Can-Am Spyder RT fire or smoke problems

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Brakes, Fuel system · NY · fire

On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] I was riding my 2024 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited on [XXX] . Upon approaching the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] I began to slow down as the light was changing to red. At this time, people in vehicles in the the left lane began beeping their horn and pointing at me and the motorcycle. As I looked down I saw flames shooting up my left ankle and leg and rising up under the seat where the gas tank is located. I immediately pulled the motorcycle over to the shoulder of [XXX] and got off. A truck driver passing by gave me a fire extinguisher and I was able to put the fire out without any injuries. The fire went up under the seat and under the front cowling into the instrument panel. I had it towed to Maddie's Motor Sports on [XXX] in the Town of Spencerport, NY. They contacted Bombardier Recreational Products. Inc (BRP) who asked for photos from Maddie's as well as an accident/incident report to be completed by me. I did so and turned it in to Maddie's on August 5th. Shortly thereafter, the BRP representative - Bruno Bilodeau made a decision that it was an insurance issue and not a warranty issue despite the fact that he never physically inspected the motorcycle. This motorcycle had approximately 5100 miles on it at the time of the fire and was still under the manufacture's warranty (until July 2026). In addition I purchased multiple Extended Warranties to cover the motorcycle through the majority of the length of the loan. Calls and e-mails to BRP have gone unanswered. It is my position that BRP owes me a new motorcycle or they can fix mine. Mr. Bilodeau said the fire was caused by the filler cap not being secure and he could tell by a photo that was sent to him by Maddie's because he could see where fuel ran down the side of the gas tank. He's wrong - I made sure the cap was secure after fill up - it clicks when secure and I double check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 14, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 5,600 miles · WV · fire

My wife and I were riding to hawks nest state park in west virginia, my can-am spider caught on fire around the fuel cap area we were coming to a stop going about 10 miles an hour to 0. I felt heat on my left leg looked down and saw flames and told my wife to get off the bike and we got off and the bike, it burned for a few minutes before someone put the fire out with an extinguisher. We had fueled up about 35 miles prior to this stop. There are recalls on this motorcycle but not my specific VIN #- why? I see this is the exact same problem with other 2008 to 2012 can-am spyders with vapor leak or fuel line leak recalls. I have only owned this can-am for three months I am grateful we are not hurt but this could've been really really bad these are known for catching fire as I am learning and reading I am fortunate yes- please stop these bikes from being sold!! The road was hilly 2 lane country road. Sunshine 85 degrees. Ruined our day and bike!

Filed Dec 10, 2018 · Engine · 1,600 miles · TX · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 can-am spyder rt. While the vehicle was at an intersection, the contact noticed smoke in front of the motorcycle near the engine. The contact got off the motorcycle and it caught on fire seconds later. A police report was not filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The motorcycle was totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,600.

Filed Jun 24, 2018 · Engine · 17,000 miles · TN

Can"t stop an oil leak. Afraid it might get hot and catch on fire!!!

Filed Oct 29, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 2,935 miles · MD · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 can-am roadster spyder rt motorcycle. While driving 35 MPH, the engine failed and flames appeared under the motorcycle near the engine area. The contact was able to move safely onto the road shoulder. The fire department assisted to contain the fire and a fire report was filed. The motorcycle was taken to a tow yard. The motorcycle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 2,935.

Filed Oct 6, 2017 · Engine · 2,935 miles · MD · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 can-am roadster spyder rt motorcycle. While driving 35 MPH, the engine failed and flames appeared under the motorcycle near the engine area. The contact was able to move safely onto the road shoulder. The fire department assisted to contain the fire and a fire report was filed. The motorcycle was taken to a tow yard. The motorcycle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 2,935...updated 11/06/17 *bf updated 11/13/2017

Filed Feb 4, 2016 · Electrical · 1,200 miles · GA · fire

I purchased the bike in april 2015 and I ride on country roads. In october we took the bike up to get a pumpkin and had to sit in traffic. The bike overheated so we pulled off and let it cool down. On the way back home the instrument panel we flashing different thing so I pulled over and called can-am for a tow truck so it could be taken to the dealership. The dealership had the bike for around 2 weeks and finally called me and told me it was fixed. I picked up the bike and it overheated not even a 1/4 mile from the shop so I took it back. They found out the manufacturer did not install the fuses for the cooling fans.when I got the bike back from the dealer the second time I parked it and when I had a chance to ride it on november 28th 2015, ii was on county roads in north georgia and it over heated again. I called the dealership to let them know I was on my way back to the dealer when the instrument panel started flashing a lot of different things. I pulled off the side of the road and it looked like smoke behind the instrument panel and that is when I saw flames. The fire department put it out and I had it taken to the dealership. The bike is a total loss. Can-am sent an engineer to look at the bike on january 19th 2016. What I was told by my insurance company the engineer said "it looks like the fire started at the radiator but there was too much debris to confirm. My insurance company state farm called me last night and told me can am was not going to do anything.

Filed May 29, 2015 · FL

We are paying for a motorcycle we cannot ride due to a recall and no one can seem to tell us when it will be fixed. Recall letter states it will be resolved by may of 2015 - 2 days left in may and still not notified of how it will be fixed - we cannot ride this vehicle as it could catch on fire - we live in florida where temperatures are extremely hot - consequently, we have not been able to ride our motorcycle due to this recall - we contacted brp and they advised us not to ride the vehicle so we are making payments on something we cannot use or sell due to a recall - not a happy consumer!

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 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.