Steering problems still and now an oil leak

[Amanda B]

Well, I took the bike in. The steering is still messed up. It pulls to the left on it's own randomly like it just gets an itch to go left all of a sudden and I have to pull the handle bars the other way until I hear a click then it is fine for awhile and I again am in charge of the steering, until it happens again. I just started noticing the click when I try to get control over the bike. So, I rarely will go the speed limit and hate curves now because I worry it will happen when I'm going around them. While I know that it isn't as bad as what some have experienced or described, I also know it is dangerous and feel I am risking an accident or worse every time I take it out. So far, luck has been on my side, when it happens I'm able to quickly get control of the bike, I'm going slowly, or no one is in the other lane, but eventually I know that luck will run out.

Now I have an oil leak too and they just did the 3,000 mile service. Back to the shop again. I'm starting to think about selling it (though I don't want to sell something unsafe). I like they spyder but with the closest dealership being an hour away and it having problems that even BRP can't explain I just don't feel safe on it nor do I have the time or patience to keep taking it in. Especially, because my dealership doesn't take appointments and says anything other than oil changes and the regular scheduled work they will take at least two weeks to work on the bike. So you take it in, and you wait at least two weeks. The goons there are useless, so I'm not even sure I trust them with working on the bike anymore, but I'm stuck because I paid for a service contract with them. I'm really torn on what to do. I really like it and spent tons of time not to mention money fixing it up, if it didn't have the steering issue I could deal with it and wouldn't say a word. But when you aren't having fun while riding, it's hard to want to ride. :dontknow: I'm frustrated!!

Okay...done venting....:cus::cus::cus::cus:....oops apparently I wasn't done yet....:roflblack:

I've kind of not been on much lately, because I'm not really riding much and I am frustrated with the bike and don't want to be too negative about it. When your hands are tied you don't have much you can do but complain and so I'm working on putting a pool up so at least I can distract myself this summer.

 

[RoadHammer]

where's the leak coming from ?

 

[Amanda B]

Right under where oil filter is. It has been leaking for a week (since I took it in).

 

[Firefly]

Right under where oil filter is. It has been leaking for a week (since I took it in).

Some nimrod at the dealer probably pinched the o-ring.

They should fix that for you.... but if they can't get an oil change right--- I'd be a bit concerned about them fixing the DPS.

 

[RoadHammer]

Right under where oil filter is. It has been leaking for a week (since I took it in).

ya thats an easy fix. hopefully your steering is fixed quick too.

 

[Some Guy]

Some nimrod at the dealer probably pinched the o-ring.

They should fix that for you.... but if they can't get an oil change right--- I'd be a bit concerned about them fixing the DPS.

:agree: I'd bet it's not the machine, but the monkeys who are messing with it!

 

[SpyderWolf]

You have a service contract with them, but that has nothing to do with warranty repairs. Are there any other Spyder dealers near you that you might be able to talk to about the steering issue?

I agree that the leak sounds like they did something wrong, and need to fix it on their dime as well.

Last time I took mine to a dealer, they did not button up the panels correctly to the point of leaving out a bolt and a clip. I discovered it when cleaning up the Spyder and the entire left side moved. I had to call them and have them mail the bolt and clip to me. I am not sure I will be going back there for anything else now. It is a crying shame that we keep having issues like this with dealers.

Best of luck getting your issues taken care of in a timely manner.

 

[8LEGS]

Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I'm sending you mail with some information.

 

[Recluze]

Patience now. I have been down that road with the steering. Right now it is behaving but I never will completely trust it.

The oil leak; After having my bike practically ruined trying to fix an oil leak I have reached a compromise. I let it leak. Honestly, if it is leaking right after a service I would almost bet that it is oil that accumulated in the wire harness protector right below one of the drain plugs. Once it gets in there it can leak for......well until the next time the oil is changed and it starts all over. I put a sticker on my oil tank that says,"My bike does not leak. It just marks its territory" Then I put an oil drip pan under it. A lot better than the five months I spent in the shop trying to get it resolved.

Good luck with all of that. I feel your pain. But they are a lot of fun when they are running right.

 

[canam9]

I feel your pain. Have fun with the POOL!! :clap::yes:

 

[retread]

Amanda, pull the left side tupperware off and check around the oil filter, if it's wet there, the filter's O-ring is leaking, take it to the dealer and DON'T pay them for fixing it.
There's a chance, just a chance that they got in a hurry and pulled the filter before the oil was all out of the engine and tank, that can give you a puddle below the engine that will drip for days. Ask me how I know.
Hope you can get things taken care of.

john

 

[Amanda B]

Patience now. I have been down that road with the steering. Right now it is behaving but I never will completely trust it.

That's the problem, I don't trust it...and I don't want to worry every time I ride...that isn't fun. I bought it for fun and the feeling of freedom...riding in fear is not fun and it definitely doesn't feel very free when you are clutching the handle bars and praying the whole time to make the trip and get home safely.

As far as letting the oil leak...I don't think so. It was fine until I took it in, they broke it and they can fix it. At this point I don't plan on riding it any time soon anyway, they can keep it for as long as they need to as far as I'm concerned. I'm tired of looking at it and wishing it were safe, right now it is expensive garage decoration. I think, given that it has roughly only 3000 miles on it and I paid $18000 for it (not including all the extras I added on) that I have been patient enough. With that said, I'll take it in and if it takes them five months to fix it, then so be it...I don't really have any other option anyway.

 

[Rando]

That's the problem, I don't trust it...and I don't want to worry every time I ride...that isn't fun. I bought it for fun and the feeling of freedom...riding in fear is not fun and it definitely doesn't feel very free when you are clutching the handle bars and praying the whole time to make the trip and get home safely.

I feel your frustration! It happened to me and scared me sh**less! The second update APPEARS to have fixed mine, at least until it happens again. :dontknow:

 

[Amanda B]

If I'm counting correctly it has happened to me about six times. This last time I was going faster than the other times. I think I've pushed my luck enough. The person riding behind me noticed and was going to ask what was going on, but on the communication system I told him that it just happened again.

 

[Amanda B]

Amanda, pull the left side tupperware off and check around the oil filter, if it's wet there, the filter's O-ring is leaking, take it to the dealer and DON'T pay them for fixing it.
There's a chance, just a chance that they got in a hurry and pulled the filter before the oil was all out of the engine and tank, that can give you a puddle below the engine that will drip for days. Ask me how I know.
Hope you can get things taken care of.

john

Yep...took the tupperware off, it is wet. Also, I know they were probably in a hurry. I couldn't get them to answer the phone and finally when I talked to manager I was told they were backed up.

 

[NancysToy]

BRP is very concerned with these steering issues. It sounds like you need a new DPS. Insist that your dealer contact BRP tech about a fix. If necessary, contact BRP tech support yourself. Your Spyder should be able to be made right again. As to the oil leak, they either pinched the O-ring or failed to replace a bad one. Sloppy job! I am so sorry there is not another dealer you can go to.

 

[Amanda B]

BRP is very concerned with these steering issues. It sounds like you need a new DPS. Insist that your dealer contact BRP tech about a fix. If necessary, contact BRP tech support yourself. Your Spyder should be able to be made right again. As to the oil leak, they either pinched the O-ring or failed to replace a bad one. Sloppy job! I am so sorry there is not another dealer you can go to.

Anyone got a number for BRP tech support? I have absolutely no faith in working with the dealership at this point.

 

[Honker]

problem

Last week I was riding my bike behind Amanda. We were going around 40 mph, when the bike suddenly veered to the left. I asked what she was doing (we have a com system) and she reported "it happened again" ,the bike just pulled to the left. This was quite noticable and dangerous! This has happened multiple times, but the first time I saw it. I think the Spyder is a wonderful bike, but with some MAJOR problems. Life threatening PROBLEMS. I have faith that BRP will fix these issues, but urge anyone having these problems to contact http://www.nhtsa.gov/ and the attorney general of the state you live in. Gental, appropriate pressure to the BRP may help save a life.

 

[Lamonster]

Anyone got a number for BRP tech support? I have absolutely no faith in working with the dealership at this point.

Spyder Customer Support

 

[Firefly]

If I'm counting correctly it has happened to me about six times. This last time I was going faster than the other times. I think I've pushed my luck enough. The person riding behind me noticed and was going to ask what was going on, but on the communication system I told him that it just happened again.

What steps has your dealer taken thus far to address your steering problem? Could be as simple as re-zeroing sensors, replacing the gear position sensor, etc.