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Thinking about buying a Spyder -- Questions --

D

doctorxring

New member
.


I've been thinking about letting my DL650 go and getting a
Spyder. But I've got to get something settled first. I need
you guys help here.

I've been reading about all the steering problems that have
occurred with some Spyders. My questions are --

1. Is this a "current" problem ? Has this only occurred with
a certain run of Spyders ? Has it happened with the newer
ones ?

2. Would you say GO on buying a Spyders or WAIT until this
is a more resolved issue ?

thanks kindly, Chris


.
 
welcome

The steering problem is a current problem. It is most prevalent in the 2008 models, with a much smaller number of 2009 models experiencing it. I have not heard of any 2010 Spyders having a real steering problem yet. There is a DPS Poll thread on here, that while not scientific will at least give you a glimpse into the spread of issues for the members of this site that participated.

With that being said, I would buy without hesitation. Most of those who have had a steering issue have had it corrected in one manner or another, even though it may have taken more than 1 sensor replacement or multiple trips to the dealer. There are still a few that are having problems and their Spyders have been in the shop for extended periods. As with anything in life, there are no guarantees that you will not have problems; however, it seems to be less likely to happen with an 09 or 10 model.
 
:agree: I have a 2009 spyder and no problems, though I am more cautious than I used to be on the bike just in case. I would have, even if I knew then what I know now, purchased the bike.
 
WELCOME to SPYDERLAND

HI, I have a 08 PE, manual shift, Its my 1st bike, I'm 58:gaah:now, I will have it 2yrs this Sept, I have had the 2 updates done, and I have had no problems, just enjoyment:clap:. allmost everytime I go to the station, people come up to look and talk about it. Its still a small minority that have had problems. I would say GO FOR IT, you only live once.:thumbup: just be carefull and ALWAYS WATCH OUT for the other guy:pray: and THANKS
(great people here to talk too)
 
I have a 2008 SM5...love it and would buy it again...I love the manual as poppin' the gears is a lot of fun...either bike is great...choose based upon your preference.
 
I would do it again . . . .

. . . . in a second! I have had mine for almost exactly a year. I have been riding since the mid-60s and this has been (hands down) the best year of riding I have ever had.

I have an 08 SE5 and did experience the "steering problem". It is fixed and getting it fixed was not a problem for me, though some other riders, repairs have taken longer than what I consider reasonable.

If I were buying an older Spyder, an 08 or an 09 - if I were anxious about it, I would get an 09. If you are looking for absolute guaranteed mechanical PERFECTION, you need to look elsewhere - maybe a horse.

I like manual transmissions - but the SE5 assisted shifting is fantastic - and while this may sound counterintuitive, going back to manual shifting on my other bike, is boring and detracts from the riding experience.

Normal Spyder maintenance is more expensive than I figured on, so I strongly recommend getting an extended warranty - and if you ride a lot, maybe even a Service Contract on it.

Like I said at the top, I would do it again in a second! But, I can tell you that I would not have any of the uncertainty, doubt or concern that I had when I bought a year ago (like what you are going through). I wish I knew then what I know now.

Buying a Spyder has not worked out like that for everyone, so make sure it is what you want, take as many test drives as you can, and determine if it fits what you want your style of riding to be. However it has worked out for the rest of us, this is about you, so no matter what any of us say - it is still your decision.

If I were buy again today, I would not give the steering issue a second thought. It would not be a part of my purchase concerns. But, if it does "scare" you, I would counsel that you should "never ride drunk, angry or scared." That is dangerous and counter to every reason you should be riding a bike for.

Tom
 
I've had the steering issue

and would buy the bike again in a heartbeat. I have an excellent dealer and he has worked with me to the hilt. After working with him and reading some of the horror stories posted on here I can say a good dealer will make all the difference in how you feel about any issue you may have.

I have loved the bike from day one and as I said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. In fact My Lady and I are planning on buying an RT model in 2011 after we get her truck paid off. I also would have no qualms letting her ride my bike.
 
If you buy the thing it will probably be the best thing you ever did.
I too hesitated and hemmed and hawed before getting mine.
Out of the many sold some have glitches but it is still a infinitesimal amount compared to the many thousands of Spyders out there.
No problems with mine! I have had it a little over a year and a half and really enjoyed it. It is a nimble, powerful, eye catching machine, with plenty of storage space. It is infinitely customizable, with plenty of fine mods. available. Plus you have this Spyderlovers.com site to ask questions and bounce ideas off of. You will find this place a real treasure trove of information.
In short --go for it.

Mike:ohyea:
 
Had the 09 SE and now the 10 RtS SE touring with no problems. You better be ready for all the questions and attention that comes with it. And the cars riding right next to you trying to look and not drift over. Love the bike. It has een a good choice so far.
 
doctorxring said:
.


I've been thinking about letting my DL650 go and getting a
Spyder. But I've got to get something settled first. I need
you guys help here.

I've been reading about all the steering problems that have
occurred with some Spyders. My questions are --

1. Is this a "current" problem ? Has this only occurred with
a certain run of Spyders ? Has it happened with the newer
ones ?

2. Would you say GO on buying a Spyders or WAIT until this
is a more resolved issue ?

thanks kindly, Chris


.
Click to expand...

I have an 08 SM5 and just went to look and ended up signing the papers. My Spyder was used as a demo and had 260 miles on it when I bought it in March 2009.

It was hard to steer from the day I got it and after having the update done, the steering hadn't changed. I stopped at store near by and came out and started getting Check DPS, scrolling on the dash, after starting it. The recall update picked up a problem with the original DPS unit.

I took it back and no codes came up. They told me to bring it back the following week and four days later the steering locked up. I was able to jerk if free and get it home. I called the dealership and they came out to pick it up. That afternoon, I got a call telling me that it needs a new power steering unit.

Nine days later I got it back and since getting it back and it's been working great. The replacement unit on the invoice has the same model numbers as the 2009 and 2010 models, #709400453.

I'm not saying this is the fix or will it happen again, having a lockup? No one know's but, this bike has been the most fun for me in a long time of over 32 years of not riding. Would I buy another, knowing what I do now? Yes I would!

So it's really up to you and the only thing I can really say is BRP has been looking into this problem for more than a year and they are still looking for the cause of this steering issue.

So if you do decide to go ahead, my advice is to find a good dealer with a good service dept.. I'm sure there are Spyder owners in your area, that can point you to a dealer that stands by what they sell. My dealer sells other BRP products with Sea-Doo and Boats, along with Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki motorcycles.

welcome
 
Last edited:
I'll have another, please

It's a big decision to buy a bike and I understand your trepidation. We recently purchased an 09 SM5; it had 1 mile on it when we bought it. Pro Sports in Henderson, NV made us a screamin' deal and we, too, had just gone in to look and came out with a sales slip. We haven't regretted it for a day. The Spyder provides a lot of joy; it's impossible to have the blues after being on a ryde! We're seriously thinking of getting another for my husband.

This forum is very helpful in troubleshooting issues. I have been given pause on a number of occasions reading about the problems more experienced ryders have encountered. However, it's helpful to bounce issues off one another and it appears having a reputable dealer/service provider is key. That being said, it's good to be aware of problems and this forum is a valuable source of information and support. You shouldn't feel like you're all alone in this venture. There's a wealth of support here.

Be well informed, make sound decisions, be aware of the risk and have a blast anyway!

Best of luck in your decision; ryde safely!
 
In Jan 09, I bought what was considered one of the best engineered and maintenance free (historically) vehicle.... a Toyota. Today, millions of Toyota's have been recalled for going too fast and not being able to stop. Just goes to show that even the best can have unforeseen problems after you buy it. But I still consider my Toyota the best engineered car I've owned. My Spyder is only a couple of months old and I've only been able to put 150 miles on it, but as far as I'm concered....regardless of the problems other people have had, it's a great ride and I'm going to enjoy it. IF it develops problems similar to other's, I'll deal with it then.
 
:2thumbs:I,m 61 and it makes me feel like kid!
Find a New 09 and bargain for the BEST deal you can get ~!:D
 
have riden motorcycles all my life last few years my wife hasnt riden with me but since we picked up our new spyder rts she is coming with me again.just turned 71 and still riding.buy the spyder you wont be sorry.
 
.


Thanks for all your comments here !

I really like the concept of the Spyder. I'm going to be
taking another test ride this week. My concerns are for
my safety and that of my wife who will be riding with me
at times. I am confident in myself and want to be just as
confident in my machine.

I like the simplicity of a motorcycle in respect to steering.
If I end up outside the turn, it will be MY fault. But the
Spyder is a complex machine in respect to steering. When
I read about the steering locking up and also it initiating drifting, I
just about scrapped the whole idea. I mean you only need
to have something like that happen ONCE at the wrong time
and you are screwed.

I know that no mechanical device is foolproof, but I don't want
to rely on one that is a ticking time bomb that has a bug in it
just waiting to crawl out. I don't want a black widow Spyder. :)


thanks kindly, Chris


.
 
doctorxring said:
.


Thanks for all your comments here !

I really like the concept of the Spyder. I'm going to be
taking another test ride this week. My concerns are for
my safety and that of my wife who will be riding with me
at times. I am confident in myself and want to be just as
confident in my machine.

I like the simplicity of a motorcycle in respect to steering.
If I end up outside the turn, it will be MY fault. But the
Spyder is a complex machine in respect to steering. When
I read about the steering locking up and also it initiating drifting, I
just about scrapped the whole idea. I mean you only need
to have something like that happen ONCE at the wrong time
and you are screwed.

I know that no mechanical device is foolproof, but I don't want
to rely on one that is a ticking time bomb that has a bug in it
just waiting to crawl out. I don't want a black widow Spyder. :)


thanks kindly, Chris


.
Click to expand...
Let's put it this way, a flat tire in a car will cause the same kind of drifting/hard steering...or even a roll over (in an Explorer). I'll bet that possibility hasn't kept you from driving or buying a car. Only you can assess the amount of risk you are willing to accept, but remember that the Spyder steering issue has been manageable when it occured, that it applies to only a portion of the Spyders produced, and that things generally sound much worse on the Internet. I am not belittling the issues, only trying to put them in perspective. I have warned my wife of the possibility, she has practiced her response in a quiet parking lot, and she continues to ride. As to me, I ride, too...but I'm too stupid to know any better. Besides, on its worst day the Spyder would be far better than many of the things I have ridden or driven. I hope you come to a decision that you and your wife can be comfortable with. Can I suggest a few demo rides before you make that final decision?
 
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