Got a general maintenance/trouble question

[Mama Phoenix]

Hello everyone!

I have a question for you. First, a little background. I'm new here, and this is only my 2nd original post (1st one was an introduction). I don't have an awesome :ani29: yet, but I'm taking the MSF course in September hyea: when it will hopefully be a little cooler, and I would have had time to recover from a couple of surgeries. (Yeah, fun times.) So, until then, I'm saving to get a Spyder. Hopefully, I'll have one before I'm 90. (Or I'll marry someone that already has one! Just kidding!) :roflblack::roflblack:

So here's my question: I've seen several "problem" posts about different issues... limp mode, powering down around curves, condensation in the instrument panel, brake issues, parts flying off, using too much oil, etc. Yes, I know these issues/problems can seem overwhelming to newbies like myself because those posts do tend to "rise to the top" (especially with so many people offering help), so I do take them with a grain of salt-- so to speak. I'm also sure that the joy and excitement of ryding a Spyder FAR out way many of these issues, but if possible, I'd like a comparison.

For those of you that have owned or ridden 2-wheelers before purchasing your Spyders, do you find that you have fewer, more, or about the same mechanical problems/issues with the Spyder compared to a 2-wheeler?

Regarding maintenance... Is it more difficult? For example, oil changes and tune-ups. Is it harder, easier, or about the same difficulty to access certain areas?

I used to work on my own car ('78 280Z), and I used to do tune-ups, etc myself on my other vehicles, too. During the past several years, my physical condition has prevented me from doing that kind of stuff, but I know I will want to on the :ani29:. (And yes, I plan to watch all of Lamont's videos.) So, I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect compared to other bikes. I've never worked on a bike, but I've watched and listened. LOL! And it seems like the Spyders (overall) need more repairs. But, I'm betting (and hoping) this could be primarily with folks that are ryding hard super often, and putting a lot of miles on the babies. I've also seen a few people with not-so-great dealer issues, while others have very positive experiences with their dealers. So, if anyone has had experiences with a Nashville, TN (or other middle TN) dealer, I'd love to hear about it.

Thank you for your time, and I'd appreciate any insight you can give me. :bowdown:

Mama

 

[Texmac1011]

I ride 2 wheels, my wife rides her Spyder. Both have had mechanical issues, but not many and not one more than the other. Things happen and the more one rides, the better the odds. Overall, the Spyder has been relatively trouble free for 3 years and most of the problems were my fault, not BRP's or my dealer's.

I do my own general maintenance and would much rather work on my bike than the Spyder, but that is the nature of the beast.

A good dealer is a must. Small problems become big problems with an incompetent dealer.

 

[GLHRN]

I am from the Nashville area and I will send you a PM regarding the local Spyder dealers. As far as problems with the Spyder, I have had my Spyder RT for 1 year now and I only had one limp mode and that was when I was ryding pretty aggressively thru a bunch of curves and I have about 12,000 miles on the Spyder... so I would say that is pretty darn good! I took the key out, walked away and when I reinserted it everything was fine. I have had fewer issues with the Spyder than I had with my Heritage Softail.

Gail

 

[Mama Phoenix]

Thanks

Thank you, Tex and Gail! I really appreciate your input. Gail, I look forward to your PM.

 

[NancysToy]

We have owned three Spyders, and still have one of each model. Only one had a lot of problems...and that one never stranded me or let me down...it just made me cuss and worry. I have had bikes that were worse, and bikes that were better. Of the 26 machines we own, the Spyders are as reliable as any...except maybe my BMWs. My 2000 BMW R1100RTP has been the best, and even that is laid up now with a bad ABS pump. When things like that fail, they tend to fail big time. I don't think Spyders are quite as robust as they could be, but I have no major complaints. Compare to the old Brit bikes they are incredibly trouble free and take little fussing.

Working on a Spyder is more difficult that a naked bike or an automobile because of the extensive bodywork and the extremely close quarters. There is a lot packed under that skin! I do the majority of the maintenance on our Spyders, but you won't change spark plugs in fifteen minutes, or change the oil super quickly, either. My BMW RT has a full fairing, that requires removal of 39 screws, and is really not much better. Some work cannot be done on the Spyder except by the dealer. Because of the CANBus system and the need for BUDS to communicate or diagnose problems, you are tied to the dealer sometimes. Lots of the electronic marvels of vehicles are that way these days, although use of the OBD-2 standard makes them a bit more accessible. I wish BRP would have used OBD-2. The days of putting in new points and plugs, and doing a quick tune-up are gone. On the other hand, tune-ups every few thousand miles are no longer needed with modern vehicles with electronic ignitions and fuel injection.

The Spyder may present some obstacles, but so do all vehicles in one way or another. It sounds like you are up to the challenges. Get yourself a copy of the shop manual and you will not only know how to address things, but you will know what work needs a dealer to assist. I think you are gonna love the Spyder!

 

[Oldmanzues]

Motorbike Professor is right, as usual.
Working on a two wheeler depends on what two wheeler.
The old Brit singles were very easy to work on.
HD's, Honda VTX are pretty simple to work on.
Honda Gold Wings ( IMHO ) are as hard or harder then a Spyder
I have never been into a " Pocket Rocket", but I would guess, they are bad word after bad word.
Have fun.
Oldmanzues

 

[Neez]

I do most of my own maintenance and modifications myself on my old GS SE5 Spyder, and I prefer working on it to working on motorcycles. At least, the Spyder isn't likely to topple over when you are working on it, lol. Get yourself a digital shop manual from Midwest Manuals. That way you only need print out the relevant sections to the job at hand and if they get greasy, you discard them and reprint.I find a good low profile roller jack a big help, as well.Solve the Tupperware problem by replacing the Torx screws with Dzus fasteners, you'll then be able to skin it in a hurry. A lot of people have trouble greasing the front end, but if you do a search on this site ,you will find lots of tips on how to manage this. For some things you must still visit the dealership, all right, so find a service mechanic that you can trust, even if it means further travel. Personally, I find working on my ryde part of the enjoyment. Best of luck with it!

 

[Carold571]

I bought my 2012 Spyder RT from a Nashville dealer in April of this year. Had it in for the 600 mile check up and have not had any problems. I rode a sport bike prior to the spyder. There is a learning curve in the twisties but after about 200-300 miles it feels normal. I love my Spyder and not willing to go back to the sport bike. My husband still rides his sport bike but enjoys my spyder. (Think we may be a 2 Spyder family soon ) . I have 3700 miles and have slowed down because of the heat. No fun in 100+ temps. Its a fun bike. Go for it:yes::yes::yes::yes:

 

[dliszews]

Most 2 wheelers have a lot less technology monitoring what is going on, and that seems
to be the focus of many issues with the Spyder. I also find the plastic a major pain in
the butt...it keeps the heat in and makes it harder to track down problems. Don't get me
wrong,,I like the style, just wish BRP made a naked version. Then I have a reason to buy
another one :clap:

 

[Bob Denman]

Initial dealer setup seems to be the major factor regarding how pleased/displease you are with Spydering... :shocked:
Beyond that; with a shop manual and a lack of fear, anything else is tinkerable! :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: Four :spyder2:,s here. 2008 and 2009 GS and one RS. One Manual and one semiauto. Two RT's, 2010 and 2011--both SE5's.

Over 80,000 combined miles on the four vehciles. No major problems other than recalls and regular servicing.

I have a good dealer that knows what they are doing with the mechanical stuff.
I do not regret my :ani29: purchases. I would recommend them to anyone.

A lot of issues are posted and in most cases people get the solution to their problem. One of the issues you mentioned appeared to be a troll post. Meaning BS, and I don't think that one will ever be resolved. So take the bad stuff with a grain of salt. Bad things are written about more than all the good things you find with :spyder2:. We are having to much fun to be posting. :roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

We are having to much fun to be posting. :roflblack:

Does that mean that I'm not riding enough?? :shocked: :roflblack:

 

[boomerkc]

From a "non-wrencher".............

Bought an '08 GS/RS in May. Never had a motorcycle before and no experience working on cars, engines, etc. Also I'm 67 so not a young kid that's willing to take on anything. With that in mind, my doctor has restricted me from riding my Spyder for 6 weeks so I decided, why not try doing a little maintenance myself and save the dealers hourly charge for routine things. In the last week I've taken all the panels off, removed the airbox, replaced the plugs and wires, changed the coolant and am now awaiting the Kewlmetal air intake to replace the airbox. Found all the guidance I needed from fellow Spyderlovers (particularly Arntufun's video series) and now have immense confidence in being able to work on my Spyder. With your past experience, you'll be able to do about 80% of the work yourself. Go for it!!!

 

[Mama Phoenix]

Thank you all!

Thank you all so much! Your comments are very helpful! I also appreciate the specifics you've given. It really helps me put everything into perspective. I have to say that I'm so excited about getting a Spyder that I sometimes feel like I'm gonna jump right out of my skin.