It's Becoming Clear To Me...

[davehirst]

Trip

Just last week ended an 1800 mile trip. Had a great time twisting the West Virginia back roads. No probems except it rained some everyday, but hey, we had a great time. I have had tires blow on two wheelers in the past, and one time was by myself. Called a tow truck and replaced the tire as it could not be patched. You just have to use your head and relax. ( Glad I have rider insurance as they provide towing included with the policy.)

 

[Ex-Rocket]

Well I'm getting ready to embark on a month long trip out west which should cover over 7500 miles. Leaving on July 1 and traveling through Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North & South Dakota, Nebraska & Kansas. Am I worried? Sure I am. Am I still going? Hell yes. I have a little over 12000 trouble free miles so far on my 2015 RTS and enjoyed every mile. Enjoy life and get out and ride. When **** happens deal with it.

 

[JayD]

Spyder

Wouldn't trde my 2014 RTS for anything . Have been several multi thousnd trips.

 

[2dogs]

23k and still going.........

Have had and still have some small issues but have never been left stranded like some folks. However for some reason Can Am spyders are rated the least dependable machine out there. By-the-way, don't fly Bombardier airlines on a hot day, they can't get off the ground. :lecturef_smilie::roflblack: So far I love my spyder and the best thing about it is that third wheel, if you know what I mean.

 

[BajaRon]

Given the number of very odd and complex issues with the Spyder, BRP has created an unsupportable monster. Obviously, the self-diagnostic systems in place are not capable of complete diagnosis - sometimes in the most mundane of circumstances.

So far my RTL has run flawlessly (2500 miles) but it is hardly broken in and I am beginning to fear taking it far, far away from home and having one of these "star wars" type issues. It isn't practical or possible that a small dealer in Jasper Junction could be expected to have the expertise to diagnose and/or repair some of these issues which, unfortunately, can leave the riders stranded. Out here in the western desert (where the riding is good) there are lots of miles between towns but only the largest cities have powersports dealers servicing Spyders,

I bought the RTL so the wifey could drive it and she has and loves it. She takes her driving test this weekend and I am sure, as soon as the pizza oven type temps go away, she will want to go touring. I am a bit worried about reliability though.

The house I live in now was built in 1979. In 1984 the owners sold and moved because they were worried about a proposed state highway that would run near the house. Every so many years this same road is again surveyed and proposed and homeowners sell and move to avoid it. Today the road is again on hold status.

Same thing with your Spyder. You can worry about what might happen based upon a relatively few Spyder owners bad experiences. Or you can just ride your Spyder and have a blast like the rest of us.

If you do get something else to ride. Don't visit any forums for that machine. You're likely to find it also has owners suffering with issues as well.

Though I have to admit, I did get stranded once. Piece of junk just quit running when it ran out of fuel! Maybe I should look for a more reliable ride after all....

 

[willey]

pjweimer

had dinner in your town of patalaska at the nut craker last night.a black rt went by while setting there.i have had two spiders 30,000 miles on the 13 rts and 32000 on the 14 stl all pretty much trouble free. going to col. in july for 15 days.

 

[First Timer]

Wish I could say the same. I currently have a 2016 RT Limited, with only 2299 miles on it as it sits in the shop. The current problem is a bad starting motor. Had the problem on May 28th on a ride, had it transported to dealer to be fixed. Currently still in shop waiting for parts to arrive from BRP according to the dealer. Contacted BRP's complaint line. They got back with me yesterday after talking with the dealer and said my Spyder is scheduled for repair on next Wednesday the 28th if all the parts come in. If and I say if it's repaired then that will be 30 days in the shop for repair. BRP rep said their was nothing they could do about the dealership because it is privately owned and operated.

Now, back up to last fall after getting my new Spyder, had the electric parking brake lock up and would not release. All I can say about that issue is the same problems. Parts took 2 and a half weeks to come for repair. Spyder was down and in the shop for 26 days for that issue.

All I can say is I'm not impressed with BRP's customer support or their part support for their product. Two to Three weeks to get a part is not acceptable service or customer support from BRP. As far as dealers, haven't seen a single one that impresses me so far, it's like their only interested in selling speed bikes and don't care about the Spyders or their service. I will say that some people have seem to find a good dealer in their area and I say good for them. Around my area I think I'm SOL when it comes to the dealer network.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm don't seem to be having as my luck with my Spyder as the rest of you I guess.

FYI, I'm have a 69 Camaro Z28 and I can walk into just about any auto parts store, order a part and have it delivered to my home in 2 days, and that's a vehicle that's over 50 years old !!!

 

[ARtraveler]

I would not worry to much. It...COULD...happen, but...WILL...it happen? You already have 2500 good miles. That's a good start.

I think I have a pretty good track record. First of all, I live in Alaska. When 2008 rolled around there was only one dealer. Alaska is pretty big. Breakdowns would have been heck.

I bought the first 2008 GS sold to a customer in Alaska. Sight unseen and had to wait six months after my deposit was placed. I beta tested that one for 23,500 trouble free miles.

2009 had Semi Autos available. I purchased one for my spouse, now the ex. She still has it.

2010 brought our first RTS. I had a premier edition and was also a beta tester. 36,500 trouble free miles. Traded for the new 2014 RT-S 1330 three cylinder. Guess you could also call me a beta tester there.

Finally, bought Linda a new 2011 RT in 2012. She still has it and now over 26,000 trouble free miles.

We have 135,000 combined miles on them and currently have two (the 2011 and the 2014) in the stable. We are still happy with the :ani29::f_spider:'s.

NOTE: This is an unpaid endorsement by an equal opportunity BRP praiser and abuser. On the above, BRP has done good by me. :yes:

 

[Richardv]

Well.... relax.....

Given the number of very odd and complex issues with the Spyder, BRP has created an unsupportable monster. Obviously, the self-diagnostic systems in place are not capable of complete diagnosis - sometimes in the most mundane of circumstances.

So far my RTL has run flawlessly (2500 miles) but it is hardly broken in and I am beginning to fear taking it far, far away from home and having one of these "star wars" type issues. It isn't practical or possible that a small dealer in Jasper Junction could be expected to have the expertise to diagnose and/or repair some of these issues which, unfortunately, can leave the riders stranded. Out here in the western desert (where the riding is good) there are lots of miles between towns but only the largest cities have powersports dealers servicing Spyders,

I bought the RTL so the wifey could drive it and she has and loves it. She takes her driving test this weekend and I am sure, as soon as the pizza oven type temps go away, she will want to go touring. I am a bit worried about reliability though.

Are you reading comment from peoples without problems? .....No they are all out there riding.! As far as we are concerned, we have 4 of them:

2012 RS 65,000 km and doing great. N.P. except vacuum hoses and muffler holding bracket.
2013ST 34,000 km Kenda tire problem, and a valve seal. burning oil, but keept going
2013RSS 39,000 km Tackometer problem, dropping to zero while riding.... Clutch reservoir cover leaking.
2014RSS 31,000 km N.P. so far.

So, as you can see, nobody ever got stranded on the side of the road.

P.S. Clutch cover, muffler bracket and valve seal, are most probably user induced problems.....(so I think, anyway.... so cannot blame BRP for them. but they fixed it no question asked).....

Hoping this helps you appreciate more your spyder, and worry less about all comment ..... ;-)

 

[LateLifeCrisis]

​

 

[Fatcycledaddy]

Wish I could say the same. I currently have a 2016 RT Limited, with only 2299 miles on it as it sits in the shop. The current problem is a bad starting motor. Had the problem on May 28th on a ride, had it transported to dealer to be fixed. Currently still in shop waiting for parts to arrive from BRP according to the dealer. Contacted BRP's complaint line. They got back with me yesterday after talking with the dealer and said my Spyder is scheduled for repair on next Wednesday the 28th if all the parts come in. If and I say if it's repaired then that will be 30 days in the shop for repair. BRP rep said their was nothing they could do about the dealership because it is privately owned and operated.

Now, back up to last fall after getting my new Spyder, had the electric parking brake lock up and would not release. All I can say about that issue is the same problems. Parts took 2 and a half weeks to come for repair. Spyder was down and in the shop for 26 days for that issue.

All I can say is I'm not impressed with BRP's customer support or their part support for their product. Two to Three weeks to get a part is not acceptable service or customer support from BRP. As far as dealers, haven't seen a single one that impresses me so far, it's like their only interested in selling speed bikes and don't care about the Spyders or their service. I will say that some people have seem to find a good dealer in their area and I say good for them. Around my area I think I'm SOL when it comes to the dealer network.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm don't seem to be having as my luck with my Spyder as the rest of you I guess.

FYI, I'm have a 69 Camaro Z28 and I can walk into just about any auto parts store, order a part and have it delivered to my home in 2 days, and that's a vehicle that's over 50 years old !!!

First Timer I noticed that you purchased your Can Am from a Harley Dealership. Is this the Harley Dealer you bought the bike from that is giving the poor service, or is it a Can Am dealership?

 

[Questions]

Reliability

Given the number of very odd and complex issues with the Spyder, BRP has created an unsupportable monster. Obviously, the self-diagnostic systems in place are not capable of complete diagnosis - sometimes in the most mundane of circumstances.

So far my RTL has run flawlessly (2500 miles) but it is hardly broken in and I am beginning to fear taking it far, far away from home and having one of these "star wars" type issues. It isn't practical or possible that a small dealer in Jasper Junction could be expected to have the expertise to diagnose and/or repair some of these issues which, unfortunately, can leave the riders stranded. Out here in the western desert (where the riding is good) there are lots of miles between towns but only the largest cities have powersports dealers servicing Spyders,

I bought the RTL so the wifey could drive it and she has and loves it. She takes her driving test this weekend and I am sure, as soon as the pizza oven type temps go away, she will want to go touring. I am a bit worried about reliability though.

That's reason I got rid of mine. I couldn't trust it to get me home so I never drove it more than 100 miles from home base so friends or family members could get me home. I prayed someone would steal it!

 

[RinconRyder]

I appreciate everyone's comments and fully understand both sides of the argument. It isn't so much I am personally afraid of being stranded but that the wifey might be (I assume she will pester me to ride alone if I can't go on a particular trip). She is really falling in love with that machine (other than the steering which she isn't yet used to).

In the old days a ride across country could be accomplished without worry in most cases. If something happened to the bike you could usually fix it by the side of the road (I have, many times as an owner of a number of British bikes) or you could find any one of a number of motorcycle shops if the problem was serious. Not the case with Can-Am's. Nowhere near the number of dealers nor the expertise at figuring out complex problems (such as turn signals causing gear shifts - although that wouldn't stop me from riding). I have never before traveled with the tech manual but I wouldn't leave home without it on my Spyder. Just the number of silly things that are not used often would be difficult to remember (foot on brake, key on, press mode with one finger, starter with the other then cough - I'll be damned....she starts right up!

I can't say I am afraid of riding because of something might happen but would worry about her if she were riding alone. Was just expressing some concern given the number of weird issues I've read here on the forum. I have ridden cross country many times and never had an issue with my Honda's and I just got used to the Lexus-type reliability (and/or simplicity of the Brit bikes that one could repair with duct tape and pliers).

And, a shout out to the guy who is going to travel through the desert Southwest this summer.....we are experiencing some VERY hot weather right now and it is forecast to remain for another week or so. Daytime temps are very close to 120 in the central and southern deserts of Arizona and even the high mountains are having 90's. I would not recommend riding in those temps but if you do I would strongly suggest traveling at night or early in the day and find a nice cool place in the shade during the heat of the day. Bring plenty of drinking water with you and something to provide shade. Check the weather frequently and keep your eyes open for wind/dust (we just had a massive pile-up yesterday in which six people were killed when a sudden dust storm arrived over I-10. Also be aware that our summer monsoon storms can kick up without much warning and it is no fun to be caught in one of those heavy downpours (not to mention very dangerous). That said, if you need some respite from your travels and you are in the Phoenix area give me a jingle and feel free to overnight at the hacienda. I have beer and Spyder parking (inside).

 

[RinconRyder]

By-the-way, don't fly Bombardier airlines on a hot day, they can't get off the ground.

To be fair, it is all small regional aircraft that have that problem and it isn't that they can't fly but rather that most of the runways they frequent are not long enough to give them enough length to get the lift they need in very hot weather. The aircraft builders don't tend to test their aircraft flying in these conditions because those temps are so infrequent on most of their routes. Altitude density has the same limitation.

 

[ravseren]

fears

I have a 2012 RT ltd that I bought used. Last year the wife and went to Yellowstone and that area without any hesitation. We put on well over 4000 miles with no issues at all. This year we went to Quebec for the homecoming and then down through Maine (home to us), again without a problem. The only issue I had was that on our last day I drove 723 miles and my wife was VERY unhappy!
Go out, enjoy your machine and expect that it will do and act as it shoud without problems.
Life is not a dress rehearsal.
Seth

 

[Bob Denman]

 

[CarolinaSpyderRyder]

For what it's worth

Distance has nothing to do with it. I took my Spyder from NC to Missouri and back, no issues at all, then a few months back the gearshift actuator fell out a few miles from my house. I'm riding to Tennessee this weekend. I'm not worried about it.

 

[MurrayBrown]

Spyder Away From Home

Given the number of very odd and complex issues with the Spyder, BRP has created an unsupportable monster. Obviously, the self-diagnostic systems in place are not capable of complete diagnosis - sometimes in the most mundane of circumstances. So far my RTL has run flawlessly (2500 miles) but it is hardly broken in and I am beginning to fear taking it far, far away from home and having one of these "star wars" type issues. It isn't practical or possible that a small dealer in Jasper Junction could be expected to have the expertise to diagnose and/or repair some of these issues which, unfortunately, can leave the riders stranded. Out here in the western desert (where the riding is good) there are lots of miles between towns but only the largest cities have powersports dealers servicing Spyders, I bought the RTL so the wifey could drive it and she has and loves it. She takes her driving test this weekend and I am sure, as soon as the pizza oven type temps go away, she will want to go touring. I am a bit worried about reliability though.

Please read ALL of the responses. You have to trust me and the others. Even a brand new GM or Ford or Whatever product can run into issues. Yes, the Spyder dealerships are few and far between in many instances. However, if you have roadside protection plan (AAA has one, I am certain) then your fears can be completely diminished. Here in the middle part of Canada (Winnipeg, Manitoba) you have to go about 350 miles to the west or east to come to the next Spyder dealer. From those locations it is at least another 350 miles to the next nearest again. I have driven all across Canada to/from Ottawa, and to/from Vancouver ... several times in each direction ... and not only did I not have any problems, I knew that my roadside assistance plan would look after me. If you owned a Victory or an Indian motorcycle, you would be in the same predicament. So, bottom line, get out there and live life to the fullest with your Spyder!

 

[thehawk]

Honeymoons aren't supposed to end... :clap:

:shocked: She's still standing behind me; isn't She?? :shocked:

if she's still not behind you, perhaps she fell off :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: ... or just leftopcorn:

thehawk

 

[JAS POWER]

Wish I could say the same. I currently have a 2016 RT Limited, with only 2299 miles on it as it sits in the shop. The current problem is a bad starting motor. Had the problem on May 28th on a ride, had it transported to dealer to be fixed. Currently still in shop waiting for parts to arrive from BRP according to the dealer. Contacted BRP's complaint line. They got back with me yesterday after talking with the dealer and said my Spyder is scheduled for repair on next Wednesday the 28th if all the parts come in. If and I say if it's repaired then that will be 30 days in the shop for repair. BRP rep said their was nothing they could do about the dealership because it is privately owned and operated.

Now, back up to last fall after getting my new Spyder, had the electric parking brake lock up and would not release. All I can say about that issue is the same problems. Parts took 2 and a half weeks to come for repair. Spyder was down and in the shop for 26 days for that issue.

All I can say is I'm not impressed with BRP's customer support or their part support for their product. Two to Three weeks to get a part is not acceptable service or customer support from BRP. As far as dealers, haven't seen a single one that impresses me so far, it's like their only interested in selling speed bikes and don't care about the Spyders or their service. I will say that some people have seem to find a good dealer in their area and I say good for them. Around my area I think I'm SOL when it comes to the dealer network.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm don't seem to be having as my luck with my Spyder as the rest of you I guess.

FYI, I'm have a 69 Camaro Z28 and I can walk into just about any auto parts store, order a part and have it delivered to my home in 2 days, and that's a vehicle that's over 50 years old !!!

Sounds like a problem with the dealership your going to.

On behalf of BRP's support I think they are great. Just the fact that they actually allow you to call them, and don't just tell you you have to call one of their dealers. Arctic Cat is like that you can't talk to anyone there usually they always tell you to call a dealer!