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New Side panels

Well, I know that it has only been about 100 miles, but I picked up my bike from the dealer today and all I can say is "WOW"! I have a COOL RYDE!!! YIPPEE!!

The new panels are my "bike saver"....they rock...I could actually touch the upper left side panel and not get burnt!

Thanks BRP...now send them to everyone...on your dime because it is a design flaw!

They work for sure. Can't believe how big of a deal it is
 
I just got the new side panels installed on our 2013 ST-S. I had the dealer do the work. The ride home was about 20 minutes. When I got home, the left side was still too hot to touch with my bare hand. I put my infrared heat gun on it and it showed as high as 162 degrees on part of the body work. Unfortunately, I never took a reading with the old panels so I can't compare.

It was 103 air temp yesterday when I rode home so a typical July day in AZ. I didn't feel the hot panel while riding because my leg sticks out a little while riding, but my wife is the primary rider so I don't know if this is going to be any improvement at all for her, since her knees rest against the bodywork. She doesn't ride in the hot weather anyway so we'll see later on in the year. If it doesn't work for her, I guess we sell and find something else.

BRP did not pay for this, I paid. The panels were 667 plus tax, install was 66 at the dealer. The panels were just two part numbers, it is listed as AIR SCOOP RETROFIT KIT. The part numbers are 219800343 and ...344 for the circuit yellow panels, 4 body parts and some other items.

I'm going to complain to BRP, knowing I'll just get the usual corporate run around, but I'll get it off my chest and move on. If the wife doesn't like it when she starts riding again, we'll just move on. Life is short, we probably don't have many riding years left so I won't be losing sleep over this.

Glad it is working out for others.

Okay, I am having the same problem!! I had the dealership replace the side panels on both the right and left side. I expected it to be much cooler when I got home, but I also used the heat gun and it tested between 161 and low 170s in various places near my leg. The right side was nice and pleasant to the touch. I rode on a warm day about 1 1/2 hour from the dealership. My panels were still too hot in places. The total cost including 2 hours of labor was $948.92. I was told it was a very elaborate kit and a lot to it. I could bite the bullet and be happy the heat issue is solved, had it been solved... but it hasn't. Also I apparently am the first 2013 ST-L that they've done this to. Also, the upper air vent is full of a hard black foam, and I'm thinking this shouldn't be blocking a vent. One of the ladies who is happy with her new panels up above doesn't have this foam showing in her upper vent area.... so..... will be posting photos and complaining to BRP as well. I'd much rather spend a hard earned $1,000 on something better!!

I needed to "vent" as well!!! I Really love my Spyder.... but this is frustrating.

Also, I don't have a friend or someone else to work on the heat issues or problems with my Spyder. I have no choice but to depend on my dealership for my solutions and work.
 
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I was one of the fortunate ones. I wrote two letters to BRP. I just explained that I was very frustrated and that I didn't want to do all the improvements that every one else I had tried. I also explained that I felt I shouldn't have to. After the second letter a BRP rep called me and agreed I shouldn't have to do the improvements. My dealership was helpful as far as getting the new panels put on for me but I had to do all the leg work as far as getting panel numbers, following up, etc. Please don't give up. Be persistent but nice. BRP also helped me with my defective tires. It took a little bit of my time but was well worth it. My 2014 panels are fantastic. No heat at all. :yes::yes::yes:

I am so happy for you. I hope maybe by my contacting BRP that they will arrange to have more done, maybe have the guys redo the work if that is needed and possibly at least refund some of the money if not all. As you say, we shouldn't have to pay for the improvements. :clap::clap::clap:
 
I'll go along with Barbie...I feel fortunate.......BRP has worked with me for the last year or so.....I've had to fight for all BRP has done to repair my 2013 ST-L.....but this thread is about 2014 air flow panels......my panels have been perfect....reduced the heat to nothing....except normal heat when riding a motorcycle.....I have put hundreds of miles in a day...tank after tank in 100 degrees temp and no heat issue.......you guys don't give up.....send emails...call...the info is on BRP's website...the dealers are tied to BRP......go to BRP and have them work with you dealer

My dealership told me that BRP just isn't going to foot the bill or replace the panels under warranty. The service guy said he agreed that they should, but that they weren't going to do it. Hmmmm, maybe my dealership isn't willing to work with BRP? That's why I decided to bite the bullet and paid for it and have it done....
 
Just got a call from my dealership. Panels are on their way, replacing them under warranty. :2thumbs:

Hot damn!!! Good for you! Now just HOW did you do that? Mine were just replaced this Tuesday, July 8th. and NOT under warranty.
 
Just started the process of fixing the heat issue with the new panels. Contacted BRP and got a case number, and contacted the service dept of my dealership with the case number. The customer rep at BRP new instantly what I was referring to, so I would expect quicker solutions than some of you went through. I'll keep you all informed.

Just saw your earlier post, will do the same. Thanks!
 
Hot damn!!! Good for you! Now just HOW did you do that? Mine were just replaced this Tuesday, July 8th. and NOT under warranty.

Honestly, I was expecting a fight with BRP. I give the credit to my dealer. They took care of it, LMK in no uncertain terms that it was the right thing to do.
 
Contact

I have sent 2 emails now, the first one, which was about a month ago was replied to the next day, they basically said they weren't aware of the issue and what happens in the USA doesn't nessasary happen here in New Zealand. The second email went 2 days ago, in which I stated that several spyder owners had now had this work carried out under warrant and could I have at least have a case number for me to refer back too. I'm awaiting their reply.
 
Just got a call from my dealership. Panels are on their way, replacing them under warranty. :2thumbs:

So cool, I expect pics. I still have a little heat on left side between bottom panel (the one you remove to add oil) and the one right above, the screw area closest to my leg.. It's just where the hot air is escaping, I bought some half chaps and now no problem at all. Panels are not hot any more!
 
My dealership told me that BRP just isn't going to foot the bill or replace the panels under warranty. The service guy said he agreed that they should, but that they weren't going to do it. Hmmmm, maybe my dealership isn't willing to work with BRP? That's why I decided to bite the bullet and paid for it and have it done....


No way our dealerships around here would help the customer get this done under warranty...well maybe if you're best friends w the dealerships owner. :D
 
Okay, I am having the same problem!! I had the dealership replace the side panels on both the right and left side. I expected it to be much cooler when I got home, but I also used the heat gun and it tested between 161 and low 170s in various places near my leg. The right side was nice and pleasant to the touch. I rode on a warm day about 1 1/2 hour from the dealership. My panels were still too hot in places. The total cost including 2 hours of labor was $948.92. I was told it was a very elaborate kit and a lot to it. I could bite the bullet and be happy the heat issue is solved, had it been solved... but it hasn't. Also I apparently am the first 2013 ST-L that they've done this to. Also, the upper air vent is full of a hard black foam, and I'm thinking this shouldn't be blocking a vent. One of the ladies who is happy with her new panels up above doesn't have this foam showing in her upper vent area.... so..... will be posting photos and complaining to BRP as well. I'd much rather spend a hard earned $1,000 on something better!!

I needed to "vent" as well!!! I Really love my Spyder.... but this is frustrating.

Also, I don't have a friend or someone else to work on the heat issues or problems with my Spyder. I have no choice but to depend on my dealership for my solutions and work.


It is too bad you don't have someone near you to help w some other simple mods that would help make the panels even more efficient. :(
 
Oh what to do.....

My dealer just told me they can order the panel kits with no problem, for $700 plus 60 bucks labor.... I took my credit card out of my wallet, ready to bite the bullet....but then I thought, "Wait", this is just not right.....".

Now I have the dilemma of immediate gratification or starting my battle with BRP in the hopes that I might be "one of the lucky ones". Dang it! I soooo want a cooler ride, no more riding with my legs out like a chicken. No more burn marks on them either! I just can't wait! So my question is will I have buyers remorse if I don't even try to spin the wheel with BRP? Any thoughts?
 
Okay, I am having the same problem!! I had the dealership replace the side panels on both the right and left side. I expected it to be much cooler when I got home, but I also used the heat gun and it tested between 161 and low 170s in various places near my leg. The right side was nice and pleasant to the touch. I rode on a warm day about 1 1/2 hour from the dealership. My panels were still too hot in places. The total cost including 2 hours of labor was $948.92. I was told it was a very elaborate kit and a lot to it. I could bite the bullet and be happy the heat issue is solved, had it been solved... but it hasn't. Also I apparently am the first 2013 ST-L that they've done this to. Also, the upper air vent is full of a hard black foam, and I'm thinking this shouldn't be blocking a vent. One of the ladies who is happy with her new panels up above doesn't have this foam showing in her upper vent area.... so..... will be posting photos and complaining to BRP as well. I'd much rather spend a hard earned $1,000 on something better!!

I needed to "vent" as well!!! I Really love my Spyder.... but this is frustrating.

Also, I don't have a friend or someone else to work on the heat issues or problems with my Spyder. I have no choice but to depend on my dealership for my solutions and work.

Post a picture of the blocked vent. The panels are stupidly easy to install. The toughest part is getting the decals straight. I can stick my hand in the opening of my vents
 
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Where do I go?

Hi I have written to BRP Customer Service twice using the link on the home page and cannot get even a response from them. Is there another link to connect with BRP Care? I am frustrated and have given up riding my ST-L because I am tired of being burnt on my left leg. This really sucks! :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:
 
Zenagirl,

It's very easy to remove the panel. You really can't mess it up. Try removing the panel with the foam, and then remove the foam. Could be packing material not removed. Give it a try, there's no downside for you.

And post a pic so we can see exactly what you are talking about.
 
Hi I have written to BRP Customer Service twice using the link on the home page and cannot get even a response from them. Is there another link to connect with BRP Care? I am frustrated and have given up riding my ST-L because I am tired of being burnt on my left leg. This really sucks! :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

CALL them. Email is easy to ignore. CALL. ;)
 
[email protected]
Hi I have written to BRP Customer Service twice using the link on the home page and cannot get even a response from them. Is there another link to connect with BRP Care? I am frustrated and have given up riding my ST-L because I am tired of being burnt on my left leg. This really sucks! :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:
 
Made a call...

My dealer just told me they can order the panel kits with no problem, for $700 plus 60 bucks labor.... I took my credit card out of my wallet, ready to bite the bullet....but then I thought, "Wait", this is just not right.....".

Now I have the dilemma of immediate gratification or starting my battle with BRP in the hopes that I might be "one of the lucky ones". Dang it! I soooo want a cooler ride, no more riding with my legs out like a chicken. No more burn marks on them either! I just can't wait! So my question is will I have buyers remorse if I don't even try to spin the wheel with BRP? Any thoughts?

I just called BRP and was told the heat was a "Standard characteristic" of the bike and if I wanted the new panels I would have to pay for them. I asked the woman if there was anything else I could do. She said I could call around to various dealers to see if I could find a more competitive price on the retro kits, as the dealers set their own prices. I spoke politely about the "design flaw', my misery, etc.. She kept saying "Standard characteristic"....no doubt part of a script written to address the hundreds (thousands?) of unhappy people that have called about this. I ended by saying that this whole thing is a shame and that I would not be able to recommend the bike to the many people who ask me about it on a regular basis.

I am amazed that the basic concept of good customer service - which has been the key to success for so many businesses - is still not recognized by some.
 
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