CanAm
CanAm

CanAm Troubleshooting

Can-Am was a motorcycle production division of BRP, Bombardier Recreational Products, a Canadian corporation, between 1971 and 1987. Since 2006 Bombardier has produced all-terrain vehicles under the Can-Am Off-Road brand.


ATV Troubleshooting

Overheating
To be fair, overheating is a common issue you can find in all 4-wheelers. ATVs run hot, it’s a given. Still, Can-Am customers seem to be more vocal about this issue, even though there doesn’t seem to be just one cause. There are quite a few reasons why a Can-Am ATV can overheat, so let’s go over them:
1. Adding the wrong type of coolant, which can be solved by performing a coolant test and changing it up;
2. A faulty thermostat that needs changing;
3. A faulty cooling fan that needs changing.
Another very common reason for overheating is mud in the radiator, but that is a self-induced issue. Make sure to check it before you make costly changes on your quad though. To prevent overheating in the future, there are quite a few aftermarket upgrades that could help. Lots of off-road riders add a high-pressure radiator cap and an electric radiator fan to their quads to keep their engine cool all year round.
If you feel extreme heat on your left foot while riding, then the overheating is caused by the exhaust pipe. You can cool your quad down with some heat wrapping that retails for around $15.

Leaking CVT Cover
Next on the list of Can-Am problems we have the CVT cover leaking oil. If you have bought your ATV at a dealer shop, then this is not even an issue for you. Bring it to the dealer and they will most likely fix it free of charge.
In case you bought it off another person and you’re not going in for a check any time soon, you can patch the cover-up with a gasket and seal. Still, this solution won’t last forever and you’ll have to hit a mechanic’s shop sooner or later.

Easily Breakable Frames
This seems to be an issue specifically found in Gen 2 Can-Ams, where frames get easily bent or break after riding on a rough trail. This depends on your style of riding of course, but, after all, quads are made for all types of terrain.
If you do not baby your machine and only ride it on paved roads, then you might be interested in adding skid plates and a frame mod.
Can-Am owners are more than accustomed to frame mods, whether that is an aftermarket system or a DIY reinforced rod. Still, I will mention that some people don’t like to add a mod because of the risk of the A-Arm ripping completely off.
The skid plates are some of the most common aftermarket upgrades for ATVs that protect the underbelly from rocks, sticks, and tree trunks. They are, however, quite expensive as well. Frame mods or A-arm guards will protect the front part of your frame in case you crash into a tree.
Let’s say you didn’t have time to prepare for this issue and your frame is already bent. What is the solution then? Well, depending on the gravity of the situation, you could use a come-along to bend it back or contact a welder to put it back into place. This is the cheaper alternative to changing out your frame completely, which might be the only solution in severe cases.

Timing Chain Stretching
While shabby frames are a Gen 2 issue, it seems that Gen 1 Can-Ams have a specific issue too: excessive timing chain stretching. When the timing chain is too stretched out, you will notice that your engine backfires and you are losing power while riding.
If you find your timing chain is stretched out, go ahead and replace it. It is one of the least expensive fixes on this list of Can-Am problems.

Fuel Pump Issues
From what I’ve seen and heard on fuel pump problems from Can-Am, these are directly related to how you ride it. If you are a careful rider that keeps the fuel tank full at all hours and who doesn’t swamp their machine on a regular basis, chances are you will not have issues with your fuel pump.
When encountering problems with your fuel pump, a billet gas cap might do the trick, or you might need to change your fuel pump completely. If you want to do it yourself, there are quite a few videos online that will help you step by step. Keep in mind that there’s a big difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 systems.

SOURCE: https://atv-outdoors.com/top-6-can-am-atv-problems-how-to-fix-your-atv/


Motorcycle Troubleshooting

Overuse 
After enduring all the elements of riding listed above, the ignition coil is bound to wear out. 
The ignition coil’s wear and tear could damage the bond between the primary coil and the primary and secondary coil windings. 
Using the coil past the point of no return only damages it more and more, and overuse could strain other components in the process. 

Damaged spark plugs 
If your ignition coils operate at a higher output than average, then they are bound to get damaged quickly. 
This increased output may occur when your spark plugs are worn out. 
When a spark plug is wearing out, the coil is forced to produce more voltage to close this gap, and this extra strain can lead to overkill and an eventual failure. 

Failed Wiring Loom/Harness 
The wiring loom or harness is an assembly of electrical wires bound by a durable material like the rubber or electrical tape. 
It keeps wires organized and protects them against exposure to vibration, moisture, and elements. 
A failed wiring loom can cause the motorbike not to start at all. It may also cause the lights to function erratically. For example, flickering dashboard lights are common on bikes with bad wiring harnesses/looms. 

Faulty Regulator Rectifier 
The regulator rectifier converts AC to DC, which is used to charge your bike’s battery. 
More importantly, it regulates the DC current and prevents high voltage surges from damaging the motorcycle’s battery. 
Faulty regulator/rectifiers can lead to various problems, especially for the motorcycle’s battery. Diode burnout is one such problem. It also causes the battery to drain abnormally. Electrical components like headlights, meters, and others may perform erratically as well. 
It is important to test your bike’s voltage with a voltmeter to be certain the fault is from a faulty regulator and not a bad battery. 

Malfunctioning Gearboxes 
Malfunctioning gearboxes are another widespread problem. 
According to owners, the gearbox (or its components) develops faults, making gear shifting difficult or erratic. 
Erratic shifting aside, false neutral, delayed engagement, and missed shifts are other problems caused by a malfunctioning gearbox. False neutrals occur when the transmission goes out of gear during shifting. As a result, the motorcycle will decelerate like one in neutral gear, hence the name “false neutral.” 
Most of these problems are often the result of damaged or faulty gearbox components. They are often the result of hard riding with improper shifting or a lack of regular service maintenance. 

Excessive vibrations 
This is a potential issue on any bike. 
Bikes vibrate, and vibration can cause wear and tear on many of a bike’s components, including the ignition coil. If the ignition coil’s windings are damaged from vibration, it can cause breaks in your ignition coil’s secondary windings. 

SOURCE: https://motorandwheels.com/common-problems-ducati-motorcycles/



CanAm Troubleshooting

CanAm problems

CanAm broken

CanAm issue

CanAm difficulty


Product Reviews:

I had a 2008 GS(SM5) spyder and loved the trike. It road excellent, the pow
I had a 2008 GS(SM5) spyder and loved the trike. It road excellent, the power and speed was amassing, I had no trouble with it even being the 1st model year. It was scary on sharp curves you had to turn it and it would come around. The heat from the engine came out of the vents right on you legs and made it very hot in the summer, When it was colder out it acted like a heater and felt pretty good. The spark plug on the right side was a bear to get to, you had to take the side cover off and the completely disassemble the air cleaner housing and the use a swivel socket to get it and be carfoll not crack it or crossthead it. Poor design. If you pull to hard on the plug wire getting it off you will pull the will into causing a miss. Be sure to take it to a certified can am dealer to have serviced. Back yard mechanics don't have the know how.
Published: March 9, 2012
David Rine, Ohio
Source: cycleinsider.com

The most safe thrill vehicle I have ever owned. The reverse makes it great
The most safe thrill vehicle I have ever owned. The reverse makes it great for the older rider or handicapped person who may not be able to ride a 2 wheeler. It is a great attention getter, be prepared to answer questions every time you come to a stop. I would hate to make a choice between my H.D. and Spyder.
Published: June 1, 2010
al c, columbus, North Carolina
Source: cycleinsider.com

I've wanted a unique bike but didn't want to put my safety in the
I've wanted a unique bike but didn't want to put my safety in the hands of others. I commute to DC and ride some of the most accident prone, traffic heavy roads in the country and feel safe in my "cage" but never thought I'd be willing to take the challenge on a bike. Then I got my Spyder... A 2009 Phantom. I find it a complete blast to ride and feel very safe - that is except for the gawkers that are not paying attention to the road and trying to catch a look at the bike. I've had no mechanical issues with the Spyder but have some concerns with the more than average problems others have experienced. I do what maintenance I can myself but since it relies on computer controls for steering, braking and stability control, I still need to have a dealer do the more complicated stuff. I've done quite a bit of customization myself - some for show and some for comfort. I added a 2" riser bar for a better driver position. I've also added floorboards and a Corbin seat for comfort. My wife loves riding the Spyder and we spend more quality time together since I bought it. I am very pleased with the performance and plan on being a Spyder Ryder for some time.
Published: July 7, 2010
Sam Mancuso, Columbia, Maryland
Source: cycleinsider.com

I have a low mileage Can AM side by side I purchased in December of 2019. M
I have a low mileage Can AM side by side I purchased in December of 2019. My children we riding it and out of no where it burst into flames and burnt to the ground . There was no debris on the ATV and was low hour on a road not in grass . Can Am customer service told me they were not responsible file it on my insurance and would hear nothing of it . They didn’t care at all that their ATV burst into Flames with children on it . I will be posting it all over social media and the ATV pages till they do something about it .hope the pictures help it sink in that two children could have been lost in this .
Published: June 24, 2021
Josh Kennemer
Source: facebook.com

I don't miss the old motorcycle at all. This feels so much safer, and
I don't miss the old motorcycle at all. This feels so much safer, and with the trunk and side bags we can carry all we need or want. Stability is fantastic.
Published: November 3, 2010
Mike D, Haverhill, Massachusetts
Source: cycleinsider.com

Bad costumer service. I call to find out where my bike was that I ordered i
Bad costumer service. I call to find out where my bike was that I ordered in March. They told me they was unable to answer that question because the don’t want to get people hope up. I told them that wasn’t and answer. I paid for it so where is it. They told me they would have someone call in 48 hours. That was a week ago. I would suggest that if you going to buy a bike that you go with a different brand of bike. I will never give my money to this company again. Sad that you send our money with a company that can’t tell you when you will you get what up paid for.
Published: June 4, 2021
Nick Swearingen
Source: facebook.com

I have a 2019 Defender HD10 and love it. I am at trail guide on the Hatfie
I have a 2019 Defender HD10 and love it. I am at trail guide on the Hatfield McCoy trail system. I have over 10,000 miles on this machine and have had to replace less than $500 in parts so far. It has pulled dozens of other machines out of the woods, been loaded with Firewood, Bricks, Cinder Blocks, and always has 300 pounds of tools to carry. It has NEVER failed to bring me, and everyone else, back home! If you are reading this because you are thinking of buying one, Do it!
Published: December 28, 2021
Leo New
Source: facebook.com

I purchased the 2010 SM-5 in May and was immediately surprised by the handl
I purchased the 2010 SM-5 in May and was immediately surprised by the handling and comfort of this machine. My biggest fear of the thought of a cycle falling on me is now non-existent. My wife and I can now enjoy the pleasures of the open road with peace of mind. I must also say that the dealership, along with the entire staff, are super people who truly display the art of customer service.
Published: October 9, 2010
Phil Sabasino, Feasterville, Pennsylvania
Source: cycleinsider.com

purchased upgrades for my new cab am defender and the arrival date get chan
purchased upgrades for my new cab am defender and the arrival date get changed everytime the date arrives. I bought my can am machine and it has 6 months warranty and haven't been able to drive it because of the parts!my warranty will be up by the time I'm even able to drive it 😡4 months for a seat adjuster so I can drive it? Do you guys think only men drive them? Sad I have to spend 400$ for a seat adjuster so I as a 5'3" woman can drive her machine she purchsed 🤔 also it's not the only item I have been waiting on ,so frustrating considering how much this company is probably worth.
Published: July 10, 2021
Courtney Danielle Harris
Source: facebook.com

We bought a new 2022 Can Am Maverick Max Sport 1000R in December. We no mor
We bought a new 2022 Can Am Maverick Max Sport 1000R in December. We no more than got it home and when you go about 16 mph, it makes terrible noise in the drive shaft. We took it to the dealership and they were told by Can Am expert technician that drive shaft has issue and needs changed, so that was done. It also was having a popping sound in the front end on uneven ground that we forgot to let them know that at the time. When we got it back, the dealership told us that they had 6 other cases with the same drive shaft issue and we were told they did what Can Am told them to do and replaced the shaft and to let them know how it worked. We got it home, went on a trail, and not only was the drive shaft noise not better, the popping in the front end was worse. The machine has less than 7 hours on it! We took it back to the dealership and were told that they could replicate both noises and had looked over the machine and have no idea what the popping is and that Can Am again wants them to change the drive shaft. At this point we have a new machine that has been “operated” on twice and we would just like to be reimbursed for this purchase. Spoke with a BRP customer service rep and he told me we should “just give the Can Am technicians a chance to get it right”. I told him that they had their chance when it came down the manufacturing line and they had a second chance already and told him I would like to be reimbursed. He said they don’t like to reimburse they like to replace. At this point, I want nothing else to do with Can Am products and if you want service after the sale, I would recommend not dealing with Can Am!
Published: May 1, 2022
Courtney Williams
Source: facebook.com

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