Can-Am Spyder; That cool looking trike you know you want
Can-Am is the maker of the cool looking Spyder. Photo provided by Can-Am Spyder
You’ve seen them, those cool looking trikes with the double wheel upfront. It reminds you of something; a snow mobile or wave runner, the kind of thing that looks at once futuristic and fun. Someone says the name: Spyder. You’re like, “Ok, cool, but what is it?”
The Can-Am Spyder, one of the coolest looking trikes we’ve ever seen, is made by the same people who bring you Ski-Doo on the snow and Sea-Doo on sea. Yep, you knew you’d seen it somewhere. But now a bike?
Well, actually, a trike. Shifting the double wheel set up from rear to front gives it that Sea-Ski-Doo thing. That cool, futuristic, spydery looking profile and makes people’s heads turn when it goes by.Most likely you’ve spied it passing on the highway or some back road, checked it out, made a mental note, but forget… until the next time you see one… then you start to wonder…
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The Spyder comes in the RT touring line with 3 versions and the RS sport with 2 versions. Photo courtesy of Can-Am Spyder
The folks at Can-Am call it a “Y” shaped footprint, and you can see it in there. Mostly I see the Ski-Doo or Sea-Doo. They say this set up allows for increased stability and control. With anti-lock breaks, a stability control system and cruise control, the thing can handle like a car.
But this puppy is all bike. Just watch those people passing by and you’ll see the same look in their eyes you do from those on any two wheel bike, from HOGS to Hondas. This is about the freedom of the road.
Unlike most bikes though, you can get either the manual transmission or semi-automatic, taking that dreaded shifting out of the equation. They even come with reverse so you can easily back up your incredibly heavy trike (specs put the Spyder RS at 699lbs dry and the Spyder RT at 929lbs dry). Now add in the cool gear like adjustable rear air suspension, passenger speakers, even GPS and we’re talking a trike that was made for the road and your comfort (bike packages are differing, so check what is available).
So what the heck is a Spyder RT vs RS?
The Spyder RT is a touring type ride. That’s the one with the nice seat on the back for the passenger and tons of storage space. The lineup includes the Spyder RT, RTS, and RT Limited. Each one adds to the previous level and gets you on the road in comfort and style. Geared to the longer haul and touring, it is heavier, and offers much more storage (41 gallons). These come with a range of options including (based on level) secondary gauges, audio system, travel bags, and IPad capability.
The Spyder RS is made for those guys and ladies looking for speed and the freedom of the open road. Photo provided by Can-Am Spyder.
The Spyder RS is the sports version, made to be the “Crotch rocket’ of the Spyder lineup. At 699 lbs, it offers 12 gallons of storage, and optional GPS, and 12v power outlet. This is they bike for guys and girls looking for the freedom of the high-powered road without the goofy stuff… (hey, I’m just saying).
Who is riding a Spyder
We have a good friend who is a HOG guy. Always was, always will be. Yet he’s the one who told us when he gets his lady friend a bike, it’ll be a Spyder. Even before he told us that, we were hooked, his words only put the cherry on the top.
There are a ton of bikers out there who’ll never give up their HOGs and Honda, but that’s ok. Over the months I’ve read where the owners of Spyder are increasingly new bikers, like us. The folks who want the feel of the open road, but are not into the names, or more often, unsure of the unsteady feel of the two wheel bike.
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We dream of the open road, road trips and seeing the nation. The Can-Am Spyder RTS is our dream machine. Photo provided by Can-Am Spyder.
Laura and I have been thinking about a Spyder for awhile (money is our sticking point), and it is now the only one on our list.
But we’re also meeting Spyder riders who are moving over from the other big-dogs to try it out. More and more are looking to the Spyder as they want to stop with the shifting, can’t maybe handle the harder ride, look to more comfort, or want this cool new bike.
The people who are hopping on are as diverse as anyone on a bike or trike, with as many reasons. The fact is, they are having fun and it shows.
With friends or on your own, Sypder is helping you create your Life Style. Photo provided by Can-Am Spyder
Why We Like It
We’re looking at the Spyder because we are new to bikes. We’re not sure we’re comfortable enough to take on the shifting of the traditional modals, and like the options with the Spyder. Our favorite is the touring, RTS with its upgraded options that would keep us comfy on the road, but also not so much that we feel like we’re in a limo of trikes.
I’ve got to deal with inner ear infections that lead me to have vertigo, so I love the idea that if something happens, I’m not on two wheels and can get off the road safely if need be. Additionally, we want to ride together, so we’d be able to get onto a Spyder much quicker than a two wheel modal that would keep us from doing so.
We also love road trips, and having sat on a Spyder, we know this is built for time in the seat.
Pricing leaves us currently out of the market. As anyone who buys a bike needs to consider: do I really need it. We have a single car at present and will for the time being. When we add, are we better served with a Spyder or second “car?”
We’ll have to see when the time arrives. But right now, the Spyder is our only choice of a bike/trike. We’ve checked ‘em out, we’ve sat on one, we drool with envy every time one goes by.
Its about that open road feeling, traveling with the great outdoors as your friend and traveling companion, and with the Spyder, looking cool while doing it. We’re always about what’s different, and the Can-Am Spyder sure fits that bill to a “T.”
Laura and I have checked out the Sypder from the seat, and we loved it. Photo Rori Paul
Florida and Spyder
There are a number of Florida Spyder dealers. I want to thank Rick Goldstein at Riva Motor Sports for helping me out with a brochure. We did check out Central Florida’s store in Sanford, but no one there seemed or acted interested in waiting on us or the other 6 or 8 people walking around. So we reached out to Rick and team in the Miami area and he helped us out.
Also, want to thank Chaz at Can-Am for the photos they shared and information.Can-Am is a Canadian company and subsidiary of Bombardier Recreational Products, the makers of Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and other sporting offerings.
if you’re in Florida, there are a number of Can-Am dealers to work with for sales and service. Can-Am can be found across the country as well.
Also, Florida makes a wonderful state for riding. In fact, on any given day you’re going to spot dozens of bikes and trikes on the roads. The weather, scenery and travel opportunities make Florida an excellent biking state.
We talk about Florida and bikes here on Rori Travels Florida, but also check out my buddy, Gary McKechnie who writes about bike travel around the state and around the nation as well as is one of the Visit Florida Insiders. He can give you great tips on riding, where to ride and how to enjoy the ride.
Can-Am Spyder also has opportunities on Facebook and with their Can-Am Spyder 5, riders who talk about riding the Spyder.
So don’t just sit there, make the decision, get your Spyder and hit the road. Maybe we’ll see you out there one of these days…
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I’ve always loved the open road.
I love road trips. I’ve always wanted to learn to ride, but
with my ears, its been a dangerous idea.
The Can-Am Spyder just might change that for me.
My dream: The open road, us on our blue
RTS, and seeing as much of America as we can… Not to mention, Florida.
What’s your dream Spyder?
