Disappointment

[Questions]

Another factor to throw in the mix is that I'm not a big guy. I weigh in at 150 lbs., and typically ride solo.

Could this be a reason for the unstable front handling and bouncy rear at highway speeds?

 

[BHawksworth]

My RT's both are smooth at highway speeds, unless there is heavy wind, then they do move about. I put that down to the huge surface area. I've felt it on two wheelers too, but they presented less surface area, and possibly the trike design has an impact too. I guess I just accept that as an aspect of the design. But, it may also be that yours is acting differently than mine, either because of settings, or some defect, or something. It's really hard to tell whether some of the opinions mostly relate to different expectations, or have to do with genuine differences between bikes. Either way, I hope you're able to get it to a point you can be happy with it.

While I'm not an avid poster, I have owned an RT-S PE since early January and personally, my experiences are similar to Scotty's.

In terms of the fit and finish, my RT came out of the box with a damaged passenger grab handle. That piece has yet to have been replaced. To be fair, when the Dealer told me last week that it hasn't yet arrived, I told them that we'll get it done when my riding season ends in a few months.

Yes, I have the bad gas gauge and brakes that squeak very loudly. I've also noticed the same poor braking characteristics that Scotty clearly pointed out. On my first service, the Dealer told me that there was (at that time) no fix for the gas gauge and that they'd monitor the brakes. (Not a warm and fuzzy feeling to have brakes that squeak and feel inadequate). For whatever reason, the brakes don't feel that they can stop the Spyder RT in an efficient manner.

Now the big thing...Highway Speed Handling:

We have to remember that the RT is billed as being a touring machine. If it was billed as an "around towner" or "bar hopper" my expectations would be reasonable, but it's not...it's a highway touring machine. Or at least, that's how it's promoted. Personally, I've been very disappointed with the Spyder's poor handling at more than 55 miles per hour. Add a bit of wind to the equation and it's more work than fun attempting to keep it running in a straight line. At times, it feels downright unstable when riding at highway speeds. The handling at speed feels as if there is absolutely no margin for error and it's similar to what Scotty and what others have described.

When I first noticed the lack of handling issues, I chalked it up to rider error and adapted my two wheeled riding style for the Spyder. I eased up on the grips, but after 2,000 miles, it's not a good ride on the highway.

Also, if you're riding with friends, they will not want to ride behind the RT as it displaces so much air, that it creates a buffeting situation for those riding behind the RT. Also, one friend who was riding behind me (before the buffeting got to him) commented that the Spyder's rear end was bouncing up and down like a 1960's Cadillac. Yes, the Dealer is aware of these issues and is doing their best to solve them, but they need some input from the factory that so far, has not yielded positive results. I've tried adjusting the rear shock both by adding/removing air pressure and with the dash controller and it still bounces.

Before you ask, I've tried every known combination of front shock absorber/tire pressure settings known to man and while it may ride okay for a very short period, it quickly goes back to feeling like I'm riding a bucking bronco. Allow me to add that during the first week of ownership, when I first noticed the problems riding at highway speeds (the speed limits here are 70 mph), I attempted to change the shock's settings. One side's adapter ring was so tight, I couldn't adjust it. So, I took it to the dealer and it broke off. The tech told me I had a bad shock, but the factory felt it was just a bad ring...and that's all that was replaced. Possibly all this can be cured by new shocks, but until the factory wants to try that, I'm stuck with what they tell the Dealer.

I've had two limp home situations over a ten day period and it's yet again in the shop. In fact, this trike has been in the shop so frequently that I've gotten to know the dealer's pickup/delivery person very well. I have a lot of confidence in my Dealership and would buy from them again, but it seems that the weak point is the factory identifying an owner's problems and providing a fix.

Yes, I've contacted the Spyder Team at BRP and have gotten nowhere with them other than being told to deal with the dealer. When I attempted to point out that I've read about other similar situations on this site, I was told not to believe everything I read online...really.

Please note that I'm not a rookie to the world of motorcycling and this is my 15th motorcycle (yes, I know it has three wheels!).

I have a nice, respectable relationship with my Dealer and when they picked it up this week, I requested they not return it until it's right. If they can't make it perform as the comfortable, stable touring bike that the factory promoted, to put it on the showroom floor and sell it. Sorry, but I'm getting tired of being a guinea pig for a product that can't cruise smoothly at reasonable touring speeds.

I've attempted to be realistic in my expectations for the Spyder RT and can only hope that the Factory and the Dealer can figure out what's wrong and either repair it to operate as promoted or to provide a painless method of allowing me to remove it from my garage.

I really wanted to like the RT as I truly enjoy it around town. But I purchased the RT to take trips on and if it can't be properly repaired to be somewhat smoother and more confident at 70 mph, I'll be telling her goodbye.

And, one more point, the cruising range on this touring machine is, IMHO, inadequate. I recently took a trip that had around an 80 mile stretch with no gas stations. It was strange to have to be seeking a gas station before and after that stretch while my friends with tour bikes had to wait for me while I re-fueled.

I've attempted to be honest in my assessments of the RT-S PE, and while there is much to like about it (around town handling, easy U-Turns, smooth transmission, decent audio system, good storage, etc.), that unstable feeling at highway speeds is a deal killer for me. After all, the RT is supposed to be a touring trike and highway speed handling is part of the equation that separates a street machine from a tourer.

 

[NancysToy]

My RT's both are smooth at highway speeds, unless there is heavy wind, then they do move about. I put that down to the huge surface area. I've felt it on two wheelers too, but they presented less surface area, and possibly the trike design has an impact too. I guess I just accept that as an aspect of the design. But, it may also be that yours is acting differently than mine, either because of settings, or some defect, or something. It's really hard to tell whether some of the opinions mostly relate to different expectations, or have to do with genuine differences between bikes. Either way, I hope you're able to get it to a point you can be happy with it.

It is encouraging to hear that there are RTs out there that are safe and stable at highway speeds. I had expected that from my demo rides, and was surprised by the bad manners my RTS and a few others have exhibited. Perhaps the difference is in small alignment variations, loose suspension parts, or some other small variable with large consequences. Let's all hope that the causes can be discovered and corrected in short order. I still have high hopes for the RT, and am certainly not ready to write it off yet, but it needs to learn some manners...and mine needs to learn how to stop when it is asked.

 

[BHawksworth]

The brakes are not great. No bite. Maybe a different pad will help.

It is encouraging to hear that there are RTs out there that are safe and stable at highway speeds. I had expected that from my demo rides, and was surprised by the bad manners my RTS and a few others have exhibited. Perhaps the difference is in small alignment variations, loose suspension parts, or some other small variable with large consequences. Let's all hope that the causes can be discovered and corrected in short order. I still have high hopes for the RT, and am certainly not ready to write it off yet, but it needs to learn some manners...and mine needs to learn how to stop when it is asked.

 

[NancysToy]

The brakes are not great. No bite. Maybe a different pad will help.

I took a close look at my rear brake, and the pads are not contacting the disc evenly, or in their entirety. I suspect an extremely hard pad material. Low brake pressure would also be a possibility, though. Not sure that there are a lot of alternatives. Curiously enough, the early 2010 RS Spyders used the same pads and calipers as the 2008 and 2009 models, but the parts fiche lists the late production units as having the same rear caliper as the RT, but a different pad set. The RT uses the newer rear caliper but the old pad set. Maybe BRP is discovering some difficulties.

 

[syclemom]

Issues

Have had none of the horrors I am hearing, 7200mi. and wife has none , totally stable at 95mph. pulling the trailer, she absolutley loves it, wish mileage was a little better, but nothing can t live with , hope everyones issues are resolved. I am a two wheel rider I have only ridden my wifes about ten miles total, is very sensitive steering to me, I was very unstable , twitchy at highway speeds, where as my wife is smooth as silk, I wonder how many are converted two wheelers , she has about 95000mi. on Trikes before this so I trust her opinion completely, she said took a little getting used to the power steering but now is awesome she rides it literally daily.

 

[docdoru]

Yes, I've contacted the Spyder Team at BRP... When I attempted to point out that I've read about other similar situations on this site, I was told not to believe everything I read online...really.

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:... this is because they have a Non Disclosure Contract signed...:thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

Have had none of the horrors I am hearing, 7200mi. and wife has none , totally stable at 95mph. pulling the trailer, she absolutley loves it, wish mileage was a little better, but nothing can t live with , hope everyones issues are resolved. I am a two wheel rider I have only ridden my wifes about ten miles total, is very sensitive steering to me, I was very unstable , twitchy at highway speeds, where as my wife is smooth as silk, I wonder how many are converted two wheelers , she has about 95000mi. on Trikes before this so I trust her opinion completely, she said took a little getting used to the power steering but now is awesome she rides it literally daily.

That's a pretty common problem for those just coming over from two wheels. It takes a conscious effort to learn to relax and to react to slight changes and handlebar wiggles the opposite way you did before...if you react at all. When Nancy first got her Spyder, I experienced the same thing. Now, with a few thousand Spyder miles, it feels natural to me...or it did until I rode my RTS. It is great to hear that many RTs are very stable. That means the rest can be fixed.

 

[syclemom]

RTs

I should say that I never got totally comfortable with her Goldwing Trikes either, I ride to work 80mi. a day yr. round since we live in the south and the transition is extreme , a man named O.D.that has rode trikes since they were invented, due to being disabled , due to being shot while a policeman once told me to stay off of her trikes because the transition from my everyday bike was hard to do safely, I trusted him and know it is different,Bless his soul he passed he was the owner of Marshall Tx. H&W Honda a well known trike builder. I wonder how many unsatisfied with stability are like me and need more time and miles, my wifes seems very good so far best of luck to others . Regarding the brakes, I wonder how many have gone to a parking lot and really tested their bikes I witnessed my wife bring her RTS & trailer to a panic stop thanks to a cage driver , it stopped FAST, Controlled and stable,She is small not overly strong on pedal, stop was excellent, take your machine to a parking lot and learn its handling and braking , ABS is different.

 

[Questions]

Originally Posted by PalmBeachRyder
Yes, I've contacted the Spyder Team at BRP... When I attempted to point out that I've read about other similar situations on this site, I was told not to believe everything I read online...really.

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:... this is because they have a Non Disclosure Contract signed...:thumbup:

Let me be clear...that was told to me by Carlo...not by any of the Spyder 5.

 

[NancysToy]

I should say that I never got totally comfortable with her Goldwing Trikes either, I ride to work 80mi. a day yr. round since we live in the south and the transition is extreme , a man named O.D.that has rode trikes since they were invented, due to being disabled , due to being shot while a policeman once told me to stay off of her trikes because the transition from my everyday bike was hard to do safely, I trusted him and know it is different,Bless his soul he passed he was the owner of Marshall Tx. H&W Honda a well known trike builder. I wonder how many unsatisfied with stability are like me and need more time and miles, my wifes seems very good so far best of luck to others . Regarding the brakes, I wonder how many have gone to a parking lot and really tested their bikes I witnessed my wife bring her RTS & trailer to a panic stop thanks to a cage driver , it stopped FAST, Controlled and stable,She is small not overly strong on pedal, stop was excellent, take your machine to a parking lot and learn its handling and braking , ABS is different.

Good advice on the brake test in the parking lot, for any new ride. That is the part that worries me. I did exactly that. Mine takes at least three times the distance to stop in a panic stop as my wife's Spyder. No getting tossed over the handlebars on this one, even quite literally standing on the brake pedal. It has worse brakes than my 65 Triumph...but slightly better than my Honda SuperCub.

 

[Firefly]

Good advice on the brake test in the parking lot, for any new ride. That is the part that worries me. I did exactly that. Mine takes at least three times the distance to stop in a panic stop as my wife's Spyder. No getting tossed over the handlebars on this one, even quite literally standing on the brake pedal. It has worse brakes than my 65 Triumph...but slightly better than my Honda SuperCub.

That's just not right.

It would be nice if you could hook up with another RT owner that isn't having these problems--- swap bikes for 5 or 10 miles and see what you both felt during the ride.

 

[Mr.B]

Scotty,
You are a class act. Stay the course and stay true to your ethics. Looks like you have strong following here and if BRP is listening they should respect that.
As you know I picked up my RTS on Saturday, drove it 18 miles and ran to an issue "limp home" was the direction given by my new toy. On Monday my dealer picked up the RTS and they are working on the problem. I too plan to give them the opportunity to support me. I have faith that they will.

Lucky Baldwin:agree:

A follow up to the issue with my new RTS. My dealership picked it up and spent a couple of days trying to replicate the issue I had. They hooked it up to the computer, nothing, Tech took it out for 45 minutes on the road, nothing. They called BRP and through that discussion figured out the problem...ME!
Looks like I was riding the brake, sort of. On the RTS if you just put a little pressure on the brake enough so the brake light switch is engaged the computer looks to see if the brakes actually engaged. If you don't push the brake peddle down but only enough to turn on the brake lights the computer will eventually think there is a brake problem because the brakes never engaged and send you the alert and tell you to "Limp Home".
From the first time I test rode the RTS I felt like I might ride the brake based on foot position so their analysis rings true with me. I'm picking up my toy tomorrow morning and I'll give her a good testing to see if this is case. If it is I'll be relieved and suggest they cover this possibility when a customer picks up their bike. pps:

 

[ThreeWheels]

NancysToy,

Brakes are fine.
No engine problems for me.
No problems with fit/finish
The bouncing gas gauge got fixed. The jury is out on the accuracy, although I tend to think the gauge is accurate, the range of the bike sucks.
MPG.......I'm up to about 27 with 89 Octane. Started out with 25 using 87 Octane. I'll start burning 93 Octane and report.
Fixed the Dion and the Belmonts problem, but you know that from a previous post.
I've got my Dowco Ultralite to fit the bike better than the Spyder cover.
My main problems now are with others. Waiting for my GPS bracket to come in, and waiting for the CB to be delivered.

I may be speaking out of turn, but it seems to me you'll be much happier when you get your handling issues straightened out and you can ride the bloody thing instead of looking at a $25,000 sculpture.

Hope this helps.

 

[NancysToy]

Brakes are fine.
No engine problems for me.
No problems with fit/finish
The bouncing gas gauge got fixed. The jury is out on the accuracy, although I tend to think the gauge is accurate, the range of the bike sucks.
MPG.......I'm up to about 27 with 89 Octane. Started out with 25 using 87 Octane. I'll start burning 93 Octane and report.
Fixed the Dion and the Belmonts problem, but you know that from a previous post.
I've got my Dowco Ultralite to fit the bike better than the Spyder cover.

I may be speaking out of turn, but it seems to me you'll be much happier when you get your handling issues straightened out and you can ride the bloody thing instead of looking at a $25,000 sculpture.

Glad you are squared away. That gives me great hope. You are right, if I can get it to stop channeling Dion DiMucci, and get the thing to stop in something less than a city block, I will be happier. The other 20 items on the punch list are less important. I have never been afraid of a bike before, and that includes my fuel bike after a speed wobble dumped me on the long end of the drag strip at over 150 mph! I don't like being timid around one that can't even fall over, for crying out loud. I'll press for an alignment next week, have a brake pressure test done, and buy some EBC pads, and maybe we can start to get some serious miles on this thing.

 

[NancysToy]

Does the dealer do the fluid filling on these bikes??? Were those brakes bled properly??? This story will be interesting when it climaxes at the end------keep us tuned in here. (This story mirrors my Polaris sled of 2007)

Dealers do not fill the brake fluid, as far as I know. The brakes do not feel soft, like they need to be bled, just the opposite. Dealer is going to perform brake pressure test and inspect them next week. There are actually several possible causes, so I won't jump to conclusions until we can run some tests and inspect a few components.

I made arrangements this morning for the dealer to address the main issues here, even a few miles before my 625 mile service. I was going to kill both birds with one stone, but decided the safety issues could not wait, and I did not want to ride the remaining few miles this way. I was pretty impressed when I found out that without even hearing directly from me, Carlo had already contacted them and told them to take good care of me. Thanks Carlo! I'll take it in today or Monday, for them to look at early next week. They have already put an alignment on their list. I'll let you know how things come out.

 

[dltang]

Dealers do not fill the brake fluid, as far as I know. The brakes do not feel soft, like they need to be bled, just the opposite. Dealer is going to perform brake pressure test and inspect them next week. There are actually several possible causes, so I won't jump to conclusions until we can run some tests and inspect a few components.

I made arrangements this morning for the dealer to address the main issues here, even a few miles before my 625 mile service. I was going to kill both birds with one stone, but decided the safety issues could not wait, and I did not want to ride the remaining few miles this way. I was pretty impressed when I found out that without even hearing directly from me, Carlo had already contacted them and told them to take good care of me. Thanks Carlo! I'll take it in today or Monday, for them to look at early next week. They have already put an alignment on their list. I'll let you know how things come out.

Very happy for you Scotty, I hope this turns out all for the positive and they are able to make all the necessary corrections needed to make your RT the spyder you hoped it would be. Carlo seems to really be on top of things to the best of his ability.

 

[skypup]

I have been struggling about whether or not to write this post. I am doing it to hope I will start to feel better. I am becoming increasingly disappointed and disillusioned with my RT, now that I have been able to start riding it. There is plenty good about it, but the bad things and the little nuisances are bothering me no end. Yesterday I rode my BMW for the first time this year, and it put my feelings in perspective. There is no hiding my disappointment.

OK, why? Well, first there is the lack of quality control in a high end (and high dollar) vehicle. Paint runs, bubbles, and abundant orange peel do not belong on a limited edition vehicle. Then there is the gauge light that repeatedly refuses to work. Of course the gas gauge bounces half the scale, buries itself at the bottom before the low fuel warning comes on, and is generally useless, so I suppose having no light may be a blessing in disguise. Even the PE number embroidery is not up to snuff, with uneven stitching that makes the "#0150" appear to say "#0450".

The Spyder ate a spark plug the very first day. It continues to do so. Hard starting, plug fouling, misfiring at highway speeds...and a response from the tech to "never start it unless you are going to ride it", and advice to carry extra plugs. Toss in the very poor mileage, and horsepower on the MCO that does not match the advertising, and my face gets longer.

The last straw has been the hideous handling. I knew from some demo rides that the RT tended to dive into turns, and that it wallowed a bit. I was not prepared for how unpredictable this was. I have to be paying close attention every single second, just to avoid running off the road. I have thousands of Spyder miles under my belt, but this is a vastly different beast...and it saddens me. The idea was to have a stable vehicle that handled well under adverse conditions, and was relaxing to ride, like our RS, but more comfortable. Highway miles with this wobbly monster are a chore, and riding behind a semi is as scary as anything I have ever done...and I have done a lot of scary things. The last straw was having the handling deteriorate when we rode two-up, and having it be so noticeable that my wife asked if I was having handling problems because of her.

I am hoping some of these things can be worked out without throwing good money after bad. I have increased the tire air pressure to no avail. I will set up the shocks to max, but I don't know if it will help much more. I have to check the toe-in, but it is not visibly bad. I will also have to check all the suspension components for looseness. The RTS will eventually require a paint job. Disappointing to throw that kind of dough at a new vehicle. The jury is still out on the misfire, I will give the dealer another chance to address it. If I can cure it somehow, it should help the mileage. The gauges will be removed and I will revert to the digitals...sad waste of money. I bought this to be a highway vehicle. If it turns into a ride-around-town toy, it will go to the back of the garage...and likely rot there. Too bad, there was great potential here, but the execution leaves much to be desired. This is without a doubt the most comfortable motorcycle I have ever ridden...bar none. Comfort can't be coupled with poor workmanship, poor performance, and bad handling, however. For now, Nancy's RS and my Beemer will continue to be the rides of choice.

My wife and I drive RS's. We are planning on getting an RT. I had an opportunity to drive the dealer's RT about 300 miles a few weeks ago. We went there today and drove a paddle version. We went on two 18 mile test drives with varied speeds and terrain. We took turns riding and driving. We found that setting the suspension at the half way mark worked best for us. I can say that we have read complaints concerning handling issues and don't understand. Our experiences have been positive. We're wondering what percentage of people are having issues before we buy ours.

 

[Wheeler~]

My wife and I drive RS's. We are planning on getting an RT. I had an opportunity to drive the dealer's RT about 300 miles a few weeks ago. We went there today and drove a paddle version. We went on two 18 mile test drives on varied speeds and terrain. We took turns riding and driving. We found that setting the suspension at the half way mark worked best for us. I can say that we have read complaints concerning handling issues and don't understand. Our experiences have been positive. We're wondering what percentage of people are having issues before we buy ours.

I think you're going to have a tough time judging what that percentage is. People usually respond to those posts that address them personally. I hope you get what you're seeking but think if you ask that in a post dedicated to problems, the replies will come from those with problems. I personally LOVE MY SPYDER even with the couple of problems I'm experiencing.

 

[skypup]

I think you're going to have a tough time judging what that percentage is. People usually respond to those posts that address them personally. I hope you get what you're seeking but think if you ask that in a post dedicated to problems, the replies will come from those with problems. I personally LOVE MY SPYDER even with the couple of problems I'm experiencing.

I'm sure we will love it too. We're really fond of our RS's. My dealer said that people are experiencing problems with the ride due to not being set up properly before delivery.