Spyder in the Snow???

[spyder-mumba]

I love riding so much that i want to know if there is a way to ride in the colder winter in Michigan. Can I change the tires or something to get grip in the ore slippery conditions or is my ride destined to the garage until the spring?

[Rogue Hawk]

Something to add to this question, "Are there any concerns regarding road salt, are there parts of the Spyder that need rustproofing?"

[Fatcycledaddy]

With the snow and ice build up you get around your fenders and tires on a car and the tight clearances on the :spyder2:, I cant see this being a good thing to try.
Then when you look at the cost of the :spyder2:, then consider that it is not made to ride in the snow and salt, what could the cost of repairs be for a few rides in the snow?
Lastly, how will all of the plastic components handle the cold, is it the same plastic as the snowmobiles, or is it a little different and will get brittle in the cold and snow?

Not worth it in my book!

[Commander]

I remember hearing that snow and Spyders DO NOT go well together......I would not recommend it.:lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie:

[spyder-mumba]

I thought I would ask...bummer...looks like she will be going away month....spring better get here fast....

[MelloYelloSpyder]

I thought I would ask...bummer...looks like she will be going away month....spring better get here fast....

Is this your first bike here in Michigan?? Just because it has three wheels doesn't mean it can be ridden in our winters. I would not even attempt to ride it during our winters. I put mine up a week ago only because I have no garage and have to take it to the storage facility where it is sleeping until spring. And it would be wrecked from all the snow, ice, and salt even if you were able to get in a couple of rides.

[Bob Denman]

If you want to ride in the snow; buy yourself a snowmobile... nojoke

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Seth-O, can answer any of your questions on this ......I don't think He puts His up, and He lives in Mn. ......Mike :thumbup:

[Colin]

I had to park my Spyder up for the winter I would go nuts, it sure makes me glad that we can ride all year round here in NZ :thumbup:

[Radthorne]

I rode to work once after a snow, and the roads were still slushy and icey. I only did it because my car was in the shop and I had to get to work. Let's just say it was way more exciting than I liked. The back tire did lots of fish tailing around.

[Darren111]

My Can Am operating manual says I must not ride on snow or ice with my Spyder and therefore will not ride on snow or ice. :read:
Geoff (OJ UK) has advised me not to ride with salt grit on the roads and therefore I will follow Geoff's advice and not ride on salt gritted roads.:bowdown:

[ARtraveler]

The question does come up from time to time. The manual states not to use the :spyder2: on snow or ice.

:ani29:: The rear tire will spin if you try to drive through standing snow--to much resistance from the front tires.

:ani29:: Studded tires are an option where allowed. Most states do not allow them because they damage the roads. Available in Alaska though. My dealer tried them out the first year (2008) and did about two rides--enough said.

:ani29:: I don't mind riding in the cold, but black ice can kill you. You can go, but you cannot stop.

:ani29:: Road salt is not good for the :ani29: either.

:ani29:: My last consideration is playing road hockey with careening SUV's, trucks, and vans. They are all over the place here. When they flip over in the ditch, we refer to them as ditch divers. They are always singing "I am invincible, I have a four wheel drive" just before they go boom.

I think you can see that I do not recommend driving :spyder2: in the snow and ice. I want to be around next season when the weather will be better, and the roads a bit safer.

A snowmobile is a better option if you want to ride in the wind.

Here is a picture of the morning commute into Anchorage on Monday 11/2/15. The highway is three lanes each way--they are only using two. The surface is black ice. The pack is in stop mode due to ditch divers ahead. 129 accidents that morning. 89 on the highway shown. Glenn Hwy--the only way into or out of Anchorage at the North end. The 30 mile commute from Palmer/Wasilla to Anchorage took three plus hours for most that morning.

http://www.ktuu.com/image/view/-/36205352/medRes/1/-/maxh/360/maxw/640/-/12ji287/-/20151102-082610-resized-jpg.jpg

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: That scene has a lot of potential for becoming the next "Demolition Derby 500"! :yikes:

[Saluda]

If you want to ride in the snow; buy yourself a snowmobile... nojoke

Agree with that, makes the winter fly by.

[Bob Denman]

Agree with that, makes the winter fly by.
:agree:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119969&stc=1

[jaherbst]

:agree:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119969&stc=1

I would seriosly give some thought to taking the Spyder on a Fl or AZ vacation. It might be cheaper over a long run!

Jack

[Bob Denman]

I would seriosly give some thought to taking the Spyder on a Fl or AZ vacation. It might be cheaper over a long run!

Jack
It WOULD save me a lot of money on alcohol and movie rentals... :D

[jtpollock]

I have not put mine away since the day I bought it but I do not take it out in the :cus: SNOW. With the nanny you get out of shape and she takes over and shuts you down just saying..:thumbup: jtpollock

[Grandpot]

With the back tire more likely to spin, I would think Nanny would have a hissy fit.

[Chupaca]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119971&stc=1 will get you there for a meer $4,000.00 but will still not do well with the salty brine....:banghead:

[arntufun]

I remember when "Men" were actually "Men" on this site........ :roflblack:




http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119972&stc=1http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119973&stc=1

[mdr146]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg8Iec-uG_c

[SL Ken]

If you go to YouTube and search Shawn Smoak and then look at his Can Am Spyder videos, there is one where he is trying to ride the Spyder in the snow. I found it by going to playlist and then Can Am Spyder videos. I use an iPad and I can't figure out how to put the video on here.

[Darren111]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119971&stc=1 will get you there for a meer $4,000.00 but will still not do well with the salty brine....:banghead:

Chupaca, really like your snow mobile. Tell me more.... can you buy these from BRP?

[arntufun]

Chupaca, really like your snow mobile. Tell me more.... can you buy these from BRP?




Chupaca would be the last guy you should ask about this................. He lives in San Diego where the most snow they have had is, when someone shook the head of someone that had dandruff ........ :roflblack:

[Bob Denman]

:agree: I think that they're built by a Canadian firm:
www.B-Pwr.com
:thumbup:

[SpyderWalter]

Here in the Northeast roads are cleared pretty quickly. This is my first winter with the Spyder but I used to ride my Victory Vision 2 wheeler in the winter once the roads were cleared. I hope to do this again this winter, I know the concern about salt, but can I mitigate by cleaning from time to time? I like to ride in cold weather, hoping to continue to ryde this season. OK if the roads are clear of ice and snow?
SpyderWalter
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119976&stc=1

[Bob Denman]

The trick with the Spyders, is that the bodywork has all sorts of potential for hiding where the salt spray can really do a lot of damage... :shocked:
If they salt or brine your roads; do yourself a favor, and stay off of them until you've had enough warm weather and rain, to wash them clean. :thumbup:

SWEET-Looking Victory!!

[109spyder]

Winter must suck ass over there, especially if you like riding, I can ride all year round here. All though wouldn't mind if it snowed, so i could go skiing!

[Bob Denman]

Winter must suck ass over there, especially if you like riding, I can ride all year round here. All though wouldn't mind if it snowed, so i could go skiing!
It's pretty tough to, "Run with the foxes, and howl with the hounds..." :shocked:
If you could go skiing; you probably wouldn't be riding! :shocked:

[SmoovOpRatoR]

I seem to remember a video a while back from one of the Scandinavian countries of a guy who put a spiked tire, not studded, but giant spikes to ride on the ice. I'll see if I can find it.

[Bob Denman]

Lack of traction, is clearly the issue... nojoke



https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Hm0OG33pHx0

[Deanna777]

I remember hearing that snow and Spyders DO NOT go well together......I would not recommend it.:lecturef_smilie::lecturef_smilie::agree: :agree::agree::agree: also, it is not worth it. Deanna

[Chupaca]

Not much use here in San Diego. It's a kit from the web. Saw a video on YouTube. Was posted here couple of times.

[Deanna777]

[QUOTE=SpyderWalter;1061945]Here in the Northeast roads are cleared pretty quickly. This is my first winter with the Spyder but I used to ride my Victory Vision 2 wheeler in the winter once the roads were cleared. I hope to do this again this winter, I know the concern about salt, but can I mitigate by cleaning from time to time? I like to ride in cold weather, hoping to continue to ryde this season. OK if the roads are clear of ice and snow?
SpyderWalter
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119976&stc=1[/QUOTE Here in Vermont the roads are not cleared quickly. My spyder is in for its winter's nap. I sure would not ride my spyder in the winter. The salt, brine, etc. I would not want to ruin my spyder. Deanna

[groundeffect]

As my only vehicle, i used to kit out my spyder with heated grips, larger windshield, wind defectors, layer up for the cold and watch the forecast, approaching clouds and forecast like a hawk.

Thought I'd share this interview I did with BRP back in 2011:


February 25th, 2011
RIDER PROFILE: GREETINGS FROM NEWFOUNDLAND

Spyder Team
We love hearing stories from our fans. Dean Parsons rides his Can-Am Spyder roadster year round – in Newfoundland. When we found out about Dean’s dedication to riding, we knew we had to get in touch with him to find out how he battles through negative wind chills, rain, snow and all the other unpredictable weather that comes along with living in Newfoundland.


Can-Am: When did you get your Spyder RS roadster?
Dean Parsons: I purchased my Spyder in January of 2010. I recall it vividly as it was a very interesting conversation. When I discussed the details of the purchase with my local dealer (Fun N' Fast, who have a great sales, tech and support crew), they mentioned a delivery date of early spring. I placed the order in December, and waiting three long winter months without riding would have just been unbearable. A long story short, my dealer worked with the shipping department in Valcourt/Sherbrooke and they were able to get my Spyder to me early! Thank you BRP!

My dealer tracked my Spyder during shipment and gave me the exact date for arrival. Bright and early on January 30, 2010, I made my way to the dealership eagerly awaiting delivery of my first three-wheeled machine. I couldn't wait! As I arrived I watched a transport truck pull in packed with yellow and black BRP crates. It was the middle of winter and I counted something like 30 Ski-Doos and a lone Spyder Roadster at the back of the trailer. That was my Spyder Roadster!!

In fact, it was last month, January 30, 2011, which marked my one-year Spyder riding anniversary. We celebrated with dinner and a night on the town as I shared some of my riding stories and Spyder experience of my 32,400 kilometers (20,132 miles) thus far.


Can-Am: What inspired you to start riding your roadster year-round?
D.P.: My 2010 Spyder is my only means of transportation, by choice. I really enjoy riding and I wanted a challenge. I sold my car and started looking for my adventure machine – one vehicle that would allow me to adventure ride, have room for practical things like groceries and a couple overnight bags, provide the exhilarating feeling of freedom and riding a motorcycle through the elements, and room for two. With its inherent design, stability and safety features, the Spyder is my answer. I embarked on a personal challenge to ride year-round on my Spyder as my only vehicle.*

Having been born and raised here in Newfoundland, I am all too aware of our interesting changing weather. We can experience all four seasons in one day sometimes. With this challenge came the reality of riding through all types of conditions, and not willing to potentially wait a long time for that perfect sunny warm day to ride. I had to be prepared. I watch the weather forecast and clouds like a hawk. I keep my rain suit and other extras in my Spyder all day so it’s there when I need it.

Can-Am: Take us through how you prepare for your ride every morning in the winter.
D.P.: In the winter months, the morning on the way to the office starts with a look at the weather forecast. This is followed by hauling on multiple layers that help battle the cold winter air and wind chill:* a warm sweater, wind/waterproof pants, boots and jacket, leather gloves with warm liners, balaclava and my helmet – all on over my office attire. I roll out of my heated garage, flip on a set of heated grips and start up. While my Spyder is warming up, I may shovel some freshly fallen flurries from the driveway. Then I'll do my pre-ride check to be sure everything is in good working order before I head out.

Can-Am: Do you do anything special to get your Spyder ready for the cold weather?
D.P.: Yes, there are a few accessories that I've installed that have made my Newfoundland year-around Spydering possible. As most riders know, wind chill is bad. That is where I've found the BRP 25-inch Ultra Touring Windshield Kit (P/N 219400177), heated grips and good cold-weather gloves, jacket and pants to be invaluable. All of these things combined have allowed me to ride through some cold subzero Newfoundland winter conditions, where otherwise it would be impossible or impractical.


I also make time for a weekly wash down and corrosion-prevention session. We get a lot of road salt in these parts, so frequent washing, drying and salt protection is key to keeping my Spyder in good working order on the winter roads and through the cold months.

In the subzero temperatures I always keep my eyes peeled for indications of slippery sections, black ice and other such hazards. I adjust my speed and route to the conditions and follow other motorists.

Can-Am: Where do you get your riding gear?
D.P.: I get most of my gear locally. My dealer has been very receptive and understanding of my Spyder riding habits. They are always willing to schedule my Spyder in for maintenance, even among the many scheduled Ski-Doo maintenance appointments during peak snowmobile season. It's actually really fun to see my Spyder sharing the shop with five or six Ski-Doos.

Can-Am: Are there any conditions you won't ride in?
D.P.: To me, with the three-wheel "Y-factor” stance, there is no reason to store my Spyder. However, there are some conditions where I will not ride. Fighting for traction on deep snow-covered roads is not a battle I want to be in, so I do not ride when the roads are snow covered or iced up really bad. However, battling the cold is a fight I can win with my winter gear and cold weather accessories. When the roads are covered and really slick, I'll wait for the snowplow to clear the way – then I ride. Until then, I find other ways to work, but granted it will not be as fun.

Can-Am: What's the most extreme weather you've ever ridden in? How did you prepare?
D.P.: I always take the long way round, no matter where I ride, but some unexpected Newfoundland winter weather has almost left me stranded. I have dealt with the unexpected nature of Newfoundland winters with finding alternate routes home on the main roads, which are the first to be cleared of snow and salted. I remember it was early December when a quick moving snowstorm moved in much faster than forecasted. I left the office 10 minutes early to get a jump on the traffic. With no time to waste I headed home on the straightest path possible. It started to get slick, and I had to adjust my speed for the conditions. The Spyder's traction control kicked in a couple times and did a good job of keeping me on track and in control. I made it home safe and sound, leaving a three-wheel tire track in the snow from the office to my garage door.

As for preparing for those kinds of conditions, well, the best I can do is keep an eye on the forecast and have a quick route planned to get home. If worse comes to worse, I could park and cover my Spyder until a storm lifts, but I hope I never have to use that option.

Earlier this month the temperatures dropped in a cold belt to near -20C (-4F) for about a week. The wind chill at these ambient temperatures dipped as low as -28C (-18F) while riding. On those mornings the cold air crept through my warm gloves and fought with my heated grips, to put it lightly!

These cold conditions do not stop me from riding, but it definitely limits my distance on “just because” rides. I usually still commute and ride but cut them short in hopes of warmer temperatures the following day.



Can-Am: Why is all-weather riding so important to you?
D.P.: It's fun and challenging. I really enjoy my free time, and anything that I can do to help extend or enhance and it, I'll do my best. In the past 12 months there have only been 18 days that were unsuitable or too dangerous for me to ride. Out of 365 days, I'll take it. I'm not complaining! Days like that are perfect for doing some Spyder maintenance in the heated garage! http://www.ridetherock.com/images/smilies/smile.png

Can-Am: What's your favorite season to ride in?
D.P.: That's a great question, but it is also difficult to answer, at least for me. I find each riding season offers something different, beautiful, interesting and exciting to experience. If I absolutely have to choose, I would say autumn for the fall colors, brisk early morning air and no summertime bugs to splat on my windshield or visor.

Can-Am: What makes riding in the winter so special to you?
D.P.: Two words: beautiful challenges. For me it's a combination of experiencing the beautiful winter snowscape in a way I never have before. At the same time, I'm drawn to the challenges that winter inherently presents – the extra time required to bundle up with warm clothes, the almost unpredictable weather changes. In one word: adventure.



Cheers and ride safe this winter everyone, whatever you ride!

[Gunkandpudge]

I'd move to Arkansas. I ride 12 months. Of course I live in LA: Lower Arkansas

:popcorn:

[Jim&Teresa]

:agree:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119969&stc=1

:agree:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119980&d=1447893762http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=119979&d=1447893762

[Rogue Hawk]

snow riding :doorag:

http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/uno_motorcycle_segway.jpg

[Mick N]

If you go to YouTube and search Shawn Smoak and then look at his Can Am Spyder videos, there is one where he is trying to ride the Spyder in the snow. I found it by going to playlist and then Can Am Spyder videos. I use an iPad and I can't figure out how to put the video on here.



Here it is....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCXPtvdJzjI

[Saluda]

To me once you get salt into your machine you can never clean it out. It starts acting on pretty much everything it comes in contact with (metals).
Seeing articles about snow bikes lately, apparently becoming popular. Not for me though.

[SPYDERGUY1]

Hey Dean, that was quite the interview/commentary. Keep up the good work. Unfortunately for some of us the cold is not a factor, but the foot of snow on the roads is more than enough to shut it down for another year. I like Bob's cartoon/sentiment about the bike being in the garage SO TRUE........

[SL Ken]

Here it is....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCXPtvdJzjI

Thanks. I just can't figure out how to put a link there. That is my Spyder that he's riding. (Now).

[sandeejs]

I love riding so much that i want to know if there is a way to ride in the colder winter in Michigan.

Can't add any thing to the previous comments about riding in snow and on ice. I'll ride if it's above 40 F, and the roads are clear. No garage, so I feel like the infrequent ride mid-winter is my reward for putting up with "white fungus".

I'm right "next door" to you, in Ann Arbor. Practically neighbors!
~Sandee~

[noboot]

I'm glad to live in Australia where the winters are mild compared to The Northern part of the world and we ride our Spyders all year round.
We have to ride all year in order to get value for money a 2015 RTS Special Series runs at about $42,000 AUD.

[Deanna777]

To me once you get salt into your machine you can never clean it out. It starts acting on pretty much everything it comes in contact with (metals).
Seeing articles about snow bikes lately, apparently becoming popular. Not for me though.:agree: and I 2nd that Deanna

[robmorg]

The OP didn't asked about riding in the snow... He asked about riding in the winter. There are LOTS of snow free winter days in most states. If you don't mind the cold and dress appropriately, I don't really see a problem with winter riding when there's no snow or ice on the roads. As for any salt and grime, Spyders don't seem to mind water... why not just rinse it off, including the undercarriage, and then dry it when you finish riding and after the bike cools down? :dontknow:

[robmorg]

As my only vehicle, i used to kit out my spyder with heated grips, larger windshield, wind defectors, layer up for the cold and watch the forecast, approaching clouds and forecast like a hawk.

Thought I'd share this interview I did with BRP back in 2011:

February 25th, 2011
RIDER PROFILE: GREETINGS FROM NEWFOUNDLAND

Dean,

Great interview. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup:

[Rogue Hawk]

Another option is to just pick up a cheap, crappy bike for winter use.

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: You can call me "spoiled" if you like...
But I don't want a, "Cheap, crappy" ride... :shocked:

[easysuper]

We just came off a great 1,400 mile ride up the West side of the Sierras and Eastern Oregon, through the Sequoias then Yosemite Park acros the pass at 7,000 feet then to Bend Oregon, we only had to lay over one day for the roads to clear in Lakeview, as the Spyders DO NOT like snow
on the roads .
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=120012&stc=1 http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=120013&stc=1 http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=120014&stc=1 http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=120015&stc=1 http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=120016&stc=1

[PistonBlown]

Snow/Ice - Yeah Nah. The back wheel spins and slides all over the place. Try pulling away up hill and it spins, goes sidewise and then nanny kicks in cuts the power so you don't go anywhere. The other issue is your rear wheel is where all the other vehicles are pushing the slushy snow to.
Very cold roads - Standard rear tire tends to loose traction pulling out at junctions etc. I solved that by replacing with a different make.
Rain - No issues, lovely and stable. Riding a bike in rain is normally a bit of a chore but with the Spyder it's almost more fun than when its dry.
Protection from elements - even my RS with it's standard screen is pretty good. Obviously hands get cold on the RS but I solved that with gloves I'd got when going to Antarctica and some of the famous 'Rain-Off' gloves. Stuffing a newspaper down the front of your jacket works wonders if normal gear isn't enough.
They don't salt the roads here, instead the sprinkle them with very fine stone chips which tends to form into small dunes on the corners. Can be very dangerous on a bike but of course Nanny keeps you on track with the Spyder.


This is my preferred transport in snow:-)
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=120029&stc=1