2014 CanAm Spyder STS - popping sway bar/power steering shutting down/bad gas mileage

[veeminator]

2014 CanAm STS sway bar pop/steering resistance/poor gas mileage...

I purchased a new 2014 CanAm Spyder STS - and even though there are issues, I do love driving CanAm when it is working properly, especially after being a passenger for what seems like a million years! Let me also say that I am trying my best to be very patient through this process, but being a new driver, it is really tough - I want to drive! I am also very concerned and frustrated that I have a bad one.

So, I had my bike in for popping sway bar, dealer worked on it, seemed fixed, brought it home, approx. 2-3 weeks later, popping sway bar back. Doesn't matter which way you turn, it pops, wide, tight turns, left, right, etc. Also, resistance in steering again very apparent, limiting the turn radius at intermittent times/making turning very difficult. In addition, bike got stuck in first gear after hearing what I call a loud bang noise...it literally felt and sounded like my transmission fell out - heard it through a fully enclosed helmet with music playing and felt the jolt to the bike. This was the first time it ever did this, but it has gotten stuck shifting before. Very concerning, and even concerned driving the bike when I heard/felt this loud bang/jolt to the bike. Being stuck in traffic on a busy road, not ideal. I rolled off the throttle, applied the break, let off the brake and engaged throttle, I was then able to shift again. Also, getting very poor gas mileage, approximately 15 miles to the gallon, it stinks and the gas mileage is just bad - using a lot of gas.

Bike has been at the dealer since last Wednesday. Here is what I have been told thus far, the sway bar is over-tightening (?), aluminum link arms have been ordered to put on (?not sure purpose of this?), and possible power steering is stopping and starting (cutting out), they plan to drive the bike to evaluate the gas mileage.

I know it is a lot going on here, and I know the worst to try and diagnose is anything intermittent, but I am experiencing it, so let's just say, I am at a loss. Anyone had any of these issues, close to it? Just looking for some thoughts/ideas/suggestions/words of encouragement/etc. Thank you and ryde safe! :helpsmilie::dontknow:

 

[Chupaca]

Don't know..!!

but from what you mention you may need a new dealer. Have not heard much going wrong with the 14's. The sway bar is a simple installation and done right should give you no problems. The composite hiem joints were changed (there were faulty ones that did break) though metal ones would be better. The clunking when going into frist/reverse at a stand still is normal and depending on the rpms can be loud. Not familiar with the se5 but imagine with a loud clunk would come a jerk forward. The mileage could be several things but they should be able to check that for you...:thumbup:

 

[veeminator]

but from what you mention you may need a new dealer. Have not heard much going wrong with the 14's. The sway bar is a simple installation and done right should give you no problems. The composite hiem joints were changed (there were faulty ones that did break) though metal ones would be better. The clunking when going into frist/reverse at a stand still is normal and depending on the rpms can be loud. Not familiar with the se5 but imagine with a loud clunk would come a jerk forward. The mileage could be several things but they should be able to check that for you...:thumbup:

Thank you, and I just hope when I do get it back, it is good as new!! I haven't gotten an ETA on getting it back yet.

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: The SwayBar "popping", might just be the end-links loosening up... :shocked:
You can see where they attach to the Bar; that hangs down, and is pretty accessible. Try putting some wrenches on it.
Now; the upper attachment to the A-arms... That takes a bit of digging, but it's also easy to check. remove the screws that hold the A-arm covers on, and pop them up! You can see where the links attach; just check for tightness there also! :thumbup:

 

[jcthorne]

The heat and fuel mileage sounds very much like what was going on with Flamingobabe's ST. Have the dealer jack up the rear end such that the rear wheel can spin free and check for resistance. Her ST had the rear wheel bearings installed too tight or compressed. They did not spin freely the added load caused all sorts of trouble very similar to what you are reporting. Easy to check.