another laser alignment thread

[Gray Ghost]

I can't imagine my Spyder handling better than it does. I can easily drive with one hand. Sweepers are solid. Could it possibly have been correctly aligned from the dealer?

There are a very few that have come with a good alignment. And there are some dealers that are now using the laser alignment system so it might have been properly set up before being delivered. If there is an independent doing alignments near your area, check with them. Most, if not all of us, offer a free check to see if you are aligned properly.

 

[sonny]

Laser Alignment in Michigan

Does anyone know where I can get my R Ltd laser aligned in Michigan? My right tire is almost bald for the first inch on the inside in 11000 miles. Another RT I know of has the same problem. Both have original tires.....maybe the problem. I haven't heard much good on BRP's tire selection.

 

[Gray Ghost]

Does anyone know where I can get my R Ltd laser aligned in Michigan? My right tire is almost bald for the first inch on the inside in 11000 miles. Another RT I know of has the same problem. Both have original tires.....maybe the problem. I haven't heard much good on BRP's tire selection.

Those dealers who use the ROLO system are listed by state at www.spydercomfort.com/dealers. Also check the listing of independent dealers there. Most of us are willing to travel just about anywhere to do alignments as long as there are enough people to make it worthwhile.

 

[Art Mann]

I can't imagine my Spyder handling better than it does. I can easily drive with one hand. Sweepers are solid. Could it possibly have been correctly aligned from the dealer?

Although you hear a lot about wheel alignment on these forums, I don't think the problem is as widespread as it appears. Its like this. Very few people post comments like yours that basically says the alignment is just fine. I have had the same experience as you but didn't feel any need to say so. It is always the people who had problems that were fixed by a wheel alignment that feel the need to post. That is just natural. I have a very hard time believing that BRP would design, build and sell a vehicle that requires a lazer wheel alignment but almost none of their dealers have the equipment or skills to do it. Sometimes, bad designs can get through though.

Having said all that, I do plan to have the lazer alignment done when I am near a recommended place that does it. It would be worth it to me to just see if I could tell any difference.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Although you hear a lot about wheel alignment on these forums, I don't think the problem is as widespread as it appears. Its like this. Very few people post comments like yours that basically says the alignment is just fine. I have had the same experience as you but didn't feel any need to say so. It is always the people who had problems that were fixed by a wheel alignment that feel the need to post. That is just natural. I have a very hard time believing that BRP would design, build and sell a vehicle that requires a lazer wheel alignment but almost none of their dealers have the equipment or skills to do it. Sometimes, bad designs can get through though.

Having said all that, I do plan to have the lazer alignment done when I am near a recommended place that does it. It would be worth it to me to just see if I could tell any difference.

Art, we (Squared Away) have done over 300 alignments using the Rolo/Outlaw system and have only had 1 Spyder that was factory aligned within specs.

 

[coz]

i thought so too

the only thing that tipped me off was a little un-even tire wear. i thought the bike handled fine, but not having ridden a different spyder i had no point of reference. one tire showed some wear on the inside, the other showed more wear on the inside. i got the laser alignment done, and it was a noticable improvement. much more accurate steering. sadly, after a few weeks, you get used to it, and don't notice it any more. it IS good to know that the alignment is correct. :thumbup:

 

[Gray Ghost]

...I have a very hard time believing that BRP would design, build and sell a vehicle that requires a lazer wheel alignment but almost none of their dealers have the equipment or skills to do it. Sometimes, bad designs can get through though.

Art, we (Squared Away) have done over 300 alignments using the Rolo/Outlaw system and have only had 1 Spyder that was factory aligned within specs.

Art, look at an older service manual and read up on how BRP originally aligned the Spyder. It was all based upon the frame, but in most cases the rear wheel will be slightly out of parallel with the frame. That means that it is going to be out of kilter. We commonly set the Spyder for !" of toe in over 150 inches. (The ATVs I have done were set for 10mm over the diameter of the tire) So just a fraction of an inch can make a lot of difference in handling. BRP had Mike come up and demo his system to them and have suggested using it to their dealers.

I keep up with posts regarding alignments. What SpyderAnn said mirrors what every dealer I have seen post here says, very very few are within what it should be for a decent ride. Most, if not all, the independents will check the alignment using the system for free. Then it is your call as to whether to get the alignment done or not. I did watch one guy leave Mike's without getting the alignment even though the lasers showed him to be more than a little out. I even tell people that if they aren't satisfied with the results of the test ride that they don't owe me a thing. I haven't had anyone that could not tell the difference in handling yet.