New 2013 RT owner and not happy at all.

[rabtech]

I bought my 2013 RT Limited last week and it has been 30 degrees since i arrived home with it. Sunday it actually hit 40 so I decided to ride it. I went from Haleyville AL to Decatur AL which is thru the Bankhead National Forest. Ride has twisty roads and also has some 4 lane straight riding. The first thing I noticed was how bad it darted all over the road. It was almost impossible to keep in my lane. I let the air in the back shock up and down and nothing changed. I even tried the windshield at different positions thinking that the wind might be pushing it a little.

Here is a story that relates:

I remember when I was younger having a LT500R Suzuki Quadracer. We raced every weekend at some local track and had a great time. One day I had the bright idea that i would align the front end (dont know why). I grabbed a tape measure and made the front distance on the tires the same as the back and thought "this would be awesome". Needless to say this was one of the worst things I have ever done. It darted everywhere. Couldnt keep it on any stright path.

The Spyder has exactly the same problem. If you get over 45 you cant hold it in a straight line. If you even "pinky touch" the handlebar it darts immediately to that side. And if you are in a turn it starts into the turn and a few feet into the turn it "super" turns. You can't hold a turn at all without correcting it several time in the turn.

I called my dealer Big Number 1 and spoke to Jarod in service and explained it. He said they had ball joints ordered for a service campaign and a special tool. He hoped they would be in sometime this week. I have to carry it now 100 miles to the dealer and HOPE that this fixes the problem. I cant see where ball joints would fix this issue. Maybe alignment and ball joints.

Also It is going to take a day of my time and the cost of pulling it back to Birmingham. And maybe even going back to pick up if it cant be fixed in a day. What do you guys think I should do. I would think they should come pick it up and bring it back. I am so mad at this point that I may be rambling. I need some input from others so I can deal with this in the most efficient manner.

A day of my time is unacceptable. I work as an IT consultant and bill hourly. And the expenditure of pulling a 20 foot enclosed trailer with a Ford Raptor truck is some serious fuel .

 

[NancysToy]

First, make sure your dealer changed the ball joints if it is one of the affected machines. This "recall" affected most of the early production and your dealer should have been aware of it.

Second, it may need an alignment. Too little toe-in can cause severe darting. Make sure the dealer uses the procedure, spec, and tools for the 2013. Those are different from those needed for earlier Spyders.

Finally, you will need to get used to the way a Spyder handles. It steers instead of countersteers, and it is very sensitive. Holding the bars too tightly and trying to hard has bitten us all when we first tried to ride one. Hold the bars very lightly, and try not to correct too much or overcorrect.

 

[Chupaca]

Bummer..!!

Really sorry for your unfortunate experience with your new bike. Strange that the dealer released the bike before making the changes needed to correct the problem. Its been some time now that they have been working on it. I would take a deep breath and try to calm down. Once the parts are replaced you will have one of the best reverse trikes of its kind. The weather will be better and things will be right again. No consolation that your not alone but you all will get past this and look back on it :cus: with a smile on your face as you ryde on..hyea:

 

[MouthPiece]

First, make sure your dealer changed the ball joints if it is one of the affected machines. This "recall" affected most of the early production and your dealer should have been aware of it.

Second, it may need an alignment. Too little toe-in can cause severe darting. Make sure the dealer uses the procedure, spec, and tools for the 2013. Those are different from those needed for earlier Spyders.

Finally, you will need to get used to the way a Spyder handles. It steers instead of countersteers, and it is very sensitive. Holding the bars too tightly and trying to hard has bitten us all when we first tried to ride one. Hold the bars very lightly, and try not to correct too much or overcorrect.

I will echo everything that Scotty said above. In addition, I have a 2013 RT-S and experienced (perhaps to a lesser degree) all the symptoms that you have described. I had the "ball joint replacement" last week and have put just about 400 miles on my spyder since.

In my case it was the answer. I can now go down the interstate at speeds ranging from 60 to 85 MPH, put on my cruise control, lift both my hands from the handlebars, and my spyder keeps a straight course. Admittedly, we've had some really windy days down here, and there are times which these winds will buffet my spyder. However, I know of what you are saying about your spyder, have experienced the same and can honestly say to you that the "ball joint fix" is the ticket. I have no earthly idea why it is, but it is.

Hope this helps and you will soon be enjoying your spyder.

Chris

 

[ARtraveler]

So far (as of 3/4/13), there have been two 2013 owners that have posted success with the ball joint replacement fix.

I am surprised the dealer delivered the STS to you last week and made no mention of what was going on. Maybe you can get them to take care of the tow back to the dealer--just thinking out loud here.

Nancy's Toy also has valid information about the over control issue that most new to the :ani29: have encountered.

The darting you mentioned, IMO, sounds like the symptoms mentioned with the ball joint/alignment issue though.

Please keep us posted.

 

[docdoru]

BRP should trailer your 1 week old Spyder to/from the shop and fix-it. Period. :doorag:

 

[harddrive]

As others have posted, take it back to the dealer and make sure the ball joints were replaced. There have been several Spyder owners that went from enjoying their spyder to the 2013 wondering spyder.

 

[bhfromme]

I have a 2011 RT and had some warranty issues early on. Easy for me to say I know but keep the faith man. When the bugs are worked out you'll love the ryde. There is no machine on the road that compares.

If your dealer doesn't get it right try Barney's or Jacksonville Powersports. Your experience will be only as good as your dealer's knowledge and attitude. Good luck.

 

[Sting]

:agree:
Great post above. I am sorry you are having problems early on. Our toys for boys always seem to have an issue here or there but once we work the bugs out we love em. Hope it works out for you.

 

[Bob Denman]

I hope that you know that I'm not trying to be too awful nasty with this; but did you post just so that you could unload, or are you looking for some actual advice? :dontknow:
But welcome anyway, and please let us know what you think of your new RT after the dealer gets the front end made right! :thumbup:

 

[rabtech]

I think I was looking for both , advice and info. I have never had any issues "out of the box" with any of my other bikes. I also think that the thought of someone having to wrench on a new bike "out of the box" is a bit wrong. Im sorry my first post was negative. I promise to all of the board members I am not a pessimist by default. I have several bike and am member of their respective online forums. I try to contribute to each one. LAMONSTER probably remembers me from the VTXOA forum. I keep the same forum name RABTECH on each board.

I wanted to ride it this coming weekend and my wife "which was against the purchase" has been less than "mood" helpful. I am loading it up tonight and will deliver it to the dealer tomorrow. It seems they would overnight the proper tools to the dealer. However I was informed it was sent out via regular UPS.

Anyway , I guess I can ride my Diavel this weekend .

 

[rabtech]

LAMONSTER , do you remember this one.....

 

[rabtech]

Or this one.....

 

[SpyderDen]

First, make sure your dealer changed the ball joints if it is one of the affected machines. This "recall" affected most of the early production and your dealer should have been aware of it.

Scotty correct me if I am wrong, but I think the OP stated that parts were on order, not installed. I agree, the dealer should have never delivered that unit without inspecting it for the handling problems. Sounds like most of us on SL knew of the solution before this dealership did.

 

[IntoTheWind]

my 2 cents

The dealership needs to step up and take the lead hear, if this is dangerous for you to ride then it never received a final checkup before delivery. I've heard several complain about this happening (Steering issue) to the new 2013 models they now own. BRP needs to stop what they’re doing and make this right to all the Spyders affected. The dealers should also give every new owner a mini riding course on how to handle (the ins and outs) and what to expect when riding their new Spyder. I hope you’re able to resolve the issues so you can enjoy your new Spyder.

 

[NancysToy]

The dealership needs to step up and take the lead hear, if this is dangerous for you to ride then it never received a final checkup before delivery. I've heard several complain about this happening (Steering issue) to the new 2013 models they now own. BRP needs to stop what they’re doing and make this right to all the Spyders affected. The dealers should also give every new owner a mini riding course on how to handle (the ins and outs) and what to expect when riding their new Spyder. I hope you’re able to resolve the issues so you can enjoy your new Spyder.

BRP has taken the steps to make this right! They notified the dealers, did a no-holds-barred investigation into the problems, found a cure, then issued a service bulletin to follow up on the previous notification and revised alignment procedure. They even issued a "stop-sales" order until the affected machines could be repaired...regardless of whether or not they had symptoms. Unfortunately, it appears that a number of dealers have dropped the ball, failing to keep up on their Internet notifications or their mail from BRP. This is an unpleasant issue, but it did not have to have been made worse by some mediocre dealers. JMHO

 

[kubie]

Scotty correct me if I am wrong, but I think the OP stated that parts were on order, not installed. I agree, the dealer should have never delivered that unit without inspecting it for the handling problems. Sounds like most of us on SL knew of the solution before this dealership did.

I bought my 2013 RT Limited last week and it has been 30 degrees since i arrived home with it. Sunday it actually hit 40 so I decided to ride it. I went from Haleyville AL to Decatur AL which is thru the Bankhead National Forest. Ride has twisty roads and also has some 4 lane straight riding. The first thing I noticed was how bad it darted all over the road. It was almost impossible to keep in my lane. I let the air in the back shock up and down and nothing changed. I even tried the windshield at different positions thinking that the wind might be pushing it a little.

Here is a story that relates:

I remember when I was younger having a LT500R Suzuki Quadracer. We raced every weekend at some local track and had a great time. One day I had the bright idea that i would align the front end (dont know why). I grabbed a tape measure and made the front distance on the tires the same as the back and thought "this would be awesome". Needless to say this was one of the worst things I have ever done. It darted everywhere. Couldnt keep it on any stright path.

The Spyder has exactly the same problem. If you get over 45 you cant hold it in a straight line. If you even "pinky touch" the handlebar it darts immediately to that side. And if you are in a turn it starts into the turn and a few feet into the turn it "super" turns. You can't hold a turn at all without correcting it several time in the turn.

I called my dealer Big Number 1 and spoke to Jarod in service and explained it. He said they had ball joints ordered for a service campaign and a special tool. He hoped they would be in sometime this week. I have to carry it now 100 miles to the dealer and HOPE that this fixes the problem. I cant see where ball joints would fix this issue. Maybe alignment and ball joints.

Also It is going to take a day of my time and the cost of pulling it back to Birmingham. And maybe even going back to pick up if it cant be fixed in a day. What do you guys think I should do. I would think they should come pick it up and bring it back. I am so mad at this point that I may be rambling. I need some input from others so I can deal with this in the most efficient manner.

A day of my time is unacceptable. I work as an IT consultant and bill hourly. And the expenditure of pulling a 20 foot enclosed trailer with a Ford Raptor truck is some serious fuel .

I went through the same thing with my STS and I would recommend to you to get the 2013 alignment done, and the ball joints replaced!!!!! If you have to go that far. Do them both, and be safe. If you just do the Ball joints and don’t do the 2013 Alignment, I think you may be sorry! I had all the same problems and had the 2013 alignment done and it fixed most of the darting/wandering issues and it is now back in the shop getting the ball joints Replaced. Not sure if that will fix it 100% but I fill confident it will, after reading all the other posts! Hope this helps Sir, and sorry you are having these troubles!

:doorag:
Kubie

 

[StriperKing]

Not the same year but I have a 2010 RT-S that I bought with 3400 miles on it so not sure what may or may not have been done to it but I was never happy with the handling and it wore the inside of the front tires bald in 8000 miles. Obviously I knew something was wrong but didn`t want to have it down till winter. Took it to Cowtown for an alignment and to have new tires installed. All I can say is it was a mistake to wait that long. It runs straight as an arrow and 12,000 miles later my front tires are still perfect. Hang in there, when they do get it right you will be very happy. Just my personal openion but car tires are the way to go also. I can tell by the pics you posted we have a lot in common and you are going to want every ounce of performance and handling you can get your hands on. Have fun doing it! :thumbup: I miss my sportbikes but not going back.

 

[Farmbanker]

IMHO this is a dealer issue. BRP has put out the fix and they should have made sure this machine was right before delivery. When I had my issues the dealer bent over backwards to pick the bike and up deliver it back to me. That is what a great dealer does. "Service after the sale." Might not hurt to remind your dealer of the importance. I'd be a little ticked if my dealer didn't do the pickup and delivery. Good luck and please let us know how you make out.

 

[bhfromme]

Wow you guys are amazing. Way too much information for my non-mechanical brain to handle but I like reading it nonetheless. All I can say is I'm glad I have a good mechanic and and a dealer that is top shelf. Yes that's you Colin and Jacksonville Powersports! Hats off to you.

Bill Howard