Trouble List

[OldDog]

Greetings. I'm new to the forum. I haven't made my purchase yet, but I've been reading with keen interest about the troubles the owners have had.
Have any of the administrators compiled a list of these troubles and their frequency of occurence among the owners. I'm just beginning to read about DPS recalls, gear shift sensors causing backfiring, stripped sprockets, etc.
On the other hand I hear that some people have had no problems at all.

Thanks,
Ohio Old Dog:chat:

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

trouble list

Welcome OLD DOG. I would like to add my 2 cents, ride a 2008 gs/sm5 yellow , and had nothing but fun with it . Currently shy of 9000km. Shure it has had minor and inconvienced glitches, just like any thing new. The latest was the dps recall ( i have a stereo in my trunk and accessory port which had to be removed prior ) to them doing the job. Got it back late yesterday and seems different ( in a good way ). Think most riders/owners would share the same feelings and experience. Too re-cant , IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT FUN, and everytime I get to ride is always a smile( yes even in the frozen north ). Other SPYDER LOVERS feel free to either correct me or add your feelings. Thank you.:2thumbs:

 

[Firefly]

welcome

Most people have not had problems-- thus they don't post about them.

 

[ebell98]

I have had my red 2009 SM5 for almost 2 months now... I did have an oil pressure sensor go out on it, but it was covered under warranty where they performed all the updates at no charge. I now have over 1000 miles on it and have loved every one of em This machine is an amazing piece of technology and one that puts a smile on my face every time I throw my leg over the seat. I would not hesitate to make this purchase again.. Good luck with your decision.

 

[WackyDan]

I think the #1 advantage of buying one now, is that us veterans here have found every personality quirk of the Spyder. Having this information here in this forum is a invaluable resource for you.

However, to frame what you could have go wrong over time...Here is my short list.

1. DPS ( Power Steering ) ** Latest recall should fix this for good and any new model or used one sold via dealer will have the new part. I've got a 2008 and never had a DPS replaced.

2. Oil sending unit - Can still ride bike, but oil light is on and you really need to make sure it is the sensor before riding it. Happened to me. no biggy.

3. Some of us have had O2 sensors go. This will not stop you from riding. Happened to me.

4. Coolant tank rupture... This seems to be rare, but common enough to keep an eye on. I have 12k miles and no issue as of yet.

Yes, there are some other quirky things that you will find posted here. I've taken five long distance multi-day trips, and the Spyder has NEVER left me stranded on the side of the road.

Key is to find a good dealer or two in your area and give them some love, and they'll generally treat you well in return when it comes to service.

 

[Bozzzz]

DPS

Bad Tail light

Bad info screen

Now it's new!

 

[OldDog]

Thanks for the tip

Thanks for the information. I hope not to make a pest of myself, but I can't seem to curb my enthusiasm. I am gaining insight that will help me when I make my purchase. I previously rode a Honda Shadow Sabre and was a member of the now disbanded Sabre Group. I just came back from looking at an RT this afternoon at Ackers in Lancaster,Ohio. I'm sold on the SE5 semi auto transmission. The RT-S Limited edition is gorgeous. Realistically,it will be next year before I can spring for one. I'm semi retired. I could pop the money all at once, but want to get some old obligations out of the way first.

Thanks,:f_spider:
Old Dog

 

[aka1004]

09 se5, 40000 miles, parts replaced

Gps
Gas tank
2 ecu
2 coolant reservoir
2 front sprockets
Drive belt
Rear fender and both brackets
Swing arm
License plate light
2 evaporate canisters
Speed sensor cable
5 limp home mode
And more
Waiting for main shaft and dps.

I did have a lot of fun when it's not in shop thou. nojoke:spyder2::2thumbs:

 

[Bob Denman]

Hiya Old Dog! Firefly might have siad it best... the folks who are out there just enjoying their rides aren't going to be pounding away at their keyboards griping about anything... My RT A&C is probably still too new (2 1/2 months and 2500 miles) to count, but no problems here at all... :2thumbs:
You DO have to get used to smiling a lot and explaining to somebody at just about every stop you make just what it is and how much you're enjoying it!

 

[fastfraser]

welcome 40 K on my SE-5 and sure a few bumps in the road but never left me stranded . it still brings a big smile on my face every time I ride it .

 

[capt.jim]

I have #459, bought dec 07, 19000 miles, having an early model i expect to have at least a few glitches, nothing , nada, never been back to the shop, KNOCK ON WOOD, except to visit, then they closed. Yes, you won't hear from the ones with no problems, but i can understand your apprehention reading the forum, some do seem to be plaqued excessively, but it's a small percentage, i think i remember a poll. I would juggle those other obligations and hope you get a good one. I can hardly imagine how life would be without my spyder. Life is short, we're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time!

 

[1VENOM]

I have 11,460 miles on my 2008. To date I have not had one of these problems with my 2008 SE5. I fell for the people who have had these problems, and sometimes I think it was more of the Assembly point (were you bought it at) than the Canam plant. If they are not carefully in the Assembly then their going to cause allot of the problems that have been seen here, IMO. Good luck to you and enjoy the ride.

 

[Questions]

Yes ive had problems mainly recalls on my 09 rs-sm5 but thats not my problem or grip . It's the time it takes for BRP to delv.the parts to shop. Or the shops are lieing to me about when they order the parts. It's a great ride and enjoy it or I would'nt still have it.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Love Hate Relationship with added Addiction

This time 42 days in the shop :gaah: just got her back today :clap:

OMG OMG OMG !!! I hate to admit it, but I'm a different person when I have my Spyder. The closest I can describe, is it's like therapy for me & my dog. When she's gone & in the shop, let's see....

Got her May 26 2010, had her 9 days, in the shop 34 for SE5 recall, got her back, still not right but took her on vacation to Florida where my dog & I had reservations at Ft. Desoto Park on the Gulf Coast, tho, had to cancel due to my trailer lock barrel came 1/2 way out while locked & I couldn't get to my tent, sleeping bags, nothing in my trailer. Had to cancel non-refundable, and then pay for a way over priced Inn, being the only one on St. George Island that allows dogs

I almost ran over a person in a cross walk cause Spydie decided to lurch forward about 2 inches from taking the man out. I've rarely been so scared or embarrassed at the same time. Oh yeah, another time, I was making a left turn across traffic & shifted from 2nd to 3rd to get out of the way, & Spidie decided not to shift allowing me to loose speed & almost take an F150 broadside at 55. Almost necessitated me changing my pants:gaah:

So, the shops had her 76 days & I've had her 51 days. I've lost most the ryding season :dontknow: While she's been gone, I've actually gained 15 pounds & my dog gained 3 :helpsmilie: sad to admit that, but it's true.

Bottom line, your doing the right thing, learn all you can as you are. :2thumbs:This forum is invaluable. I've explained to Service Departments about bulletins they had no clue about because I read it here first. The pleasure you will get from your machine will be hard to compare. I've had mine back for 8 hours now, put over 125 miles on and I swear my FACE HURTS SO MUCH FROM SMILING EAR TO EAR THE ENTIRE TIME :2thumbs:

Good Luck :congrats: & welcome & don't kid yourself, it's an addiction & as many have stated, really the Spyder is just your down payment on all the mods you will make to truly make her YOURS :roflblack:

 

[bone crusher]

This time 42 days in the shop :gaah: just got her back today :clap:

OMG OMG OMG !!! I hate to admit it, but I'm a different person when I have my Spyder. The closest I can describe, is it's like therapy for me & my dog. When she's gone & in the shop, let's see....

Got her May 26 2010, had her 9 days, in the shop 34 for SE5 recall, got her back, still not right but took her on vacation to Florida where my dog & I had reservations at Ft. Desoto Park on the Gulf Coast, tho, had to cancel due to my trailer lock barrel came 1/2 way out while locked & I couldn't get to my tent, sleeping bags, nothing in my trailer. Had to cancel non-refundable, and then pay for a way over priced Inn, being the only one on St. George Island that allows dogs

I almost ran over a person in a cross walk cause Spydie decided to lurch forward about 2 inches from taking the man out. I've rarely been so scared or embarrassed at the same time. Oh yeah, another time, I was making a left turn across traffic & shifted from 2nd to 3rd to get out of the way, & Spidie decided not to shift allowing me to loose speed & almost take an F150 broadside at 55. Almost necessitated me changing my pants:gaah:

So, the shops had her 76 days & I've had her 51 days. I've lost most the ryding season :dontknow: While she's been gone, I've actually gained 15 pounds & my dog gained 3 :helpsmilie: sad to admit that, but it's true.

Bottom line, your doing the right thing, learn all you can as you are. :2thumbs:This forum is invaluable. I've explained to Service Departments about bulletins they had no clue about because I read it here first. The pleasure you will get from your machine will be hard to compare. I've had mine back for 8 hours now, put over 125 miles on and I swear my FACE HURTS SO MUCH FROM SMILING EAR TO EAR THE ENTIRE TIME :2thumbs:

Good Luck :congrats: & welcome & don't kid yourself, it's an addiction & as many have stated, really the Spyder is just your down payment on all the mods you will make to truly make her YOURS :roflblack:

Are you saying that riding the Spyder helps you lose weight?

I'd think it's the opposite...sitting around ain't good for the body!

 

[Dudley]

Greetings. I'm new to the forum. I haven't made my purchase yet, but I've been reading with keen interest about the troubles the owners have had.
Have any of the administrators compiled a list of these troubles and their frequency of occurence among the owners. I'm just beginning to read about DPS recalls, gear shift sensors causing backfiring, stripped sprockets, etc.
On the other hand I hear that some people have had no problems at all.

Thanks,
Ohio Old Dog:chat:

If you let the influence of the bad effect your decision about a Spyder you will be missing out. We have a 2008 SE5 with 43K miles. If we had let the problems we read about in 2008 affect us, we would have never gotten one. We did a tour around the USA last summer, plus Nova Scotia, etc., when so many were afraid to venture from their safe havens (13,624 miles)! If you want a Spyder, get one and ride in faith.