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Leaving from my office a few weeks ago, I looked in my rear-view mirror only to see two strange-looking vehicles coming up from behind. At first glance, they looked like snowmobiles with wheels. I slowed down so they would slide into the lane next to me for a closer look.
Looking them over, I was interested to see who made them and just what the heck they were. All I saw was “Can-Am” branding on them. After that encounter, I quickly googled them to find out that they were the Can-Am Spyder Roadster from BRP.
After digging through a bunch of details on the Spyder Roadster, I’m still intrigued and would love to ride one to experience how they feel on the road. I’m not a big fan of bullet bikes and I’ve heard too many motorcycle horror stories over the years to really want to ride a motorcycle on the road all the time. Though the Can-Am Spyder Roadster does provide a bit more saftey than a traditional motorcycle, they still put flesh and blood a little too close to several tons of iron and steel for blood.
These are definitely a step up from the cheesy three-wheeled motorcycles you see on the roads that are typically a motorcycle conversion. Most riders of those three-wheeled bikes are old biker dudes who just can’t give up the wind in their face and are willing to face being ridiculed at a local Hells Angels rally. Those three-wheeled motorcycles make me laugh, while the Can-Am Spyder seems legitimately cool.
With gas prices rising and innovation plugging away, it seems like there will be more and more options on the road that don’t involve 4 doors and a V8 engine.
Here are a few specs on the Can-Am Spyder Roadster:
- Engine: BRP-Rotax 998cc V-Twin, 2-cylinder
- Transmission: Sequential Manual or Electronic 5-Speed with reverse
- Brakes & Safety: ABS disc brakes, Vehicle Stability System, Traction Control, Stability Control System
- Warranty: 2 years
- MSRP: Starts at $15,499
- More Info
More Info: Visit Can-Am.brp.com
;)
I saw one of the yellow ones a few weeks ago and I have to say that it looks very cool in my opinion. A bit safer I would presume, for someone switching over from being a car-jockey who isn’t familiar with the balance, etc, needed for riding a motorcycle. I’ll bet it’s less tippy than a tricycle-style motorbike, too (the ones with 1 wheel in front & 2 in back). I’ve tried riding motorcycles in the past, but I’m just a spaz. Cycle World says the fuel economy is 30mpg (http://forums.cycleworld.com/cycleworld/board/message?board.id=tech&thread.id=1296) which is less than I would have expected — but then again, for a performance machine that’s really pretty good.
If they encased the whole thing in a roll cage or something you sure would look like a dork, but it would presumably be safer. Or they could make it Tron-like. Hmm, I actually think that would be cool…but then again, I’m a geek.
No doubt… it looks pretty darn stable, fast and fun. In the rear-view mirror, it still looks like a snowmobile coming at your bumper.
Check out the T-rex — a similar three-wheeler, but with roll-cage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38TFetQAe2o
Costs 33k british pounds though —- which with the exchange rate, is almost $70k.
I am a 75year old fart who really loves his spyder . If you ride one you will buy one ,that is if your old lady will ok it.
“Old Fart” eh? Well, if you’re OK with that.
Glad you’re getting out there on the Can-Am Spyder… it really looks like a cool machine!
This is Charliebrown here….Im a 72 year “Old Fart” and ride a Yellow Spyder. This is a beautiful piece of machinery.. Runs like a scalded cat if need be. That Rotax 990 engine winds up with a roar of its own and moves the speedometer digital numbers up in a hurry. Love it!! Ive put a few accessories on it. (Floor boards, 5 inch pull back riser, F-1 adjustable windshield, Shark 250 watt radio, BRP 3 bag system Spyder foot pegs,pinstripped, kuryakyn grips and painted the front lower cowling with Shark teeth and a small shark on the rear fender, POW and American flag fly on the rear license plate holder. I also have a 2009 GL 1800 Goldwing trike. But prefer riding the Spyder. Wife rides the Goldwing. I highly recommend Old Farts ride a Spyder…You will never go back!!! You dont have to worry about tipping over!!!