Intro and my initial problems with the throttle sensor and DESS on my 2011 RT - fixed now tho!

[srteach]

I purchased a 2011 RT-L for my wife, due to hip/knee issues. She rides it to work every day she can. She was riding a 1989 GW Trike that was causing some issues with the leg/hip. I am enjoying this RT-L. We only got one key with the RT, I ordered 2 more and had them cut.

Our nearest dealer is 1.5 hours away. Bought BUDS and Shop manual.
One week after purchase, there was a throttle sensor issue. I found the sensor was loose. Tightened it, and haven't had an issue with that since.
THE NEXT WEEK, DESS left my wife stranded. I could not find a way to disable the DESS module in BUDS. It was trailered home.
I spent 8.5 hours in the wiring diagram and with my hands in the machine trying to figure out how to bypass the DESS. It is possible. No DESS faults or running issues since then. It starts and runs with all 3 keys.

Yes, I am aware of the theft risk I am taking. The keys are still effective.
NO, I will not tell you how to bypass. I don't know you, and won't enable thieves (even if you aren't one).

 

[Mikey]

I am glad you found the magic key to the DESS issue that hangs over everyone's heads if they haven't found someone with BUDS to help them out and shut it off!! But Sir, you have come here and hung a carrot in front of everyone and basically stuck your at us with no details!!!!Good Job!!

 

[srteach]

I apologize. It was not my intent to taunt.
My intent was to intro myself and express my experience.
I also DO NOT want to be involved in assisting ne'er do wells with theft.

 

[Cobranut]

I'd suggest you offer this info via DM to anyone who genuinely needs it, and can offer evidence that they actually own the bike in question.
There have been people who bought bikes from a widow or others who didn't have the original keys.

 

[srteach]

@Cobranut ... I have thought about your suggestion for a couple days. Any idea what evidence would prove ownership?

I still hesitate because I am new to Spyders, and don't want to spread info that could have bad consequences. I only have a sample of one, and any differences in the models could cause the info to be bad or even damage the other Spyders.
I am also not onsite with the owner to check the work.

 

[Cobranut]

@Cobranut ... I have thought about your suggestion for a couple days. Any idea what evidence would prove ownership?

I still hesitate because I am new to Spyders, and don't want to spread info that could have bad consequences. I only have a sample of one, and any differences in the models could cause the info to be bad or even damage the other Spyders.
I am also not onsite with the owner to check the work.

I understand your hesitation, but free advice offered online is hardly something that one could be held liable for.

As far as ownership, I'd think a scan of the vehicle title and their drivers license should suffice.
Not many criminals would offer up that info to steal a vehicle.

 

[srteach]

Again, serious thought into this...
The what to do for this is really simple, but using it is not so easy.
It is best if you can disable the DESS electronically.

@Cobranut ... I think you are correct.

To anyone else, I will assist others with the DESS bypass information, with the understanding and acceptance of the following conditions:

• Pic of title or registration (VIN blacked out or covered) and drivers' License in a PM to me. It needs to show the same address. (I just want to see that you are the actual owner.)
• Understand that what I tell you may not be totally accurate to your Spyder. It works with mine for the last 4 weeks, no issues.
• Understand that my information is known to be valid only on a 2011 RT-L. It may not be the same on yours.
• Understand that this is not an electronic bypass, it is physical. You cut wires to do this.
• I am not responsible or liable for your work in any way.
• This information COMPLETELY bypasses the DESS module and the need for programmed keys. The only anti-theft that remains is the key itself.

To recap, I have 3 keys that mechanically operate the ignition switch and allow me to start my Spyder. Two have never been programmed, One was programmed to the Spyder. I have been using these three keys for 4 weeks now with no issues starting or running the Spyder.
The DESS is physically disconnected entirely from the Spyder. Wires are cut on the DESS side of the harness connection in my Spyder. The DESS unit is still mounted in the frame in the original location. I have NO electronic security on the Spyder, just physical key security.

Having said all that, those who want information on what to do, DM me.

 

[Peter Aawen]

... < snip> ...

• ...
• Understand that my information is known to be valid only on a 2011 RT-L. It may not be the same on yours.
• Understand that this is not an electronic bypass, it is physical. You cut wires to do this.
• I am not responsible or liable for your work in any way.
• This information COMPLETELY bypasses the DESS module and the need for programmed keys. The only anti-theft that remains is the key itself.

... <snip> ...

Having said all that, those who want information on what to do, DM me.

Just one point here that should be made abundantly clear, as it may be of significance to those reading - the pre-2014 Spyders had a completely different DESS to the problematic DESS on 2014+ Spyders, and IIRC, there have been no issues with the pre-2014 DESS units reported here (or maybe there was a very early recall, then no reported troubles since?? I suspect the 'DESS' issue mentioned in the first post would probably have been a 'key issue', not actually a 'DESS' issue per se. )

However, the pre-2014 DESS does have a rather convoluted key re-programming methodology which requires both a working key and a Red Master Key in order to do anything - if you don't have both, then you're stuck! You're going to need to buy a whole new ignition/DESS Assembly with keys (probably no longer available from dealers, as they're more than 10 years old! ), or you'll need to by-pass the DESS completely as discussed above.

Still, if this method discussed above works on a 2011 Spyder, any model, then it should work on any other pre-2014 Spyder,

BUT IT WILL NOT WORK FOR ANY 2014+ SPYDER, as they have a completely different DESS!!

Just Sayin' - Be Aware!

 

[srteach]

Thanks for the info, @Peter Aawen
I can only say the problem I encountered has not returned, whether the key or the DESS. I tried to find a master key, no go. I found no way to program a key without a master, and the switch is not available from any source I could find. A bypass was the only way I could figure out to insure reliability.

I can only say it works on my Spyder (2011 RT-L). If users want the info, I will give it, while trying NOT to enable theft.

 

[Peter Aawen]

Thanks for the info, @Peter Aawen
I can only say the problem I encountered has not returned, whether the key or the DESS. I tried to find a master key, no go. I found no way to program a key without a master, and the switch is not available from any source I could find. A bypass was the only way I could figure out to insure reliability.

I can only say it works on my Spyder (2011 RT-L). If users want the info, I will give it, while trying NOT to enable theft.

Yeah, it doesn't matter much what caused it, once you can't start them reliably, there's just no fun in it any more! And there is no way around that 'Master Key' requirement for the pre-2014 DESS equipped Spyders, except for sourcing a complete replacement kit of the correct vintage; something that's only going to get harder now that these Spyders are over 10 years old and BRP has abandoned them!

So I suspect the 'DESS bypass' method might become the 'Go To' solution for many, especially as time progresses, and one can only hope that theft doesn't become more of an issue for those of us still running the lighter, revvier, and more exciting to ride pre-2014 V-Twin powered Spyders! BRP still haven't released anything in Oz that looks/rides anywhere near exciting enough to even vaguely tempt me to swap my 2013 RT!

 

[srteach]

The bypass removes the DESS entirely. It may work, I don't know.

The information is available, regardless.