Spyder demo in Kelowna

[Kootenanny]

So, I attended a Can-Am Spyder demo ride in Kelowna on Saturday, 30 June.  I enjoy demo days--and I always try to ride something that I normally wouldn't (such as heavy cruisers or maxi-scooters), just so I know what they're like.  The Spyder fits right in with that

I got there just as they were setting up; the online registration was screwy, and showed nothing available in the morning, but as it turned out I was the ONLY person there for the first demo ride (the fact it was raining might have had something to do with it, too... ).  Anyway, after doing the tablet thing for registration, and watching the video, they showed me the machine (actually, there were 3 of us there for this, but the other two weren't licensed and couldn't go on the road).  They're very careful to point out that the Spyder is NOT a motorcycle--lots of things, such as keeping your feet on the pegs when stopped, and releasing the parking brake, are there to trip up the unwary motorcyclist.

Anyway, then we went out on the road--the ride leader, myself, and the "tail gunner."  Really made me feel special  Of course, by now, the rain was torrential (very glad I took my JR "waterproof" gear*), which made for some fun--for one, visibility was very limited.  We hit the first corner, which was a turn onto the highway, and...wow, as soon as I gave it some power out of the turn, the rear end stepped out.  Just a bit, but I sure noticed it--the machine fishtailed the same way on every sharp corner we took, and a few times going straight on the highway, too (like I said, though, it was absolutely pouring rain, and the roads were covered with a layer of water).

Anyway, the ride...well, it was definitely "different."  No, it ain't a motorcycle, that's for sure.  But, it has a certain...uh, quality, to it (and what is "Quality?"--oh, be quiet, Pirsig!)  Riding straight down the highway, I found the steering to be very sensitive, almost twitchy.  The first few times I had to slow down, I had a bit of a shock when I reached for the front brake lever...  Oh, and shifting--the demo Spyder was a "semi-auto," and I'm glad I have a bit of experience with Shimano mountain bike trigger shifters!  And like I said, every corner (well, every sharp--as in, intersection--corner), the rear end would step out as soon as I hit the gas (actually, kind of fun--I'd have liked to play with that in the parking lot, but they didn't think much of my suggestion...).  

Leaning into the corners was weird.  Much like riding a snowmobile.  The stance of the Spyder is very planted, and you really notice the road camber (especially in off-camber corners), and rough patches of asphalt, too. On a few occasions, I tried (intentionally) to initiate a corner kinda like I would on my bike, which is to move my head and shoulders towards the direction of the turn, which coincides smoothly with countersteering input.  This could really get a motorcyclist in trouble on the Spyder, because as soon as you do this, the Spyder immediately steers in the opposite direction, and you find yourself leaning to the outside of the turn  (No worries, I was just feeling it out...but if I ever rode one enough to get comfortable enough that I forgot I wasn't on a regular bike, watch out!).

Engine seems up to the task, and the machine moves out smartly enough (definitely enough for heavy rain!).  And I do like the riding position.

Overall, I had enough fun that I'd like to try it again on a dry day!  (As it was, the rain petered out soon after my solo demo had finished, and it was dry and even getting sunny by the time I left town an hour or two later--but I didn't really have time to go back, plus, I'd want to get it to a road with a few more corners).  However, I really can't see myself ever buying one (unless, for whatever reason, I could no longer ride a bike).



*Note:  Today was the first time my JR "Ballistic" overpants have ever soaked through, and I've worn them in torrential downpours before.  I wonder if it might have had to do with the shape of the seat on the Spyder--it is quite wide, and it seems more water collects in the crotch area than happens on my bike...).

And, of course, since it didn't happen without pics )

The fleet!


"Professional drivers on a closed course"


I rode the green one!


Uh...something's missing...where did I put those levers?
[/QUOTE]

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the review.  My neighbor recently got a green one similar to that.  I thought he had lost his senses, but he said he got it for 2-up riding with his wife.  He seems to enjoy it.

I didn't realize the rear stepped out so easily.  I thought it had electronic controls to cut power when traction is lost, but maybe I'm mistaken in that.

[ST1300Rider]

Thanks for the review.  My neighbor recently got a green one similar to that.  I thought he had lost his senses, but he said he got it for 2-up riding with his wife.  He seems to enjoy it.

I didn't realize the rear stepped out so easily.  I thought it had electronic controls to cut power when traction is lost, but maybe I'm mistaken in that.

Nanny mode can be disabled. And yes, they can be a blast. When they first came out I test drove/rode one during a semi-private affair my dealer organized that included some gravel roads. The only thing missing to make them an absolute hoot in the dirt would be individual front wheel brakes.  

[Kootenanny]

I didn't realize the rear stepped out so easily.  I thought it had electronic controls to cut power when traction is lost, but maybe I'm mistaken in that.

I asked about it, and they told me that the electronic stability system would kick in pretty quickly but would allow a bit of slippage first.  On such a rainy day, it was probably a bit looser than it might be in the dry.  It does have a pretty long wheelbase, without much weight on the rear...kinda like a pickup with an empty bed...

Oh, and I don't know if the "nanny mode" can be disabled.  Indeed, I've read a few professional reviews whose authors were bemoaning that very fact.

[spd2918]

All the danger of a motorcycle, with none of the enjoyment of bending it in corners.  They are summer snowmobiles.

[coucours grad]

2 up heavy Touring with a trailer on one of these  seems like the ULTIMATE retirement ride.


   And, if the Wing gets too heavy for the Knees to hold up I could see trading in on one of these.....




    Lets say we revisit this in about 20 years???

[Kootenanny]

All the danger of a motorcycle, with none of the enjoyment of bending it in corners.  They are summer snowmobiles.

This has always been my exact feeling on the matter.  However, I felt I should at least ride one before dissing it.

Yes, a "summer snowmobile" is pretty accurate.  But hey, snowmobiles are fun too!

[KLRchickie]

We have seen a *lot* of Spyders on this trip.

Today we saw one with a trailer....

[Kootenanny]

We have seen a *lot* of Spyders on this trip.

Today we saw one with a trailer....

Actually, they'd make a good trailer tower.  But hey, they have a trunk!

[KLRchickie]

Actually, they'd make a good trailer tower.  But hey, they have a trunk!

Some people pack amazing amounts of "stuff".  We followed a pair of 650 scooters south across the border.  His had a top case & he was towing a trailer!  I thought Burgmanns were supposed to have lots of built in trunk space too...

[Tyler]

Yes, a "summer snowmobile" is pretty accurate.  But hey, snowmobiles are fun too!

Yup, it's just a different kind of fun once you figure it out. Took me about a year to get the hang of it, figure out the best body positioning, bar input, choosing lines, etc. I've ridden it over 10K miles in the past 9 months to the Southwest, Baja, and Canada. If 2-wheels isn't an option, the Spyder is a nice choice over a traditional trike, imo. I've also heard that CanAm just filed a patent in Canada for a model that leans... or at least the wheels do. I'll be very interested to see how that progresses.  

[Kootenanny]

Hey Tyler--didn't know you were on here!  

Yeah, to be honest, it was more fun than I'd expected.  Riding with you on that one short trip kinda got me a bit more inspired to actually attend this demo (which I knew was coming up, but I wouldn't have attended if I hadn't had to travel to the area for work anyway).

[Tyler]

Hey Tyler--didn't know you were on here!  

Yeah, to be honest, it was more fun than I'd expected.  Riding with you on that one short trip kinda got me a bit more inspired to actually attend this demo (which I knew was coming up, but I wouldn't have attended if I hadn't had to travel to the area for work anyway).

Hey Geoff! Yeah, I get around...    Figured it'd been awhile since I'd frequented the place so thought I'd poke around a little... didn't realize this was your screen name otherwise I woulda given you a whole ration of chit when I got back!  

I'm glad that you had an open mind and gave it a try... I know if I could ride 2-wheels I'd prefer that most definitely... but as I've said before, the Spyder is just a different kind of fun and allows me the throttle in my hand, the wind in my face, and a 1000 cc's between my legs.