Now for something different - a FUN test drive!
 

Sunday I had the opportunity to test drive (or ride?) a Can-Am Spyder. I've never liked trikes since I graduated from Big Wheels, but this thing is way cool! The riding experience reminds me of a lowered, high powered ATV. You can do crazy burnouts, and it's very stable, in part due to sophisticated traction control. It's very easy to ride (no motorcycle skills necessary), and you can influence the cornering behavior by shifting your weight around just like on an ATV or snowmobile. 106 hp (w/ basically the same great liter twin engine that came in my old Aprilia Tuono!) in a sub-700 hp package ensures plenty of fun.

If you're a fan of lightweight cars like the Atom but can't stomach the price or licensing/insurance issues, or like the idea of riding a motorcycle minus the safety concerns, this is def. worth checking out. They're really trying to get people to try them, which is a good thing since I had no interest in one till I did.

Pricing starts @ $15K, which is very impressive for such a refined, exotic looking, and fun ride! :thumbup:

http://spyder.brp.com/en-US/

Check out the video review @ http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/200...test-61047.html - great burnout footage!

If I ever have extra garage space, I will be seriously tempted....

http://www.edmunds.com/media/roadtes...can.am.340.jpg

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos...nam_spyder.jpg

I've been interested in taking a test-ride since they announced these (no plans to purchase, though.) Is this their traveling show? Last I checked, they weren't doing any in Texas.

But... but... it doesn't lean! If you like bikes get a bike, IMO. My FJR has better weather protection than that Can-Am and if someone comes around a mountain turn in your lane you're not going to survive much better on the Can-Am.

I completely understand wanting one of these if I was missing a leg or had balance issues or wanted to ride on snow and ice more. But I don't get the allure of this (or T-Rex or similar) over, say, the KTM X-bow, Ariel Atom, or the various Super 7 clones. Yeah, maybe as an oddball fun machine, like my fifth or sixth vehicle?

Does it have gears and a clutch like other bikes, or is it automatic like a scooter?
Looks very interesting.

Dan

Cool.


But no safety concerns? How's that? I don't see any protection around the "driver" and that jacket sure won't help much if a truck comes your way. :D

+1

I don't see the added safety :(

Maybe it's less prone to slipping on an oil patch?

Mark, I got to test ride @ the S. TX International (is that an oxymoron or what?) Motorcycle Show. I believe the official TX launch was to be Monday or Tuesday this week.

Penforhire, what an astute observation! :cool: I didn't say it negates any reason to own a motorcycle, and I'm not selling my Super Duke for one. I've never gotten most trikes (i.e. H-D or Gold Wing-based) myself, but approached the test ride opportunity w/ an open mind and had a blast. What's the allure over an X-Bow or Atom? First, it costs $15k vs. $60K+. A full set of tires is $300. It's fully street legal, no question, and that means no insurance hassles either. You have a unique perspective behind the bars, and using body english just like on an ATV, PWC, or snowmobile adds to the fun factor IMO.

Nearwater, it has a 5 speed w/ clutch, and a reverse gear. A semi-automatic tranny w/ left hand paddle shifter is an option.

Perhaps my comment about safety concerns was overstated or misunderstood. No, it's not as safe as driving a normal car...but compared to a motorcycle, it has stability control, traction control, ABS, and 3 wheels so a lowside just can't happen.

You also get more attention than anything short of cruising down the road in a spaceship, so visibility has to be pretty good for the size.

It's def. not for everyone, and I wasn't all that enthusiastic about it myself until I saw and rode one in person.

but u can't split lanes during traffic hrs :(

If you get a chance, get a test ride on the MP3 scooter. That's a 3-wheeler that leans... and leans well. They had a travelling test ride at the Cycle World shows.

They are increasing displacement (I believe a 500 cc is coming or already here) and I could see THAT system on bikes as a safety enhancement (losing the front end is the biggest deal). It is also not so wide that it affects lane splitting.

Can-Am spotting!

I saw my first one on-the-road-with-license plate yesterday while I was riding on the back roads near Elizabeth Lake Road. It was riding in between some other sport bikes. Very weird seeing it come around a corner. "What the? Oh, one of those!"