Not a so great four-days with the RTS...

[Illinois Boy]

I thought the throttle body issue was corrected on all 2011's? By the way what is wrong with the throttle bodies?

They are made by BRP...

 

[TuckMiddle]

Stuff happens

Just started happening once I arrived to the first night's hotel. It was set for trailer-mode, so my first thoughts were it had something to do with that. One time, I put it in reverse and the problem immediately cleared-out; however other attempts of the same did not work again.

I rode 300 miles without the trailer and it worked fine all day. Then later went (without trailer) to dinner and the problem occurred again. It also occurred when leaving the restaurant.

The next morning it happened again. Took about 20 minutes to get it to clear-out. I hooked-up the trailer and put it in trailer-mode for my return trip home -- and, of course, it happened again.

It did not happen for the 270 mile trip home (several stops where it could have happened).

Made it home... turned it off to move the cars to unload... then couldn't get it started in my drive; while my neighbor watched. Real fun listening to his comments about it!!

Having to listen to 25 people talk about the problems I was having with the RTS didn't exactly add any "fun-factor" to the situation. I, unfortunately, do know BRP just received permanent damage to their reputation with the Spyder with that group of people.

Even if this gets fixed; I am not sure my confidence will be enough for me to take this thing on any long trips ever again. I don't like getting stranded; and am quite disappointed with it after this trip.

Given all the posts about limp-mode and the long list of other complications (despite whether it is or is not caused by the rider); I really feel let down by BRP with this product (especially given the amount of money it costs to own)... sorry to say at this moment.

I've only got 16,000 on ine, bought last Aug 20th. I got red also. Never had a bike that wasn't red or black. Hope you get it resolved and let us know what was going on.
A friend of mine just got stranded in St Louis on his 2 years old Classic with that 110 Screaming Eagle engine with 60,000 trouble free miles. Pulled into a station to fill up and heard funny engine noises. Took it to a dealer 6 miles away and HD is deciding whether he gets a rebuilt or new engine under the extended warranty. I sure wouldn't let one pest :yikes: spoil the ride. Get it fixed and press on.
Tuck

 

[Illinois Boy]

I've only got 16,000 on ine, bought last Aug 20th. I got red also. Never had a bike that wasn't red or black. Hope you get it resolved and let us know what was going on.
A friend of mine just got stranded in St Louis on his 2 years old Classic with that 110 Screaming Eagle engine with 60,000 trouble free miles. Pulled into a station to fill up and heard funny engine noises. Took it to a dealer 6 miles away and HD is deciding whether he gets a rebuilt or new engine under the extended warranty. I sure wouldn't let one pest :yikes: spoil the ride. Get it fixed and press on.
Tuck

I'll report back on what this is... if we find out. I am almost sure it is the throttle-body though.

Regarding the HD 110's... they have been habitually fraught with problems from the "get-go". I'll stick with my 96 motor until the 103's and 110's get their "bugs" fixed after a few years. I haven't had any unusual problems with my HD so far.

The Spyder on the other hand... well let's just say the verdict is still out...

For BRP's sake... I wish it wouldn't have happened with so many witnesses. I can take the harassment; but BRP's reputation didn't survive this rally attendees' opinion of the product -- which is too bad since there were several there truly interested in the Spyder.

On one occasion while getting gas a guy came up to ask about the Spyder (typical fare as you all know). After talking it up (despite my frustration at that point), I tried to start it... and the problem occurred. The guy looked at me and said, "I guess that solves my question on whether to get one", and walked away. Truly too bad he had to see that... he might have bought one. Who knows...

 

[Thopper]

I have been contemplating buying a spyder for approx a month...these stories scare me! There seems to to be an out of proportion number of problems with this vehicle for the compared to the number of units sold. Today the best place to get accurate information is the internet and I see story after story of failures. If I purchase the spyder it will be for long trips here in the west. I see throttle body issues. limp mode, does not run in the heat, engine warning lights on and on...what should I thinK. I also see how BRP is non-responsive and dealer horror stories. I want to believe in this product but have serious doubts.

 

[NancysToy]

I have been contemplating buying a spyder for approx a month...these stories scare me! There seems to to be an out of proportion number of problems with this vehicle for the compared to the number of units sold. Today the best place to get accurate information is the internet and I see story after story of failures. If I purchase the spyder it will be for long trips here in the west. I see throttle body issues. limp mode, does not run in the heat, engine warning lights on and on...what should I thinK. I also see how BRP is non-responsive and dealer horror stories. I want to believe in this product but have serious doubts.

The Internet magnifies problems greatly! People don't report when they have no problems, just when something happens. If that's all you read about, you get a warped idea of the frequency. Many of us have had thousands of relatively trouble free miles. Many of us have had any difficulties or service bulletins quickly and efficiently taken care of by our dealers. That type of response poses a minor inconvenience, but it is not objectionable to most. The number of major pains is fairly small...although it may be a higher percentage than some other brands or varieties of vehicle. In general, a motorcycle-type vehicle is not as robust as an automobile. There is a reason they all come with tool kits! Only you can decide how much risk and inconvenience is acceptable, but don't let the Internet alone be your guide.

 

[Illinois Boy]

As has been stated before... blog-sites and group-sites are always loaded with the "problems" of whatever particular unit the site is based on.

Check out the HD sites, or auto sites. Even the Kawasaki sites I belong to are loaded with complaints, problems, and such. Check out the BMW motorcycle sites... those guys are relentless on BMW with the problems they have... and "everyone knows BMW makes the very best!"...:roflblack:

So... my intention of this post was not to discourage anyone from buying anything; but rather to vent my frustration.

If anyone finds the perfect bike... let me know. In fact... let everyone know!

 

[NancysToy]

If anyone finds the perfect bike... let me know. In fact... let everyone know!

:agree: Wise words!

 

[bullant12]

The Internet magnifies problems greatly! People don't report when they have no problems, just when something happens. If that's all you read about, you get a warped idea of the frequency. Many of us have had thousands of relatively trouble free miles. Many of us have had any difficulties or service bulletins quickly and efficiently taken care of by our dealers. That type of response poses a minor inconvenience, but it is not objectionable to most. The number of major pains is fairly small...although it may be a higher percentage than some other brands or varieties of vehicle. In general, a motorcycle-type vehicle is not as robust as an automobile. There is a reason they all come with tool kits! Only you can decide how much risk and inconvenience is acceptable, but don't let the Internet alone be your guide.

:agree: 100%... If I followed what was said on the internet, I would not own anything and not leave my house (and even avoid eating or getting companies to work on my house).:roflblack: but at the same time nojoke

That being said... if I did follow all that was said about the :spyder2: on these forums, I would have never bitten the bullet... Now I own 2!:shemademe_smilie:

 

[Jeriatric]

I have been contemplating buying a spyder for approx a month...these stories scare me! There seems to to be an out of proportion number of problems with this vehicle for the compared to the number of units sold. Today the best place to get accurate information is the internet and I see story after story of failures. If I purchase the spyder it will be for long trips here in the west. I see throttle body issues. limp mode, does not run in the heat, engine warning lights on and on...what should I thinK. I also see how BRP is non-responsive and dealer horror stories. I want to believe in this product but have serious doubts.

Far to many of the problems you read about go back to dealer set up. Find yourself a good dealer and you're likely not to have major issues. Since you're in So. Cal I would recommend Malcom Smith as one of the dealerships to consider purchasing from. They have an outstanding service department too. jmo

 

[Buttsy]

I have been contemplating buying a spyder for approx a month...these stories scare me! There seems to to be an out of proportion number of problems with this vehicle for the compared to the number of units sold. Today the best place to get accurate information is the internet and I see story after story of failures. If I purchase the spyder it will be for long trips here in the west. I see throttle body issues. limp mode, does not run in the heat, engine warning lights on and on...what should I thinK. I also see how BRP is non-responsive and dealer horror stories. I want to believe in this product but have serious doubts.

I am a firm believer in the 'little voices in my head". If the little voices are telling you to run quickly away, don't discount them just do it? I have had my Spyder for 3 months now and put on 1500 miles or so with no troubles after my 'pick-up" from the dealer day. But this is by no means long enough to vouch for the reliability and quality of the design.

For me I had owned CanAm ATV's for several years and heard all the details about bent frames, limp modes, overheating issue's, poor dealer service, terrible BRP support etc. I went ahead and bought the ATV anyway because I wanted to own what I considered to be the best and the meanest out there. Fortunately I found none of the feedback I read to be true, the opposite quite frankly?

As long as you have no physical restrictions, IMHO you can not beat the Goldwing for reliability. Honda has been pumping them babies out with very few major design changes or innovations for several years now. If reliability is the key stick to the known and for sure it is Honda. Heck I would of went with one of their trike set-ups but it was just to much frickin dough..........they look great however. Up here they are starting to push 38-40k which was about 15k more than my RT-S. The RT-S is not a steal at this price but when do you say enough is enough?

Good Luck with your decision and I appreciate your concerns, the Spyder is not for everyone.

 

[bo9roadking]

Sorry you are having problems. I hope they get resolved quickly and you can trust your spyder to take you to your destination and back.

I purchased a 2012 and it had a throttle body issue during the PDI assembly before I picked it up for the first time. The dealer replaced the throttle body because it was idling rough when the tech was checking everything out. The dealer wanted to make sure everything was running smooth prior to handing it over to the salesman for me to drive it away.

I had to wait for a couple of extra days to get the new parts installed, but so far I have not had engine problems with it after putting about 800 miles on it. It starts the first time, everytime as long as I remember to turn on or is it turn off the "Engine Stop switch" if that makes sense. pps:

I had the 600 mile service done which changed the fluids and tightened the drive belt. I also had the RECC changed at the 600 mile service because the turn signal switch wouldn't always engage for left turns. So far everything else is good, I'm hoping it stays that way because I'm really enjoying my spyder.

 

[Illinois Boy]

Took the Spyder to the dealer after calling them...

They immediately said it was the throttle-body and that they would replace it no matter what -- although BRP has been giving them instructions to replace all TB's on the RTS's when they come in with similar problems, rather than just upgrading the software.

So, apparently this problem is well known from the posts on here, and elsewhere that I read -- as well as the reaction from the dealer.

They said they can have the TB in 2 - 3 days at the longest and have it back to me in time for the weekend.

Regarding why the thing sounds and feels like it is about to blow apart is because one cylinder gets shut-down, thus making the engine run extremely rough. I was told by the mechanic that it isn't the transmission or anything else; however that no one should try to put the bike in gear and ride it very far because then some damage could occur. I told him there was no way I would try to move it more than a few feet with the way it was running and sounding... besides the throttle didn't work to give you any power.

I didn't mean to rattle any cages with my first post. I was just airing-out my frustrations and embarrassment.

I am still upset about this for myself; but also because BRP surely lost a few sales from those at the rally that were extremely interested in buying one.

I don't like being a diplomat for a product to only have it fall flat on it face. While everyone there was concerned and tried to be helpful, there wasn't much anyone could do.

On a good-note there were quite a few people at the rally that made similar statements to the following.

"Once that thing started there was no way we could ever catch you".

"If anyone ever tells me a Spyder is a dog or cannot take corners I will tell them BS -- I saw one consistently out-run twenty-five bikes over four days on all kinds of roads while pulling a loaded trailer"!

So to some degree some of the mission was accomplished. Now BRP just has to make these things reliable before their reputation is permanently impaired with the masses.

 

[Bob Denman]

I didn't mean to rattle any cages with my first post. I was just airing-out my frustrations and embarrassment.
Now BRP just has to make these things reliable before their reputation is permanently impaired with the masses.

Don't worry about it... Everybody needs to let off a little steam now and then! :gaah:

I do beleive that they're getting the dance routine down; just a little more work is needed... :thumbup:

 

[texasride]

Yup on all forums, be it here or on Hond,hd or any other you only here the bad not the good.
have 10,000 mile of trouble free riding on my 2010, I expect it will happen sooner or later but it will not destroy my faith in brp, or my spyder. Even ford,dodge or other car dealers dont make a perfect product if they did they would not have repair shops lol well thats my $.02 and more.:yes:

 

[Dwanton]

I am glad you are getting things straightened out :yes:

 

[pellcitypete]

I can fell your pain I bought a red 2011 rt in nov. of 2011 ran great until 600 mile oil change. sence then I've fought with dealer for 3 months trying to get it fixed. contected bbb no help contacted sate att gen. he is looking into it (lemon law). To me stupidy is when you do the same thing over an over an over and expect a different out come the dealer keep clearing the codes and giveing it back to me:banghead: finaly can am tec told them to change the throld body:cus: and it semes to have helped. so BRP has know about this problem for a while an choose to look the other way! sale all you can and we will fix them latter:banghead::cus:

 

[porboy]

2012 RT-S SPYDER VIPER RED

HAD ALL OF 86 MIKES ON IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND PARKING BRAKE FALURE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THEY TURNED SOME WHEEL OVER AND THAT WAS A QUICK UNTIL MY NEW ONE COMES IN THIS FRIDAY. TOOK THE SPYDER TO MY DOCTOR'S APT THIS MORNING AND WHEN I WENT TO REMOVE THE KEY AN ALARM CAME ON. IT FINALLY SHUT OFF BUT GEEEEEZ. $28,000.00 NOT A HAPPY CAMPER SO FAR. ALSO ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO CHECK FOR A WIRING HARNESS THAT GOES FROM THE SPYDER TO A NON-SPYDER TRAILER SET-UP?

 

[Illinois Boy]

Despite the fact I started this thread spouting my displeasure about my experience, I really don't want this to turn into a gripe-session.

I know... I just should have kept my mouth shut then... but I didn't. I regret that...

My dealer called me to say they removed the throttle body and have confirmed it to be the problem (along with the codes). They have ordered the parts today and told me they will have it running by the weekend.

Again, my hope is that this isn't an ongoing problem. My dealer doesn't think it will be. They said there were some software problems related to how the computer allows the RTS to restart faster without having to completely re-boot the computer when it has just been ridden a short time before the stop (like stopping for gas and such). Somehow that process was mechanically causing damage to the throttle-body (if I understood him correctly).

Apparently if the software updates were completed before any damage occurs one might not have any problems with the TB later. Apparently in my case some damage had occurred and only got worse. (Yes, I have all the latest updates -- about three or four of them since I bought it in Aug of 2011.)

My dealer said I shouldn't be too worried about it after they fix it because none of the Spyders they replaced the TB's in have had any more trouble; and a few of them have racked-up quite a few "trouble-free" miles since having it done.

Anyway... I am hoping so.

Now for a barley-sandwich...

 

[NancysToy]

HAD ALL OF 86 MIKES ON IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND PARKING BRAKE FALURE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THEY TURNED SOME WHEEL OVER AND THAT WAS A QUICK UNTIL MY NEW ONE COMES IN THIS FRIDAY. TOOK THE SPYDER TO MY DOCTOR'S APT THIS MORNING AND WHEN I WENT TO REMOVE THE KEY AN ALARM CAME ON. IT FINALLY SHUT OFF BUT GEEEEEZ. $28,000.00 NOT A HAPPY CAMPER SO FAR. ALSO ANYONE KNOW WHERE TO CHECK FOR A WIRING HARNESS THAT GOES FROM THE SPYDER TO A NON-SPYDER TRAILER SET-UP?

On an SE, if the parking brake is not engaged, an audible alrm will sound and the brake icon will flash when the key is turned off.

 

[Big Arm]

Hey porboy............where ya been ??????? Didn't recognize you with the new avatar pic.......liked the old one better.....:roflblack: