What an adventure to get home :(

[Dentin028]

Hubby a.k.a. Bullant12 had posted this before. Anyway.. I'm trying to get used to this site since I'm a facebook person myself.

So we left Cuba, MO heading to Memphis at 7:30am... wanted an early start to take care of things and go to work the next day. We do go to work at 6:30 am!!

We took I-44 north and pulled off on Pacific following what the GPS told us and saw that our new floorboard was loose. :chill: Luckily another biker (not a lover but just coming back from off-roading) pulled over and had the wrench necessary to tighten the floorboard and went our way up to Festus (where we stoped at Lowes and got a wrench just in case it went loose again).

Made it trouble free to Cape Girardeau for lunch and a fill up. Once we got into Sikeston we noticed that the rain was turning up so we pulled in an overpass and suited up into our rain gears. But as soon as we started taking off, the bike was having issues taking off... Would be reaving up at 7500 rpms and hardly getting to 10 MPH... Stopped and let the spyder cool off for a minute. Started again and went off with no issues. We had lots of rain all the way on I-55, it got heavier as we went into the I-155 interchange... The bike became a See-Doo on a couple of times and the rain would not stop!!! Needless to say I was freaking out!!!

But made it safe to Dryersburg, 25 miles off the interchange. Filled up again in Dryersburg. Once we got out of Dryersburg, the bike started to struggle, seemed like was getting weaker. Pulled over and started doing the same thing as when leaving Sikeston. This time, cooling down would not help. Eventually gave us the orange engine light but never threw a code. Turned off and on again and did not throw a code, but still struggling. A good samaritan helped us escort us into the next town as I got the bike to go on 3rd gear at 45 MPH but no more than that. Finally, after Erick got some DOT-4 brake fluid and oil (oil was a little below normal level but clutch was at level), the bike would only make us go 5 MPH on 6500 RMP's in 1st gear, and noticed that when stopped, if I pop the clutch at a gear (1st) it would not kill the engine but try (very weakly) to forward (does the same in R).

Rain got a lot worse, even tornado sirens were off, black skies with lighting and thunder. I had to pull Erick off the bike close what was open and run into a Verizon store on the parking lot for shelter. Meanwhile, being an hour away from home, I got a hold of some friends and they came to our rescue.
Still thinking of picking up the dogs and getting things ready to work on Monday.. ray: HA!! what was I thinking!!

Erick stayed and waited for a tow truck, our friends took me and the luggage home. I was very worried as all West TN is flooded all over. I picked up the kids (3 dogs) and went to Millington to the dealer to pick up Erick... so we ended up towing the spyder home since the dealer entrance was locked and they were closed.

The whole saga ended at 9pm and I was worned out!!!
Called in sick at work today and Erick did too...

Now are new adventure is to watch closely the creek that is not so close to our house but it is next to it in hopes that we do not have to evacuate due to flooding!!

I had an awesome time at Spyderfest despite our trouble coming back. It was nice meeting new people that of course they all knew Erick/Bullant12.. since he is the spokeperson of both of us.. I also learn a lot about the spyders and want one.. hahahaha

Hope to see you at Maggie Valley!!

 

[bullant12]

Dentin028 A.K.A. Mrs.Bullant12:roflblack::roflblack:

Thanks to :spyder2:fest we might become a 2 :spyder2: family...

If anybody (Lamont, Scotty or any motorcycle tech here) can figure out what happened, please answer!:bowdown:

 

[Bootie]

Problems

Dentin028 A.K.A. Mrs.Bullant12:roflblack::roflblack:

Thanks to :spyder2:fest we might become a 2 :spyder2: family...

If anybody (Lamont, Scotty or any motorcycle tech here) can figure out what happened, please answer!:bowdown:

If you had 6500rpm and only going 5mph then the only thing it could be would be a bad (slipping) clutch:lecturef_smilie:. Since the clutch is soaked in oil, one must be careful as to what kind of oil you use. If you put the wrong kind in, the clutch will slip. I'd go with what BRP recommends here, a synthetic oil such as AMSOIL.

 

[bullant12]

If you had 6500rpm and only going 5mph then the only thing it could be would be a bad (slipping) clutch:lecturef_smilie:. Since the clutch is soaked in oil, one must be careful as to what kind of oil you use. If you put the wrong kind in, the clutch will slip. I'd go with what BRP recommends here, a synthetic oil such as AMSOIL.

I used the manufactured recommended as in the manual... no more, no less.

What is funny is that it was slipping BEFORE I added the oil... so the oil in the engine is still the one from the 600 mile oil change and check-up at the dealer...

Just checked it now and it still does the same... Waiting until tomorrow to call the dealer and get Gray:spyder2: in...:gaah:

 

[xpeschon]

Sorry to hear about your adventure on your return trip.. Wish I could help out a bit more as far as steering you in the right direction but I have not the knowledge but am very interested in what the out come is so please keep us updated.. What a adventure, holy buckets....

X-Joe

 

[dltang]

So sorry to hear about your harrowing adventure home. I am glad you made it safe and sound though. It was great meeting you both and talking to you. I sure wish we could have sold you guys that RC Spyder but Brian really wanted those shocks...LOL. It is good to hear you are thinking about becoming a two spyder family. There needs to be more of those. You will love having your own. Keep us posted as to the results of your current spyder and to what it is you pick out when you are on the hunt for your own spyder.

 

[bullant12]

So sorry to hear about your harrowing adventure home. I am glad you made it safe and sound though. It was great meeting you both and talking to you. I sure wish we could have sold you guys that RC Spyder but Brian really wanted those shocks...LOL. It is good to hear you are thinking about becoming a two spyder family. There needs to be more of those. You will love having your own. Keep us posted as to the results of your current spyder and to what it is you pick out when you are on the hunt for your own spyder.

My offer still stands for the shocks... $225! And a pair of SIDI Boots... worn only once!:roflblack:

Thanks for your post!!

 

[NancysToy]

I agree as to the slipping clutch. Could be the oil, or could be mechanical causes. It could also (likely) have mechanical damage cause by the oil or another problem. An example would be an SM Spyder where the clutch eventually failed because the clutch assist solenoid failed and stayed engaged. Are you sure the dealer used the correct oil? That is another possible culprit. If they have to change the clutch, be sure they change the oil and filter(s), too, and clean the screen in the tank, as the clutch debris will contaminate the oil. I hope you are back on the road soon. Not a common problem (unless you add a turbo :roflblack.

 

[docdoru]

Not a common problem (unless you add a turbo :roflblack.

:2thumbs:

 

[G-Man]

Sorry about your horrific ride home. Glad you enjoyed Spyder Fest. Happy to have met you. Hope to see you again soon. :doorag:

 

[bullant12]

I agree as to the slipping clutch. Could be the oil, or could be mechanical causes. It could also (likely) have mechanical damage cause by the oil or another problem. An example would be an SM Spyder where the clutch eventually failed because the clutch assist solenoid failed and stayed engaged. Are you sure the dealer used the correct oil? That is another possible culprit. If they have to change the clutch, be sure they change the oil and filter(s), too, and clean the screen in the tank, as the clutch debris will contaminate the oil. I hope you are back on the road soon. Not a common problem (unless you add a turbo :roflblack.

Would this happen even after a 2000+ ride? Because the dealer did the 600 mile oil change and break-in checkup back in January...:yikes:

 

[NancysToy]

Would this happen even after a 2000+ ride? Because the dealer did the 600 mile oil change and break-in checkup back in January...:yikes:

Anything is possible, but it is a long stretch for the wrong oil being the root cause...unless you didn't notice a slight slip previously. Like I said, there could be other possible root causes. Only a tear-down and some testing will tell for sure. It could even be the result of a manufacturing defect. I'm sure your dealer will search for an answer.

 

[Dentin028]

Thanks everyone!!!

Like Erick said.. we had the oil change at the dealer and our next oil change is in about 300 miles.. so I don't understand while the wrong oil would last so long to cause trouble. I'm still clueless here..

Hopefully we can get the spyder fixed soon, as weather permits. We have floods all over the place here in west TN, maybe a sea doo won't be a bad idea. I need to go to the DMV and take my license!!! Then I can steal it from Erick when he is traveling with his job.. hahaha...

ray:ray:ray:ray:

 

[RTGENE]

Hubby a.k.a. Bullant12 had posted this before. Anyway.. I'm trying to get used to this site since I'm a facebook person myself.

So we left Cuba, MO heading to Memphis at 7:30am... wanted an early start to take care of things and go to work the next day. We do go to work at 6:30 am!!

We took I-44 north and pulled off on Pacific following what the GPS told us and saw that our new floorboard was loose. :chill: Luckily another biker (not a lover but just coming back from off-roading) pulled over and had the wrench necessary to tighten the floorboard and went our way up to Festus (where we stoped at Lowes and got a wrench just in case it went loose again).

Made it trouble free to Cape Girardeau for lunch and a fill up. Once we got into Sikeston we noticed that the rain was turning up so we pulled in an overpass and suited up into our rain gears. But as soon as we started taking off, the bike was having issues taking off... Would be reaving up at 7500 rpms and hardly getting to 10 MPH... Stopped and let the spyder cool off for a minute. Started again and went off with no issues. We had lots of rain all the way on I-55, it got heavier as we went into the I-155 interchange... The bike became a See-Doo on a couple of times and the rain would not stop!!! Needless to say I was freaking out!!!

But made it safe to Dryersburg, 25 miles off the interchange. Filled up again in Dryersburg. Once we got out of Dryersburg, the bike started to struggle, seemed like was getting weaker. Pulled over and started doing the same thing as when leaving Sikeston. This time, cooling down would not help. Eventually gave us the orange engine light but never threw a code. Turned off and on again and did not throw a code, but still struggling. A good samaritan helped us escort us into the next town as I got the bike to go on 3rd gear at 45 MPH but no more than that. Finally, after Erick got some DOT-4 brake fluid and oil (oil was a little below normal level but clutch was at level), the bike would only make us go 5 MPH on 6500 RMP's in 1st gear, and noticed that when stopped, if I pop the clutch at a gear (1st) it would not kill the engine but try (very weakly) to forward (does the same in R).

Rain got a lot worse, even tornado sirens were off, black skies with lighting and thunder. I had to pull Erick off the bike close what was open and run into a Verizon store on the parking lot for shelter. Meanwhile, being an hour away from home, I got a hold of some friends and they came to our rescue.
Still thinking of picking up the dogs and getting things ready to work on Monday.. ray: HA!! what was I thinking!!

Erick stayed and waited for a tow truck, our friends took me and the luggage home. I was very worried as all West TN is flooded all over. I picked up the kids (3 dogs) and went to Millington to the dealer to pick up Erick... so we ended up towing the spyder home since the dealer entrance was locked and they were closed.

The whole saga ended at 9pm and I was worned out!!!
Called in sick at work today and Erick did too...

Now are new adventure is to watch closely the creek that is not so close to our house but it is next to it in hopes that we do not have to evacuate due to flooding!!

I had an awesome time at Spyderfest despite our trouble coming back. It was nice meeting new people that of course they all knew Erick/Bullant12.. since he is the spokeperson of both of us.. I also learn a lot about the spyders and want one.. hahahaha

Hope to see you at Maggie Valley!!

Hi you don't know me------but did you check SPYDER RESCUED thread
smilingene

 

[bullant12]

Hi you don't know me------but did you check SPYDER RESCUED thread
smilingene

Yes... We're actually on the list... But we were only an hour away from home! Thanks anyway!:2thumbs:

 

[bullant12]

Dilema: Confused and concerned

Anything is possible, but it is a long stretch for the wrong oil being the root cause...unless you didn't notice a slight slip previously. Like I said, there could be other possible root causes. Only a tear-down and some testing will tell for sure. It could even be the result of a manufacturing defect. I'm sure your dealer will search for an answer.

So the techs at the dealer diagnosed a slipped clutch. They have torn down the clutch and going to take pictures of the parts and send them to BRP in the morning. They say it might be a week.

I was talking to the owner of the dealer David, he seemed concerned about the issue. He thinks that eventually BRP is going to ask questions about what I did before it acted up. I told him exactly what happened (as in post #1) and what I was doing on Spyderfest. No wheelies, no "performance testing"... just rYding around Cuba and parts of the Ozarks as we had intended.

David also mentioned that to be in the "safe side", I should call BRP customer service and let them know what happened. He thinks that because I am a customer I would have better leverage on defending my issue than a dealer would reporting the breakdown, and by at least complaining to BRP it would bring up my point that I did not abuse the clutch but rather used it as it was intended to do and that I simply got a faulty clutch.

Please let me know what you all think... I am a little concerned. We love our Spyder and want to have what is due.

 

[NancysToy]

So the techs at the dealer diagnosed a slipped clutch. They have torn down the clutch and going to take pictures of the parts and send them to BRP in the morning. They say it might be a week.

I was talking to the owner of the dealer David, he seemed concerned about the issue. He thinks that eventually BRP is going to ask questions about what I did before it acted up. I told him exactly what happened (as in post #1) and what I was doing on Spyderfest. No wheelies, no "performance testing"... just rYding around Cuba and parts of the Ozarks as we had intended.

David also mentioned that to be in the "safe side", I should call BRP customer service and let them know what happened. He thinks that because I am a customer I would have better leverage on defending my issue than a dealer would reporting the breakdown, and by at least complaining to BRP it would bring up my point that I did not abuse the clutch but rather used it as it was intended to do and that I simply got a faulty clutch.

Please let me know what you all think... I am a little concerned. We love our Spyder and want to have what is due.

It cannot hurt to email Customer Service (Carlo). There is nothing to lose. The dealer's concern is understandable, since the clutch is normally considered to be a wear part, so is not normally covered by warranty. Premature failure without accompanying abuse is certainly something that should be covered, however. If the dealer could find an underlying cause, like parts out of tolerance, or something installed wrong, it would help. It sounds like he is on your side, though, so his explanation to BRP may be enough. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

 

[bullant12]

It cannot hurt to email Customer Service (Carlo). There is nothing to lose. The dealer's concern is understandable, since the clutch is normally considered to be a wear part, so is not normally covered by warranty. Premature failure without accompanying abuse is certainly something that should be covered, however. If the dealer could find an underlying cause, like parts out of tolerance, or something installed wrong, it would help. It sounds like he is on your side, though, so his explanation to BRP may be enough. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

Thanks Scotty!! I have just emailed BRP so we will wait and see...opcorn:ray:

 

[NorthStar]

Glad

to hear that you guys made it home in one piece, even with the mechanical problems that you were faced with.

I read about your clutch issue and your dealer's suggestion to file a note with BRP. Taking a two pronged approach cannot hurt, but I would put most of my faith in the dealer communications with BRP. If your dealer believes that the clutch damage is indeed premature they will have to go to bat for you to get this issue fixed without excessive costs to you. This will be a true test of your relationship with your dealer. I will keep my fingers crossed that everything will be fixed to your satisfaction and you will not lose any serious riding time.

 

[JJW SpyderRider]

I have a new owner in my area that had less than 500 miles on his SE5 before his clutch went out. It sounded like the springs were bad. I believe that BRP did cover this under warranty. It does happen, just not very often.