RT-S/Zumo 660 GPS & XM RADIO COSTS

[MouthPiece]

I'm not sure how to begin this thread. When I ordered my RTS November 15, 2009, I inquired about XM capabilities. In fact I even wrote a thread on this forum reference that issue. I was told that the RTS did not have that capability. However, when watching one of the RTS utubes or some video, the commentator was going through his LCD display and I noted that he had XM radio.

I again inquired with my dealership and wrote to BRP with the same question. Will or can you install XM radio capabilities on my spyder. BRP responded with see your sales rep. I met with the sales rep and was told that he would check into it.

Bottom line is that I was required to pay for the XM once I got my RTS. Additionally, I paid around $1,100.00 for the GPS. For that amount I certainly thought that I would get free installation. WRONG!!!!! Today I took my spyder to have both the GPS and XM radio installed. I was quoted an estimate of almost $300.00 for installing both. Needless to say I was a tad bit upset.

I'm having it done. I will pay the charge. However, I thought I should at least provide this information to others who may opt in doing the same thing. Hope this helps.

 

[NancysToy]

Unfortunately, all "dealer installed" options are priced at book value, even for autos. How your dealer handles it from there, is up to you and him. Most charge for their installation time, but some may not, or may offer a discounted rate on the installation or accessories.

The time estimate from BRP for the GPS installation is 1.5 hours. The estimate for the XM is probably similar. Your estimate amounts to three hours of labor at $100 per hour. Try to get a firm, written cost up front, or a guarantee that they will charge no more than flat rate. The first installation a dealer does usually takes more time, as they learn. You don't want to be charged for that time. If the tech at your dealer is no sharper than your first salesman, the learning period alone could be longer than the original installation estimate.

 

[AntelopeSpyder]

This isn't the first thread that talks about the dealers charging to add options. You would think that if you pay $25k for a :spyder2: that the options would all be installed when you pick up the bike. I have never heard of such a thing. Before I order my :spyder2: I am going to negotiate these installation charges.

Is this common practice for dealers to charge for installation of accessories? I had assumed that all options were installed by the factory. I guess you can’t compare motorcycles with cars.

 

[NancysToy]

Is this common practice for dealers to charge for installation of accessories? I had assumed that all options were installed by the factory. I guess you can’t compare motorcycles with cars.

I don't know how things are in your part of the country, but here in Michigan charging to add dealer installed options is common, even for cars. Getting a break on the cost of the option is not unusual, however. In the end, it almost always costs more installed that the list price in the book. Always find out if the price includes installation...up front...and get it in writing, especially if the installation is not done prior to delivery. This is one of the easist ways for a dealer to get into your pocket.

 

[BillGargan]

The critical issue here is the difference between "factory installed" and "dealer installed".

If you find a dealer that will install anything FREE I will caution you that you might not see that dealer in business for long. Covering costs and making a profit keeps a business alive -- and without that, failure is inevitable!!

What is it in your BUSINESS life that you do for free for others???????

 

[AntelopeSpyder]

The critical issue here is the difference between "factory installed" and "dealer installed".

If you find a dealer that will install anything FREE I will caution you that you might not see that dealer in business for long. Covering costs and making a profit keeps a business alive -- and without that, failure is inevitable!!

What is it in your BUSINESS life that you do for free for others???????

I guess I assumed that the options on the :spyder2: would be “factory” installed because I ordered the spyder that way. When I purchased my new F150 there was a list of factory installed options on the sticker. I also ordered a bed liner that the dealer installed at no charge.

It never occurred to me that the dealer would charge me to install options that I ordered when I order a new :spyder2: until I saw posts on this site about dealer charges. I guess I will just have to figure all this in whenever I order my :spyder2:.

 

[MouthPiece]

Okeedokee. I understand that the dealer is in the business to make money and so am I. What I don't understand is why did I pay almost $1,200.00 for a Garmin Zumo 660 GPS from them when I could have bought one FROM Garmin around $800.00 and had the dealer install? My understanding is that I had to buy this GPS through BPS in order for it to be installed on my spyder. I guess I should have put that in my original post.

 

[Lamonster]

From reading the boards it varies from dealer to dealer. Some dealers were installing the foglights on the RS if you ordered them at the same time as the Spyder. I guess it depends how bad they want the sale but it's up to you to get the deal you want.

 

[dave01]

Okeedokee. I understand that the dealer is in the business to make money and so am I. What I don't understand is why did I pay almost $1,200.00 for a Garmin Zumo 660 GPS from them when I could have bought one FROM Garmin around $800.00 and had the dealer install? My understanding is that I had to buy this GPS through BPS in order for it to be installed on my spyder. I guess I should have put that in my original post.

The extra cost is for the mount and wiring to commect it to the Spyder. I looked into buying just a mount but its not an option yet. Horray for RAM mounts. For 35.00, my gps is installed and works great.

 

[TicketBait]

I called my dealer to see if the CB is in and it said now estimated for march 10th, I also learned
that you must have this wiring harness that retails for $109.99 Part # 219400201
so that either the XM or CB will work.
and i had the dealer call BRP on the helmets and now we are talking early June

I have had the GPS since I got the bike but did not have it installed so that i would save on installation costs, since then I found a place where I could have gotten all 3 xm,cb,gps for $600 less than MSRP, which would have covered the installation ( 5 hours) unless done at same time then only 3 1/2 hrs labor, i feel I am being raked over the coals :yikes:

CB & COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

• For staying in touch with friends across a range of 40 channels
• Handlebar controls allow PTT and adjust squelch levels for maximum performance and reception quality
• Fully integrated system also mutes radio while in transmitting and receiving modes
• Plug and play system controlled via vehicle's cluster
• The Entertainment Harness Kit (219400201) is required for installation

 

[MouthPiece]

I called my dealer to see if the CB is in and it said now estimated for march 10th, I also learned
that you must have this wiring harness that retails for $109.99 Part # 219400201
so that either the XM or CB will work.

You're absolutely right. Since my last post on this thread, I got a call from the dealer saying that AFTER they had taken off all the panels, installed the GPS AND were attempting to install the XM, they realized that the wiring harness you mentioned was needed. (obviously the tech was a virgin) They said there would be the additional charge that you mentioned for the harness.

Additionally, they said that they would need to order the harness from BRP and that it may take a week. I asked if I could have my spyder back, and the guy said yes, but that they would charge more for having to replace and then remove the panels again. Looks like my spyder is going to be in the shop for a week. Flarda is JUST NOW getting decent weather to ride. (not to mention Daytona is coming up)

I hope this isn't a "sign of things to come".

 

[Jake007]

I think I'll wait a year or two and buy a used one with all the stuff on it. Hopefully they hold there value like the 08 :roflblack: premier editions ones did.:yikes:...opcorn:.. Still like my spyder.. Just need warmer weather..:helpsmilie:

 

[RTRider]

I stopped at a dealer on Saturday to look at a RT-S. I inquired about the XM radio and he looked at me like I had 3 eyes. I feel that for 25 thousand bucks the XM radio should be standard equipment. It is on the Goldwing and LT BMW's and almost all cars now days. Also I can not believe there is not a heated seat or even an option for one. A touring bike should have a heated seat. I was ready to buy a RT-S this spring but now I will wait till next year. Maybe they will have the bugs out and will figure out that for 25 grand a XM radio and heated seats should be standard. I really like the RT-S and I will have one but not this year. I have contacted 4 dealers and none of them seemed to interested in talking about the RT-S. They got real interested when I asked them if they also sold ATV's. The dealer I stopped at had 1 Spyder in the back corner and about 100 ATV's all over the place.

 

[bjt]

...I have contacted 4 dealers and none of them seemed to interested in talking about the RT-S. They got real interested when I asked them if they also sold ATV's. The dealer I stopped at had 1 Spyder in the back corner and about 100 ATV's all over the place.

Spyders are a newer item. Dealers bread and butter have been ATVs (or PWCs or snowmobiles) for years and will still probably be a main focus.

 

[Lamonster]

I stopped at a dealer on Saturday to look at a RT-S. I inquired about the XM radio and he looked at me like I had 3 eyes. I feel that for 25 thousand bucks the XM radio should be standard equipment. It is on the Goldwing and LT BMW's and almost all cars now days. Also I can not believe there is not a heated seat or even an option for one. A touring bike should have a heated seat. I was ready to buy a RT-S this spring but now I will wait till next year. Maybe they will have the bugs out and will figure out that for 25 grand a XM radio and heated seats should be standard. I really like the RT-S and I will have one but not this year. I have contacted 4 dealers and none of them seemed to interested in talking about the RT-S. They got real interested when I asked them if they also sold ATV's. The dealer I stopped at had 1 Spyder in the back corner and about 100 ATV's all over the place.

Yea but you pay another $10,000+ for that extra wheel on the Goldwing and BMW and they put it on backwards.

 

[Wheeler~]

The extra cost is for the mount and wiring to commect it to the Spyder. I looked into buying just a mount but its not an option yet. Horray for RAM mounts. For 35.00, my gps is installed and works great.

Is that Ram mount for the 550 Zumo? Does the Ram mount fit the same center handlebar location as the 660 fits on the RT-S? If so, do you have a parts number for it. I want to connect my 550 but as yet haven't found a mod to fit and hope someone designs one for the center handlebar.

 

[MouthPiece]

Wiring harness came in today and the "tech" began to install this morning. (Saturday). This is for the XM radio mind you. They had already installed the radio, but didn't realize that a wiring harness would be involved. (see earlier post) I got a call from "service" asking that I come down and take a look this afternoon. (Saturday). My spyder was completely broken down. Seems that they had to take everything off from the LCD screen to and including the back luggage trunk. The tech told me he had no idea that there was this much work involved in installing this. They even called BRP and more or less got a "we can care less response". Admittedly this is the first time that the tech has attempted to install XM radio on an RTS. I don't have a problem with that at all. It would seem though that BRP would collaborate a little more with the dealer and letting them know just what is involved. That way the dealer can certainly advise the customer. Now I know why the cost and will gladly pay. (Well perhaps not gladly)

 

[Lamonster]

Wiring harness came in today and the "tech" began to install this morning. (Saturday). This is for the XM radio mind you. They had already installed the radio, but didn't realize that a wiring harness would be involved. (see earlier post) I got a call from "service" asking that I come down and take a look this afternoon. (Saturday). My spyder was completely broken down. Seems that they had to take everything off from the LCD screen to and including the back luggage trunk. The tech told me he had no idea that there was this much work involved in installing this. They even called BRP and more or less got a "we can care less response". Admittedly this is the first time that the tech has attempted to install XM radio on an RTS. I don't have a problem with that at all. It would seem though that BRP would collaborate a little more with the dealer and letting them know just what is involved. That way the dealer can certainly advise the customer. Now I know why the cost and will gladly pay. (Well perhaps not gladly)

The XM is not that bad to install but the antenna for the XM is a bit of a pain. I had to install a new one on mine.

 

[YPILOT]

I think I'll wait a year or two and buy a used one with all the stuff on it. Hopefully they hold there value like the 08 :roflblack: premier editions ones did.:yikes:...opcorn:.. Still like my spyder.. Just need warmer weather..:helpsmilie:

opcorn:opcorn:opcorn: The hits just keep on coming opcorn:opcorn:opcorn: Looks like alot of us will be watching. opcorn:opcorn:opcorn: and waiting opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:and hoping.

 

[1551retired]

The XM is not that bad to install but the antenna for the XM is a bit of a pain. I had to install a new one on mine.

So where did you wind up installing the new XM antenna on the RT? I have an older XM portable reciever I've been using in the rear trunk and using it's built-in FM modulator. Problem is with the magnetic antenna in the trunk the signal keeps cutting out when I drive in different directions (think my passenger could also be blocking the satellite signal at times).