WHY A RYKER (and what i thought of it after riding it)

[Triumphcycleman]

Ok, let me start off by saying that I 'd like to think I know a thing or two about riding and selling Spyders. To date, I have sold 783 new/used from my dealership and have put thousands and thousands of miles on them. All of them, GS's, ST's, F3's, etc... yadda yadda yadda. So, let me say this.... I am thrilled to death about the new Ryker!
Why? Well, like it or not, the Spyder business has been on the decline across the country for the last few years, and it mimics the whole motorcycle industry trend. New riders aren't interested and we are aging out. That, is, a, fact!
So, what should BRP do? Just keep shining the same apple? Add colors, options, and variations on the same ol' same in an effort to sell to the same ol' you? Pretty sure we all know the answer. That is exactly how a product line goes extinct, which is exactly what could happen if the revenue doesn't exceed the expense.
Enter the Ryker.
NOTE: This bike wasn't built for you. I repeat, IT WASN'T BUILT TO REPLACE YOUR RT, F3, etc.. (tho maybe the RS/GS). It is for a whole new crowd. The barriers to new entrants are threefold. Price, Skill and Interest.
Start with price. At $8499 it is affordable to two groups who frequently visit and leave without purchase. Youngsters new to the workforce, and fixed income retirees. Their current possibilities only included the cheap used manual transmission RS/GS or, at best a high mileage RT/ST/F3. Those aren't easy to finance, and they often aren't right for them. Here they can finance a brand new ride, or better yet, lease one for as little as $140 a month with a 3 year commitment. That is a winner.
Skill level. Here's the way I see it. The new generation is so electronically attached to their devices that they lack many of the mechanical skills necessary to ride a bike. Heck, many of them are struggling to drive a car! Well, this thing is stupidly easy to ride. Fully automatic, with only forward, reverse, and a parking brake. BRP is putting a huge effort in placing Rykers at training centers around the country to make it really, really easy to learn, ride and purchase. That is exactly what we need to grow the sport.
Interest. Well, start by marketing it thru digital media to the target market. (that's their plan). 2nd, give it an ultra hipster, funky cool, off the wall look with customization at the forefront of design. Done. 3rd. make it versatile. The rally edition can go off road (fire roads, gravel roads) for gods sake, and the infinitely adjustable foot pegs, brake lever and handlebars can fit nearly everyone. 4th make it an alternative to a bike that is appealing. I can't tell you how many times a husband/boyfriend has come into our shop looking for a way to get his wife/girlfriend off the back of his bike and onto something else. He steers her to either a little metric cruiser, (gasp) sportster, or little crotch rocket and the end result is a miserable experience for her due to the shifting/clutching/lifting chore that is that bike. The one stigma that is attached to our current line up is that it is perceived as an "old persons" bike (sorry, but it is true). This thing looks like it is straight out of TRON, or Tony Starks' lab. Not old person looking! NOT A SPYDER, lol! Market it to the newbees.
Ok, hope i didn't upset anyone with the age comments. It is what is is..
So, what's it like to ride?
Let me first say that i am or at least was partial to the F3 model. I like sitting in it rather than on it. That said, my next three wheeler will be a Ryker Rally. I love sitting waaaay inside it. I love adjusting the pegs and brake wherever I want them. I love setting the bars and then resetting them to change the feel at a traffic light. I am a dirt tracker, so I love drifting it! I love the ability to go on a dirt road or driveway with no fear of ruining the belt. I love the fact that we have this motor in our sleds and the thing has PLENTY of room under the hood for the turbo that is inevitable (woo hoo). I love 300 lbs less and the fact that I could not get it on two wheels even after chucking it into a corner in a vain attempt to bicycle it. I am shocked how well the CVT worked. I am thrilled that it doesn't have power steering so the feeling thru the bars is positive and yet not difficult. It is the right Spyder for me. Simple, capable and fun. I want a bigger, quick detach rear trunk, a want to try the adjustable windscreen, and I'd like the possibility of cruise control. That's it. Oh, and the Army green body kit!

[safecracker]

Great insight. Bruce

[old Timer]

Bruce, as a former BMW dealer myself, I could not agree more with your analysis. For a under $10,000 Spyder as it seemed that was being clamored for, the Ryker is a lot of machine, way more than a stripped down POS...........

This is one of, if not the smartest move by any Mfg in the Moto Sports Industry.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Tim - thank you , thank you , thank you your analysis of the Ryker is one of the best short synopsis of any vehicle I have read about ….. I'm VERY interested ……….. annnnnnnnnnnnnnd on the TURBO, after Monster Fuel Injection ( or Jase in Australia ) gets ahold of this …..watch out ………….jmho……. Mike

[Chupaca]

Great review ... still don't like it but your points are good ones and the future for it looks a little brighter from your perspective..

[ARtraveler]

Good insight. Makes a lot of good points. Definitely for a different market--which is needed.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for the insightful comments.

[Triumphcycleman]

Great insight. Bruce

Thanks but who is Bruce? signed Tim

[monkeyboymorton]

As already said thanks for the write-up Bru.......sorry, Tim (couldn't resist that!!)

Interesting what you say about not being able to pick up the inside wheel however hard you tried. The biggest issue with the F3 is the way all the weight transfers to the outside wheel when cornering, even with an upgraded anti-roll bar. Sounds like the Ryker has less of a tendancy for this with the lower centre of gravity and reduced weight. It certainly looks like it turns-in to the corners more readily on the videos I've seen so far.

I also thought the same about the 900 Turbo, BRP must have designed it with that engine in mind. Would be great to see that next year.

My wife is very interested in one and we'll be trying one out as soon as they are in the UK.

[gg194]

Really think one may suit me. I'm in my 70's and gave up riding a few years ago mostly because my balance isn't what it once was. Just not willing to put $20,000+ in a trike, after all it's a toy. If all I could afford is a mostly worn out Spyder not really interested. I rarely drive over seventy so the base model should suit me. Also have a knee that's iffy at times so being able to adjust the pegs is a real plus for me. Looks like I'm about to talk myself into one. Joined the forum today to learn all I can before pulling the trigger.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Really think one may suit me. I'm in my 70's and gave up riding a few years ago mostly because my balance isn't what it once was. Just not willing to put $20,000+ in a trike, after all it's a toy. If all I could afford is a mostly worn out Spyder not really interested. I rarely drive over seventy so the base model should suit me. Also have a knee that's iffy at times so being able to adjust the pegs is a real plus for me. Looks like I'm about to talk myself into one. Joined the forum today to learn all I can before pulling the trigger.

…… ………………… Same issue for me ( the balance thing ) ….. Now I wouldn't go back to two wheels even if I could ….. Mike

[Sarge707]

Great thoughts- My dealer said the same thing last year- Not selling- Ordering less and less units- This year his mind is changing and a Lot of it has to be due to the Ryker . I had a GS, RT, and rode my F3SM6 Today and while its going to be a Great Used vehicle at a Great price for someone, after a Test ride (I'm pushing BRP to send a Demo) I'm 99% positive I will trade (Or Sell) F3 for a Ryker Rally . Turning 70 soon and it will be my little street Go Cart I can zoom around the Back roads on as Part of a vehicle. Every aspect of this has me so excited- No Belt- No Sprockets- No DPS to fail- Easy change back tire- Easy Battery and fluid access-I suspect an Easy Plug Change-Brake lever ANGLE adjustable-Plenty of power and NO shifting- I suspect the Windshield will be fine with the addition of a X-creen Sport which "Should" fit on top. The difference in the tires, Shocks, and functions make the Rally a no brainer for me.

I realize in 2 Years my F3 with 13,000 miles will Probably be worth More than a 2 year old Ryker BUT you only go around ONCE!

[asp125]

Great analysis. Though somewhat scary that millenials with short attention spans and simple skillsets will be on the road amongst us. At least they won't be in 2000lb killing cages.

[Bob Denman]

As already said thanks for the write-up Bru.......sorry, Tim (couldn't resist that!!)

Interesting what you say about not being able to pick up the inside wheel however hard you tried. The biggest issue with the F3 is the way all the weight transfers to the outside wheel when cornering, even with an upgraded anti-roll bar. Sounds like the Ryker has less of a tendancy for this with the lower centre of gravity and reduced weight. It certainly looks like it turns-in to the corners more readily on the videos I've seen so far.

I also thought the same about the 900 Turbo, BRP must have designed it with that engine in mind. Would be great to see that next year.

My wife is very interested in one and we'll be trying one out as soon as they are in the UK.

As I was looking at them on the Spyder website: I get the impression that they don't come with an anti-swaybar. It's listed as an option.
That sure could prevent you from picking up a wheel...

[delkhouri]

Thanks for the write up.... the more I look at it, I tend to agree with you that a Ryker Rally will be my next bike. For an extra $1000 you get upgraded tires, upgraded shocks, the different driving modes, the aluminum handguards ($75) and the maxmount ($300)

Rally with Top case, saddlebag mount, Shad Saddlebag, and windscreen - $11,738

Ryker with 900cc with Max Mount, Top Case, Saddlebag bracket, shad saddleback, Windscreen = $11038

I might be able to find a used or heavily discounted F3 for $12k-$14k range and I'd still like to test ride one of those but I am leaning towards the ryker.

[Netminder]

Great write up!

[Firefly]

Nice write-up and agree with much of the ideas behind the release of this new model. Probably a good move since they already have all of us hooked... need some different bait. BRP has been planning this for 5 years or more... they plan models way ahead according to their design center tour we took. They even had a super-secret room that most workers cannot go where they're working on the products and designs 10+ years out...

I'll demo one for fun.. but it's all F3 for me!

[Peteoz]

Thanks but who is Bruce? signed Tim

Hahaha.... yeah, that got me thinking “How does Safecracker know that Triumphcycleman’s name is Bruce? “..... then the penny dropped. Great write up, Tim.....most informative

Pete (not Bruce or Tim)

[Peter Aawen]

.......

. Great write up, Tim.....most informative

Pete (not Bruce or Tim)

It is a great write up

But.. but... but... Pete.... don't you usually answer to Cyril?? Or was it Cecil?? I'm pretty sure it wasn't Godfrey?!

[PMK]

If the Ryker is focused on those marketing strategies, it may very well capture a portion of the market.

Agree, the Ryker is no replacement for an F3 series or RT series.

Beyond the Ryker, it seems if kids in general are not passionate about riding a bicycle, the idea of a motorcycle is a seed never planted. Around here, and even within my own relatives, I have witnessed moms being the everyday taxi, taking kids to school, picking them up and driving them everywhere, even to work. These kids do not want to get a drivers license or even a car. Haphazardly, they just expect things to work out, same as living at home until 30 with mom cooking and doing laundry.

Merely my opinion, hope Can Am does well with the Ryker, however around here I suspect it will be more a novelty toy vs machine to get folks riding.

[old Timer]

Apologies for trying to re name you, Tim.

Still a great and directly on target write up.

[Sarge707]

As I was looking at them on the Spyder website: I get the impression that they don't come with an anti-swaybar. It's listed as an option.
That sure could prevent you from picking up a wheel...

They All have the sway Bar But the Beefier anti-sway bar is optional like the ST kit. I have no need for one on my F3 and I doubt you would need one even less on this beast!

[PrairieSpyder]

Well, Triumphcycleman, Tim, or Bruce - or whatever you're calling yourself lately . . . Great write-up. Thanks. The thought of it being ridden by kids who may not even know how to drive is frightening.

As for replacing any of the Spyder models, the analysis someone did comparing the fitted-out costs of a Ryker to a good used ST/F3/RT would give me pause. Especially with the lower new prices of the Spyder models and the effect that will have on the used prices.

Not having seen a Ryker in person, and not having ridden one, the things that I wonder about is the lack of power steering and the seat. The seat looks really stiff and uncomfortable. Any insights on that?

[Bob Denman]

Just don't call him late for Dinner!

[old Timer]

Not having seen a Ryker in person, and not having ridden one, the things that I wonder about is the lack of power steering and the seat. The seat looks really stiff and uncomfortable. Any insights on that?

Patti, sounds like you might be a 'Glass Half Empty' kind of rider and that what you really want is a brand new F3 semi auto for under $10K........Just saying.

Considering the Hue and Cry for an under $10K Spyder, clearly Cam Am appears to have delivered.