Can-Am Spyder

[JimmyFJR]

Hi Guys,

My brother is looking at buying a Can-Am Spyder and i was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them? Are they a good machine or are they a troublesome f**ker? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, Thanks guys.

 

[rogdeb]

Tyler -- where are you ??

Tyler can help you here. I'm sure she'll be along.

 

[Tyler]

Hi Guys,

My brother is looking at buying a Can-Am Spyder and i was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them? Are they a good machine or are they a troublesome f**ker? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, Thanks guys.

Hi Jimmy:

I started riding a Spyder about 2 years ago after my accident and stability became an issue for me. It's a different type of fun but fun nonetheless and allows me the wind in my face, the throttle in my hand, and 1000 cc's between my legs! I haven't had any issues with mine and have done two very long trips so far (3500-mile Southwest tour and 2700-mile trip to Baja last month) and am planning on riding to Canada for NAFO this summer. Don't know if your brother has ridden 2-wheels at all but the riding style is very different (i.e. no countersteering) and takes some getting used to if that's what you've ridden previously. Let me know if you have any other specific questions. B)

 

[Top_Speed1]

On the quality end, Bombardier's quality is second to none. Their R&D is off the charts, I'm a huge fan of those Canuck motorheads and test drove a Spyder at the Syracuse Big East Snowmobile show (parking lot they had demo machines to try out) and liked them very much. It is a different style of ride as mentioned but pretty sweet indeed. The one I liked was also one of the most expensive coming in at 28K ..ouch!

 

[Tyler]

On the quality end, Bombardier's quality is second to none. Their R&D is off the charts, I'm a huge fan of those Canuck motorheads and test drove a Spyder at the Syracuse Big East Snowmobile show (parking lot they had demo machines to try out) and liked them very much. It is a different style of ride as mentioned but pretty sweet indeed. The one I liked was also one of the most expensive coming in at 28K ..ouch!

Pricing will vary depending on which model you are looking at. The RS is the more sport-oriented configuration, the RT is the big touring machine. My dealer said they sell way more RTs so you may be able to get a better deal on an RS. Mine was around $17K but I also added a few farkles to it (does anyone ever buy a bike and NOT farkle it?? :lol: ) - touring windscreen, highway pegs, aftermarket seat, and bar risers. YMMV.

 

[JimmyFJR]

Hi Guys,

My brother is looking at buying a Can-Am Spyder and i was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them? Are they a good machine or are they a troublesome f**ker? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, Thanks guys.

Hi Jimmy:

I started riding a Spyder about 2 years ago after my accident and stability became an issue for me. It's a different type of fun but fun nonetheless and allows me the wind in my face, the throttle in my hand, and 1000 cc's between my legs! I haven't had any issues with mine and have done two very long trips so far (3500-mile Southwest tour and 2700-mile trip to Baja last month) and am planning on riding to Canada for NAFO this summer. Don't know if your brother has ridden 2-wheels at all but the riding style is very different (i.e. no countersteering) and takes some getting used to if that's what you've ridden previously. Let me know if you have any other specific questions. B)

Thanks Tyler,

Your info is much appreciated. I am sorry to here that you had an accident, glad to here that you are still biking. Ya the riding will be much different alright, however he only drove a two wheeled scooter before, years ago, so the difference should be insignificant to him. They are a fairly scarce machine here in Ireland so we might have to import one for him, I just wanted to see if they were a reliable machine or not. If i have any more specific questions I might get back to you again. Thanks for all your help.

Kind regards

Jimmy

 

[JimmyFJR]

On the quality end, Bombardier's quality is second to none. Their R&D is off the charts, I'm a huge fan of those Canuck motorheads and test drove a Spyder at the Syracuse Big East Snowmobile show (parking lot they had demo machines to try out) and liked them very much. It is a different style of ride as mentioned but pretty sweet indeed. The one I liked was also one of the most expensive coming in at 28K ..ouch!

Ya that sounds good, thanks. the next stage now is to find one to test drive here in Ireland

Tyler -- where are you ??

Tyler can help you here. I'm sure she'll be along.

Hey thanks, she was on very swiftly after your post thanks.

 

[CheesyRider]

I haven't read anything bad about their reliability. The only thing people seem to complain about is that it doesn't lean, and a lot of internet ******-bags like to say you might as well get a convertible. But, I would think it would still be more fun than an open top car. Nevertheless, it would be awesome if they made it lean. Can-Am has filed a patent for a leaning trike, so it might be worth waiting if the stability of three wheels isn't needed right away. https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/can-am-spyder-leaning-patent-application/

 

[Tyler]

I haven't read anything bad about their reliability. The only thing people seem to complain about is that it doesn't lean, and a lot of internet ******-bags like to say you might as well get a convertible. But, I would think it would still be more fun than an open top car. Nevertheless, it would be awesome if they made it lean. Can-Am has filed a patent for a leaning trike, so it might be worth waiting if the stability of three wheels isn't needed right away. https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/can-am-spyder-leaning-patent-application/

Yeah, there are a few that give the "it's not a bike" snobbery but I don't really give a **** what anyone else thinks. For the most part, people are very curious about it and think it's pretty trippy looking... expect your gas stops to be a little bit longer as folks will want to ask you about it!

My dealer had told me about the leaning Spyder but it probably won't actually be in production for several years. I will most definitely be keeping my eye out for that one as it is very intriguing!! B)

 

[Larry33319]

There is currently a "minor" recall issue on 2010 Can Am Spyder RT's .

Can Am Recall

 

[JimmyFJR]

Thanks guys all great info, I will pass it on to my brother.

 

[BwanaDik]

Does the Can Am have some sort of "active suspension"? I heard some guy once moaning about the suspension goes wacky if the suspension chip fails. Anything to that? I took a quick look around the neenernet but nothing jumped out at me.

I only bring it up as the PO may not have access to a dealer in Ireland if there's an issue

 

[BlackStar]

Does the Can Am have some sort of "active suspension"? I heard some guy once moaning about the suspension goes wacky if the suspension chip fails. Anything to that? I took a quick look around the neenernet but nothing jumped out at me.

I only bring it up as the PO may not have access to a dealer in Ireland if there's an issue

It has a sophisticated stability control system with built in ABS, not true active suspension.

My Step Dad bought a new RS-S a year ago this month and has ridden the tar out of it, no Problems.

 

[RaYzerman19]

I talk quite a bit with the Bombardier reps and have done at bike shows the last couple of years..... I've been considering one as a second fun machine, not to replace my Feej. RS-S is the hot one with more HP and firmer suspension. The RT's have more plushy for touring and a slightly wider front track. They tell me not to go on a half hour test ride as you won't get the proper impression, need 2 hrs. So sign up for one of their factory rides if they're in town, or try to get one for half a day. A little weight shifting is a good thing in the corners (like riding a snowmobile). I'm likely looking at a used one where I can add my own farkles and saddlebags, etc., maybe a little custom paint job. Used ones are pricey though, as these rigs keep their value.

 

[Tyler]

It has a sophisticated stability control system with built in ABS, not true active suspension.

Yup... some of the gents that I know who ride one call the traction control "The Nanny" as it will cut your rpm's if it senses you're going too hot into a turn and the wheel lifts. Some of them disconnect it.

I talk quite a bit with the Bombardier reps and have done at bike shows the last couple of years..... I've been considering one as a second fun machine, not to replace my Feej. RS-S is the hot one with more HP and firmer suspension. The RT's have more plushy for touring and a slightly wider front track. They tell me not to go on a half hour test ride as you won't get the proper impression, need 2 hrs. So sign up for one of their factory rides if they're in town, or try to get one for half a day. A little weight shifting is a good thing in the corners (like riding a snowmobile). I'm likely looking at a used one where I can add my own farkles and saddlebags, etc., maybe a little custom paint job. Used ones are pricey though, as these rigs keep their value.

Indeed a 1/2-hour ride will not give you the feeling of riding it. Instead of leaning into turns, you actually push your body into the turn.... that alone, not countersteering, takes some getting used to. It's a much more physical ride than 2-wheels as, in the twisties, you are constantly having to adjust your body position so you don't feel like you're going to get thrown off of it and supporting with your legs and butt... it's a good workout!

There is a strapping and healthy German lad who has one along with about 7 other bikes. When I questioned him as to why he had one given he was quite able-bodies, he looked at me with that quizzical German look and said matter-of-fact, "Because dere fun." So there you have it! :lol: