We've all seen these machines by now, I've seen them on the streets.
The question I have for you is, "would you buy one?"
These things retail for $17K to $18K.
Bombardier, the company who makes this thing, isn't necessarily trying to win over motorcyclists, as they are folks who would like to ride a motorcycle, but want training wheels. At least that's what the folks said at the demo in Temecula last month. Well, they didn't actually use the words "training wheels".
They don't lean. When you go around the corner, you have to counter-lean to keep your body from getting pulled off of it.
I was spending some time on the Can-Am Spyder website moments ago, checking out all the media. I discovered they have a sub-site specifically for Southern California customers. It seems the folks at Bombardier is focusing their efforts here in my neck of the woods. They have a SoCal Spyder Blog too.
I'm sure it's fun to ride, but are you willing to spend $17-$18K to get one, and will you ride it often enough to justify that purchase?
Since I'm a motorcycle rider, maybe I'm just biased.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Can-Am Spyder? - Not For Me
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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A vagabond who hauls a motorcycle around the country in a toy hauler, earning a living as a website developer. Can often be found where there's free Wi-Fi, craft beer, and/or public nudity. 
I don't know... I've never ridden one so I can't talk from experience, but they look like they could be a blast. But I agree, they're not motorcycles. I would look at it as having a bike and a truck - each has its place and they aren't mutually exclusive.
ReplyDeleteI've had a Can-Am since May 08. It is Definately a blast to ride. It is extremely comfortable and although it does corner differently, you are in no danger of sliding off. In fact, I ride it more often and on longer trips than I did my motorcycle. It's also better for urban driving because it's more visible and obviously more noticed.
ReplyDeleteI saw two of these in action at the last poker run.
ReplyDeleteSnowmobiles on asphalt. I guess they are cool. I was checking them out up close. At bar number two one of them opened it up and left a burnout 50 feet long...but then again, a bit easier on 3.
I guess they are ok but I dunno if I would wanna ride one...well, at least not yet.
Have had one for a year. Main problem is the driver peg location are hard on my old (70) legs over a long ride. Otherwise the Spyder is superior to a two wheeler in most other respects. With 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 120-130 this vehicle is fast enough. Read the actual specs. This is a motorcycle in virtually every way except it doesn't lean into turns but you must. It is harder to ride in that respect I don't recommend it for people who don't have fair upper body strength. Little kids ride bikes and small motorcycles without much trouble-same kids could not handle a Spyder safely.
ReplyDeleteWe are having a Poker Run in October, The Downed Biker Rally as it is called. We will be awarding a trophy for best club attendance. Many of us Bikers have been curious for some time now about these Can Am Spyders. I would like to see some of you Riders come out and support our run and show us what these bikes are all about.We would be honored to have you participate. Look up the Poker Run at www.downedbikerfund.org or come over to 4905 E. LaPalma Ave Anaheim, Ca.on Saturday Oct.3rd at 8am and ride with us. This event is for "all motorcycle riders"
ReplyDeleteHaving ridden cycles for 43 years and after driving the rt and rs versions on Saturday all I can say is that they are great! Ordered 2 for both my wife and I. Never had so much fun. You can do all the leaning for me and my wife. On wet roads at 85mph I'd rather be in a turn in this thing with it's stability systems than on 2 wheels. The feeling of freedom is still there!
ReplyDeletehave one, love it. who care what "bikers" think? i'm riding it, not you. what do u care? do you care about my maseriti or benz that i drive? should i look down on a ford driver????...that ain't a real car??? i ride a spyder cause that's what i like to ride...it's different. i like different. sorry if i'm not a sheep....
ReplyDeleteCan Ams suck. If you ride one, you're a pansy who can't handle a real bike. Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteI have a V65 Sabre in the garage parked next to my 09 RS Phantom and I don't ride it (The Sabre) anymore because it's too slow. I'll beat you off the line and in the twisties anytime on either bike, just name the place:-) Pansy that...
DeleteWhat are you twelve? Rather you ride a motorcycle, Goldwing-trike or a very cool Can-Am. It's all about getting out and enjoying your life. Grow up.
DeleteWell I am sure these Can-ams cant maneuver through traffic and lane split like a real bike, they are not fast like an RR, I also think they can front endo or do a wheelie on them. So I rather ride my CBR and do wheelies and zig-zag though traffic jams. Toronto!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're the kind of retard that causes accidents and kills other drivers.
DeleteWell, apparently the people at be didn't like my first reply to you, so
DeleteI will try again. If your talking about trike bikes and/or can-am
spyders some of us don't want to give up riding but because of medical
problems we can no longer ride on two wheels. I always thought it wasn't
what you rode as long as you ride.
My husband bought me the Spyder Roadster...I love it! But I cant ride a regular bike as I have a bad left leg which makes it difficult to shift. He wanted me to be able to go with him and I wasnt ready to ride with him on his bike. I had a spill riding with my father when I was a kid so when the drivers get smart and start swerving and speeding I had enough. We just got back riding over 360 miles to DC this weekend to Rolling Thunder. My only complaint is the mileage..31mph and riding at the rear of the pack when it has so much power. I wanted to shift and get down the road but they were still trying to get out of 1st gear. Love it...oh I already said that didnt I?
ReplyDeleteI am an amputee,left leg gone.my can am shifts 5 up with my thumb,shifts down when you slow down automaticly.hey,miss that old dog.don;ttalk too loud if you don't know Beau and who he is!!!
DeleteOn my second spyder I had the 2011rs traded up to the 2013st limited. I love the ride of the 13 better although I had gotten use to placing my feet on the passenger pegs when I ride alone (a habbit I find hard to break) on long rides you cant beat it. We did a ride from Jersey to Virginia in one day and it was great, no fatigue like on the 2011 rs. Ill ride this opposed to a 2 wheeler and day.
DeleteGot a 2013 and I tell you its awesome. I was hit by a car on my 2 wheeler. I feel a lot more safe on 3 than 2.the feeling of freedom is still there.
ReplyDeleteI JUST GOT RS CANAM BLACK I HAVE ROAD MOTORCYLES FOR 63 YEARS ON AND OFF MORE ON THEN OFFI LOVE ITS RIDE BUT IT SHURE IS DEFFERANT THEN A MOTOR CYLE
ReplyDeleteLet's see what happens as these bikers age and still wanna ride, but different parts of their bodies won't let them.
ReplyDeleteI say Ride and Let Ride.
Don't judge as God has a way of you putting some of the nay-sayers in the position of either: never riding again or trying something new.
We all just want to ride and have fun.
Any spider clubs in law Vegas?
ReplyDelete