A couple of 14 Nation brothers (Wolfman and AJS) and myself decided to partake in the Can-Am Spyder Demo ride today. Ever since seeing one on the road I always wanted to try one. Thanks to AJS for pointing out their demo day here in Toronto, we decided to sign up and give them a try. I was surprised to see that they had a little road course set up and that we had to successfully pass a test before they let us on the road. Everyone passed and we were on our way. The weather held off pretty much until the end of the ride.

I opted for the ST model because if I were ever to purchase one, it would be for touring. Hence the ST choice. They kept the route to local streets and no highways. Which stunk because it would have been nice to see how it did at speed. I had to fall back a few times just to be able to ring the throttle to get it up to third gear. Didn't see anything beyond third. After a brief 20-30 minute ride. (the test, opening video and spyder introduction took longer) I made up my mind about the Spyder.

Conclusion:

The ergonomics were great! at 6'4 I felt very comfortable on it. Never did I look for more leg room. The seat was comfortable and there was plenty of room left for a passenger. Unfortunately, this is where my praise ends. The Spyder's Rotax engine was buzzy and not very smooth. Bumps in the road were felt all over your body. Lots of vibration in the feet from the engine would become bothersome. Handling was terrible. At speed you could easily get one of the tires off the ground on a sharp turn. Maneuverability was scary. It you had to dodge an obstacle you'd be in trouble and the braking was just ok. The price tag is huge for a decently equipped model.

I just can't wrap my head around this design. It takes the negatives of a bike and the negatives of a car and puts them together to make a Spyder. I'm out in the open elements and exposed to the dangers of riding a bike but has a price tag of a car, takes up the space of a car ( I can fit 3 bikes in the spot of a Spyder)and handles worse than any car I've every driven. And I've driven some lemons! Maybe when I'm older and no longer able to keep upright on two wheels, I may consider something like this. But even then, I may be more inclined to buy a used convertible sport car and still have money left in my pocket.

That's just my

If you've ever wanted to test one out, I totally recommend it! Thanks to AJS for pointing out the demo day. Glad I was able to get to ride one and see what they're about.

A couple of pics from the day.

* Last updated by: Dave905 on 9/6/2013 @ 7:20 PM *

If I had titanium legs resulting from stepping on a land mine, I still would not buy a Spider. I agree with everything Dave said...but really, I think these demo rides hurt their brand image more than those beautifully executed commercials with couples enamoured by love riding off into the sunset in blissful happiness. I was constantly lifting a wheel when in full turn and powering out of a corner, and the power dynamics were greatly disappointing. I rode a manual, (with shift leavers) and thank god, as I would have fallen asleep. Mad love to the Can Am guys for not kicking me off the circuit, and I will say, I had a lot of fun. I almost picked up a blond while riding, Dave 905 will confirm this, so the bike must have some chic appeal, and for this reason alone I would venture out on a spider again. Maybe try my hand at our local bike night.

Mad love Dave, a very comprehensive and well written post.

* Last updated by: Wolfman on 6/2/2013 @ 9:07 PM *

Those things look way too dangerous for me, and I am a freaking maniac.

Buck, you called it right, sir, they have flippin roll potential dude!

Buck, you called it right, sir, they have flippin roll potential dude!

I actually test rode one about a week ago, and have to agree with much of what you guys said. I drove the RT version, with the semi auto transmission. It was quite buzzy, and was a slow dog at takeoff. The biggest appeal that it had for me was that my wife would actually ride this with me (she will never ride a regular bike). I joined the spyderlovers web site, and also ran across quite a few mechanical and electronic issues. They also have some sort of diagnostic software that only can be checked out by a can am dealer. There is not certified service centers, only dealers. That leaves you wide openned to be screwed. If this thing had something better like the goldwing boxer 6, or dare I say a Vmax motor, I would be all over it. As it stands, I will have to pass for a while longer.

Yes sir, my friend! Black if my wife rode on of those babies, it might be a throw away consideration. Right now she rides nothing, well almost nothing, lol!
Wman

heck with that I'm getting a Goldwing if I ever need 3 wheels

The Gold Wing Trike is awesome!!!