2015 Spyder RT

[OscarV]

I rode a 2015 Spyder RT SE6 today and really liked the way it rode and handled to the point where I'm considering buying one. I also spent an hour talking to the service tech that works on the Can Am's. Was able to get alot of valuable insight on the bike. I currently ride a 2007 Goldwing with a Lehman Monarch II straight axle kit. A few questions for the folks that have Spyders-

1.Oil changes at the dealership are $300. Do any of you do your own oil changes? Is it fairly simple? An oil change on the Goldwing cost me $35 and takes 15 minutes.

2. Since the valves don't require adjustments, is there anything else that you need to take the bike in for service?

3. I was told that the factory tires last around 6000 miles. Huge difference compared to the Goldwing trike. VEE Rubber has tires for the Spyder. Has anyone used them and what type of mileage are you getting from them?

4. Gas mileage. What are you guys averaging?

Thanks in advance.

[trikermutha]

I rode a 2015 Spyder RT SE6 today and really liked the way it rode and handled to the point where I'm considering buying one. I also spent an hour talking to the service tech that works on the Can Am's. Was able to get alot of valuable insight on the bike. I currently ride a 2007 Goldwing with a Lehman Monarch II straight axle kit. A few questions for the folks that have Spyders-

1.Oil changes at the dealership are $300. Do any of you do your own oil changes? Is it fairly simple? An oil change on the Goldwing cost me $35 and takes 15 minutes.
Yes we do. 2 drain plugs and remove some of the right side Tupperware to get to the oil filter

2. Since the valves don't require adjustments, is there anything else that you need to take the bike in for service?
Depends on the issue. Maybe a rear tire replace.

3. I was told that the factory tires last around 6000 miles. Huge difference compared to the Goldwing trike. VEE Rubber has tires for the Spyder. Has anyone used them and what type of mileage are you getting from them?
from what I hear that they went back to the harder compound rear tire should last longer..Mine only lasted to 5800 miles then went to vee rubber..Time will tell on the mileage..Some have stated around 9 k miles..Others out there are running car tires like Kuhmo and get more miles out of the rear..fronts are good till 22K from what I hear.

4. Gas mileage. What are you guys averaging?
35 whether in ECO mode or not..I have reached 40's MPG when puttsing around the city area..Most are mine a hwy miles..

Thanks in advance.

Need to ask about Farkles..
Make sure they laser align before you take the bike off there lot..If not you may have alignment problems..Most good dealers do it before they sell to the customer.

[ray6576]

I had a 2013 RT Limited so I can not answer your questions but go to Spyderlovers.com and you will be exposed to the good and bad about the Spyder. They are some very knowledgeable and helpful people.

[trikermutha]

I had a 2013 RT Limited so I can not answer your questions but go to Spyderlovers.com and you will be exposed to the good and bad about the Spyder. They are some very knowledgeable and helpful people.

I would make sure if you post something over there do a search on your question as some of them like to jump on you about the same questions being asked..But overall most are great to deal with..

[Tango]

I rode a 2015 Spyder RT SE6 today and really liked the way it rode and handled to the point where I'm considering buying one. I also spent an hour talking to the service tech that works on the Can Am's. Was able to get alot of valuable insight on the bike. I currently ride a 2007 Goldwing with a Lehman Monarch II straight axle kit. A few questions for the folks that have Spyders-

1.Oil changes at the dealership are $300. Do any of you do your own oil changes? Is it fairly simple? An oil change on the Goldwing cost me $35 and takes 15 minutes.

I have had 2 oil changes so far. First one at 3,000 miles was $225. Second one at 5500 miles and a different dealer, $180. You can buy an oil change kit for $60-$75 depending on the dealer.



2. Since the valves don't require adjustments, is there anything else that you need to take the bike in for service?

Yes, It need to be hooked up to the"Buds" computer system. A half hour charge.

3. I was told that the factory tires last around 6000 miles. Huge difference compared to the Goldwing trike. VEE Rubber has tires for the Spyder. Has anyone used them and what type of mileage are you getting from them?

I dumped the stock rear at 3,000 miles. Dealer charges $180 plus 1 hour($100) labor for a new one. I have a tire and auto shop whose father owns a Spyder. $130 for a Kumho car tire. Mounted and balanced! He also lazer aligned my bike for another $100.

4. Gas mileage. What are you guys averaging?

I got as high as 44mpg. Two lane back roads. Keeping it under 3,000 rpm's. 75-80mph bucking headwinds? 25 mpg. Not fun at all!

Thanks in advance.

Tom

[ben721364]

I rode a 2015 Spyder RT SE6 today and really liked the way it rode and handled to the point where I'm considering buying one. I also spent an hour talking to the service tech that works on the Can Am's. Was able to get alot of valuable insight on the bike. I currently ride a 2007 Goldwing with a Lehman Monarch II straight axle kit. A few questions for the folks that have Spyders-

1.Oil changes at the dealership are $300. Do any of you do your own oil changes? Is it fairly simple? An oil change on the Goldwing cost me $35 and takes 15 minutes.

2. Since the valves don't require adjustments, is there anything else that you need to take the bike in for service?

3. I was told that the factory tires last around 6000 miles. Huge difference compared to the Goldwing trike. VEE Rubber has tires for the Spyder. Has anyone used them and what type of mileage are you getting from them?

4. Gas mileage. What are you guys averaging?

Thanks in advance.

What's unique, difficult or particularly time intensive about changing the oil/filter on a Ca Am Spyder?

[hogcowboy]

The removal of the Tupperware is about all as far as I'm concerned. But I don't like Goldwings for the same reason yet we have a Spyder. The wife wins every time.

[trikermutha]

Air filter is on the left side of the trike..Oil filter on the right side of the trike.
Yes you has to take off some Tupperware but it really isn't that bad. Once you do it once the next time is much faster.
Even the first time and if you are handy with tools less than an hour to take off install and reinstall. Torx head screws for the Tupperware and 36 MM wrench for the oil filter housing.

Now I am talking about the 1330 models..

[wiredgeorge]

I owned a 2010 RT. I really never was thrilled with the way it handled or the buzzy V-twin. Engine didn't have the right character for a high-end touring rig. The 1330 engine fixed the buzzy issue and mileage increased. I will try and answer but check spyderlovers.com. Folks there really are not too bad; just very parochial for Spyders.

1.Oil changes at the dealership are $300. Do any of you do your own oil changes? Is it fairly simple? An oil change on the Goldwing cost me $35 and takes 15 minutes.

I learned to change the oil... took a bit more to change than my GL1800 conversion because you had to run the Spyder up on ramps, put a floor jack under the frame and get it up even higher and then put jackstands under the suspension to hold it securely as I had to get under the thing to change the oil. This process took about a half hour by itself. Once up, I didn't follow the service manual instructions to pull off all the plastic; only had to remove one panel to get to the filter and oil drain plug and the worst thing was using a Can-Am oil filter and their XPS oil... this made the cost about $70 as I recall. Not sure using their oil was really necessary but I used it; a semi blend.

2. Since the valves don't require adjustments, is there anything else that you need to take the bike in for service?

On my RT, the battery was BURIED under the seat and most would take it to a dealer to change the battery. The drive belt is sort of exposed and a stone between the belt and sprockets causes big-bucks repairs. Many owners install stone guards. If you need the belt tensioned properly and aligned, it takes special tools. An owner can do this but perhaps you would want to use a dealer. The alignment of most Spyders is awful and most need to be laser aligned but this is usually less than $150.


3. I was told that the factory tires last around 6000 miles. Huge difference compared to the Goldwing trike. VEE Rubber has tires for the Spyder. Has anyone used them and what type of mileage are you getting from them?

My rear tire was gone at about 4K miles. The front tires last a long time. About $250 to put another crappy Kenda on. MANY owners put car tires on the rear although dealers are not keen to help with this. The Vee rubber tires were still up in the air as they are a new product and I have no experience with these.

4. Gas mileage. What are you guys averaging?

I got 32 mpg with my 990cc RT. The 1330 actually get significantly better mileage. My GL1800 trike might see 30 mpg with a tailwind at 55 mph...

COMMENT: The Can-AM Spyder family is evolving and improving. The 2010 had tinker-toy suspension and my wife was scared going fast through sweepers till I replaced the anti-sway bar and front shocks and dialed in the rear air shock. That helped a lot. The Spyder is a bunch of fun to ride fast and especially solo but a Goldwing trike is like a Lazyboy in comparison. The 2015 RT machine is a vast improvement over the 2010 I owned. I didn't upgrade in that direction due to the cost... $25-30K is out of my price range. If you can afford a 2015 and like the ride, you can afford the maintenance and cost of Can-Am specific parts.

[trikermutha]

Newer 1330 models the battery is behind a cover in the fronk area.

I am now running Amsoil in the Spyder full synthetic. Other use Mobil,Rytec and BRP semi

[Pegasus1300]

Although my Spyder is 2012 and different from what you are looking at I can speak to some of your questions. The cost of oil changes is high at the dealer because of all the body panels that have to come off and on. The basic parts are also expensive. You can't do anything about the panels except learn to do them yourself.It's not a big deal. There are actually several videos on You tube that show in detail how to take them off. There are places you can get the filter parts cheaper and of course there are always sales on synthetic oils. I do my own changes,use aftermarket filters and synthetic Valvoline oil bought on sale.

Tires. The factory ones are junk,they are gone pretty quick at least as far as the rear tire is concerned.Car tires work well,are cheaper and can be mounted by a car tire dealer.You will have take the wheel off the Spyder and take it to him.Again there are videos on You Tube to show you how.

As with any Specialty Vehicle the routine maintenance can get expensive. The more you can do yourself the cheaper it will be. And the better you will know your machine.

I still have my Spyder. I love it. It is the most fun I've had since I left 2 wheels for 3. It rides so much better then my Gold Wing Trike and handles better too. The Gold Wing is more comfortable but I have rebuilt the seat on the Spyder so it is better. The adjustable windshield is great. For as much as you pay for it the entertainment system is substandard but there are things you can do to help that. The built in bags are odd shaped and small,but having the front trunk really helps.

When you ride one forget all you know about trikes,it is different then a bike and different then a conventional trike.ENJOY

[david1144]

I don't want to be negative, however I went from a 2008 Roadsmith to a 2015 Spyder.
I did everything the folks at SpyderLovers.com suggested and I still had a "darting issue with the trike. I could cruise at 70-80 mph on my GW with no issue, but the spyder at about 60 would become very touchy.
I balanced the front tires, I purchased spring stiffeners, I had it laser aligned, I would change the air pressure on the front many times, had the belt tightened.
I finally solved my problem by trading it in on a 2015 Roadsmith.
My 61 day adventure cost me in excess of $5500. PLEASE TEST RIDE THE SPYDER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE YOUR BUY AND PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT.
People will tell you that you will slowly become comfortable with the steering, I never did.
By the way, try a IDS trike before you sell your beloved Monarch.

Once again, sorry to be so negative.
David 1144

[ben721364]

I don't want to be negative, however I went from a 2008 Roadsmith to a 2015 Spyder.
I did everything the folks at SpyderLovers.com suggested and I still had a "darting issue with the trike. I could cruise at 70-80 mph on my GW with no issue, but the spyder at about 60 would become very touchy.
I balanced the front tires, I purchased spring stiffeners, I had it laser aligned, I would change the air pressure on the front many times, had the belt tightened.
I finally solved my problem by trading it in on a 2015 Roadsmith.
My 61 day adventure cost me in excess of $5500. PLEASE TEST RIDE THE SPYDER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE YOUR BUY AND PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT.
People will tell you that you will slowly become comfortable with the steering, I never did.
By the way, try a IDS trike before you sell your beloved Monarch.

Once again, sorry to be so negative.
David 1144

RoadSmith kits are very well built and the company is great to do business with. I had one on a 2008 Honda. What motorcycles were your RS kits installed on?

I haven't owned but have logged quite a few miles on various model Spyders and another 2F/1R trike. My experience has been 180 degrees from yours. IMO 2F/1R trikes are more stable and handle better that 1F/2R trikes, all else equal.

[rhino 2]

I haven't owned but have logged quite a few miles on various model Spyders and another 2F/1R trike. My experience has been 180 degrees from yours. IMO 2F/1R trikes are more stable and handle better that 1F/2R trikes, all else equal.

I owned a Spyder and Put about 20 thousand miles on it, At speed the rear wheel pushing the front two wheels would give the tail waging the dog feeling.... Never did like it , But did get use to it...
I traded it in for a Tri-Glide because i never knew where or when the Spyder would break down .. 35 Thousand miles on the Tri and rock stable any speed..The Spyder would be a little iffy at times....

[hogcowboy]

Well I went from a TRIGLIDE to a Spyder and can not be happier.. The bike is smooth and stable at any speed..

Only thing is the KENDA tires are crap IMO.. Rear wheel only lasted around 5k..Fronts are still ok but do notice they bounce a lot. The suspension handles that for now.. I will not be buying Kendas.

Other than that the Spyder has been a Cadillac for me..I don't get all beat up like I did on the TRIGLIDE. And is much cooler to ride on hot days..

Some have mentioned older spyders had issues..the 1330 is one smooth ride..

The Semi Automatic shifting is the greatest for me..No clutch at the handles bars to pull in..

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That's to bad as The Spyder is once nice bike..Not sure where you took if for aligment or dealer you bought from..Did you contact BRP?

I agree. Down right dirty shame. My wife loves hers and has no trouble at all sticking to me like clue when I squirt around cars at 100mph. Even more shameful is the fact that BRP doesn't stand behind their product and fix it when they know the cause which is probably alignment.

There is a good way to do it and they should be doing all using that method. But unfortunately they are like Harley in not caring about the customer but the stock holder. In fact I hope my wife wants to look at one of these new leaning trikes the next time and not a BRP product for this very reason. I switched to an Indian just because I liked the feeling I got there that the customer was number one and not the stockholder.

[trikermutha]

I agree. Down right dirty shame. My wife loves hers and has no trouble at all sticking to me like clue when I squirt around cars at 100mph. Even more shameful is the fact that BRP doesn't stand behind their product and fix it when they know the cause which is probably alignment.

There is a good way to do it and they should be doing all using that method. But unfortunately they are like Harley in not caring about the customer but the stock holder. In fact I hope my wife wants to look at one of these new leaning trikes the next time and not a BRP product for this very reason. I switched to an Indian just because I liked the feeling I got there that the customer was number one and not the stockholder.

I do believe BRP cares but some dealers need to understand there selling the product for BRP and needs training how to service the Trike. I have heard BRP fixing some of the issues going on with there bikes at times. But it does take time and most of us want to ride with no downtime.. The indian looks like one nice bike..

[KeithsBMW]

I do believe BRP cares but some dealers need to understand there selling the product for BRP and needs training how to service the Trike. I have heard BRP fixing some of the issues going on with there bikes at times. But it does take time and most of us want to ride with no downtime.. The indian looks like one nice bike..

In my case BRP does not care, Manufacturing defect, lower clamp ring on air suspension was not compressed enough and leaked air all the way around the seal. Took to 2 different dealers that would not repair it (BRP labor rate for repair is 48 minutes but it is a full day task). After disputing with BRP their only solution was "Just keep taking it back till they fix it." Trike was less than 2 years old, repaired it myself, sold it for 1/2 what I had invested in it.
If you decide to get one they cut the price by thousands when they are clearing out for the new models.
Handling, Spyder 2012RT always seemed light in front end as if it was going to drift in the turns. Newer trike, non BRP, Solid handling.

[trikermutha]

In my case BRP does not care, Manufacturing defect, lower clamp ring on air suspension was not compressed enough and leaked air all the way around the seal. Took to 2 different dealers that would not repair it (BRP labor rate for repair is 48 minutes but it is a full day task). After disputing with BRP their only solution was "Just keep taking it back till they fix it." Trike was less than 2 years old, repaired it myself, sold it for 1/2 what I had invested in it.
If you decide to get one they cut the price by thousands when they are clearing out for the new models.
Handling, Spyder 2012RT always seemed light in front end as if it was going to drift in the turns. Newer trike, non BRP, Solid handling.

Sorry to hear that..But I now have a 2014 and handles fine. No drifting,solid and the power steering is night and day compared to the hog I had. I have heard the older model Spyder had issues..But the 1330's are much nicer from what I hear.

[KeithsBMW]

Sorry to hear that..But I now have a 2014 and handles fine. No drifting,solid and the power steering is night and day compared to the hog I had. I have heard the older model Spyder had issues..But the 1330's are much nicer from what I hear.

Yes the 1330's are much improved. Better Gas Mileage ,stronger motor, better brakes, less heat to feet/knees etc. You mention the power steering, mine worked somewhat in the parking lot but not at all when moving and others I have talked to have also said how well theirs works. Just another defect in the one I had I guess.

[trikermutha]

Has anyone that got away from the Spyder tried the new 1330 yet? Just wondering how it compares to the older Spyder with issues.