!

Has anyone had these handling issues with this model? if so, has it been fixed and what was done to correct it?

Thanks,

Ken

There's a thread on that on the general discussion Forum.

 

[ARtraveler]

Just wanted to say hello and welcome to the site, and congratulations on your new ryde.

The problems you mention seem to be coming from either overcontrol by the user, or problems from the factory on some of the new machines. Prior to the now talked about problems with the 2013's, overcontrol was pretty much the answer to the issue of the :spyder2: all over the road.

Early on, I suggested that there might be problems with the machines--but got put down pretty fast over that issue. Now the tide has turned a bit and it does indeed seem to be factory problems. It sounds like your dealer is in the know and that they will get your problem solved in a timely manner.

There are several threads on the 2013's and I suggest a search of the site regarding 2013 or 2013 ST. You can get a better perspective from that.

I do not recall people having issues with the 2013 RT's, but may be mistaken.

You can find a lot of information on this site and there are many experts to answer your questions.

 

[Mettlerk]

There's a thread on that on the general discussion Forum.

I'll look it up.


Thanks!

 

[Chupaca]

Welcome..!!

:welcome::congrats: on the new ryde. You will find all you need to know on this site. I will step aside and let those who know fill you in..welcome :2thumbs:

 

[MIKESZONE2]

Info on 2013 wobbling

Hi Ken
I understand what you are going thru. I already own a RT2012 SM5 and had it for some time and my wife has been driving it as well. Then I bought her a new yellow 2113 RTS SE5 . When I drove it home from the dealer anytime I went over 45 mph it would ride as if you were on a snake, I mean all over the road. Now I have 5000 miles on my 2012 and knew their is a problem with the machine and it is not me. She wanted to drive it so we went on a group ride and people who know us well said when did your wife start drinking looks like she is driving drunk. She does not drink problem got worse. Well we swapped spyders I took hers and she took mine problem got worse I was actually getting sick driving this. We bought it home and then called the dealer told him they said ok bring it in. I said no somebody will die driving it you come and pick it up. They did days passed long story short they needed to do a alignment but BRP did not have the program developed as of yet to do it but they are working on it and should have it within days. Well they developed the program my dealer finally got it, they did the alignment found toe out 11 degrees. They fixed that and realigned it. Wife has been driving it since. It rides 90 percent better but is not where it needs to be as it is pulling to the right by itself. Dealer said their us another update but they waiting for the correct tools to be shipped to them then they will apply another fix. The info on these boards will arm you with the information you need to approach this and help your dealer with getting the problem fixed. I know we bought the very first 2013 in Marion County Fl so this was all new to everybody. BRP knows about the problem, my dealer now knows there is a problem, and I must say this is a learning curve for all, and BRP has been great in working with my dealer and mechanics to get this resolved I say thanks to both. I was up by my dealer this week as I had more lights installed on my 2012 they told me they sold another 2013 and could not even drive it in the parking lot as it was worse the mine. BRP is aware of this and are working diligently in trying to fix it. Lets all work together here, share our information as in doing so will help everybody involved in fixing the problem. God bless you all sincerely Mike

 

[Mettlerk]

Hi Ken
I understand what you are going thru. I already own a RT2012 SM5 and had it for some time and my wife has been driving it as well. Then I bought her a new yellow 2113 RTS SE5 . When I drove it home from the dealer anytime I went over 45 mph it would ride as if you were on a snake, I mean all over the road. Now I have 5000 miles on my 2012 and knew their is a problem with the machine and it is not me. She wanted to drive it so we went on a group ride and people who know us well said when did your wife start drinking looks like she is driving drunk. She does not drink problem got worse. Well we swapped spyders I took hers and she took mine problem got worse I was actually getting sick driving this. We bought it home and then called the dealer told him they said ok bring it in. I said no somebody will die driving it you come and pick it up. They did days passed long story short they needed to do a alignment but BRP did not have the program developed as of yet to do it but they are working on it and should have it within days. Well they developed the program my dealer finally got it, they did the alignment found toe out 11 degrees. They fixed that and realigned it. Wife has been driving it since. It rides 90 percent better but is not where it needs to be as it is pulling to the right by itself. Dealer said their us another update but they waiting for the correct tools to be shipped to them then they will apply another fix. The info on these boards will arm you with the information you need to approach this and help your dealer with getting the problem fixed. I know we bought the very first 2013 in Marion County Fl so this was all new to everybody. BRP knows about the problem, my dealer now knows there is a problem, and I must say this is a learning curve for all, and BRP has been great in working with my dealer and mechanics to get this resolved I say thanks to both. I was up by my dealer this week as I had more lights installed on my 2012 they told me they sold another 2013 and could not even drive it in the parking lot as it was worse the mine. BRP is aware of this and are working diligently in trying to fix it. Lets all work together here, share our information as in doing so will help everybody involved in fixing the problem. God bless you all sincerely Mike

Thanks for this information, it will be a huge help in resolving this. The more information we gather and can provide to our dealer and BRP the quicker the issues will be resolved. I contacted my dealer this afternoon and as I expected, they never heard of any issues with the 13. They're coming to pick it and a assured me that they would contact BRP and address and fix the issues.
Thanks again!!

 

[can-am sam]

I too have handling issues with my new 2013 Limited. Drove it home from the dealer and discovered that it did not steer very well. At times it felt like I was moving the handlebars from side to side. Presently it is at the dealer getting the aligment checked. Hope BRP gets at the root of the problem during assembly.

 

[NancysToy]

There is a (draft) 2013 model alignment procedure and a note abote this problem posted on the BRP Knowledge Base. Have your dealer look it up.

 

[FlynBryan]

2013

I work for a BRP dealer and have test rode 3 2013RT. All three handle the same. Did an alignment will little improvement. Please be careful if you are having problems. We are in contact with BRP about the problem but still without any solution.

 

[CurrantRyder]

Overcontrol and 2013 stability at highway speeds

Just wanted to say hello and welcome to the site, and congratulations on your new ryde.

The problems you mention seem to be coming from either overcontrol by the user or problems from the factory on some of the new machines.

There are several threads on the 2013's and I suggest a search of the site using 2013 or 2013 ST.

I do not recall people having issues with the 2013 RT's, but may be mistaken.

You can find a lot of information on this site and there are many experts to answer your questions.

I purchased a 2013 RT Limited about 3 weeks ago. Have about 850 miles on it now. I consider myself lucky to be alive. While I respectfully appreciate the concern that it might be "pilot error", my extensive research (supported by a new bulletin by BRP) indicates that there is in fact an allignment issue to be addressed. My concern is that if we turn the focus to overcontrol, it takes away from the urgency which needs to be placed where it belongs - the personal safety of new 2013 owners is at stake.

I really appreciate the incredible input from the various forum members and hope we can mostly all pull on the rope, at the same time, in order to motivate the necesary changes. The problem is so new that most dealers are well behind the curve and tend to want to pat us on the head, and send us back out the door with a wink. That won't do and we would love to have the forum back us, if they can.

 

[FlynBryan]

RIDING SPYDERS

I ride spyders just about everyday. The first 2013 RT Spyder I rode I knew there was something wrong. My personal opinion is that something changed from testing to production. I was working on one today trying to find out whats going on. I tried lower air pressure per BRP with little change. I think it could be another DPS problem. I think with the stiffer chassis lower profile tires more weight moved to the front of the bike, new a arms, stronger ties rods ect. is making the steering quicker. It seems like it turns too much when you turn the bars. I won't ride one at highway speeds again until it handles better at slower speeds first. I was scared riding at 70mph. It was all over the rode. I will not deliver one in there current state.

 

[Stharbor99]

2013 RT

Hi everyone! New Spyder owner! hyea::2excited: My wife and I just purchased a 2013 RT limited. Wow, what an upgrade this was from our 2011 Vision.

On our first ride through the back roads on Charleston, SC I could not have asked for anything more from a cycle. However, once we left the back roads and opened it up, over 50 MPH, it took everything I had to keep it between the lines. At first I chalked it up to inexperience, first time on a 3 wheeler, but have found out through this forum and research that there are a few problems with this machine out of the factory.

I checked the tire pressure, as others suggested, the dealer set it a 20psi. I lowered it to 16psi and the handling improved a little. I figured i'd look into upgrading the shocks to the Elka's that everyone is talking about. So i called Cowtown and was transferred to a tech, Len wasn't available, and asked him about shocks and a sway bar for my machine. The gentlemen i spoke to, forgot his name, was very helpful and quickly told me that my dealer needed to look at the front end and contact BRP tech support about the handling issues. Apparently, some of the 2013 not only have alignment issues but bad shocks!

Has anyone had these handling issues with this model? if so, has it been fixed and what was done to correct it?

Thanks,

Ken

ken so sorry to hear problems with the 2013. We know how bad you feel! We purchased our 2012 RT first week of Aug! For the next three weeks it was always in the shop. One of our problems was the rear wheel assembly was out of alignment! They had to take the whole bike apart twice to fix it. Then it wouldn't go in reverse, another week! Then the parking brake wouldn't release! Another week for that!! It almost took the excitement out of buying the bike! But our dealer was great! They were on the phone with BRP until they sent them new parts and directions on how to fix everything! Our dealer had to make a tool to get the wheel back where it was suppose to be! Got the bike back just in time to take my safety course for three days!! And rode it a month when weather changed n put it away for the winter! Snowing again tonight! I wish you the best of luck with your new ride!

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: Sorry to hear that you've got one of the 2013s with "wobbly knees..." :shocked: BRP is working hard on this issue and I'm pretty sure that they'll find and effect a fix in short order. :2thumbs:

 

[Mettlerk]

Thank you all for your responses. The wealth of information that I’ve gathered from all of you and this site will go a long way in helping my dealer correct the problem. Hopefully, all this information will make its way back to BRP and they’ll use it to correct the issues prior to delivering the machines to anyone.
I’ll make sure to keep you all updated on the resolutions to these issues.
Thanks again to everyone!!!

 

[can-am sam]

My 2013 RT Limited has been at the dealer to fix the steering/handling at highway speed. Checked the aligment and it still has the problem. My dealer contacted BRP and were told not to release my Spyder till a solution is found. I called the BRP customer support and my Spyder was added to their steering problem list. Not any information when a solution is in the works. Anyone else with the same problem?

 

[inmate1905]

all over the road.

Hi Ken
I understand what you are going thru. I already own a RT2012 SM5 and had it for some time and my wife has been driving it as well. Then I bought her a new yellow 2113 RTS SE5 . When I drove it home from the dealer anytime I went over 45 mph it would ride as if you were on a snake, I mean all over the road. Now I have 5000 miles on my 2012 and knew their is a problem with the machine and it is not me. She wanted to drive it so we went on a group ride and people who know us well said when did your wife start drinking looks like she is driving drunk. She does not drink problem got worse. Well we swapped spyders I took hers and she took mine problem got worse I was actually getting sick driving this. We bought it home and then called the dealer told him they said ok bring it in. I said no somebody will die driving it you come and pick it up. They did days passed long story short they needed to do a alignment but BRP did not have the program developed as of yet to do it but they are working on it and should have it within days. Well they developed the program my dealer finally got it, they did the alignment found toe out 11 degrees. They fixed that and realigned it. Wife has been driving it since. It rides 90 percent better but is not where it needs to be as it is pulling to the right by itself. Dealer said their us another update but they waiting for the correct tools to be shipped to them then they will apply another fix. The info on these boards will arm you with the information you need to approach this and help your dealer with getting the problem fixed. I know we bought the very first 2013 in Marion County Fl so this was all new to everybody. BRP knows about the problem, my dealer now knows there is a problem, and I must say this is a learning curve for all, and BRP has been great in working with my dealer and mechanics to get this resolved I say thanks to both. I was up by my dealer this week as I had more lights installed on my 2012 they told me they sold another 2013 and could not even drive it in the parking lot as it was worse the mine. BRP is aware of this and are working diligently in trying to fix it. Lets all work together here, share our information as in doing so will help everybody involved in fixing the problem. God bless you all sincerely Mike

I was told it may take 800 -1000 miles to adjust to the Spyder as I have been riding two wheels for 50 years.. My 2013 RT did the snake dance at 45 mph right out of the dealership. Now after 500 miles, I don't do the snake dance until 63 - 65. The wind is a factor. The road surface is a factor. I believe there is something more needed fron BRP as someone is going to get hurt. My dealer adjusted the allignment prior to delivery. This will be discussed at my 600 mile service.

 

[CurrantRyder]

I was told it may take 800 -1000 miles to adjust to the Spyder as I have been riding two wheels for 50 years.. My 2013 RT did the snake dance at 45 mph right out of the dealership. Now after 500 miles, I don't do the snake dance until 63 - 65. The wind is a factor. The road surface is a factor. I believe there is something more needed fron BRP as someone is going to get hurt. My dealer adjusted the allignment prior to delivery. This will be discussed at my 600 mile service.

I just turned 975 miles on my 2013 RT. Nothing is different from my first hair raising ride. Over 65mph is a death wish. While I wait (and wait, and wait) on the dealer to obtain the necessary tools to do a 2013 allignment, I reflect on Ralph Nader & the Corvair, the Fords that slipped out of park, the Pintos and their exploding gas tanks, and the recent Toyotas (multi-million dollar settlement) for sticking gas pedals. Non of these hold a candle to a number of 2013's that Can Am have been released to the public.

I asked my service manager (perhaps 25 years old) whether or not he had ever heard the expression "attorney's dream." His response was "no". That pretty much says it all.

 

[devilrider]

i have worked on a lot of jeeps in the off road world we have simalur problems called death wobble a lot of the time it is from lifting the jeeps or loose compants we found if give a little more postive caster it goes away also steering stablizers, and track bar i know our spyders dont have these but from my allmost 30 years of automotive experance this is where i start looking

 

[inmate1905]

snake dance issue should be resolved!

I was told it may take 800 -1000 miles to adjust to the Spyder as I have been riding two wheels for 50 years.. My 2013 RT did the snake dance at 45 mph right out of the dealership. Now after 500 miles, I don't do the snake dance until 63 - 65. The wind is a factor. The road surface is a factor. I believe there is something more needed fron BRP as someone is going to get hurt. My dealer adjusted the allignment prior to delivery. This will be discussed at my 600 mile service.

While I was in for my 600 mile service the lower ball joints for the recall arrived. I will know later today but this is expected to resolve the issue.