Finding a good Spyder mechanic

[Tony8472]

It seems that finding a good mechanic for your Spyder can be a little difficult. I've had my Spyder for a little over a month so it has never been into the shop yet. I have two minor issues and I thought I would take it into my local dealer.


The first issue is that my headlights need adjusting because they are too high. I realize that technically the bulb isn't being adjusted but just the shield but I didn't get technical when I spoke with the service deptartment. I figured they would know what I meant. He told me that the low beam can't be adjusted - only the high beam. He didn't mention anything about the shield. That was the first red flag but I figured we just weren't communicating properly. So I took a chance and tried to adjust it myself and it was easier than I thought. I saved myself $55.


The next issue is that I have a small vibration at certain speeds. I've read what everyone has said about the belt tension and my vibration wasn't that great so I wasn't that worried, but the Owner's Manual says to have it checked, especially if you're within the break-in period. So I told him I wanted the belt tension checked. He said, “Well, you know all I can do with the belt is check the tension and make sure it is within spec. I can’t do anything to adjust it.” He can't adjust it? Isn't he the service department?


So needless to say I am not taking my new Spyder there. I don't want them touching it!

 

[Bob Denman]

Finding a good Technician...

It's about like finding the right person to spend the rest of your life with; when it's right... you'll know it!
Seriouly: Forget about the Service Manager. Most of them are writing repair orders because they can't do the work! :banghead:
go talk directly with the techs. There's probably going to be some "sheepskins" on the walls around their service area. If not; ask them if they've been to the Schools offered up by BRP. talk to them about the bikes; if they know their :cus:; you'll know it pretty quick!
Talk to other people who frequent the shops in question. What have have THEIR experiences been like? Word of mouth advertising may not always be accurate; but it sure doesn't hurt to know what the word on the street is!

 

[Jedye]

we are fortunate to have a Can Am Certified Master tech in Hattieburg but I usually still get a second opinion.

This forum is helpful for that! :2thumbs:

 

[finless]

That is why I bought a service manual and other than the required 600 mile service, I do my own service PERIOD....

If I ever had to take mine into the dealer for service I would mandate that I am able to watch him work on it....

Bob

 

[M109Dreamer]

Yep, they are hard to find in the valley. Did you go to Ride Now or Apache?

I hear Peoria Ride Now is pretty good but don't know personally.

Wife has a 2011 RTS/SE5 and I do all the work on hers. We are in Gilbert as well.

If you need help with doing your own maintenance I would be willing to lend a hand. I havent worked on a 14 RT but if you have the manual Im sure we could figure it out.

I feel your pain. We went through the same issues when we first got our RT. And every time at the beginning that they would do the oil change I would have to pull a 1/2 Qt of oil out because they would dump all 5 Qts in it. Then the first time you take off the left panel and find out they dont clean up the oil mess from pulling the trans filter. After that I said forget it, and from then on did all the maintenance and farkling myself. This way I saved $$$ and know it was done to my satisfaction.

Let me know if you ever need a hand. I also have a jack and all the tools if you dont and a garage to work in.

Shane

 

[MouthPiece]

If you're ever in Central, Flarda, Jason with Seminole Power Sports, in Sanford, Florida, is an excellent tech.

Chris

 

[figmotoday]

It seems that finding a good mechanic for your Spyder can be a little difficult. I've had my Spyder for a little over a month so it has never been into the shop yet. I have two minor issues and I thought I would take it into my local dealer.


The first issue is that my headlights need adjusting because they are too high. I realize that technically the bulb isn't being adjusted but just the shield but I didn't get technical when I spoke with the service deptartment. I figured they would know what I meant. He told me that the low beam can't be adjusted - only the high beam. He didn't mention anything about the shield. That was the first red flag but I figured we just weren't communicating properly. So I took a chance and tried to adjust it myself and it was easier than I thought. I saved myself $55.


The next issue is that I have a small vibration at certain speeds. I've read what everyone has said about the belt tension and my vibration wasn't that great so I wasn't that worried, but the Owner's Manual says to have it checked, especially if you're within the break-in period. So I told him I wanted the belt tension checked. He said, “Well, you know all I can do with the belt is check the tension and make sure it is within spec. I can’t do anything to adjust it.” He can't adjust it? Isn't he the service department?


So needless to say I am not taking my new Spyder there. I don't want them touching it!

There are adjustment screws on each side of the headlights. I'd send you the specifics but I can't copy my manual. Here is a website that you can get the entire shop manual, helpful resource.

http://www.repairitmanuals.com/canam street motorcycles.htm

 

[SpyderAnn01]

The instructions for headlight adjustment are in the Owner's Manual as well as the shop manual. What speed do you feel the vibration? It is pretty normal on the 2014s to feel harmonic vibration at 70 mph.

 

[A1A]

If you're ever in Central, Flarda, Jason with Seminole Power Sports, in Sanford, Florida, is an excellent tech.

Chris

I just bought my 2014 from them and very pleased with Dealership. I'll take my Spyder to them for service, as well.:thumbup:

 

[Tony8472]

Shane, It was Ride Now in Chandler. I'm going to try Apache. I bought it from Ride Now in Goodyear and I would go back to them but I would rather find someplace closer. Thanks for the offer of helping out. I will definitely let you know if I need any.

 

[Tony8472]

figmotoday, thanks for the link to the manual. That will really come in handy.

SpyderAnn01, I have a very slight vibration at 73 mph and then a slightly stronger one around 81 mph. It wasn't enough to worry about but since the Owner's Manual said to have it checked I thought that I should. That is the only reason I was going to take it in.

 

[M109Dreamer]

Shane, It was Ride Now in Chandler. I'm going to try Apache. I bought it from Ride Now in Goodyear and I would go back to them but I would rather find someplace closer. Thanks for the offer of helping out. I will definitely let you know if I need any.

Tony,
The folks at Apache arent that bad. The Spyder tech is pretty decent when I have talked to him a few times we have had our Spyder there.

Let me know if I can help with anything. Riding season is right around the corner for us.