Questions Regarding Can Am Spyder

[mzflorida]

Hello everyone. My wife is not convinced yet that she wants to do any riding beyond her current 150CC Kymco Like and probably not beyond the gates of the subdivision. So we started talking about her getting back on the road on the back of a bike. The Can Am Spyder RT Limited worked the way into the conversation. She feels that she would get on the back of that with me. Actually, she committed to getting back to some longer day trips on the back if we were to own one. I have ridden a Can Am before on a demo day years ago and kind of liked it. But that is the limit of my experience with them (and what I remember most is the energy in turns tends to push the rider to the opposing direction of the turn...but you get used to it quickly). I was wondering if there are others here that own or have owned a Can Am who would share their opinions on the bike. I am going to test ride one. Any positives or negatives that i might want to pay attention to would be great to hear about. I've posted on the Spyder forum but I am concerned i might have received answers with a bias in favor of the Can Am. Anyhow, thanks in advance. Mike

 

[670cc]

Not a Spyder owner, but my wife and I have test ridden the Spyder, and she now owns a Ryker, albeit with not a lot of miles yet. I have thus far ridden her Ryker about 350 miles.

My general observations from a beginner’s standpoint:

The Spyder, to me, is a very large machine, definitely in full blown GoldWing+ proportions. For rider and passenger space, there should be plenty of room.

The three wheeler is a three track vehicle. If the road is smooth, the ride is smooth. If the road is rough, you’ll get a lot of “jiggly” side to side motion that you would never experience on a motorcycle. If you want to avoid a pothole or obstacle, you have to be aware of the three wheel tracks, not just one (bike) or two (car).

When you corner, the machine will indeed try to throw rider and passenger off to the outside. The machine will stick to the road, but the people need to hang on tight and lean in. Cornering forces that are non existent on a two wheeler are quite pronounced on a trike.

The rider needs to unlearn countersteering. I found when I start weaving around on a highway, it’s me that’s causing it, likely because I’ve gone back to motorcycle countersteer ways. I then just relax and let the machine track on it’s own and then the ride straightens out. I do fairly well switching back and forth, but it does take some conscious awareness.

My opinion is that my 2 wheelers provide much smoother rides than the Ryker, on rough roads. It has been a long time since I rode a Spyder but I suspect the Spyder ride is more jiggly on rough roads than, say, a Goldwing.

The Ryker, I know, gets horrible gas mileage and I hear the Spyder isn’t much better.

If the rider might have trouble holding up a touring bike with passenger, say maybe 1200 pounds of Goldwing, gear, and people, obviously having that third wheel eliminates the concern of falling over.

Again, those are observations from a fairly inexperienced 3 wheel rider.

The Ryker is our fifth product from Bombardier. I am familiar with their engineering style and confident with Rotax engines. The Ryker would be the 7th Rotax engine we’ve owned. The Ryker Rotax engine runs similar RPMs as the NC, but the valves are self adjusting. I wish the NC had hydraulic valve lifters. The Ryker is shaft final drive, and the Spyder is belt, so either way there is no chain to mess with.

 

[Msfitnetz]

Hello!
I have a 2016 Can Am F3T limited and love it! I have not ridden two up. A blast for that type of riding 3 wheels. I took the course to try all their bikes and it really made my mind to buy. I noticed several husband/wife trying them in the course which helped make their decisions. I tried the RT, Ryker and F3 during the course. BTW the course was 2 days and cost $50 to ride 3 wheel bikes all day ( a no brainer to try!)
I am 5'6 about 125 woman and the Ryker fun but not really my style
The RT just made me feel small lady on a really large bike but fun
The F3 felt right
All the bike are adjustable if touring type especially.

I also have a 2007 yami Fz6 changing soon to a forever waiting 2022/2023 Honda NC750 DCT
and I also have Honda CT125 Trail
And my day ride 2020 Jeep Gladiator

 

[mzflorida]

Not a Spyder owner, but my wife and I have test ridden the Spyder, and she now owns a Ryker, albeit with not a lot of miles yet. I have thus far ridden her Ryker about 350 miles.

My general observations from a beginner’s standpoint:

The Spyder, to me, is a very large machine, definitely in full blown GoldWing+ proportions. For rider and passenger space, there should be plenty of room.

The three wheeler is a three track vehicle. If the road is smooth, the ride is smooth. If the road is rough, you’ll get a lot of “jiggly” side to side motion that you would never experience on a motorcycle. If you want to avoid a pothole or obstacle, you have to be aware of the three wheel tracks, not just one (bike) or two (car).

When you corner, the machine will indeed try to throw rider and passenger off to the outside. The machine will stick to the road, but the people need to hang on tight and lean in. Cornering forces that are non existent on a two wheeler are quite pronounced on a trike.

The rider needs to unlearn countersteering. I found when I start weaving around on a highway, it’s me that’s causing it, likely because I’ve gone back to motorcycle countersteer ways. I then just relax and let the machine track on it’s own and then the ride straightens out. I do fairly well switching back and forth, but it does take some conscious awareness.

My opinion is that my 2 wheelers provide much smoother rides than the Ryker, on rough roads. It has been a long time since I rode a Spyder but I suspect the Spyder ride is more jiggly on rough roads than, say, a Goldwing.

The Ryker, I know, gets horrible gas mileage and I hear the Spyder isn’t much better.

If the rider might have trouble holding up a touring bike with passenger, say maybe 1200 pounds of Goldwing, gear, and people, obviously having that third wheel eliminates the concern of falling over.

Again, those are observations from a fairly inexperienced 3 wheel rider.

The Ryker is our fifth product from Bombardier. I am familiar with their engineering style and confident with Rotax engines. The Ryker would be the 7th Rotax engine we’ve owned. The Ryker Rotax engine runs similar RPMs as the NC, but the valves are self adjusting. I wish the NC had hydraulic valve lifters. The Ryker is shaft final drive, and the Spyder is belt, so either way there is no chain to mess with.

Greg, I really appreciate this detailed response. This is very helpful!

 

[mzflorida]

Hello!
I have a 2016 Can Am F3T limited and love it! I have not ridden two up. A blast for that type of riding 3 wheels. I took the course to try all their bikes and it really made my mind to buy. I noticed several husband/wife trying them in the course which helped make their decisions. I tried the RT, Ryker and F3 during the course. BTW the course was 2 days and cost $50 to ride 3 wheel bikes all day ( a no brainer to try!)
I am 5'6 about 125 woman and the Ryker fun but not really my style
The RT just made me feel small lady on a really large bike but fun
The F3 felt right
All the bike are adjustable if touring type especially.

I also have a 2007 yami Fz6 changing soon to a forever waiting 2022/2023 Honda NC750 DCT
and I also have Honda CT125 Trail
And my day ride 2020 Jeep Gladiator

Thank you MsFitnez! It is interesting that you mention the F3 as many owners on the Spyder forum have said it might be the better choice than the RT. Is there anything in particular that you like or dislike about the F3? Are there any features that are on the RT, that are not on the F3, that you wish were on your trike?

 

[Msfitnetz]

Hi
I totally agree the counter steer must be forgotten on the 3 wheel. I admit it takes me a corner on two or thee wheels the bikes remind me my error.

It just feels awkward.

The RT is the Cadillac every creature comfort. My good friend whom is over 6’0 also a woman the RT fits her like a glove. She has ridden two up and her passenger said the ride was great just relaxing with back / arm rests. Even heated grip/ seats for passengers.
The F3 has some of the RT goodies but to me lower and sporty feeling. my touring edition had the rear passenger seat back, arm rest hardside and rear top case. Mine also heated grips . As I get cold I do wish I had rated seats but I bought a usb plug in.

Overall they are very large bikes and you will almost always feel stable except if you do the counter steering, lol.
The good thing in this current state of you take course try them and watch the used market. Great deals for gently extremely optioned can ams. They do not change too much over years so my 2016 not far from 2022/23.

As with toys, enjoy!
We live once and life is short!!

Now if Honda could stop delaying my new NC750x to my dealer!

 

[mzflorida]

Hi
I totally agree the counter steer must be forgotten on the 3 wheel. I admit it takes me a corner on two or thee wheels the bikes remind me my error.

It just feels awkward.

The RT is the Cadillac every creature comfort. My good friend whom is over 6’0 also a woman the RT fits her like a glove. She has ridden two up and her passenger said the ride was great just relaxing with back / arm rests. Even heated grip/ seats for passengers.
The F3 has some of the RT goodies but to me lower and sporty feeling. my touring edition had the rear passenger seat back, arm rest hardside and rear top case. Mine also heated grips . As I get cold I do wish I had rated seats but I bought a usb plug in.

Overall they are very large bikes and you will almost always feel stable except if you do the counter steering, lol.
The good thing in this current state of you take course try them and watch the used market. Great deals for gently extremely optioned can ams. They do not change too much over years so my 2016 not far from 2022/23.

As with toys, enjoy!
We live once and life is short!!

Now if Honda could stop delaying my new NC750x to my dealer!

Thank you again! I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. Good luck on the delivery of your bike, too! There have been a few prospective buyers here on the forum that are in the same boat as you, waiting for delivery of the bike (not that this fact should make you any less excited and eager to get your bike).

We shall see on enjoying/owning the Can Am. It will be up to the passenger on this decision!

 

[mrbios]

Great observations from Greg. My concerns with can-am beyond what Greg mentioned is the cost new and used, poor dealer support, waiting a month or more for parts, very few places work on them or know how to. I did an oil change on a friends 2013? RT Limited and it took 2.5 hours to change the oil and two filters (and I have a full tool chest, air compressor etc). Body work is awful to remove and reinstall. Also, codes and weird limp mode issues. If you are ok with $50 just to have a dealer check the oil level and $400? for an oil change and the room it takes up in the garage and horrible car like mpg that purchase it. Also, I highly recommend and F3 or Ryker 900 due to the lack of body work that has to be removed to do routine service.

 

[mzflorida]

Great observations from Greg. My concerns with can-am beyond what Greg mentioned is the cost new and used, poor dealer support, waiting a month or more for parts, very few places work on them or know how to. I did an oil change on a friends 2013? RT Limited and it took 2.5 hours to change the oil and two filters (and I have a full tool chest, air compressor etc). Body work is awful to remove and reinstall. Also, codes and weird limp mode issues. If you are ok with $50 just to have a dealer check the oil level and $400? for an oil change and the room it takes up in the garage and horrible car like mpg that purchase it. Also, I highly recommend and F3 or Ryker 900 due to the lack of body work that has to be removed to do routine service.

I do enjoy working on my machines so the issues with bodywork removal is important to me. Range is more important to me than fuel economy but I appreciate you pointing that out! On your endorsement of the F3, is the ease of maintenance driving that or is it in combination with the riding experience?

 

[CamaroEric]

I personally did not like the feel of the Spyder, although the Ryker looks super cool (but is a single seat). You have to ride one for yourself, they usually have a good demo at Bike Week.

If you like working on your own machines, I would strongly recommend also looking at a Ural with a side car. They have come a long way from what their reputation portrays and you'll have a ton of street cred. The newest models (2019+) have an excellent EFI system and can easily run 70 mph while getting mid to high 30's mpg on average. They are not a Honda, but will be reliable if you take care of it.

The previous EFI model (2014-2018) is also very good, but it will be a slightly slower ride, say 65-70 will be toward the limit. The mpg's are similar.

2008-2014 are the 'good' years of carbureted models and are certainly more rudimentary, but will still do fairly well with regular maintenance and attention.

PM if you want to chat more, Holowpaw Ural is one of the best in the nation and is relatively close to you. 4 years in for me and it's still a blast!

 

[mzflorida]

I personally did not like the feel of the Spyder, although the Ryker looks super cool (but is a single seat). You have to ride one for yourself, they usually have a good demo at Bike Week.

If you like working on your own machines, I would strongly recommend also looking at a Ural with a side car. They have come a long way from what their reputation portrays and you'll have a ton of street cred. The newest models (2019+) have an excellent EFI system and can easily run 70 mph while getting mid to high 30's mpg on average. They are not a Honda, but will be reliable if you take care of it.

The previous EFI model (2014-2018) is also very good, but it will be a slightly slower ride, say 65-70 will be toward the limit. The mpg's are similar.

2008-2014 are the 'good' years of carbureted models and are certainly more rudimentary, but will still do fairly well with regular maintenance and attention.

PM if you want to chat more, Holowpaw Ural is one of the best in the nation and is relatively close to you. 4 years in for me and it's still a blast!

There is a guy down the road who owns an Ural and absolutely loves it. I really appreciate you recommending the Ural to consider but there is not a chance in heck that my wife would get in a side car...zero. What did you not care for in the feel of the Spyder?

Thanks again for taking the time to post on this!

 

[CamaroEric]

Ha! That is funny.

There were two big complaints for me:
1) Since you don't lean into corners the same way (just with your body on the CanAm), and I didn't find I really had anything for my legs to hold on to, it felt like I would just slip off the outside when turning.
2) I also found the tracking exhausting. It wandered left and right while going down a straight road. Without the ability to lean and correct, all steering input was through the handlebars. And again, with no great place for my legs to grip I had a hard time finding the leverage without a bit of work.

Then again both of these are my thoughts and maybe something most get used to, and the 2nd could be attributed to a bad set-up on the demo, maybe. Additionally, the legs forward position never makes me feel like I have great leg grip on a bike.

 

[TNHoosier]

The Can-Ams, etc (2 wheels front, 1 rear) ride and steer like a snowmobile. If you have never ridden a snowmobile, it will be a be difference when compared to a motorcycle.

 

[mzflorida]

Ha! That is funny.

There were two big complaints for me:
1) Since you don't lean into corners the same way (just with your body on the CanAm), and I didn't find I really had anything for my legs to hold on to, it felt like I would just slip off the outside when turning.
2) I also found the tracking exhausting. It wandered left and right while going down a straight road. Without the ability to lean and correct, all steering input was through the handlebars. And again, with no great place for my legs to grip I had a hard time finding the leverage without a bit of work.

Then again both of these are my thoughts and maybe something most get used to, and the 2nd could be attributed to a bad set-up on the demo, maybe. Additionally, the legs forward position never makes me feel like I have great leg grip on a bike.

That is what i remember the most about the short ride I had on one years back; it pushes you.

I don't recall the tracking issue but I know what you mean. Some boats walk across their own hull at low speeds, high too, and it is work piloting when that happens. Thanks again for taking the time to post!

 

[mzflorida]

The Can-Ams, etc (2 wheels front, 1 rear) ride and steer like a snowmobile. If you have never ridden a snowmobile, it will be a be difference when compared to a motorcycle.

I have. I'm a Chicagoan originally. Like every good Chicagoan, I had a home in Wisconsin. I did a bit of snowmobiling back then. Good analogy from what i remember.