Official BRP Statement on Spyder DPS

[groundeffect]

This was 2 months ago but looks like it needs a bump.

Lamont, good idea to bump this thread, thank you.

November 6, 2009

I'm very happy to see that BRP made an official statement on the steering issues. Seeing this official statement has helped renew my hope of purchasing a Spyder in 2010.


It has been about 2 months since this statement, and I wonder if it is possible to get a current status on the steering issues for the older models out there, and of course the RS and RT 2010 models being manufactures now.


Thank you.
Cheers.

 

[Rando]

How about a "bump" from BRP?

 

[txknight67]

:agree: It also occurs to me that the Spyder is the first product BRP has made that uses public roads. All their other products could come to a stop WITHOUT THE HAZARD OF TRAFFIC if they developed problems. An on road vehicle with steering problems is a death waiting to happen. This has gone beyond simply needing attention or being cause for concern. It's about time ACTION was taken to diagnose the problem and design a fix. Until that time BRP should take responsibility and declare the Spyder unsafe until the fix is found. This period of "UNSafe use" should be tacked on to everyone's warranty period. The End. Man up and admit the Spyder has a serious design flaw. Period.

As someone else pointed out earlier in this thread; allot goes on behind the scenes that we don't see. I sincerely believe BRP is all over this issue and very likely has several engineers if not most of their engineers and techs devoted to finding a solution.

As I watch the different updates and "campaigns" come out, I am beginning to think that while many of us are experiencing the same symptom, the root cause is different for many of them. Drawing on a long career in maintenance and troubleshooting, I know for a fact that many times a specific symptom can lead to several different root causes....hence the need for troubleshooting, not just shotgunning parts.

Also, from having dealt with computerized aircraft systems, I know that when software is updated, sometimes extra "features":yikes: are added or induced that were not intended. And these issues are not always found in testing as quite often the test "cards"/ops checks are scripted. The tester follows a specific step by step plan whereas out in the real world things happen in a very unscripted way causing issues to surface that the testing didn't uncover. Trust me on that, aircraft modifications are very rigorously tested, yet my job is safe and secure because issues still make it to production.

So in closing, as I stated earlier, I sincerely believe BRP is all over this. But when they come up with a fix, they are finding out it doesn't fix the issue for everyone, and for some, makes it worse. It isn't that they are doing nothing or don't know what they are doing, it is that they are dealing with a very complicated, interconnected system and quite often that means one can only slowly eliminate the gremlins. No one fix is the magic pill, it will be different for almost every bike.

Until such time, let's all keep the faith and keep communicating and supporting those of us having to deal with the extended troubleshooting time.

 

[NancysToy]

As someone else pointed out earlier in this thread; allot goes on behind the scenes that we don't see. I sincerely believe BRP is all over this issue and very likely has several engineers if not most of their engineers and techs devoted to finding a solution.

As I watch the different updates and "campaigns" come out, I am beginning to think that while many of us are experiencing the same symptom, the root cause is different for many of them. Drawing on a long career in maintenance and troubleshooting, I know for a fact that many times a specific symptom can lead to several different root causes....hence the need for troubleshooting, not just shotgunning parts.

Also, from having dealt with computerized aircraft systems, I know that when software is updated, sometimes extra "features":yikes: are added or induced that were not intended. And these issues are not always found in testing as quite often the test "cards"/ops checks are scripted. The tester follows a specific step by step plan whereas out in the real world things happen in a very unscripted way causing issues to surface that the testing didn't uncover. Trust me on that, aircraft modifications are very rigorously tested, yet my job is safe and secure because issues still make it to production.

So in closing, as I stated earlier, I sincerely believe BRP is all over this. But when they come up with a fix, they are finding out it doesn't fix the issue for everyone, and for some, makes it worse. It isn't that they are doing nothing or don't know what they are doing, it is that they are dealing with a very complicated, interconnected system and quite often that means one can only slowly eliminate the gremlins. No one fix is the magic pill, it will be different for almost every bike.

Until such time, let's all keep the faith and keep communicating and supporting those of us having to deal with the extended troubleshooting time.

Well stated! :agree: 100%.

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

Safety

As someone else pointed out earlier in this thread; allot goes on behind the scenes that we don't see. I sincerely believe BRP is all over this issue and very likely has several engineers if not most of their engineers and techs devoted to finding a solution.

As I watch the different updates and "campaigns" come out, I am beginning to think that while many of us are experiencing the same symptom, the root cause is different for many of them. Drawing on a long career in maintenance and troubleshooting, I know for a fact that many times a specific symptom can lead to several different root causes....hence the need for troubleshooting, not just shotgunning parts.

Also, from having dealt with computerized aircraft systems, I know that when software is updated, sometimes extra "features":yikes: are added or induced that were not intended. And these issues are not always found in testing as quite often the test "cards"/ops checks are scripted. The tester follows a specific step by step plan whereas out in the real world things happen in a very unscripted way causing issues to surface that the testing didn't uncover. Trust me on that, aircraft modifications are very rigorously tested, yet my job is safe and secure because issues still make it to production.

So in closing, as I stated earlier, I sincerely believe BRP is all over this. But when they come up with a fix, they are finding out it doesn't fix the issue for everyone, and for some, makes it worse. It isn't that they are doing nothing or don't know what they are doing, it is that they are dealing with a very complicated, interconnected system and quite often that means one can only slowly eliminate the gremlins. No one fix is the magic pill, it will be different for almost every bike.

Until such time, let's all keep the faith and keep communicating and supporting those of us having to deal with the extended troubleshooting time.

I agree with your synopsis as stated; However, I also have a strong background in safety as a civilian employee and metrology laboratory manager for the department of defense. I have also taken part in determining when aircraft should be grounded for suspect safety issues that could endanger the life of pilot and crew and perhaps civilian population. If the safety of pilot and crew is at risk because of suspected or confirmed safety issues and the cause of those issues is not obvious, then the whole fleet is grounded until a fix can be determined. When aircraft is grounded for safety concerns engineers and managers burn a lot of midnight oil until safety is restored. This may be an extreme action for a business that is driven by profit, but it sure can save some lives.


Michael:doorag:

 

[widowmaker2011]

I agree with your synopsis as stated; However, I also have a strong background in safety as a civilian employee and metrology laboratory manager for the department of defense. I have also taken part in determining when aircraft should be grounded for suspect safety issues that could endanger the life of pilot and crew and perhaps civilian population. If the safety of pilot and crew is at risk because of suspected or confirmed safety issues and the cause of those issues is not obvious, then the whole fleet is grounded until a fix can be determined. When aircraft is grounded for safety concerns engineers and managers burn a lot of midnight oil until safety is restored. This may be an extreme action for a business that is driven by profit, but it sure can save some lives.


Michael:doorag:

Agreed- while it may take more than 2 months to resolve this , they could help themselves by updating everyone. The initial note in early november was a good start, but when it is so high on the mind of everyone with regards to their personal safety it sure could use more PR while they "burn the midnite oil". opcorn:

 

[txknight67]

I agree with your synopsis as stated; However, I also have a strong background in safety as a civilian employee and metrology laboratory manager for the department of defense. I have also taken part in determining when aircraft should be grounded for suspect safety issues that could endanger the life of pilot and crew and perhaps civilian population. If the safety of pilot and crew is at risk because of suspected or confirmed safety issues and the cause of those issues is not obvious, then the whole fleet is grounded until a fix can be determined. When aircraft is grounded for safety concerns engineers and managers burn a lot of midnight oil until safety is restored. This may be an extreme action for a business that is driven by profit, but it sure can save some lives.


Michael:doorag:

:agree:100%. Didn't really address that. I happen to agree with the thought that this issue may require a "grounding" order. My experiences have not been of the magnitude that would require that, but after reading some other peoples experiences....

I've worked through some grounding issues on fighters and tankers and even mechanics burn some mid-night oil. Especially when the engineers aren't sure and have to do some science experiments on a live aircraft.

 

[boborgera]

:agree:100%. Didn't really address that. I happen to agree with the thought that this issue may require a "grounding" order. My experiences have not been of the magnitude that would require that, but after reading some other peoples experiences....

I've worked through some grounding issues on fighters and tankers and even mechanics burn some mid-night oil. Especially when the engineers aren't sure and have to do some science experiments on a live aircraft.

:hun:

Grounding would most likely put BRP's Spyder division out of business.
BRP had to get a 30 million dollar bail out a while back. from the Canadian
taxpayers
If you think it takes a long time to get parts now, if they go out,''
''FORGETABOUTIT'' :gaah:

 

[effgjamis]

I am calm...:gaah:
Can we import that glich in our Spyders? :clap:

Duh !!!!!!!!!

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

BRP

:hun:

Grounding would most likely put BRP's Spyder division out of business.
BRP had to get a 30 million dollar bail out a while back. from the Canadian
taxpayers
If you think it takes a long time to get parts now, if they go out,''
''FORGETABOUTIT'' :gaah:

A statement from BRP maybe should go something like this:

The Dynamic Power Steering Units (DPS) have been reported to be faulty in some 2008 & 2009 Can Am Spyders. At this time it has only affected a small percentage of the sold units but failure of these units could have grave consequences. We have dedicated all of our available resources to fix this problem and any other safety issues now or in the future. If you own a 2008 or 2009 Can AM Spyder we are recommending that you not operate said equipment until our engineers and staff work a suitable solution. The Warning at this time only includes the 2008 & 2009 models, but may be extended to the 2010 models as well. You can be assured that your personal safety is of the up most importance and we will solve these issue as throughly and quickly as possible. JMHO

Michael:doorag:

 

[Lamonster]

How about a "bump" from BRP?

I've asked for an update but have yet to hear back from them. :sour::dontknow:

 

[sabunim5]

Doc, Why would you want a glitch that slows YOU down?:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

Good One LMAO :clap:

Thanks to BRP and Lamonster for the thread. If BRP needs a place to send a tech. I would suggest Pensacola Motorsports where my Spyder currently sits with steering "issues".

 

[Arachnid]

I have read a batch of these post about the Power Steering problem.
But I am still a little in the dark about when it occurs.
Not having experienced this my self is this something that just crops up on peoples Spyders and can happen to any one?
Does it appear after you get the fix to some?
Or is it something that most of the people affected have had since they purchased their vehicle?
I have had the fix but didn't have the problem in the first place and still don't (knock on wood).
Just curious.

Mike

 

[Sarge707]

Agreed- while it may take more than 2 months to resolve this , they could help themselves by updating everyone. The initial note in early november was a good start, but when it is so high on the mind of everyone with regards to their personal safety it sure could use more PR while they "burn the midnite oil". opcorn:

I took the time to call yesterday and voice my concerns to BRP (Because of All the recurring DPS negative threads) and the Rep that was in Carlo,s office said he personally only had received 2 calls since Christmas Eve ?

1-866-767-0707 Calling the # and expressing your concern is your right and some might say Duty!!nojoke

 

[SpyderGirl]

Maybe we should be bombarding them with phone calls intead of talking about it amongst ourselves online. The squeaky wheel gets the grease they say!

 

[DynamoBT]

Thanks for the reminder about calling. I'm going to call this afternoon.

 

[boborgera]

I have read a batch of these post about the Power Steering problem.
But I am still a little in the dark about when it occurs.
Not having experienced this my self is this something that just crops up on peoples Spyders and can happen to any one?
Does it appear after you get the fix to some?
Or is it something that most of the people affected have had since they purchased their vehicle?
I have had the fix but didn't have the problem in the first place and still don't (knock on wood).
Just curious.

Mike

I've had it it happen before and after the recall. It started at 5k still
happens [intermediately] at 9k+. why do most people call it a fix, it's a RECALL not a fix.:yikes: When a car company has a recall nobody calls that
a fix.

 

[dave01]

the Rep that was in Carlo,s office said he personally only had received 2 calls since Christmas Eve ?
1

I think they were both from me..LOL, along with 2 emails

 

[Way2Fast]

BRP has a full page color ad on the rear cover of the February issue of Cycle World. It reads....."The Spyder RS. Riding Reinvented" and goes on to say..."It's not where you take the Can Am Spyder RS roadster, it's about where it takes you. Equipped with a powerful Rotax 990 V-Twin engine, Dynamic Power Steering, And a Vehicle Stability System for comfort and control. The RS turns everyday trips into full-blown adventures"

It is unavoidably easy and much too tempting not to read between the lines of this ad.......

"It's not where you take the Can Am Spyder RS, it's about where it takes you".....it takes you right across double yellow lines and into on coming traffic or maybe into a one on one relationship with an old oak tree !

"Equipped with a powerful Rotax 990 V-Twin engine, Dynamis Power Steering, And a Vehicle Stability System for comfort and control" Control ???????????? what a laugh !!! The vehicle takes the control away from the operator.

"The RS turns everyday trips into full-blown adventures"
Nothing could be truer....every ride is a life or death adventure !!!

Ads like this show where BRP spends their cash. Their top pirority is to sell more RS Spyders and not give a dam about those that were stuck with a dangerous and unsafe machine. They just want to turn out more vehicles and put more future owners at risk !

 

[Smylinacha]

I have no clue - it just seems to get more confusing. Some have had problems before the updates and some after the updates. Then some of the problems are different - locking up, over steering, messing up in a curve, messing up in a straightaway, messing up at slow speed, messing up at fast speeds. Mileage doesn't seem to matter. I really think it's some software thing and some certain parts miscommunicating. I don't think it is soley the DPS - don't ask me why, I'm no gearhead but it's just what my gut says.

I have read a batch of these post about the Power Steering problem.
But I am still a little in the dark about when it occurs.
Not having experienced this my self is this something that just crops up on peoples Spyders and can happen to any one?
Does it appear after you get the fix to some?
Or is it something that most of the people affected have had since they purchased their vehicle?
I have had the fix but didn't have the problem in the first place and still don't (knock on wood).
Just curious.

Mike