Haven't been around much....

[dltang]

I have been pretty busy despite being spyderless since we came home from Gatlinburg. It looks like we will continue to be spyderless at least thru the end of Nov. Brian was up at our dealers and they are waiting on parts and my poor engine is all tore apart. He took pictures, I don't know if he posted them anywhere yet, I haven't caught up on all the threads yet. I just wanted to stop in and say hello to everyone. I hope you all are enjoying your spyders and please think of bjt and me when you are out riding.

Don't ask me what is exactly wrong with my spyder, I have no idea. Brian spoke with the service manager and he can explain what information he has when he sees this post. I know I just want it back.

 

[mvengineer]

Hi Deb
Saw the pictures yesterday. I hope they will be able to get back together very soon. Lamonster said in a post that he could make a few phone calls to obtain the parts ??
If that is not the case, you arn't missing much. As you know it has not been best riding weather. BRP has to make every attempt not to leave such an impression with their present customers and/or potential customers, otherwise a lot of people , including this writer will turn away from this product. Good luck and wish you'll get your spyders quickly.

 

[Smylinacha]

Hey there! I saw the pics last night and it made me feel unsettled . Got our first glimpse of snow flakes last night and then some more today - nothing sticking but this means to me that I won't be riding much anymore as I am not fond of the cold, damp weather. I'll most likely turn into an HD passenger on the back of HDX's bike if we go anywhere but rides aren't those all day long ones like during season.

I just can't believe that because of some parts being back ordered, it's over a month stay at the Spyder Hotel for your bikes. I'm slowly losing confidence in this machine. I know, it's a great, fun machine but I've owned other bikes that never showed up w/ problems like this. All I know is that I'm standing in line waiting for my turn for some major mishap w/ the Spyder. It's inevitable. I don't know. Guess I've got a bad attitude lately.

Just hope you guys get your bikes back w/ no other problems.

Glad to see you pop in.

 

[NancysToy]

Hi Deb, nice to hear from ya! If you need a Spyder fix, c'mon over and we'll let you take a ride. Sorry to hear of your wait, but I have a theory in the paragraphs below.

I can't explain a two month wait for gasket sets, but I do have an idea about the rest. There has been a sudden rash of bad output shafts and front sprocket problems. There are a few possible causes, at least two of which require a major step back on BRP's part. First, it could be a problem with moisture and corrosion. BRP can't do too much about that, but I doubt it is the case. The mild rust shown on Brian's output shaft is not severe enough to cause the splines to be destroyed. It was probably a result of loose fit that allowed moisture to seep in after the wear became evident, and opened a gap where moisture could easly creep in. BTW, corrosion on sline accelerates the wear. I'd recommend lubing the splines if you have the sprocket off.

Now, why the wear? One possibility is a weak alloy, poor heat treating, or poor machining in the front sprocket. Could be a combination of these. A loose spline problem gets worse fast, in a logarithmic fashion, as the parts wear. Another possibilty is poor heat treating, and brittle alloy, or poor machining on the output shaft. There could also easily be a combination of these. BMW has had spline wear and shaft failure problems on several of their modern machines.

BRP would certainly want to try to address these problems. Just like with the faulty Gear Position Sensors, they may have had to obtain a different vendor. Since the output shaft (and maybe the sprocket) is actually supplied by Rotax, that adds a third party. Things this complicated take time, especially with the testing involved to make sure the new part is better. It is always a disappointment when we have to wait, but there may be good reasons that are in our best interests.

One thing is for sure, if anybody will ride their Spyder when they get it back, even in the middle of a Michigan winter, it will be these two die-hards.

 

[fastfraser]

Waiting for parts for two months :yikes::yikes::yikes: come-on. I know its not the best weather up here now but what if this happened in the summer. Two months to get parts ! Whats wrong with this ??

I would want my bike fixed wright and not rush the dealer- mechanics but to be told sorry no parts available .for two months i would be beside my self.

 

[Smylinacha]

Scotty, you actually make a simpleton like me understand things - thank you. But bottom line, they should have gotten better parts to begin with or did more extensive testing on these "faulty" parts before they sold this machine to the general public. I've heard they had this in research for over 10 years, so another 5 yrs of waiting would have been no biggie. They need to definitely step up and address this problem with parts and make amends to the customers who have the faulty ones installed. Probably going to see more of this going on as the mileage grows on our Spyders.

Hope it gets addressed soon and I really hope they figure out a way to keep consumable parts IN STOCK.

 

[Dragonrider]

:agree: When I bought my Spyder, I bought 4 oil filters at the same time - they had those (14 in stock), but the "O" rings and crush washer had to be ordered from Canada - 5 weeks to get them!!!

 

[tatt2r]

dont know how the weather is in MI but here in NH it is high 20's low 30's your not missing much if your weather is anything like mine ....and better now in winter than in the summer....

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty, you actually make a simpleton like me understand things - thank you. But bottom line, they should have gotten better parts to begin with or did more extensive testing on these "faulty" parts before they sold this machine to the general public. I've heard they had this in research for over 10 years, so another 5 yrs of waiting would have been no biggie. They need to definitely step up and address this problem with parts and make amends to the customers who have the faulty ones installed. Probably going to see more of this going on as the mileage grows on our Spyders.

I suspect this has a bit more to do with either changing suppliers after the pre-production testing, or the supplier going cheap, unbeknownst to BRP (common with Chinese suppliers). I agree that they have to address the issue ASAP, but these things tend to take months instead of days, from a testing and engineering standpoint. I also smell another recall coming if they find a rotten apple in the barrel. I think we are all stuck with this one, for the moment. Most disappointing!

Hope it gets addressed soon and I really hope they figure out a way to keep consumable parts IN STOCK.

:agree: When I bought my Spyder, I bought 4 oil filters at the same time - they had those (14 in stock), but the "O" rings and crush washer had to be ordered from Canada - 5 weeks to get them!!!

I try not to gripe about BRP, but this is a serious issue that they need to addressed. In states with lemon laws that apply to motorcycles, incidents of this type, especially repeated ones, could have cost them plenty in refunds or replacement motorcycles if customers got fed up and complained. Not all of this is directly BRP's fault. I have bought parts where they have them on the shelf and shipped the same day, only to wait two weeks or more for them to clear US Customs. Even with methods to expedite Customs in place, Michigan borders are renowned for lengthy delays. I've said it before and I'll say it again. BRP desperately needs a well-stocked US parts warehouse, and probably larger trigger quantities on parts, so they don't run out frequently.

 

[Love2Ride]

I have been pretty busy despite being spyderless since we came home from Gatlinburg. It looks like we will continue to be spyderless at least thru the end of Nov. Brian was up at our dealers and they are waiting on parts and my poor engine is all tore apart. He took pictures, I don't know if he posted them anywhere yet, I haven't caught up on all the threads yet. I just wanted to stop in and say hello to everyone. I hope you all are enjoying your spyders and please think of bjt and me when you are out riding.

Don't ask me what is exactly wrong with my spyder, I have no idea. Brian spoke with the service manager and he can explain what information he has when he sees this post. I know I just want it back.

I know your pain love. I hope you're up and running soon. I've not been on too much. Been out riding and when I'm not doing that it's school with our son and housework. (blech! on the housework)

Take care and keep us posted on your baby's progress!

 

[wolfshead1]

My riding is my therapy.I have the utmost empathy for you and really admire your understanding and patience.I'd be nuts without my riding and your in my prayers.

Riding is that serious to me,
wolfshead1

 

[FANG]

Hey Deb;

If you want a real spyder fix come on down to Pensacola and I will let you ryde mine all you want. Weather is great.
I sure hope you get you spyder back soon. Nice to see you posting again.

 

[Firefly]

I fail to see why the customer has to wait for BRP to 'fix' the problem if it is a bad shaft/gear/spline from the factory problem.

The currently made parts got her 25,000 miles--- so why not just replace the parts now to get her on the road---- and THEN if they find out the parts are inferior --- come up with new ones and change them out again later on--- if needed.

I've only heard of a handful of Spyders with this kind of problem -- and out of 14,000+ on the road---- so most are running just fine with the current makeup of shaft/gear/spline.

Deb shouldn't have to wait for them to reinvent the wheel. Just get the parts and put it back together.

 

[NancysToy]

I fail to see why the customer has to wait for BRP to 'fix' the problem if it is a bad shaft/gear/spline from the factory problem.

The currently made parts got her 25,000 miles--- so why not just replace the parts now to get her on the road---- and THEN if they find out the parts are inferior --- come up with new ones and change them out again later on--- if needed.

I've only heard of a handful of Spyders with this kind of problem -- and out of 14,000+ on the road---- so most are running just fine with the current makeup of shaft/gear/spline.

Deb shouldn't have to wait for them to reinvent the wheel. Just get the parts and put it back together.

I guess that would be a personal decision. I myself would rather do it once, and get it right. When the BMW had the clutch splines failing and shafts shattering, they took a careful, cautious approach, unless they had to get a touring rider back on the road and home. Same with their Paralever failures. I kind of like that, but I guess others might see it differently.

 

[Firefly]

I guess that would be a personal decision. I myself would rather do it once, and get it right. When the BMW had the clutch splines failing and shafts shattering, they took a careful, cautious approach, unless they had to get a touring rider back on the road and home. Same with their Paralever failures. I kind of like that, but I guess others might see it differently.

I might lean that way also---- but they should at least give the customer the option to get them up and going quickly.

Perhaps a new engine should be in her near future. Swap hers for a new one - ship the old one back to BRP and let THEM figure out what the problems really are.

 

[Smylinacha]

Well in CT, thankfully it covers motorcycles and if this happened to me - we'll I'd say to the dealer - keep the f'ng thing, I don't want it back and I'd proceed with the lemon law. No way would I wait over two weeks (and I'd be angry w/ that) to get a part in. NO WAY.

I suspect this has a bit more to do with either changing suppliers after the pre-production testing, or the supplier going cheap, unbeknownst to BRP (common with Chinese suppliers). I agree that they have to address the issue ASAP, but these things tend to take months instead of days, from a testing and engineering standpoint. I also smell another recall coming if they find a rotten apple in the barrel. I think we are all stuck with this one, for the moment. Most disappointing!





I try not to gripe about BRP, but this is a serious issue that they need to addressed. In states with lemon laws that apply to motorcycles, incidents of this type, especially repeated ones, could have cost them plenty in refunds or replacement motorcycles if customers got fed up and complained. Not all of this is directly BRP's fault. I have bought parts where they have them on the shelf and shipped the same day, only to wait two weeks or more for them to clear US Customs. Even with methods to expedite Customs in place, Michigan borders are renowned for lengthy delays. I've said it before and I'll say it again. BRP desperately needs a well-stocked US parts warehouse, and probably larger trigger quantities on parts, so they don't run out frequently.

 

[pauly1]

One must have bargaining chips to play hardball. If you have other options to ride, then one can pursue the take it back approach. If you need the 3-wheel platform, then one has less options.

That said, I'd be livid to wait months for parts. I've been on both sides of this workbench - people would get really p#ss#d off if we left them without a $500 machine with short riding seasons (motorcycles or snowmobiles). Even with Scotty's rational explanation of potential causes, fix what's broken. Unless they know they have a larger problem based on the numbers of failures they've seen - then tell their customers and what is in progress to evaluate and fix it.

Wayne

 

[jimcrom]

I received a call from the dealer on Thursday that they were told that the bearing that I have been waiting for has been shipped.
Spyder has been in the shop since Aug 29. Once they get it, then they say it will take a day to get it put back together. Maybe next weekend I will be ryding again...:dontknow:

Waiting for parts for two months :yikes::yikes::yikes: come-on. I know its not the best weather up here now but what if this happened in the summer. Two months to get parts ! Whats wrong with this ??

I would want my bike fixed wright and not rush the dealer- mechanics but to be told sorry no parts available .for two months i would be beside my self.

 

[dltang]

Hey Everyone,
I have to say the support here is amazing. I have people that are angry for for bjt and me, people that are trying to understand both sides of this issue and people that are impatient. But most importantly, spyderlovers that are supportive of us.

From my standpoint, I have to say I am not angry with our dealer or BRP. There have been some days, that I have truly missed riding my spyder as the weather has been beautiful. What it boils down to is safety, not only for Brian and me but possibly others as they dig further into this problem. Our service manager has been talking with one of the engineers at BRP and they are digging deeply into this issue from what I can gather. Also, my spyder has some additional issues yet to be resolved that would have to be cared for before it gets on the road. It is not simply a matter of backordered parts (though that is a big part of it). If I have to be off the road for a period of time to make this machine safer in the long run for myself and all other spyderlovers, I will do that. What I don't want is a quick fix and have to keep taking it back every other week or every other month. Also, due to the nature of the fix, it is not an easy job or easy to get to, so just throwing some parts on it to get it back on the road would be a very poor solution.

I still love my Spyder, I still support BRP and I am still a spyderlover. I will wait for the outcome of this repair before I pass judgement or get angry. But once again, thank you to everyone here for backing us up.

 

[Director]

Hey Everyone,
I have to say the support here is amazing. I have people that are angry for for bjt and me, people that are trying to understand both sides of this issue and people that are impatient. But most importantly, spyderlovers that are supportive of us.

From my standpoint, I have to say I am not angry with our dealer or BRP. There have been some days, that I have truly missed riding my spyder as the weather has been beautiful. What it boils down to is safety, not only for Brian and me but possibly others as they dig further into this problem. Our service manager has been talking with one of the engineers at BRP and they are digging deeply into this issue from what I can gather. Also, my spyder has some additional issues yet to be resolved that would have to be cared for before it gets on the road. It is not simply a matter of backordered parts (though that is a big part of it). If I have to be off the road for a period of time to make this machine safer in the long run for myself and all other spyderlovers, I will do that. What I don't want is a quick fix and have to keep taking it back every other week or every other month. Also, due to the nature of the fix, it is not an easy job or easy to get to, so just throwing some parts on it to get it back on the road would be a very poor solution.

I still love my Spyder, I still support BRP and I am still a spyderlover. I will wait for the outcome of this repair before I pass judgement or get angry. But once again, thank you to everyone here for backing us up.

Deb, as usual, you have a great Christian attitude. We should all take a leaf from your book when things don't go as well as we hope. Hang in there. Your Spyder will be well again one day soon, I am sure. :thumbup:

Bruce