Long read, sorry about that. But being a
Fan Boy, you know I had to jump in on this one.
I agree with Dragonrider. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just do a search on HD issues if you want to see a long list. Yet thousands ride and enjoy them. And I'm all for it!
The key to this guys post is in the last line. '
My two cents, Jerry'
Does the Spyder have issues? You bet! Show me a vehicle that does not have issues! Want to buy a Toyota? The question is, how serious and how
prevalent are they.
Amazes me that a few Spyder owners sold their ride because someone else had problems. Their Spyder performed flawlessly, but they got caught up in someone elses issue and couldn't take it. Group think?
This guy is assembling some real and some fabricated negatives as if they were universal. And he is flat wrong on some things.
I've rated the statements, not the person, as he does not have (or claim) first hand knowlege. This is just what he has heard. And, as always, it's just my opinion of his opinions.
I looked at the spyder very close even went to two rallies and talked with owners. (Good idea if you're looking to purchase. A+ here)
The plus is the wheels in front handle a little better and it has a little less vibration, (Don't know about the vibration, but a little better than what? The Spyder handles a LOT better than a conventional trike, and as good or better than many 2 wheeled machines, won't stay with a sport bike, C)
and nobody makes a better engine than Rotax. (Agreed, Rotax is a very good motor, A+)
Downside and I will only list a few important ones. (Really? Just a few? If they are important, why not list them all?)
They throw codes a lot (Take a poll, Mine has never thrown a code in 20k+, and you'll find most have not, D)
and it goes into limp mode (Does he mean it goes into limp mode every time it throws a code? Most codes do not cause a Limp Mode issue. Not accurate, F)
and you must get to a dealer to clear the code, (Not necessarily, and you don't even have to clear the code if it doesn't interfere with operation, D)
running down the highway at 70 mph your engine is turning over 5000 rpms, (I think it's actually turning 6,000 rpm at 70mph (which is, admittedly, over 5000 rpm), but so what? The Rotax is designed to turn at this RPM)
hurts gas millage (Maybe a little, but it is the aerodynamics that do the big damage to MPG, not RPM. So buy a MoPed! I hear they are reliable too! C+)
and reliability, (I thought we had the best engine made? RPM does not hurt reliablity on a motor designed for it. So, the Harley turns a LOT slower than our Spyder. How has that worked out for HD reliability? Doc has 100K on his Spyder and a lot of that is with a Turob! Try doing that on a Harley! F)
breakdowns are numerous, (Really? So the people this guy talked to were walking? F)
heat problems on right side, (Some people got a hot foot on the older models, easily fixed, corrected on current Spyders. This is a serious problem? F)
the handling improvement is killed by electronic gadgets that protect the rider, (Absolutely wrong! Some maneuvers are hindered but handling is not 'Killed' by electronics, the Nanny can be managed quite nicely with improved riding habits, protection for the rider is a bad thing? BOGUS! F)
the front shocks need replacing at purchase, (Again, BOGUS! I am still running stock shocks. Some prefer to upgrade the shocks. But this can be said of the seat, windshield, exhaust, tires, paint and anything else an owner would like to upgrade. Now let's check out a list of things that need to be upgraded on a Harly out of the box, shall we? F)
and the sway bar also has to be replaced, (Again, BOGUS!. There are thousands of owners who have not replaced the stock sway bar and are completely satisfied with their Spyder. For some, upgrading the sway bar is a plus, but it certainly isn't a requirement! F)
the engine is only 992 ccs and does not have the torque to pull a thousand pounds of bike plus riders and gear. (998cc's, but not worth the quibble. But it's amazing isn't it? Hundreds of RS and RT owners doing exactly this without issues. Check out Lamon't post, he just did 600 miles to Daytona! Have you heard any complaints about this? Now, the Harley Trike is Light as a Feather and has GOBBS of power! Let's get one of those! F)
The list goes on. (If it's more of this kind of Bogus issues, then it's no list at all)
Go to the spyder forums and get a taste, there are three good ones. (Very good idea! A+)
The Harley trike is not with out problems (You don't say!)
but most of the problems have answers, (Kind of like the minor issues with the Spyder?)
the right side heat can at least be fixed (What! Heat issues on the Right Side! Horror! What will Chicken Little have to say about this!?)
and they hold your investment much better. (I agree, ride a HD Trike, ride a Spyder, check your wallet and then decide. If you're buying for resale value, look into gold coins!)
Check the price of a used Spyder, I think they have promise but it is a few years down the road. (I don't know about that, I've already gotten 3 years and 20K+ worth of promise out of my Spyder!)
My two cents, Jerry (Exactly!)
The most serious issue with the Spyder, in my opinion of course, is the DPS problem. This guy does not mention it at all. But this issue is now a Non-Issue since the recall.
The Spyder does have issues. But they were never universal or even wide spread (other than the DPS). And each one has been address by BRP.
My take, my 2 cents!
hyea:I have a great time on my spyder I love to ride. The other people that ride other types of bikes that I ride with like there's just as much. I think there is a big difference between owners and riders of all brands. Riders tend to like whatever they have, they all have a place and are fun.
