Spyder....A Poor Performer?

[Way2Fast]

Articals that give actual performance figures for the Spyder are few and far between. As a matter of fact, the only one I was able to locate was the test by MSN Autos...First Ride BRP Can-Am Spyder. This was a review/test of an SE5 model fitted with a Hindle exhaust. The 1/4 mile was run in 14.1 seconds with a speed of 98.5mph. Braking 60-0 took 146 feet. For a vehicle with a dry weight of under 697 lbs and 110 reported hp (Hindle saves weight and adds 4 hp), these figures, if accurate, are downright depressing ! In the world of motorcycles they make the Spyder one of the poorest performing bikes on the road. (not counting sub 250 cc scooters) My v-twin Yamaha Raider with 85.9hp and whose weight is equal to the Spyder does the quarter in 12.09 sec @ 108.14 mph. Even the grossly underpowered Harley Rocker (671 lbs dry,63 hp) runs the 1/4 in 13.30 sec @ 98.12 mph. Most sub 600 cc bikes will litterly run circles around the Spyder.

Do we dare compare automobiles with the Spyder? According to the test summary of autos tested in Road and Track consisting of some 128 cars, NONE take as many feet to stop from 60 mph !!! The worse auto tested is a Lincoln Mark 7....with a 141 foot 60-0 braking distance (5 feet shorter than the Spyder) The average distance is in the 120 foot range with a best of just 105 feet. This is quite alarming. Makes me remember never to tailgate when riding on my Spyder.

Forty two autos out of the 128 tested, take longer to do the 1/4 mile than the Spyder. Some that perform similiar to the Spyder are: Cobalt SS 14 sec @ 101.8 mph, Honda Accord 14.5 sec @ 99.8, Altima 14.2 @ 101.2, Solstice GXP 14 sec @ 99.3 mph and the Infinity G37 14.1 sec @ 102.5 mph. Maybe, contrary to what I read, the SE5 is slower than the manual model ?

Since I didn't purchase my Spyder to drag race, I find it powerful enough for everyday riding. What really concerns me is the below par stopping distance. If the figures are true, it borders on being downright dangerous !

What do other owners think ??


Richard

[mike3069]

I have to question the stopping distance figures. Although I haven't measured it, I know the Spyder will stop so quickly that I have trouble holding on to the handlebars in a panic stop (I have a bad left arm that affects this). In fact I cannot use full braking without being prepared ahead of time. In the few panic stops I,ve had to make, I have to back off on the pedal pressure to maintain my position on the bike.

Just my observations.

Mike

[Lamonster]

I think you're right, it's a slow dangerous piece of junk. You should sell it ASAP before the bottom falls out on these things. :joke:

[igor]

[quote=mike3069;54279]I have to question the stopping distance figures. Although I haven't measured it, I know the Spyder will stop so quickly that I have trouble holding on to the handlebars in a panic stop (I have a bad left arm that affects this). In fact I cannot use full braking without being prepared ahead of time. In the few panic stops I,ve had to make, I have to back off on the pedal pressure to maintain my position on the bike.

:agree:

[mike3069]

I think you're right, it's a slow dangerous piece of junk. You should sell it ASAP before the bottom falls out on these things. :joke:
:agree:Get rid of it quick! :D

I'll give you $1595.00 cash now!:clap:

[Lamonster]

You need to read some real world testing :thumbup:

http://www.m109riders.com/forums/showpost.php?p=837484&postcount=10

I started at the back of the pack and when we got to the top of the mountain I was waiting on my 110hp+ friends to show. ;)

http://photos.imageevent.com/kshorter/may24thridetojamesnewshop/Bikes%20lines%20up%20in%20Ceasarqus%20Head%20parki ng%20lot%20DSC_0062.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/kshorter/may24thridetojamesnewshop/Shootin%20the%20breeze%20at%20Ceasarqus%20Head%20p arking%20area%20DSC_0058.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/kshorter/may24thridetojamesnewshop/9qus%20in%20a%20Line%20at%20Ceasarqus%20Head%20par king%20lot%20DSC_0083.jpg

[gjco]

:b2b::clap::2thumbs:

[WidowMaker]

Articals that give actual performance figures for the Spyder are few and far between. As a matter of fact, the only one I was able to locate was the test by MSN Autos...First Ride BRP Can-Am Spyder. This was a review/test of an SE5 model fitted with a Hindle exhaust. The 1/4 mile was run in 14.1 seconds with a speed of 98.5mph. Braking 60-0 took 146 feet. For a vehicle with a dry weight of under 697 lbs and 110 reported hp (Hindle saves weight and adds 4 hp), these figures, if accurate, are downright depressing ! In the world of motorcycles they make the Spyder one of the poorest performing bikes on the road. (not counting sub 250 cc scooters) My v-twin Yamaha Raider with 85.9hp and whose weight is equal to the Spyder does the quarter in 12.09 sec @ 108.14 mph. Even the grossly underpowered Harley Rocker (671 lbs dry,63 hp) runs the 1/4 in 13.30 sec @ 98.12 mph. Most sub 600 cc bikes will litterly run circles around the Spyder.

Do we dare compare automobiles with the Spyder? According to the test summary of autos tested in Road and Track consisting of some 128 cars, NONE take as many feet to stop from 60 mph !!! The worse auto tested is a Lincoln Mark 7....with a 141 foot 60-0 braking distance (5 feet shorter than the Spyder) The average distance is in the 120 foot range with a best of just 105 feet. This is quite alarming. Makes me remember never to tailgate when riding on my Spyder.

Forty two autos out of the 128 tested, take longer to do the 1/4 mile than the Spyder. Some that perform similiar to the Spyder are: Cobalt SS 14 sec @ 101.8 mph, Honda Accord 14.5 sec @ 99.8, Altima 14.2 @ 101.2, Solstice GXP 14 sec @ 99.3 mph and the Infinity G37 14.1 sec @ 102.5 mph. Maybe, contrary to what I read, the SE5 is slower than the manual model ?

Since I didn't purchase my Spyder to drag race, I find it powerful enough for everyday riding. What really concerns me is the below par stopping distance. If the figures are true, it borders on being downright dangerous !

What do other owners think ??


Richard


I remember seeing the 14.1 - 1/4 mile time and thought, hmm that seems slow. I remember seeing 1/4 mile times in the high 12's I thought. A much more respectable #, except when compared to the crotch rockets. I'd like to see an experienced rider give it a go. I have a hard time believing they couldn't run atleast low 13's.

[AMTJIM]

You forgot to compare it to your chinese scooter....again.

[drifter]

Everything is relative. I personally couldn’t be happier with the Spyder. My 2 cents. :popcorn:

[NancysToy]

This was the first "official" test I have seen, and it was disappointing. I have seen another 14 second run reported, several 13s, and one high 12. All were at slightly less than 100 mph. I am not surprised at the variation in ETs, as the Spyder would be a handful to get out of the hole smartly, without burning the tire, or kicking in the VSS. Handling the launch with kid gloves has to hurt the times.

The mile per hour readings, which translate into weight vs. horsepower are the most bothersome. We all complain that the Spyder is geared too low, but it doesn't approach its possible, or rated, top speed in the quarter. Seems if it is geared too low, it would be optimal for the strip. Odd! All-in-all, it makes you wonder how the heck anyone could manage 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, or if BRP merely made that up. I have always thought it would be difficult to achieve due to lack of traction.

As to stopping distances, I have to agree that the stopping ability sure seems to be better than that in real life. I don't think I have a motorcycle that will stop in the same distance and remain stable. I'm certain my F-150 pickup won't, but maybe I am misjudging that since I don't have to hang on for dear life. Sure would like to see test data from another source to confirm such lackluster numbers.

The rambling ends here...you may return to your regularly scheduled program.
-Scotty

[Way2Fast]

Why do so many "lovers" want to immediately start a fight ?? I was providing info from the MSN test. I have no idea if it is accurate or not. I compared their test results to the that of other motor vehicles as reported in Road and Track and Cycle World. I wanted to get the opinions of others not start an argument ! Why is it that with all the articals written on the Spyder not one took the effort to prove or disprove BRP's claim of a 4.5 sec 0-60 speed. The full performance figures are almost always provided during tests of other motorcycles.

[Way2Fast]

Scotty hits the nail on the head !!:clap:


Richard

[Way2Fast]

You need to read some real world testing :thumbup:

http://www.m109riders.com/forums/showpost.php?p=837484&postcount=10

I started at the back of the pack and when we got to the top of the mountain I was waiting on my 110hp+ friends to show. ;)

http://photos.imageevent.com/kshorter/may24thridetojamesnewshop/Bikes%20lines%20up%20in%20Ceasarqus%20Head%20parki ng%20lot%20DSC_0062.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/kshorter/may24thridetojamesnewshop/Shootin%20the%20breeze%20at%20Ceasarqus%20Head%20p arking%20area%20DSC_0058.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/kshorter/may24thridetojamesnewshop/9qus%20in%20a%20Line%20at%20Ceasarqus%20Head%20par king%20lot%20DSC_0083.jpg




The artical I mentioned didn't do a test on a winding hilly road. How the Spyder handles on such a course wasn't part of the discussion. The 109's are not noted for their agility or sport bike handling, so it is no surprise they would be left behind.

Richard

[Way2Fast]

You forgot to compare it to your chinese scooter....again.


Ahhhhhh.....but I did....I said the test results in question showed the Spyder to be slow EXCEPT when compared to sub 250 cc SCOOTERS !!! :cus:

[tatt2r]

Why do so many "lovers" want to immediately start a fight ?? I was providing info from the MSN test. I have no idea if it is accurate or not. I compared their test results to the that of other motor vehicles as reported in Road and Track and Cycle World. I wanted to get the opinions of others not start an argument ! Why is it that with all the articals written on the Spyder not one took the effort to prove or disprove BRP's claim of a 4.5 sec 0-60 speed. The full performance figures are almost always provided during tests of other motorcycles.

o ya??? hahahahahah people like to defend what they like ..... i hate my ex wife a few like her i beg to differ .... but i've never argued with the few people with bad taste ....

[JPoehlman]

I suspect that perhaps the MSN tester's Spyder was not yet broken in. New brakes and tires would effect stopping times and a tight engine would effect acceleration. I picked up my yellow SE5 last Saturday morning with 3 miles on the odo and the initial impression as I rode it home was that it seemed sluggish in both accleration and braking. Now that I have almost 200 miles on it, it seems like an entirely different (better) machine. Some of that of course is my gaining confidence in my ability to ride it more fully to it's potential.

In any case, it suits me just fine. I did not buy it to race it or attempt to out brake BMW's.

Dennis in Maryland
The Krusty Old Phart
Still burnin' turnin' and lurnin'
2008 Can AM Spyder Yellow SE5
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9949290@N02

[spyryder]

1/4 mile times and especially stopping distances have A LOT to do with tires and traction. If the tires haven't got enough grip you're gonna get lousy times. Try a different brand of tire and you'll see both figures improve.;)

[Spyderman62]

Well I speak for me when I say - F**K those who don't have one and want to cast stones. Yeah for those of us that do. I have owned my share of bikes , from Sport tourers to a GoldWing and full dress Harley. Every bike has there own mark on the wall of fame, but as for FUN - Nothing I have ever ridden comes close. The Spyder is fantastic. By the way, if I wanted to corner hard I would have bought a 911 Porsche or similar ( did own a Saab 900 Turbo) If I wanted a drag bike, I would have a V-Max (personal favorite) or maybe a Warrior. But I didn't, and really...I dont care that it is as slow as a 250cc scooter, or does not take corners like a Ferrari - "Its my Party and I'll cry if I want to" - tears of happiness that is! Thats my story and I'm stickin too it!

[NancysToy]

Why do so many "lovers" want to immediately start a fight ?? I was providing info from the MSN test. I have no idea if it is accurate or not. I compared their test results to the that of other motor vehicles as reported in Road and Track and Cycle World. I wanted to get the opinions of others not start an argument ! Why is it that with all the articals written on the Spyder not one took the effort to prove or disprove BRP's claim of a 4.5 sec 0-60 speed. The full performance figures are almost always provided during tests of other motorcycles.
Not sure why you feel there's an argument here. Just comments in regard to performance. Ypu have pulled together some interesting information for us to compare. I certainly feel the way you do. Why are there no more independent tests than this one? If you took offense to anything I said, I apologize. I'm not sure why, but I'm sorry anyway.
-Scotty

[mrfilovirus]

To compare the spyder with 3 wheels to a 4 wheeled vehicle isn't exactly right - 4 points of contact compared to 3. Not exactly sure why they did that but I would also have to agree with others here - it seems to stop on a dime when I hit the brakes.

Also, with performance - admittedly I have put on the new O2 sensor, the high performance air filter, the hindle, and took out the air jam - but anyone who has "revved" by me at a stop light where I was waiting at the red and they were giving me the "ha ha ha" as they drove by - well, they all ate my dust. I had a woman on a harley bike next to me at a light today on the way home - i was just taking it easy.. gave her a wave... nothing from her. The light turns green and I move forward and I hear her really winding up in first and I think "oh really.." - she moves ahead because I was just doing a normal start but by the time she hit 50 I blew past her doing 75. I then slowed down so she could catch up (and pass actually - the speed limit was closer to 45 than 75 :) ) and I just smiled and waved again. Disclaimer: no one in front of us, fairly empty road - safe driving conditions. I don't ever challenge but if somone wants to test the spyder, who am I to resist. :firstplace: :spyder:

[Smylinacha]

Well..... mine keeps up more than enough w/ the Harley dudes I ride with.
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Happy/happy-033.gif

[BRPjunkie]

I would not want my Spyder to stop any shorter. The few times I have tested it in parking lots in case I need to do an emergency stop, I had to fight to keep from going over the bars. Hard stop in a car is aided by four wheels, seated position behind a steering wheel, seat belt and feet braced on the brake and floor. Trying to counteract hard braking forces on the Spyder from the perch above the handlebars is completely different. I just give myself extra room ahead whenever I can and even though it's not a two wheeler, know that I have some maneuverability I don't have in a car.

[docdoru]

I suspect that perhaps the MSN tester's Spyder was not yet broken in. New brakes and tires would effect stopping times and a tight engine would effect acceleration. I picked up my yellow SE5 last Saturday morning with 3 miles on the odo and the initial impression as I rode it home was that it seemed sluggish in both accleration and braking. Now that I have almost 200 miles on it, it seems like an entirely different (better) machine. Some of that of course is my gaining confidence in my ability to ride it more fully to it's potential.

In any case, it suits me just fine. I did not buy it to race it or attempt to out brake BMW's.

Dennis in Maryland
The Krusty Old Phart
Still burnin' turnin' and lurnin'
2008 Can AM Spyder Yellow SE5
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9949290@N02

:agree:

[retread]

Seems like most "tests" are one day things, where the tester gets on, rides for a while, gets off, and writes the article. How can they possibly know what a Spyder is capable of? Ryde it for a month, or two, or six, and come back and tell people what you think. Most of us here have taken time to get used to our rydes; I for one will admit I'm still finding out what I can do with mine, and no test rider will come close in one day.
Wow, all this and no soap box!

[IMRU3]

We do not live in a race track. It's all about the ride. It's all relative to every individual. I have a lot of toys, faster than my Spyder... but I drive my Spyder with so much fun and pride. And yeah, I also beat a HD rider revving his bike to annoy the hell out of me during Street Vibration here in Reno. He too, ate my dust and crushed his ego.

[AMTJIM]

I love me some M109 and that red SV650N in those pics.

[Greg H.]

Anyone that thinks the Spyder is a slow vehicle must come from crotch rockets, or similar. The number wills tell you right away that the Spyder can run with any HD, BMW, and any other sport cruiser out there.

What's the seat of your pants tell you? That's all that should matter, unless you just plan on your Spyder spending time at the drag strip.

It's quick enough! And, it's fast enough for this guy! :thumbup: I have never reached speed limits soooooooo fast! And, the torque is great!

There is nothing out there like the Can-Am Spyder. Plain and Simple! :2thumbs:

And, I am tired - really tired, of my Spyder being called a bike, too! :shocked:

[SpyderMark]

As a matter of fact, the only one I was able to locate was the test by MSN Autos...First Ride BRP Can-Am Spyder.

Getting a motorcycle-type vehicle thru the quarter mile in the shortest/fastest time possible is not a matter of hopping on and running thru the gears. The testers that ride motorcycles for a living run bikes down the track a number of times with different pressures in the tires and different suspension settings looking for the best numbers.

When was the last time you read about an MSN motorcycle review? I suspect one of their regular automotive testers -- who also happens to own a motorcycle -- "tested" a Spyder. I also suspect if one our average, run-of-the-mill Spyderlover forum members took their Spyder out to the track they would see similar numbers.

Put an experienced track rider on a Spyder who knows what he/she is doing at the track and I'd be willing to bet a six-pack the numbers would change dramatically.

Regards,

Mark

[ld271]

this conversation sounds about like the one i posted a few days ago about the msn write up called would you ride this spyder i will agree with the rest if you dont like it sell it :agree:

[Putt-Putt]

This was the first "official" test I have seen, and it was disappointing. I have seen another 14 second run reported, several 13s, and one high 12. All were at slightly less than 100 mph. I am not surprised at the variation in ETs, as the Spyder would be a handful to get out of the hole smartly, without burning the tire, or kicking in the VSS. Handling the launch with kid gloves has to hurt the times.

The mile per hour readings, which translate into weight vs. horsepower are the most bothersome. We all complain that the Spyder is geared too low, but it doesn't approach its possible, or rated, top speed in the quarter. Seems if it is geared too low, it would be optimal for the strip. Odd! All-in-all, it makes you wonder how the heck anyone could manage 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, or if BRP merely made that up. I have always thought it would be difficult to achieve due to lack of traction.

As to stopping distances, I have to agree that the stopping ability sure seems to be better than that in real life. I don't think I have a motorcycle that will stop in the same distance and remain stable. I'm certain my F-150 pickup won't, but maybe I am misjudging that since I don't have to hang on for dear life. Sure would like to see test data from another source to confirm such lackluster numbers.

The rambling ends here...you may return to your regularly scheduled program.
-Scotty


:agree: I think you hit the nail right on the head. It has power enough to do better but the VSS will effect it and make it tricky to launch off the line. Every bike tested, that they come out with a E/T time that is not what the real world performance is. It is always slower production STOCK.

[SpyderDog65]

dam that posting sure got alot of responses lol Spyder Ryders are so passionate roflmao

[Way2Fast]

Not sure why you feel there's an argument here. Just comments in regard to performance. Ypu have pulled together some interesting information for us to compare. I certainly feel the way you do. Why are there no more independent tests than this one? If you took offense to anything I said, I apologize. I'm not sure why, but I'm sorry anyway.
-Scotty

Scotty; I definitely did not take offense to anything you said (nor have I ever) I'm sorry you thought I did. I didn't even see your latest post until after I had posted again myself. We are both in the same age bracket and I think we agree on a lot of things. You always seem to bring "common sense" to these pages. Something that seems to be lacking in the world these days.

Richard

[Way2Fast]

No one seems to have come up with an answer to my question regarding the speeds of the manual vs the auto Spyder. Is the SE5 slower than the manual? Faster? Has anyone had the opportunity to compare them neck to neck?

Richard

[ataDude]

I have an SM but have ridden both. There are no material differences except that maybe... maybe... the SE up-shifts faster for a newbie on an SM.

.


No one seems to have come up with an answer to my question regarding the speeds of the manual vs the auto Spyder. Is the SE5 slower than the manual? Faster? Has anyone had the opportunity to compare them neck to neck?

Richard

[spydeebike]

just ride and enjoy
:yes::yes::yes::agree::agree::yes::yes::yes::2exci ted:

[NancysToy]

OK, I decided I would do the calculations, and see how this all shook out. The are lots of drag strip calculators on the Internet, formulas, and even my old Isky calculator wheel (slide rule). Very disappointing, to say the least. If the few performance numbers we have been seeing are correct, the Spyder only gets about 70 hp to the rear wheel. If they are telling the truth about flywheel horsepower, there is more than a 30% drivetrain loss! The normally accepted standard is 17%. If this standard number is correct for the Spyder, then it actually makes only about 85 hp at the flywheel. I used 950 lbs wet, with rider, 98 mph, and 13.89 secs for the calculations. A 106 hp vehicle should theoretically be capable of as much as mid to high 12s, at around 105-109 mph.

Why the discrepancy? Well, as far as ET goes, the VSS and traction problems may enter into the equation, as we have discussed. When I was racing, we always felt mph was a more reliable indication of horsepower for any one vehicle. If it is, the Spyder has substantial drivetrain losses. The excessive tightness of the factory drive belt spec could be a big contributor. So could dragging brakes, which would also account for the noise some of us hear when pushing the Spyder. Beyond that, I am clueless. This thing needs to go on a dyno to verify these numbers. Magic better hurry with his black box. LOL Anyway, the initial assesment was correct, the numbers are disappointing for sure, and now they are verified, in a way.
-Scotty

[DragonSpyder]

Piston, cams, and fuel control is about $2500 but adds around 40HP. I would guess that should get us to 11secs at a minimum.

[Spyderman62]

All technical stuff aside for a moment - But you got to admit, that when the rear tire squeals, and the bikes tach jumps towards the 9000 range, and the wind in your face, fast or not, the feeling is electrifying! Not to mention , more fun than a person should be allowed to have on the public roads. I know it is not as fast as a VMax or other high horsepower superbikes, but the fun factor makes up for what the numbers don't show. I too would be interested to see a rear wheel horsepower figure - like you said, a 30% loss seems a bit high - Thanks for the tech info

[hondaman]

its about the cool factor..........there is allways someone bigger and faster but its hard to be just coool......spyders rule............99% of lets say sportbikes,ie suzuki gsxr 600 bikes will never see the limit they can do.Buy one,take it to a roadcourse and find out really how fast your not.When the tires are blue,rubber chunks roll off the edge of the tires,draging knees and sliding the bike around the corners.then you will see what fast is.its a rush ill never forget!I respect the road much more now.Just have fun and be safe:spyder:

[Zerocool]

OK, I decided I would do the calculations, and see how this all shook out. The are lots of drag strip calculators on the Internet, formulas, and even my old Isky calculator wheel (slide rule). Very disappointing, to say the least. If the few performance numbers we have been seeing are correct, the Spyder only gets about 70 hp to the rear wheel. If they are telling the truth about flywheel horsepower, there is more than a 30% drivetrain loss! The normally accepted standard is 17%. If this standard number is correct for the Spyder, then it actually makes only about 85 hp at the flywheel. I used 950 lbs wet, with rider, 98 mph, and 13.89 secs for the calculations. A 106 hp vehicle should theoretically be capable of as much as mid to high 12s, at around 105-109 mph.

Why the discrepancy? Well, as far as ET goes, the VSS and traction problems may enter into the equation, as we have discussed. When I was racing, we always felt mph was a more reliable indication of horsepower for any one vehicle. If it is, the Spyder has substantial drivetrain losses. The excessive tightness of the factory drive belt spec could be a big contributor. So could dragging brakes, which would also account for the noise some of us hear when pushing the Spyder. Beyond that, I am clueless. This thing needs to go on a dyno to verify these numbers. Magic better hurry with his black box. LOL Anyway, the initial assesment was correct, the numbers are disappointing for sure, and now they are verified, in a way.
-Scotty

You've got me beat on the analysis part, so I'm not challenging you :D

The one note that sticks in my mind regarding the 106 hp is where it states @8600 RPM (if I recall correctly). This leads me to believe that if you ain't hunkering down on your :spyder: then you ain't gonna reach 106 hp, no?

[steven888]

This conversation is over. Lets move on.

[Putt-Putt]

OK, I decided I would do the calculations, and see how this all shook out. The are lots of drag strip calculators on the Internet, formulas, and even my old Isky calculator wheel (slide rule). Very disappointing, to say the least. If the few performance numbers we have been seeing are correct, the Spyder only gets about 70 hp to the rear wheel. If they are telling the truth about flywheel horsepower, there is more than a 30% drivetrain loss! The normally accepted standard is 17%. If this standard number is correct for the Spyder, then it actually makes only about 85 hp at the flywheel. I used 950 lbs wet, with rider, 98 mph, and 13.89 secs for the calculations. A 106 hp vehicle should theoretically be capable of as much as mid to high 12s, at around 105-109 mph.

Why the discrepancy? Well, as far as ET goes, the VSS and traction problems may enter into the equation, as we have discussed. When I was racing, we always felt mph was a more reliable indication of horsepower for any one vehicle. If it is, the Spyder has substantial drivetrain losses. The excessive tightness of the factory drive belt spec could be a big contributor. So could dragging brakes, which would also account for the noise some of us hear when pushing the Spyder. Beyond that, I am clueless. This thing needs to go on a dyno to verify these numbers. Magic better hurry with his black box. LOL Anyway, the initial assesment was correct, the numbers are disappointing for sure, and now they are verified, in a way.
-Scotty

From my old drag racing days I would have to say that you are pretty darn correct. Certainly on the right track anyway.:agree:

[NancysToy]

Please don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. The Spyder is not a dog. It just has me curious as to the reason why it would not perform as well as predicted. Blame it on the engineer in me...or the old drag racer. As far as performance goes, the Spyder certainly satisfies me, and is more than adequate for my wife's first motorcycle. Let's not be defensive here, I love the vehicle! I'm not blasting it.

Whenever a machine shows twice the expected loss in horsepower through the drivetrain, it is odd. If there is a lurking mechanical cause, that could cause us all later grief, it should be explored. If possible, it should be explained, or cured. I am merely expressing my thoughts and questions. Repectfully allow me to do so. I would love to hear the thoughts of others in this regard, and certainly look forward to seeing reliable dyno numbers someday.
-Scotty

[Way2Fast]

This conversation is over. Lets move on.


It isn't over until the fat lady sings.....if you're not interested in reading anymore on this topic, don't click on it. Easy enough to do ?:hun:

Richard

[SpyderMark]

Whenever a machine shows twice the expected loss in horsepower through the drivetrain, it is odd.

Scotty,

The only performance numbers in a review I've seen posted so far came from MSN -- an organization not noted (as far as I know) for motorcycle testing. I posted previously on the inherent difficulties of getting top acceleration performance from a motorcycle-type vehicle such as the Spyder. I believe the performance deficit you note could easily be explained by poor technique.

Have you seen performance numbers from a reputable source?

Regards,

Mark

[NancysToy]

The only performance numbers in a review I've seen posted so far came from MSN -- an organization not noted (as far as I know) for motorcycle testing. I posted previously on the inherent difficulties of getting top acceleration performance from a motorcycle-type vehicle such as the Spyder. I believe the performance deficit you note could easily be explained by poor technique.

Have you seen performance numbers from a reputable source?

I have seen about four posts with ETs, and three with mph. I think some were on SpyderTalk a long while back. The MSN post is the only "official" test I have come across. ETs differ significantly, with MSNs being the worst. Easy explained by inexperienced riders on a difficult machine to launch. MSN did discuss this. The mph for the posts were all in about the same, slightly under 100, range. That one is not as dependent on the technique, and is the hardest to reconcile. As I said, normally a good indicator of horsepower at the rear wheel(s) using the formula.

horsepower = weight x (velocity/234)³

Translates to about 70-75 hp at the rear wheel. That's only 2/3 of 106 hp at the flywheel. Lots of loss, compared to a typical 17% (15-20%). I'd love to see some more performance figures, especially controlled testing.
-Scotty

[Putt-Putt]

Please don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. The Spyder is not a dog. It just has me curious as to the reason why it would not perform as well as predicted. Blame it on the engineer in me...or the old drag racer. As far as performance goes, the Spyder certainly satisfies me, and is more than adequate for my wife's first motorcycle. Let's not be defensive here, I love the vehicle! I'm not blasting it.

Whenever a machine shows twice the expected loss in horsepower through the drivetrain, it is odd. If there is a lurking mechanical cause, that could cause us all later grief, it should be explored. If possible, it should be explained, or cured. I am merely expressing my thoughts and questions. Repectfully allow me to do so. I would love to hear the thoughts of others in this regard, and certainly look forward to seeing reliable dyno numbers someday.
-Scotty

:agree:

[bone crusher]

I didn't buy my Spyder to compare numbers with other bikes...if I wanted the fastest bike on the road, I would've bought it...

Now for other things...being my mom was an English teacher, it's 'article', not 'artical'...sorry...had to correct...I know it's a biker board, but you don't want kids reading this stuff...

To a great weekend!

[ingramwc]

Look at motorcycle-usa.com, they did a first ride test and Motorweek, on Speed Channel tested the Spyder. The Motorweek video is available on SPYDERRYDER in the FYI section.:spyder: