Please help with my concerns..looking to buy a 2009 or 2010 Spyder SE5

[bonnie_navy]

Hello everyone,

First, I stumbled upon your site and want to say. What a great resource and network of people.

Second, I was hoping someone could give me some insight on the rumor mill and things to ask prior to a purchase of a used spyder. I must confess I'm a little scared to buy one after all the posts I have read about recalls and major safety-system failures. The following are some of my biggest concerns:

DPS system failures and bar replacement in the front end = Loss of steering and random lane jumping

Clutch = Rear wheel locking up, bike won't start and becomes unmovable

Constant computer resets.

Leaking brake fluid?

Has anyone had to deal with any of these problems? If so, were you able to get them corrected and since they have been corrected have you had problems with these items again?

And last but not least, question for the ladies. I have been told by multiple people because I am a 5'2 woman that I should purchase a riser bar and hele bar prior to riding for comfort and easier steering?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and have a great day and ride safe.

Bonnie

 

[Roger]

HI

Welcome first off if you are making a purchase from a dealer just ask have all updates and recalls been done. As for the steering issue the dealer can not release the bike until it has been done but just ask to make sure. Let me asure you not all bikes have had these problems they are far and few in between. I have a 2010 se5 and my daughter has a 2009 sm we have not had any problems with are bikes we will both get the steering update in the spring. As for risers look at all the vendors and call them their are several different ones. I'am 5'6 and i know the ones from BRP would not do just because they don't go high or out enough. If you are buying from a private seller then your local dealer can tell you what has or has not been done to the bike. Again welcome and goodluck if you have anymore questions you just signed up to have over 3000 friends help you.

 

[bonnie_navy]

Thank you so much Roger...

Ok, then with this said, I think I'm leaning towards the 2009 at the local dealer.

However, could I get more information on where I could buy the Risers if not from BRP? And does anyone know how hard they are to install? My boyfriend has a 1997 Honda Valkyrie that he works on all the time and my VStar.

Bonnie

 

[docdoru]

DPS: problem solved with the 2nd generation units.
Clutch: only few SE5's
Constant computer resets: rarely
Leaking brake fluid: routine check
I should purchase a riser bar and hele bar: you should, one or the other.
welcome

 

[Dragonrider]

When I first bought my RS, aftermarket stuff was really limited, now there are several aftermarket risers. I had the BRP 1" and ESI +3" (both) on my RS, and could have used another inch.

I can recommend the ESI kit, as really easy to install, and adjust for you and your style…

OR, you can just spring for the RT. That wasn't a option for me, when I bought my RS either…. and that was in '09…

I have had very few problems with either of my Spyders - I had far more with my BMW K1200LT (like 3 $1100 center stands?? Windshield motors?? and…)

The Spyder is a good, safe, fun choice...

 

[Marker]

Hi Bonnie-Navywelcome
I am a 5'8" male. I just purchased a 2010 Spyder Rt-s as I tried sitting on the spyder Rs and it did not feel comfortable for me at all. My wife was not comfortable sitting on the back of the Rs either. When I took the spyder Rt-s out for a test ride I was very comfortable when driving. My wife was also very comfortable sitting on the back of the RT-s. The cost to make the Rs as comfortable as the Rt model was not worth it so that is why I opted to buy the RT-s spyder. This is also my very first bike (trike). I am a new rider and feel very comfortable and safe driving the spyder.
I bought mine from a local dealer who will do all the updates on it before I take delivery of it in the spring.:2excited:
Good Luck and have fun shopping:2thumbs:

 

[NancysToy]

As was said, as long as you buy a machine which has had the appropriate recalls performed, you should not have safety issues. Buying a machine which has an extended warranty, or a new machine, should also help ease your mind about possible failures...which are relatively few, IMO.

As to risers, ESI, KewlMetal, and Heli-Bar all make good risers. Of these, the new, fully adjustable KewlMetal risers are the most versatile and adjustable, but a great many of us are running the ESIs or other brands with great success. Sounds like your boyfriend would be readily able to hnadle the installaton. Their ar links to most of these sponsors on the SpyderLovers home page. Most have installation instructions or videos on their Web sites.

welcome

 

[COOLMACHINE]

Warranties are nice.

Hope you find the machine of your dreams. These machines are a blast to ride. We have good vendors on this site as well. The only suggestion I have for you is to buy one with a warranty.

 

[Raptor]

Hope you find the machine of your dreams. These machines are a blast to ride. We have good vendors on this site as well. The only suggestion I have for you is to buy one with a warranty.

:agree: A warranty will give you piece of mind, but that is true of any machine. I have 2 Spyders and both have been oustanding. My Wife rides the White 2010 RS-S SE5 and it's a sweet ride. We did have the clutch replaced (recall) and the DPS (also a recall). But the Gen 2 DPS unit is a great piece and really makes the Spyder handle nicely! The SE5 shifts like a F1 race car! I ride 14. She's mean and nasty and fast and I LOVE IT! :spyder: ANd as others have mentioned, the aftermarket offerings are getting better and more numerous for the Spyder all the time.

Always a good idea to take a test ride if at all possible to get a feel for things, but I think you are going to like it alot. Good luck in your search. :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

One point to ponder a bit... You hear an awful lot of complaints, but the folks who are happy are usually just twistin' and grinnin' on the rides... They often say the least! Once the updates are in place you'll be good to go... :thumbup:
A V-Star? Which one?

 

[bonnie_navy]

Wow...this sight is so great and I can't thank you all enough for your input. Any opinions on the difference between a 2009 vs. 2010 RS SE5? I can't find any information on what the difference might be?

Bob-I have a 2001 XVS650 Yamaha Vstar Custom :clap:
However, I just recently under went shoulder surgery and would like something a little easier to ride. And the Spyders look like such FUN!!!

 

[Lamonster]

welcome
I have one of the very first Spyders and the only real problems I've had were self inflicted. I have well over 60,000 miles on the two Spyders I ride now and I wouldn't have a problem jumping on either of them and driving them cross country. The dealer network is much better than when I first bought mine and I have yet to hear of a Spyder owner that wasn't able to get a problem taken care of on the road if they had one. Getting the warranty is a great idea and should give you some peace of mind.

 

[Bob Denman]

There weren't any real changes between the 2 years...
A 2001... I had a 2000 and then a 2002 650 Classic! Great bikes! :2thumbs:

 

[Littlebadwolf]

Going down to the dealer today and try to negotiate a deal on a SE5 for the wife..Will probably be a 2 spyder family shortly.

 

[Bob Denman]

:congrats: and good luck! :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

Wow...this sight is so great and I can't thank you all enough for your input. Any opinions on the difference between a 2009 vs. 2010 RS SE5? I can't find any information on what the difference might be?

Bob-I have a 2001 XVS650 Yamaha Vstar Custom :clap:
However, I just recently under went shoulder surgery and would like something a little easier to ride. And the Spyders look like such FUN!!!

Color selection and price are the most striking differences between the 2009 and 2010. The 2011 changes color selection and price again, and adds some engine stabilization bars first found on the RT, to reduce engine vibration.

If you have had shoulder surgery, you are going to want to be aware of two things. First, if you get a Spyder you will undoubtedly need the risers. Go aftermarket...the 1" BRP riser will not be enough. Second, the Spyder requires a great deal more physical input from the rider than the motorcycles you are used to. You don't just initiate a turn...you turn the (wide) handlebars. This involves the shoulders and arms far more than you might think. Not trying to scare you off, but I'd take a demo ride or two to make sure that the Spyder doesn't impose needs beyond your physical limitations...or that any difficulties can be relieved by adding risers.

 

[tofriendscreek]

Welcome! I found this site months before I actually bought my 2009 SE5. The guys and gals are incredibly kind, caring, knowledgeable and a fantastic resource for news, views ... And opinions. I found exactly what I was looking for from a dealer. I have had zero issues with it. It is blast to ride and I just love it!

I did a number of upgrades. They included risers. It had a 1" riser block, but it wasn't nearly enough. My hands got numb after a short time and I needed to be able to sit much more upright to keep my back happy. After a ton of research and touching and feeling the different products I went with the Kewlmetals adjustables. They go up, down, forward, back and they can be swung in and out as well. Installing them was pretty simple. The hardest part was trying to get the grips off in one piece.

As suggested, do your homework, find a Spyder that makes you smile and go for it. It's an awesome, thrilling experience !!!!

 

[Bob Denman]

... The hardest part was trying to get the grips off in one piece.

:agree:...And that's what should be the simplest part of the task too!

 

[napper39]

have new grips and rip the old ons off,moore fun.

 

[dltang]

welcome and enjoy your new Spyder. After market has come a long way in making mods for the Spyder. Some are more reputable than others. The site sponsors on the SpyderLovers home page is the best place to start. I personally have had great success with ESI aftermarket products. Evan and the crew have been great with wonderful customer support and service.