Can Am Spyder
Bombardier has issued a recall for a number of 2008 and 2009 Can Am Spyder Roadsters for a problem related to high steering effort under certain conditions when the vehicle is drifting. The description is a little vague and "appropriate components" will be replaced. I wonder what that means. I also wonder how much of this is related to riders getting accustomed to a new type of vehicle. Whatever the case, there is a recall to deal with it. Details below.
Manufacturer: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
Models affected: 2008-2009 Can-Am Spyder Roadsters
NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V162000
Potential Units Affected: 9932
Problem: Bombardier is recalling 9,932 model year 2008-2009 Can-Am Spyder Roadsters. A condition may exist where the operator of an involved vehicle may need to exert a force greater than expected to initiate the turning of the steering handlebar off center in order to correct vehicle drift from a straight line path. This higher than expected steering control input torque may cause a steering angle overshoot and an unexpected deviation of the vehicle from the operator's intended path. If this occurs, it can lead to a temporary out of lane excursion of the vehicle which increases the possibility of a crash with other traffic and or a drive off the road.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect and replace/repair the appropriate components free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Bombardier at 1-450-532-6107.
Kickboxer Subaru WRX Powered Motorcycle Concept
{ 16 comments… add yours below ... }
Meh. 14k miles on mine in rain, snow, and through Deals Gap and no problems. Probably a CYA recall. Dealers are already backed up with the unusually high amount of recalls from other bike manufacturers.
Wrong Phone Number
Replace the drivers,problem solved. Require 2 month training period for people who have A. Never ridden a motorcycle.
B. People who Have ridden a motorcycle.
C. People who have never driven a vehicle like this before.
I have just turned over 10K on mine. I have been riding it every day since July 08. My steering went out at 8500 miles. Believe me, you notice a difference immediately. BRP Replaced the whole Unit Free. I Have been riding on and off road for 40 yrs. I know when there is a problem. The one I had you couldnt mistake. It is my opinion Newbies would notice the problem as well. I was passing a Car on a two lane HWY at about 70MPH when I realized I was Fighting to get back into my own lane. I was just lucky I wasnt trying to thread a needle. LOL!!
Michael,,,You Own a Spyder? Do you wave?
14000 km on the spyder and 35 yrs riding experience, I don’t want to hear no bull about it being a transition thing, the bike has a steering issue end of discussion
Ive got 30k on mine, havent experienced this yet but its going into the shop now for sure.
You got to respect the machine. The main problem for most people is they’re still trying to handle it like a motorcycle. It is not, it’s a snowmobile on wheels. I have owned more snowmobiles than bikes and I treat it like a snowmobile and we get along great.
If you havenet ridden a Spyder, dont comment on this. I have 20 years experience on everything with a motor, so this isnt a “transistion or training” problem. This is a very dangerous problem and needs to be taken seriously. I popped my Spyder up on two wheels at 85mph with a passenger because of this problem. Dangerous situation…
i’ve had my spyder since Chrismas and my steering has locked up twice, once going into a curve and i kept going straight, had to jerk the steering wheel to free it up, second occurance was on same day on a straight way coming home from work, had to jerk steering wheel to free it up again. it scares the sh!! out of you, both occurances were back in april, haven’t had any problems since then, i ride mostly on weekends now. i got recall notice in the mail last week. i was going to take it in to my dealer for recall today but it’s supposed to rain all day so it looks like i have to wait till next weekend. agree with jayRC, very dangerous!
since my post on 8.01.09, i have put off getting recall on my bike done on steering, my steering locked up at 70mph on I-95 in Pooler Ga (three lanes) on the way home today, i was in right lane on a small curve to the right, steering locked up and i began to run off into the emergency lane, i let off the throttle and slowly applied the brake, about five foot into the emergency lane the steering freed up, i was down to 50 or so,
i would have been flying down a grassy hill into a fence and trees if the steering had not freed up when it did, i looked in my left mirror and slowly got back on the highway, this is serious, i’m finallly taking mine to dealer tomorrow morning for recall, if you have one under the recall, don’t wait! if i would have been in the left or center lane, i probably would not be writing this right now..
My ‘09 sypder phantom is making some weird whining/sqealing noise on what seems to be around the front tire areas when I am going between 10-20 mph. can anyone help?
update, no problems yet since recall was done two weeks ago.
Wheel Cyclender Starting To leak Brake fluid. Idont know if this is a recall problem or its just my spyder.
Have a 2008 spyder ,Brake fluid leaking from right front wheel cyclender.is this a recall
I just had the steering problem with my Spyder yesterday. Doing about 75mph on Interstate 16 coming back from Macon, GA. When it locked without warning it was all I could do to straighten it back out. I was about 100 miles from home and had it happen several more times before I made it. I will be taking it in this week. Don’t take the chance, get this taken care of.
I know first hand about the steering problem, I have been riding this Spyder non-stop since November 2008 when I bought it new, (year round in Northern AZ).. Three weeks ago at 8500 miles, I was doing 80 mph passing a 18 wheeler on I-40 in a curve when the steering to the right locked up. I was headed for a big yellow arrow, I managed to get it to turn, when it did it jumped me 3 feet sideways almost under the 18 wheeler. I slowed and experimented and found that ir I turned slightly left, I could turn right. I made it to the next town and had it taken to the dealer. They replaced the steering unit and it now rides like a new one. I will however be very mindful of my steering. If you are new to Spyders, this is nothing to mess with, I have been riding for 35 years it is very very dangerous, if you own a Spyder and have not had it repaired to so Now! if you wait you may not be here. End of Story!!!
The Kneeslider does not endorse nor imply agreement with any particular comment just because we let it stand, but, you already knew that.
Comments should be closely related to post content. Personal attacks, personal grievances and profanity will be removed. Please read the entire post and check for included links before commenting or asking questions. We're looking for your interesting thoughts and ideas that add to the conversation. Thank you.