GLWilson and Can AM

[Dave]

"2011 Viper Red Can Am Spyder RTS with GPS and Communications... 2-days ago.
Just couldn't resist adding it to the stable... especially since I was able to get them to deal a little-bit on the price."

So when do we get a review?

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Who has a Can AM? Greg? Wow, this is news to me.

[glwilson]

Hey Dave...

800+ mile ride on it this weekend. Gibby, me and my wife rode 300+ miles Sunday on a lot of twisted-roads for over 8-hours. Was a blast.

My Spyder has the communications-system and GPS with it. Standard features are plentiful: cruise, radio, I-pod hookup, ride-sensitive volume control, heated grips for rider & passenger, computer display, analog displays, power-adjustable windshield, and more.

First off... it isn't a motorcycle. I knew that when buying it.

Second of all, you drive it rather than ride-it. That is where it takes some "getting used to".

First problem is to forget your habits of a motorcycle. No clutch or right-brake grip. All brakes of the 3-wheels are coordinated with one pedal located where the rear-brake is on a bike -- so that remains the same. Ah hah… something familiar!!

Second problem is getting out of the habit of counter-steering. You instead have to "counter" the habit of "counter-steering". That took some getting used to for me on the hard-twisted-roads. This vehicle takes more control-input than a motorcycle; which is another thing to get used to.

Third is you have to get used to the fact that "it" is not likely going to throw you off in a hard-fast corner. It actually could... but you would have to try extremely hard to get it to do that; however the sensation that it can remains.

On the RTS model (touring-model); it has a paddle-shifter. You do not have to down-shift if you don't want as it will do it for you… however you can down-shift. I choose to down-shift. Shifting is a bit "jumpy"; but not too bad. Backing-off the throttle a bit (like you might with a manual clutch) helps to smooth-out the shifting -- especially to 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The reverse-gear is real nice. That makes parking a dream.

Getting used to the high rpm's was a challenge to me initially -- especially coming from a large V-twin bike. The Rotax engine runs from 4,000 to 6,000 rpm's when you run it at highway speeds -- but it can easily crank-out to 7-8,000 if needed in extreme high-speeds. In 5th gear; two-up and packed-full of luggage... it ran at 4,100 -- 4,500 rpm's at 65MPH. Compared to the Ultra in over-drive running at around 2,200 -- 3,000 rpm's the Rotax engine feels and sounds like it is screaming. After the first 200 miles I got used to it and began to find the "sweet-spots" for each gear and speed. Overall, the motor's high rpm's reminds me somewhat of a outboard-motor -- where it runs b@lls-out when you full throttle it. The high-revs of the Rotax engine is not a problem for it though… it is clearly built for that.

Some will think the Can Am is under-powered until they get used to rev'ing the engine to get the torque out of it. Rotax packs around 100HP in the 998cc's (considerably more than most V-twins at 1500 -- 1700cc's)… but to harvest it... you need to crank-it... which for some would take some getting used to. After about 200 miles... I had no problem cranking on the throttle -- which then made it move very quickly.

When cranking the throttle… this thing is quick. 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds is not a lie. At higher speeds, it will also crank-out the power in a snap. For example, in 5th gear doing 60, I down-shifted and cranked full-throttle... which took me from 60 to 80 in a matter of a second -- literally. I then shifted into 5th and had to back-off the throttle as I was still rapidly climbing into 90MPH with plenty of room to spare yet. So... if you want the power... then don't be afraid to crank it. It is quick -- period.

As mentioned, we did twisties this weekend -- around 300 miles of them. I took most all of the corners at 20-35MPH faster than the posted speed and it handled them at that speed. Only 3-4 times did I have to jump on the brakes and downshift before possibly not making the corner. So... it will take corners better than most people can on a bike.

The Can Am is one-dimensional compared a motorcycle since it does not lean. This causes unfamiliar "lateral-forces" in corners -- thus the initial feeling it is going to throw you off it. No-lean takes getting-used-to. It also takes away some of the "fun" for me in corners -- but not all of the fun.

Regarding stability of the Spyder… it is very stable. It feels more stable than a traditional-trike and has a lower-risk of tipping over than a traditional-trike (I have ridden a trike before.) The Can Am also seems to track better than the traditional-trike does in corners.

The ABS, Stability-Control, and Traction-Control system for all 3-wheels is something to get used to. You can tell it is working; however I was not always sure which of the systems were working at any one time. It did not appear to be a major hindrance in taking corners fast though -- despite some claiming it does.

Suspension is great. The "on the fly" adjustable rear air-suspension is nice and makes it easy to improve the ride depending on the road conditions. Overall, it takes bumps better than any bike I have ridden (I haven't ridden a GW though.)

Gas mileage when cruising on straight roads was at 36 MPG -- slightly higher when using 90+ octane-fuel and cruise control. On the twisties… 30 MPG.

The machine is completely computer-managed. The "start-up" sequence takes getting used-to; and you must be patient and wait for it to tell you when to start it. Kind-of a pain; but not bad once I got used to it. There is a "shut-down" sequence also. It does not take long for that though.

The machine appears to be made very well. It does not have a "cheap-looking" appearance.

Stopping for gas or any other public-place takes a lot longer than normal because you'll always have at least one person wanting to talk about it and "look it over". So count on 10-minute delays when stopping. I am not kidding about that. In addition; I have never had a car, bike, or any vehicle where people turn their heads to look at; or wave and smile as much as they do with the Can Am. I am not kidding about that either. It is kind-of strange. I even had "bikers" looking it over; and most all waved on the 800+ mile trip. (Only a couple BMW and HD riders didn't wave -- which is no surprise.) During the entire trip, I only saw one other Spyder, and it was parked.

Overall, I like the Can Am for what it is. However, I clearly like a motorcycle a lot more. I still have my Ultra. I will always have a bike until the day I can no longer ride one.

The Can Am is a great vehicle for anyone that wants to "be in the wind" but doesn't feel comfortable on a bike.

I like a lot of different recreational "rides". The Spyder provided enough "fun-factor" for me to buy one as an addition to my motorcycle.

[Top Cat]

Great write up Greg.

[Dave]

I wonder is a 6th gear would help with the MPGs?

[audiogooroo]

Thanks Greg. That is fascinating!

[Idaho]

Greg, you did an excellent job on that write up. Lots of info, including stuff I never would have thought of.

Have fun on that thing and be safe.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Dave

I wonder is a 6th gear would help with the MPGs?

I mentioned to Gibby that I felt it needed an over-drive gear -- however with the engine being the way it is set up I can see where they didn't put one in. On flat-land it would be nice; however on hilly terrain it would easily get bogged-down. This unit requires downshifting on hilly terrain to keep the rpm's higher (where the horse-power is delivered).

As mentioned, the horse-power from this engine is found when the rpm's are kept at higher levels... more like a racing engine rather than a high-torque V-twin that provides a lot of power at lower rpm range. This engine is the opposite; thus requires more shifting to keep it in its "power-range" for each gear; level of speed, and terrain requirements.

The higher "rev's" also keeps the driver aware of their speed -- which is important in controlling it; as it is easy to let this thing get "out of control" regarding speed.

I had it up to 90 MPH in a very short distance with no problem, and as mentioned there was plenty more room to go much faster. I, personally, do not need to go that fast again. ;)

[ringadingh]

Nice review Greg, now I really want to try one out.

[desertdog]

Greg: Thanks for the write up. The info is very useful. My wife is looking to pick one up. She feels uncomfortable on two wheels any more, she is only 5'2 with short legs, so balancing a bike is not for her any more.

We went looking seriously this last weekend. Problem we are having is the dealers do not seem really interested in selling us one or even helping us to find one, their attitude seems to be: this is what we got take it or leave it. And they are not interested in dealing. One tried to tell us that in addition to the list price there was a $1,500 set up charge for shipping and handling, this was for one in a crate that they had in storage.

I don't think so scooter.

[cactusjack]

I hope it came equipped with a nice, soft storage compartment for your cajones, so you can remount them when you want to ride the Harley. :-)

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I hope it came equipped with a nice, soft storage compartment for your cajones, so you can remount them when you want to ride the Harley. :-)

And they say a 900 LT is a girls bike. ::)

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I hope it came equipped with a nice, soft storage compartment for your cajones, so you can remount them when you want to ride the Harley. :-)

OUCH!!!!! That definitely left a mark!!!!

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by DesertDog

Greg: Thanks for the write up. The info is very useful. My wife is looking to pick one up. She feels uncomfortable on two wheels any more, she is only 5'2 with short legs, so balancing a bike is not for her any more.

We went looking seriously this last weekend. Problem we are having is the dealers do not seem really interested in selling us one or even helping us to find one, their attitude seems to be: this is what we got take it or leave it. And they are not interested in dealing. One tried to tell us that in addition to the list price there was a $1,500 set up charge for shipping and handling, this was for one in a crate that they had in storage.

I don't think so scooter.

No problem.

I did forget the ergonomics of the machine. I think it is very comfortable all around.

At 5'6" and a normal reach for my height, I would like to see the handle-bars a bit closer. Risers are available in the after-market.

The seat is comfortable for me; but seats are like what sits on them... each has their own and an opinion on what makes it comfortable.

The handle-bar switch-panel didn't take long to get used to. I would prefer a different turn-signal switch-button and location. Other than that switch locations are fine for me. (The horn bites-it though. Just like most bikes. I'll be replacing it with an air-horn.)

There wasn't any buffeting on the unit ever. The adjustable windshield can be adjusted on the fly with just a switch. The stock windshield at its lowest setting is still too high for me. I prefer the top of the shield to hit my nose-bridge; but I tolerated it without much problem. I adjusted it to its highest level when it rained since I could still see through it okay. It blocked a lot of the rain and wind; but I still got wet somewhat. The passenger feels more wind and rain than the driver.

Handling the unit requires both hands on the bars for the most part - although on the highway with cruise-control on I was able to remove one hand at a time. As mentioned, for me, I would like to see the bars closer. I had a slight neck pain from reaching; which is common for me. I do not get that pain on my Ultra. I did on the Nomad -- even with Phatrisers.

My wife said the passenger seat was no more or less comfortable than the Ultra -- except that the Can Am wins with the passenger heated hand-rails. She wasn't bothered by the lateral-forces. I feared she would be; but says she was not.

Luggage storage -- while being more than most touring bikes... it requires some creativity to maximize it. The largest storage is in the front-bin. It holds about as much as a regular trunk would. The saddle-bags are side opening (like the Nomads) and are not all that big compared to other bike saddle-bags. The rear-trunk has a reasonable amount of room; however it is deeper than wide; so to some degree it reminds me more of a top-loading saddle-bag. Overall, I felt the storage on the unit requires reassessing one's manner in which they pack. I am used to a motorcycle, and I have to re-think what I am doing on this.

Last but not least. I am taking a beating from a few on this site about getting a Can Am (just check CJ's above). There are a couple reasons I bought it.

First, I like all kinds of "rides" to include flying airplanes. I like sand-rails, ATV's, motorcycles, and now a Can Am. It is a nice addition to my "stable of fun".

Secondly, I have a back injury that appears will never get better. It keeps me from getting on a motorcycle as much as I want. This unit allows me to get out and into the wind again more frequently.

Thirdly, and MOST IMPORTANTLY is that I had plans of convincing my wife to drive it. She doesn't want to ride a motorcycle and I am never one to convince anyone to ride one if they do not want to. Some people should never ride a motorcycle. However, I thought once I had this and she rode with me for a few miles (like maybe 800+ miles) that her interest in driving would increase. Well, mission accomplished. She is getting licensed to ride it. Now I'll be able to ride my bike and she can drive the Can Am.

PS: CJ... there were a lot more HD riders interested in looking and talking about the Can Am whenever it was parked than any other bike owner... so I don't know what to tell you about the future of HD rider's "manhood". Maybe its declining!

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by DesertDog

Greg: Thanks for the write up. The info is very useful. My wife is looking to pick one up. She feels uncomfortable on two wheels any more, she is only 5'2 with short legs, so balancing a bike is not for her any more.

We went looking seriously this last weekend. Problem we are having is the dealers do not seem really interested in selling us one or even helping us to find one, their attitude seems to be: this is what we got take it or leave it. And they are not interested in dealing. One tried to tell us that in addition to the list price there was a $1,500 set up charge for shipping and handling, this was for one in a crate that they had in storage.

I don't think so scooter.

One more thing desertdog... most dealers do not budge on the price of these things -- period. I have checked nationwide. I told them I would fly out to pick one up if they would "deal" a bit.

Most all dealers charge for the setup and other cr@p like that. My dealer, Loves Park Motor Sports, does not charge that fee. That saved me nearly a $1,000 additional above the list price.

I see where you are in AZ. For an additional $1,000 to $1,500 savings, it might be worth buying here and riding it home if you ever have the time to do so.

Again, you'll find that dealers will almost always charge that fee and will not budge on the price. That is backed-up by posts on the two Can Am rider-sites.