Drastic measures: Voluntary grounding?

[BajaRon]

Ground my Spyder??? Well, sure! It's only been off the ground a few times anyway.

There is this drop-off hump in the road on a straightaway near my house. The speed limit is 45 but if you hit it at around 65 you can get some reasonable air....

So whether grounded or flying I'm having a GREAT TIME! hyea:

 

[GaryTheBadger]

I did the coil wires update, does that mean my Spyder is grounded?

Seriously, rather than try to make a political statement by getting a bunch of Spyder owners to stop ryding (doen't seem favorable based on the replies), either relentlessly escalate your specific issues up the BRP chain of command, or sell it and move on.

 

[SpydeeBite2]

I have basically "grounded' my Spyder since having the steering take the vehicle control away from me. I have only used it for neighborhood jaunts, just to keep the fluids circulating. Even with both DPS fuses pulled., I just don't trust it because I think the problem goes beyond the power steering. BRP may have my money but at least I still have my life !! I have already discouraged others from purchasing a Spyder and will due my best to see that everyone I encounter "keeps there money" and doesn't purchase this POS !! If and when BRP finally fixes the issues, they will be repairing my Spyder for no cost, warranty or not even if it takes a lawsuit to force them to do so.

I find it quite interesting that you are keeping your "POS" even though you believe it is unsafe and may do you harm yet you continue to ride it just on "neighbor jaunts" where I assume you believe you will not be involved in an accident or otherwise get hurt. Interesting.

 

[Derwin]

Has the quest for me...me...me along with the God Almighty Buck destroyed decency? People like you make me SICK !!!!

Wow! Where did that come from? :dontknow:

The ONLY thing bonecrusher was trying to say was that he believes in the product and/or company, and that if a person no longer does, that they can go ahead and SELL their spyder. What's the big deal about that statement? rather innocent if you ask me.

I'm in the market for a Spyder, and these questions about the steering concern me. But, as many have said, it's only a small fraction of units that have been affected. Although I wouldn't want MY unit to malfunction while on the highway with it!

I agree with you, bonecrusher... If a person doesn't trust, or feel safe on, their vehicle, they should sell it. Nothing wrong with that. Heck, I'm doing the same thing with my MP3 500.

Derwin

 

[Sarge707]

I,m grounded because of Cold and Snow and Salty roads. If I could afford the appropriate Cold Weather gear I,d be out riding this afternoon cause its about 35.
I am going to warm My Baby up and go around my street a couple times in 1st and 2nd gear!!

 

[Yazz]

I believe that anyone who does not feel safe on their Spyder should voluntarily park it, just like they would with any other vehicle. At the same time there are many of us who have not had any steering issues whatsoever and are not going to park ours for a just in case. I am aware that I could potentially have a problem, but I could also get run over by a bus tomorrow. That is my frame of mind, and not meant to belittle the seriousness of the problem you are having.

I wish you the best in trying to figure out how you are going to handle this with BRP.

:agree:

 

[Questions]

A Rare Reply

I read a lot of the posts on this forum about the steering issues with Spyders. I don't post too many replies bu I can't stand it anymore. Never have I been associated with a group containing so many chronic complainers! It's no secret that some Spyders have had steering issues. If you have had issues and continue to have concerns and a lack of confidence, quit riding and sell your Spyder. Please do not continue to try to destroy the Spyder product line with a group effort to park all Spyders. Park yours and don't worry about the rest of us. We will ride at our own risk.


Sometimes I wonder if the chronic complainers ever considered the inherent risks associated in riding a perfect Spyder that has no steering issues. These vehicles may offer a little more security than a motorcycle at walking speed and stopping at stop signs but lets face it, at above 10 mph there isn't much difference. I really wonder if the chronic complainers have ever thought about the other risks? Having 3 wheels instead of 2 certainly doesn't eliminate all the safety issues.

Chronic complainers, do us a favor, manage your risk the way you see fit and let the rest of us manage ours!

 

[Smylinacha]

I am sure that the people who are "chronic complainers" (I am sure I fit in there somewhere) are NOT trying to destroy your precious Spyder product line. There is no Spyder conspiracy goin on!:lecturef_smilie:

Many people feel that they are not being heard by BRP or are totally stumped by their dealer and many of those people have had their precious Spyders sitting in a dealer's shop waiting for backordered parts for weeks - even months in some people's cases. And to top it off, they aren't even sure whatever fixes they are getting on their spyders are actual SOLUTIONS to get the Spyder back to ryding SAFELY. This doesn't just have to do with steering. It has to do with everything.

From what I see, people come on here because it is the # 1 FORUM for anything and everything about you guessed it: SPYDERS. Yellow ones, black ones, red ones, manual ones, semi auto ones, old ones, new ones, and now RTs, even ones with naked ladies painted on the front of the hood. Have you been to any of the other forums? Nobody posts on those - it could be days or weeks before you see a new post on any of the "other" places. And the layouts - makes me cross eyed. Not user friendly at all.

So people are gonna pitch a fit if they are upset and where are they gonna pitch it - well they will most likely pitch it here because others are going thru similar situations and we also hope that BRP and dealers are reading this board.

Maybe Carlo might not tell people that there could be dust in the DPS - probably not a good idea to tell a pretty p*ssed off customer who has the DPS light go on but dealer won't install a DPS probably cuz it's only dust that is "messing with it".

Or maybe BRP is up on this place and by hearing us, they really might wanna look into these parts before they ship them out to make sure they work the first time when installed.

Or maybe BRP might read this and say, Hmmmmm, we need to get more parts available to our customers so they don't have to wait weeks.

Or maybe a tech might fly or drive out to look at a machine to see why it is f'd up.

THAT IS WHY we need ALL opinions on this forum -the crummy and the not so crummy and of course, the good.

And there are PLENTY of good comments on here - I read them daily.

So instead of picking on one another, calling people spyderhaters, sick, whiners, chronic complainers, why don't we just all post and if you don't like the title of the thread then simply do not read it. How's that?

OK, I'm all done typing now - phew!

 

[Questions]

Wow you type a lot!

Wow you type a lot.

I don't have that much time on my hands.

:clap:

 

[Smylinacha]

I type about 120 words per minute. I don't even have to look at the keyboard. I was on the phone scheduling a meeting while typing it. Must have been the piano lessons I had as a kid Didn't even take me 3 minutes to type that.:2thumbs:hyea:

Wow you type a lot.

I don't have that much time on my hands.

:clap:

 

[Derwin]

So instead of picking on one another, calling people spyderhaters, sick, whiners, chronic complainers, why don't we just all post and if you don't like the title of the thread then simply do not read it. How's that?

Very Good! :thumbup:

I think there is room for ALL opinions and EVERYBODY'S personal experiences with the Spyder, Good and Bad. The thing that I don't like is when people get PERSONAL and start calling names. That's when it get's beyond simply giving opinions, and into personal attacks. And, after all, what's the point in doing that kind of stuff?

I think Lamont began this forum because he seen a vehicle that he thought was going to be a FUN ride. He had his doubts in the beginning, and has expressed them. But after all was said and done, Lamont really turned out LOVING the Spyder. Well, this place is called "SpyderLOVERS.com", right? Pointing out some shortcomings on the bike, and problems that you run across with it now and then is good and it is what a community like this is all about. People helping people, and fellowshipping around our common interest in this vehicle. But when it gets into post after post of bashing BRP and the Spyder, then I would agree with Lamont and tell the person to just move on.

One thing is for sure.... We are all GUESTS here courtesy of the Lamonster. And we should always remember that when we're posting.

Ahh... I probably shouldn't have said 60% of what I said, but I'll let it stand as is. If I offended anybody, I apologize. But I really feel for Lamont and what he has to go through in the operation of a place like this. It ain't easy, people! I operate my own forum, and it's a constant struggle to keep things running smoothly.

Derwin

 

[DynamoBT]

Boy, do I regret starting this thread.

 

[bone crusher]

Wow! Where did that come from? :dontknow:

The ONLY thing bonecrusher was trying to say was that he believes in the product and/or company, and that if a person no longer does, that they can go ahead and SELL their spyder. What's the big deal about that statement? rather innocent if you ask me.

I'm in the market for a Spyder, and these questions about the steering concern me. But, as many have said, it's only a small fraction of units that have been affected. Although I wouldn't want MY unit to malfunction while on the highway with it!

I agree with you, bonecrusher... If a person doesn't trust, or feel safe on, their vehicle, they should sell it. Nothing wrong with that. Heck, I'm doing the same thing with my MP3 500.

Derwin

Derwin,

Thanks for the support. I'm surprised he acted that way. Writing our feelings about our bikes is one thing...personal attacks another...

As I've noted, I really enjoy my Spyder and can't wait for some good riding weather...it's been abnormally cold here in MD...I know others here ride in freezing temps (tat), but I'm a bit too chicken to do so!

If you're in the market, don't get dissuaded by the far and few who have had problems....and who want to bad-mouth BRP based on their sample segment of one bike! There are many here who have had great experiences and have made their bike (through mods) uniquely theirs. I never imagined there'd be so much to add/change on the bike and I blame Evan and others for my personal recession! hehe!

There are many here who are willing to help with issues, mod installs, etc... and I turn to them when I need help (which is often :gaah...a special shout-out to Lamont, Scotty, Evan, and Mark L. and others for your knowledge and wisdom! You make the Spyder experience even that much better!

Ride and have fun!

 

[jwfranklin]

Or maybe BRP might read this and say, Hmmmmm, we need to get more parts available to our customers so they don't have to wait weeks.

I have no facts to back this up, but I believe most of the Spyders are sold in the U.S. I can see it taking several weeks if the parts are going to Australia etc., going through customs whatever, But in the US it is hard to swallow. It seems most dealers don't stock a lot of parts, some don't even have the washers for a oil change. I know my Chevy dealer has almost any part you could need, or in a local warehouse. Including complete engines and transmissions. I believe BRP should put the parts were the units are, and open a least 1 parts warehouse in the US. I believe this would solve a lot of the problems. Any thing mechanical can break down. But when something could be fixed in a few days, and it takes a few weeks waiting on parts, that's hard to bear. On my personal Spyder, I had a problem, which I was told took less than a hour to fix, but took over 2 weeks waiting on parts. Being that this is BRP first on Road unit. I think they don't understand that many prople use their Spyder as daily transportion, and not just for recreation. Honda was this way in the late 60's and early 70's didn't matter what was wrong it usually sat there at least 2 weeks. As I used to tell them, what would you think if your local car dealer. said it would take 2-3 weeks for something minor, and you couldn't get to work. I know a few years ago, on the way back from Sturgis riding Harley's my friends 02 Harley RoadKing broke down in the afternoon. We got it to the Harley dealer in Cheyenne, WY. He had the older style fuel injection. and they needed a part for it. they didn't have it. but they had it there the next morning, and we were on the road a little after 10am couldn't have been much wrong the bill was less than $100.00. I could see us being on Spyders, and waiting weeks on parts.

 

[3whlLefty]

There are lots of 3 wheel choices

If you can't get comfortable with the Spyder there are a ton of 3 wheel conversions you could switch to. I rode a Goldwing 1500 SE with a CSC conversion for 8 years and had a great time. You can get one from fully loaded down to bare bones. Check ebay and auto trader to see a lot.

I had fun on my GW and am having MORE fun on my SE5. Luckily no problems yet. I'm taking it to Arizona this week and plan to ride a lot. This snow and cold is killing me. Minus 8 this AM and they promise colder tomorrow. Yikes.

 

[txknight67]

I have no facts to back this up, but I believe most of the Spyders are sold in the U.S. I can see it taking several weeks if the parts are going to Australia etc., going through customs whatever, But in the US it is hard to swallow. It seems most dealers don't stock a lot of parts, some don't even have the washers for a oil change. I know my Chevy dealer has almost any part you could need, or in a local warehouse. Including complete engines and transmissions. I believe BRP should put the parts were the units are, and open a least 1 parts warehouse in the US. I believe this would solve a lot of the problems. Any thing mechanical can break down. But when something could be fixed in a few days, and it takes a few weeks waiting on parts, that's hard to bear. On my personal Spyder, I had a problem, which I was told took less than a hour to fix, but took over 2 weeks waiting on parts. Being that this is BRP first on Road unit. I think they don't understand that many prople use their Spyder as daily transportion, and not just for recreation. Honda was this way in the late 60's and early 70's didn't matter what was wrong it usually sat there at least 2 weeks. As I used to tell them, what would you think if your local car dealer. said it would take 2-3 weeks for something minor, and you couldn't get to work. I know a few years ago, on the way back from Sturgis riding Harley's my friends 02 Harley RoadKing broke down in the afternoon. We got it to the Harley dealer in Cheyenne, WY. He had the older style fuel injection. and they needed a part for it. they didn't have it. but they had it there the next morning, and we were on the road a little after 10am couldn't have been much wrong the bill was less than $100.00. I could see us being on Spyders, and waiting weeks on parts.

:agree: with the US parts warehouse, because even parts coming out of Canada have to go through customs. Had an aircraft main landing gear strut being shipped from a Canadian rebuild place stuck in customs for a week 6 or 7 years ago. Customer was not happy.

 

[wyliec]

Smylinacha,

You pretty much said it all :thumbup:.

 

[Rub]

I know my Chevy dealer has almost any part you could need, or in a local warehouse. Including complete engines and transmissions.

It's impossible to compare the automobile industry to the power sports industry. There are literally millions of GM vehicles on the road in the US that share more than a handful of the same parts. If the same were true for the Spyder, then I would agree, but as it is the Spyder is relatively new to the market, with only a few thousand world wide. Some parts are going to be hard to come by, particularly things that are not common 'wear' items such as electronic components. I've seen the same thing with newer model Kawasaki and Suzuki bikes as well as Vespa scooters and Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

Rub

 

[bone crusher]

I was once told at my dealership that customs really holds things up for parts coming south. There are sometimes replacements that can be used stateside, and BRP will look for these, but if the parts have to come from Canada, there is many times a significant wait due to customs...

 

[Derwin]

I was once told at my dealership that customs really holds things up for parts coming south. There are sometimes replacements that can be used stateside, and BRP will look for these, but if the parts have to come from Canada, there is many times a significant wait due to customs...

I'm sorry, but I know for a fact that this is simply not true in regards to customs. I have been involved in importing things all the way from China, and the LONGEST my stuff has been held up in customs has been a day or two.... and that was ONLY when customs decided to pull my freight aside for inspection! Otherwise customs doesn't really hold things up too much at all from my personal experience with importing.

I had a supplier in Canada for a little scooter I was selling, and he sent me parts all the time with no delay whatsoever. I received mirrors and other things directly from him in a matter of days.

So, like I said, customs shouldn't be an excuse for delaying parts delivery. No way on earth.

Derwin