SPYDER RTS STEERING PROBLEM - WARNING!

[fastfraser]

Do not insult me... I have been on two wheels now for 30+ years... So I guess I have no idea what it is like. Just because I did not give you the answer your looking for ... oh well... It is NOT defective on all RT's... That is the fact jack.

As others have said... Including myself but you clearly ignored it... You very well could have an issue. But many of us experienced very similar feelings at first.

Go ahead and treat me like you are. Seems to be your way. Good luck and I hope you find a safe solution.

:agree:You try and help a guy and he slams you .

 

[IdleUp]

Sorry, not trying to mean but I've been riding Spyder's almost daily for a few years, I have it figured out what's right and what's wrong when it comes to the steering.

Just a bit frustrated with this new bike thing. Seems as if after BRP having all their past steering problems would have been more careful with the new RT bikes, but instead, they put sales ahead of safety and pushed numerous bikes out the door knowing they had steering issue.

Thanks

 

[NancysToy]

Sorry, not trying to mean but I've been riding Spyder's almost daily for a few years, I have it figured out what's right and what's wrong when it comes to the steering.

Just a bit frustrated with this new bike thing. Seems as if after BRP having all their past steering problems would have been more careful with the new RT bikes, but instead, they put sales ahead of safety and pushed numerous bikes out the door knowing they had steering issue.

Thanks

I don't think they knew. They were quite surprised by the problems I had on mine by March. Biggest problem seems to be the variation in alignment and sensor settings, from the factory...and the lack of experience of their technicians in finding the problems and resolving them. My dealer was one of the very first Spyder dealers, and they had never done an alignment...didn't even have the tools. I think this sensitivity of the RT to alignment and sensor zeroing has snuck up on everybody. Same basic design, but a lot of new wrinkles. In short, the RS seems to be less sensitive to these variations in the settings.

 

[chili]

RTS Steering

Ok I’m pretty upset with BRP tonight – here’s the story . . .
I’ve been a Spyder owner since they came out – as a matter of fact, I got one of the bikes slated for the dealer and was driving one of the first “yellow Spyder’s in Virginia. Anyhow – I’ve been watching the RTS for some time now and decided to sell my trusty Goldwing CSC trike and add the Spyder RTS to my fleet for some serious cruising. I ordered the bike last week and this morning I went to pick her up and bring her home.
Everything was hunky dory (how ever you spell it) until I took my first ride. In just seconds, I could feel a serious problem with the steering to the point it actually felt the bike was almost out of control. After analyzing the problem it was quickly determined that the power steering module for the RTS had some serious problems. While most power steering modules reduce steering ability the faster you go to reduce over-steer, the re-designed module on the RTS model continues to be over sensitive regardless of speed. Any slight movement of the handlebars, dip in the road, gust of wind, or any movement of the rider or passenger causes the bike to swerve to either the right or left.

After a few trips back to the dealer trying different air pressures and increasing the shock settings, it was perfectly clear that Spyder RTS is not road worthy, and in fact unsafe. On one of my many test rides, Rt 460 where the speed limit is 65, it was almost impossible to hold the bike in a lane without constant corrections. On one occasion, as a semi passed me, I locked my arms to prevent the bars from moving and the turbulence caused the bike to almost uncontrollably swerve back and forth and at times right in the other lane.

As another test, I drove a new standard RT model, and it handled just as good as my old Spyder. Anyhow, after reading post all over the Internet, it’s clear I’m not the only one with this problem . My quick research shows that the standard RT model uses the old type steering module while the RTS with it’s new front end and uses a new steering module hence the problem.

The long and short of it - BRP should be ashamed of themselves for releasing the bike in this condition. You can’t tell me that no one knew of this problem because a company with so much technology has to know what there is a problem. While I’m concerned with my bike getting fixed, I’m more concerned with someone getting injured or worse killed as a result of this problem. As of now, my new bike sits at the dealer and no one really knows anything, not even the factory on how to fix the damn thing.

My old Goldwing starting to look real good to me again . . .

I've got over 3000 miles on my 2010 RTS over some demanding routes and have never had a problem. Straight, steady at slow and speeds up to 90 plus.

Your bike apparently has an individual bike specific problem.

Jim

 

[IdleUp]

Ok that's good news - all I have to do now is figure out what's wrong with mine.

Thanks

 

[CSX4350]

Interesting, my 2009 GS Phantom behaved exactly as you describe your RT-S behaving. Since it only lived for 4 days before getting totalled out, I didn't have a chance to ask about the uncontrollability. My new RT-S is a night & day difference from my old GS, I kind of assumed that the handling problem was the rider and that I was now riding the Spyder properly. It would appear that I may have had a problem with the old Phantom.

 

[SpyderFun]

... In all honesty, unless you have a mechanical or electronic issue, it is simply you needing to relax your grip and turn off your "Muscle" memory.

... These RT's do not respond like any other motorcycle I have ever ryden. And frankly take a little bit to get used to.

... I too was in this position, and learned it was me needing to adjust. Not the bike pps:

:agree:
I have ridden motorcycles all over the world and will have to say that this machine reminds me very much of how an airplane handles. nojoke

What I mean is this, a driver cannot "man-handle" it or it will fight you every step of the way! And your muscles will loose the battle over aerodynamics and hydraulics. A rider has to "work with the machine" and simply get a good "feel" for it. I am sure that a RS, RT and RT-S have different, if not distinctive, handling characteristics, but that does not imply there is something fundamentally or inherently flawed to the point of it impacting public safety.
These "Spyders" are simply different.

Finally, if anyone has been an owner for any length of time, then you should know what "feels right" and what does not. This means that your issue(s) is likely bike (ie SN) specific and not a fleet-wide issue.

-Ride Smart and Ride Safe!

 

[BumbleBee]

My RT-S has been great. The only thing I have noticed is that there is little bit too much body roll when cornering. I just have to be gentle and not over steer. Not enouth to really worry about.


Straight and steady is mine. :2thumbs:

Sorry to hear about yours, sounds like something is wrong with yours.

 

[NancysToy]

:agree:
I have ridden motorcycles all over the world and will have to say that this machine reminds me very much of how an airplane handles. nojoke

What I mean is this, a driver cannot "man-handle" it or it will fight you every step of the way! And your muscles will loose the battle over aerodynamics and hydraulics. A rider has to "work with the machine" and simply get a good "feel" for it. I am sure that a RS, RT and RT-S have different, if not distinctive, handling characteristics, but that does not imply there is something fundamentally or inherently flawed to the point of it impacting public safety.
These "Spyders" are simply different.

Finally, if anyone has been an owner for any length of time, then you should know what "feels right" and what does not. This means that your issue(s) is likely bike (ie SN) specific and not a fleet-wide issue.

-Ride Smart and Ride Safe!

This is true, but experienced Spyder ryders like IdleUp and me, know the difference...and how to handle one properly. That is why an "evil" RT comes as such a shock. The RT may have a slightly different "feel", much like different planes respond a bit differently to the controls, but the basics are the same. Nobody with thousands of miles of Spyder experience should be "surprised" by an RT. When this happens, there is something wrong, and it needs to be fixed.

The neophyte Spyder ryder, on the other hand, needs to be very aware of the issues you raise. This is especially true for the RT. This is not the motorcycle of your youth...or even the sports car you put around the course at Laguna Seca. It is a different critter altogether. Developing the proper feel for the controls takes a little practice.

 

[Tonga]

I had problems with my RT going down the road at anything over 50 mph. Yes, the alignment was done and it helped very much. I must say that road conditions do affect this Touring model because of the weight and bulk pushing through the wind. I did add the sawybar and going around corners at slower speed helps alot but the mass doing it at a spirited ride is another story. My GS was great and my wife just thinks the comfort is worth going slow through the turns but, would " Buy " another one? no way. I think the front shocks need a stiffer spring rate and more adjustability. You are right Scotty about Caster setting but we can't make a silk purse out of a s:sourws ear, so to speak. Lots of money spent and I think BRP had something out there but might have taken a wrong turn. Hope they get back on track.

 

[IdleUp]

Bottom line they should have left the front end alone - the older Spyder had a great ride which was twice as soft as my Goldwing so why did they have to screw up a good thing.

What really kills me is after all the steering problems they had from the get-go it would seem they would have worked the problems out on the RT!

 

[NancysToy]

Bottom line they should have left the front end alone - the older Spyder had a great ride which was twice as soft as my Goldwing so why did they have to screw up a good thing.

Had to do something. The RT is taller and heavier, with a slightly different weight distribution. That requires changes. IMO, it could have used a few more.

 

[widowmaker2011]

Contrary to what most others have done setup wise , after riding a couple thousand miles with the front shocks on my RTS cranked full hard and the rear set to 3/4 firm, I cranked the front shocks back to midway and set the rear suspension at half while I was in North Carolina before our trip back to NY . I weigh 250 and run with about 20 pounds of junk loaded most of the time. It has now been 1200 miles since I softened it up and I haven't looked back. I went into a 20 mph corner yesterday at 60 mph and it cut it like butter. I loosened it up after getting a bit annoyed at the harshness on sharp bumps. Maybe I've just been riding sleds for so many years that I have this whole 2 wheels (or 2 skis) in front thing figured out and the handling is second nature. I am very happy with the softer settings and a tiny bit of body english is all it takes to keep the body-roll at bay. Just my 2 cents. :doorag:

 

[IdleUp]

Hey widowmaker have you looked into a stiffer sway bar or does anyone even make one for the RT?

 

[spyman2010]

Steering

:chat:
I traded my 2006 Wing because of health reasons just couldn't hold it up anymore, legs are shot. When I first rode my new RT found the steering to be a little spooky. I felt that every time I went into a turn that it would tip. Put the front shocks to the highest setting, (5) and increased my air pressure. I've had the RT up to over 90 mph, and in the turns at over 60 with trailer. I've only lifted a wheel one time, and the VSS reacted, and put me back down. Found that you can't turn the bars hard or you will change lanes fast. I use a very small amount of pressure on the bars by pushing into the turns, and this seems to work best. This is my first three wheeler, and as I get used to it I'm loveing it more everyday. Fast approching 5000 miles. Good luck in getting your ride back on the road.:spyder2:

 

[IdleUp]

Sounds like you're getting the hang of it - I've had my standardSpyder for almost a few years now and was thing about trading my Goldwing trike but it's beginning to look like a mistake. The Goldwind track like a car going down the road. Might have to re-think this . .

Here's a few images of my Goldwing

:chat:
I traded my 2006 Wing because of health reasons just couldn't hold it up anymore, legs are shot. When I first rode my new RT found the steering to be a little spooky. I felt that every time I went into a turn that it would tip. Put the front shocks to the highest setting, (5) and increased my air pressure. I've had the RT up to over 90 mph, and in the turns at over 60 with trailer. I've only lifted a wheel one time, and the VSS reacted, and put me back down. Found that you can't turn the bars hard or you will change lanes fast. I use a very small amount of pressure on the bars by pushing into the turns, and this seems to work best. This is my first three wheeler, and as I get used to it I'm loveing it more everyday. Fast approching 5000 miles. Good luck in getting your ride back on the road.:spyder2:

 

[Tonga]

Elka Suspension

I have made a decision to order the Elka shocks. A big decision as they are expensive but I want to get my RT to just handle better. The soft sprung front end needs a change even if it is just Dampening adjustment but springs that can be adjusted better come along with the shocks. I just hoped someone had gone down this road before me so here I go. I am ordering a set for the front today and will give my weight requirements hoping to help the stop or slow the front end diving into the corners. I found tight turns were aggreviated even more with 20 to 30 lbs of luggage. Driving alone seems fine but adding another person and gear makes this touring model feel heavier. As I have said in the past, take a GS or RS put 2 people on it and add another 230 lbs of balast, Whooo.

 

[retired1]

Elkas?

Tonga;
Lamont had a post on these shocks when he put them on his RTS. I don't remember the gist of the post, but that would be a good place to start for an honest assesment of the effect of the "swap".

 

[widowmaker2011]

Hey widowmaker have you looked into a stiffer sway bar or does anyone even make one for the RT?

I have not used one on my RT, have ridden a GS with one. There is one available for the RT but it is my understanding that it is only marginally larger and does not make a huge difference , where the GS aftermarket swaybar was a BIG difference maker.

 

[Sopher]

Hey Mike Mas,
It definetely sounds like a defective module. I would make the dealer swap out the parts or make way for an even swap of your bike for one of the others that runs fine. Dealer prep at unpacking time could also be of issue. But all in all, definetely repairable and resolvable under warranty.

p.s. check out this link:http://www.nehelicrew.com/Phenom.aspx