By
Ron Ayalon
Submitted On December 21, 2010
Not exactly a motorcycle, certainly not a car, the three-wheeled
Can-Am Spyder turns heads wherever it goes. Yes, everyone really is
looking at you, or at least at the mount between your knees.
Unlike the majority of motorized trikes, the Spyder sports two front wheels and one in the rear. Instrumentation is essentially the same as on a motorcycle except that there is no brake lever. All braking is managed, front and rear, via a linked brake pedal on the right. And unlike most motorcycles, the Spyder has a reverse gear.
Although there are a variety of permutations on each model, there are essentially two Spyders. The RT comes with full passenger accommodations including a backrest and cargo compartments, while the RS does not. Depending on your desires, the four RT models have an escalating slate of additional standard equipment.
But what is it like to ride one? That's probably the Number 2 question Spyder owners are asked, next to "What the heck is that?" The answer: Not like anything else you've ever been on.
Although you steer with grips like on a bike, there is no leaning or counter-steering. To turn left you steer to the left; steer right to go right. Just like with a car or any other trike. Then, also like a car, the momentum of turning wants to throw you in a direction opposite to the turn. To counter that, the Spyder rider braces with the opposite peg and leans into the turn, across the machine. The foot pegs are strategically rear-set to facilitate this.
Make no mistake, it takes some getting used to. On a recent test ride we found it advisable to take a few spins around the parking lot before venturing out onto the streets. Then, once out on the street, we took it fairly slow for awhile in order to get a good feel for the handling.
Delay Factor
One thing that took no time at all was turning people's heads. At every stop the drivers and passengers of the other vehicles turned to look, with puzzlement and smiles on their faces. Kids, especially, stared in wide-eyed wonder. More than once, windows were rolled down and questions thrown out.
"How fast does it go?" (Faster than the speed limit.)
"Do you need a motorcycle license for that?" (Yes.)
"Is that thing really fun to ride?" (Definitely yes.)
And of course, most of all, "What the heck is that?"
Parking the Spyder, it is common to attract passers-by who are eager to engage you with a whole range of questions. And don't be surprised if mothers ask to shoot photos of their youngsters on this peculiar machine. You may find yourself factoring in additional travel time just to handle all the interest.
On the Road
Once you get the feel for it, and gain confidence in turns, the Spyder is a comfortable, all-day riding machine. The broad, well-padded seats allow you to keep going, as does the 6.6-gallon gas tank. One thing that might necessitate more frequent stops than otherwise is the inability to move your feet around to different positions. Highway pegs would be nice, but where would they go? Maybe someday the aftermarket will address that issue.
The 998cc V-twin engine produces good power and gives good acceleration, with a top speed around 110 mph. The bikini windshield works surprisingly well and if more blockage is desired, a taller one is an option. The linked brakes provide plenty of stopping power.
Priced starting at $16,499 for the base model RS, and $21,399 for the base model RT, the Spyder is comparable to other touring motorcycles. For some folks, three wheels are better than two. You know who you are.
Unlike the majority of motorized trikes, the Spyder sports two front wheels and one in the rear. Instrumentation is essentially the same as on a motorcycle except that there is no brake lever. All braking is managed, front and rear, via a linked brake pedal on the right. And unlike most motorcycles, the Spyder has a reverse gear.
Although there are a variety of permutations on each model, there are essentially two Spyders. The RT comes with full passenger accommodations including a backrest and cargo compartments, while the RS does not. Depending on your desires, the four RT models have an escalating slate of additional standard equipment.
But what is it like to ride one? That's probably the Number 2 question Spyder owners are asked, next to "What the heck is that?" The answer: Not like anything else you've ever been on.
Although you steer with grips like on a bike, there is no leaning or counter-steering. To turn left you steer to the left; steer right to go right. Just like with a car or any other trike. Then, also like a car, the momentum of turning wants to throw you in a direction opposite to the turn. To counter that, the Spyder rider braces with the opposite peg and leans into the turn, across the machine. The foot pegs are strategically rear-set to facilitate this.
Make no mistake, it takes some getting used to. On a recent test ride we found it advisable to take a few spins around the parking lot before venturing out onto the streets. Then, once out on the street, we took it fairly slow for awhile in order to get a good feel for the handling.
Delay Factor
One thing that took no time at all was turning people's heads. At every stop the drivers and passengers of the other vehicles turned to look, with puzzlement and smiles on their faces. Kids, especially, stared in wide-eyed wonder. More than once, windows were rolled down and questions thrown out.
"How fast does it go?" (Faster than the speed limit.)
"Do you need a motorcycle license for that?" (Yes.)
"Is that thing really fun to ride?" (Definitely yes.)
And of course, most of all, "What the heck is that?"
Parking the Spyder, it is common to attract passers-by who are eager to engage you with a whole range of questions. And don't be surprised if mothers ask to shoot photos of their youngsters on this peculiar machine. You may find yourself factoring in additional travel time just to handle all the interest.
On the Road
Once you get the feel for it, and gain confidence in turns, the Spyder is a comfortable, all-day riding machine. The broad, well-padded seats allow you to keep going, as does the 6.6-gallon gas tank. One thing that might necessitate more frequent stops than otherwise is the inability to move your feet around to different positions. Highway pegs would be nice, but where would they go? Maybe someday the aftermarket will address that issue.
The 998cc V-twin engine produces good power and gives good acceleration, with a top speed around 110 mph. The bikini windshield works surprisingly well and if more blockage is desired, a taller one is an option. The linked brakes provide plenty of stopping power.
Priced starting at $16,499 for the base model RS, and $21,399 for the base model RT, the Spyder is comparable to other touring motorcycles. For some folks, three wheels are better than two. You know who you are.
For Long Island Motorcycles, visit Island Powersports at http://www.IslandPowersports.com.
Rock bottom pricing, outstanding customer service, and knowledgeable
staff to satisfy your thirst for fun. Schedule an appointment today to
get out and ride!
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