First Year Production Issues

[mdminc]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking in the shadows for a few weeks now and have a question for those of you who have purchased an RT and have now ridden it for a while. I'm a middle aged man who over the years has purchased more than one first year production car and have had one or two VERY bad experiences with the vehicle and the dealer working out the kinks. I would be purchasing from East Coast Cycle Center in Bensalem PA.

My questions therefore...What are your first impressions? Have you had any problems with the RT and what how have the dealers been in correcting them?

Since I have decided to purchase one, I guess the bottom line is should I wait until after the initial bugs have been worked out?

From what I've been able to see on this forum is that you all seem to be honest about your experiences. So...thanks for sharing!

 

[ARtraveler]

First year production

I am now going on my 3rd Spyder in 3 years. Just had to have a 2008 when I first spotted one in a cycle magazine in November of 2007. I put $1000 down with my dealer and we got the first ones that rolled into Alaska in June of 2008. I have had NO problems with the 2008 Spyder whatsoever. I put new tires on the front at 10,000 miles and a new rear on at 15,000 miles. This was before the wear bars were showing--but I prefer good tread on my tires always.
When I saw the Semi Auto version, I convinced my spouse that she could ride a Spyder. I put an early deposit down in December 2008 and the bike arrived in March of 2009. The computer crashed at 1500 miles. The dealer took immediate action and had us up an running in about 3 days. We have had no problems with the 2009 since then. My spouse put 10K on her machine in her rookie riding year.
I have a new 2010 RT-S Premier Edition sitting at the dealers--waiting for the snow to get off my driveway and road--then I will drive it home. Hopefully less than 3 weeks from now.
The bottom line is, I would not fear buying a first year of production machine from BRP. Yes there have been some problems, but most can be fixed quickly. The important thing is to buy from a dealer that you know and trust. There are dealers that after the sale, they would like you to go away. I would check with other customers, and the BBB to see if there are a lot of complaints. I have done business with the same dealer since 2001, and have bought 3 Kawi's from him in addition to the 3 Spyders.

 

[glynnk]

I purchased my first Spyder (GS 09 model) in April 09. Never had any major issues with it; put about $2,300 worth of accessories on it and really enjoyed it. Made a couple of long rides on it with zero problems. Unfortunately (LOL!!), BRP then came out with the RT and after 2 demo rides I decided to trade in the 09 model for the RT-S. Got the RT-S on December 31st and have a little over 2,000 miles on it now. I'm very satisfied with it. At this point no major issues. Given my experience in dealing with the Spyder, I'd make the same purchase choices again.

Good luck in your decision.

Glynnk

 

[bodymanpainter]

I bought an 08 sm5 a little over a year ago and have had no problems with it and when the RTS came out I traded my 08 Honda Goldwing for one so I can highly recomend the spyder. Wife and I love our spyders!:2thumbs:

 

[NancysToy]

My wife bought a PE 2008 GS. We have had some relatively minor problems, but nothing I would really call initial year bugs, just the same things that any vehicle might have. Dealer has seen to them, although it did take some help from Carlo. As a result of this positive experience, I bought a PE 2010 RT-S. I have not had a chance to put a lot of miles on it, due to the snow, but it has been good so far. Only problems were electrical, caused by a dealer mistake during the prep. Should be readily taken care of as soon as we can see pavement again, so I can get to the dealer. I will say that a good dealer is important. Some are good and some are not. Ask around and visit those nearby.

Whether or not you step right up and buy an RT right away, or wait for a while to see how they fare, depends more on you than anything else. I wouldn't expect any earth-shaking bugs. The basic platform has been on the road more than two years now. The RT is just a refinement, in many ways. If any little difficulty would make you crazy, I'd suggest you wait a while, read what's happening on SpyderLovers, and decide if things are calm enough for you to buy later. If you want to get out on the road soon, don't mind taking a small chance on difficulties developing, and are willing to have the dealer address them if they do occur, jump on in right now. The water is fine!

 

[mdminc]

I really appreciate your input. I'm going to start looking at the dealerships in more detail and will order a Blue RT-S soon. Thanks.

 

[westgl]

New Spyder RT Problems

I have 300 miles on my RT-SE5 automatic. Mine went back to the dealer for a Centrifugal clutch replacement that was bad.

I was very upset at first, but My dealer is taking care of the problem. They shipped the new part overnight next day air to my dealer.

BRP has been on the phone and had one of their top guys working with my dealer to help get the problem resolved.

Lets face it, sometimes, once in a while, Stuff happens.

It's how well the dealers and manufacturers help to get you back up and running is what counts.

Between my Dealer & BRP they have been doing a great job.

Westgl

 

[mdminc]

Well I took your advice but unfortunately in the wrong order. I went and test drove an RT-S at the dealer who is closest to my home and loved the RT-S! But...the dealer leaves A LOT to be desired. Long story but they had some false advertising and actually pulled an ebay ad while I was sitting in the store, telling me that the ad was no longer on the web. Hard to trust someone like that. Anyhow after I left I checked with the Better Business Bureau and sure enough they have a "C-" rating. I should've checked the BBB first.

My next closest dealer XTREME Machines does not have a BBS rating so I'm going to have to do a little home work.

Thanks again for your input.

 

[musicarcade]

I've been keeping a list of Spyderlover.com members recommended service departments and a Spyderlover member gave Xtreme Machines in Millstone:2thumbs:, just so you know.....

 

[mdminc]

Great! Thanks.

 

[syclemom]

Dealer

Mancuso South in LeMarque[south Of Houston on I-45} Great people we drive 2 1/2 hrs. to them, past two other dealers, Service Mgr. Joel gave us his personal cell phone number the day we picked up my wifes RTS on Jan. 5 ,supposedly was first sold in Tx. and he told us to call him for anything even dumb questions, never claimed to have all answers only promised to get them for us, for completely new model can not ask for much better than that.If your ever in the area I am sure they would be glad to help.