NHTSA investigation update

[wyliec]

Gonna give my opinion, although nobody wants it...
NHTSA is dealing with a specific issue - fires. This covers the melted parts, the fuel issue, and other related stuff.

90% of the complaints I've read on here relate to the "hot foot" or other "comfort" issues, and those guys seem to think they can jump on the NHTSA bandwagon, and get some sort of results... Don't hold your breath waiting!!

While the investigation is legit, and BRP has been trying to address these issues, the comfort issues just simply aren't legitimate complaints to roll into this issue. To those people, I still say, just move on to another toy if it brings you that much grief.

I'll crawl back in my hole again because I really don't give a crap if I offend anyone...

Are you just complaining about the piggybacking of other issues on to the fire issues being addressed by the NHTSA, or are you complaining about the complainers of everything from A to Z? And, yes I did see where you used the word opinion.

 

[Magdave]

I do not have a hot foot issue that is easily fixed. I and many others are concerned about the gas fumes that are excessive on the 2013 especially. NHTSA has asked for the CARB certification tests and documents on the EVAP system. That should tell you what they are looking at as a possible fire hazard. We will be learning more in the coming months but BRP has had some people try (test pilots) a heat fix kit with a reversing fan and drilled holes that has not worked that well. They are looking for a fix but it will cost them more that they would like IMHO. Coated headers, fully insulated gas tank and CAT cover is what I believe may work. :dontknow:

 

[cuznjohn]

Gonna give my opinion, although nobody wants it...
NHTSA is dealing with a specific issue - fires. This covers the melted parts, the fuel issue, and other related stuff.

90% of the complaints I've read on here relate to the "hot foot" or other "comfort" issues, and those guys seem to think they can jump on the NHTSA bandwagon, and get some sort of results... Don't hold your breath waiting!!

While the investigation is legit, and BRP has been trying to address these issues, the comfort issues just simply aren't legitimate complaints to roll into this issue. To those people, I still say, just move on to another toy if it brings you that much grief.

I'll crawl back in my hole again because I really don't give a crap if I offend anyone...

i beg to differ with you, i had a canister replaced but mt main complaint to the NHTSA and to BRP was the hot foot issue. i didn't have any fires or melting parts but i was contacted by the gentleman from the NHTSA to bring my bike for him to take heat readings for the survey. when he found out i sold the bike he thanked me for my time. but the hot foot issue was also being investigated

 

[DrewNJ]

At what loss? Come on now stop thinking only of yourself. A lot of people out there who got burned in there purchase from BRP. Let's not shove them under the bus because we do not have the same problem. I had a 2013 and know how they feel. It cost me nearly $12,000 to get rid of it.

Jack

A $12,000 loss is peanuts if you TRULY fear for your life or your property burning down.
If I had one of those problem child machines and was TRULY worried about the things I read about on here that people are bitching about, I would have traded it in LONG ago.

I had a new Jeep many many years ago, one of the first new vehicles I ever owned, that kept burning up computers and would leave me stranded.
Traded it in and moved on.....looking back, it was probably one of the best moves I've made. I took a loss for sure.
Is it fair or right? No. But like I said, life is way to short to sweat this stuff.
And I certainly didn't go all crazy on the Jeep forums either.

Remember, this is a hobby. If your not happy, its time to move on.....
The fact is that we all have a choice and we all know the risks. People choose to own and operate their own machine.

 

[chuck gross]

At what loss? Come on now stop thinking only of yourself. A lot of people out there who got burned in there purchase from BRP. Let's not shove them under the bus because we do not have the same problem. I had a 2013 and know how they feel. It cost me nearly $12,000 to get rid of it.

Jack

:agree: Yes some of us have upwards of thirty thousand invested in a machine that keeps us wondering if it could burst into flames not all of us can afford to take a 12 grand or more hit as much as we may want to upgrade. at this point I am just going to sit back and enjoy the ryde that I have and try not to stress out about it.
I do not wish any thing bad for BRP they have always done right by me and have fixed any issues other than the obvious gas fume heat thing.

 

[garb55]

If I had one of the heat problem bikes
I could not just sell it to another person
If that person had a fire and there house burned down, or they got hurt, or, god forbid someone was killed
I would feel like I just shot someone
I would have to live with that the rest of my life
I am not like that
Don

 

[chuck gross]

Don, too bad BRP doesn't have your morales I think they are darn lucky no one has burned to death ( yet )
and I sure hope it never happens for everyone concerned.

 

[jcthorne]

While the fires are a terrible thing and someone is likely to get hurt if this goes on, It would be pretty hard to get trapped on a burning bike and not be able to get off and get away. Its not nearly as worrysome to me as a fire prone car. Sure, the loss would be financially large, but its pretty unlikely I would get seriously hurt if my Spyder caught fire. They don't explode without warning. I can say, if mine caught fire, I'd likely not risk any sort of injury to try and put it out. Let it go. Insurance and BRP can fight over who's problem it is.

For now, our 2013s are running great. No thanks to BRP. We enjoy our rides very much but I can tell you, dropping another $25k to trade up to 2014s is not going to happen unless BRP takes that loss. (we have a pair of 2013 RT-Ses)

 

[Jeriatric]

As soon as someone starts paying my way

I'll start listening to how they want me to waste THEIR money. Till then....ah, never mind. :banghead:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

While the fires are a terrible thing and someone is likely to get hurt if this goes on, It would be pretty hard to get trapped on a burning bike and not be able to get off and get away. Its not nearly as worrysome to me as a fire prone car. Sure, the loss would be financially large, but its pretty unlikely I would get seriously hurt if my Spyder caught fire. They don't explode without warning. I can say, if mine caught fire, I'd likely not risk any sort of injury to try and put it out. Let it go. Insurance and BRP can fight over who's problem it is.

For now, our 2013s are running great. No thanks to BRP. We enjoy our rides very much but I can tell you, dropping another $25k to trade up to 2014s is not going to happen unless BRP takes that loss. (we have a pair of 2013 RT-Ses)

I must disagree with you. There are plenty of Spyder riders that would have trouble getting off quickly without getting burned. First of all you have to find a place to stop. I was travelling at freeway speed when mine caught fire, lucky for me I was in a construction zone and there was only one lane of traffic with a break down lane. Imagine if I had been in the middle lane of 3 or 4 going CA freeway speed and had to get to the shoulder quickly without getting run over. I think that if you got hit by a vehicle while trying to get to the shoulder to get off your burning Spyder that would also be a bad thing. Or would you suggest just stopping in the lane and jumping off and risking getting hit by traffic? That thought scared the you know what out of me. How about people riding 2 up? Or our enabled riders? Those with bad hips and knees, those with handicapped tags? If you consider a few seconds of smoke "not exploding without warning" then you certainly don't have anything to worry about.

I'm happy that you aren't worried and that you will be safe in the event of a fire. Let's just hope that everyone will be that lucky.

 

[jcthorne]

I must disagree with you. There are plenty of Spyder riders that would have trouble getting off quickly without getting burned. First of all you have to find a place to stop. I was travelling at freeway speed when mine caught fire, lucky for me I was in a construction zone and there was only one lane of traffic with a break down lane. Imagine if I had been in the middle lane of 3 or 4 going CA freeway speed and had to get to the shoulder quickly without getting run over. I think that if you got hit by a vehicle while trying to get to the shoulder to get off your burning Spyder that would also be a bad thing. Or would you suggest just stopping in the lane and jumping off and risking getting hit by traffic? That thought scared the you know what out of me. How about people riding 2 up? Or our enabled riders? Those with bad hips and knees, those with handicapped tags? If you consider a few seconds of smoke "not exploding without warning" then you certainly don't have anything to worry about.

I'm happy that you aren't worried and that you will be safe in the event of a fire. Let's just hope that everyone will be that lucky.

I was looking at it from my perspective, not trying to suggest BRP should not have to fix them. They must and I do agree many would have more problems and take longer to pull over and get off than I would. I suppose I was trying to respond to the folks suggesting I give up and trade the bikes in. We are riding our 13s, they are doing OK while waiting on an update. Not parked and not going to let the fire danger keep us from riding. Also not going to fork out $25,000 to fix BRPs mistakes. They WILL fix these or buy them back.

Or insurance will buy me a replacement if our indeed do succumb to fire. But that is not likely with our revisions.

 

[wyliec]

I must disagree with you. There are plenty of Spyder riders that would have trouble getting off quickly without getting burned. First of all you have to find a place to stop. I was travelling at freeway speed when mine caught fire, lucky for me I was in a construction zone and there was only one lane of traffic with a break down lane. Imagine if I had been in the middle lane of 3 or 4 going CA freeway speed and had to get to the shoulder quickly without getting run over. I think that if you got hit by a vehicle while trying to get to the shoulder to get off your burning Spyder that would also be a bad thing. Or would you suggest just stopping in the lane and jumping off and risking getting hit by traffic? That thought scared the you know what out of me. How about people riding 2 up? Or our enabled riders? Those with bad hips and knees, those with handicapped tags? If you consider a few seconds of smoke "not exploding without warning" then you certainly don't have anything to worry about.

I'm happy that you aren't worried and that you will be safe in the event of a fire. Let's just hope that everyone will be that lucky.

I was looking at it from my perspective, not trying to suggest BRP should not have to fix them. They must and I do agree many would have more problems and take longer to pull over and get off than I would. I suppose I was trying to respond to the folks suggesting I give up and trade the bikes in. We are riding our 13s, they are doing OK while waiting on an update. Not parked and not going to let the fire danger keep us from riding. Also not going to fork out $25,000 to fix BRPs mistakes. They WILL fix these or buy them back.

Or insurance will buy me a replacement if our indeed do succumb to fire. But that is not likely with our revisions.

Both are excellent posts. Thank you.

 

[hchays]

The sad part is that all the people that took the hit and traded their 2013 in on a 2014 will more than likely get no money back from BRP. So now they enjoy the ride of a $35,000-$40,000 Spyder. At least it helped BRP see what people are willing to spend on a Spyder! Unless prices change (for the better) I believe I'm a one and done with purchasing a new Spyder.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

The sad part is that all the people that took the hit and traded their 2013 in on a 2014 will more than likely get no money back from BRP. So now they enjoy the ride of a $35,000-$40,000 Spyder. At least it helped BRP see what people are willing to spend on a Spyder! Unless prices change (for the better) I believe I'm a one and done with purchasing a new Spyder.

Agreed.

 

[MikeinGA]

The sad part is that all the people that took the hit and traded their 2013 in on a 2014 will more than likely get no money back from BRP. So now they enjoy the ride of a $35,000-$40,000 Spyder. At least it helped BRP see what people are willing to spend on a Spyder! Unless prices change (for the better) I believe I'm a one and done with purchasing a new Spyder.

Agreed.

I agree I have a 2011 RS-S SE5 from July 2011 after about 2 1/2 years it started to have problems. That's not bad, the bad part is it a long lead time on parts. My Spyder was a the dealers from 9/30/2014 to 11/29/2014 due to parts. The tech went through 2 TCM modules, 3 transmission sensors, and a shifter paddle, so it took a about a week to get the parts from BRP. That's why Spyders have a poor ratting of keeping Spyders on the road. BRP does not care once you drive off lot and they have your money. I don't think there worth $20,000 to $30,000. I have to 2016 on my Warranty, after that I strip it down for parts. I will not buy another Spyder.
That's IMHO.

Mike

 

[soreknuckles]

Well, I for one know of ONE sale that all this comedy has cost. My wife was all set to pull the trigger on an RT but has since backed off. I for one don't want her riding a vehicle that may or may not make it home. I had a '57 HD that was a pos and I don't need another. I also don't want my garage burned down, my house burned down, or anything else burned down. I do not want anyone in my family or anyone else hurt. I do not want a machine that spends more time at a dealer who may or may not have any idea what he is doing. I do not want to purchase a machine from a company who may not come out of this debacle. This is not "bashing" anyone or any company, but to release a machine like this on the public needs some answers. I feel for the guys that are having problems. If I paid what they get for these things and had the problems, I would be p.o.ed too. For some, riding is not just a "hobby" either. I am sure there have been many folks who have changed their minds about a purchase.

 

[ivanlee]

:agree:

I agree I have a 2011 RS-S SE5 from July 2011 after about 2 1/2 years it started to have problems. That's not bad, the bad part is it a long lead time on parts. My Spyder was a the dealers from 9/30/2014 to 11/29/2014 due to parts. The tech went through 2 TCM modules, 3 transmission sensors, and a shifter paddle, so it took a about a week to get the parts from BRP. That's why Spyders have a poor ratting of keeping Spyders on the road. BRP does not care once you drive off lot and they have your money. I don't think there worth $20,000 to $30,000. I have to 2016 on my Warranty, after that I strip it down for parts. I will not buy another Spyder.
That's IMHO.

Mike

:agree: I have a 2008 PE #301 purchased in November 2007, that will be stripped down and sold for parts next year. Have had gas smell from day one , dps &Heating issues I have never trusted it on the road.

 

[chuck gross]

I agree I have a 2011 RS-S SE5 from July 2011 after about 2 1/2 years it started to have problems. That's not bad, the bad part is it a long lead time on parts. My Spyder was a the dealers from 9/30/2014 to 11/29/2014 due to parts. The tech went through 2 TCM modules, 3 transmission sensors, and a shifter paddle, so it took a about a week to get the parts from BRP. That's why Spyders have a poor ratting of keeping Spyders on the road. BRP does not care once you drive off lot and they have your money. I don't think there worth $20,000 to $30,000. I have to 2016 on my Warranty, after that I strip it down for parts. I will not buy another Spyder.
That's IMHO.

Mike

:agree: My 2013 STL was in the shop for about 2 months last April to June to fix the stalling issue that had eluded my mechanic since I bought it in May of 2013 first they thought it might be transmission/clutch plate related as it always shuttered when in reverse since new
so they fixed that and asked if they could keep it to ride a few times and make sure the stalling was gone I was completely ok because I wanted it fixed as bad as they did that fixed the shuddering but not the stalling so per direction of BRP they replaced the spark plugs and wires purge valve for the second time kept it to test drive, that didn't fix it so then they replaced the throttle body, kept it to test drive and finally no more stalling I was extremely happy with the results as it never ran so dang good wow totally worth the wait I have put about 4K on since with no issues but it does scare me when the extended warranty runs out if I can afford to keep it running I am hoping they have worked all the bugs out and none of these were heat related and with any luck BRP will come up with a good solution to the heat and gas fume issue I do have to say the heat is better with the air scoop panels except in stop and go traffic or really hot weather. I love ryding my STL and am pulling for BRP to help fix all the issues for everyones benefit.

 

[DrewNJ]

..

 

[Yazz]

Well, I for one know of ONE sale that all this comedy has cost. My wife was all set to pull the trigger on an RT but has since backed off. I for one don't want her riding a vehicle that may or may not make it home. I had a '57 HD that was a pos and I don't need another. I also don't want my garage burned down, my house burned down, or anything else burned down. I do not want anyone in my family or anyone else hurt. I do not want a machine that spends more time at a dealer who may or may not have any idea what he is doing. I do not want to purchase a machine from a company who may not come out of this debacle. This is not "bashing" anyone or any company, but to release a machine like this on the public needs some answers. I feel for the guys that are having problems. If I paid what they get for these things and had the problems, I would be p.o.ed too. For some, riding is not just a "hobby" either. I am sure there have been many folks who have changed their minds about a purchase.

No, riding is not a 'hobby' for me either. Riding a '09 GS that has had no problems.

Don't know why you're comparing a '57 HD with what ever year, except a '13 RT, that your beloved wants to buy. Don't know when you bought the '57, but the older the bike, the more TLC/mechanical skills you need. Rebuilding a '98 HD evo carburetor as we speak.

Feel sorry for you wife...