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2013 Can-Am Spyder RT engine complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 54, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 17, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 500 miles · NC

Vehicle is extremely hot. Right foot gets unbearable heat. Gas fumes present at every stop. Gas fumes fill garage when bike is hot and parked. Can am refuses to discuss the danger of gas fumes which are extremely dangerous in a closed environment.this safety issue must be addressed as individual owners are powerless to get can am to respond to this dangerous situation. Please help

Filed Feb 23, 2015 · Engine · 5,000 miles · CA

I bought my 2013 can am spyder rt new in feb 2014. Over the year that I have owned the bike, I have noticed excessive heat under the seat along with a gas smell. I had talked with vendor on several occasions and heard various other explanations. I did not give it too much thought until I read the forums and saw this was a common severe issue. Until recently the can am was kept in an open air carport, so I never noticed the odor after a ride. I had experienced gas fumes and smells on rides and just didn't think it was a deal when the vendor kept telling me not to over fill the tank. I don't over fill the tank and stop after the first click which then causes the tank not to become full and having to stop more often to refuel on long rides. When we moved into our new house we now have a two car garage and after the last few rides, I gas up before coming home and notice a strong gas odor and leave the garage door open for an hour or until the fumes dissipate. Now reading of the major heat and fume issues is extremely scary to me and causes some concern if the manufacture new of this issue when the unit was sold to me in feb 2014. I will have to pay attention the next time on a ride and see if the gas is boiling as reported on other units. I have read on the forums and facebook a recall is pending to resolve the heat issue which hopefully will resolve the gas fume issue as well.

Filed Dec 12, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

My spyder has been leaking oil since the day I bought it new. I have owned it for 6 months, has been in the shop several times. Still leaking. Gas fumes so bad coming from the engine after riding I can not close the garage door for at least an hour/. Smells of gas really strong every time I am on the bike. Gas cap so hot I can hardly touch it when I need to get gas.

Filed Nov 1, 2014 · Engine · 1,250 miles · SC

The bike gets very hot. I have already had the exaust wrapped but it is still very hot to ride.

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 8,500 miles · TX

Have owned rt limited for less than one year with heat issues. While returning from event in north carolina bike ran fine in the cooler temperatures. As soon as returned to the south, engine began to run hot and check engine light on and off as well as bike chugging and running roughly. Bike shutting down and had to let cool off before would restart. Have had extreme heat issues since purchasing bike especially in hotter months here in houston area. Have had updates done per brp recommendations to no success. Bike is not safe and fear riding any length of time or prolonged distance. When parked in garage after riding find there is a strong gas smell in the garage. For this reason usually leave bike in yard for upto 30 minutes prior to putting garage for fear of fire consuming home. Not sure what this report will do but feel like someone should be made aware of how unsafe and potentially dangerous these vehicles are. Dealers are at a loss for what to do as I have experienced same problems with a 2013 st limited model that was traded due to brake failure and extreme heat issue melting parts. Thought the rt model would be better but find myself in same situation.

Filed Oct 29, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 300 miles · OR

Smell gas vapors in the garage and housebafter driving it. Seat front top where it meets the body(storage compartment) to hot to touch or sit on without a sheepskin pad and still very uncomfortable and likely dangerous. Right foot gets so hot from the motor your can't keep your foot in place. Have to wear heavy boots. Have had the recall and electronic updates.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 2,000 miles · FL

Vehicle gives off such a strong fuel odor after a ride, we now park the vehicle outside our enclosed garage for a few hours so the odor will not be overwhelming in our garage. Also, the vehicle's fuel tank is very hot to the touch when re-filling with gas. Vehicle was taken to an authorized bmp dealership about the strong fuel odor and they did not find anything wrong.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 9,350 miles · AL

On friday, 24 october 2014i rode the spyder to the dealer, where the technician, [xxx], connected it to the b.u.d.s. Computer. I am also sending [xxx]. A courtesy copy of this email. The computer obtained information that pointed to a problem with the purge valve and vapor recovery canister, as well as a problem with the engine control module (ECM). This is in addition to heat and gas vapor issues when the ambient outside temperature is 75 degrees and above. Yesterday afternoon 27 october 2014, I took the spyder on a ride yesterday of about 30 miles on local roads. After I returned home and shut off the spyder briefly to open the garage door, it didn't want to start. The starter turned the motor over, but the motor would not start. After 4 attempts, I was finally able to get it started. I am fortunate that this did not happen out on the road. The spyder had a strong gas vapor smell, which was still evident the morning in my garage. I checked the spyder this morning and it started with no problem. I suspect the ECM and purge valve codes that the b.u.d.s. Computer detected are to blame, but the heat issue is something that brp needs to address. I, along with many owners of the can-am spyder, have concerns with safety and heat issues. I will say that I enjoy the spyder, but I would enjoy it far more if my concerns with safety and reliability are addressed. My spyder is still under brp original warranty, and I'd like these problems to be addressed by brp under those terms and not at additional cost to me, because the spyder is not inexpensive to buy. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 9,150 miles · AL

I took a trip to georgia on october 24, , and on sunday morning, october 26, when I started the spyder to leave, it began to stall at idle, it cut off repeatedly, and idled rough. It wouldn't maintain the normal idle range of 1200-1300 RPM. I finally was able to drive it off, and as I rode, the idle was rough for a few miles, but after I got it on the freeway, it seemed okay. Once again, the heat issue and fuel smells became evident as I rode back to alabama, and the outside temperature rose. It seems that any outside temperatures above 70 degrees and the heat from the vehicle becomes worse with the resulting fuel smell and a lot of heat coming from the engine and fuel tank when going to fill up. I was a bit worried being so far from home, but I got back okay.

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 3,300 miles · MO

I was riding on highway 291 in lees summit mo traveling at 65 MPH. The daily temp was between 92 - 95 degrees. The fan was blowing the hot air out from the bikes radiator area and with the bike being in motion the hot air was being routed onto my right leg and I could feel my leg getting hot to the point that I was unable to keep my foot on the foot peg for longer than 10-15 seconds after which, I needed to keep shifting the location of my foot on the foot peg. I also noticed that the right side panels and the air coming from under the seat was uncomfortably hot. Also when refueling the gas tank filler neck was too hot to touch. During the first long trip on this bike (weekend of oct 25-26) from grain valley mo to eureka springs ar (540 miles round trip). Temps were in the 70's during the trip to ar and when refueling I noticed that the gas tank filler neck was overly warm. The return trip, with temps in the mid 80s, the heat on my right leg was becoming uncomfortable, the right side panels were hot and the heat under the seat was overly warm. Refueling, the gas tank filler neck was almost too hot to touch.

Filed Oct 26, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 1,800 miles · PA

Went for a ride had fuel smell when stop at light ,took a break at fast food place and smelled fuel again look on driveway saw fuel vapors , went home parks in garage ,later smelled fuel, had to open doors and windows to let the smell out , this happen several times ,went to dealer to find out watt going on with the spyder they work on it 3 -4 times . This bin going back to dealer all summer long about the heat and smell they don't know what to do about it.

Filed Oct 26, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 900 miles · TX

I purchased this when there was a large rebate for buying the 2013 spyders. I have been plagued with a hot seat and right foot since the beginning. I wind up having to move my right foot to the rear passenger floor board to escape the heat and there are times where my inner thighs are burned where the heat is coming up around the seat. I found out that there was a recall on this bike and will be having this done as soon as they get the parts in but from reading information on a blog that I subscribed to, it probably won't help. I also understand that there is an investigation going on and want to add my information to it. Thanks

Filed Sep 24, 2014 · Engine · 1,600 miles · CT

I purchased my can-am spyder in august of 2013. The recall for the heat issues was completed in september of 2013 by my dealer. Over the last year I have had incidents of a gas smell, sometimes very strong, and heat from the engine area. Recently, a burning plastic smell has been occurring. It is noticed at different speeds. First incident was around 40 miles per hour on a 2 lane road, next time was going down a fairly steep hill around 30 miles per hour, and the third incident was on a 50 mile per hour 2 lane road. These incidents were on different days. The burning plastic smell was also noticed by my riding partner behind me. I am very concerned with the fires that have occurred with these machines and the investigation being done by the federal safety agency. I have brought the spyder rt to my dealer but they said they did not see any issues that could be causing the burning plastic smell.

Filed Sep 12, 2014 · Body, Engine · 1,500 miles · NC

Excessive heat coming from under seat causing redness of legs where touching seat & glove box gets hot to touch.

Filed Sep 8, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 30 miles · OH

After buying my spyder I noticed excessive heat coming from the engine area under my seat. At times its so hot that I can barely touch my gas cap with is located under the seat. There have been a few time that after riding for a extended period and stopping the bike I've noticed the smell of gasoline. I've checked for fuel leaks and found none, and called the dealership to complain. They told me that it was probably the fuel tank over pressurizing because of the heat and venting to the air. I was advised to park the bike out side until it cooled down before bringing it into the garage. While riding the heat coming up from under the seat is really bad, making riding not much fun. I've called brp to complain about the problem but as of yet heard any thing back from them. I've read that several spyder's have caught fire, and still nothing has been done. My fellow spyder riders have all complained about the heat problem, other than that the bike is great. I just want brp to come up with a solution to the heat problem.

Filed Sep 6, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 100 miles · VA

Heat under the seat is to hot to ride safety. Always trying to shift and open legs to try and get some relief. Heat coming off the right side has actually caused a red heat rash on my right shin from my ankle upwards. When refueling I am so scared that the gas is going to flame up because of the fumes and the heat radiating from under the seat which must be lifted to refuel. I have tried placing aluminum foil under the seat in the hopes of dissipating the heat but it has not worked. I store my can am spyder in a trailer and must leave all the doors open for several hours until the fumes subsided. I am afraid of a fire and have moved the trailer far away from my other vehicles and house.

Filed Sep 6, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 600 miles · AZ

Excess heat coming from engine compartment created heat blisters on right calf. Also, an intermittent fuel smell that emanates from the engine compartment.

Filed Sep 4, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 3,000 miles · TX

I purchased a 2013 can am spyder in july 2013. From the first day I purchased the vehicle I have experienced what I consider a dangerous amount of heat radiating from the engine. Also, I can smell gas fumes and I am told that is because the gas is actually boiling due to the heat problem. I have tried different fixes recommended by other owners and they did reduce the heat somewhat but it still feels like I am riding on a bomb just waiting to explode. Since I paid over $27,000 I can't just put it away. The reputation is so bad the unit has really depreciated and the only person will to buy the vehicle would be someone who did not do their homework. Are you aware of similar complaints and do you have any suggestions? I can't get anyone at brp to discuss the issue. It is not the dealers fault.

Filed Sep 2, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 3,750 miles · NJ

2013 rt limited 204 degrees heat off of bike panels gas is boiling in gas tank the federal safety agency check the bike out smell of gas in garage after riding motorcycle 3750 miles.

Filed Aug 28, 2014 · Engine · 1,628 miles · TX · 1 injury

This is my 2nd report, I rode the spyder again yesterday and I burned my inner thighs and my right calf from the extreme heat coming from under the seat and a vent on the right side. The engine temperature is not showing it running hot. There is a design flaw the body plastics not allowing proper venting for the heat. This is my second spyder, my first was a 2008 model and never had problems with the engine heat, I had 25,000 miles on it before I sold it and bought this pile of junk, I have left many e-mails on brp's website and have never gotten a reply,

Filed Aug 22, 2014 · Engine · 8,500 miles · MS

I have had the 2013 spyder rts since 6-24-2014. Ever since getting it there has been excessive heat coming from the bike, especially on the right side where the radiator exhaust is vented. The bike gets extremely hot whether sitting still or moving. I have done modification in an effort to reduce the heat, as suggested on spyderlovers.com by other spyder owners. The measures haven't really helped and the bike is still way to hot!

Filed Aug 21, 2014 · Body, Engine · 2,387 miles · MD

The area around the front of the seat and bodywork gets extremely hot, hot enough that legs/thighs become very uncomfortable and have to raise off of seat whenever stopped to get some relief from the heat. This is especially apparent when riding in warmer weather and sitting at stoplights and stop and go traffic. The hot air coming out of the lower right side directly onto right leg and boot is also becomes very uncomfortable. The storage box in front of the seat is basically unusable due to the heat and the bodywork also becomes extremely hot at times.

Filed Aug 21, 2014 · Body, Engine · 5,000 miles · NC

There is excessive heat on the right foot and lower leg at all speeds to the extent that one has to put their foot on the passenger footboard to keep the discomfort at a tolerable level. There is also excessive heat coming from the front and sides of the seat also to the point of discomfort. After riding for a short time (well less than 30 minutes) if the seat is raised, one cannot touch any surface under the seat for fear of being burned.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Engine · 601 miles · GA

This is a new bike with extremely heat issues from the engine. At first dealer appointment it measured 140 degrees after I parked 10 minutes. While riding extremely hot air blows at your bottom right leg and travels up the seat. The whole right side panel the front of the seat and tank makes it to hot to the touch. Pipes were wrapped from dealer which did not take care of problem. I was told brp will do no further solutions regarding the heat issues. I am concerned about the tank getting to hot to the touch.

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Engine · 600 miles · NC · 1 injury

Vehicle is a fire hazard and produces hot air from the engine onto the right leg that is intense enough to cause burns. Also heat from under the seat where the gas tank is located is unbearable. Gas fumes are emitted from the bike while riding and when the cycle is turned off the gas fumes are so intense that it seems unsafe to park in a garage for fear of fire.this is a tragedy waiting to happen.can am needs to be required to find a solution to these problems for the safety of the riders and the general public.

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Engine · 3,000 miles · MS

This machine is just too hot to ride and be safe. Reports of other units catching on fire. Emailed brp but never got a response. I've had to get off and turn it off to let it cool down. Ended up selling it at a huge loss.

Filed Aug 17, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 7,100 miles · CT · 1 injury

This vehicle runs extremely hot, and is uncomfortable to ride. After riding in 74 degree temperature for approximately 1 hour, I used a digital thermometer and measured the heat under the seat at 157.1 degrees with the engine off. Heat rises from the front and sides of the seat, which resulted in a burn to my right leg. There have been numerous instances of these vehicles with no warning suddenly catching fire and being completely destroyed. Brp is aware of the heat problems with these vehicles, and so far has only offered a software update in an effort to fix the problem. This update was unsuccessful. Additionally, gasoline boils in the tank, and the gas cap gets so hot that it cannot be removed without wearing a glove. My wife and I are afraid to take a long trip - which is the reason that we bought this very expensive touring motorcycle - for fear that our vehicle will burst into flames. Please expedite your current investigation into this matter, and please require brp to do whatever is necessary to solve this problem, perhaps a retrofit to change the cooling system to mirror the solution that brp developed (and touted in their promotional literature as "solving the heat problem) for the 2014 model I.e. Two radiators in the front of the vehicle rather than the one mounted in front of the rider's right foot. Please feel free to contact me if an investigator would like to view the vehicle firsthand.

Filed Aug 15, 2014 · Body, Engine · TN

This is my 3rd spyder. Although I am happy with it, it does emit heat in which sometimes on hot summer and humid days is not an acceptable feeling. This model year emits more heat than previous year models.

Filed Aug 14, 2014 · Engine · 5,000 miles · TX

My spyder get so hot that it is not bearable to ride, extreme heat from the engine compartment sends extreme heat to my legs and heat coming from the seat. I have seen reports on this particular spyder catching fire which make me very uncomfortable to ride. Brp in canada needs to recall their spyder's in regards to this problem. I currently have about 1,500 miles. I have had problems since march 2013 to present. The heat also causes the gasoline in the tank to boil which is a hazard also.

Filed Aug 8, 2014 · Engine · 20 miles · GA

Vehicle gets extremely hot to the touch on the right side , blows very hot air onto right leg. Heat travels up to leg and under seat right where you sit on top of tank. Middle clove department to hot to touch as well tank underneath. Dealer took complain and wrapped pipes and installed heatshield which did not take care of problem and redirected the heat coming out on a different angle. Brp refuses to cooperate on any more solutions and fix the problem. I am concernd that the motor will over heat since the airflow at the engine has realy no escape.

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