Spyder Loyalty

[3wheeldemon]

Both sides of this debate have good points. I am very forgiving with glitches in new technologies but, in vehicles, I draw the line on two things: I expect the steering and the brakes to work!:shocked: Too much to ask?:dontknow:

3WD

 

[Way2Fast]

This is exactly the fear mongering that seems to have flooded the internet of late. And I quote "...if and when it happens to you..." With all due respect what makes you so sure that a systemic problem with the spyder steering is going to ensue that I too will eventually have a problem with my steering based on your words that "when it happens to you".

I do not doubt for a minute that you had a steering problem with your bike that twice was severe enough to have you fear for your life and continue to make you afraid to ride the spyder. The solution is blatently obvious...if you believe that there is a problem and you continue to be afraid to ride it then sell it, but please don't continue to fear monger about the steering problems.

As you are entitled to your opinion I too am entitled to mine and my opinion is that my spyder is one of the most funnest toys I have ever bought, even with some of the challenges that it has experienced. Notice I didn't say "problems" but used the word "challenges" because challenges are relatively easy to overcome and are an indication of the attitude that I hold !

I don't consider it to be "fear mongering" when people relay what has happened to them on the internet. In the case of some Spyder riders loosing control of their vehicles steering due to mechanical and/or software problems, I think it is in the best interest of all for this information to be made available. For those like yourself, who apparently don't want to hear about it why not skip the thread and read something else. You suggest that because my steering "challenge" (as you call it) has instilled a fear in me, I sell my Spyder. If I do sell my Spyder, I will make sure that the buyer knows about the many problems owners have had with these bikes. Since you consider "challenges" so relatively easy to overcome, may God be with you IF and when you loose steering on yours !! With my emphasis being on the word "IF" !!

 

[Lamonster]

I consider myself a loyal Spyder owner that has strongly recommended the product to everyone that has asked. I know for a fact that I have been responsible for at least three Spyder sales due to this. I am now beginning to wonder about my own Spyder. I am almost afraid to take the thing on a long ride with my wife in fear of some strange breakdown. I am hearing about Output Shaft failures, Front pulley failures, Rear wheel bearing failures, Gps issues, Dps issues, Rear fenders falling off, and many others. Does anyone else feel the same way? I will have to admit that I have not experienced any of these issues (7000 mi.) and also realize that maybe not all will have issues, but it seems as though many are having problems that I consider major, and not just annoyances. Just my current thoughts; What are yours? nojoke

Michael:doorag:

I know you ride a Wing too and I just stumbled on this post on the Wing board.
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190054

 

[bjt]

I know you ride a Wing too and I just stumbled on this post on the Wing board.
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190054

This goes to show that none are immune to problems. Reading that one thread has me wondering how anyone could trust a Goldwing. I'd guess that every Goldwing is just a tranny rebuild waiting to happen. :chat:

I'll stick with my Spyder as it's been a really nice ride for me for the most part.

 

[BLACK WIDOW]

Wing

I know you ride a Wing too and I just stumbled on this post on the Wing board.
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190054

Sounds like the GW crowd is a little upset also I did have the frame issue with mine but nothing else. No machine is perfect, it would be nice though if we could only have one major issue at a time. So far with 7000 miles on the Spyder I have actually had no issues that I would count as being unusual. The spyder is the most enjoyable ride I have ridden; I just don't want it to crater on me at 25,000 miles or so.


Michael:doorag:

 

[WaltH]

How much worse can you get than totaled from a fire that only took a few seconds. Not only could of killed you; but sounds like it could of wiped out your house and your whole family. :yikes:

I would be the last person in the world to minimize the fire danger, however I have been able to do something to reduce the risk with my new Spyder. I cannot do anything about the DPS risk on my own. In this sense it may be worse. For me the risks may be different. If they occur, the outcomes are not different. In both cases the outcome could be death. We are dependent upon BRP to fix the DPS problem. I thought they had done this, but now there seems to be a consensus developing that the "update" has not eliminated the problem. I am sure that in the long-run BRP will succeed with this. In the mean time, I am very concerned.

 

[rleathen]

I don't consider it to be "fear mongering" when people relay what has happened to them on the internet. In the case of some Spyder riders loosing control of their vehicles steering due to mechanical and/or software problems, I think it is in the best interest of all for this information to be made available. For those like yourself, who apparently don't want to hear about it why not skip the thread and read something else. You suggest that because my steering "challenge" (as you call it) has instilled a fear in me, I sell my Spyder. If I do sell my Spyder, I will make sure that the buyer knows about the many problems owners have had with these bikes. Since you consider "challenges" so relatively easy to overcome, may God be with you IF and when you loose steering on yours !! With my emphasis being on the word "IF" !!

You know if you had just relayed what had happened then that would be fine but to then imply by your choice of words that it will happen to everybody "...when it happens to you.." is to fear monger. You are mistaken in that I do want to hear all about problems and or challenges (you choose the word you feel most comfortable using) that people have. All I ask is that we hear the facts without the negative conjecture surrounding it. You know something along the lines of ...."this is what happened, this is what caused it to happen or is believed to have caused it to happen and this is the proposed fix to stop it from happening again.". If you really want to convey valuable information to people that people will actually learn something from then leave out the dramatic "...when it happens to you......" and the " may God be with you IF and when (again with the word WHEN !!!) you loose steering on yours !! With my emphasis being on the word "IF" !! (then you should have left out the WHEN".

Perhaps I should take your advice and just skip this thread. You know I will just skip this thread when you just sell your problem bike. Neither is the solution to the problem. Investigating with knowledge an open mind and no biases IS the best method for solving the problem OR overcoming the challenge (again you pick the word you feel comfortable with).

 

[NancysToy]

I swore I would not post in this thread again, just to keep from fueling the fire. I have no willpower, however, and since all this discussion has gotten me to thinking, I decided to share my thoughts. I don't want to minimize or trivialize the incidents that started this thread. I feel real bad for anyone who has been scared, either by an incident, or by talk of someone else's troubles. It is hard to ride for pleasure when your mind is on possible disaster...or a past one

After much reflection, I did want to try to put some of this in perspective. I have ridden every manner of motorcycle over the years, and I have raced a variety of wheeled, tracked, and hulled vehicles. As I look back, some were real rat traps! If you have ever ridden a motorcycle with a sidecar, for instance, you know how unpredictable they can be. Same goes for bikes on dirt. Some of these rides can get your heart pumping real fast...and it isn't from the thrill of speed. I have decided that for me, and me alone, the danger of encountering an incident beyond my abilities to save the day is quite small. First, I am an experienced rider. Second, I have ridden worse (and still do sometimes). Third, as BRPJunkie said, my chances are worse in traffic. Finally, the number of incidents, compared to the number of Spyders on the road, is small, indeed.

I don't expect to sway people over to my way of thinking. It would be wrong to even try. What I am saying is that you need to assess how you feel, and your abilities to deal with either a mishap or the thought of a failure, and come to a logical conclusion for yourself, and yourself alone. No need to justify it, and no need to try to win anyone over to your side. I hope everyone gets a chance to reflect, and to do what's right for them.

 

[rleathen]

Scotty very well said.....as usual !!

 

[mvengineer]

Scotty
What a balanced conclusion.... Don't stop posting. We need your wisdom.

 

[Neez]

Sound counsel, Scotty.

 

[bone crusher]

people have racked up some heavy milage on there spyders ... i drive it ...it brakes ill have it towed and rent a car to get home ... all we hear is the bad ...how bout the good ... there are a handfull of people with problems ...but i'm sure there are a sh&* load without...
again just my opinion

Agreed...not a problem...this board employs a lot of group psychology...very dangerous and generally useless...

 

[bjt]

...I don't expect to sway people over to my way of thinking. It would be wrong to even try. What I am saying is that you need to assess how you feel, and your abilities to deal with either a mishap or the thought of a failure, and come to a logical conclusion for yourself, and yourself alone. No need to justify it, and no need to try to win anyone over to your side. I hope everyone gets a chance to reflect, and to do what's right for them.

I agree 100%.

 

[BRPjunkie]

Like many who have not had problems with their Spyder, I count myself as lucky. It is the most fun I have had in many years of riding. If BRP would have simply followed others and stuck a Rotax V twin in a two wheeled frame we would have probably ignored it. They took a risk in not only bringing a three wheeled vehicle to the market, but did it in a configuration and with technology that was not expected. What they did is create something new and exciting, but also created a complex high maintenance machine that at times confounds owners, dealers, techs and even the factory because so many systems are inter-linked. We are at a tipping point for the Spyder as the loyal first owners are clearly starting to get nervous and BRP needs to make sure they don't lose their best marketing tool. For some, the loyalty may end if BRP does not provide a good response before their factory two year or extended BEST warranty expires.

 

[natedupree]

Mixed feelings

I have about 32K on my 2008 Spyder now and it is down. My output shaft bearing is shot along with the seal, front pulley,splines etc. The engine will have to be taken apart to make the repairs. I had my bike at the dealer twice in 2013 and no mention of BRP Bulletin 2010-6 was mentioned on my invoices. I had a new rim and tire put on by the dealer. No mention of belt tension adjustment during that visit. The rear brake bracket had to be replaced and adjusted no mentoin of belt adjustment. I have read the many comments on this website how faulty belt tension could have been the cause of my problem. This was brought to my attention by a non BRP mechanic. That is where my SPYDER sits today waiting for the parts and repair. I am also a victim of faulty rear fender supports. Riding home from work on night my rear lights went out. The next day I found that right fender support had severed a piece of the wire harness causing it to ground out. I fought with BRP and lost. I was out of warranty then and now. I bought my bike used with 4K on it in excellent condition. With the output bearing being inside the engine is problem in itself with design. I cannot recommend that anyone buy a used SPYDER without riding the threads in this Website. That goes for a new Spyder also. My shaft seal went on my 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan. It was repaired no engine dismantlement needed. I am not crying about not having extented warranties. It is what it is. I am not going back to that dealer again for any repair work. I understand the anger and frustration of some of the members. You have not walked in my shoes so can you tell me how my feet feel?:thumbup:

 

[MidTNDawg]

Doesn't this site have in excess of 10,000 members?

Seems I saw that some where. How many complain of problems? And don't these who complain seem to be ones with multiple problems. I am not doubting their problems, just pointing out the small percentage.

 

[Dragonrider]

It's part of riding any type of motorcycle. In the old days, breakdowns were common, and you had to carry your shade tree shop with you. Today, not so much - reliability has drastically improved. Today, I think most bikes, including the Spyder are every bit as reliable as 90% of the cars on the road - plus given our attention to details like tires and loose stuff, probably more so. If you are really concerned about breakdowns, always carry a phone and AAA Plus card, or sell it and don't ride.

 

[BikerDoc]

I have ridden three Spyders over 100,000 miles and have never been stranded anywhere (rode the Saddlesore 1000 earlier this week). I have complete confidence in my Spyder and complete confidence in my dealer Central Florida Powersports who maintains my Spyder in first rate condition.. I have been stranded by two wheelers earlier in my riding career - namely my Yamaha, but I still think they make a great product.. things just happen to some percentage of owners

 

[ChasCS]

My main complaint!

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Chas

 

[ARtraveler]

I have ridden three Spyders over 100,000 miles and have never been stranded anywhere (rode the Saddlesore 1000 earlier this week). I have complete confidence in my Spyder and complete confidence in my dealer Central Florida Powersports who maintains my Spyder in first rate condition.. I have been stranded by two wheelers earlier in my riding career - namely my Yamaha, but I still think they make a great product.. things just happen to some percentage of owners

:agree: x 2. Here, five Spyders and over 100,000 miles. Never stranded. Even had an issue with a Yamaha Venture back in the 80's. Carbureator issues but was 75 miles from a dealer. Was able to drive it there and they fixed it and got me on the road in a couple hours. So far, never been stranded on any motorcycle/Spyder.