IMO the Ryker to Spyder is like the Harley Sportster to the Road King. They are both of the same family, but serve different purposes and have big cost differences. I had NO intention of purchasing a Can Am until I saw the Ryker. Due to physical limitations related to age ailments, I can no longer enjoy riding a two wheeler and the Ryker gives me the same feeling that I got from taking off on a ride. It ALMOST has the two wheel experience feeling. That is my reason for choosing the Ryker over the Spyder. That said, I could have waited until the glitches were ironed out in a year or two, BUT I knew that if any glitches were discovered, the company would take care of them via recalls. They have. My wheel nuts were replaced BEFORE I received my notice in the mail. Shoot, Harley had years of manufacturing before they fixed the oil leaks. They were known to have a common trait of "marking their spot." I realize that having wheels falling off is a big deal and not just an oil leak, but that is such a small chance of happening and they ARE attempting to fix the problem. For those that are scared of buying one until the problem is fixed, then don't buy one for a while. If I was concerned about being safe, I certainly would have never owned a two wheeler. I think that perhaps some are over thinking this issue. Personally, I do not "like" the single nut wheel retainer, but that's the sporty way they designed the cycle. It was inconvenient to have to purchase the socket and the torque wrench, but I did. I don't know a lot about the cycle yet, but I am learning a lot on this forum. I do know that I am going to enjoy lots of riding all year long here in Florida, and I am enjoying the process of personalizing my cycle. I guess the fact that I am getting older makes some issues less important on my worry list, since time gets shorter as you get older. No one lives forever, so enjoy the time you have left. But, if the wheel issue scares you, then don't buy a Ryker and if you have one, sell it. There are plenty out there that want one so you won't have trouble getting rid of it.
That said, does anyone else wonder a little if BRP is just grinding down a notch on the later manufactured wheel nuts and passing them on? I mean if they have checked them since the bad batch that came out, and finding out that there was just a bad batch mixed in, why not just mark the newer ones similar to putting a different serial number on the part? Just kind of wondering, not that it matters as long as the new ones are testing OK. Another question I have (since I am ignorant on the subject) is could the wheel nut be damaged/cracked by over torquing it? After all, who ever heard of tightening a nut to 220lbs, other than a high tension bolt on the iron structure of a large building construction job? Since some on here claim to be engineers, I thought I would throw that thought out there for the conversation.
At any rate, have fun and don't worry so much. Go out there and enjoy contributing to "global warming" and air pollution before they replace all our fun with batteries.