New buyer questions

[gnkc]

Greetings from the midwest.
I've been watching this board for a few months, trying to decide if a manual transmission Spyder might be in my future. I currently ride on 2 wheels (have an HD Sportster and few old Honda Dreams) but I live in a rural area and the gravel roads here make 2 wheels a handful.
I realize that message boards seem to gravitate to those who have problems and from what I read, some people's Spyders have problems with steering issues, overheating, leaks, electronics, etc. Some dealer practices are in question, as are stocking issues with parts. My Harley has left me stranded more than once and parts are not cheap so I don't see many differences in that regard. But to my questions...
Buy a new 2008 or 2009?-- If I buy 2009, will some of the issues with 08 recalls and service bulletins have already been rectified on 09 models? The dealer is 40 miles from my house and I'm concerned about the incredible hassle of "time in shop". Can the dealer rectify any known service problems with an 08 BEFORE it's out the door?
Dealer pricing.-- There is a few hundred dollars between 08 and 09 for the same bike. But the 08 I'm looking at has been at the dealer since at least November. There are apparently no discounts around here--only a "gentlemans agreement" between dealers to hold the line on price. Other dealers have new units still in crates and no waiting lists. Strikes me as odd with the economy as it is that anyone would still be thinking "full list" even tho they quickly admit that none of the bikes are spoken for.
Used bike.--Some of these bikes have just been problematic and I suspect they end up for sale. Sorry, eBay just doesn't excite me when it comes to something like this. There is one for sale locally with 600 miles (just in time for routine service), performance exhaust and few other doodads for $16.5k. I would think that after nogotiating it still would be list price of a new one. Maybe the kinks have been worked out of it already, or maybe it would be my problem.
I'm not asking for the answer, but on this board are people with experiences about the Spyder, and thousands of collective miles. I'll be making my decision in the next few weeks to try and purchase one just prior to riding season here. If you have any thoughts, comments or experiences I would appreciate them. It's a relatively large investment for what it is and I just want to make a good decision. I love the concept of the Spyder. Thanks.

 

[ataDude]

Hi, there... and welcome

I personally would go for the 2009 SM... and negotiate your three-year extended warranty while you're doing the deal... while you have some leverage.

I think that most of any first year "bugs" have been worked out in the new models.

.

Greetings from the midwest.
I've been watching this board for a few months, trying to decide if a manual transmission Spyder might be in my future. I currently ride on 2 wheels (have an HD Sportster and few old Honda Dreams) but I live in a rural area and the gravel roads here make 2 wheels a handful.
I realize that message boards seem to gravitate to those who have problems and from what I read, some people's Spyders have problems with steering issues, overheating, leaks, electronics, etc. Some dealer practices are in question, as are stocking issues with parts. My Harley has left me stranded more than once and parts are not cheap so I don't see many differences in that regard. But to my questions...
Buy a new 2008 or 2009?-- If I buy 2009, will some of the issues with 08 recalls and service bulletins have already been rectified on 09 models? The dealer is 40 miles from my house and I'm concerned about the incredible hassle of "time in shop". Can the dealer rectify any known service problems with an 08 BEFORE it's out the door?
Dealer pricing.-- There is a few hundred dollars between 08 and 09 for the same bike. But the 08 I'm looking at has been at the dealer since at least November. There are apparently no discounts around here--only a "gentlemans agreement" between dealers to hold the line on price. Other dealers have new units still in crates and no waiting lists. Strikes me as odd with the economy as it is that anyone would still be thinking "full list" even tho they quickly admit that none of the bikes are spoken for.
Used bike.--Some of these bikes have just been problematic and I suspect they end up for sale. Sorry, eBay just doesn't excite me when it comes to something like this. There is one for sale locally with 600 miles (just in time for routine service), performance exhaust and few other doodads for $16.5k. I would think that after nogotiating it still would be list price of a new one. Maybe the kinks have been worked out of it already, or maybe it would be my problem.
I'm not asking for the answer, but on this board are people with experiences about the Spyder, and thousands of collective miles. I'll be making my decision in the next few weeks to try and purchase one just prior to riding season here. If you have any thoughts, comments or experiences I would appreciate them. It's a relatively large investment for what it is and I just want to make a good decision. I love the concept of the Spyder. Thanks.

 

[NancysToy]

I would go for it, and buy whatever I could get the best deal on. "Gentleman's agreement" or not, any dealer that will not cut a bargain on a 2008 still on the floor, doesn't deserve to sell any at all. I frankly would be more than willing to travel a way to get a good deal. These types of dealers need to be taught a lesson...in their pocketbook. Next best thing, like AtaDude said, is to negotiate the BEST warranty extension, and maybe some accessories.

We have owned our PE SM5 nearly a year now. No major problems, and few minor irritations. Certainly as reliable as any Harley I ever owned. It has gone everywhere my BMW goes.

To address your list:
1. There have been a few steering issues. Most involve a total lack of power steering. These seem to be limited to a very few machines. The dealer can't fix it ahead of time if it isn't broken.
2. Overheating has been more of a perception problem, IMO. The gauge reads higher than what people are comfortable with. Very few true overheating issues. I won't say the Spyder won't warm your legs, but I doubt it will actually break down and go into limp mode except maybe in stop-and-go traffic. An air-cooled bike will too.
3. Most of the leaks have been caused by not tightening the coolant cap properly. There have also been some minor, hose clamp leaks. A few other incidents, but they are isolated.
4. There have been some electronics issues. The dashes and ECMs seem to have had few failures since the initial run of PE models. Some gear sensor glitches, but much more so in the SE5 model. Electronics is a weak point on any vehicle. Go for the extended warranty.
5. There have been parts availability problems due to both dealer practices and BRP's lack of stock. I'd question potential dealers about their inventories, and ask to see typical maintenance parts like filters and gaskets. If they can't show you then and there, they probably don't stock them and I'd shop elsewhere.
6. Ask to see the service department, ask how many Spyders they have set up and sold, and ask about the Spyder tech's training and qualifications. This is no different than buying any other vehicle. Go where you think you can get the work done if need be.
7. There are very few actual, applicable service bulletins. Not likely you'll see things that remain addressed ahead of time. Other than one actual recall for a few early Spyders, all are mere service bulletins. A machine must exhibit the symptoms before BRP will reimburse a dealer for the repair.

A word about the gravel roads. I agree that the Spyder is not likely to dump you in an embarrassed heap. Actually, almost anything is easier to handle on gravel than a Honda Dream, anyway. :yikes: (Don't tell my Dreams or Benlys I said that.) BRP says the Spyder is meant for paved roads. You will find the clearance low if roads are rough, stone chips plentiful, the belt not well guarded against rocks, and the VSS and lack of rear wheel traction making for slow going in the gravel. You can do it, but you need to be aware that it has drawbacks, even if it is more stable.

I hope I may have helped, and haven't scared you off. You seem like a person that wants to know what he is getting into. I applaude that approach. Best of luck with your decision.
-Scotty

 

[bone crusher]

Buy the SM5...costs less, has less problems, and is, IMHO, more fun to ride...having a clutch keeps you more in touch with the road...like a manual vs. auto car.

As ata said above, get the BEST warranty...and get it when you buy the bike...

Beyond that, enjoy the ride! The Spyder is a ton of fun!

 

[brutus450]

I would go for it, and buy whatever I could get the best deal on. "Gentleman's agreement" or not, any dealer that will not cut a bargain on a 2008 still on the floor, doesn't deserve to sell any at all. -Scotty

I agree!! - why the :cus: would you pay full retail for an 08 when a 09 is sitting right there. I paid close to 2k less than sticker for my 08 with a bunch of "throw-ins". That was BEFORE the dealer has any 09's in stock in late November. That dealer is on a power trip that obvioulsy will show through in the service department also. If he's going to nail you up front ...he's going to stab you in the back.

They arent in THAT much of a demand.

 

[LDFIREWORKS]

:spyder::cheers:i would buy the sm5 i have one and had zero problems what i hear and read the auto is lots of problems...............welcome:thumbup::congrats::clap::f_spider::spyder2::ani29:

 

[bjt]

I'll add my +1 to the prior responses. I've had my SM5 for almost a year and around 11,000 miles. No major malfunctions and only a few minor issues. At the time we purchased, our dealer wasn't able to deal on the price of the Spyder but we did get discounts on accessories.

 

[COOLMACHINE]

Short and Sweet

Hello GNKC,
This is what I did. I'm from St. Louis, MO. Bought my Spyder used. A 2008 silver/black, SM5, stock. 560 miles on it. Bought it on CraigsList from a retired guy in Detroit. I flew up there and rode it back the same day.
Price... $13500. My only problem, squeeky brakes. No big deal. Love this thing. Absolutely love it. Jerry :yes:welcome

 

[COOLMACHINE]

more...

Oops :dontknow: Bought it Mid September 08.

 

[BajaRon]

I think, in the big picture, problems with the Spyder have been relatively few and minor. As I've said before, problems of any kind tend to get blown out of proportion on forums like this.

There are better deals to be had than what you're looking at. Just depends on how much effort you want to put into getting a better price.

We traveled over 700 miles for ours (one way) and it is over 80 miles to our dealer. Just the way it is for some people.

The 2009 will have most, if not all, of the upgrades/fixes available but you can get those done to a 2008 if needed (this can be easy or problematic depending on several variables, not the least of which is your dealer).

If you're looking at pretty much the same price the 2009 is a no-brainer.

My drive is 900 ft of gravel with ups and downs. It is straight and I have no problem but I don't travel that fast. Lamont (having difficulty going slow anywhere) has gotten some gravel chips and swears he will not go down my drive anymore. You'd think I would be worth a few paint chips after all these years!

If you have sharp turns, steep uphill or deep gravel for a long distance the Spyder may give you some issues. Rear wheel spin above 30~35mph gets the nanny going and she doesn't like it. But practice and experience can mitigate this, at least somewhat.

I can just about guarantee you'll love your Spyder! It is a real KICK in the pants to ride!

 

[gnkc]

Greetings from the midwest.
I've been watching this board for a few months, trying to decide if a manual transmission Spyder might be in my future. I currently ride on 2 wheels (have an HD Sportster and few old Honda Dreams) but I live in a rural area and the gravel roads here make 2 wheels a handful.
I realize that message boards seem to gravitate to those who have problems and from what I read, some people's Spyders have problems with steering issues, overheating, leaks, electronics, etc. Some dealer practices are in question, as are stocking issues with parts. My Harley has left me stranded more than once and parts are not cheap so I don't see many differences in that regard. But to my questions...
Buy a new 2008 or 2009?-- If I buy 2009, will some of the issues with 08 recalls and service bulletins have already been rectified on 09 models? The dealer is 40 miles from my house and I'm concerned about the incredible hassle of "time in shop". Can the dealer rectify any known service problems with an 08 BEFORE it's out the door?
Dealer pricing.-- There is a few hundred dollars between 08 and 09 for the same bike. But the 08 I'm looking at has been at the dealer since at least November. There are apparently no discounts around here--only a "gentlemans agreement" between dealers to hold the line on price. Other dealers have new units still in crates and no waiting lists. Strikes me as odd with the economy as it is that anyone would still be thinking "full list" even tho they quickly admit that none of the bikes are spoken for.
Used bike.--Some of these bikes have just been problematic and I suspect they end up for sale. Sorry, eBay just doesn't excite me when it comes to something like this. There is one for sale locally with 600 miles (just in time for routine service), performance exhaust and few other doodads for $16.5k. I would think that after nogotiating it still would be list price of a new one. Maybe the kinks have been worked out of it already, or maybe it would be my problem.
I'm not asking for the answer, but on this board are people with experiences about the Spyder, and thousands of collective miles. I'll be making my decision in the next few weeks to try and purchase one just prior to riding season here. If you have any thoughts, comments or experiences I would appreciate them. It's a relatively large investment for what it is and I just want to make a good decision. I love the concept of the Spyder. Thanks.

Thanks to all of you for your insight. I was originally going to trade in my current bike but I think I may now go into with straight cash and see if I have some some new options with leverage. I hadn't considered accessories or extended warranty as bargaining possibilities--great idea! I will also contact other dealers outside the metro area that may have different attitudes about being realistic about pricing.
I have the Driveway From Hell--300 yards with two steep hills and several miles of surrounding gravel roads but beyond that are miles and miles of twisty hardtop country roads. I already ride a bike with a belt drive so no difference there and dust and stones are just the price paid for living in a rural area. Stability and the Spyder's braking and traction features are a huge part of my purchasing decision so thanks for your experiences about how it performs in gravel.
Finally, I am impressed by the passionate owners on this board. Even people who have had problems are still, for the most part, positive about the product. That says a lot.
I think the goal is to find a dealer that shares this passion, understands the dynamics of the times, and wants an ongoing relationship after I am out the door. I hope that isn't asking too much but half of the fun is in the hunt! Thanks again for your help and encouragement.

 

[M2Wild]

A decent price for a left over new '08 SM5 should be around $13.5K out the door + tax and reg. If getting a used one, trade-in value is in the $10.5K range. Add $1K for SE5s

 

[Dudley]

We have had our Spyder since Nov '08, now have 5800 miles. We live on 2 miles of hard packed, tiny gravel/hardpan road. I have driven parts of it at 40 mph, but not anymore. We have the SE5, and have had no major issues. The trans got the sensor "fix" and shifts a lot better, the brakes squeel now and then, sometimes growl, so they will be replaced, thanks to BRP. After 40+ years on 2 wheels, the Spyder is the answer to our wish for comfort without fighting the weights and balances of 800+ pound 2 wheelers. I have no regrets buying the Spyder. I live near San Diego and know where you could get a deal that may be worth a trip to pick it up. I shopped 3 dealers in SD area and my dealer beat the other two by a good amount. I will not discuss the difference on the forum, but would be glad to answer your email.

 

[Star Cruiser]

I have an SE5, only because I cannot shift using a foot lever. I have no problems with the SE5 (2008), but don't think I'd pay the extra if I did not need to. That being said, I shift at least as much with the "paddle shift". One irritation with it is, when I park I MUST use the parking brake because there is no resistance when it is left in gear. It will roll on virtually any incline. This is due to the auto clutching, not a "problem".

If there is only a few hundred dollars difference, go for the 2009.