Ask the BRP/Spyder Engineers Questions

[SLO RYDER]

Fix for Exhaust "Slip Joint"

Does BRP have any plans to improve the exhaust gaskets for the connection between the Collector and Headers? I have the stock exhaust and it appears the weight of this Large contraption is biased by the forward mounting of the muffler. The muffler needs more support on the rear to prevent the premature wear of the gaskets (BRP clls the Slip Joint Seals). My Spyder has 5400 miles and I just replaced them. See the attached picture of my right gasket of which only half remained. Dealers say that they do not see this failure and I believe this is because most Spyder owners swap the stock for lighter and smaller aftermarket louder mufflers. I do not like Loud Pipes and would like to retain the stock muffler.

 

[Mr.Bumble]

front turn signals

I just found out that my front turn signals are not front runing lights. Is this normal? Or is something wrong with my spyder.

 

[NancysToy]

I just found out that my front turn signals are not front runing lights. Is this normal? Or is something wrong with my spyder.

That is normal. No Magic Neon has their Double Play kit available if you wish to change it.
-Scotty

 

[trldncr]

AcationAPS lo

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

some read higher because the dealer did not relocate them as per the pdi bulletin. If it is located where it is before relocating at pdi, it is behind the trunk and close to the front exhaust pipe in an area of more heat which creates a leaner condition. It is suposed to be moved froward on the right side of the trunk where there is airflow throught the vent.

 

[NancysToy]

some read higher because the dealer did not relocate them as per the pdi bulletin. If it is located where it is before relocating at pdi, it is behind the trunk and close to the front exhaust pipe in an area of more heat which creates a leaner condition. It is suposed to be moved froward on the right side of the trunk where there is airflow throught the vent.

Mine is in the correct position.
-Scotty

 

[effgjamis]

I went to the Local Dealer, powersports of kissimmee, and asked about adjusting my headlight under waranty.
Well the answer I got was something I surely didn't expect. NO,as the lights are adjusted at the FACTORY and therefore any adjustment made would be subject to Time and Material Cost. Now.... they did not even look at the spyder, nor checked the lights, nothing, so how could or would they state that the lights are set at FACTORY settings?? However, I have not adjusted the lights.

Also,, I keep asking them about the squeaky brakes, and they keep saying that I MUST directly contact BRP service group to get authorization for the fix. Well, I would think they would take it upon their selves to contact the Manufacture and get the neccessary apporval and parts. DUH!

I have no clue if my small issue on open ears or on deaf ears. That's ok,, I still love my spyder regardless of the kind and considerate assistance I get from the local dealer.

 

[spyderbob]

Can someone post a list of the recalls we have not had ours in the shop yet and would like to know what we need to ask about.

 

[irish2themax]

2009 SE5 Recall Issues

My 2009 SE5 is in the shop having mods added before I take possession. I've seen numerous posts about recall issues but they are spread all over the place. The BRP site says there are NO product recalls at this time. I tried Googling "recalls" but cannot find a list of known issues

Before I take possession, I'd like to have all of the KNOWN problems taken care of. Is there a comprehensive list of recall issues or should I be confident that a 2009 has them corrected before shipping?
__________________

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Technically there aren't any Recalls, but there are Service Bulletins.
2009-1 deals with SE5 shifting, for example. Again, technically you're supposed to exhibit the symptoms before getting the fix under warranty, but my shop didn't make a big deal about it, as soon as I mentioned it, they did the work. It did smooth out the shifting, but did nothing for the creeping (it wasn't supposed to, they're still working on that). Other Bulletins deal with leaking brake fluid caps and brake pads and such. You should be able to find them on threads here using searches trooling through the subject lines.

Correction Apr 21 - there is one official NHTSA recall:
Make: CAN-AM Model: SPYDER ROADSTERModel Year: 2008Manufacturer: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Mfr's Report Date: NOV 28, 2007NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 07V561000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSPotential Number of Units Affected: 476Summary:

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A PRESENCE OF AN ABNORMAL QUANTITY OF AIR IN THE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT OF THE FRONT BRAKE. ALSO SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE ONE OR TWO BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAPS THAT ARE SEALED AND THIS COULD CREATE A VACUUM WHICH COULD LEAD TO ADSORPTION OF AIR INTO THE BRAKE CIRCUITS. THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY GO ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSING.Consequence:

A DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.Remedy:

BRP HAS NOTIFIED EACH OWNER INFORMING THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND SCHEDULING A PICK-UP TIME TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND PERFORM A BLEEDING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS NEEDED. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAPS WILL BE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE WILL BE VALIDATED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-864-2002.Notes:

BRP RECALL NO. 2008-0001. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

 

[Biker]

Being an SE5 owner and hearing all these stuck in gear problems, now I'm getting paranoid. I haven't had this problem and I'm worried. Is this very common? I also would like to ask BRP if they could change the gearing on these Spyders. Coming off of 3 Harleys in the past is hard for me to understand the high rev's of this engine. I keep looking for an extra gear. But, this is probably the nature of the beast.:bowdown: I too would like this problem addressed if this "Stuck in Gear" thingie is a problem.

 

[Silverwolf]

Hey all,

I am looking for a normal grill cover to match the one on the left side of the spyder. I would like to know if there is an engineering issue with putting a grill there or not? Since it was brought to my attention that it could be a possible problem for the Spyder. So I am putting my question here for the engineers...

 

[obiwanbill]

Towing Hitch vs Warranty

I am planning on buying a SE5 first week of May and put down a deposit for it. As I'm in a wheelchair (missing rt leg) I found a shop (Mels) to design a wheelchair holder (like a bike carrier) to come off a hitch at a 90 degree angle, so the chair would be parall to the rear tire on the left side.

Reading the on-line owner's manual, it says no tow hitches. Hmmm, but there are dozens of Spyders with hitches on this site and on You Tube.

So what's the deal? am I going to ruin the Tranny? Bearings? Been told it will be no problem) But Most importantly, am I voiding the warranty? Like 2 years from now something acts up and they (BRP) tells me I'm S.O.L?

 

[Dragonrider]

+1 for the handbrake. I bought a SM because of all the noise about the SE's problems

 

[SethO]

I have an o9 se5 with 2100 miles on it, rode it in the snow(which drives the tcs nuts) and have not had a problem yet, except for the back tire getting burnned up in that amount of miles, I have a cable hand brake and floor boards, cable handbrake sucks, hydro one should be coming out soon. I have a t8 spinal cord injury (nothing just below your chest) and am still looking for a way to get a wheelchair mounted on it.
Also cut the plastic behind the seat so i can just pick my leg up, move it and put gas in it, have to back up at about a 20 Degree angle to pay at the pump but it can be done, if you don't mind people looking at you like you are too lazy to get off your bike to get gas.

 

[irish2themax]

My 2009 SE5 is in the shop having mods added before I take possession. I've seen numerous posts about recall issues but they are spread all over the place. The BRP site says there are NO product recalls at this time. I tried Googling "recalls" but cannot find a list of known issues

Before I take possession, I'd like to have all of the KNOWN problems taken care of. Is there a comprehensive list of recall issues or should I be confident that a 2009 has them corrected before shipping?
__________________

Thanks Gary!! Apparently we can ask the engineers but don't expect an answer, huh? That manual I bought has all of the known bulletins in it

 

[Spydroe]

How about working with the dealers a little more closely. My spyder has been in the shop for 2 months and counting , trying to fix the power steering that never worked in eleven thousand miles. Give Tulare Honda a call and please get this fixed.

 

[effgjamis]

Trunk

I have asked my dealer, Powersports of Central Florida, about the yellow flashing part just under the trunk lid with the BRP emblem, as the tabs on one side are not, seems to me, not catching as the design is supposed to be.
this request, was made 4 weeks ago and I just came from the dealer Friday, 4-24-09 and the dealer stated that they have not heard from BRP concerning the flashing.

WOW ! communication is great, isn't it.

 

[VIspyderman]

The part # is 705002550 if you mean the very front part of the trunk lid.

I have asked my dealer, Powersports of Central Florida, about the yellow flashing part just under the trunk lid with the BRP emblem, as the tabs on one side are not, seems to me, not catching as the design is supposed to be.
this request, was made 4 weeks ago and I just came from the dealer Friday, 4-24-09 and the dealer stated that they have not heard from BRP concerning the flashing.

WOW ! communication is great, isn't it.

 

[effgjamis]

The part # is 705002550 if you mean the very front part of the trunk lid.

Thank you Mark..

However, the issue remains unresolved due to waranty replacement.. BRP, according to Dealer, has not responded to the flashing issue, nor squeaky brakes.

Yesterday, I checked with the dealer, and nothing, however, I asked them about the new seat, 1/2 hour later and finally by my using spyderlovers.com and getting the link from Lamonster's post, were they able to locate and finally call BRP, on the confort seat, and then they were on hold for another 1/2 hour, at least that was what I was told, and then came back, I had to order the seat immediately for mid-may, maybe availability, and I then asked, why would I have to order the immediately, why don't you get one for stock, as you keep telling me the volume of Spyders you are selling, and besides, why are you asking for Deposits of new Spyders?, As other dealers have them on the floor.. and on and on....

Well I think you get the picture.. This dealer needs to wake up, or BRP needs to wake them up, as I am going to checkout the dealer in Lakeland, a bit of ride but may be worth it..

Update: 4-29-09:
Got a call from the Dealers Part Manager, and good to fair news.. The Flashing is on Waranty order and should be in in two or so weeks.
The comfort seat has been placed on order by the dealer and maybe at least 4 week ( per the Parts manager) delivery time frame.
Don't know, in reality, how this came about but I feel better now about the Dealership, Especially the Parts Manager.
I will update this as time marches on.

 

[BajaRon]

I know it has already been said; but the most glaring deficiency on this vehicle is the lack of a hand (lever) brake on the handlebar.

I understand the functional reason why this is not a necessity for the average rider.

But BRP is overlooking some huge advantages and even necessity for some if not many or even most riders.

At least make it an option and make it a retro-fit factory item.