Stevemartinez
New member
Looking for Spyder owner feedback on pro & cons to owning one. Hearing much negative publicity about them. Would appreciate some sincere data before possible purchase.
Steve.
Steve.
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Spyder Hunter
- Thread starter Stevemartinez
- Start date
Welcome! I won't sugar coat it. There have been some recalls in previous year models, and recurring problems with the alignment on the 2013s. But not any more than any new-to-market vehicle, especially one with so much computerized technology. There have also been some dealer issues. But Can Am is being responsive in correcting those issues and problems. I too, was aware of the negative issues before buying mine. I made sure I found an unmolested model with a documented history. I believe unless you know what you're doing, the more you tinker with them, the higher the probability of some gremlin popping up. Are you looking at new or used?
:welcome::agree: If you spend a bit time in our forum and use the search and you find answer to any question you might have.:yes:You can start in drive testing. Maybe rent to have more time riding. Satisfied owners have different scale in how they appreciate the :spyder2:. Good luck and again :welcome:K I T (keep in touch)
Laila's Dad
New member
It really comes down to you
With any car/truck, motorcycle, or spyder you will find positive reviews and negative. They will range from bad handling to the best ride ever. Anytime we make a big purchase there is a risk factor. "Is the dealer shady" or "did I read the fine print on the warranty" and the list goes on. Just like trucks, some swear by Chevy and others say the first one they had broke down. The spyder (RT, RS, ST) is only as good as the one you personally pick because if I tell you they are great but the one you buy breaks down then you won't care about my personal experience. For me it has been a great choice but only you can determine if it works for you. You will get a lot( and I do mean a LOT) of information on this forum that may sway you in one direction or another but you have the final word, as you already know. Good luck and God speed...
With any car/truck, motorcycle, or spyder you will find positive reviews and negative. They will range from bad handling to the best ride ever. Anytime we make a big purchase there is a risk factor. "Is the dealer shady" or "did I read the fine print on the warranty" and the list goes on. Just like trucks, some swear by Chevy and others say the first one they had broke down. The spyder (RT, RS, ST) is only as good as the one you personally pick because if I tell you they are great but the one you buy breaks down then you won't care about my personal experience. For me it has been a great choice but only you can determine if it works for you. You will get a lot( and I do mean a LOT) of information on this forum that may sway you in one direction or another but you have the final word, as you already know. Good luck and God speed...
bullant12
New member
:agree: with his statement. When I first saw the RT, I knew I wanted one but was affraid of the issues it could have. It took me 2 months to make the purchase... and after 2 1/2 years, a wife going from not caring about it to owning her own :spyder2: and starting the "Girls on Spyders" group on Facebook with other female riders and trading up to a 2013 (2010 had over 12,000 miles when traded), I do not look back!
Good luck with your decision! And :welcome:
ARtraveler
R.I.P. Dwayne
:welcome: You have come to the right place for all things :spyder2:
As others have recommended, just start reading the forum for information. Keep in mind, that more people complain than those that praise.
Personally, I have owned four spyders. :ani29::ani29::ani29::ani29:. A 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The 2008 was a first issue vehicle, the 2009 was one of the early SE5's (semi auto transmission), the 2010 is a premier edition RT, and the 2011 is the second year version of the RT.
I have put over 58,000 miles on the vehicles mentioned above and another has put 25,000 miles on the 2009 in addition. No major mechanical problems with any. I would still buy another :spyder2: if the need or desire arises.
Mechanical setup is very important. You can also glean that information by reading the forums. There are some issues with the new 2013's, but I am confident they will be solved shortly.
Hope this helps you. Let us know what happens with your search.
As others have recommended, just start reading the forum for information. Keep in mind, that more people complain than those that praise.
Personally, I have owned four spyders. :ani29::ani29::ani29::ani29:. A 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The 2008 was a first issue vehicle, the 2009 was one of the early SE5's (semi auto transmission), the 2010 is a premier edition RT, and the 2011 is the second year version of the RT.
I have put over 58,000 miles on the vehicles mentioned above and another has put 25,000 miles on the 2009 in addition. No major mechanical problems with any. I would still buy another :spyder2: if the need or desire arises.
Mechanical setup is very important. You can also glean that information by reading the forums. There are some issues with the new 2013's, but I am confident they will be solved shortly.
Hope this helps you. Let us know what happens with your search.
lookerjdc
New member
Also bear in mind, the majority of the owners who don't have a problem won't be starting threads like "Hey my Spyder didn't have a problem today!", or "It ran perfectly again"
great idea
lets start those threads......
Woody
New member
My two cents - about to buy my first
if you have decided upon getting a trike, then it is not much of a decision since the Y configuration is a much better design than two wheels in the rear as far as stability goes. The only other factory trike is HD and it is in the stone ages compared to the Spyder's ABS, Vehicle Stability System, adjustable suspension, integrated braking, etc, etc. Esentially the computer (known as "nanny" here) will throttle back the engine if the rider gets too aggressive. A Gold Wing conversion comes a little closer, but is an aftermarket conversion and will tip over easier than a Spyder and does not have the nanny.
I have decided that I can live with the glitches, if any, and have now placed my emphasis on which of the three DEALERS within an hour of me have the best customer service, just in case something does arise. I also plan on springing for an extended warranty. And, oh by the way, the Spyder is thousands less $ than any other trike.
Read as much of this forum as you can before making your decision, especially the "Do's and Do Not's for New Spyder Owners"
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...uot-for-new-Spyder-owners&p=476766#post476766
Good luck.
if you have decided upon getting a trike, then it is not much of a decision since the Y configuration is a much better design than two wheels in the rear as far as stability goes. The only other factory trike is HD and it is in the stone ages compared to the Spyder's ABS, Vehicle Stability System, adjustable suspension, integrated braking, etc, etc. Esentially the computer (known as "nanny" here) will throttle back the engine if the rider gets too aggressive. A Gold Wing conversion comes a little closer, but is an aftermarket conversion and will tip over easier than a Spyder and does not have the nanny.
I have decided that I can live with the glitches, if any, and have now placed my emphasis on which of the three DEALERS within an hour of me have the best customer service, just in case something does arise. I also plan on springing for an extended warranty. And, oh by the way, the Spyder is thousands less $ than any other trike.
Read as much of this forum as you can before making your decision, especially the "Do's and Do Not's for New Spyder Owners"
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...uot-for-new-Spyder-owners&p=476766#post476766
Good luck.
Oldmanzues
New member
I love my Spyder ( can not use those little things for the most part). I had 2008 GS/RS, only problem was self inflicted limp mode, touching the brake pedal. I traded for 2010RT. Loose battery conection only real problem. I did not break down on the road anytime. Some recalls done at service times. About 12K on the RS. 19K on the RT. To each his own, of course, but for me, Color me SpyderLover.
Oldmanzues
Oldmanzues
spydaman60
New member
i agree with---
I agree with about 99% of the above! the#1 key to you liking the spyder though has a lot to do with the dealer you have. when I first bought my 2012 rss I had a problem with vibrations.:banghead::banghead: I felt it had to be something to do with the balancing of the tires. (or possibly the alignment):dontknow: after the dealer did both, the problem was still there. they didn't give up on me at that point. they called me when they had a demo day and I brought my spyder over and tried a set of tires and wheels off of one of the demo (new spyders) at this point I had no problem with vibration in the handlebars so we knew it had something to do with a bad wheel or bad tire. it was all uphill from there. they took care of the issue and didn't give up until it was perfect.:thumbup: I've heard some horror stories about dealers that just don't care. 7,500 miles last summer and hours and hours of enjoyment with my wife! just love the spyder!!:clap:
I agree with about 99% of the above! the#1 key to you liking the spyder though has a lot to do with the dealer you have. when I first bought my 2012 rss I had a problem with vibrations.:banghead::banghead: I felt it had to be something to do with the balancing of the tires. (or possibly the alignment):dontknow: after the dealer did both, the problem was still there. they didn't give up on me at that point. they called me when they had a demo day and I brought my spyder over and tried a set of tires and wheels off of one of the demo (new spyders) at this point I had no problem with vibration in the handlebars so we knew it had something to do with a bad wheel or bad tire. it was all uphill from there. they took care of the issue and didn't give up until it was perfect.:thumbup: I've heard some horror stories about dealers that just don't care. 7,500 miles last summer and hours and hours of enjoyment with my wife! just love the spyder!!:clap:
Chupaca
New member
Have to agree..!!
:agree: Good news sells no papers. I find that there are relatively few problems with the bike itself. All have been addressed and corrections made in a timely manner. Until Joe public handles and man handles new units problems will arise because they have a knack of finding the flaws. Test ryde one and see for yourself. Spyder ryders have no patience when it comes to down time and will complain bitterly if kept from ryding...jmho...:thumbup:
Also bear in mind, the majority of the owners who don't have a problem won't be starting threads like "Hey my Spyder didn't have a problem today!", or "It ran perfectly again"
:agree: Good news sells no papers. I find that there are relatively few problems with the bike itself. All have been addressed and corrections made in a timely manner. Until Joe public handles and man handles new units problems will arise because they have a knack of finding the flaws. Test ryde one and see for yourself. Spyder ryders have no patience when it comes to down time and will complain bitterly if kept from ryding...jmho...:thumbup:
I was in the same boat as you. My wife and I always thought we would like it but I have a 2 wheeler and she didn't have a license and couldn't ride 2 wheeler (never learned to ride a bicycle.). Finally this year she was able to take the MSF course on a rented Wing trike and we took the plunge on a 2013 ST-S from RideNow in surprise. About 250 miles on it so far. I put a bunch of miles on while she was at work, it is supposed to be hers. The ear to ear smile on her has been worth it. I don't think I got a great deal on price, but I am a horrible negotiator on vehicles. I usually just beg them to not hurt me too bad. But I only buy new about once a decade.
The Spyder is very different than what I am used to so I was leery of the problems I've heard about and the totally different maintenance procedures. So far we both like riding it, the SE-5 is really different. I've reached for the non-existent clutch and brake levers about a million times now but I'm getting used to the semi-auto and single brake pedal. No regrets yet. If there turn out to be big problems, we sell, take the loss and move on. Life is short.
The Spyder is very different than what I am used to so I was leery of the problems I've heard about and the totally different maintenance procedures. So far we both like riding it, the SE-5 is really different. I've reached for the non-existent clutch and brake levers about a million times now but I'm getting used to the semi-auto and single brake pedal. No regrets yet. If there turn out to be big problems, we sell, take the loss and move on. Life is short.
Carold571
New member
I had been riding a sport tourer ( Kawasaki ZZR ) for several years before purchasing my 2012 RT AC in April of 2012. Bought it new and have 10,000 miles on it. I would never go back to 2 wheels. I loved my Kawasaki but I love love love my spyder. I've not had any issues with my spyder and I would buy it all over again, only sooner.
Hope this helps you with your decision.
Hope this helps you with your decision.
I just purchased my first spyder a 2013 RT Limited. On my first ride i found the spyder to be some what uncontrollable at speeds over 50, boy i thought i made a mistake! I wasn't sure I made the right choice giving up my 2 wheeler. After posting my issues with the Spyders handling, i was overwhelmed by the responses i received from our Spyder family. Come to find out, my Spyder had the alignment issue and was on the list for new ball joints.
My dealer took care of these issues faster then I could have asked. The machine handles like a dream and is by far the most comfortable ride i've ever had. I've been bitten! I don't think I'll ever go back to two wheels again.
As others have said, all manufactures that are on the cutting edge of technology have some issues come up but, it how they handle these issues. BRP jumped all over this and resolved the alignment and balljoint issues in a matter of weeks. Shipped the parts to the dealers and the repairs were made.
you won't be disappointed owning a Spyder!!!!
Just my two cents.
Netminder
New member
I felt the same as you before buying my RT, but spent many hours on this forum, read as much as I could, went to bike shows and a few dealers to check them out in person. Once you do all that you will be able to make a much more informed decision. Also I rented one before I bought just to be sure I was comfortable with the ride!( My dealer even paid the rental because i bought from them)And don't be afraid to ask questions here as everyone is more then happy to spread their knowledge and experience. :thumbup: Good luck!
AlamoRyder
New member
Never regretted the decision, not once.
Buying my first Spyder (2012 RT A&C SE-5) in July had changed my life and my wife’s. We now own two (she got a 2012 Red RTS-SE-5) since October and our life is revolving around our :spyder2::spyder2: and it sure has been an epiphany for us. My wife never rode or got on my 2 wheelers over the years but she did ride the back of our first Spyder and enjoyed it so much see wanted her own. Now we are eager to travel to Spyderfest, BRP 2013 and Lamont’s BBQ this spring. Tomorrow who knows. We love the bikes, the people and the road. Nothing compares to the :spyder2: on the road. We have been bitten and will never go back!!
Come on in, the water is fine!!
Buying my first Spyder (2012 RT A&C SE-5) in July had changed my life and my wife’s. We now own two (she got a 2012 Red RTS-SE-5) since October and our life is revolving around our :spyder2::spyder2: and it sure has been an epiphany for us. My wife never rode or got on my 2 wheelers over the years but she did ride the back of our first Spyder and enjoyed it so much see wanted her own. Now we are eager to travel to Spyderfest, BRP 2013 and Lamont’s BBQ this spring. Tomorrow who knows. We love the bikes, the people and the road. Nothing compares to the :spyder2: on the road. We have been bitten and will never go back!!
Come on in, the water is fine!!
AMTJIM
New member
I am on my 3rd Spyder, the first was an '08 premiere edition. Started off well and ended up a lemon law. Lemon Law is very strong here in AZ and it passed both options to qualify. Went back to 2 wheels and I almost lemon lawed...on Mt. Lemon of all places. Gave Can-Am another try and put about 23,000 glitch free miles on it. It endured my tinker toy and erector set aspirations during my ownership and shined on. Had to get back on the 2 wheels I fell off of and picked up a Buell for what was the finally of my recovery. Just slimmed down and traded both in for a green 2012 RSS. TORTUGA! The cliche in the navy is to get your sea legs and this is somewhat true with the Spyder as well. Float in the seat and let it swish around a little under you, it's very easy to frustrate yourself for constant un-necessary corrections. It tracks more like a car, you lean just as you do in a car. If you want to get track active with it as I did with my second, you will find yourself just as animated as you would a sportbike in the curves. Catamaran sailing or side car racing for one in that case, trying to assure the VSS and give it the Jedi mind trick it needs that everything is okay, there's no need to activate the nanny, the rider may go about his business...move along.
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