What to do (steering revisited)

[MouthPiece]

I'm new to the forum and apologize if this has been discussed. I've read about the steering problems and the difficulties having it corrected. However, I haven't heard mention of just what you did when you experienced the problem. Did you react as you would with a flat tire? Just what did you do to keep yourself from going over to the dark side. I don't anticipate having a problem, but I'd sure like to know what others have done just in case it raised it's ugly head. PS: If you could describe just what your spyder was doing, that would help as well.

 

[bcspyder]

You are right...this topic has been well discussed. If you just do a search you will find LOTS of reading material.

 

[NancysToy]

The typical response has been to force the handlebars with a quick jerk, then try to keep from overcontrolling (to the opposite side) when it breaks loose or becomes easier to steer. You could hit the kill switch and coast to the side of the road, but you have to regain control first.

I highly recommend that you read the portion of the manual that has the training course in it, then lay out some cones in a quiet parking lot and practice avoidance maneuvers and kill switch operation (not both at once). Being prepared to react to whatever hazards the ride throws at you is you best preventative, whether due to a malfunction or an accident. You can read about it all you want, but there's no substitute for getting used to quick, emergency maneuvers. It may not be exactly the same, but you will have the reaction skills needed, if the time ever comes.

 

[PCBeachBum]

The typical response has been to force the handlebars with a quick jerk, then try to keep from overcontrolling (to the opposite side) when it breaks loose or becomes easier to steer. You could hit the kill switch and coast to the side of the road, but you have to regain control first.

I highly recommend that you read the portion of the manual that has the training course in it, then lay out some cones in a quiet parking lot and practice avoidance maneuvers and kill switch operation (not both at once). Being prepared to react to whatever hazards the ride throws at you is you best preventative, whether due to a malfunction or an accident. You can read about it all you want, but there's no substitute for getting used to quick, emergency maneuvers. It may not be exactly the same, but you will have the reaction skills needed, if the time ever comes.

:agree:

 

[M2Wild]

Hmmmm .... what's the diff between us practicing the kill switch to deal with DPS problem and them practice shifting into nutral to deal with gas paddle issue .... ONE ===> They get their problem addressed in a timely manner and we are left to fend for our own lives.

 

[NancysToy]

Hmmmm .... what's the diff between us practicing the kill switch to deal with DPS problem and them practice shifting into nutral to deal with gas paddle issue .... ONE ===> They get their problem addressed in a timely manner and we are left to fend for our own lives.

No disrespect, but this recall affects vehicles and complaints as far back as 2005. I really don't call that "in a timely manner." Anyway, practicing avoidance maneuvers and kill switch operation is to enable you to respond quickly and instinctively to any emergency that arises. It is not for this specific issue. The member asked how to respond, not for a philosophical discussion.

 

[sabunim5]

Hmmmm .... what's the diff between us practicing the kill switch to deal with DPS problem and them practice shifting into nutral to deal with gas paddle issue .... ONE ===> They get their problem addressed in a timely manner :dontknow: and we are left to fend for our own lives.

You must get different news in your part of the country than we do here.
In my neck of the woods they tell us Toyota has been aware of this for between 6 and 10 years.

 

[M2Wild]

That's true .... Toyota ain't that timely. Gosh I hope its not 5 more years before we see something siginificant from corporate on taking acre of these DPS sufferers.

 

[MouthPiece]

know that Roaddog didn't try to do anything .......:roflblack:

hey, aren't you a lawyer?

Yes, but don't tell anyone.

 

[QuadManiac]

You could hit the kill switch and coast to the side of the road, but you have to regain control first.

Interesting thought... and I suppose it could be determined through some simple testing under controlled circumstances -

Does hitting the kill switch disable the DPS, and, if so, would it be a simple solution to relieving the 'sticking' issue if it arises? The first question would be easy to test, the second would require quick thought from someone when affected.

 

[NancysToy]

Interesting thought... and I suppose it could be determined through some simple testing under controlled circumstances -

Does hitting the kill switch disable the DPS, and, if so, would it be a simple solution to relieving the 'sticking' issue if it arises? The first question would be easy to test, the second would require quick thought from someone when affected.

I don't recommend this as a first response for this problem. It may kill the DPS, but the sudden lack of power steering can create problems in itself. First, gain directional control, then shut the machine down and clean your shorts if necessary. It is important to practice use of the kill switch for other emergencies, though, precisely because it does kill the power steering, and also some other functions. You need to know how that feels and responds, before you really need it.

 

[MouthPiece]

Thanks so very much. I've already done all of the above. I just thought perhaps there might be something additionally that I can prepare myself for. Thanks again.

 

[spyryder]

I'll sometimes do a bit of steering back and forth before actually getting to the turn.

 

[SpyderWolf]

Thanks so very much. I've already done all of the above. I just thought perhaps there might be something additionally that I can prepare myself for. Thanks again.

Hopefully, since you are ryding an RT and these components are different you will never face the steering problem. It is a good thing to be as prepared as possible for any emergency situation that might pop up though. :thumbup:

 

[boborgera]

The only time i use the kill switch is when i hit it by accident when i get on with heavy gloves. :yikes: THEN PANIC SETS IN WHEN IT WONT START.
Also when ever i walk past a ATV in the woods i hit the switch, That's always good for a laugh. [not recommended unless you have a bigger gun]:roflblack:

 

[NancysToy]

The only time i use the kill switch is when i hit it by accident when i get on with heavy gloves. :yikes: THEN PANIC SETS IN WHEN IT WONT START.
Also when ever i walk past a ATV in the woods i hit the switch, That's always good for a laugh. [not recommended unless you have a bigger gun]:roflblack:

You should learn to always shut off the Spyder (or any motorcycle) with the kill switch. Then it becomes second nature. In an emergency (broken throttle return cable, blown clutch, fire, etc.) you may want it in a hurry.

 

[BajaRon]

Interesting thought... and I suppose it could be determined through some simple testing under controlled circumstances -

Does hitting the kill switch disable the DPS, and, if so, would it be a simple solution to relieving the 'sticking' issue if it arises? The first question would be easy to test, the second would require quick thought from someone when affected.

I've done it at about 70mph in the fast lane on an LA freeway. Since the power steering is progressive (a lot at very slow speeds tapering off to little or nothing at freeway speeds) I could not tell any difference in steering when I hit the kill switch.

Nothing sudden or problematic at all other than the lack of propulsion. I immediately pulled in the clutch to maintain as much speed as possible and managed to get over 4 or 5 lanes (I really can't remember exactly). Steering was no problem at all.

And yes, when you hit the kill switch all power assisted steering is disabled which would stop any steering issues caused by an errant DPS and instantly return control to the driver.

 

[aubierules]

You must get different news in your part of the country than we do here.
In my neck of the woods they tell us Toyota has been aware of this for between 6 and 10 years.

:agree:

 

[aubierules]

I don't recommend this as a first response for this problem. It may kill the DPS, but the sudden lack of power steering can create problems in itself. First, gain directional control, then shut the machine down and clean your shorts if necessary. It is important to practice use of the kill switch for other emergencies, though, precisely because it does kill the power steering, and also some other functions. You need to know how that feels and responds, before you really need it.

:agree:

 

[aubierules]

The only time i use the kill switch is when i hit it by accident when i get on with heavy gloves. :yikes: THEN PANIC SETS IN WHEN IT WONT START.
Also when ever i walk past a ATV in the woods i hit the switch, That's always good for a laugh. [not recommended unless you have a bigger gun]:roflblack:

BETTER NOT COME INTO MY NECK OF THE WOODS:lecturef_smilie: