Disapointment With BRP Owners Event

[Sarge707]

between arntufun's videos and the diy board most of it is covered. somebody with an RT and a video camera should do some videos on body removal and anything else that is different from the ''s'' platform.
thanks again Randy:thumbup:

:agree: I agree- If you "Look in the DIY Section" you find video,s of lots of things or picture explanations -ADD the search feature and theres Not much you can,t find out here!!!nojoke Lamont even has the RT tupperware removal in there too.

If your gonna keep your Spyder a few years its time to take it apart and get to know it because it will save you Big $$$ and the second and third time get real easy!!!!

 

[StanProff]

All the items mentioned are covered already on the forum. There are many how-to videos related things such as checking the oil, changing the oil, belt alignment, tupperware removal, access to everything under the skin of the spyder etc. :thumbup:
I appreciate the Owners event very much. No complaints on this end.

 

[budro]

just wonderin'

Did the RV co. that ya brought your Spyder to the event behind have a owners event ? Did they give a seminar on Spyder loading ? Not nice I know, but sometimes it just feels good.---Budropps: I rode mine

 

[CapNCrunch]

VERY GOOD IDEA!

We had a great time meeting everyone, looking at all the farkled Spyders, eating and riding. But, I found the event lacking. This was our first and as I participate in similar events for my other hobbies and interests I expected a little more. What was lacking were any technical forums. It would have been great if BRP put on live demos as how to do things like oil changes, belt alignments, pre-ride checks, or even tupperware removal for the new owners. I think there would be a lot fewer service complaints if the less mechanically inclined owners could perform routine maintenance.

BRP wouldn't even have to do the seminars. They could solicit for dealers or even guys like Scotty to do them. Anybody else think this would improve the event, or am I off-base here?

Back in the 60's and 70's, when I belonged to the ALFA Romeo Club of Northern California, we would invite a dealer technician to give us the correct procedure for changing spark plugs, or adjusting valves, or balancing the Weber carbs, or adjusting headlights, etc. about every three months, at one of our regular meetings. It prevented non-technically inclined owners from REALLY screwing things up, and made for much more satisfied ALFA owners over all. It also showed which dealers were REALLY interested in happy owners, and not just "servicing" the vehicles. It's a great idea, and I hope BRP does it! It would definitely help their image with owners. CapNCrunch

 

[Copperman]

I wasn't disapointed!

I was there to meet and talk to people who have the same love for their Spyder as I have. And I did. Not only did we compare our rides, we talked about other non-spyder things. Isn't that what this OE was all about?

I made a vacation out of the week and rode almost 1700 miles. Many of them in the mountains and the rain! I even rode the Dragon... and have the T shirt to prove it. Although, it only rained a few hours on Thursday, I was smiling to myself as I was thinking about Spyderfest. The nice thing here was that it was much warmer. As I was riding up to Lamonts and on the Rattler, Nanny kicked in. I just patted her on the side and said thanks!

I was a great event and all the things BRP did for us was top notch. My hat's off to them.

Can't wait till next year!

 

[Firefly]

Always seems to be one unhappy camper no matter what.

It was a great owners event. Meeting old friends and new. Great riding. Great food.

BTW.. there WERE technical seminars held.... every night in the parking lots of the hotels. People helping each other with issues, talking about add-ons and having fun.

How anyone could be disappointed down in that beautiful area for riding is beyond me.


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[Illinois Boy]

Can't speak to who went to the event and who did not. But, can say with complete confidence there are many now riding spyder's who don't have the first clue on how to do, or, are initially intimidated at the thought, of doing the very basic things he mentioned.

Some of us who have been around cycling for years should remember from where we came.

Really!

I hear you... and quite honestly do not entirely disagree with Dr. Buck's comments. I just see where there is a potential problem with the whole idea though.

I believe dealers should go through those things when you buy a bike. HD, for instance, includes the basic maintenance items upon delivery of a purchase. Not so much with BRP dealers.

All in all, I hear you guys...:thumbup:

 

[SilverSurfer]

We had a great time meeting everyone, looking at all the farkled Spyders, eating and riding. But, I found the event lacking. This was our first and as I participate in similar events for my other hobbies and interests I expected a little more. What was lacking were any technical forums. It would have been great if BRP put on live demos as how to do things like oil changes, belt alignments, pre-ride checks, or even tupperware removal for the new owners. I think there would be a lot fewer service complaints if the less mechanically inclined owners could perform routine maintenance.

BRP wouldn't even have to do the seminars. They could solicit for dealers or even guys like Scotty to do them. Anybody else think this would improve the event, or am I off-base here?

In 2010 I went to Spyders in the Smokies - Gatlinburg. Lacking of some things I would've liked.
In 2011 I went to the Spyders Owners Event in Maggie Valley. Lacking of some things I would've liked.
In 2012 I returned to Maggie Valley to a TrikeTalk.com Trike event. Lacking of some things I would've liked.

All of them had things I did like. I usually don't go to rallies to go to school. If they had the 'learn to change the oil' class, it would have taken overhead to get it set up right and in an area where a large group could actually see the procedure. So ... like you, I like to meet others and pick up tips. Then too, at SOE 2011, they had a maintenance tent where they corrected an ASC problem I was having. I learned something new at each event.

Summer 2013: Having been to the Smokies now three years in a row, I'm doing something different for this year. I'm leading a tour of 11 of us Spyder people up through Northern PA ... across the miles I'll put to use everything I've learned in now the fourth year of owning my RT-S. Between this and the local rallies I host, whatever is lacking in my events, for some, will be my fault. Alas, I will muddle through and do the absolute best I can ... and expect someone will tell me what was "lacking", many will thank me; which I'm sure BRP/CanAm is experiencing, keeping in mind that SOE is not to 'service' our needs. SOE is BRP/Can-Am's chance to purvey little bits of this and that ... sort of like eating tappas, to keep all of our appetites whet and to cover the broadest base possible. It's to market ... market ... market. If they pick up your feedback. It may strike a chord in their marketing strategy ... but I'd just say go and enjoy the events for the items you found that did make you smile.

Paul

 

[coastrider]

There is always room for improvement, but I was very pleased with what BRP provided. The meals were great, the staff friendly, and seeing that many Spyders in one place was great. The location couldn't have been more beautiful, and the addition of the Wheels Through Time Museum was a nice touch. I'll be adding this event to my yearly touring agenda.

 

[Illinois Boy]

Originally Posted by DR Buck

We had a great time meeting everyone, looking at all the farkled Spyders, eating and riding. But, I found the event lacking. This was our first and as I participate in similar events for my other hobbies and interests I expected a little more. What was lacking were any technical forums. It would have been great if BRP put on live demos as how to do things like oil changes, belt alignments, pre-ride checks, or even tupperware removal for the new owners. I think there would be a lot fewer service complaints if the less mechanically inclined owners could perform routine maintenance.

BRP wouldn't even have to do the seminars. They could solicit for dealers or even guys like Scotty to do them. Anybody else think this would improve the event, or am I off-base here?




Most of these things are covered in the owners manual so I see no legal or liability problems with demonstrations of these. If there were a problem then the owners manual would also be a problem.

Never said there was not any legal liability with what is in a manual. Of course there is.

I did, however, say, in so many words, that demonstrations have added liability -- which is true.

Do I think it is right? NO I do not; but this world has too many "It's not my fault" people these days wanting to profit for their mistakes -- causing too many people and companies to be cautious.

 

[Illinois Boy]

You're not saying your owner's manual shows how to align the belt, are you? I have a 2008 owner's manual and it only shows how to check belt alignment.

A service manual has the information on more technical issues.

Again, a company is not going to get into more technical issues as demonstrations.

How many car, motorcycle, or ATV companies have "maintenance-training" sessions for the public on the more technical maintenance issues? None that I can think of... but I suppose there could be one out there. Would be surprised to see it though...

For those that my think I was jumping-down Dr. Buck's post, you have it wrong. I believe it would be a nice-touch if they had those types of sessions (officially sponsored). However, I was merely pointing-out how corporate legal teams view these types of things. And believe me... they look at it in the way I described. Anyone that has had experience in corp-law would agree with me. For those that have not, are merely arm-chair quarterbacking the issue... No offense intended. The world has been invaded by a bunch of panty-waisted people looking to blame others for their mistakes and make money from it... It sucks.

 

[Firefly]

Service Manuals are readily available directly from BRP. They're not hiding anything. You can learn to do as little or as much as you want right in the service manual.

In addition, there are plenty of people out here ready and willing to help...via message, posting, videos.. or sometimes even hands on.

Lamont also has hosted wrenching days around the time of his BBQ's.


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[mhoecker]

DRBuck does not need me to defend him but I am stepping in to say that you guys may be a little harsh on the man. First, Dave knows his way around the Spyder and has done many modifications to his RT. He certainly doesn't need BRP to teach him how to change the oil. Secondly, many companies that make niche products, often high end, hold "homecoming " or owners events. The folks that built our RV hold one each year at their location in Iowa. They offer seminars just like the type DR Buck was referring to.

Honestly, my husband and I thought there would be seminars just as DR Buck described. Unfortunately, due to some issues with the RV (results from storing off site for first time), we missed the owners event. We will certainly try to make the next one that is close to us and look forward to meeting all of you there!

Madonna

 

[Mrs. Magoo]

This is our second Spyder owner's event. We think being able to talk directly to BRP representatives is great. BRP makes Spyder owners feel like part of the family. We had an issue regarding our dealer that we discussed with a rep last year and we received several follow up emails from them. As long as they stay focused on the individual customer, that will continue to set them apart from the others. We saw some of the same BRP faces that we saw in Durango, and they were all just as nice as they could be. We hope BRP will continue to host events like this so we can meet more Spyder lovers like ourselves.


Mrs. Magoo

 

[sinkhole]

Look, let's face it. BRP tries to support it's dealer network as much as it can, and the dealers are not about to give away their expertise for free. General maintenance is explained in the owners manual, and beyond that you have to ferret the info out for yourself. It's pretty much the same for the autos that all of us drive... no company is about to give away info that earns them their livelihood for free.
I personally thought that the 2013 meet was the best run so far!

 

[diesel-dawg]

Simple stuff like this is in the manual. If someone owns a Spyder and rode it all the way to the OE without having an idea how to do these things... well... they don't deserve to be owning a Spyder.Really...

I disagree with your statement. I think DR Buck and JerBear make interesting observations. Just because they don't see things as you, does not mean their comments are not valued by many. I think it would be a great thing for BRP to offer owner-based demo's and workshops. Not a liability issue at all. I for one am waiting for BRP to answer two simple emails to their customer service office. BRP can do something different than some of the other motorcycle companies, and if they did, it would improve the knowledge base and move them far ahead of the other companies, IMHO. I was unable to make the OE, as a new owner. However, did anyone address the thread published on this site to BRP about issues with the current heat exhaust? If so, would be interested in their response.

 

[kepople]

My dissappointment was I could not attend... :-(

 

[spydercatjohn]

I agree a technical seminar on basic maintenance an owner is expected to do like check fluids and tire pressure would be beneficial to everyone including dealers and BRP. It would be great to be able to do these on actual Spyders under the instruction of BRP. Reading a manual or watching a video is not as helpful as actual hands on experience. It would make the OE even better.

 

[Raknid]

My dissappointment was I could not attend... :-(

Same here...

 

[Firefly]

While I don't think having such seminars is a bad idea..... I think the headline of "Disappointed" just brushed many the wrong way. Perhaps it should have been more along the lines of recommended ideas for next time.

I used to be of the opinion "If you can't wrench it, don't ride it".... but that changed with the Spyder... which has more first time riders than I've ever seen before.



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