Long Weekend Incident Report – Can-Am Spyder RT Limited

[Cam Am Blue]

Long Weekend Incident Report – Can-Am Spyder RT Limited

Over the long weekend, my 2016 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited entered limp mode while on the highway, leaving us stranded for over an hour in 33°C (91°F) heat. A tow truck transported us and the vehicle to a hotel in Lethbridge, AB. Our daughter drove 4.5 hours to pick us up.

The following day, I rented a 6' x 12' trailer from U-Haul to retrieve the Spyder. Unfortunately, the ramp opening was three inches too narrow, preventing loading. While attempting to load, I noticed the Spyder was running normally and drove it around the block without issue. I stayed overnight and planned to return home the next morning.

While departing, the Spyder again entered limp mode just five minutes into the ride. I arranged another tow, this time to the Can-Am dealership in Lethbridge. Due to holiday staffing, they estimated a one-month wait for service. With no alternative, I returned home with an empty trailer. Costs incurred at this point included trailer rental, hotel accommodations, and fuel - totaling approximately $500.

The next day, I contacted a Can-Am dealership in Edmonton, which offered immediate service. I borrowed a friend’s truck and rented a properly sized trailer ($350). We drove 4.5 hours to Lethbridge, loaded the Spyder, and returned home. The following day, I delivered the vehicle to the Edmonton dealership, where they diagnosed a failed fuel pump and required fuel filter replacement. The repair cost was $1,075.

In total, this incident cost approximately $2,000. This was my first roadside breakdown in over 20 years of riding. Since purchasing the Spyder in June, I’ve spent over $5,000 on tires, a belt, and repairs. My confidence in the reliability of the Can-Am Spyder is currently low.

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[Yabbadabbadoo]

If I were to purchase a 9 year old Spyder, I would expect it to need some work and budget accordingly. Or, I would decide to buy a newer bike for somewhat more money but that wouldn't need the repairs. This is your first roadside breakdown in over 20 years? Consider yourself lucky. Many riders of all brands have much worse experience than that. Hopefully you will get the bugs worked out and get many more years of trouble free riding.

 

[2dogs]

Long Weekend Incident Report – Can-Am Spyder RT Limited

Over the long weekend, my 2016 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited entered limp mode while on the highway, leaving us stranded for over an hour in 33°C (91°F) heat. A tow truck transported us and the vehicle to a hotel in Lethbridge, AB. Our daughter drove 4.5 hours to pick us up.

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Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

 

[iSilentP]

Hang in there. Sorry for your misfortunes. I sense your pain. I bought a 14 RT with ~60K miles last fall. I've dumped a bunch of money into it but I am now at a point where everything has been addressed and I (KNOCK ON WOOD) have not had any issues to speak of. I also thought about the reliability of the RT, but since late spring of this riding season, I am confident that it will make it for at least a few more years without any major issues--although issues I've had were not major. Most costly was replacement of all tires, brakes and yearly checkup/oil change, etc. I have added many accessories to it though to make it "mine". My experience (and confidence) so far has been better than when I first started with the bike. Keep the maintenance up and I am sure you'll get a good value out of your investment. I wish you many years of enjoyment. There are MNY folks here that have older (than 10 years old) Spyders. Maybe they would jump in and share their experiences. Hope I didn't jinx mine.