Is it true that Spyders do not need to be alined?

[UtahPete]

No joke. It looks like BRP is teaching the guys here in Mexico this. They tell me even the manual says nothing about getting a Spyder Aligned. I have been made fun of, eyes rolled, and comments that is close to bullying. I find this so frustrating because this is what I am dealing with here. Because they don't want o invest in the equipment and I was told this isn't something that is needed....that they can basically eyeball it, I don't want it eyeballed, I want it right. I also get this kind of crap I feel, because I am a woman and I am dealing with "macho" attitudes in Mexico. BRP doesn't take real good care of us in Mexico and we are having issues overall with many things. Not sure what will happen. Sadly.

Sorry to hear that. Anyway, I guess you've learned by now that even Spyders need wheels balanced and aligned. No matter what they tell you in the shop, BRP would not advise otherwise. Not necessarily laser aligned though. First get your wheels balanced and then work on alignment. Is there any way you could learn to do that yourself? Or, if you're not mechanically inclined, are there other riders where you live that could try it? You're not likely to make things worse than they already are.

And, just getting new tires isn't going to solve much (except maybe the balancing issue - be sure to have them balanced by a shop you trust ... doesn't have to be a motorcycle shop either). In fact getting new tires without getting the alignment fixed is just going to shorten the life of your new tires.

Where in Mexico are you? Did you get the Spyder down there or take it down there? Do you have trouble getting a good grade of fuel (not that it has anything to do with the chassis performance - just wondering if you're in a big city or the boonies.

Finally, have you tried going to the BRP website and submitting a complaint about this issue of service in Mexico?

 

[UtahPete]

Alignment isn't the likely cause of vibration ... check other things first

I am pretty sure I need an alinement. My bike vibrates somewhat and we have loads of holes in the roads, speed bumps, etc here....it makes sense to me to do this. But I am told that NO that spyders do not need this. I do not believe this of course. Why would laser alinement exist for spyders? Does BRP say no to this. I want to be able to make my case well. Remember I am in Mexico not the USA. Thanks everyone for any help!

I just re-read your post. I'm not sure you need an alignment based on the symptoms you have described. Alignment would be an indicated problem if a) your bike wanders or pulls to one side while driving in a straight line or b) your tires are wearing excessively and unevenly on one side or the other.

Vibration could be any number of things, including but not exclusively out-of-balance wheels. What speed does the vibration occur? When did you first notice it - or has it always been there since you bought it? Is it only since driving it in Mexico on bad roads (road surface itself can cause vibration)?

 

[beadaholic]

Where in Mexico are you? Did you get the Spyder down there or take it down there? Do you have trouble getting a good grade of fuel (not that it has anything to do with the chassis performance - just wondering if you're in a big city or the boonies.

Finally, have you tried going to the BRP website and submitting a complaint about this issue of service in Mexico?

Bought it here, took me a while to find one, they are sold here though. We have a few dealers as well who do not cater to us, they think they are doing us a favor. Yes I have complained. But I guess we are not a very high priority. I am going to see about trying to do it myself. I am able to do basic things like do the brakes, so this should be something I can do as well! We have good gas, I use only premium in it, and the gas seems fine and yes I am in the boonies...First going to see about all the other things the vibration might be.....Thanks!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

YOUR ISSUES WITH YOUR SPYDER

No joke. It looks like BRP is teaching the guys here in Mexico this. They tell me even the manual says nothing about getting a Spyder Aligned. I have been made fun of, eyes rolled, and comments that is close to bullying. I find this so frustrating because this is what I am dealing with here. Because they don't want o invest in the equipment and I was told this isn't something that is needed....that they can basically eyeball it, I don't want it eyeballed, I want it right. I also get this kind of crap I feel, because I am a woman and I am dealing with "macho" attitudes in Mexico. BRP doesn't take real good care of us in Mexico and we are having issues overall with many things. Not sure what will happen. Sadly.

Laura sorry to say this but ...BS, BS, BS & more BS and yes they are taking advantage of you the ba*tards ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[ruralgirl]

btw I had a silent heart attack and am recovering, and I do not want to sell my bike, although the doctor is encouraging me to do just this.....I am fighting it like a bangee. I don't think it is necesary to sell my bike. I love it!

I don't think you need to sell your bike, either! Good luck with your recovery, take care of yourself, and let your ryding help you heal. BTW, "beadaholic", are you a fellow lampworker, by any chance? (http://toblerglass.com)

 

[BajaRon]

Even BRP recommended I do this. But here in Mexico the Technicians say NO. They have been pretty much putting me down on this, and I am tired of it, I paid really good money for my bike and I should be able to get things taken care of, like a basic thing as Alignment.

Ah you guys are sweet! Thank you so much for the welcome back! haha, just been dealing with life and my "issues" haha, Love it here, it always makes me feel welcome and great!

My guess is your highly trained 'Tech's' are saying 'NO' because they don't want to do it. They probably do not know how and or they do not have the equipment to do it right.

So, here is what you do. You buy the ROLO equipment. Lean how to do alignments on the Spyder, then offer your services to the dealership and or anyone who needs their Spyder aligned (which is probably everyone who owns a Spyder there, just like here).

 

[beadaholic]

I don't think you need to sell your bike, either! Good luck with your recovery, take care of yourself, and let your ryding help you heal. BTW, "beadaholic", are you a fellow lampworker, by any chance? (http://toblerglass.com)

Yep I am Laura Brito who started the Wetcanvas glass forums, and am one of the old timers. I teach young people here in Mexico how to do Jewelry Crafts and make a living, and more. I am rather quiet now, but before I was rather well known. hehe Nice to meet you!