PeterKelly
Member
I have not been riding Spyders long but now have a 21 RTL an a 15 F3 S (in different locations) and have put a combined 10 thousand kms on them. It's not a lot of experience but enough time for me to form a "wish list" of things that I would like to see changed or added to the next crop of Spyders.
I suspect that we are unlikely to see significant changes or updates as BRP (along with other automotive manufacturers) is in a transition phase trying to figure out how to replace, or at least hybridize, their ICE products. The announcement of the electric bikes was telling and I suspect that project will eat up all the resources and dollars that BRP can afford. Still it's nice to fantasize.......
Here's is my wish list in no particular order
1) Give us handlebar mounted brakes - preferably two. I think a footbrake detracts from the motorcycle "feel" of the Spyder. Eliminating the footbrake would also make the riding position better (for me at least) as my right leg would not not be as splayed out.
2) It's time for a key fob (with a built in alarm) instead of a chipped key. I think there are several advantages in having a fob not the least being able to use an emergency starting procedure with a code if the key is lost. I lost a key in the middle of a 5 day trip on one of my HD's and was able to continue using the fob code.
3) I think an optional fully automatic mode would be useful in heavy traffic. This is probably a controversial one but I think it would be helpful.
4) A significant tech upgrade please - BRP Connect works for some folks but I think most find it clunky and limited. Being able to play music from a USB stick would be a good upgrade.
5) Spend some time and effort on customer relations. I have had two occasions that required me to contact BRP and the customer service was a bit underwhelming both times. BRP is a relatively small company and could distinguish itself by providing a more caring and responsive customer experience. Harley made a bit deal out of (and got lots of brownie points) out of their Project Rushmore where they supposedly spoke to hundreds (maybe thousands) of HD riders about their wish list and, again supposedly, incorporated some of the ideas into their 2014 touring models. Who knows how extensive the canvassing really was and how many suggestions were taken up but it sure made good PR.
Anyway there are five things on my wish list and I would be interested to hear from others.
I suspect that we are unlikely to see significant changes or updates as BRP (along with other automotive manufacturers) is in a transition phase trying to figure out how to replace, or at least hybridize, their ICE products. The announcement of the electric bikes was telling and I suspect that project will eat up all the resources and dollars that BRP can afford. Still it's nice to fantasize.......
Here's is my wish list in no particular order
1) Give us handlebar mounted brakes - preferably two. I think a footbrake detracts from the motorcycle "feel" of the Spyder. Eliminating the footbrake would also make the riding position better (for me at least) as my right leg would not not be as splayed out.
2) It's time for a key fob (with a built in alarm) instead of a chipped key. I think there are several advantages in having a fob not the least being able to use an emergency starting procedure with a code if the key is lost. I lost a key in the middle of a 5 day trip on one of my HD's and was able to continue using the fob code.
3) I think an optional fully automatic mode would be useful in heavy traffic. This is probably a controversial one but I think it would be helpful.
4) A significant tech upgrade please - BRP Connect works for some folks but I think most find it clunky and limited. Being able to play music from a USB stick would be a good upgrade.
5) Spend some time and effort on customer relations. I have had two occasions that required me to contact BRP and the customer service was a bit underwhelming both times. BRP is a relatively small company and could distinguish itself by providing a more caring and responsive customer experience. Harley made a bit deal out of (and got lots of brownie points) out of their Project Rushmore where they supposedly spoke to hundreds (maybe thousands) of HD riders about their wish list and, again supposedly, incorporated some of the ideas into their 2014 touring models. Who knows how extensive the canvassing really was and how many suggestions were taken up but it sure made good PR.
Anyway there are five things on my wish list and I would be interested to hear from others.
Last edited:
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