No 'Itsy-Bitsy Spider' ...

In the market for a fun, fast and fresh, new vehicle, but want more than two wheels?

Then the all new three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder may be just the ride you didn't even know you needed or wanted. Let’s go for a ride ‘Spyder-Man’!

When BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) - the parent company of industry-leading powersport brands Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo and the owners of Rotax revived the Can-Am name early last year for its ATVs, it had aspirations beyond its existing off-highway empire. BRP wanted a chunk of the asphalt world as well, but where to start in an already bulging market? So they developed the Can-Am Spyder GS Roadster, a radical departure from almost any other vehicle on the market. In essence, a reversed trike, that rocks like a motorcycle and moves like a snowmobile. Yeah, I know …. I didn’t believe it either.

So what is the Spyder? Is it more motorcycle, more car, or something completely different? When you throw your leg over the low 29-inch saddle and grab hold of the bars this amazing rig feels very familiar. The view from the seat however, seems completely out of this world due to those two front fenders protruding from either side in front. Thumb the starter button and the 106-horsepower, 998cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, Rotax-built engine (similar to Aprilia's RSV Mille) comes to life with a nice low V-Twin thrum. The five-speed (plus reverse) transmission is in the normal motorcycle location and moves into gear with ease. When you feed out the clutch, it's apparent that plenty of power is on tap to make the 700-pound Spyder leap forward to attack it‘s prey .. the highway.

The Spyder, however, isn't really defined by the engine. It's all about the unique “Y” chassis layout and the myriad of electronic gizmos that make it easy for anyone to operate. Designed for stability, it bridges the gap between a motorcycle and a sports car, and in a few states doesn't require anything other than a car driver's license to operate. Keeping everything under control is Can-Am's VSS (Vehicle Stability System) that consists of three sub-systems: ABS, traction control and stability control. Handling is the most interesting element of the roadster. Sitting in a traditional moto-seating position on a vehicle that doesn't lean is odd.

My first ride ever on the Can-Am Spyder was needless to say, a blast. But it takes some getting used to the power and the way this ride moves. Being that most of my time is spent on two wheels, it took a bit of whirling around the parking lot un-till I was ready for the highway. Part of the time you’re thinking, “I’m on an ATV.” Other times, it feels more like a motorcycle. That’s because the  Spyder is more akin to riding an ATV or snowmobile than motorcycle, but provides enough performance and power to be a lot of fun. Perhaps the roadster's biggest advantage over a motorcycle is braking performance. At first it seems foreign due to the fact that there isn't a right hand-operated brake lever (it's all right-foot actuated), but the stopping power and grip combined with ABS tops you on a dime.

The Spyder will initially be available in 12 key-market states, but the planned rollout will eventually expand to cover all 5000-plus BRP dealers nationwide. An electronic-shift version, (no clutch lever, either), will be an available option. The suggested retail price for the standard-transmission vehicle is $14,999.00. So if you're looking for something new, different and exciting, the Ca-Am Spyder is your ticket.



* See This Months 'Motorcycle News' For More Info On The Can-Am Spyder.