I'M FED UP

[oldguyinTX]

With all of the problems that we have had with our Spyder since we bought it in July of 2013. There have been so many times during (our short) riding seasons - at least twice each season - that it has stranded us and had to be towed, then spent on average three weeks in the shop each time to diagnose/fix (hah) issues, plus the recalls - the dealer had it for 4 weeks to do the heat recall and left some parts out that were required- and the nail in the coffin was last weekend when the weather was beautiful and the wife and I went out to ride to a local Flea Market, then ride up to NW CT for lunch, then home. Well, we got as far as about 1/2 mile from the Flea Market, the Spyder went into Limp Home Mode, Codes were C0040, VCM module, Brake pedal switch failure, VSS fault, etc. Fuse was blown for the brake lights/emergency flashers. Put a new one in, it blew right away. Second code was C0063 Yaw rate sensor failure. The YRS was replaced about this time last year. The screen lit up like a Christmas tree, engine light, oil pressure light & VCS light all blinking. So, it is going to sit in the garage for the winter on a battery tender, as I am having my second hip replacement in 2 weeks, and I am sure that even if I had it towed to a dealer tomorrow, I would not get it back before my surgery. Long story short, I am going to dump it & the 622 trailer next spring for whatever I can get for it. This was the worst monetary investment I have ever made, and I will never buy another one. Not that I could afford it, since I scrimped and saved for years to buy this one so I could pay cash and not have a monthly payment. I now see that it was money totally wasted that I will never recoup. Having dropped $35K on the Spyder, trailer, etc., I think I would be lucky to get $11K for both, if I can even sell them. Words can't express how angry and disappointed I am with BRP for foisting such a lousy product on the public, and then ignoring folks who have major problems. I have no confidence whatsoever in this machine, and would not dare to even think about taking a long trip on it, because I know that it will break down and leave us stranded, as it usually does. Oh, and my other rant - I once used BRP Roadside Assistance. $200 allowance which got me an 18 mile tow plus $50 out of my pocket. My insurance totally covered last weekend's 45 mile tow. This machine is a POS. Should have bought a Gold Wing trike, way more dependable.

 

[Tazzel]

That's a bummer, you must have got a lemon. I have owned 3 different Spyders with no issues.

 

[loisk]

Very sorry to hear of your experiences.

I have always said that the difference between a magical and a miserable spyder experience is the quality of the Dealer.

 

[ARtraveler]

Sorry to hear of your disappointment. A bad dealer just adds to the horrible experience. I am thinking you have made the right decision in your case.

 

[DGoebel]

Bummer, I have the same model and drove over 12,000 miles in the last 11 months, Did an Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000 one day, had several 1500 to 2000 mile weekends without any breakdowns. Well, I've never had a breakdown yet (knock wood)..
Most of my issues have been self induced trying to save money. I'd agree with what Tazzel and UtahPete said.
Whoever buys your Bike and Trailer may find a different dealer and that's like what Loisk stated. Maybe you've just been dealing with a subpar mechanic, or the initial build was just off....

 

[ThreeWheels]

Geez Dwight, I feel so bad for you.
Our experiences couldn't be more opposite.
I hope you wind up with another motorcycle, the HD or Goldwing Trike.
Good luck on your surgery.
I hope to ride with you next year, and of course, my very best to Val.

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked::gaah:

Dwight,
I really wish that your experience had been anything but this... :gaah::cus::gaah:

 

[JerryB]

Hi oldguyinCT,

Re: ignoring folks who have major problems

I feel for you. And, if I were in your shoes I would make the same decision.

One's must know when to cut their losses.

The above quote is IMO BRP's major problem. IMO they simply do not care once the sale has been made.

If you get a lousy dealer, well just deal with it.

I have contacted BRP on only a couple of occasions and could not believe how they exhibited a "I don't care about you." attitude.

Best of luck with your hip surgery and any new trails you find,

Jerry Baumchen

 

[oldguyinTX]

I agree, the dealer makes a huge difference. Had a very bad experience with one, and nothing but great service and honesty from another, who unfortunately is no longer in business. (too honest I guess, not a "stealership") Regardless, it all comes back to BRP. Do I think I got a bad initial Build? With inherent problems starting from the second month that I owned it? Not to mention the inherent problems in putting the 998 in the new frame because the 1330 "wasn't ready" for the 2013 model year. In my opinion, yes, others may feel differently. Do I think that their dealer network sucks? You bet, there all all sorts of horror stories on this forum about suspect dealers. I remember back in the day when the Honda dealer only sold Hondas, The Kawasaki dealer only sold Kawasakis, etc. You owned that bike, thats where you went for service, and you didn't have to wait 3 or 4 weeks for an appointment. Now, dealers sell everything, with Spyders as a sideline so they can sell Skidoos & Seadoos along with Honda. Kaws, Suzukis, whatever. All of those have higher sales volume than Spyders, and dealers don't want to pay the $$ to have a mechanic go to school and get certified by BRP. To me it's a case of "take the money and run". Bob, a video? (hint hint)

 

[oldguyinTX]

I don't think you'll have any trouble selling your trailer.

Well, selling the trailer without the Spyder doesn't really help me. I'd still be stuck with the *&%$#@+ bike. :banghead::banghead:

 

[HankD]

Not that I want to start a Major Uprising.....but has anyone considered using this forum to somehow send a Joint Letter of Concern directly to BRP about the dissatisfaction with their Dealership/Service system?

I think a Joint Letter with the names of about 1,000 or so Spyder Owners might get the attention of BRP. It should be sent to the correct individual at the Corporation of course, otherwise it will go into the paper-shredder filing system.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Oldguy, have you checked out the fine print in your local 'Lemon Laws' (if you actually have any?)?

Here in Aus, where we've got them, our Lemon Laws have the 'usual' up front provisions for those people who get stuck with a vehicle that pretty quickly & obviously reveals itself as a lemon, and everyone knows all about those....buuuut, in many cases, buried waaay further in the guts of the legalese, our various consumer protection laws also have provisions to protect those people who buy something that doesn't actually qualify as a lemon under the 'initial purchase' provisions, but that over time repeatedly ends up failing to deliver on its intended purpose so that the owner can't use it as intended.... again!! I believe that in the last lot I checked out for vehicles, it was something like 8 x 2 week non-scheduled service events over 4 years could qualify the owner as one who didn't have a 'fit for purpose' vehicle, & as such that owner was entitled to claim under those Lemon Laws. Can't recall the provisions & requirements exactly, but I can recall a couple of instances where vehicle owners here have either received new vehicles or their money plus interest back because of those longer term provisions in the Lemon Laws.

So maybe your local Lemon Laws have similar longer term provisions to cover those vehicles that repeatedly fail to meet their purpose - is it worth a look, you reckon?? Your local Better Business or Consumer Protection mob or whatever you might call them may be able to help. If you haven't already, give them a call & ask.... :thumbup:

 

[Saluda]

Sorry to hear,

hope things turn around for you. Wish you the best.

 

[Chupaca]

Bummer...!

Sorry to hear it has gotten to this..but for now concentrate on your hip replacement..good luck with it and may you heal well and quickly..ray:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experiences with you Spyder. We'll miss you here if you leave us, too.

 

[Bob Denman]

You're not going to leave us: are you??? :shocked:

 

[jcthorne]

If its any consolation, we had a 2013 RT that was also a total lemon and left us stranded multiple times and spent FAR too long in the shop. BRP did help a bit in moving along to a different unit but we still took a $10k loss for BRP's royal F up on the 2013 bikes. Far too many of them burned to the ground, left owners stranded and continue to be a source of trouble. Love my current F3 but BRP really could and should have done FAR more for the 2013 RT owners that got swindled.

 

[larryd]

Other Reverse Trike Options

If your going the GW route I'd suggest looking at a Sturgis R18 reverse trike...I was ready to pull the trigger on one back in late 2013 but BRP came out with the 1330 in 2014 and I bought a RTS...

I rode a new Motor Trike reverse trike at Americade and was VERY disappointed...Very had steering and darted around on every road inperfection...Plus, BONE UGLY...

I've ridden several R18 and before they offered the "easy steer option" the only draw back was the hard steering...

I have long since made up my mind, if my RTS gets unreliable it will be replaced with the R18...And hopefully the 2018 GW will have the dual clutch technologly (DCT) and a real reverse, and maybe a 6th or 7th gear???

larryd

 

[Big F]

Not that I want to start a Major Uprising.....but has anyone considered using this forum to somehow send a Joint Letter of Concern directly to BRP about the dissatisfaction with their Dealership/Service system?

I think a Joint Letter with the names of about 1,000 or so Spyder Owners might get the attention of BRP. It should be sent to the correct individual at the Corporation of course, otherwise it will go into the paper-shredder filing system.

Your comments make sense to me. why hasn't BRP come to this man's rescue?????? that is sad indeed. sure, he has a lousy dealer, but one would think BRP would get him to another reputable dealer that could address his problems properly once and for all??
this is a major BRP issue and they need to resolve it.
we have dealer issues in this part of the country and that is another BRP problem. why they allow sub-par dealers to exist is beyond me.
you can my name to the list for BRP to resolve the issues. tks
BIG F

 

[2dogs]

Why you ask?

Your comments make sense to me. why hasn't BRP come to this man's rescue?????? that is sad indeed. sure, he has a lousy dealer, but one would think BRP would get him to another reputable dealer that could address his problems properly once and for all??
this is a major BRP issue and they need to resolve it.
we have dealer issues in this part of the country and that is another BRP problem. why they allow sub-par dealers to exist is beyond me.
you can my name to the list for BRP to resolve the issues. tks
BIG F

Because, in short, BRP doesn't give a rat's you know what about their customers! nojoke