My Problem Free time with the RT is over!

[vito1943]

In the first 3 years of owning the RT, bought new in 2021, I had not had a single problem. That ended about 2 weeks ago when out for a normal ride, suddenly the bike went into "Limp Home Mode" with several warning lights flashing on the screen including a warning "VSS failure". I was able to make it home, although it would not downshift by itself and was physically hard to get it to downshift manually when I was coming to a stop. I had it towed to the dealer the next morning, and now, 10 days later, it is still waiting to be evaluated. It might be a sensor, it might be the battery needs replacing after 3 years, or might be something else. I have really been bummed out not having the Spyder during this stretch of beautiful riding weather.

I certainly am not soured on the Spyder, and would like to assume that this is a "one off" and not a sign of the bike going downhill at 3 years old. I've had other motorcycles, and while the two Triumphs that I owned were not trouble free, the Japanese bikes (Hondas and Kawasakis were essentially problem free for all the years that I owned them. Time will tell where the Can Am Spyder falls in the range of reliability.

 

[AndysF3S]

If the battery requires replacement is that a Spyder design fault or is it a regular maintenance item that can and does occur on all makes and models of engine powered vehicles?

 

[TimKW]

I have a ‘22 RTL. The bike started giving VSS warnings on a recent trip on start up. Took the battery to Batteries Plus to test. Came back bad. Replaced. Problem solved.

 

[2dogs]

Owning a spyder is definitely a crapshoot. Hang in there and hope for the best. I hope it's a simple fix for you.

 

[broderp]

If the battery requires replacement is that a Spyder design fault or is it a regular maintenance item that can and does occur on all makes and models of engine powered vehicles?

It's a design fault if BRP uses cheap batteries that are not able to withstand the drain and charge cycles of the Spyder. It could be a bad charging system - so a design quality issue. It might be a use issue if there are too many circuits going on and drawing so much amperage that the battery is struggling to keep it charged (doubtful).

I'm curious how this turns out. Hopefully well for the OP!

:cheers:

 

[ARtraveler]

In the first 3 years of owning the RT, bought new in 2021, I had not had a single problem. That ended about 2 weeks ago when out for a normal ride, suddenly the bike went into "Limp Home Mode" with several warning lights flashing on the screen including a warning "VSS failure". I was able to make it home, although it would not downshift by itself and was physically hard to get it to downshift manually when I was coming to a stop. I had it towed to the dealer the next morning, and now, 10 days later, it is still waiting to be evaluated. It might be a sensor, it might be the battery needs replacing after 3 years, or might be something else. I have really been bummed out not having the Spyder during this stretch of beautiful riding weather.

I certainly am not soured on the Spyder, and would like to assume that this is a "one off" and not a sign of the bike going downhill at 3 years old. I've had other motorcycles, and while the two Triumphs that I owned were not trouble free, the Japanese bikes (Hondas and Kawasakis were essentially problem free for all the years that I owned them. Time will tell where the Can Am Spyder falls in the range of reliability.

It sounds like a battery issue to me. Three years is about the time to check on a new one. I always replaced my batteries at three years whether needed or not. :bowdown:

 

[Mikey]

:agree:X5 Start with the battery!!!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

In the first 3 years of owning the RT, bought new in 2021, I had not had a single problem. That ended about 2 weeks ago when out for a normal ride, suddenly the bike went into "Limp Home Mode" with several warning lights flashing on the screen including a warning "VSS failure". I was able to make it home, although it would not downshift by itself and was physically hard to get it to downshift manually when I was coming to a stop. I had it towed to the dealer the next morning, and now, 10 days later, it is still waiting to be evaluated. It might be a sensor, it might be the battery needs replacing after 3 years, or might be something else. I have really been bummed out not having the Spyder during this stretch of beautiful riding weather.

I certainly am not soured on the Spyder, and would like to assume that this is a "one off" and not a sign of the bike going downhill at 3 years old. I've had other motorcycles, and while the two Triumphs that I owned were not trouble free, the Japanese bikes (Hondas and Kawasakis were essentially problem free for all the years that I owned them. Time will tell where the Can Am Spyder falls in the range of reliability.

I have a 14 RT (83,000 mi.) and started getting the "limp home code" with the usual warning lights etc. 2 years ago. However, it has not affected the operation of the bike. I'm actually getting better gas mileage while this is going on... Good luck..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[AndysF3S]

It's a design fault if BRP uses cheap batteries that are not able to withstand the drain and charge cycles of the Spyder. It could be a bad charging system - so a design quality issue. It might be a use issue if there are too many circuits going on and drawing so much amperage that the battery is struggling to keep it charged (doubtful).

I'm curious how this turns out. Hopefully well for the OP!

:cheers:

BRP did use Chinese made 300 CCA batteries in 22 &23 and maybe previously but are back to using the Yuasa YTX 24L (350cca) in late 23 and 24. As far as a bad charging system its always possible but highly unlikely given the large number of Rotax engines out there. As far as too many accessories etc. this is possible but doesn't usually cause codes and a failure suddenly. Without further info I found it difficult to accept that a trouble free machine suddenly became "unreliable" at the first sign of trouble but thats just my opinion.

 

[PDXRTL]

"BRP did use Chinese made 300 CCA batteries in 22 &23 and maybe previously but are back to using the Yuasa YTX 24L (350cca) in late 23 and 24"

My 2024 RTL came with the Chinese battery, not a Yuasa. I replaced it with a NOCO.

 

[JB62]

"BRP did use Chinese made 300 CCA batteries in 22 &23 and maybe previously but are back to using the Yuasa YTX 24L (350cca) in late 23 and 24"

My 2024 RTL came with the Chinese battery, not a Yuasa. I replaced it with a NOCO.

My 2024 had Chinese battery, lasted a week before it quit. replaced with Yuasa

 

[shep1]

I have an older model (2009 RS) that had a battery issue soon after I bought it. Took it in and had the battery replaced and a 'battery tender' wired in for easy access. Have never had an issue since after more than 4 years. Just don't forget to unplug for a ride lol. For reliability, I have a full service every spring and I have added a number of upgrades: a BajaRon swaybar kit; plugs and wire upgrade; heat deflector kit on the right side; & lots of fender LED lights. After more than 5 years and 70,000 km's now on it, I certainly can't complain. Hope this helps. Enjoy the ride.

 

[Mikey]

So, Vito, how are you coming along with your issue? opcorn:

 

[AndysF3S]

I stand corrected on the later model 23 & 24 coming with Yuasa batteries instead of the Chinese. When the dealer put through a warranty claim on mine he referred to an Oct 23 internal bulletin that referenced the Yuasa as the replacement.

 

[LongIsland]

An FYI on battery replacement - I started to get the VSS code on start-ups on my 2022 RTL and told my tech about it in April 2024 while in for its yearly service. He checked the battery and told me it was the cheap BRP battery (as many on here attest) and I should replace it. I did replace it, with a Yuasa (VSS message gone). I reached out to BRP about warranty on the battery and was told it's 6 mo. from date of purchase. I purchased my RTL in April of 2023 so out of luck. If you replaced your battery in its first 6 mo. of ownership; you should put in a BEST claim.

 

[FrogmanDave]

I replaced the weak Chinese battery on my '22 RTL earlier this spring. I went with a NOCO purchased from Baja Ron mainly to support his business. My bike has never turned over so well. Not even when brand new.

I believe you could have skipped all the missed riding time by simply replacing your battery yourself.

 

[Quickdraw]

As others have mentioned, a low or bad battery will throw up codes. I was fortunate in that mine didn't before I replaced it. Mine just wouldn't crank over so I replaced it. Last time I bought a bike battery, it cost me around $60. This new one I bought this year was around $150 if I recall correctly. Might have been more. Boy have times sure changed.

 

[vito1943]

So, Vito, how are you coming along with your issue? opcorn:

The dealer finally got to look at the RT yesterday, after sitting at the dealer for 10 days, I am awaiting a call from the service manager. I did tell them that even if the battery seems OK, to go ahead and replace it. I'm hoping that is all that it needs but I will hopefully know more today. I'll post when I have the bike back.

 

[vito1943]

Turns out it was a bad rear speed sensor, for which the dealer is awaiting the new part. But I am having them put in a new battery as well. Hopefully I will have my Spyder back shortly, but who knows how long it will take for them to get the needed part.