A Non Owners Impression after eviewing Forum

[Tom in NM]

No . . . . .

I am sorry if my thread title was misleading as to the subject matter. I do find this forum to be more civil than either of the FJR forums I visit. But as mentioned by one person there are a lot more ride reports and positive threads on the FJR forum than on this one. I think part of that is due to the problems some have run into with their Spyder which results in them seeking advice with the problem or just venting.

. . . . . you were not misleading or uncivil - at all.

jblspyder, and everyone else too, one thing I have noticed about the Spyder is all the new riders it attracts - and that they are on whole, much more diverse than other groups I look at.

My take is that a lot of the questions are not just new to the Spyder type of question, but new to the whole experience of riding. Whenever anything is NEW, I expect uncertainty and nervousness, not that it becomes more comfortable with that expectation. Just like the Spyder is not for everyone, neither is motorcycle riding - there are people who will just never like it, but find something about it attractive. This forum is filled with lots of people asking questions and having concerns about things that experience would/will put in perspective. I hope they keep on asking those questions - it is much smarter and preferable (to me) than the wannabe bada$$e$ that jump on motorcycles and try to do wheelies out of the dealership, 1st time on 2 wheels. Motorcycling is dangerous enough without arrogant bravado.

Those questions also remind me of the basics that need to always be addressed, no matter how "simple" they become. jblspyder, I realize this does not apply to you, you are experienced and have made a rational decision. Personally, I cannot thank enough the people like Director, Lamont, Scotty, Deb & Brian, KRB, Dudley, Atadude, Doc, BajaRon and several others for their participation in these threads and what they do in word and action. They do show the difference between being personally involved and concerned and taking something personal and the value of experience over opinion.

So we will hear a wider range of voices, styles, and concerns on this forum than most others. Totally different demographics and riding profiles. I think that is a good thing. Just something to keep in mind.

Tom

 

[3wheeldemon]

. . . . . you were not misleading or uncivil - at all.

jblspyder, and everyone else too, one thing I have noticed about the Spyder is all the new riders it attracts - and that they are on whole, much more diverse than other groups I look at.

My take is that a lot of the questions are not just new to the Spyder type of question, but new to the whole experience of riding. Whenever anything is NEW, I expect uncertainty and nervousness, not that it becomes more comfortable with that expectation. Just like the Spyder is not for everyone, neither is motorcycle riding - there are people who will just never like it, but find something about it attractive. This forum is filled with lots of people asking questions and having concerns about things that experience would/will put in perspective. I hope they keep on asking those questions - it is much smarter and preferable (to me) than the wannabe bada$$ that jump on motorcycles and try to do wheelies out of the dealership. Motorcycling is dangerous enough without arrogant bravado.

Those questions also remind me of the basics that need to always be addressed, no matter how "simple" they become. jblspyder, I realize this does not apply to you, you are experienced and have made a rational decision. Personally, I cannot thank enough the people like Director, Lamont, Scotty, Deb & Brian, KRB, Dudley, Atadude, Doc, BajaRon and several others for their participation in these threads and what they do in word and action. They do show the difference between being personally involved and concerned and taking something personal and the value of experience over opinion.

So we will hear a wider range of voices, styles, and concerns on this forum than most others. Totally different demographics and riding profiles. I think that is a good thing. Just something to keep in mind.

Tom

:agree:well said Tom!

3WD

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

Good stuff

Please consider the statement made above --

Not everyone writes about the good stuff...

and rethink it as

The vast majority does not write about the good stuff -- because they are not members here...

Or the bad!

 

[Tom in NM]

forget that . . . . .

:agree:well said Tom!

3WD

. . . . where did you get your DPS Deactivation Hammer?!?!? Mine has been backordered for the last two months and since I was the first to order, they promised me mine would be DPS DH PE#000000000001 Limited Edition Phantom Model.

I was sure I could sell it to Kim (Smylinacha) for a huge profit before they 'hit the market' or Evan got his hands on one.

Tom

 

[Smylinacha]

At this point I'd rather see it burn to the ground and I can at least make a claim on it.nojoke

. . . . where did you get your DPS Deactivation Hammer?!?!? Mine has been backordered for the last two months and since I was the first to order, they promised me mine would be DPS DH PE#000000000001 Limited Edition Phantom Model.

I was sure I could sell it to Kim (Smylinacha) for a huge profit before they 'hit the market' or Evan got his hands on one.

Tom

 

[steven888]

NO problems

One problem was all I had and that was the E brake. Other than that. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. Spyder has been great.


http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2792&d=1246682130 http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2792&d=1246682130

 

[orangespydiegirl]

I don't say I'm lucky I say I have one terrrific machine, NO PROBLEMS, NO PROBLEMS NO PROBLEMS, I got this machine to ride and ride I do nothing is going to stop me from that stress free mind i get while on the open rode to?????

 

[irish2themax]

I agree with those that say to be skeptical of forums in general. Many people (I might even say most) who post critical threads on forums are those with a negative comment. The satisfied members remain satisfied...sort of like the Silent Majority. Some will counter the negativity but most simply ignore it...knowing better.

I'd surf the net for Reviews especially those from motorcycle-related reviewers and even more especially those who compare it to other trikes. That's what i did before buying mine...didn't join this forum until just before I purchased it.

 

[brutus450]

you couldnt peel my cold dead hands off my spyder with and ice pick:yes:

 

[hoonose]

jblspyder: As my first post, I want to compliment you on your reasoned, thoughtful post. And, I want to compliment the other members here for their c civil, constructive responses. I'm in a similar situation, in that I'm gathering information to help me to decide whether to purchase. I don't see that those who are reporting problems are just venting; there is perhaps an undercurrent of frustration with BRP, but that runs alongside the waves of enjoyment owners get from their Spyders...when they're running as they should.

As for me, I'll keep reading and keep learning. Time will tell. Thanks, all!

 

[NewRider]

jblspyder: As my first post, I want to compliment you on your reasoned, thoughtful post. And, I want to compliment the other members here for their c civil, constructive responses. I'm in a similar situation, in that I'm gathering information to help me to decide whether to purchase. I don't see that those who are reporting problems are just venting; there is perhaps an undercurrent of frustration with BRP, but that runs alongside the waves of enjoyment owners get from their Spyders...when they're running as they should.

As for me, I'll keep reading and keep learning. Time will tell. Thanks, all!

You're quite welcome! :thumbup:

 

[pauly1]

Does anyone remember the 2003/04 Honda GL1800 frame cracking recall? That bike had been out for nearly 20 years, with many changes along the way from 1,000 cc's to 1,800 cc's. The frame was changed from steel to aluminum and a new set of problems emerged.

H-D took the easy way to the 3-wheel market: just OEM someone elses development effort as an incremental way to get into the business. The consumer won in that case.

Point I'm trying to make: this is an entirely new concept in commercial vehicles. BRP will get it right! They have a lot invested in this recreation business to walk away from it. But the data must be presented to them, not complaining to pals over a beer or on a forum.

By the way, I am biased having worked for a Ski-Doo dealer in the early 70's.

Wayne

 

[pitmon]

Mine was completely trouble-free and totally amazing until the first safety recall update, all my problems started then. I hope brp can find the cause and in the end a solution that will benefit all spyder owners. :clap:

 

[hoonose]

Mine was completely trouble-free and totally amazing until the first safety recall update, all my problems started then. I hope brp can find the cause and in the end a solution that will benefit all spyder owners. :clap:

Me too. As one of our main considerations in looking at an SE-5 would be that my wife could drive it, knowing that the steering was reliable would certainly clear the path for us.

 

[truck 85]

great

my spyder has been great and trouble free. I wached this forum before i bought and this fourm is what made me pull the pin and buy after all the coments about how fun and when you look at how many spyders there are out there not two bad of a ratio. any way i love it and would do it agine.hyea::2thumbs::firstplace::yes:

 

[rick.rutel]

Buying one anyway....

Like others on this forum, I wanted to do my research before I made any final decision on whether or not to purchase a Spyder. The information that I have been able to obtain here and at Spyder forums and web sites around the world, has convinced me that making the foray into Spyder land is a safe decision. Like any other brands of motorcycles, Can-Am has had some teething issues, but the general world-wide consensus I get is that BRP is working to regain trust and produce a viable, reliable, product. Worth mentioning is that over the past five years, I bought two brand new Honda GL-1800 Gold Wings. A 2005 and 2006. Both were so plagued with major issues from transmission lockups to electric failures, I gave up and swore I'd never buy a Honda Goldwing again. So I went to BMW. One of the K1200LT's I had, had the rear drive and drive shaft bearings replaced at 23,000 miles. How about $850.00 costs at every 14,0000 miles. Now add that there probably is no more difficult bike I know of to sell that a recent model BMW. I want to trade mine in on a Spyder and I'm having trouble locating a dealer willing to take a Beemer in trade. Harley-Davidson, twin cam 88 cam bearing failures and other recalls. You'd certainly like to think that after plunking down $16000.00 you'd be trouble free, but even Mercedes has major reliability issues. Perhaps ist's a sign of the times. As for me, the switch to three wheels became a necessity when a neck injury caused issues that made riding two up a danger. Hence, the Spyder, the only true performance oriented three wheeler in the world. Hopefully, I'll join the ranks of happy Spyder owners soon. Anyone want a nice clean BMW?

 

[SpyderGirl]

Me too. My Spyder has been trouble free as well. I've been watching the posts lately and some folks are having some apparently serious problems. That's why we come to these forums, to seek knowledge from others. By the same token, you have to understand human nature and the vast majority of on-line posts IMHO, occur when problems occur. If the product you bought was running properly, you are out having fun and not bothering to post how you're not having any problems.

I think Bill and Trickie Dick were right about the silent majority. :doorag:

I am also part of that silent majority.... over 22K miles and pretty much trouble free (the rear fender coming apart has been the worst thing).

Glad to hear that you are doing your reading and research. It's always good to make an informed decision. :doorag:

 

[BajaRon]

It's been said so many times. A forum like this tends to put a huge magnifying glass on every wart giving a very skewed view.

I owned a 1976 Can-Am 250 dirt bike many years ago. That thing had terrible suspension and a power band that was nearly impossible to control. But I had a blast on that bike. It was one of my favorites.

I often wonder if I'd have purchased a Spyder if I'd read all these posts first. Of course I bought mine without ever even seeing one (other than a picture on the Internet). I had no clue what I was getting into at the time.

Now, having owned one, I have to say I take much of the issues and complaints with a grain (and 1/2) of salt.

Not that there aren't problems. And I've had some of them myself. But having put 15k on the Spyder I have a great deal of confidence in the machine.

I can't think of anything I've driven for a long time that hasn't let me down in one way or another. Stuff happens...that's life.

I can say I have enjoyed my Spyder as much or more than anything else I've ever owned (and I've owned a few).

I'd hate to have someone pass up the opportunity to own and enjoy a Spyder because of something I posted here.

If you ask me I'll tell you GET ONE AND HAVE FUN!

 

[SpyderDog65]

Vertually no probs

I own a 08 Red SE5 and I have had virtually no probs with mine and so far ive got 10,240miles on it only probs ive had are the Dynamic Power Steering which i had replaced and Parking Brake Issues which have been Addressed also, after riding it for a few days over a year and a bit over 10k miles im very happy with my purchase. and would do it all over again my only complaint have been that stupid update that everyone did a few months ago that has actually messed my DPS up and it intermittedly made my Power Steering act up from time to time and after I just finished a 1600 mile trip to LA and San Diego two weeks ago I noticed that my Brake Master Cylinder has a slight leak Other than that it Runs Perfect Ive got a mulitude of aftermarket Mods on mine probably in the neigborhood of around 6.5k worth which have made it more enjoyable to ride Love my new stereo system i just had installed I had some nice Speakers Fabed fiberglass that bolt to the sides of my dash and a I-Pod Stereo with a 320watt Soundstream Amp and 8inch Image Dynamic SubWoofer w/ HO Capaciter it sounds Awsome. and i love my Corbin Seat with Rider Backrest

 

[NewRider]

My yellow '09 SE5 has also been trouble-free, from the beginning. If for no other reason, knowing the description of various problems has kept me alert to potential woes, IF they occur.

My sincere thanks to those with problems, for posting them here, so we're all aware...just in case!:f_spider: