Spyder service problems.

[YumaRed]

As a perspective Spyder owner I am getting very concerned about what appears to be an abnormal amount of serious service and reliability issues being discussed. They range from poor design, new model bugs, lack of replacement parts (even when the productions lines have sufficent parts) to unknowledgeable dealers/techs that cannot properly troubleshoot / repair the issues. I have even seen post suggesting that steering issues have created safety concerns.

When I do buy my Spyder I would like to keep it in my garage and not at the dealers garage. Plus I am 3+ hours from a Spyder service dealer. So when I do have the inevitable breakdown... I will have to trailer it to the dealer to get it fixed and then have a friend drive me to the dealer or RT by trailer to pick it up. This might be an inconvenience if done 1 or 2 times... but on a regular basis?

So my question to those of you that have owned Spyders for awhile, esp. Lamonster who is approaching 25K miles... are these things really that hard to keep running? Are they worse, better or equal to other brands of 2 or 3 wheel variety?

I would really appreciate some honest opinions from "Spyder Lovers" if the thrill of ownership far outweighs the apparent headaches that I keep reading about. I almost cringe at the reply I am expecting from AMTJIM. Not exactly a "Service after the Sale" type of experience I would expect. The good news is that he is teaching me where NOT to buy from or go to for service in AZ, Thanks Jim! and BTW, I hope your issues are almost over! They really do owe you some kind of compensation for all the crap you have gone thru!!


So how about it? Am I just reading the bad and missing out on all the good things?

 

[ataDude]

My thoughts:

1. Forums are a vehicle to express mainly bad things that go wrong. For every one complaint, there are at least dozens without complaints. Every forum, regardless of make or model, is the same. That's not to say that complaints aren't warranted... this is just a place where they are visible. Thank the internet and WWW for possible information overload.

2. I've had my SpYder for six months and there have been NO problems except for a gear selection sensor which has just started to malfunction. Fortunately, the results for an SM-5 are negligible... will get it fixed at the next scheduled service.

3. The SpYder is new. As such, you should be prepared to be a "pioneer" for a while. If you're not, don't buy it. Even the best... Honda, for example... has had problems with some of its new bikes (i.e., 2001-2004 Gold Wings with cracked frames).

4. The dealer network is fairly inexperienced in maintaining / repairing the SpYder BECAUSE it is new. However, if used right, the BUDDS analyzer system from BRP is pretty good.

5. Read all of the info available and make YOUR choice recognizing the possible ramifications. This is a machine in its first model year.

6. I personally would not purchase an SE-5 because the methodology used for clutch and shift mechanisms appear to be much more complicated than actually needed, IMHO.

7. Recognize that this is a computer-based vehicle... three to four processors and eight or nine sensors. Things can, and will, go wrong with the electronics as well as the mechanicals. Because of its CAN-BUS electrical system ( a LAN ), electrical mods require a little more work and thought.
.

.

 

[SpydeeBite2]

WE have had our :spyder:since July 18 and have had only one problem that needed dealer service and that was the oil pressure switch. Other than that the :spyder:has been nothing but fun. We generally ride two up.

 

[caser]

For me it was finding service dept. that treated me well and that I trust. I had a bad experience with that and was unhappy. But thanks to Lamont I found an outfit that has been great. BRP is slow with parts and the customer service gal I talked to was downright rude, but the bike itself has been great with only a couple of problems. Along with skiing it's as much thrill as I need in my life. Everythig breaks down now and then but don't let that stop you. There's more good to the beast than bad. For me it comes down to service.

 

[Spyderman62]

Speaking in terms of only just buying one, I picked mine up a month ago and have 1000 miles on it. This is a really low amount of miles to really allow for an impression, but I will say this - My service dept shines! My Spyder even more shiny! How is that you may ask, well not one problem, or hiccup , nothing! It has a slight vibration, so did my Harley. It is twitchy in the steering on two lane roads where there is a visable center crown - duh. narrow track and power steering, plus the tighter you squeez the handle bar grips, the more sensitive the steering feels. Relax, and enjoy. Brakes - do not step hard on the pedal - you might find yourself hanging on with everything you can - it will try to put you over the handlebars at parking lot speeds - wonder how I know? Be prepared to feel pain in you cheeks - smiling is the number one cause - you will have the feelings of giddiness from the thrill of riding this machine. Ever wish you caould legally ride a fourwheeler on the road, or a snow mobile? - with the Spyder you can. The rear brake has a slight squeel, BRP is working on that. The belt seems to transmit my vibration problem, again BRP is working with the dealer to address adjustment, and till then, I ride and really enjoy it. If the brakes or belt need replacement - can you warrantee? Parts and labor for 2 years. I get about 36 mpg and dont miss my Electra Glide at all. Of course over the winter months I am adding a marine grade stereo for tunes, but otherwise - the main reason you hear about the complaints and not the praise, is becasue the few that have mechanical issues allow the owners time to be here complaining, while the rest of us ( large majority here) are all out riding! Also, this is the same company that builds the Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo along with the Evenrude (spelling) and linx motors. They also build sport aircraft. A few growing pains are to be expected. Ask any manufacturer - there will be a few bumps giving birth.

 

[NancysToy]

I also believe that you tend to hear far more negative on these forums than you might otherwise be exposed to. It is easy to complain. Our dealer service has been first rate, but BRP has been slow with parts. No serious problems, however. Heck, my wife's car is still waiting after six months on parts for a safety recall, so auto manufacturers have problems too. To put it all in perspective, reread some of these threads to compare how many people rave about the good things on their Spyders. Few of us would trade for the world. Doesn't that offset some negative comments?
-Scotty

 

[GeminiJane]

I'm almost afraid to post here for fear I'll jinx myself (so I'm figuratively knocking on wood now). Only had mine for 4 weeks Tuesday and only 1600 miles but it hasn't given me any troubles. I read the "problem posts" and am really sorry for those having those experiences, but it doesn't stop me from hopping on mine and going off alone for two or three hours of riding a couple of hundred miles from home.
My husband and I purchase and trade two wheeled bikes frequently as there is always something new coming along we think we "have" to try and we've had our share of issues with new bikes and the issues that come with new models. I think it's easier when you have another "ride" in the garage and don't feel the loss of riding time so much. Although, my others are suffering from lack of attention right now - I just love the Spyder so much it seems to be the one getting picked for a daily ride. And I just keep my fingers crossed that it will continue to perform up to and exceeding my expectations as it has to date. I would recommend a Spyder to anyone who wants to experience a different form of motorcycling - it's a blast!

 

[swrafey2000]

I've had mine since last March and have ony had a problem with the parking brake releasing and not turning the brake light off the dash.It was easily solve by spraying a good teflon spry on it.I ride with two other spyder owners and neither one of them has had any problems.

 

[madozier]

Thanks for the both threads you started. I too, am debating a spyder purchase $17000 - 18000 is a significant purchase in my life and I am most interested in the owners opinions. The steering issue is a major concern for me but from what I've read when the rider becomes confident in the Spyder and their own abilities to ride the problem is no longer an issue. I hope.

So far this what I am thinking of purchasing:

A. SM5 - I just prefer manual but there seems to be an issue with the SE5 - probably red even though it is the slower of the 3 colors.

B. Adjustable back rest for touring
C. NMN triple play brake light conversion
D. Later a touring windshield

 

[SE5spyder]

The unlucky ones that have the problems of course are going to be frustrated (like myself) and if you are one of lucky ones that don't have a problem, everything is all good! Hopefully you won't get a "lemon" and be one of the lucky ones! I'm certainly jealous of those who got one of the "good one's". I'm still waiting for my fix. Purchased Sept. 6. Eventually any vehicle you get will have it's problems but it does stink that it had to come much sooner than later!!!

 

[matusky]

I think that anyone with a little common sense and some mechanical experience can handle most, if not all of the issues that could arise with the Spyder.

My Spyder now has 8,000 miles on it, and the last time it was at the dealer was April 25th when I picked it up to bring it home. I've done all of my own service and to date have had a couple small issues.

I had a 'Brake Failure' warning message which I was able to clear off the screen myself. I did manage to bleed the brakes myself after speaking with a BRP tech about the need for using the BUDDS system to do so. The Spyder is very sensitive to the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir.

Also, I've had the steering issue mentioned a couple times here on the forum..... oddly enough it's VERY intermittent and happened about a month ago for a day...... 1,000 miles later, no fault codes and it hasn't happened again.... :dontknow:

I have had to adjust my parking brake (which I hardly use) a couple times because of pad wear but it was a 5 min ordeal with a crescent wrench. Also couldn't get it to release but with a little lithium grease from a spray can, I popped it on and off a couple times and haven't had any issues since.

The first oil change on the Spyder was a little crazy.... but the last one I did was a piece of cake.

I DO have a small amount of oil in the airbox but nothing worth worrying about, tire wear to date has been excellent and I've figured that I should go through two rear tires to every set of fronts..... so I plan on having the tire swapped at the dealer, and timing it when I need an oil change so I can have them do a once-over while it's there...... my idea here is that while I'm not only saving money doing my own service AND getting to know the Spyder mechanically I'll have someone who's seen more of them than I take a look at it every once in a while to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Just ordered a Hindle exhaust tonight and will be putting that on this week sometime.

I've had a couple of the small 'pioneer', 'first owner' type issues with her but I plan on putting 100,000mi on it for sure!

:thumbup:

Oh..... one other thing......

I brought the Spyder home April 25th....... it's been parked outside, in my driveway since.

OUTSIDE..... I bought the cover but only used it for about a month..... then after seeing that it gets wet anyway, I don't even worry about it.

I waxed it this weekend.... it looks brand new! But it's never been garaged, it's been rained on all week, it was snowed on once, I rented a storage unit to park it for the winter but yeah.... no major problems here!!

 

[bone crusher]

Spyderman62,

How the heck do you get 36 mpg? I can't even get mine to 30 and I'm not riding it hard...I have to get more miles on the bike, but 36 is a huge difference from what I'm getting...

To the person who started this thread:

As far as the problems with the bike, I have several but they should all be easily addressed when I take the bike in for maintenance...no worries...

Buy the bike and enjoy it...it's not perfect, but nothing in life is...Harleys are notorious for having problems and they can cost more than this bike...people still buy them because they're fun! The Spyder is also lots of fun...the smiles you'll get far exceed any frowns!

 

[NancysToy]

Compared to the Brit bikes I own and have owned over the years, the Spyder is a saint. Motorcycles come with tool kits for a reason, while cars don't. They are not expected to be without care.
-Scotty

 

[matusky]

Compared to the Brit bikes I own and have owned over the years, the Spyder is a saint. Motorcycles come with tool kits for a reason, while cars don't. They are not expected to be without care.
-Scotty

:agree:

 

[YumaRed]

WOW! Thanks to everyone that replied! All of your comments were very informative and really confirmed my suspicions that most of the service issues were isolated not part of a larger pattern.

I am very mechanically inclined and actually enjoy doing most of my own "Service" work. I was most worried about serious breakdowns in less than ideal locations. That being said, I would still prefer to spend my time Riding not Repairing.

Once again... many thanks to everyone that responded! This is really a wonderful BB with a great group of members.

 

[sabunim5]

Cover yourself with the roadside service and sleep better. Almost 7K miles and no major problems. Parts availability is the biggest weak point now IMHO.

 

[Spyderman62]

Hey Bone Crusher - I am not very aggressive when the wife is on board - 35.6 mpg and we stay on the two lane moderate speeds 40-55 mph. Now just to make you feel better, when I ride solo for a few days that mileage drops to 29 - but hey, 1st gear burnouts, and first one away from the stoplight syndrome will do it every time.

 

[jedd]

:spyder:Arrived to my stable 6/6/08 8004.2 miles later this is it.
1. parking brake not releasing-no prob. didn't use it still don't but repaired with a simple kit after recall at 2200 miles
2. 1800 miles driving down rd. see shift indicater blinking from 4th to5th gear, downshifted to a stop re started carefully upshifting concluded it was a elect. glitch called dealer asked what tells computer what gear it is in, his reply a shift position sensor politly requested he order one for me and call when it is in. 2 day it was there and made that repair also at 2200 miles. Two other spyders in my family they have not 1 single issue. I feel if roadsters (reverse 3-wheeled trikes) were made by everyone (honda yamaha harley ETC.) BRP would be #1 as they are in every R.V. market they produce goods for.

Common Sense manages most issues with new products. IMHO

 

[AMTJIM]

I don't what to say...this thing is so much fun, but I also hate it right now. I worry about after the warranty ends, with all the problems collectively from all the owners...it reminds me of owning an aircraft, something is always broken and expensive. I may hold onto it, but I am really debating right now. If they don't fix the electronics by more than replacing with another unit destined to break, I will bypass everything if I decide to keep it. All VSS gone! Hello hand brake, hello EFI, hello aftermarket instrument cluster.

 

[Saluda]

Great machine !

Very few and minor problems. Love the machine and its benefits. Sorry for those having troubles. I would not hesitate to buy another. My wife completely agrees.