Ask the BRP/Spyder Engineers Questions

[Lamonster]

I've been working with the guys at BRP about getting more involved with the members here on SpyderLovers. As you have seen with the chat sessions on SpyderTalk that may or may not be a good thing for BRP as we may not like their answers.

BRP has classified SpyderLovers as a more "technical savvy" group and felt that instead of a chat session we could ask the BRP Spyder engineers questions here on the board and they will look through all of them and pick out 5 questions to answer.

The first answers should come around the end of April so go ahead and start asking your questions now on this post and I'll send them the link to look at. We hope to do this by-monthly in the future.

This could be a very valuable tool to learn more about the Spyder and it's inner workings. Please be polite and professional in your questions. Thanks

 

[docdoru]

Here is the reasoning for upgrade the factory shocks: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9158
Is this considered damage or "normal wear and tear" @ 24,000 miles?

 

[GaryTheBadger]

What exactly is the timeline for resolving the SE5 transmission-related issues that bulletin 2009-1 does not resolve? How can Spyder owners help expedite the identification, implementation and communication of a solution?

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Would you please develop and market an optional gear & drive belt set for owners who prefer more casual freeway cruising, lower RPM and better fuel mileage instead of maximum accelleration.

 

[aubierules]

What exactly is the timeline for resolving the SE5 transmission-related issues that bulletin 2009-1 does not resolve? How can Spyder owners help expedite the identification, implementation and communication of a solution?

:agree: BUT ADD THE 08 TO THE MIX..A LOT ARE STILL HAVING SHIFTING ISSUES, MINE INCLUDED

 

[AMTJIM]

Would you please develop and market an optional gear & drive belt set for owners who prefer more casual freeway cruising, lower RPM and better fuel mileage instead of maximum accelleration.

:agree:+1
and...
1)The airbox and stock filter don't match up and has a poor seal. Dust, dirt and sand get by and into the engine. I suggest the Kens Race filter for the stock filter unless you want to warranty engines with early failure!

2)Stock mirrors don't lock down and flop back and forth...they also give a great view of my knuckles, arms and sholders.

3)Are the squeaky brakes covered by warranty or not?

4)Why does my SM5 spend so much time in Limp Mode...there's obviously a problem here, but you have yet to change the electronics to solve this problem.

 

[SpyderByter]

I would like to know if modifications void the warranty, and if so, which specific ones.

 

[ataDude]

Question: In the original service manual, the gear position sensor was noted on page 191 as one of the six direct inputs into the DPS unit.

In later 2008 versions of the service manual, the gear position sensor is not listed... but the other five remain.

What really changed, if anything, and why did it change?

.

 

[Degaman]

What exactly is the timeline for resolving the SE5 transmission-related issues that bulletin 2009-1 does not resolve? How can Spyder owners help expedite the identification, implementation and communication of a solution?

Good question... every time I ride I get at least one gear stuck. Had the BUDS update and oil pressure spring changed. As soon as my trailer is built, am going to park it at the dealer until something is done to fix it.

 

[wingnut]

Please modify the software so that the ambient temperature is included in the display list when cycling through the information when using the button behind the left handgrip. Currently you must take your hand off the handlebar to push the instrument panel button to see the temperature.

are you joking

 

[BRPjunkie]

Please modify the software so that the ambient temperature is included in the display list when cycling through the information when using the button behind the left handgrip. Currently you must take your hand off the handlebar to push the instrument panel button to see the temperature.

The air temperature is a constant display and does not need to be toggled.

 

[NancysToy]

1. Is the cooling fan switched by the ECU or a hard switch? If ECU, have you contemplated a reprogram to switch the fan in sooner? If a hard switch, how about a revision?

2. Why is the ambient air temperature and pressure sensor so slow to respond, and why does it always read so high. This makes the Spyder run very lean (most of the time).
-Scotty

 

[aubierules]

What octane fuel should I use and why?:dontknow: LOL


Seriously, please tell us more about the engine control systems. Does the Spyder ECU incorporate a knock control system? At what RPM ranges does the fuel system operate in a closed loop mode? What is the target AFR that the system attempts to correct to? Are changes applied as offsets to fixed tables, or are changes made to base maps? Does the ECU apply adaptive learning to the fuel tables in open loop areas of the fuel maps? Can the system compensate for major changes to the intake or exhaust system? Why is the idle speed set so high? Any plans for engine performance parts- cams, pistons, heads? Any plans for end user programming software for the ECU so that we can adjust engine operating parameters?

dangit man! if they answer all your questions, they will never get to our cheesy ones!:yikes:

 

[Just Doo Me]

1. Is the cooling fan switched by the ECU or a hard switch? If ECU, have you contemplated a reprogram to switch the fan in sooner? If a hard switch, how about a revision?

2. Why is the ambient air temperature and pressure sensor so slow to respond, and why does it always read so high. This makes the Spyder run very lean (most of the time).
-Scotty

Scotty have you checked to see if the sensor was properly routed when the bike was PDI at the dealer,Lamonster had a post with pics that showed it was still tied to frame from the factory in a few cases.Tech did not follow the book when doing the PDI.

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty have you checked to see if the sensor was properly routed when the bike was PDI at the dealer,Lamonster had a post with pics that showed it was still tied to frame from the factory in a few cases.Tech did not follow the book when doing the PDI.

Yep, it's in the right place. Can't tell if the insulating washer is there, but it vaguely appears that it is. Could be a bad sensor, but most Spyder riders I have talked to say theirs are also very slow to respond. If you leave the Spyder in the sun, it takes a good half hour or more of freeway riding for the temp to get near ambient. Same going from a cold garage into the warmth. Has to affect the fuel mixture.
-Scotty

 

[opticat]

Will there ever be a fix for the troublesome SE transmissions that continually stick in gear? My dealer has done the program update, changed a spring and an electronic module, and it worked for about 700 miles. Now it is back to sticking in gear again. Makes for a dangerous situation especially in traffic.

 

[VIspyderman]

Corosion Issues

I've had the paint on all four foot peg brackets and the rear sprocket lift and peel due to corosion. I'm curious how many others have had this issue and if BRP will be able to find a solution to prevent it from happening. I'm about to get these items replaced for the second time in 35000 km's.

 

[Sara]

Hand Brake

Many riders have a serious need for a hand brake! Those who are injured, handicapped, and older need a hand brake to safely ride the Spyder. Additionally, how is one to push the Spyder and stop it when necessary? I think that not only will a hand brake make the Spyder safer, it will also sell a lot more Spyders. Remember, BRP, the age-old economic principle: Make an effort to include the greatest number of buyers--inclusive not exclusive! This is how the greatest numbers are served and how fortunes are made.

 

[Longlegs]

1. Is the cooling fan switched by the ECU or a hard switch? If ECU, have you contemplated a reprogram to switch the fan in sooner? If a hard switch, how about a revision?

2. Why is the ambient air temperature and pressure sensor so slow to respond, and why does it always read so high. This makes the Spyder run very lean (most of the time).
-Scotty

Does it continually read and adjust for air pressure or just at initial "ignition on"? For some reason I am thinking my 800 rotax atv only reads pressure at startup.

 

[bnlrobinson]

SE-5

Will there ever be a fix for the troublesome SE transmissions that continually stick in gear? My dealer has done the program update, changed a spring and an electronic module, and it worked for about 700 miles. Now it is back to sticking in gear again. Makes for a dangerous situation especially in traffic.

Went on 130 mile ride the other day, mine stuck in 3rd, 5th, and reverse, This happened 7 times.This gets real annoying when the other riders have to stop and wait for you to pull over shut your bike down and wait two minutes for everything to reset. The next day I rode 110 miles (I was by myself) and of course I had no problems at all.