Can-Am Spyder

superdawgfan · 04-04-2011, 12:06 PM

Have seen the ads running during the NCAA tournament this year and am intrigued. Does anyone have one or have good insights into them?

VitaBene · 04-04-2011, 12:10 PM

They look interesting (if you really look at them they are snowmobiles on tires). If you are in the area, go by DaSilva's and check one out!

Sorry, I don't have more info- I just think anything that allows people to ride longer in life is pretty good.

NHBoat70 · 04-04-2011, 01:13 PM

I actually got to demo one down in Concord when I purchased my motorcycle. They are REALLY fun to drive and are much more stable than normal bikes, however, the price tag is a bit steep.

They ride very smoothly and come in two different versions: automatic and manual transmission. I drove each transmission type and they were both very fun. I found the manual one to be more fun, but I did think the automatic one was good, it would be ideal for traffic and long rides.

I know there was demo station at Funspot two years ago. You need to have your motorcycle license, a helmet and eyewear to drive one of them. It doesn't cost anything and they take you for a good little ride.

Slickcraft · 04-04-2011, 01:41 PM

The demos were again at Funspot last year, third year in the area during MC week and they plan to be back.
http://www.laconiabikeweekrally.net/laconia-events.html
you have to scroll down the page.

Company web site:
http://en-ca.spyder.brp.com/home.aspx

Lakesrider · 04-04-2011, 01:55 PM

Been riding bikes for nearly 35 years. The Can Am's are a different breed. They are not really motorcycles, despite what they are regulated as. They do not handle like an ordinary motorcycle and this what gets people in trouble with them. During and emergency situation the Can Am steers much like a car and not a bike. Yes it is more stable but you need more room to make the turn. The back end can get light during hard braking which can get the tail end out of shape a bit if your not careful. That said I think they are great. I would rather have my wife ride one to those than a standard bike. You won't fall over if you hit some sand or oil on the road. Plus it is one that I can ride with my heart condition without worrying as much. One draw back to them is storage. You need a good garage if you buy two of them. I sure can't park two of those in my shed like I can with regular bikes. You just have to weigh the pros and cons and see if you like riding them. I think you would be hooked if you took the test rides. Just remember the handling is a bit different than what your used to. Give it 20 miles or so and you'll be having a blast on them.

Look in craigs list...

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/2297424428.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/2298135222.html

ishoot308 · 04-04-2011, 02:49 PM

I haven't tried one yet, but know of friends who have and say they are real nice to ride!! I believe they offer two models, one sport model and one touring model with all the bells and whistles. Anything by Can Am is top notch in the quality department and this thing from what I have seen is no different. You can take your motorcycle driving test on one of these also!

I would love for my wife to get one.

Dan

MarkinNH · 04-04-2011, 06:04 PM

Last year Dasilva's had a black full dress model as their demo. Chuck told me to just go take it anytime. I am afraid that if do take it for a good long test drive, which is something I would like to do, that I am really going to want one. A loaded full dress model runs about $24k.
I am not that much of a 2 wheel bike fan but I could sure get into cruising around on one of these.

fatlazyless · 04-06-2011, 10:48 AM

$24,000 for one of those.....lots of luck.....hey, for about $1000 to 1500, you can find a worn out 1995-6-7 Geo Tracker in a new england Craigslist ad and figure maybe another $1000 into fixing it up and you have a real fun little car.....destined to become an historic automotive classic just like the 1966 Pontiac GTO, or the 1961 Willy's Jeepster, or something!! And, the Geo Tracker was made in Canada, same as the BRP Can-Am.

For $3500, the VW guy in Center Harbor usually has something nice, although he seems to only carry automatic VW's now......no more manuals.....how the heck can a driver-car come with an automatic tranny?

"A snowmobile on tires;" sounds like a good description for the Can-Am three wheeler!

MarkinNH · 04-06-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

$24,000 for one of those

Yup, they aren't cheap and as much fun as I think it would be to own one, I can guarantee that I Won't be buying one.
I figure that if I can scrape up the money for a monthly payment for a Can-Am Spyder that there is a lot more important places for that money to go. Like.
Mortgage, gasoline, heating fuel, new heating system etc. etc

Winnipesaukee · 04-09-2011, 03:01 PM

If you take all the worst things about a motorcycle... very dangerous, no storage, limited seating, relative discomfort, instability...

..and combine it with all the worst things about an automobile...price, inability to countersteer and lean, lack of maneuverability...

...You get a trike!

I think these things are really good devices to bring "motorcycling" to disabled people.

They are, however, exceptionally dangerous for anyone coming from a motorcycling background or anyone who thinks that it behaves like a motorcycle. I am not a fan.

NoBozo · 04-09-2011, 06:58 PM

I agree with the above post: As a Retired (from the road... due to OLD) Motorcyclist......I never considered myself a BIKER...it looks to me like the CanAm is a RE-Invention of the wheel. I don't get the point..... And IMHO it is BUTT Ugly. The Conventional Trike.... (Third wheel in the front..Vs third wheel in the rear on the CanAm) is probably less stable than the CanAm..I"m talking IN Cornering..... But I think a Trike looks better.

Pick Your Poison.

The legal definition of a motorcycle boils down to this: If it has less than 4 wheels..it is a motorcycle.

NB

fatlazyless · 04-10-2011, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoBozo

The legal definition of a motorcycle boils down to this: If it has less than 4 wheels..it is a motorcycle.

NB

How about the Messerschmitt 3-wheel bubble car? Made from 1955 - 1964, it's similar to the Can-Am except it's got a car design on top of three wheels.

If gasoline goes up to eight dollars/gallon, something like this could be the ride of das future?

For $5500 U.S., there's the Swedish Smite which is a 2011 version that's similar in looks to the Messerschmitt KR200 and built in Sweden by a company named Vehiconomics. Top speed: about 60-mph, weight-286 lbs without any people inside, seats for driver and one passenger, gas mileage-don't know but it better be super-duper economical!

286 lbs sure seems very light for a two seater car capable of doing 60-mph! Do they make a police cruiser model designed for local police departments looking to keep their costs down?

NoBozo · 04-10-2011, 01:48 PM

BMW Isetta 250 (Three Wheeler)

NB

http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/bmwisetta250.html

NoBozo · 04-13-2011, 06:42 PM

There doesn't seem to be any comments ... Current BMW ....Drivers. There are a lot of them out there. That's because they have NO Clue about the BMW Heritage...which is significant.

I have NO respect for people who buy high end cars...that don't know anything about the Brand they are driving. They don't appreciate the history of the Marque.

They have no respect.. Most (If not all) of the current owners of significant cars are ONLY concerned with one thing... "HOW DO I LOOK".

NB

VitaBene · 04-13-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoBozo

There doesn't seem to be any comments ... Current BMW ....Drivers. There are a lot of them out there. That's because they have NO Clue about the BMW Heritage...which is significant.

I have NO respect for people who buy high end cars...that don't know anything about the Brand they are driving. They don't appreciate the history of the Marque.

They have no respect.. Most (If not all) of the current owners of significant cars are ONLY concerned with one thing... "HOW DO I LOOK".

NB

I like German cars but don't like the repair bulls that come with them!

PapaDon · 04-13-2011, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

Been riding bikes for nearly 35 years. The Can Am's are a different breed. They are not really motorcycles, despite what they are regulated as. They do not handle like an ordinary motorcycle and this what gets people in trouble with them. During and emergency situation the Can Am steers much like a car and not a bike. Yes it is more stable but you need more room to make the turn. The back end can get light during hard braking which can get the tail end out of shape a bit if your not careful. That said I think they are great. I would rather have my wife ride one to those than a standard bike. You won't fall over if you hit some sand or oil on the road. Plus it is one that I can ride with my heart condition without worrying as much. One draw back to them is storage. You need a good garage if you buy two of them. I sure can't park two of those in my shed like I can with regular bikes. You just have to weigh the pros and cons and see if you like riding them. I think you would be hooked if you took the test rides. Just remember the handling is a bit different than what your used to. Give it 20 miles or so and you'll be having a blast on them.]

Thanks for the good info. I know I've been seeing quite a few of these around in the last couple of years. Glad to know a bit more about them.

Belmont Resident · 04-15-2011, 05:56 AM

There seems to be a growing number riding them in Laconia. I see groups of 3-6 riding around frequently. I could never justify the price.
Me, I'll stick with my KLR650. 50-55mpg since I swapped out rear tire for more of a street tire. Just put a K&N filter on and dropped one tooth on the front sprocket which should help improve low end torque. Great bike for work and dirt roads at a reasonable price.

trfour · 04-15-2011, 06:57 PM

Can-Am looks and feels more like a snowmobile With/Wheels. Getting to know how to ride them has a short leaning curve. Think about it. When you have to mothball the snowmobiles for the, 'Doo and lack of snow, although another ice age is not out of the equasion just yet, you can take these puppies out for warm weather riding and not skip a beat!
http://en-us.spyder.brp.com/home.asp...ign=Spyder2011

However, all of the above comes with air conditioning at no extra cost!

Terry
__________________________________

Dave R · 04-16-2011, 05:48 PM

For me, the pleasures of a motorcyle are the ability to lean way over in corners and the outrageous acceleration. Those Spyders are neat, but they offer neither of the things I like in open-air motoring.

Argie's Wife · 04-16-2011, 09:14 PM

Seems to me that the Can-Ams are the minivans of the motorcycle world...

My sister and her husband want one... (at least that's what she says...) My BIL has a Harley custom soft-tail now... I dunno if he's as into the Can-Ams as she is... time will tell...

Slickcraft · 04-17-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Seems to me that the Can-Ams are the minivans of the motorcycle world...

My sister and her husband want one... (at least that's what she says...) My BIL has a Harley custom soft-tail now... I dunno if he's as into the Can-Ams as she is... time will tell...

Hmmm, well giving up the soft tail for a Cam-Am might be a lot to ask. One could do a little conversion to the Harley and at least retain a bit of character.

04-04-2011, 12:06 PM	#1
superdawgfan Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 15 Thanks: 7 Thanked 10 Times in 3 Posts	Can-Am Spyder Have seen the ads running during the NCAA tournament this year and am intrigued. Does anyone have one or have good insights into them?

04-04-2011, 01:13 PM	#3
NHBoat70 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Laconia Posts: 69 Thanks: 4 Thanked 17 Times in 7 Posts	Demo I actually got to demo one down in Concord when I purchased my motorcycle. They are REALLY fun to drive and are much more stable than normal bikes, however, the price tag is a bit steep. They ride very smoothly and come in two different versions: automatic and manual transmission. I drove each transmission type and they were both very fun. I found the manual one to be more fun, but I did think the automatic one was good, it would be ideal for traffic and long rides. I know there was demo station at Funspot two years ago. You need to have your motorcycle license, a helmet and eyewear to drive one of them. It doesn't cost anything and they take you for a good little ride.

04-04-2011, 02:49 PM	#6
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,243 Thanks: 2,389 Thanked 5,282 Times in 2,054 Posts	Heard They Were Great! I haven't tried one yet, but know of friends who have and say they are real nice to ride!! I believe they offer two models, one sport model and one touring model with all the bells and whistles. Anything by Can Am is top notch in the quality department and this thing from what I have seen is no different. You can take your motorcycle driving test on one of these also! I would love for my wife to get one. Dan

04-04-2011, 06:04 PM	#7
MarkinNH Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 392 Thanks: 177 Thanked 146 Times in 76 Posts	Last year Dasilva's had a black full dress model as their demo. Chuck told me to just go take it anytime. I am afraid that if do take it for a good long test drive, which is something I would like to do, that I am really going to want one. A loaded full dress model runs about $24k. I am not that much of a 2 wheel bike fan but I could sure get into cruising around on one of these. Attached Images

04-06-2011, 10:48 AM	#8
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,746 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	$24,000 for one of those.....lots of luck.....hey, for about $1000 to 1500, you can find a worn out 1995-6-7 Geo Tracker in a new england Craigslist ad and figure maybe another $1000 into fixing it up and you have a real fun little car.....destined to become an historic automotive classic just like the 1966 Pontiac GTO, or the 1961 Willy's Jeepster, or something!! And, the Geo Tracker was made in Canada, same as the BRP Can-Am. For $3500, the VW guy in Center Harbor usually has something nice, although he seems to only carry automatic VW's now......no more manuals.....how the heck can a driver-car come with an automatic tranny? "A snowmobile on tires;" sounds like a good description for the Can-Am three wheeler! __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

04-04-2011, 12:10 PM	#2
VitaBene Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 3,585 Thanks: 1,618 Thanked 1,638 Times in 842 Posts	They look interesting (if you really look at them they are snowmobiles on tires). If you are in the area, go by DaSilva's and check one out! Sorry, I don't have more info- I just think anything that allows people to ride longer in life is pretty good.

04-04-2011, 01:41 PM	#4
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,301 Thanks: 1,222 Thanked 2,087 Times in 955 Posts	The demos were again at Funspot last year, third year in the area during MC week and they plan to be back. http://www.laconiabikeweekrally.net/laconia-events.html you have to scroll down the page. Company web site: http://en-ca.spyder.brp.com/home.aspx

04-04-2011, 01:55 PM	#5
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	Been riding bikes for nearly 35 years. The Can Am's are a different breed. They are not really motorcycles, despite what they are regulated as. They do not handle like an ordinary motorcycle and this what gets people in trouble with them. During and emergency situation the Can Am steers much like a car and not a bike. Yes it is more stable but you need more room to make the turn. The back end can get light during hard braking which can get the tail end out of shape a bit if your not careful. That said I think they are great. I would rather have my wife ride one to those than a standard bike. You won't fall over if you hit some sand or oil on the road. Plus it is one that I can ride with my heart condition without worrying as much. One draw back to them is storage. You need a good garage if you buy two of them. I sure can't park two of those in my shed like I can with regular bikes. You just have to weigh the pros and cons and see if you like riding them. I think you would be hooked if you took the test rides. Just remember the handling is a bit different than what your used to. Give it 20 miles or so and you'll be having a blast on them. Look in craigs list... http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/2297424428.html http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/2298135222.html

The Following User Says Thank You to Lakesrider For This Useful Post:
Rattlesnake Gal (04-05-2011)

04-09-2011, 03:01 PM	#10
Winnipesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 233 Thanks: 14 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	A vehicle that combines the disadvantages of a motorcycle and an automobile If you take all the worst things about a motorcycle... very dangerous, no storage, limited seating, relative discomfort, instability... ..and combine it with all the worst things about an automobile...price, inability to countersteer and lean, lack of maneuverability... ...You get a trike! I think these things are really good devices to bring "motorcycling" to disabled people. They are, however, exceptionally dangerous for anyone coming from a motorcycling background or anyone who thinks that it behaves like a motorcycle. I am not a fan. __________________ Sail fast, live slow!

The Following User Says Thank You to Winnipesaukee For This Useful Post:
Bubs (06-05-2011)

04-09-2011, 06:58 PM	#11
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	I agree with the above post: As a Retired (from the road... due to OLD) Motorcyclist......I never considered myself a BIKER...it looks to me like the CanAm is a RE-Invention of the wheel. I don't get the point..... And IMHO it is BUTT Ugly. The Conventional Trike.... (Third wheel in the front..Vs third wheel in the rear on the CanAm) is probably less stable than the CanAm..I"m talking IN Cornering..... But I think a Trike looks better. Pick Your Poison. The legal definition of a motorcycle boils down to this: If it has less than 4 wheels..it is a motorcycle. NB

04-10-2011, 01:48 PM	#13
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Who Wooda Thunk....? BMW Isetta 250 (Three Wheeler) NB http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/bmwisetta250.html

04-13-2011, 06:42 PM	#14
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	There doesn't seem to be any comments ... Current BMW ....Drivers. There are a lot of them out there. That's because they have NO Clue about the BMW Heritage...which is significant. I have NO respect for people who buy high end cars...that don't know anything about the Brand they are driving. They don't appreciate the history of the Marque. They have no respect.. Most (If not all) of the current owners of significant cars are ONLY concerned with one thing... "HOW DO I LOOK". NB

04-15-2011, 05:56 AM	#17
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 410 Times in 251 Posts	Can Am There seems to be a growing number riding them in Laconia. I see groups of 3-6 riding around frequently. I could never justify the price. Me, I'll stick with my KLR650. 50-55mpg since I swapped out rear tire for more of a street tire. Just put a K&N filter on and dropped one tooth on the front sprocket which should help improve low end torque. Great bike for work and dirt roads at a reasonable price.

04-15-2011, 06:57 PM	#18
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	The Original Tons Of Fun, After Ice Out... Can-Am looks and feels more like a snowmobile With/Wheels. Getting to know how to ride them has a short leaning curve. Think about it. When you have to mothball the snowmobiles for the, 'Doo and lack of snow, although another ice age is not out of the equasion just yet, you can take these puppies out for warm weather riding and not skip a beat! http://en-us.spyder.brp.com/home.asp...ign=Spyder2011 However, all of the above comes with air conditioning at no extra cost! Terry __________________________________ __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

04-16-2011, 05:48 PM	#19
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	For me, the pleasures of a motorcyle are the ability to lean way over in corners and the outrageous acceleration. Those Spyders are neat, but they offer neither of the things I like in open-air motoring.

04-16-2011, 09:14 PM	#20
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	Seems to me that the Can-Ams are the minivans of the motorcycle world... My sister and her husband want one... (at least that's what she says...) My BIL has a Harley custom soft-tail now... I dunno if he's as into the Can-Ams as she is... time will tell...

The Following User Says Thank You to Slickcraft For This Useful Post:
Argie's Wife (04-17-2011)