Opinion: is BRP losing sales?

[dltang]

BRP makes the Spyder and it is one heck of a fun machine. They have come out with some options since the inception of the original stock spyder and that is in reply to us as owners. But one of the greatest things that has happened, is the aftermarket vendors. What a great way to spur our economics and satisfy a greater number of customers. I can not think of any two spyders that have modifications done to them that are exactly the same. Example: With so many people upgrading from the stock seat on the original Spyder, BRP came to the rescue with their Comfort seat option. Very nice I am told, but once again, we don't all have the same needs or the same butt. You will see many here that have the Russell, or Corbin or other brand seat and their reason for purchasing such a seat. The same would be true of windshields, highway pegs, handlebar risers. Sure BRP could offer a bigger line of accessories, but I think it is better they concentrate on the machine itself. Let the vendors such as ESI, KewlMetal and ISCI do what they do best, help us to make our spyders special and unique.

 

[bjt]

...Sure BRP could offer a bigger line of accessories, but I think it is better they concentrate on the machine itself. Let the vendors such as ESI, KewlMetal and ISCI do what they do best, help us to make our spyders special and unique.

:agree:

 

[Eraser]

:agree:

BRP should do what they do best...build the bike.Leave the"Bling" to the "Bling" Folks,they are going to do it anyway.

 

[Dragonrider]

Frankly, BRP has done a great job of this. Fully optioned, the Spyder is $27K, stripped, it's under $16K (msrp) - or, you can buy the bare bones Spyder & make it yours,get just what you want, and pocket the rest of the cash for ryding...

BMW sells the LT in one flavor - with GPS & intercom the ONLY options - Honda's Goldwing has 4 packages - none affordable (read Valkyrie here), and the Hardley trikes have two options - expensive and ludicrous. Just my $0.02
:chat:

 

[Firefly]

The Spyder is just the starter kit --- as is with most bikes.:2thumbs:

 

[Clicker1944]

I'm a relatively new owner with no mods done yet. I am also not mechanically inclined so I depend upon the dealer to install said mods. My issue right now is that I know I want to raise the handlebars but don't know what option would be best and if the dealer will even do the Kwel risers.

Not everybody is wiling to start taking apart a $20,000 machine and possibly voiding the warrantee. I'd prefer to see a list of available options and modifications and an accompanying price list.

Word to Florida Spyder owners -- how about a meet- up sometime so this newbie can actually see some specific mods?

Where are you in Florida?
As for extras, mods and bling, I can tell you from owning a Harley and as most Harley owners past and present will agree HD stands for hundred dollars! Which is what it usually costs to stop at a Harley dealership.

 

[Justin]

I am NOT a Spyder owner. Haven't even been able to take a test ride.
Local Dealers Just playing games IMHO.

I was wondering thou. Most Spyder owners Seemed to have done Mods to their Spyder.

Yet very few options seem to be available from BRP.

1. Real handlebar risers, 1 inch spacer doesn't seem to be the answer.
2. Windshield, different heights may be had but don't seem to be adjustable as are after market ones.
3. Quality seat (Corbin et. al.)
4. Handbrake option.
5. cockpit to allow add ons, cup holder, gps, ipod etc.

I look at basic bike new :dontknowr used and when you factor in the upgrade cost it get expensive very fast and more then I care to spend.

I bet most of these options would cost less then retrofitting.

Car mfg. got the message and now you have upgrade music, Blue-tooth, GPS, video, etc.

Maybe BRP needs to step up their game.

What is your opinion?

Hey BRP care to reply??:dontknow:

As for the BRP accessories at least they keep them tasteful.

1. Most of the risers look stupid, BRP has the 1" and they also have the RT

2.Plenty of windshields that look decent from BRP. 99% of the aftermarket are shameful. Why butcher the RS, just buy the RT

3.They have a comfort seat, again Corbin looks retarded. Need comfort, buy RT

4.Handbrake, not really a need but I wouldn't mind one. Aftermarket price is taking advantage of Spyder owners IMO. $1000.00+

5.I have GPS and IPOD on mine. Wouldn't be hard to put a cup holder which is pointless with a full face helmet.

 

[Smylinacha]

I like the other companies that make add ons for stuff - gives us more choices. It's fun putting mods on - getting your ride just the way you like it.

Yup - they could have options and they have some. I think the andbrake as being an option - I think that is needed. I wouldn't get one but I know some riders like it.

I also agree that the riser blocks are useless and that is why I got my risers from Magic Man - one of the best mods (and I don't have many) that I did.

Harley has a ton of mods and they sure cost alot of money. You can have more fun by going to some good aftermarket places such as Kuryakyn and they now make some Spyder stuff.

I haven't really liked Corbin stuff yet - even when I had my other bikes - they cost a ton of money and I don't like the style of their stuff. Just me though.

 

[ARtraveler]

Absolutely right! Customizing is an owners perogitive. We put lots of custom accessories on our 08 and 09 RS models. Mostly for touring ergonomics because we were not sport bike enthusiasts. Very few of our mods were for looks--although that became a bit of a bonus for us. We ended up with almost $4,000 in mods per bike before we considered our projects finished. I traded in 08 for the RTS, and have done very few mods. So far, I have only added a Corbin seat, a ESI running light package, and a pair of glo-ryders. I am totally happy with the touring ergonomics and don't plan on doing anything with them. I may add another light bar or two--but that is it. The only downside is that we have 28K invested in the RTS.

 

[canam9]

Absolutely right! Customizing is an owners perogitive. We put lots of custom accessories on our 08 and 09 RS models. Mostly for touring ergonomics because we were not sport bike enthusiasts. Very few of our mods were for looks--although that became a bit of a bonus for us. We ended up with almost $4,000 in mods per bike before we considered our projects finished. I traded in 08 for the RTS, and have done very few mods. So far, I have only added a Corbin seat, a ESI running light package, and a pair of glo-ryders. I am totally happy with the touring ergonomics and don't plan on doing anything with them. I may add another light bar or two--but that is it. The only downside is that we have 28K invested in the RTS.

:agree::ani29:

 

[truck 85]

I have a stock Spyder I have bought some mods but winter is the time for installing them that way your can spend time with your bike all year.
R ember at the end of the day it very much is about making it yours :2thumbs:

 

[buckey48]

As for the BRP accessories at least they keep them tasteful.

1. Most of the risers look stupid, BRP has the 1" and they also have the RT

2.Plenty of windshields that look decent from BRP. 99% of the aftermarket are shameful. Why butcher the RS, just buy the RT

3.They have a comfort seat, again Corbin looks retarded. Need comfort, buy RT

4.Handbrake, not really a need but I wouldn't mind one. Aftermarket price is taking advantage of Spyder owners IMO. $1000.00+

5.I have GPS and IPOD on mine. Wouldn't be hard to put a cup holder which is pointless with a full face helmet.

1. Don't know if the 1" riser would work for me neither dealers has had anything I could sit on to check. Local dealer is thumbs down on adj. risers. claims unsafe.
2. windshield just going by what some have said about more buffeting.
3. Don't know what seat I saw and sat on but it just had a little more rise behind you seemed better then stock.
RT is nice but then it is opposite of rs too upright, while rs is too forward for me. some where in between is what I would want.
4. agree with the handbrake cost, nice but way too much $$.:agree:
5. coffee cup holder just to take my mocha or coffee to work and drink while I wait for the boss. Don't want to take 2 thermos bottles.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Be Patient

The RS Spyders have a myriad of available mods from several vendors. The RS has been on the street since lat 2007. The RT just hit the streets this past December. Give it a year ... and stay supportive of the bike. We'll see aftermarket stuff sprouting like weeds.

 

[wvsquirrel]

I am woman and therefore I like to shop.. I am a new spyder owner and already have plans for Itsy!

 

[buckey48]

I am still looking. A late model (under warranty) would be best.

My problem no test ride. Hayward does but not when I can. The Livermore
dealer doesn't seem to have demo bikes on a regular basis, and I can't get a reply from them.

I will not be putting the miles on a lot here do. I just want a fun toy to putt around on.

Something that doesn't kill my back or shoulders.

I do think for the 1st shot out of the box BRP has come up with a winner, sorry if I came off differently

 

[bjt]

I am still looking. A late model (under warranty) would be best.

My problem no test ride. Hayward does but not when I can. The Livermore
dealer doesn't seem to have demo bikes on a regular basis, and I can't get a reply from them.

I will not be putting the miles on a lot here do. I just want a fun toy to putt around on.

Something that doesn't kill my back or shoulders.

I do think for the 1st shot out of the box BRP has come up with a winner, sorry if I came off differently

It is too bad that you can't find a local dealer to allow you a nice test ride.

 

[BajaRon]

It is too bad that you can't find a local dealer to allow you a nice test ride.

I know what you're saying and I can't necessarily disagree. But if I'd had the chance to test ride the Spyder it is very doubtful that I'd own one now.

I absolutely hated the ride, the feel, the handling, everything about my Spyder for about 300 miles (a long test ride for sure). I was literally scared to go over 45 mph on it for the first few miles.

And this from a guy that does tripple digits (and near 150 mph at times) on 2 wheels.

Then it started to grow on me. It took awhile for the 'Bite' to take. But now I've got the fever and I'm sure glad I was forced to go over the hump.

The Spyder is a fantastic ride but for some of us it takes awhile to appreciate that.

 

[NewRider]

I totally agree that BRP has given us a wonderful machine, production warts aside...:lecturef_smilie: My '09 SE5 is a blast...and farkles to date are minimal. I'll add that what I buy or plan next depends greatly upon comments or critiques I read at this website.

My BIGGEST farkle to date...an 8-foot spider, from a Halloween store. Makes quite an impression, at car shows...:firstplace:

 

[NewRider]

I am woman and therefore I like to shop.. I am a new spyder owner and already have plans for Itsy!

GO, GIRL!:clap::f_spider:

 

[texasride]

as is

i am a first time spyder owner i have owen harley and honda the last being goldwing my new spyder came with more standard eq then the goldwling for a lot less money. i have learned that what the factory has installed is usually the best and that most mod are never quite the right thing. Kept it stock and and ride like the wind:spyder2: :thumbup::yes: