What happens when you have a break down on a trip away from home?

[retiredsquid]

Our six month old 2011 RT Limited broke down on Tuesday and had to be hauled into the shop for a suspected TPS problem. Dealer ordered new TPS via 2nd day air and then installed same today and it was not the problem, but BRP says it is likely the Throttle Body itself. So, another order via 2nd day air for a possible delivery of next Wednesday. If that is not it, then it will be the following Tuesday earliest for parts. Mind you, we bought the top of the line warranty the dealership offers above and beyond BRPs Best warranty for a very high premium.

I do not for the life of me understand the mentality of BRP and their dealer network that of not getting a customer's machine on the rode ASAP considering the thing cost as much as a Mustang GT Convertible by the time all is said and done. Ford Motor Company would go out of business if they operated the same way. I realize the Spyder is a new product, but that would give cause to want to go even further to ensure its success. We want to buy a second Spyder and it will be an additional RT Limited, so no small outlay of retirement funds. BUT..... and that is a very big but.... if the service network isn't there to support the machine and not allow for it to be down for days at a time (it is a 40+ mile trip each way to my dealer) and have to find a ride home when it gets dropped off and a ride to go get it each time I will have a hard time justifying purchasing another. If my 2009 F150 dies on me I can call an 800 number and Ford will have the truck towed in and take me in with the truck and the dealer gives me a loaner until mine is repaired with a $0 deductible. Maybe BRP could take a lesson here and have loaner Spyders or keep enough spare parts onhand to fix common problems.

Bottom line, BRP needs to get the point across and have the mentality that the Spyder is a primary mode of transportation and not just an overpriced toy. I am expected to advertise for CanAm everyday when I ryde, then that loyalty needs to go back to the owners, too.

 

[Spyder Couple]

I do not for the life of me understand the mentality of BRP and their dealer network that of not getting a customer's machine on the rode ASAP considering the thing cost as much as a Mustang GT Convertible by the time all is said and done. Ford Motor Company would go out of business if they operated the same way. I realize the Spyder is a new product, but that would give cause to want to go even further to ensure its success. We want to buy a second Spyder and it will be an additional RT Limited, so no small outlay of retirement funds. BUT..... and that is a very big but.... if the service network isn't there to support the machine and not allow for it to be down for days at a time (it is a 40+ mile trip each way to my dealer) and have to find a ride home when it gets dropped off and a ride to go get it each time I will have a hard time justifying purchasing another. If my 2009 F150 dies on me I can call an 800 number and Ford will have the truck towed in and take me in with the truck and the dealer gives me a loaner until mine is repaired with a $0 deductible. Maybe BRP could take a lesson here and have loaner Spyders or keep enough spare parts onhand to fix common problems.

Bottom line, BRP needs to get the point across and have the mentality that the Spyder is a primary mode of transportation and not just an overpriced toy. I am expected to advertise for CanAm everyday when I ryde, then that loyalty needs to go back to the owners, too.

There are alot of people that feel :agree: with you. We have had our spyder in the shop now 3 times since May for the same thing. We also have talked of getting another spyder RTS but putting out that much money (ours is a step down from yours) for a bike that will spend to much time in the shop is a bit troublesome for us.

I hope you get your bike fixed and don't have any other issues.

 

[boborgera]

Bottom line is No Competition. ''Most'' people have no choice, It's the Spyder or a car.
[and brp knows that]

 

[ARtraveler]

Sorry for the problem. I can see why you are angry and ticked off. A $30,000 machine should run and not be in the shop for repairs.

It does sound like the dealer is working to get your machine fixed timely.

Dealers should stock more "necessary" parts so the spyder can be fixed and out of the shop the first time. I think they should also check out what the problem really is before ordering wrong parts. A quick hook up to BUDS does not seem to be the whole answer. You need mechanics that know what they are doing--hence my jumping on BRP here to have better policies on training of mechanics.

The Spyder is to "techy" to have people working on them that are not good or knowledgeble.

 

[retiredsquid]

More disappointed than ticked off. My big concern is what happens when you have a breakdown while out away from home or when you center your vacation around the Spyder. Just last Saturday I spent at least an hour giving a potential Spyder buyer the rundown on my Spyder at BBQ at the request of Mr. Bradford himself and had folks crawling all over it showing it off. You would think they could afford as much concern in return, even if it means taking parts off of a machine in inventory.

 

[johnnyg]

Find a dealer and a wrecker and then renteal car and Motel then----- ray:ray:ray:

 

[retiredsquid]

Find a dealer and a wrecker and then renteal car and Motel then----- ray:ray:ray:

I'm beginning to believe with a Spyder you need to talk with your insurance agent about all three for coverage against breakdowns.

 

[Bob Denman]

Well I've got my fingers crossed for you guys and hoping that they find and fix the issue A.S.A.P.!! Good luck and please let us know what happens... :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

I'm sorry for your difficulties. This type of thing has plagued touring motorcyclists for years. Every BMW rider I know has a good "Plan B" in his wallet next to his credit card, in case of a breakdown on the road. BRP's performance in effecting timely repairs has improved, but the dealers still don't share the "Get it back on the road" attitude that the HD and BMW dealers have. I also feel that the Spyder has a greater number of issues than it should, and many require technical assistance from BRP. On the other hand, it is unfair to compare it to a Ford F-150, which has sold millions of vehicles in the same period that the Spyder has sold maybe 40,000, and has parts warehouses all over North America, as opposed to just a couple. This is a part of motorcycling that we all have to accept, to one extent or another. Lower production means a lower level of support. It sounds like your dealer is trying real hard.

 

[dancogan]

I'm sorry for your difficulties. This type of thing has plagued touring motorcyclists for years. Every BMW rider I know has a good "Plan B" in his wallet next to his credit card, in case of a breakdown on the road. BRP's performance in effecting timely repairs has improved, but the dealers still don't share the "Get it back on the road" attitude that the HD and BMW dealers have. I also feel that the Spyder has a greater number of issues than it should, and many require technical assistance from BRP. On the other hand, it is unfair to compare it to a Ford F-150, which has sold millions of vehicles in the same period that the Spyder has sold maybe 40,000, and has parts warehouses all over North America, as opposed to just a couple. This is a part of motorcycling that we all have to accept, to one extent or another. Lower production means a lower level of support. It sounds like your dealer is trying real hard.

:agree: Well said, Scotty.

 

[retiredsquid]

I guess my biggest problem with service support is really the lack of parts maintained by dealerships for common and well known problems. The service guys are trying, but it is nowhere near what the folks up front say when making the sell. When a customers machine is down parts should at minimum be shipped overnight express. I bet if lemon laws applied you would see less problems and quicker fixes across the board.

 

[boyallie]

I agree! Why didn't they ship the parts OVERNIGHT! Amazing.

 

[boborgera]

I agree! Why didn't they ship the parts OVERNIGHT! Amazing.

Why, It cost Money to overnight that's why.

 

[Rayelljay]

I know in this area a local feed and seed store which sells top quality lawn and garden stuff had their Husqvarna agency pulled because they didn't hold the mandatory $100K in equipment and spares.
I wonder if BRP have a dealer "mandatory minimum stock" policy.

 

[cougar]

Just buy a second Spyder and tow it behind you as a backup. Works every time. Make sure it is the same color. :joke:

 

[SpyderDen]

I think I'm getting it. You made your LTD sooo awesome looking with Pete's wrap, the dealer can't stand to give it back to you. Nice job. All kidding aside I hope you are back on the road soon. ray:

 

[Trickie Dick]

I know in this area a local feed and seed store which sells top quality lawn and garden stuff had their Husqvarna agency pulled because they didn't hold the mandatory $100K in equipment and spares.
I wonder if BRP have a dealer "mandatory minimum stock" policy.

The only minimum inventory is their BRP ATVs, boats, skidoos, seadoos and Spyders. If you don't order those, then you lose your franchise. I doubt it has anything to do with parts inventory. :yikes:

 

[docdoru]

The only minimum inventory is their BRP ATVs, boats, skidoos, seadoos and Spyders. If you don't order those, then you lose your franchise. I doubt it has anything to do with parts inventory. :yikes:

:agree:nojoke

 

[harddrive]

It sounds like your dealer is doing their best to get it back going. My back up plan is pulling the spyder behind my f150 when going on a long trip.

As for the ford reference, I have to disagree with you. My f150 has been great, but ask anyone who bought a 2003 to 2007 ford superduty with the 6.0 powerstroke how the feel about ford. Those f250 and f350 trucks cost anywhere between 35,000 to over 60,000 and about 99% of them spent more time in the shop then on the road.

 

[retiredsquid]

It sounds like your dealer is doing their best to get it back going. My back up plan is pulling the spyder behind my f150 when going on a long trip.

As for the ford reference, I have to disagree with you. My f150 has been great, but ask anyone who bought a 2003 to 2007 ford superduty with the 6.0 powerstroke how the feel about ford. Those f250 and f350 trucks cost anywhere between 35,000 to over 60,000 and about 99% of them spent more time in the shop then on the road.

Absolutely, Bradford Marine is doing their best to get it fixed. My biggest concern is a breakdown on a trip. If I had to pull a trailer as you suggest then there would be no need for a Spyder. I have no problem with my dealer. Its just frustrating to see so many complaints.