Considerations before purchasing questions

[lovinbirds]

I'm thinking about purchasing a 2009 Spyder, but am very concerned after reading about the issues that some of you have had. I've owned several Harleys and am used to turning the key and riding and always making it home. I'm a 41 year old female and not mechanical at all. My husbands can change the oil, battery, small things on his Harley, but little else. The closest shop that could service the Spyder is about an hour and half from my home on very twisty mountain roads. Am I being paranoid? From what I've read, the SE has given more trouble. Since I want it to be more like a motorcycle experience, changing gears, etc. I'm looking at an SM model. How hard is the oil to change on one of these things at home? What's the chance of getting a good one that's not going to give me any problems and not be in and out of the shop? I REALLY want one, but don't have time or patience to be towing it back and forth to the shop.

[Racy22]

Don't let the internet gossip turn you off. BRP has been in business for a long time and if there are problems I'm sure they can get them fixed. Heck, the company builds planes and trains.

[Spyderman]

Originally Posted by Racy22

Don't let the internet gossip turn you off. BRP has been in business for a long time and if there are problems I'm sure they can get them fixed. Heck, the company builds planes and trains.

I agree, overall the manual tranny is a solid unit, so you'll likely do fine.

I've managed internet community sites for over fifteen years, and the fact is a much higher percentage of folks with complaints post then those without complaints. When you think about it a bit, this makes sense.... just the way our society is. BRP is in this for the long haul, and if there is an issue, will bend over backwards. One thing you may want to check up on is how good a reputation your local dealer has.

As far as changing the oil, other than having to take of a few plastic pieces, it is no harder than any other bike, you can even use a motorcycle jack to lift it up.

Side note, the BRP that makes trains and jets is actually not the same BRP that makes recreational products (sea-doo, ski-doo, and can-am brands). They started out together, but are now entirely separate corporations.

[bodymanpainter]

I own an 08 GS Spyder and have had no problems with it and have almost 11,000 mi on it and just recently traded my 08 Honda Goldwing for the 2010 Spyder RT-S and love it so don't be worried about the Syder at all!

[Desert Spyder]

Follow your heart. The vast majority of Spyders out there ARE NOT migrating to the repair shop. The only time mine was in the shop was for the updates. Unfortunately the first update was more like a root canal on mine: they had to reformat the computer. Either tech error or whatever so it was away from me for only 2 days so no big deal. I know others, and a few at that, had there's in for months for mainly the steering. But ANYTHING man makes can break. Go in with a positive outlook.