Top 10 Regrets Before Buying Can Am Spyder

[@thomaskotkowski1328]

Bought a 2023 RT base model 3 months ago. I have put on 10,658 miles as of today. I ride it as my primary vehicle now. I changed the front brake pads and rotors myself at 8000 miles and the rear brakes and tire at 9000 miles. I did the initial 3500 oil change as well. I have had zero problems with the RT. I am an aggressive rider and I do get on it and still zero issues. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

[@garlandlabat4922]

I have a 2018 RT Limited. I'm glad I didn't listen to you before I bought it, I may have been dissuaded. I'm perfectly happy with it. Would buy it again.

[@bruceadkins6706]

I have a 2019, bought late in the year, 2020. Have 9600 trouble free miles. Dealer is 64 miles from me, not terrible, but an hour or so travel. Enjoy it more and more!!

[@VertedMonk]

I agree with the above statements, bought a 2021 RT Limited and have enjoyed it to the fullest

[@germanfornine]

Yeah!!

[@glenrust6319]

Still lookin Lotta good some bad

[@rudyarmendariz4632]

Thank you for this. I am an overthinker by nature so I have been going back and forth on getting one. Found a great deal on a used F3 Limited that I really want to jump on

[@chuckkelley5894]

We've been here before, you and I. I could dissect your vlog but you, and I, and everyone else who owns or has owned one knows the truth. A quickie: Can-Am is BRP they invented the snowmobile, and the jet ski, dominated dirt track racing until their machine was so high performance that it scared the racers away, they build engines for airplanes, and I've flown 1000's of hours where the Rotax engine was the powerplant, also they produce the Private Jet of choice for the uber-wealthy, etc. Just shy of a month ago, my wife and I turned a corner on the mountain between Hoback and Alpine Wyoming, not far from Jackson Hole. It was raining, and we were approximately 2-2 1/2 hours away from our final destination, as we broke the curve a gust of wind hit us so hard that it lifted me off of my seat and to the right of the Cam-AM, I'm 6'2" and weigh 245 lbs. My left leg squeeze kept me from a total dismount, my wife already had a death grip because of the rain, and the armrests assisted with holding her in. The rain was blinding, visibility about 50-75 feet, and the wind, we found out later, was a Squall, so 60-80 mph. I turned around to try to outrun the wind and hopefully the storm. We were traveling uphill, and the rainwater was pooling a couple of inches above the rubber (halfway to the hub), the traffic has building because they too had turned around attempting to outrun the storm. My flashers were on in hopes of preventing a rear-end collision, I maintained between 45-55 mph to keep pace as best as I could. About 20 miles away we found a shelter to wait it out. How in the Hell did we survive that? Traction control, Nanny, Two Tires upfront, plus maybe in a weird way the water itself helped hold us to the road. All I know for certain is we wouldn't have been able to do any of that, much less survived it on anything less than a Can-AM. Two wheels, forget it in that situation...and I Love two-wheelers. Please stop knocking these machines, they are a marvel.

[@charlesholloway7713]

Right you are👍

[@hughwelsh201]

I'm with you there. This guy is a muppet, hell what he says could and can be any vehicle on the road. Last year I purchased a 2011 Spyder RS in a rather tired condition, I fully revived it and over the past 10 months or so put another 10,000km on it. And now I'm working on buying a 2015 Spyder F3-S to join it in the garage.

[@chuckkelley5894]

@@hughwelsh201 I also have a Ducati Diavel AMG tricked out way beyond anything sane by the original owner (it scared him and he barely rode It) an FZ1, and a WR250R goosed, geared, exhaust, power commander, etc.. None of these bikes can handle the curves and twisties like a Spyder. All I've done to it is a Baja Ron Sway Bar and a Pedal Box. Other bikes come and go but the Spyder is staying put until it's pronounced unretrievable..

[@hughwelsh201]

@chuckkelley5894 my last bike was a GPZ600R back in 1985. So glad I got introduced to Spyders. My RS has had a BajaRon sway bay, new front suspension bushes, and a lot of cosmetic work thrown at it.

[@chuckkelley5894]

@@hughwelsh201 That's great! We get attitude from other bikers, but I promise they don't know what you have. I've met many Spyder folks who don't know. These are fantastic machines; trail brake and accelerate simultaneously, with about two hundred options for every maneuver. I love my other bikes too, but not nearly as much as my Spyder. Any bike I dismount and then climb on the Spyder for a ride; it's like climbing out of a Yugo and slipping into a Bentley.

[@gregkamer3754]

I purchased a 2018 RT Limited. About 2 months after I brought it I had trouble with it not being able to shift into Reverse, could not manually downshift and could not manually shift into Neutral. Found out the left hand multifunction switch was bad. Got it replaced under warranty. Then I started having trouble with the parking brake not releasing. I found a BRP warranty bulletin stating that was a known issue on the 2018 RT. I took it into the dealership and they replaced the parking brake actuator/motor under the warranty bulletin. Fixing those two issues would have cost me close to $2,000. However because of both my extended warranty and the BRP warranty bulletin, it cost me nothing out of pocket. And since then I have had zero problems and I ride it as my day to day transport. Unless of course I need to haul something major in which case I move up to my pick up truck. The last recall I need to address this spring will be the sprocket recall, then it’s off to Deadwood SD for the 2023 3 Wheel Rally in July.

[@Nvrtheless-st1wt]

I still plan on getting one next year. I think, as any vehicle or motor machine, it's about how you ride and take care of it.

[@ricford39]

Aside from replacing the tires once, the brake pads once, my 2014 Spyder has and will continue to be an excellent machine. At 47K miles. No issues.

[@cappy7676]

You've replaced tires and brakes once in 47k???

[@fmjcafe1]

Talking about the RS as the base model? The RS has been out of production for years. Belt tensioner? Not standard equipment on any Spyder. This clown has no clue what he's talking about.

[@gregnutter4658]

stop reviewing things. you have no experience with these bikes

[@billwilliams9527]

This you tube guy has some valid points. I ride a 2020 RTL Spyder, and here is the bottom line, any 3 wheel vehicle you buy is gonna have a problem here and there, make no mistake. The perfect machine does not exist.

[@FASTLANETV14]

💯

[@troy9er]

I have a 2021 F-3S and it has been perfect so far. Coming up on its 1st oil change soon.😉

[@davidmaples7034]

My wife and I are proud owners and riders of a 2022 can am rt we LOVE our machine it's a great ride and we have no issues with her

[@StormOracle]

Still love my spider. Like others, I'm glad I didn't listen to you first.

[@rustycleaver8231]

I’m confused. The video description talks about how great the Spyder is but the commentary in the video talks about nothing but problems. 🧐. My Family has owned 3 Spyders and 2 Rykers and never had a single breakdown. We love them!

[@tommylopez4704]

I am still a fan. I have had a spyder since 2010 and the early models did have some serious electrical problems. I put 46, 000 on my 2010, when through 4 main electrical harnesses before trading it in for the 2013. I put 88, 000 on my 2013 and although it had the heating issue, once the recall was done, it was great. I know own a 2022 rt limited and it is going great. Finding a good reliable dealer is an issue and i have had to search and went through three before I found one that is reliable. I can say I love my rt limited and will ride if for many many miles.

[@chuckwilson2301]

I am like garland. I am glad that I brought one. I have a 2022 RTL. Ride it as often as I can.

[@tloveles14]

I have a 2022 rt , so far so good , I agree with you on choosing a good dealership

[@anthonymarotta1556]

Still a fan. I had 2017 f3 ltd with no problems and now have a 2021 RT with 4000 miles. Still no problems I would buy another and not think twice

[@jesseleeiii7266]

I purchased a 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited traded that in and purchased a F3 2018 Limited still riding no major problems love the bike. And PS I have owned Yamaha‘s two wheel Honda Goldwing and two brand new Harley ultra classic‘s had problems with Harley problems with Yamaha never a problem with the Goldwing but as I get older Can-Am Spyder is my choice.

[@JimGDMAC]

What a collection of total BS, are you being paid by Hardly Ableson to decry their competitors? If you think the cost of maintenance of a Spyder is high then check out BMW's costs. Lack of reliability ? this summer I did a trip of near 3400 miles around the Alps with zero problems, I have around 19000 miles on mine with few problems, the only major one was due to a sticky sensor which can happy on any vehicle, it didn't stop me from riding several Alpine passes before it was fixed. Amount of maintenance needed ? the distances between services is higher than any other bike I have owned. Very little maintenance needed otherwise. I can agree on the amount of work needed to do some of the maintenance but any fully faired bike is the same. Electrical problems are mainly due to owners not understanding the CanBus system and connecting extras where they shouldn't be connected. (Try adding extras to a modern car with a similar system) As for recalls which bike maker has never had to recall bikes for faults (or car maker). I had to laugh when you brought up the Hardly TriGlide as an example of a good trike, isn't this the one that has killed several riders when a rear brake locked at speed causing it to leave the road and flip over,caused by a fault in the ABS system. In the extremely unlikely case of the Spyder locking a front brake there is still a possibility of controlling it as you still have one wheel steering to counteract the locked one. Excess heat from an engine is not new, I rode a Honda V twin where the air from the radiator blew straight onto my legs, stationary on a hot day only my leather bike boots saved my lower legs. No brake rotor problems I know of, the only reason it might glaze is due the efficient braking only needing gentle application of the breaks in normal riding, easily fixed by a few heavy applications of the brake. No bottom level machine? there is one its called a Ryker. Using the RT as an example is rather silly as it's a top level tourer not a weekend sportster. Compare it to something like a BMW K1600 and prices are similar. People buy it to do long distances not pose. Even the F3 is still for doing miles not cruising down the road showing off. If you want to pose then buy a race replica or a Hardly. My RT is for daily use not just weekends, many other owners are the same.

[@rapmeister1000]

10 reasons you don’t know what you’re talking about. 1. 41000 reliable miles on a 2016 RTL. You even site lack of maintenance as the culprit 2. Electrical problem usually happen when folks start screwing with the system. 3. Wrap the rotors? Nuff said 4 -10. Just shut up.

[@genegoodwin8925]

You say to buy a HD trike. I'm on my second HD trike and they cost $37,000 each! I just bought a Can Am Ryker for our son who use to ride a two wheeler until he had a stoke five years ago. I drove the Ruker home the other night, in and out of rain showers and 52 degrees outside. Not the best weather to ride, but still it was a balst to ride. I enjoyed it so much when I get a few more miles on my HD trike I will consider a Can Am Spyder LT Limited. I just want to test drive one first.

[@charlesholloway7713]

Man they are fun, and a lot more dependable then this guy claims ask people that ride them.

[@KenBrockway]

I bought an 2016 Can-Am RT and the first thing I had when I drove off the lot in Jesup, Ga was front end alignment problem. I turned around and went back to the dealer to have the problem fixed. I called several time to see if they fixed it. Five days later I went to the dealer to see what was happening. They told me there was nothing wrong but beg to defer. Then they said they did not have any way to align the bike and I had to find someone who can. I told them this was bull since they had the bike almost a week. But I did find someone who could align my bike. Then the front end started to wobble so I took it back to the dealer and after a day I picked up the bike, they told me all it was air pressure in the tires and charged me $105. Never paid! Went to the person who did the alignment and he found that a bolt was missing and this was extremely dangerous and life threatening situation deal. When I went to the deal again for maintenance they took over a week. So I went to see what was going on again and they told me they had several others for maintenance but again this was bull. I wound up taking the bike to Savannah, Ga to have the maintenance done. Which took almost a week to do. When I went to pick up the bike I almost had a heart attack. The bill was almost $2000. This was for oil and filter $180, electrical maintenance $420, adjustments on the cables $140, so called engine maintenance $325, trunk cable $140, tire maintenance (air) $95, two brake cables that was installed backwards which were rubbing on the front tires they just twisted them around and zipped tied them out of the way $95, and labor for each job $625. I had to take out a small loan to get the bike back. Oh by the way the bike was still under warranty but this does not include labor which you must pay regardless. A month later I started to have power brake problems. Brake would not disengage and left me stranded several times. I had towing with my insurance but when I called they would not help along with others they did not want the liability. I had to trailer the bike to Jacksonville, Fl were they found and fixed the problem. It was due to electrical wires being shorted due to maintenance errors. They contacted Savannah, Ga but all they said the bike left in working condition and was not their concern. The dealer in was extremely helpful and did not charge me labor and gave me a huge discount. Normally the brake motor which is the size of a soda can cost $280. There is no way I could ever thank them enough for their services. I highly recommend them for their service and products. I let the bike go back and will not own another. To dam high maintenance and you have to use their dealerships plus their products so you won't void warranty's.

[@hugo_Juice13]

Great Video, anyone with a 2019 Spyder RT? Thinking about getting one just 50/50 on it based off these videos now.

[@jimwichmann264]

I've logged over 80000 miles on 3 different spiders in the past 10 years never had any issues with any of them, I don't know what this guy's problem is but he needs to get it in check!

[@charlesholloway7713]

That's my thought, some people think you can buy a vehicle treat it like trash, and when it breaks, they bad mouth the company. I'm 50 years in mechanics repair. my only problem with the spider is I don't get to work on it because my bike never breaks. My 2020 Rt has been more than dependable. Everyone that does an assessment they speak for themselves. My experience is much favorable for can-am. Going to buy one for my wife😉

[@chuckkelley5894]

@@charlesholloway7713 My local dealer, the one I use for maintenance, I purchased it elsewhere, says these things just don’t breakdown. He said they’d be out of business if they had to depend on Can Am repair work.

[@DFWMoose]

Disc brakes Wrapping - WTH is that Laser alignments - ALL CARS use laser alignment. It’s nothing new. You are making it up as you go along.

[@denniscarver7681]

You are picking old prototypes to rag on. The main thing about a Spyder is they are built just enough to pass DOT. The first thing you do is upgrade suspension, Cat delete pipe. Yes you must do maintainence but if you neglect any bike it will bite you! Owned 2 got rear ended at stop light first 1. We both walked away, try that act on a two wheelr. Newer model way faster, reliable. If you don't have $ to spend on any thing boat, bike, atv. Don't get 1.

[@Lwimmermastermetalart]

Some valid points but you’ll have many of these problems with every brand out there. I have a 2021 RT Limited. So far 8500 miles in a year with no problems whatsoever ( knock on wood) overall I think it’s a great vehicle however I do have a point to add to the list. For a vehicle built in todays technology it falls way short on the transmission. The CLUNKING you get when putting in gear is ridiculous . Second , the electrics. The entertainment system drives me nuts. Why on earth do you have to wait while the system LOADS. Everything today you start at the radio is on. Not so with this. Sometimes it can take a minuet before the radio will come on. SERIOUSLY? Plus after sitting for a period of time it doesn’t default to what you had it set at. You need to select everything all over again. If money isn’t an issue than it’s great. You’ll need to do a few costly upgrades if your serious about performance. Would I buy one again……probably. The good outweighs the bad.

[@chrisburson5719]

I think this guy needs to have a cam an course

[@thewebbsace]

My 2023 was in the shop for two months this summer while they tried to figure out the noise and where the glitter oil was coming from. This was on a brand new bike with 5k on it. After missing out on several rides this summer and being able to ride with my Son before his deployment they discovered the alternator bearing went out. I'm am now stuck with an engine and transmission that was filled with metal. contamination

[@charlesholloway7713]

Every motorcycle on the market have issues. If anyone want a spyder get it this guy probably works for another motorcycle company. I was a canam fan before this video and will be one as long as I can ride. I haven’t had no issues two years of trouble free service. But I understand if you don’t like the canam but don’t knock it. Your personal opinion mater to you. I hear this type of nonsense all the time while passing many other name brand bikes on side of the road😂

[@MinisterRoy205]

So, i don't have a driver's license, need a reliable transport. And was hoping a cheaper, less problematic vehicle with the same design at the spyder, would be great for non highway use. But as far as it seems, no one else makes vehicles that have the spyders design😢

[@dleonf2832]

The communication between BRP and dealerships needs to improve. I know a Can Am RT owner that got a recall notice from BRP and went to his dealership to have to recalled issue replaced but the dealership claimed they knew nothing about the recall. Also, I’ve heard about bad mechanics not repairing or performing a scheduled maintenance service correctly causing the customer to have issues while riding.

[@lawnranger3432]

Certainly can't be any worse than a Harley Davidson Tri-Glide. A couple i know own a 2015 Tri-Glide with 28K on it. While in Sturgis this year it started throwing engine oil on the wife's right leg. They haul it 500 miles home. Turns out the pressed together crankshaft twisted enough (which is not uncommon to harley big twin engines) to screw everything up. According to the owner, the mechanic told him it will cost 6-7 thousand dollars to repair

[@charlesholloway7713]

It’s an overpriced bike to began with. But if that’s what you want have at it. They should have bought a canam spyder

[@Nvrtheless-st1wt]

Maintenance prices should be investigated before buying anything. And I'm almost certain the Maintenance requirements for Spyders are not monthly or reoccurring issues.

[@chuckkelley5894]

I take mine in every time I’m going to travel out in the boonies or to areas that lack BRP certified mechanics. My guys go through it and make sure everything is in top shape. There hasn’t been an issue yet and I’ve had zero major repairs. I typically ride 100-150 daily year round. And I push it pretty hard. All I’ve added to my 2019 RTL is a Baja Ron Sway bar and a Pedal Box.

[@nicknyk2]

Spyders are wonderful for retirees and folks that have physical ailments but still want to ride,. If you can't hold up your Harley anymore go get a Spyder. Befriend your local service shop (Maintenance it twice a year).. KEEP YOUR BATTERY CHARGED WITH A BATTERY TENDER! Keep fresh gas in the tank and do not troll/parade the Spyder at low speeds, and you'll be fine. Do not buy any Spyder models older than 2017. (I'd say this video is mostly accurate)

[@thomasnappo6309]

Big fan...BUT VERY VERY OVERPRICED PLASTIC...and DEALERSHIPS ARE VERY FAR TO GET TO IF BIKE GOES DOWN....

[@jamesbottger5894]

A HD 3 wheeler would be 60K+...for that you could buy two Spyders...as far as reliability goes, Can Am is known for building reliable machines. I would say their reliability would fall somewhere between the HD (which wouldn't be as good), and the Gold Wing (which is probably the most reliable 3 wheeler on the market). Either way, the Spyder, being an inverted design, would easily out handle the Honda or the HD, and storage capacity easily outdoes ANY 2 wheeler, so there is that...

[@robmorris8979]

Disappointed to hear all the negative remarks of this vehicle it is really turning me away from purchasing one!

[@christophercharles3169]

I don't know how you can pick a year, 10 years in the past, when they made problematic models, and claim it as a reason not to buy them now.

[@lawrenceedwards2246]

Nothing you said could not or does not apply to every motorcycle on the market . It's all in the maintenance.

[@coreycodling6661]

You lost me at wrapping the rotors lol… dude you ever held a screwdriver? Much less ridden?

[@colinmgwilliam7087]

Your funny. You cite occasional occurrences of faults as a generalisation as opposed to it being a rarity. Several numbers on your list can just as easily be applied to any make of vehicle and not just the Can-Am. Whilst I appreciate and respect individuals opinions, this is not the case when they provide a distorted view of a particular product. I've said my piece 🙂 Be well.

[@mrsqueenb6711]

Whether you agree or disagree, you watched the video &/or commented. That’s the point…

[@DanLimbach]

I disagree with many of your points. People are putting 50, 000 miles, 80,000 miles, and sometimes more on their Spyders. I love these vehicles. It's worth the safety and comfort compared to a 2-wheeled vehicle. It's much safer in rain, sleet, snow, and surfaces with gravel, sand, and dirt. I wouldn't get anything before the 2015, when every Spyder got the potent Rotax 1330 engine. The bottom line is, many motorcycle riders switch to a Can Am, but few Can Am rider switch to a motorcycle.

[@FASTLANETV14]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Spyders! It's cool to hear your take on why they're worth the ride.

[@pepeschley143]

What year do you have? and Every vehicle has issues and recalls, What new car payments is $200.00 and under? You Need to deal with your issues with Can Am that what's this sound like!

[@theiceman1972]

Dont think I agree with this. I know many people with these and literally none will say they wish they didnt buy them.

[@susierebelryder492]

Failure to know what you’re buying and failure to maintain the vehicle will make it unreliable. You sound like someone that had no idea what you were getting go into. You mix up old model problems with new models. You talk about rare issues that some owners have had because they failed to learn and take care of their bike. Your recommendations are far fetched. I’ve had three Spyders and no problems. Also, what other options are there for a three wheeled ride?

[@fanom1]

Oh please....I have a 2016 RT with over 72,000 miles on it....one bad sensor....nothing else....many issues with spyders are due to stupid owners who fail to do the proper maintenance....on the electrical side they add after market stuff that is NOT spyder specific / plug and play....As for price take a look at similar Harley Davidson products..try $50K +. many of these 10 points apply to just about any vehicle on the market. As for the Harley Trike, they are basically unstable and potentially dangerous machines..thats why HD is the only company making them from new..vs a conversion. .and for you information, the Spyder is a "Reverse trike"....Silly video, based off out of date information, inuendo, and BS....

[@keithchorley2511]

This is scary stuff. I'm glad I didn't watch it 5 years and 50,000km ago, I might have not bought mine. And now, I would be so disappointed. Which rock does he live under??

[@leshemingway7768]

Gee I want one but don't want to have issues maybe I need to get a Honda DCT Trike

[@chuckkelley5894]

Be sure to drive both. Hard. Then make your decision. Safety-wise the Can Am is the clear winner.

[@leshemingway7768]

@@chuckkelley5894 Don't agree after this interview

[@chuckkelley5894]

@@leshemingway7768 don’t agree with the video or with me?

[@leshemingway7768]

@@chuckkelley5894 i know a few people who have them they are very expensive to maintain and they have issues with breaks and water hoses. Two guy were on rides and the bike goes in Limp mode not one time but twice one had to get it towed to the dealer when he was on a long ride

[@leshemingway7768]

Maybe a few bikes don;t have issues but the bottom line is the cost to maintain the bike is very expensive maybe as much as a BMW. Parts are expensive as well. The guys I know who have these bikes have them in the shop after every 2000 miles or less. I really like to get one but I surely don't want to be spending my retirement money on service

[@geedubb-q1u]

It’s Not a Trike. A Trike is one wheel out front and two out back.

[@cereid85cr]

Don’t listen to this guy. Get your Spyder and have SOME FUN !!!

[@SpyderWayne]

I guess you could say that you shouldn't buy any motorcycle, or car, or truck, or any type of any vehicle due to your 'some owners have reported problems"... 🤔🙄🤣🤣 unless of course all other vehicles never have issues and all other vehicle dealers are knowledgable, trustworthy, and reliable, and no other vehicles ever have recalls 🧐🤪

[@ThomasNappo]

OVERPRICED PLASTIC PARTS...POOR DEALER SERVICE...POOR WAIT TIMES...BRP ONCE THEY GOT YOUR MONEY...YOUR A NOBODY😊

[@marcelclover6650]

sponsored by HARLEY DAVIDSON.

[@bikeknight54]

Your AI narrator can’t read the script.

[@benjaminbaquiran4399]

Mga buguk,i can buy that if im affotd,

[@darrell293]

Spiders got way too much maintenance. Tire rotation sucks. Too much time on maintenance. When I buy a piece of equipment I would like to enjoy it not work on it. And way overpriced.

[@billryan8707]

Total nonsence