New to Me 2009 Can-Am RS - Headlight/Fender Lights

[Jdr00ejr]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new here - so please bear with me. I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2009 Can-Am Spyder RS used from an individual, not dealer. Has less than 2,500 (yep, not a typo) on the odometer. I'm seeking some info please.

1) Anything specific I should look for/be concerned about?
2) Left side headlight is out. I'm hoping this is a simple replacement job - searching to find directions now.
3) Left side front and rear fender lights work as running lights but do not flash when turn signal is on (Right side does when right signal is on). Is this possibly at all related to the headlight being out or something else maybe causing it?
4) "Brake Failure" seems to be coming and going. Based on searching thus far looks like this could be as simple as fluid level. What type of Brake Fluid do these machines take? Haven't searched that one out yet.

Sounded good when I saw it - snow on the ground so haven't road it yet. Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[SPYD3R]

LITES

1st off; WELCOME to SPYD3R LOVERS....

2nd, i hope you have small hands... changing the headlite bulbs is a :gaah:.... 2 tiny holes on top of your dash-board... insert a small screw driver in each side while pulling slightly on the gage cluster... the unit should pop out... place to one side and reach in and turn/pull the lite socket out... remove burnt buld and replace... reverse process to install...
as for the other bulbs... directional bulbs have 2 filiments, i would just change them out and see if that clears up your situation... if not - OUCH, it's the electronics...
check your brake fluid, and top it off with clean fluid... you may even want to have your dealers service techs purge all fluids and replace with new...
ride safely and enjoy your new toy...
Dan P
SPYD3R F3-S

 

[Cruzr Joe]

DOT 4 Brake Fluid


Cruzr Joe

 

[Jdr00ejr]

Thanks Guys!

DOT4 is easy enough. As for little hands - I have a 13yo I can get to help me if needed.

As for the fender lights - the front of the fender does seem to be a double filament bulb but the back of the fender is LEDs so that shouldn't be why the turn signal isn't blinking there. I was hoping it was some sort of "something is wrong" indicator for the headlight being out. I guess once I replace the headlight if the fender still doesn't flash I'll have to dig deeper.

I'm excited about it - I ride a 2012 Arlen Ness Victory Vision - the Spyder will be then wife's ride in theory. I'm sure I'll enjoy quite a few miles on it myself. She wants to ride so the 3 of us (see 13yo boy above) can all go and she didn't want 2 wheels. The Pastor's wife (4' 11") rides a Spyder so that's what got the wife interested in her own.

If all goes well it'll be in my Garage this weekend.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Welcome! My wife rides an RT.

 

[billybovine]

From the factory there is only one light on each fender, facing forward, white in color and are running lights only. Reflectors on the rear of each fender not lights.

So someone has done aftermarket wiring that you will have to sort out. I recommend getting a service manual and digital versions are inexpensive and available online. In this case sorting out an electrical issue it can be really helpful.

 

[Chupaca]

Welcome..!! Welcome..!!

to this site and the roadster world. Congrats on finding this ryde..:2thumbs:
Seem like minor issues. Start by taking the vin# to a dealer and have them check if all updates etc have been made.
The fender lights, as billybovine stated, only light white up front as running light with reflectors at the rear bottom. If they installed working lights there you may have connections problems simple wire tracing. Replacing the bulb can be a bit of a challenge due to the space. Dot 3/4 or best 4 on the fluid and check the switches are not sticking or foot is on the brake for extended periods...:thumbup:

 

[Jdr00ejr]

Good to know on the lights guys. I thought the LED lights at the back of the fenders were add ons - but didn't know the front lights didn't normally flash with turn signals.

Here's some pictures. The front fender light and the back LEDs on the right side flash when the right turn signal is on - but the left stays solid all the time.

Sounds like I will be tracing wiring. Good idea on the VIN check for updates. If they weren't done - I wonder what a dealer will charge me for that. Time will tell.

Also FWIW: May not be obvious in the pictures - but the left rear floorboard while the same "Brand" as the others - is different than the others. Owner says it was that way when he got it. It's got "black" around it where the others are just a grey and the spider is facing in to the bike where the others are facing forward. Odd....

 

[billybovine]

No floorboards on your Spyder from the factory. Aftermarket odd-ons.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

THE FENDER LIGHTS

From your Pic, it appears the Red fender light is not a total DIY thing ( like mine )....I think it is a plug & play from either Custom Dynamics or Triclid both of which are vendors here and they may be able to help you out on this or someone here who has them ......a close up of the light would help....us and you ............Mike :thumbup:

 

[Jdr00ejr]

From your Pic, it appears the Red fender light is not a total DIY thing ( like mine )....I think it is a plug & play from either Custom Dynamics or Triclid both of which are vendors here and they may be able to help you out on this or someone here who has them ......a close up of the light would help....us and you ............Mike :thumbup:

Don't have it yet - hoping to pick it up this weekend. Then I can close up anything. ;-) Thanks for the info.

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: Most of the suggestions that I would have given have been posted above. A dealer look over and a thorough test ride are recommended. Just to make sure you are getting a "good one."

 

[Jdr00ejr]

Unfortunately there's a problem with the title so we are stalled on the purchase. Trying to verify things. Still waiting - impatiently. LOL

 

[SPYD3R]

PERFECT

Unfortunately there's a problem with the title so we are stalled on the purchase. Trying to verify things. Still waiting - impatiently. LOL

I HAVE A NEAR PERFECT '09 RS/SE5 WITH A CLEAR TITLE IF THINGS FALL THROUGH ON THAT DEAL....
DAN P
EASLEY, SC
SPYD3R F3-S

 

[Kwalsh]

sometimes problems with paperwork and other stuff can be blessings, slows down the process and gives you time to make sure it is a good deal, good luck and hope it works out.if not there are plenty of 08 and 09 spyders for sale and its a buyers market

 

[Jdr00ejr]

I HAVE A NEAR PERFECT '09 RS/SE5 WITH A CLEAR TITLE IF THINGS FALL THROUGH ON THAT DEAL....
DAN P
EASLEY, SC
SPYD3R F3-S

You're a fair bit away away from Indianapolis, IN. ;-)

 

[Jdr00ejr]

Well looks like the Yellow One may not be meant to be. Guy is still having trouble verifying miles.

Going to look at a Silver 2009 tonight. We'll see.

 

[Kwalsh]

you might be thankful that one didnt work out, if you wanted to take a road trip to albany ny
I will sell you my 08 gs, silver and black with around 12k on it.just bought from can am dealer in october. the wife and i want a new ST

 

[Jdr00ejr]

Yellow one didn't work out - but now own a 2009 Silver GS. ;-)

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...2009-Silver-GS&p=950666&viewfull=1#post950666