Gas Gauge Issues

[SpydOR]

I missed the word "yell" the first time I read this. Is this guy for real? First time a tech yells at me will be the last time he sees me at that dealership. You are a customer, not a stepchild.

I think his "yell" was meant to be more figurative than literal. He just wants to make sure that I properly break-in the engine to ensure I get the full life out of it. The Spyder guy at the dealership is great and is a Spyder junkie. That's the only BRP machine he works on for them now. The dealership is a Platinum-Rated dealership and I have nothing but good things to say about them. I think his main point was to make sure I don't baby the bike and cause it issues in the log run.

But, you are correct...if I were ever treated like I am stupid by a dealership, that would be the last time I ever did business with them. I may not understand the ins and outs of the mechanicals of the Spyder, but I have designed (from the ground up) computer systems and control systems more complex than they could ever imagine putting on the bike.

 

[bone crusher]

Mine is not an opinion. I read the manual and went by it. That's all I am saying. If anyone decides to do it their way and have engine issues, then when the computer is checked...

Dudley,

I'm aware of that...it's just funny how many different opinions you get from all across the board...no doubt BRP should know how to best run their bikes...unfortunately, they've lost some credibility on the build side...I think all of us should be fine no matter how we ride the bike...the Rotax engine is considered to be a beast...just talk with anyone who owns other products with a Rotax..they crush them and they still run well...

 

[SpydOR]

That is sooo wierd. What are they afraid of?

The reason why they implemented the law (so they say) is to provide jobs. The state minimum wage is $8.40. Pumping gas is an easy $8.40/hr and you don't have to be drug-screened. Also, the gas stations are freaky about people touching the pumps because of the tight control of the state auditors who will hand out HUGE fines if they see non-authorized personnel (read: non-gas station employees) illegally operating gas pumps.

Then again, when it is raining 250 days out of the year, it is kinda nice to not have to get out of the car to pump gas...

 

[SpydOR]

This sounds pretty close to what the manual states.

Yeah. I reread the manual section on break-in before I collapsed from exhaustion (umm...went to sleep) last night and that pretty much seems to be what it is implying.

 

[SpydOR]

I wouldn't worry about the break-in...everyone here has their own opinion on that...when I got my bike, I had to ride it 80 miles to get home...well, guess what???...I had to ride it on the highway...at constant RPMs...I actually rode part of the way in 4th gear just to keep the RPMs up...

I used to get barely 26 mpg...now I'm up to about 30...and this is pretty normal for this bike...I don't ride it lightly, mind you.

The bike will take over 500 miles until you really see a difference in the mileage department.

As far as what your dealer says...ride the way you want to ride...for Pete's sake, the engine is supposed to be well-built...it should be able to take anything you throw at it.

My old BMW convertible has 90,000+ miles on it...I think it is still breaking in...racing engines don't have to be babied...I don't think the Spyder engine needs too much TLC...have fun and ride it...

As someone commented on above, when the gas clicks off, you have another gallon to go, at least...you'll learn what really is full when you play with it a little more...remember, the final last 1/2 bar should be lit up if you really have your tank filled...
:congrats:

I appreciate your opinions, Bone Crusher. :cheers:

 

[vt228]

The dealership told you a lie you brake it in slowly you don't blast it hard it can do damage to engin .
work it in 60 65 mile hr go on highway you well get the feel of it as you ride on highway feel the wind as you ride 60 65 mph after 600 mile check up you can go faster after 1000 miles it what ever you want to do .
I love my sm5 and have 1,600 miles on her she runs great and my dealer told me to take it slow so read the book and ride it as they tell you in the Book and we well never tell you rong aske Lamonster he no's spyders inside and out vt228 :agree: