Can-Am Spyder riders.

I used to have an Ural sidecar. My son and I and camping equipment did a ride out to Cape Breton and Gaspe a few years ago. While riding on 132 around Gaspe we came across a Spyder. They were riding 2 up, a father and his young daughter. I was in a loaded up Ural (roughly 1300lbs @ 38hp engine). They could accelerate faster than we could ( a kid on a mountain bike could accelerate faster than us) in the straights, but I caught up in the twisties because the Ural doesn't have traction control. I noticed that the bike always slowed itself down in the corners. That was my put off from buying one, when I read about the traction control keeping the bike from tipping over in turns.
 
You probably didn't lean into the turn ^ it makes all the difference.

If you stay in your normal upright riding position while turning on a Spyder, you definitely feel like it wants to throw you off. You have to lean and slide your butt around, moreso than on a motorcycle.

This is easy to understand, and easy to do when you can see everything coming. I rode three different models at TMP a couple of years ago, and they are a blast (and you CAN lift a front wheel, no matter what the stability control is supposed to do ;)
However, if you aren't planning your movements in advance, it's an entirely different story. One of the things we expect to have trouble with when moving from two wheels to 3 (trike, spyder, sidecar) is the steering. Since you still sit astride it, and operate it with handlebars, there's usually a concern that if you react to something, you may revert to push/counter steering and steer the wrong way, if only temporarily. For me, the bigger issue with the spyder was the fact that a simple tweak on the bars at speed results in a perfectly smooth, accurate swerve. Lots of stability, and knife-like precision, and it happens RIGHT NOW.
Riding around the track, executing turns or curves, it's a ton of fun. But if riding along on the street and you need to swerve suddenly, there's not always time to lean and slide your butt around, so you have to just squeeze as your swerve and hope. Now compound that with a passenger who may be even less prepared for the swerve.
I think I get the appeal for some people, but that alone made me wish I was sitting IN a seat, not astride one.
 
oops? I didn't realize this thread was two years old......
 
That said, if I were to become disabled, I would buy one, just to stay riding.....

I just saw one the other day, I can't even remenber where,it may have been kitchener? I recall it was red, but what struck me was the folder wheelchair secured in some type of holster on the side.
 
Hi Betzygirl!

The test will consist of you identifying the mechanical parts. Make note that if you have the SE5, that when asked to point out the Clutch that you note there is no clutch on that model and explain that it is Semi Automatic.

Unlike the conventional motorcycle test, you will most likely just drive straight through the pylons. A motorcycle will be required to figure around the pylons.
You'll only need to stop at the designated stop line.

Depending on the MTO, you'll either ride in a controlled environment or be brought on to the public street.
A quick test of your riding abilities and you are good to go!

Good luck!
Derek
 
Unlike the conventional motorcycle test, you will most likely just drive straight through the pylons. A motorcycle will be required to figure around the pylons.
You'll only need to stop at the designated stop line.

Sounds like a special test for female firefighters........ I don't like.
 
It's so that the instructors do not then need to re-arrange them to accommodate the Spyder rider.
Slow turning manoeuvres are much easier on a Spyder then a MC. because of this, they opt not to bother.

D
 
Sounds like a special test for female firefighters........ I don't like.

Except can-am riders get a special license. If they were granted a full M license with a limited test i would have a problem with it, but as structured, I think it works well.
 
Is this the same vehicle that you have to replace the back tire every 4,000 km's at $500 a pop because it wobbles and become bald that fast?
 
Where the hell did you get that number?

Depending on the Spyder model.
Additionally, varies depending on tire make.

Front = 25k
Rear = 10k

You can find tires that fit and provide better reaction for less then you noted.
 
I'm well over 4k with my current rear tire with loads of traction to go. I ride aggressively as well, spinning the rear tire often. :-)
 
never a fan of the spider but i'd get a t-rex if they were legal in canada (ontario)

Can't understand why no big manufacturer sees a market for a T-Rex type machine. Built properly, it could have many advantages over a car or bike. Google Elio reverse trike for one example.
 
so it handles a lot like a snowmobile?
Yes.

I did the demo last year in Orillia. Not a fan personally, but whatever floats your boat.

For long highway hauls it would definitely need a 6th gear. Not sure why they only put 5 in it.
 
The Spyder is designed and engineered as a reverse trike. HD's are via kits mainly and are standard trikes.

Visit spyderlovers.com and check with those who have owned GW's and HD and now ride Spyders. They are more than happy to provide an actual comparison .
 
What in the wide world of kcuf does this have to do with what Omni typed....which was bang spot on why the Can-am is pointless.

Hes trying to compensate for riding a can am Spyder by saying his friend is a millionaire and drives a ferrari?:)
 
Can't understand why no big manufacturer sees a market for a T-Rex type machine. Built properly, it could have many advantages over a car or bike. Google Elio reverse trike for one example.

Its illegal in canada except in montreal :( hard to insure and register I think they are quite common in the states I remember seeing a couple in LA on vacation
 
Back
Top Bottom