BRP Can-Am Spyder Roadster
What is this vehicle? A motorcycle? Car? Convertible? All or none of the above? Or is it the next big thing? Geez, even the states are having trouble defining it.
To operate this vehicle, California and Delaware require only a car license, while Washington state has a Three-Wheel Permit. The other 47 say you've got to have a motorcycle license. No word yet on Washington, D.C.
It's built by BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), the fine folks who bring you Sea-Doo watercraft, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Can-Am ATVs, Johnson and Evinrude boat motors, and, of course, the Learjet. BRP has been a subsidiary of Bombardier since 2003, and there haven't been any BRP motorcycles since 1983.
There are two models, the $16,199 SM5 manual and the $17,699 SE5 with a semi-automatic--just shift with the press of a button. Ya want red or yellow? Fork out another $500. Power comes from a 998cc V-twin with 106 horsepower. Top speed is governed at 110 mph, and the manufacturer claims a zippy 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. All Spyders have a reverse gear for easy parking.
Built on a 68-inch wheelbase, there is a trunk out front for storing two helmets or about 35 pounds of gear. Helmets are recommended for both passengers, regardless of local laws. I've been licensed to ride since 1971, and I never ride without one. The gas tank holds 7.1 gallons, which is good, since the Spyder gets about only 25 MPG city, 33 MPG highway. Of course, your mileage may vary, I know mine would.
ABS, power steering, stability control, and traction control are
standard. These systems cannot be turned off. The front and rear brakes
are operated by the same foot pedal.
There are lots of options for the Spyder! Body trim and graphics, windshields, 6-spoke wheels, a performance silencer, HID Xenon headlights, fog lights, 12V outlet, backrests, travel bags, jackets, helmets ... the comprehensive list of options goes on and on.
Wanna see and hear the Spyder move? This video is pretty cool.
OK, that's the technical side of the Spyder. What about owning one? Well, a friend of mine does, out in Tracy, Calif., and he tells me he loves it. It's much more stable than any motorcycle he's ever had, but it still has the open-air feeling of a bike.
You will attract a crowd on a Spyder. Most will probably say "What is that?" Be prepared to have your time and picture taken. Car/vehicle guru Jay Leno owns the very first one, so there must be something to this thing. I've only seen one in person, and it sure got my attention!
--That Car Guy (Chuck)
The Spyder image at the top is from cache.daylife.com. Wikipedia provided Image #2.
Anthony Cagle on January 15, 2010 at 03:46 PM
Kinda pricey, but I would totally get one.
Chris Hafner on January 15, 2010 at 03:49 PM
These types of crossovers (three-wheel motorcycles, El Caminos, etc.) always make me wonder if they're the best of both worlds or the worst of both worlds. Does this thing provide all the open-air fun of the motorcycle with the stability and a small portion of the practicality of the car? Or does it subject you to tiny cargo capacity and capricious weather while dulling the motorcycle's performance and handling?
Either way, it looks like fun.
Mochi Mochi on January 15, 2010 at 06:32 PM
chris the answer to your question is that these are riadeable but not something you want to push very hard. You'll notice from the video of the Spyder that was shown on the Can-Am site that the riding style is very sedate. Three wheel vehicles like this are really pretty horrible. They lack the advantages of 2 or 4 wheels. The only thing they have going for them with respect to 2 wheels is that they don't fall over when they are stopped. But the actual driving experience is horrible and hampered. You can't lean them to get them to corner right and when pushed they understeer horribly then go into massive oversteer. The Spyder has a small advantage over 3wheelers with a single front wheel, but that's not saying much.
Oh and let's look at one more thing... the gas mileage sucks relative to any moto... and more than a few cars.
DaveP. on January 16, 2010 at 11:23 AM
It's cute, but $16K would get me a decent used Miata... or almost any motorcycle made, any style, except for the very priciest models. If I don't mind buying older used models $16K could buy me a Miata AND a motorcycle.
But hey: if it's what you want, go to town.
Mark on January 16, 2010 at 03:50 PM
Chris, 3-wheelers are a little of both worlds and a lot of a different one. I ride a sidecar rig, which is the opposite of the Spyder (1 front wheel, 2 rears), and the main loss relative to a motorcycle is an MPG loss (my Ural gets mid-30s MPG, while my BMW gets 45-50). Lane-splitting is illegal in NC, so the greater width of the sidecar doesn't matter for me - but it might for some.
The greater cargo capacity and inclement-weather stability make a 3 wheeler an interesting addition to your garage - you can enjoy the wind in your face like on a motorcycle, take a friend by your side like in an open roadster, or match Jeeps for snow/offroad antics.
I'll have to watch the video to see how the rider moves on this. A trike or sidecar requires the rider to hang to the inside of turns to keep the inside rear wheel from lifting if the cornering forces are too high.
If I had the cash, time and garage space, I'd be seriously considering one of these.
Rob the Audi Guy on January 17, 2010 at 03:55 AM
I really don't understand why this thing gets such (relatively) awful gas mileage. 33mpg?! I can get that in my honda,and it seats 4. What the hell?
CJinSD on January 17, 2010 at 02:52 PM
I'd put the poor mileage down to a terrible coefficient of drag combined with double the frontal area of a motorcycle and primitive engine technology. It makes less sense in California than most places, as it can't lane split. Variety is the spice of life, but this thing isn't likely to be the spice of my life. I liked the old Citroen powered Trihawk and T-Rex trikes more.
jjd241 on January 18, 2010 at 03:09 AM
Here are some more forward looking modes of transportation
http://www.choppedanddiced.com/blog/2010/1/15/ridiculous-modes-of-transportation.html
Doug Collins on January 18, 2010 at 12:21 PM
This reminds me of the early 3 wheel Morgans. Two wheels in front and one drive wheel in back - motorcycle engine. They were hugely successful as early cheap family cars (with more than one seat, of course). They were made from, I think, 1908 to about 1950. Back in the 1930's they were banned from racing in Europe because they kept beating the 4 wheelers!
I couldn't see these as being converted into successful family cars outside of the third world, but if they can get the mileage up, they ought to be attractive to commuters who are afraid of motorcycles, and are presently buying scooters instead. (doesn't make sense to me either- but I see a lot of them around)
Mileage improvement ought to be possible - I commute on a Yamaha 1300 with a windshield and comparable drag and routinely get 45 MPG.
Dave on January 18, 2010 at 12:33 PM
As both a car and motorcycle fan, it's just another trike. While not nearly as lame as the usual Goldwing/Harley based trikes with two rear wheels/one front wheel, it is the same in regards to giving the worst of bikes with hardly any advantages of a car. No additional protection from weather or other vehicles, worse mileage than a typical bike, decreased maneuverability or parking advantages of a bike, slower than any performance bike. And finally the cost. Could buy a nice Ducati + winter(rain) beater for the same money! If you're the type that's just gotta be different and have the money to blow, go for it.
Mark Tapscott on January 18, 2010 at 01:13 PM
It's a trike going backwards.
Hucbald on January 18, 2010 at 01:43 PM
As a rider for 30+ years - over 100K miles on three Beemers in the past ten - this thing makes exactly zero sense to me. What fun is it if you can't lean through curves? How much more practical is it than a bike if you're still exposed to the elements? My K1200LT had reverse too, so that's no big deal, plus it had tons more storage and wind protection that that... that... thing. Hell, my old R1100RS can cary more with my UniGo mono-wheel trailer, and you can lean and it has ABS too.
That is obviously a... "conveyance" that is aimed at some demographic other than motorcyclists. If I'm going to get a three-wheeler, it'll be something like the Aptera 2h that gets spectacular mileage and that has an enclosed cockpit.
rebarbarian on January 18, 2010 at 01:51 PM
The only two I've seen were driven by women.
Bill Kinnon on January 18, 2010 at 01:58 PM
Just a note: BRP and Bombardier are two separate companies - and have been since 2003 - though the Bombardier family has involvement with both enterprises. Learjet is part of Bombardier Aerospace.
BRP had the Spyder on display at Toronto's recent Boat Show in their Seadoo and BRP/Johnson/Evinrude booths. It was definitely a hit with kids under 10.
DirtCrashr on January 18, 2010 at 03:12 PM
In San Jose at Santana Row they're driven by Metro's - but with three wheels, handlebars, and the rider sits on top - the definition is "trike." - you can't drop it at a stop. At least Morgans had a steering wheel and the driver sat inside the cockpit.
Neshobanakni on January 18, 2010 at 05:16 PM
It's my understanding that the front wheels lean with the bike/trike, so you can lean it. So I'd call it a bike. Looks like a fun ride that can't be dropped (except for that governor).
PeteP on January 19, 2010 at 08:47 AM
I have ridden one, and it's a heck of a lot of fun! It corners hard and accelerates quickly. Definitely useable for sketchy weather conditions.
I ride motorcycles, and would own one if it were cheaper.
Can-Am gives tests rides, so try one before you deride it.
Oh, and the front wheels do not lean into the turn. The closest comparison I can find is like riding a snowmobile on the street.
That Car Guy on January 20, 2010 at 03:22 PM
To Bill Kinnon: This is where I got the BRP/Bombardier connection:
Wikipedia: "Bombardier Recreational Products or BRP is a Canadian company (once part of Bombardier Inc.) that traces its roots back to the year 1942 when Joseph-Armand Bombardier founded L'Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée in Valcourt in the Eastern Townships, Quebec."
Sorry if that information is incorrect.
Bill Kinnon on January 21, 2010 at 07:20 AM
TCG,
Note the "(once part of Bombardier Inc.)" in your quote above. In the body of your post, you say "BRP has been a subsidiary of Bombardier since 2003." It actually hasn't been a part of Bombardier since then.
Though with Canadian government subsidies and the Bombardier extended-family involvement with both companies, the point is probably moot (in the North American understanding of that word). And I don't mean to be a pedant - however successful I appear to be at it. :-)
That Car Guy on January 21, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Bill Kinnon: Not a problem, Bill! I've read that Wiki statement several times, and I'm still confused! Seems like it is, but it also ain't, LOL!
Dan on March 04, 2010 at 07:34 AM
I own a 2008 Spyder. I bought it new in April of 09. I couldn't help but read these comments and set the record straight. Most anyone commenting here hasn't ever ridden one.
Some Facts:
-They are quick, but not fast. There is a turbo out for these now that make them even faster. If you are still young and into "go fast" bikes, the Spyder isn't for you.
- Mileage; Best I've gotten is 38MPG. Not great, but you have some extra weight, NO 6th gear (6th is reverse), and more rolling resistance with 3rd wheel. That is the reality and reason.
- If you look at who rides these, you will find countless harley, wing, and former crotch rocket riders as the demographic. We have a lot of disabled who have limited or no use of their legs. We have older riders who with bad knees have a hard time holding up 800 pound bikes at lights... And Spyders have brought a lot of "new" riders into motorcycling... Many do go on to buy two wheeled bikes as well. - That is good for all of us.
- It has a lot of storage. Besides the "trunk" up front, I've added two side and one top GIVI hardcases... I can carry more stuff than any other touring bike can without a trailer.
- As for the ride... I find the same open air enjoyment I had on my bikes with the Spyder. No difference at all. Just as enjoyable.
- As for performance - I've had mine up and down the Tail of the Dragon, and it is a blast. About the only thing that can out run me in the twisties is a sport bike or "lite" sport tourer. Do not think that these are not able to be horsed around
- Safer - Far safer than a conventional trike and handle 100x better in turns and emergency situations.
- Weather - I've ridden mine through rain I'd never been able to ride safely through on two wheels.
Look, I'm a former two wheel guy, and someday I'll have another traditional bike. I wanted to invest in a touring setup, and for the money with the hard cases added, the Spyder beat all competition in the touring space. Would I like better mileage? Yes, but it is a small compromise given the other pluses to the Spyder. For the money, and for those of us who recognize it's strengths, it is a bargain.
danny boy on August 19, 2010 at 05:10 PM
SOUTH CAROLINA only requires a regular auto license for 3 wheelers... whether they have 2 up front or out back... update your story....
OH, how do i know.... i live here, and ride one.... go on http://www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx to find out....
Donna on March 25, 2011 at 09:19 PM
[Deleted -- off topic, offensive]
Don Passarelli on April 19, 2011 at 04:34 PM
There made by French Canadians, what do expect? Remember, they know everything!