10 Things That Separate The Can-Am Spyder From Real Motorcycles

In 1987, Can-Am stopped making motorcycles, and BRP (Parent company Bombardier) closed the brand down to focus on snowmobiles, ATVs, and other products for almost 20 years. It entered the on-road market in 2007, but not with a standard motorcycle. Can-Am made an on-road three-wheeler that looks like a snowmobile for the road, only with two front wheels and one rear drive wheel. Here are ten reasons that separate the Can-Am from the rest of the on-road pack.

10

The Can-Am Spyder Is Classified As A Motorcycle

Can Am

A red RT sitting still with white background

The Spyder operated more like a motorcycle than driving a car. The earlier models of the Spyder required shifting using an electric shift on the GS 990 model, similar to many electric assists shifting on ATVs. A twist throttle like motorcycles, a left-mounted rear brake pedal, and the rider sits on, not in, the Spyder acts more like a motorcycle than a car. This setup leads many states’ DOT to require a motorcycle license for the operator. The reasons are being properly licensed for the vehicle; the rider is more aware of its operation and road conditions. Like shifting, accelerating, turning, and stopping while remaining in control.

9

The Can-Am Spyder Comes With Three Wheels

A silver Rt Spyder with white background

With experienced two-wheel riders on a Spyder, the first thing they noticed is the lack of a lean angle. The rider can lean some but no knee dragging into turns here. With the two front wheels doing the steering, the inexperienced rider has more confidence going into a turn. In fact, new riders seem to purchase the Spyder over other two-wheeled offerings. The one rear drive wheel gives plenty of grip on dry or wet roads. The same goes for the two front wheels. You feel more in control on those rainy days. For those that have ridden ATVs and Snowmobiles, will feel right at home on the Can-Am Spyder that you almost feel you’re illegal at the moment.

Related: Top 10 Best Trike Motorcycles You Can Buy

8

The Can-Am Spyder Makes Up To 115 Horsepower

Can Am

A drawing of the 900cc Ryker engine.

Can-Am specifically made a liquid-cooled 900cc Rotax twin-cylinder V-Twin engine for the first-year Spyder. A whopping 106 horsepower for the GS back then has come a long way for today’s models. Now with the F3 and RT models, the power comes from an inline three-cylinder 1330cc engine. The latest engine produces 115 horsepower at 7250 RPMs. The fun little RYKER models have inline-twin 600cc and inline triple 900cc engines that pump out 50- and 82 horsepower respectively. All three models take that power through a fully automatic CVT transmission. Smooth, constant acceleration is felt on any model.

7

There’s Also The Can-Am Ryker

A black Ryker sport sitting with white background

A Ryker is not necessarily a beginner model, more like a single-only rider that is a blast to ride. The base model with the 600cc engine retails for $8,999. The next two models have the 900cc engine and the Ryker Sport sells for $11,899. Can-Am took the Ryker concept and made a dual sport you could say in the Ryker Rally. This model’s MSRP is $13,899. The Ryker family has completely customizable side panels that Can-Am offers in 17 different colors and combos, but the base plastic color is a flat black and that is the only choice offered.

Related: 10 Reasons The Honda Gold Wing Needs To Be In Your Garage

6

The Can-Am Ryker Features A Unique Setup

Can Am

Two Rykers sitting on pavement in a parking lot with building in back ground

All three Rykers have the same large radiator up front close to the road and in between the front wheels. Unlike motorcycle radiators that are blocked by the front wheel, forks, and fenders the manufacturers have to design a way to funnel air into the cooling system. And they do it well, but the Rykers cooling system is right out front and no need for additional plastics or odd designs to get air into it. The only issue is keeping the engine warm on days below 55 degrees. Sit on the seat and put your feet on the pegs, and comfort comes to mind. The adjustable handlebar can move forward or back to the rider for a custom setup.

5

The Can-Am Lineup Comes With A CVT

Can am

 A rider on a Ryker with yellow wall in background

The shaft drive transfers the horsepower with minimal loss to the rear wheel. Can Ams automatic transmission is a CVT belt drive from the engine to driveshaft. Just move the small lever on the left side toward you, and you’re in gear. That’s it. There is no neutral unless idling. Move the lever forward, and now it is in reverse. Backing up is the same principle as a car. Just don’t put your feet down. Twist the throttle and the rear tire hooks up and pulls you to the back of the seat with ease. The Ryker can handle 40 to 70 miles per hour with ease and tops out around 100, give or take a mile an hour or so. Going into a sharp turn requires a significant slowdown or two-wheeling could happen. Unlike a motorcycle where you have the option of leaning a little more and or slowing down.

Related: Top 10 Automatic Motorcycles Currently On Sale

4

The Can-Am Ryker Rally Is Technically A Dual Sport

Can Am

A black and orange Rally sitting with white background

Can-Am decided to make a dual sport version to ride on dirt roads and pavement. With stronger rims, mud flaps, on-off-road tires, push bar, skid plate, intake with pre-filter, and an Akrapovic exhaust come already tuned and mounted. It has three ride modes to help control the Rally. Eco Mode, Rally Mode, and Cruise Control. The suspension is set up better to handle the bumps of dirt roads with KYB shocks. They have a remote reservoir with a 4-position compression adjustable damping and preload adjustment to suit riders’ needs and conditions. The Ryker Rally is a fun bike to drift on in the dirt and controlling it is easy if you are an experienced ATV rider.

3

The Can-Am Spyder Can Touch Speeds Of Up To 125 MPH!

cam am

A white F3 sitting still with white background

With the Spyder design, Can-Am opened another market to motorcycling that no other manufacturer has at the moment, and when they do, the Spyder is decades ahead. It allows new and experienced riders to enjoy something different on the roads. Some riders that can no longer hold up heavy touring bikes or because of knee issues love the Spyder because of the three wheels supporting it. The Three wheel design had gone through engine and transmission changes over the years to the now stable CVT transmission and inline triple 1330cc engine. This latest design keeps the weight down with more room in the engine compartment for electronics, and air intake allows this model to reach a top speed of about 125 miles per hour. The belt that drives the rear wheel is a well-thought-out design to handle the tension and friction. No adjustment is needed.

Related: 10 Cruisers That Will Destroy Your Bank Account (Or Reputation)

2

If You’re A Solo Rider, The Can-Am F3 Is For You

Can Am

A  F3 Limited standing still with white background

The F3 is a single-seat sporty design of the Spyder. This machine’s base model retails for $18,499 and up to $28,499 for the top model. There are five variations of the F3. The Base model F3, F3S Special series, F3 T, F3 T Special, and the F3 Limited Special. With each model progression, the owner gets to choose a different color, audio package, and even the addition of a rear seat and hard cases for the F3T and limited series. The F3 has a v looking front grill, a sporty gauge spoiler that gives it a unique look of its own. Stopping the F3 are 270mm disc brakes on each wheel and controlled by a one-foot pedal like all the Ryker and Spyder models. The 165/55R15 55H front tires and the massive 225/50R15 76H rear tire keep the acceleration or stopping power in control. Yes, that sounds like car tire sizes on a motorcycle, doesn’t it?

1

The Can-Am Spyder RT Takes Things To The Next Level

Can Am

A red RT limited standing still with white back ground

With three models to choose from, the RT at $24,699, the RT Limited at $28,499, and the new Sea to Sky retailing at $30,999. The customer has the problem of which luxury model to choose from. They all have the rear side cases while the Limited and Sea to Sky have the rear center luggage case already installed. Front and rear hand warmers and seat warmers are offered not only for the rider, but the passenger too, making cool rides comfortable. The large front trunk houses the battery along with any other gear or luggage you need. Six speaker audio and a self-adjusting windshield are all at the touch of a button. Just like shifting, use your left thumb to shift up or down. It will even auto-shift down when the vehicle is slowing. Which every three-wheel version you chose, Can-Am offers a riding experience like no other in today’s motorcycling world.