Help Me Decide!

[GCHA]

I do not currently own a Spyder, but I am interested in purchasing an 09 RS Spyder. My question revolves aroung reliability and service... I live in a rural community about 150 mi. from the nearest dealer/service facility. I am worried that if I have a problem with the Spyder it would be akward to have any service/maintainance issues taken care of. I can change my own oil. and that is about all. Would I need to obtain a trailer as well, in order to tow it to my nearest service dealer (150mi. away)? In reading over the threads in this and other forums, the Spyder needs lots of dealer attention. Is this true? I would be concerned about breakdowns, etc. witch would take away from the enjoyment of riding. There is a good mechanic here where I live, could he work on the Spyder without all the tools/computer hook ups etc. of a dealer?
Time is running out, and summer/fall is coming to an end.
Thanks,
GCHA

 

[biker1]

Go and do it, if its what you want. Life is too short. I live 15000,, oh wait ! I don't have any dealer in the country, nada. Not too worried though.
Can do less than you, not a clue where the oil goes.
Will deal with things as they arise.
Have fun while you can.:clap:

 

[Firefly]

While having a good dealer is very important to owning a Spyder, I would hardly say they require a lot of dealer attention.

What you read out here will contain more people talking about problems than those without as people don't often just spout out 'my Spyder is running great and isn't at the dealer'.

That being said----- 26,000 miles on mine and it's at the dealer for only the 3rd time. I wouldn't say that is 'a lot' of dealer attention.

 

[COOLMACHINE]

Do some research on this forum.

Hello GCHA,
Do yourself a favor and do some thorough reading in this forum. You will hear positives and negatives throughout, but the vast majority of people on this forum LOVE their spyder. A trailer may come in handy but I would not buy one until or unless you need it. Focus on the positive. This is a high tech machine that is a blast to ride. Controls on it to help keep you on 3-wheels. Great anti-lock brakes. A whole new riding experience.
My spyder was in the shop for 4 months but ran great up until that time. 16,XXX miles of fun, fun, fun!!! Since I have gotten it out. I have put 3,XXX on it without a whimper.
But.....!!! I would NOT purchase one without an extended warranty. Stick around this forum and read up on this machine. Questions? PM some of us. Good luck with your decision. Hope you take the plunge and buy one.
A lot of us have our thoughts in our signiture at the bottom of each post, for quick reading of what we think.

 

[Sarge707]

Mine was out of service about a month BUT I would buy another one tomorrow!!!! Just rode about 120 miles around the countryside this afternoon for $8 worth of gas!!:yikes:

 

[boborgera]

My advice, Wait for the 2011.
Or if you are set on getting a 09, like previously mentioned get the extended warranty.
Somewhere down the line your going to need a trailer, at the least someone to follow you to the dealer drive you home, then drive you back to pick up the Spyder.
I don't know many dealers who will do work on a Spyder while you Wait.,
Unless it's something simple ,And not too many things are simple on the Spyder!

 

[Firefly]

My advice, Wait for the 2011.
Or if you are set on getting a 09, like previously mentioned get the extended warranty.
Somewhere down the line your going to need a trailer, at the least someone to follow you to the dealer drive you home, then drive you back to pick up the Spyder.
I don't know many dealers who will do work on a Spyder while you Wait.,
Unless it's something simple ,And not too many things are simple on the Spyder!

Why wait for a 2011? What's so magic about them--- they didn't change that much. If you can get a deal on a 2009 or 2010--- I'd go for it.

My dealer will do service by appointment and while you wait if you have the time....

 

[boborgera]

Why wait for a 2011? What's so magic about them--- they didn't change that much. If you can get a deal on a 2009 or 2010--- I'd go for it.

My dealer will do service by appointment and while you wait if you have the time....

I figure the 2011 won't have squealing brakes, DPS that won't steer you left when you want to go right, Gas smell, oil in air box, etc,etc,.
My dealer will make appointments for service, That go's in the category of simple. But brake or need a part and see how long it takes,[OBO]
Oh by the way did you get your Spyder back last Friday?

 

[can-am sam]

I know it is big decision for the purchase of a Spyder. You will not regret it! It is fun to ryde. On the question of a trailer, if one was needed rent one. The 150 mile trip to the dealer, think of it as a trip to the big city for shopping etc. Hope this helps with your decision.

 

[JediOsborn]

Hello to all. I've been lurking in the shadows for a long time, mostly because I don't have a Spyder. I've been lusting after one since they first came out, but being a father of two young ones, time and funds are a bit short.
A used Spyder seems to be my best option. I've looked on Ebay, cycletrader, etc etc.
Soooo, getting to my point (sorry for the wordy reply) what are the concerns with each model year that I should worry about? Should I not even consider a 2008? Should I only look at 2009 and newer? Is paying so much for for a new 2010/11 worth it? I've heard about recalls and other issues, are they limited to certain model years? I guess I'm looking for a place where I can research the differences/upgrades/changes between the years.

Thanks very much. Hopefully someday I can post that I actually bought one....

 

[Firefly]

In my opinion, the differences between the years are minimal and if you can get a deal on an 09 - 10 -- TAKE IT. They'll all have the same 2 year warranty.

 

[Firefly]

I figure the 2011 won't have squealing brakes, DPS that won't steer you left when you want to go right, Gas smell, oil in air box, etc,etc,.
My dealer will make appointments for service, That go's in the category of simple. But brake or need a part and see how long it takes,[OBO]
Oh by the way did you get your Spyder back last Friday?

I took the Spyder IN last Friday--- gave them a week to fix what I wanted. Picking it up tomorrow---- with a new DPS installed.... :2thumbs:

 

[JediOsborn]

In my opinion, the differences between the years are minimal and if you can get a deal on an 09 - 10 -- TAKE IT. They'll all have the same 2 year warranty.

Hmm, you didn't mention '08. Should I avoid those because of the warranty?

 

[Firefly]

Hmm, you didn't mention '08. Should I avoid those because of the warranty?

Chances are you won't find an 08 that still has the factory warranty on it (2 years was standard)... unless it's a second-hand bike where the owner got the BRP BEST extended warranty--- which IS transferable.

I was referring more to buying a NEW Spyder that is a leftover 2009 or 2010 and getting a deal---- that's what I would do if I was in the market for a deal.

 

[BajaRon]

In reading over the threads in this and other forums, the Spyder needs lots of dealer attention. Is this true? I would be concerned about breakdowns, etc. witch would take away from the enjoyment of riding. There is a good mechanic here where I live, could he work on the Spyder without all the tools/computer hook ups etc. of a dealer?
Time is running out, and summer/fall is coming to an end.
Thanks,
GCHA

I've got 18k on my 08 Spyder and it's been to the shop 3 times. Once to fix the DPS and twice to get the updates. You won't have the update issues so you can rule that out.

The DPS has been more of an issue than it should be but it is not as pervasive as it may seem by reading in the forum.

Distance to your dealer is only going to be an issue if you have problems. While it may seem there are a lot of problems when you read the forums, this is exagerated (IMO) and just comes with the venue.

I would look into the history of the Spyder you're looking to buy to see if it has a problematic history. Otherwise, if you want one, just do it. You'll have a blast!

 

[JediOsborn]

Chances are you won't find an 08 that still has the factory warranty on it (2 years was standard)... unless it's a second-hand bike where the owner got the BRP BEST extended warranty--- which IS transferable.

I was referring more to buying a NEW Spyder that is a leftover 2009 or 2010 and getting a deal---- that's what I would do if I was in the market for a deal.

Ah, I see. in your opinion is it a good idea to avoid an 08 via a private sale? They're obviously the cheapest now and my best hope at this point.

Ps GCHA, sorry, I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

 

[BajaRon]

Why wait for a 2011? What's so magic about them--- they didn't change that much. If you can get a deal on a 2009 or 2010--- I'd go for it.

:agree: 100%! While the 2011's have some nice upgrades, the Spyder is essentially unchanged. If you want a good deal look for something on the floor now. And I would not be leary of used either. There are some great deals out there. Just do your homework to be sure you're not getting one of the few that have a problem history.

I figure the 2011 won't have squealing brakes, DPS that won't steer you left when you want to go right, Gas smell, oil in air box, etc,etc,.

All of these 'issues' are, at the most, minor annoyances that, if still present in the one purchased, are easily and inexpensively corrected. There is a ton of help right here on SpyderLover's giving proven mod descriptions for all of these.

I'm not making excuses for BRP. These are things that should be corrected in future productions and I'm sure they will be. Still, reality is there are great deals out there and I think it's worth the savings.

If I could save a few grand I'd certainly take all of these problems and just fix them if they did crop up.

Ok, so I'm a Fan Boy with a positive attitude about it. Nobody here can guarantee you a problem free Spyder. But I think chances are better than good you'll be happy with yours if you just do your homework first.

Come to Lamont's BBQ and see all the smiling faces who, if given the chance, will talk your ear off about the joys of owing a Spyder! Even those who've had issues are still wearing a big smile.

 

[BajaRon]

Ah, I see. in your opinion is it a good idea to avoid an 08 via a private sale? They're obviously the cheapest now and my best hope at this point.

Ps GCHA, sorry, I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

I would not rule out an 08. Many of us have very reliable 08's. While the issue graph gets better with later productions, many of the original issues have been corrected in the 08's. And many of the 08's were without issues.

I've got an 08 that has been very reliable, a ton of fun and I would not hesitate to recommend it to a buyer (I'm not selling, just making a point). So they are out there.

You may get a ton of expensive upgrades and still pay way less than new. Just do your homework first. Get a maintenance history, talk to the dealer about any past problems.

Or take it to a dealer and get it checked out.

If you find it has had problems but they've been corrected, that's fine too.

The main thing is the same in buying any vehicle, get one that was owned by someone who cared and didn't thrash it, and to avoid the problematic ones.

If your budget is tight spend time checking it out and save your money. Leave all your options on the table.

 

[JediOsborn]

Its good to hear a positive but realistic attitude. the bbq idea is awesome but I'd be overwhelmed with jealousy. I get all fired up when I see a Spyder on the road!!!

You mentioned doing the proper research, is there a list somewhere of things to look for or ask about?

 

[Firefly]

I would not rule out an 08. Many of us have very reliable 08's. While the issue graph gets better with later productions, many of the original issues have been corrected in the 08's. And many of the 08's were without issues.

I've got an 08 that has been very reliable, a ton of fun and I would not hesitate to recommend it to a buyer (I'm not selling, just making a point). So they are out there.

You may get a ton of expensive upgrades and still pay way less than new. Just do your homework first. Get a maintenance history, talk to the dealer about any past problems.

Or take it to a dealer and get it checked out.

If you find it has had problems but they've been corrected, that's fine too.

The main thing is the same in buying any vehicle, get one that was owned by someone who cared and didn't thrash it, and to avoid the problematic ones.

If your budget is tight spend time checking it out and save your money. Leave all your options on the table.

:agree: I wouldn't buy a 2008 UNLESS you can still have a good couple years of warranty on it... just my opinion.

You wouldn't want mine as I beat the living crap outta it....:2thumbs: