Firefly
Active member
Yes-- they are related. Many of us with early 2008 models has faulty GPS units that caused problems with steering. The Spyder computer systems gather input from various sources-- and that was one of them.
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Steering problems still and now an oil leak
- Thread starter Amanda B
- Start date
Yes-- they are related. Many of us with early 2008 models has faulty GPS units that caused problems with steering. The Spyder computer systems gather input from various sources-- and that was one of them.
Smylinacha
Yellinacha
Sorry to hear about the Spyder acting up
Here's a link you might want to look at. Could be time consuming but if it gets to that point you might want to go that route. Personally I think I'd first try another dealer for the steering issue - did you get any feedback on better dealers in your state? I would, however, take it back to your present dealer to get the oil glitch fixed on THEIR dime. Try another dealer for the steering - sounds like you need a new dps. Even if BRP sends you a new dps, I wouldn't have your present dealer do it - sounds like he does sloppy work.
http://www.indianaconsumer.com/consumer_guide/lemon_law.asp
Here's a link you might want to look at. Could be time consuming but if it gets to that point you might want to go that route. Personally I think I'd first try another dealer for the steering issue - did you get any feedback on better dealers in your state? I would, however, take it back to your present dealer to get the oil glitch fixed on THEIR dime. Try another dealer for the steering - sounds like you need a new dps. Even if BRP sends you a new dps, I wouldn't have your present dealer do it - sounds like he does sloppy work.
http://www.indianaconsumer.com/consumer_guide/lemon_law.asp
Amanda B
New member
I'm not sure what all the dealer has checked. I've asked them to check stuff and when I pick up the bike and I ask if it was checked they can't even tell me if it was checked or not. They don't communicate anything to me usually, so I end up walking away angry and not knowing. All I know usually is what is in the paperwork. There aren't enough people working there and they are all about 19-23ish years old and don't seem to care really. It is a horrible dealership and their service is getting worse and worse. Word is getting around about their poor service because it is consistently terrible. I think the frustration with the dealer is just adding to the grief of what is happening with the bike.
Firefly
Active member
Need to get it to a different dealer and talk to service manager about the specific steering problems and updates. Tell them to check their BOSSWEB system for updates and info on steering problems. Sounds like your problem really is more of a dealer issue -- as a good dealer will know about the potential steering problems and be able to assess the problem.
Amanda B
New member
Thanks
Thanks, I e-mailed BRP and the bike is back in the shop. I got up super early to ride it down while no traffic was on the road. Maybe they'll get it right this time. I told them for now on I won't sign paperwork unless it has everything that was done to it in writing and who did it and it is all explained to me. At least that way I'll know what exactly was done. Kid said it sounded like DPS and they had one other brought in for same problem before.
Thanks, I e-mailed BRP and the bike is back in the shop. I got up super early to ride it down while no traffic was on the road. Maybe they'll get it right this time. I told them for now on I won't sign paperwork unless it has everything that was done to it in writing and who did it and it is all explained to me. At least that way I'll know what exactly was done. Kid said it sounded like DPS and they had one other brought in for same problem before.
W
Way2Fast
Guest
I wouldn't trust any repair done to correct the steering pulling to the left. BRP has no idea what causes it. They replace parts randomly just hoping to bid more time. I sold mine because of the same life threathening problem. I'm back to riding my dependable 2 wheel bikes without the feeling that they are out to unexpectedly kill me ! The thousands I lost on the sale was money "well spent," IMO.
Amanda B
New member
I know you are right Way2Fast (BRP doesn't know, they even say it on the answering machine on their phone system), but I am considering the Lemon Law in Indiana. So, everything is going to be documented and I believe they get 3 or 4 chances to make it right (need to research it more). You and I know they probably won't be able to fix it, though it would be wonderful if they could and we are wrong. I like the bike, it looks nice, it got me riding but I have a healthy fear of death so I'm really really torn on this one. I don't trust it, and I won't trust it when I get it back, but I have to go through the proper process.
Smylinacha
Yellinacha
Hey Amanda,
I've been ryding mine and it's all been good since they replaced the DPS. I am still a little "untrusting" of it and won't ride it for any length of time on the highway. But our regular rides on country back roads are fine and I feel comfortable. It's always in the back of my mind though but I know what to do - pull in that clutch to cut off power and brake. But I know you can't do that if you are veering into another lane or are riding down the highway at a high rate of speed. I used to LOVE going fast on the highway - I don't do that anymore just because of the fear in the back of my head.
Your dealer needs to be more on top of this. And I think it's good you talked to them and hopefully they will pay more attention to your ryde. but yes, there's always the lemon law. We have it too here in CT. I feel bad for the people who don't have a motorcycle lemon law - that's gotta be tough if they get a lemon.
I've been ryding mine and it's all been good since they replaced the DPS. I am still a little "untrusting" of it and won't ride it for any length of time on the highway. But our regular rides on country back roads are fine and I feel comfortable. It's always in the back of my mind though but I know what to do - pull in that clutch to cut off power and brake. But I know you can't do that if you are veering into another lane or are riding down the highway at a high rate of speed. I used to LOVE going fast on the highway - I don't do that anymore just because of the fear in the back of my head.
Your dealer needs to be more on top of this. And I think it's good you talked to them and hopefully they will pay more attention to your ryde. but yes, there's always the lemon law. We have it too here in CT. I feel bad for the people who don't have a motorcycle lemon law - that's gotta be tough if they get a lemon.
Amanda B
New member
I'm glad yours is good since the DPS change, hopefully that will happen for me as well but I'm preparing for if it doesn't. I was still riding it though it had happened several times, but it just wasn't fun anymore. I would go around a curve and wonder, well is it going to happen again, a car would be coming in the other lane and I'd wonder will it run into the car, I would stay as far as I could in the right of the lane just to give myself more time to react. I'm hoping that I can get it fixed and let that mentality go, though I know I won't trust it for quite some time if ever.
Just found out we don't have a lemon law for motorcycles.
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PCBeachBum
New member
I found a certified Spyder tech in a bike shop, here on the beach and he was thrilled to see me come in to look around.
The name of this shop is Black Jack Choppers and he said working on custom choppers is great but getting back to working on a Spyder is what I was trained to do. He said he would still be working for the dealer I bought mine at but, cutting corners wasn't what he was trained for and left.
Talking to another tech on Saturday over there, he also worked at the same dealership on Honda's and he too left for the same reason. I told both I was in there for coolant smells and and the Spyder tech checked a few things and said everything looks fine. He said all it takes is a drop or two to be spilled and after I told him I rinsed it down with water, the smell stopped and I also tightened the hose clamp as it was loose.
I also mentioned the gas fumes and he said the 93 octane should clear that up and changing the Y gaskets, could also be causing your gas fume issure.
I also had my DPS replaced last year and so far it is working great. But the best part is now I don't have to take it to the dealer and now can take it to Black Jacks and have this Spyder tech take a look at it. He is old school and said computers are fine but, getting in there to physically find a problem is my way of doing things.
So Amanda, I suggest you checkout other bike shops in your area. You never know what you will find and you just might find a Spyder tech who is certified, working in another bike shop.
I was told that if there is a problem, we will order and only use Spyder parts and also, this will not nullify your warranty. The labor charge here is $25.00 less than at dealer I bought it at. My dealers labor charge is $90.00 an hour and we charge $65.00 an hour and if its less than an hour, we will adjust your labor cost from that $65.00, to the time it takes. If it takes 20 minutes or 45 minutes, we reduce your labor cost as we are not in business to break the bank, yours!
Saturday before leaving the owner's wife who was out checking my Spyder came in and said she wants one. She also told me we are showcasing our choppers at Ms Newbies 2 on June 26th and my husband and I want you and your Spyder there. I said are your sure? They said yes of course and I said it might take away a lot of people checking out your choppers and they both said that's fine but, it was also bring a lot more people in to view all.
With just my short visit Satuday there was a crowd around the Spyder and like always questions were being fired at me, mostly from older ryders and several younger one, who were all impressed with the design and styling.
The name of this shop is Black Jack Choppers and he said working on custom choppers is great but getting back to working on a Spyder is what I was trained to do. He said he would still be working for the dealer I bought mine at but, cutting corners wasn't what he was trained for and left.
Talking to another tech on Saturday over there, he also worked at the same dealership on Honda's and he too left for the same reason. I told both I was in there for coolant smells and and the Spyder tech checked a few things and said everything looks fine. He said all it takes is a drop or two to be spilled and after I told him I rinsed it down with water, the smell stopped and I also tightened the hose clamp as it was loose.
I also mentioned the gas fumes and he said the 93 octane should clear that up and changing the Y gaskets, could also be causing your gas fume issure.
I also had my DPS replaced last year and so far it is working great. But the best part is now I don't have to take it to the dealer and now can take it to Black Jacks and have this Spyder tech take a look at it. He is old school and said computers are fine but, getting in there to physically find a problem is my way of doing things.
So Amanda, I suggest you checkout other bike shops in your area. You never know what you will find and you just might find a Spyder tech who is certified, working in another bike shop.
I was told that if there is a problem, we will order and only use Spyder parts and also, this will not nullify your warranty. The labor charge here is $25.00 less than at dealer I bought it at. My dealers labor charge is $90.00 an hour and we charge $65.00 an hour and if its less than an hour, we will adjust your labor cost from that $65.00, to the time it takes. If it takes 20 minutes or 45 minutes, we reduce your labor cost as we are not in business to break the bank, yours!
Saturday before leaving the owner's wife who was out checking my Spyder came in and said she wants one. She also told me we are showcasing our choppers at Ms Newbies 2 on June 26th and my husband and I want you and your Spyder there. I said are your sure? They said yes of course and I said it might take away a lot of people checking out your choppers and they both said that's fine but, it was also bring a lot more people in to view all.
With just my short visit Satuday there was a crowd around the Spyder and like always questions were being fired at me, mostly from older ryders and several younger one, who were all impressed with the design and styling.
Hang in there Amanda. Mine was in for 15 weeks back at the first of the year. That was back when they were throwing parts at them left and right trying to get codes to stop going off. I have had no trouble from mine since. I didn't think it was going to happen when it did so kill switch was nowhere in my mind, just freaked out. But I do now while riding. But thats the same with just about everything, what if I go to stop and my car won't brake, emergency brake is first in mind. As long as the dealer is on top of it, you will be fine. BRP doesn't want any of them going out still bad.
This is the first time it had done this right? You haven't had a new DPS or anything before??
This is the first time it had done this right? You haven't had a new DPS or anything before??
Amanda B
New member
Well, it happened several times, but I just now started to work on taking it in. I kept putting it off because I didn't want to be without a ride during the riding season and I pretty much had rides and bike shows planned all summer long. I'll be missing some now. No, I haven't had a new DPS before or anything though.
Smylinacha
Yellinacha
That stinks no Lemon Law! Maybe this could help?
http://www.lemonjustice.com/lemon-law/IN_motorcycle_law.php
http://www.lemonjustice.com/lemon-law/IN_motorcycle_law.php
Amanda B
New member
Thanks for the link. Hopefully it will be fixed and I won't need it though. Carlos called and e-mailed and he is getting in contact with the dealer so hopefully they will get everything figured out and I'll get my ride back in a few weeks. I know that might be wishful thinking, but maybe I'll get lucky!
Smylinacha
Yellinacha
I hope you don't have to do that either. I think Carlos will be a good help to you. This dealer really needs to shape up..... or ship out IMHO.
Amanda B
New member
Got call from dealer
Well Carlos did call the dealer and they called me asking questions. I had already told them all the answers but I repeated it again. I could tell by some of the questions they are thinking it may be road conditions, but it just isn't (wish it was) he even said something about road conditions. It didn't surprise me because that was the response I got on Spyderlovers when I first posted that I was having a steering issue, of course then I didn't notice that I heard a click before I had control of the steering again. I keep feeling like I have to defend myself by pointing out I've put 3000+ miles on the bike I should know what is right and isn't, that now another person saw it, that there is the clicking noise...I don't know what else to tell them so they will listen and not just brush it off as road conditions or me not knowing bikes because I'm a woman or whatever reason they have. Very frustrated with that!
I think no codes are coming up, which I figured would be the case after reading some other cases of steering problems. They are calling BRP back to figure out what to do next and said something about a test ride...but it happens so rarely unless they take it out for 200 miles they more than likely aren't going to have it happen. My fear is, I'll be told nothing is wrong and be stuck with a bike with bad steering because I can't sell it knowing it has problems and I don't think riding it is a good idea. So, I'll just be stuck with expensive garage furniture. I have a hard time with this because I kindof think if I were a guy, they wouldn't be saying it may be road conditions...I don't know seems like they don't listen to me much but when my boyfriend went they changed their tune this last time.
Well Carlos did call the dealer and they called me asking questions. I had already told them all the answers but I repeated it again. I could tell by some of the questions they are thinking it may be road conditions, but it just isn't (wish it was) he even said something about road conditions. It didn't surprise me because that was the response I got on Spyderlovers when I first posted that I was having a steering issue, of course then I didn't notice that I heard a click before I had control of the steering again. I keep feeling like I have to defend myself by pointing out I've put 3000+ miles on the bike I should know what is right and isn't, that now another person saw it, that there is the clicking noise...I don't know what else to tell them so they will listen and not just brush it off as road conditions or me not knowing bikes because I'm a woman or whatever reason they have. Very frustrated with that!
I think no codes are coming up, which I figured would be the case after reading some other cases of steering problems. They are calling BRP back to figure out what to do next and said something about a test ride...but it happens so rarely unless they take it out for 200 miles they more than likely aren't going to have it happen. My fear is, I'll be told nothing is wrong and be stuck with a bike with bad steering because I can't sell it knowing it has problems and I don't think riding it is a good idea. So, I'll just be stuck with expensive garage furniture. I have a hard time with this because I kindof think if I were a guy, they wouldn't be saying it may be road conditions...I don't know seems like they don't listen to me much but when my boyfriend went they changed their tune this last time.
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musicarcade
New member
Keep in touch with Carlo
Don't give up on your Spyder. I was in the same boat as you, and it took several trips to the dealer in Savannah for service. I swear it wasn't fixed until BRP techs went step by step with them over the phone while working on my Spyder to finally get the steering issue resolved. My neighbor has a Spyder w/ the same issue and I think his was the last straw for BRP and the dealership, as BRP pulled the :spyder2: out of the shop and had it towed 170 miles north to another dealership. The dealer in Savannah is no longer able to do warranty work in their shop.nojoke
I have been to the other dealership and am having them work on my other issues right now.:doorag:
My big trust issue will be in 2 weeks when I attempt to ryde from South Carolina to Chicago
ray:
Don't give up on your Spyder. I was in the same boat as you, and it took several trips to the dealer in Savannah for service. I swear it wasn't fixed until BRP techs went step by step with them over the phone while working on my Spyder to finally get the steering issue resolved. My neighbor has a Spyder w/ the same issue and I think his was the last straw for BRP and the dealership, as BRP pulled the :spyder2: out of the shop and had it towed 170 miles north to another dealership. The dealer in Savannah is no longer able to do warranty work in their shop.nojoke
I have been to the other dealership and am having them work on my other issues right now.:doorag:
My big trust issue will be in 2 weeks when I attempt to ryde from South Carolina to Chicago
ray:Smylinacha
Yellinacha
Hey Amanda, I also say - don't give up just yet. I remember when it happened to me the first time I thought it was the road - I thought maybe I was riding on a crown and it messed me up. But when it happened again I knew it wasn't me.
I'm lucky to have a dealer who went to BRP to learn all about the Spyder, he took every course there is, his staff is well trained and he's a total gear head anyway. You need to find a dealer like that or BRP needs to get on the horn w/ this dealer you are taking it to and walk him through everything. Mine didn't throw any codes either but Spyders aren't supposed to "click back into place" when you steer them - mind did the clicking also.
How far is the next reputable dealer from you? Maybe BRP can hook you up with someone else? Can you ride it safely to another dealer?
I'm lucky to have a dealer who went to BRP to learn all about the Spyder, he took every course there is, his staff is well trained and he's a total gear head anyway. You need to find a dealer like that or BRP needs to get on the horn w/ this dealer you are taking it to and walk him through everything. Mine didn't throw any codes either but Spyders aren't supposed to "click back into place" when you steer them - mind did the clicking also.
How far is the next reputable dealer from you? Maybe BRP can hook you up with someone else? Can you ride it safely to another dealer?
Amanda B
New member
There used to be another one that was roughly an hour away as well, but they no longer sell or service the Spyder. There is one an hour and a half away, but it is just another location of the same dealership. I don't know how far the next one's are and I don't feel comfortable driving it especially in an area that I don't know. At this point I just have to wait and see. If they say nothing is wrong I guess I have to ride it until it goes wrong again and take it back in, and do it again until it's fixed or figured out. Now I see why people that had the issue were at times so frustrated with the whole experience!!
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