HEAT ISSUES PERHAPS AN EXPLANATION

[Pennyrick]

I read yet another post by an owner complaining about heat issues with his new Spyder.

That got me to thinking about where the Spyder originated and where the folks who designed it are from. I looked up the average temperature for Val Court, Quebec and also for Quebec proper and here is what it shows...

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/CAXX0385

With an average high of 76 degrees F and 40 to 50 degrees in the shoulder months it is no wonder the Can Am videos show people riding in heavy gear and boots.... that is their kind of weather!! (As a point of reference I was born and raised in Canada, so this is not a knock on the folks there).

I wonder if anyone from Can Am really thought about the fact that a large number of their products would be used regularly in temperatures consistently in the high 90's.

Here in the Atlanta area we have now had almost three months of steady, plus 90 degree weather. We rode Sunday and although we love to ride, it was just too hot and uncomfortable to be an enjoyable experience.... the heat generated by the Spyders added to the discomfort.

 

[NancysToy]

Much of the Spyder prototype testing was done in Florida, from what I understand. I don't think they went into this blind.

 

[boborgera]

:dontknow:
Of all the faults i have with my Spyder heat isn't an issue, maybe it's because i've had bikes that threw more heat than my Spyder, Or i always wear jeans and boots.
Or i just except the fact that when you ride a motorcycle or a Spyder your sitting on a heat pump [gas engine]

 

[Canlogic]

Well it has been in the low to mid 90's and it shouldremain that way for another couple of months. At my cottage this past weekend had to have 3 air conditioners going full time to be able to sleep. Just a short drive from the canam factory.

 

[Havasu Rider]

Out here we ride in temperatures of 110 to 120 for two or three months a year. I have not had any problem with over heating and I have a SpyderPops heat shield. Hope things keep cool. :clap:

 

[lightman02]

:dontknow:
Of all the faults i have with my Spyder heat isn't an issue, maybe it's because i've had bikes that threw more heat than my Spyder, Or i always wear jeans and boots.
Or i just except the fact that when you ride a motorcycle or a Spyder your sitting on a heat pump [gas engine]

I so agree, the one problem I have with the Spyder is that some people are buying them because it's easy to ride which is great. However some of these same people have never been on any type of bike or power sport piece of equipment in their lives. Some of them expect the Spyder is going to be like their car with perfect comfort. Well it's not!! Riding is about feeling some heat from your engine, hearing the bikes noises, feeling the vibration, hearing the wheels on the pavement, etc. Not to mention enjoying the great open air surroundings. You can do things to improve certain things to help your comfort but this is why we have things like shock upgrades, etc. BRP has built a pretty good bike for the stock version. I have installed things like the air dam to help get more air into the radiator because more cooling is never bad for an engine. I have installed handle bar risers and HID’s but not because of problems with design, it’s what fits me. It may not be the perfect feel for some as stock, and it’s understandable. If BRP put top of the line everything on the bike such as upgraded suspension, etc.; it would be more expensive and people would not buy the Spyder as easily. It’s always a matter of preference; however stock suspension is fine for me while other people may feel otherwise. I see a lot of people online referring to things such as design flaws when most are really not, just annoyances for certain, but for a first generation bike, I have very little annoyances.

 

[Pennyrick]

Much of the Spyder prototype testing was done in Florida, from what I understand. I don't think they went into this blind.

Scotty: I wasn't aware of that.. .thanks for sharing.

I have been riding bikes since my first 350 twin back in '73, so I'm coming up on 40 years on this mode of travel. Air cooled, water cooled, twins, fours, sixes. Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, and Triumphs but none generated the heat that my RT does.

Could be that our age is beginning to show but whatever the reason touring in 95 degree weather isn't much fun for me or my wife. I have ordered the Spyderpops heat shields and maybe that will save the day for us.

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty: I wasn't aware of that.. .thanks for sharing.

I have been riding bikes since my first 350 twin back in '73, so I'm coming up on 40 years on this mode of travel. Air cooled, water cooled, twins, fours, sixes. Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, and Triumphs but none generated the heat that my RT does.

Could be that our age is beginning to show but whatever the reason touring in 95 degree weather isn't much fun for me or my wife. I have ordered the Spyderpops heat shields and maybe that will save the day for us.

I don't think it is as much the fact that the Spyder generates more heat, but it encloses it, and funnels it out through some small openings, thus concentrating the heat. It also is wider than many motorcycles, so the rider cannot escape readily or find a riding position that allows an air stream to flow between him and the heat source. The aerodynamics of the beast don't help, either, in diverting the heat released.

We have had no serious objection to the heat from our Spyders, but.....
1. We don't live in an extremely hot climate like Florida, Texas, or Arizona.
2. We always wear boots and long pants...with mesh overpants much of the time.
3. We don't have or use highway pegs or footboards.
4. We don't live in a highly urbanized area (think traffic jams).

As the man said, "Your results may vary."

 

[BajaRon]

I know some complain about the heat. And I think Scotty has it somewhat nailed with the fact that our heat source (including the exhaust) is enclosed. Without any outside influence to the contrary, heat simply goes up.

What is up from our confined heat source? The rider! I think the stop and go traffic people are most likely to complain about this. But I have no heat complaints at all about the Spyder. I have to add that I've wrapped my exhaust which made a noticable difference. It isn't a silver bullet but in my opinion, it was well worth the effort.

Some complain about vibration. Lamont and I were behind a Harley yesterday and the guy was probabaly losing weight just sitting on that bike! :yikes:

I've had bikes that vibrated a lot more and some that vibrated less. I have no complaints about vibration.

Also well taken is the statement that a huge number of 1st time riders have taken to the Spyder. This really doesn't give them any reference point to other similar machines and tends to skew their opinions.

 

[che57vy]

heat

I live in South Fl 90+ most of the summer,got rid of a lot of the heat.I wrapped the pipes,took pans off the bottom. Sealed rad so it had more air flow.I think it dropped two bars on the road.:clap:

 

[che57vy]

heat

I used to own a Harley it vibrated at idle it was pretty smooth on the road but was hard to keep your drink in the cup holder at idle. I think a lot of the heat issue could of been remedied if they got the exhaust out of the Tupperware and ran it below quickly as possible out the bottom with duals out the back.I guess a person with a pipe bender could get creative. Who knows some day they might be a collectors item?

 

[Campverdefela]

Out here we ride in temperatures of 110 to 120 for two or three months a year. I have not had any problem with over heating and I have a SpyderPops heat shield. Hope things keep cool. :clap:

100 to 105 here, no problems usually ride in shorts and sandals, ITS A DRY HEAT :roflblack: But seriously if do the SpyderPops thing, and with some mods richen it up a little, maybe remove the bottom pans all that can help.

 

[Mr. White]

I really enjoy the low 50's here in the mornings and the mid 70's in the afternoons.

p.s. You can not believe an old guy.....hyea:

:spyder2:

 

[BajaRon]

I really enjoy the low 50's here in the mornings and the mid 70's in the afternoons.

p.s. You can not believe an old guy.....hyea:

:spyder2:

Who can you believe anymore?