From the crate setup

[jcthorne]

Many that offer rolo alignments have a "if it does not need an additional alignment--there is no charge" policy.

Most of us do. I have only done ONE free alignment. Or rather alignment setup to find out it was already just fine. ONE.

 

[UtahPete]

....do you perform a laser alignment as part of the setup process when uncrating a new Spyder? His answer was NO! Naturally I asked why and he said it's never been an issue and they don't have the equipment which is very costly. Truthfully I was surprised at his answer. This bothers me because even if I wanted a laser alignment they're not equipped to do it.

So, my questions to you experienced Spyder owners: how important is the laser alignment right out of the crate? is it normal procedure to do this or not?

My new 2014 RTL has never needed an alignment and I have 17k miles on it so far (with OEM Kenda front tires). Maybe I lucked out, but I think not. I think MOST of the time, Can-Am gets it aligned properly at the factory, before it's shipped out to the dealer.

It is not normal for a dealer to check the alignment on a new bike. Car dealers don't - RIGHT? It's expected the factory set the alignment properly as part of their quality control.

In the rare instance that a brand new bike is out of alignment, this will become evident to the rider in the way the tires wear unnaturally, or the bike is squirrely at speed or on rutted roads, etc. In that case, the dealer should be able to check for alignment problems and fix them under warranty.

Re-aligning the front wheels requires the steering sensors be reset using the BUDS system, which is expensive, but no authorized dealer should be without at least one of these.

The laser alignment system itself is certainly an advancement over whatever method is otherwise used. Most Can-Am dealers don't sell or service that many Spyders compared to all the other vehicles, snowmobiles, and PWCs they sell and service - none of which require alignment to the degree that Spyders do - so most choose not to invest in a laser alignment tool.

Bottom line; don't worry about it. If, for some reason, you think your bike could benefit from a laser alignment, then there are dealers who have that equipment although you may have to travel a few miles out of your way to get it done. Additionally, Squared-Away goes to most, if not all, Spyder rallies and events, so you have opportunities to use their expert services at some time during the year.

 

[UtahPete]

There are a number of videos on the topic. Here is one.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WohBmqmv78U

 

[ARtraveler]

That's mighty generous ... :joke:

Squared Away offered it. Don't know if they still do.

 

[cptjam]

We do. If it is within spec, it’s free. Most are not. We do Ann’s bikes first thing, and have not had anything change. Done is good, and sooner is better! Joe

 

[UtahPete]

Many that offer rolo alignments have a "if it does not need an additional alignment--there is no charge" policy.

I finally understood you to mean they don't charge just to check the alignment. Duh....