Test drove a Can Am Spyder RT-SE5 today...

[glwilson]

After seeing a million of these things in Maggie Valley at the national rally, I decided I had to ride one... at least once. So I did today.

I won't go into a long deal about it; but would say it was a fun vehicle to drive. I day "drive", because you don't really ride these things, but rather you "drive" them.

You have to leave some of your motorcycle habits and skills at home, because they don't apply to this unit.

Power was decent. The touring model I drove is not as "peppy" as the sports models; but it still would do zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds... which is more than enough for my needs.

Turning was strange. Of course, there isn't any lean. You have to brace for the corners somewhat so as not to be thrown-off it. I never once felt I was going to fly-off of it though; so don't get the wrong impression.

Had it up to 70 MPH. It handled fine. It is a lot like a snowmobile... like they said it would be. For those not having ridden a snowmobile, you have to contend with a bit of "drifting" from side to side on them. It wasn't a huge deal, and in some ways it was kind-of fun. The more relaxed you were with the handlebars the less drift would occur.

The unit I drove was their top-of-the-line and was expensive. It is loaded with standard features only found on a GW or an Ultra. Much of the machine is computer-controlled; much like cars are today. This helps with its many features to include stability control, braking, and shifting.

Overall, I can see why they are selling a "boat-load" of these things.

[cactusjack]

...you couldn't give me one of those ugly bastardized things. I laugh every time I see one on the road.

[Loafer]

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

...you couldn't give me one of those ugly bastardized things. I laugh every time I see one on the road.

Nah... seriously... say what you REALLY think!!

[recumbentbob]

They are strange looking. I have long legs 36" inseam and I have sat on them and they are way too cramped for me.............and they are ugly........

[Yellow Jacket]

I figure that somewhere in the next 5 to 10 years I may have to make an "accommodation" to continue riding. I've looked at the various types of trike conversions as well as the Can Am types of vehicles. None of them are appealing to me.

When it come to that point I think this is the route I may go:

Leg Up Landing Gear

http://www.landingear.com/kawasaki.php

[ringadingh]

I'll have to look up a local dealer and try one out soon, I think they look kinda neat.

[oldbikers]

If I had the money I would have a canam now.

[ringadingh]

While at the Dr's office today I read about this three wheeler thats available. It makes the Can Am a bargain.

http://www.morgan3wheeler.co.uk/bespokecreate.html

[glwilson]

They are intriguing to me; despite those that don't think much of them. I have always kept an open-mind on these types of things. I like new ideas in vehicles... and this one is the newest idea out -- even though they have been out for a while now.

HD has a patent on a similar vehicle; only their model leans in turns. They somehow how made it where it pivots from its axles. I have noticed they haven't put into production despite the fact they have held the patent for several years now.

Could it be because of their buying-base's view on changes? Something like CJ's? Just teasing CJ... just teasing...

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

While at the Dr's office today I read about this three wheeler thats available. It makes the Can Am a bargain.

http://www.morgan3wheeler.co.uk/bespokecreate.html

I looked at the price of this and it was $25k (if I saw the right price). The Can Am I rode today listed at $26,995... so it was a bit more expensive.

That vehicle (car?) looked like it might be fun though...

[ringadingh]

That Price is in British pounds Greg, not dollars. It works out to about $50k

[wompus]

I'm happy to see that you didn't call it a motorcycle.
It's "Tricycle".. period!
A motorcycle has 2 wheels where a tricycle has 3, right?

While I was in Deadwood last month I got to ride a friends wife's trike. At low speed it shook like hell, but after you got it going it wasn't that bad. Motorcycle habits... yer right, the first thing I did when I stopped was to put my feet down! ::) Damn, did I feel Stooooopidd!!!

I don't have any problems with people riding trikes, as long as they are handicapped, woman driver, elderly of have problems holding a bike up, but to see young people riding them because they want to be a biker....???

Hell, after 48 years of riding I might just have to have one myself... IF I start having problems with my balance!

.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by WOMPUS

I'm happy to see that you didn't call it a motorcycle.
It's "Tricycle".. period!
A motorcycle has 2 wheels where a tricycle has 3, right?

While I was in Deadwood last month I got to ride a friends wife's trike. At low speed it shook like hell, but after you got it going it wasn't that bad. Motorcycle habits... yer right, the first thing I did when I stopped was to put my feet down! ::) Damn, did I feel Stooooopidd!!!

I don't have any problems with people riding trikes, as long as they are handicapped, woman driver, elderly of have problems holding a bike up, but to see young people riding them because they want to be a biker....???

Hell, after 48 years of riding I might just have to have one myself... IF I start having problems with my balance!

.

I hear you...

[ponch]

I might be more likely to get a Can Am than a trike. They handle differently...Then again, if I need three wheels...I am in trouble. The top pf the line Can Am I saw online listed for 28K.