Test Ride of the Polaris Can Am Spyder

[black mamba]

I got to put about 30 minutes on this machine today....enough exposure to draw some conclusions as to it's suitability for me. I'll cut right to the chase. Overall, I consider this thing to be an interesting toy. If your entertainment budget is sufficient, this might be something you would add to the stable to enjoy on a limited basis. It's certainly no replacement for a motorcycle as a stand-alone option. For someone who can no longer handle a bike ( balance problems, whatever ) it's usefulness may loom larger.

At 80 MPH on a straight road ( with no wind ) it will scare the crap out of you. The steering is so direct and instantaneous that any little movement of the handle bar sends you all over the road. LITERALLY. It's freightening. No doubt, a little more time in this circumstance might help produce a more controlled ride, but the Spyder is clearly not meant for high-speed cruising.

As one would expect, this thing corners very flat and it's a little odd to experience, particularly after riding a bike, the machine wanting to throw you off in tight turns. Those who ride ATVs are, of course, used to this and one would quickly adjust to this with the Spyder. As with any new set of dynamics, it takes a while to get used to making this thing really handle well...something I did not accomplish. I can tell you one thing with certainty. To ride the Spyder anywhere near it's capabilities in the handling department, you will have to be all over that seat like a monkey eating jalapenos. It demands an active rider...no just going along for the scenery.

The power from the Rotax engine is quite sufficient and smooth in delivery.The brakes are outstanding. ABS, of course. I kept grabbing for the front brakes. There are none. All the braking is done with the right foot. Stops RIGHT NOW.

My original intent was to consider the Spyder as something to leave at the mountain house and enjoy it when I'm up there. It didn't make the cut....too limited in it's appeal and usefulness, for me, to warrant spending about $13,000 for a toy.

 

[FastJoyRide]

:dribble: h34r: The sound of Armand Bombardier rolling over in his grave!

No matter how much you like or hate the Spyder it will never be a Polaris!! It is built in Canada by the same fine people who brought the world the Ski-Doo: the Bombardier Recreational Products company (BRP) Polaris is a competitor who also builds some snow machines in the Excited States of America I believe...

 

[kansas transit]

Hey BM, just curious. Did it feel real weird sitting that low or is it just me. I think I would be self consious, afraid no one would see me. Stan

 

[bramfrank]

I took the road test this afternoon - I was VERY uncomfortable with the steering - it seems to have a lot of oversteer and tries to toss me off on the outside of te curve.

Fast 'enough', this is no power monster, though 0-60 is 4.9 seconds. Brakes are good -the ones on the one I was riding were finished at 9600 miles - I guess because it was a pre-producion prototype.

Starged and ran well enough, I liked the Reverse below first with the lockout. I did NOT like the electronic dash with the doubled-up speedometers (one analogue and one digital). It seemed accurate enough, but the GPS sat on the bike.

Suspentsion is way too soft and it threw *some* heat on my right ankle.

Your can buy more than two CANAMs for what the T-Rex costs, but I won;t even pay that for this 990 cc trike.

At least I got a T-shirt and a photo from the event.

 

[black mamba]

Hey kansas transit...

I don't know that I was too conscious about sitting real low on the thing. It certainly felt ( and is ) low in comparison to the FJR and it's possible that it would fall below some peoples' sight line....particularly those in high trucks and SUVs. I just didn't find it to offer a comfortable riding environment at all. It's not somthing I want to spend any time on.