I am 44yo with a 20yo mind and a 65yo body due to a back injury. I am new to the Can-Am brand and of course my Spyder. I bought my Spyder not because i spoke to someone who praised it but because it had a great motor, looked Bad Arse, was cheap and no way i could afford an F3T or L or RT. I have a few friends with Maverik Side by Sides and they love them. They recommended a local dealer called Vey's Powersports stating since day 1 of purchase and after they have always serviced it with excellent results and customer service. I changed the handle bars on my Spyder and talked to the head mechanic about my ignition switch problem. I was treated with some downright "I could give a Sh*t less" attitude. I was told Spyders are not popular and we are so busy with other Can Am products, Hondas, Yamahas and so on that i can't even put you on the books but if i wanted to i could call back in a few weeks. Um! Yeah no thanks.
I was brought up to tell the truth, be honest and give a true but fair opinion. Basically i don't sugar coat but i am respectful. I have not been able to use my Spyder for almost 3 weeks now due to the ignition but when i did ride it the first few weeks i have had a few people ask the normal questions. I stated i am new to the brand, the cost of mine, the cost of a new one, the models available and my riding experience. I stated i could only give my opinion based on my limited ownership and only about 200mi of ryding it. At that time from my conversation i bet i sold one and one walk away completely form the cost alone.
I grew up racing dirt bikes using BulTacos, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda's. All were excellent bikes and would not trade the memories or learning experiences from any of them. The Can Am F3 is in the top tier price range for me and would love one some day. If Yamaha took the SRVenture DX and made it into a Trike for $15k i would buy one tomorrow. I could say the same thing about Honda, Suzuki or Kawasaki but they don't even make a snowmobile so venturing into a Trike market would be IMO the same $$ as a F3 or RT. I say that because i can hit no less than 6 Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki or Kawasaki dealers within 30min of me. I think there are the same amount that carry Can-Am but i would bet $$ that only one cares to work on or talk about Spyders.
2014 Spyder RS-S SE5 Mods:
ST Limited Wheels
RT Handlebars
Ultimate Seats ST Midrider
Lidlox Helmet Lock
Show Chrome Brake Pedal Extension
Excelvan X-Grip Cell Phone Holder w/USB Charger
Much more to come...... Ryder:
6'-1" - 205lbs - 32"IS - 34"Reach
Dealers seem to play a large roll in how well a bike sells. There is a Honda dealer, about 60 miles from here, that is expanding to a brand new larger facility. People travel hundreds of miles to buy from them. If they would add CanAm, they would probably sell a lot of them. They have a great reputation.
The dealer that services my Spyder also sells Case-IH farm equipment, Kubota gear. They have a separate facility to sell CanAm products. They are a Platinum dealer, and I have been very pleased with their service. When I get service they offer me a demo bike to ride around while they service mine.
The dealer I bought it from sells only CanAm, and has a good selection of new and used Spyder. They also have a Harley dealership, right next to the CanAm building. Only reason I do not have them service it it is about 100 miles away. The one I use is about 40 miles away.
The latest issue of Rider magazine had a 4 page story on the 10 year anniversary of the Spyder. This is nice but these major motorcycle magazines don't give us our due. Rider last ran a test on the RT back in, I think, 2011. That review was not very nice, citing the Spyders poor gas mileage as their main problem.
It's part of the reason I waited for the 1330 ACE. But then how much did I spend on farkles, way over $2500, and counting. Potential buyers read this forum and see how much more needs done to get their expensive Spyders roadworthy.
My Spyder is the last cycle I'll ever own. I ride a lot and still get a little adrenalin surge every morning when it starts up.
Buckeye Chuck 54 (4036) 133,000 miles and counting.....
Originally Posted by oldguyinCT
Second item in the column. Don't know where this information came from, so I can't vouch for its authenticity. Just wanted to put it out there.
The latest issue of Rider magazine had a 4 page story on the 10 year anniversary of the Spyder. This is nice but these major motorcycle magazines don't give us our due. Rider last ran a test on the RT back in, I think, 2011. That review was not very nice, citing the Spyders poor gas mileage as their main problem. It's part of the reason I waited for the 1330 ACE. But then how much did I spend on farkles, way over $2500, and counting. Potential buyers read this forum and see how much more needs done to get their expensive Spyders roadworthy. My Spyder is the last cycle I'll ever own. I ride a lot and still get a little adrenalin surge every morning when it starts up. Buckeye Chuck 54 (4036) 133,000 miles and counting.....
I'm not sure this is what you meant (bold above). I don't know of any Spyder that was not / is not roadworthy stock out the dealer's door. Some may consider their farkles to be 'necessary' add-ons, but are they really? Aren't they mostly a matter of choice to tune the suspension to one's taste, get even more performance, make it more comfortable, visible or whatever?
because I will not get my money back out of a new one if I buy it
Almost nobody has that as their primary consideration when buying a new vehicle, mainly because it NEVER happens, at least not the way you have stated it.
If you are trying to "get your money back" on the one you are trying to sell, then your asking price probable is WAY too high. Depreciation is a bitch.
Have you checked into trading it in ?? Sometimes that can be the best option. Right now '17 models are being discounted heavily.
Then a bit of personal opinion: I think that the majority of riders who the Spyder appeals to are not really the "speed and sport" crowd. That might make the sport models harder to sell on the used market. Might.
Actually you are in their demographic. Previously it was reported that 25% were never ridden, 25% were women, 25% had physical limitations, and the last 25% could ride two wheels but bought one because they were different. So there you are RoadKill you fit in to the BRP plan.
If what you are saying is true, and it probably is then yes I fit into their demographic, my mistake.
Anyone . . . ANYONE, that emphasizes a HIGH price of a Can Am as being the "sales" problem has never "shopped" for a trike.
Check out the out-the-door price of a Harley UltraTrike, THEN tell me about the "high" price of a Can Am Spyder.
Sorry, but I give this ZERO credibility!
AJ
Originally Posted by oldguyinCT
Second item in the column. Don't know where this information came from, so I can't vouch for its authenticity. Just wanted to put it out there.
Anyone . . . ANYONE, that emphasizes a HIGH price of a Can Am as being the "sales" problem has never "shopped" for a trike.
Check out the out-the-door price of a Harley UltraTrike, THEN tell me about the "high" price of a Can Am Spyder.
Sorry, but I give this ZERO credibility!
AJ
Just because another brand demands a premium for its trike does not mean BRP is accurate in its price. I believe the Spyder is way over priced for what you get but most other brands are as well. Motorcycles are considered a luxury so they price them as such. Do you believe a Spyder or any MC is worth that of a high priced car/suv? I dont but I bought one anyway.
My wife loves her F3, but when it is out of warranty we may not keep it unless it has been reasonably trouble free. The prognosis is pretty good, so far, with others having high mileage and little to no issues. She doesn't put on a lot of miles each year, so the bike should last a while yet. So far, in the two years that she has had it, she has not had any issues. We hope that the trend continues even though she still has 3 more years of warranty left.
I think that when we see a new player on the 3 wheel market come in BRP will have no choice but to re-evaluate how much they charge for the Spyder and will be forced to come out with a less expensive version for the younger crowd. Why they haven't done so already is puzzling to me. I also do know that when Yamaha, or Honda does finally comes out with their reverse trike that a lot of people will leave BRP for the more 'reliable' brands. Especially, those that have had a lot of problems with their Spyder, or dealer.
As for the declining number of Spyders being sold, not at our dealer. They are still selling them almost as fast as they come in.
I agree. Honda is testing a trike due to release in a couple of years, its a V6 with full auto tranny. I have not had any issues with my Spyder but reliability is a HUGE concern for me as I ride a lot. My dealer also sold almost every Spyder he had in stock and was very happy about it. My thoughts.
Just because another brand demands a premium for its trike does not mean BRP is accurate in its price. I believe the Spyder is way over priced for what you get but most other brands are as well. Motorcycles are considered a luxury so they price them as such. Do you believe a Spyder or any MC is worth that of a high priced car/suv? I dont but I bought one anyway.
Most likely that is because you don't understand all that has gone into the design of this truly unique vehicle. Way beyond what Harley has put into their trikes. The features that make this vehicle safe are truly unique and can't be compared to any other vehicle.
White 2013 Spyder RT Limited. BajaRon Swaybar, Custom Dynamic Third Brake Light. Ultimate Custom Black and White seat with driver and passenger back rest. Gloryder Led Wheel lights.Custom Dynamics Led Bright sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright sides.
2016 F3 Limited Intense Red Pearl. Lidlox, BRP Driver Back Rest, BRP Passenger Back Rest,Fog Lights, GPS, Signature Light! Custom Dynamics LED Bright Sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright Sides.
Most likely that is because you don't understand all that has gone into the design of this truly unique vehicle. Way beyond what Harley has put into their trikes. The features that make this vehicle safe are truly unique and can't be compared to any other vehicle.
I live in Ventura, which is kind of on the northern end of Southern California, or the southern end of Central California depending on how you look at it. I know of only two other Spyders in the Ventura/Oxnard area and even when I go down to L.A. rarely see another Spyder on the road. Oddly enough they don't seem to be a west coast beast for some reason. I see even fewer Slingshots than Spyders. Given the weather here, you'd think they'd be more popular. Perhaps Can Am should come out with an entry level Spyder and try to hit that sub-ten grand price that many conventional bikes go for.
As many of you know the Spyder Line is still a money loser for BRP. They are throwing lots of many at a marketing campaign in California, Florida and several other states where the ryding season is longer. Heck they are even paying for M1 endorsements for those people in states other than California, as they cant test drive one without it. They actually charge the Ryder $50.00 and BRP pays for the rest. They are traveling to all dealers in these states and bringing in multiple spyders for people to test drive. They are engaging with the local "Spyder Community" (SRA etc) to supply experienced "enthusiasts" to lead test rydes at these dealers. They have a targeted marketing plan to reach out to folks that have shown an interest in spyders locally and they invite them to a "Private" Test Ryde Event. They allow blocks of 1 hour per experienced rider and two hours for the non rider. This allows them plenty of time to get to know the machine and they spend between 20 and 30 minutes on the test ryde. My wife and I have been very involved in this campaign and have worked with several dealers in our area leading rydes and acting as the middle person between the ryde and the sales person. There are two frustrating factors here:
1.) BRP is spending the money to create these events at the local dealer. They have trained Spyder specialists at the event, they bring in refreshments, and as many as 4 spyders, Local Spyder enthusiasts to conduct the rydes and get people excited about spyders, and the dealers don't even promote the events. Web site info is provided but rarely used by the dealers to promote the event. They just don't get it. BTW my wife and I have sold spyders in every event that we have attended (5 on one weekend) actually my wife does the majority of the selling. Again with very little support from the dealer
2.) It has been so blasted hot in Nor-Cal this summer that we have had a lot of no shows.
Hopefully this campaign will bring a spike in Spyder sales. Folks there is a real chance these machines will go away BRP is not a Non-Profit organization. This is why we are so involved. We love our spyders and could not imagine what we would do with out them.
BRP is trying hard to make this work. Something is coming down the line. I have no idea what it might be. I just know that whenever I ask about what is coming down the line they start to look like the cat that ate the canary. In 2016 while sitting with the EVP for Design and Innovation, he asked what the Spyder line needed. One thing that was unanimous, in our opinion, was the Spyder needed an entry level model. We could see that this year.
White 2013 Spyder RT Limited. BajaRon Swaybar, Custom Dynamic Third Brake Light. Ultimate Custom Black and White seat with driver and passenger back rest. Gloryder Led Wheel lights.Custom Dynamics Led Bright sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright sides.
2016 F3 Limited Intense Red Pearl. Lidlox, BRP Driver Back Rest, BRP Passenger Back Rest,Fog Lights, GPS, Signature Light! Custom Dynamics LED Bright Sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright Sides.
Most likely that is because you don't understand all that has gone into the design of this truly unique vehicle. Way beyond what Harley has put into their trikes. The features that make this vehicle safe are truly unique and can't be compared to any other vehicle.
We as a litigious society have caused the price of anything mechanical, moves, and especially drives down the road, to be inflated drastically with all the opportunity of law suits against it.
Look at the many times in this forum alone where people have talked about "suing their pants off", of "suing them and putting them out of business".
This is also the reason for all of the cost of the redundancy checking that the computer does before start up, more than likely the reason for the hated DSS, and many other safety features on the Spyder, Harley, and any other thing that can be driven.
Look at the Chevy cobalt, learned that all the heavy things on a key ring would cause the ignition to shut off when driving causing accidents. That cost them millions!
Ford Explorer and Firestone got bad names and most of those problems were from low tire pressure and poor driving was my understanding of the situation.
Now we have VSS and TMPs on vehicles. How many thousands did that add per purchase and we have no option to have it or not.
From all of the bikes I have owned and ridden, the Can Am Spyder is a engineering marvel, not all perfect, and yes some things could be a little better, but what they have done is pretty amazing.
As many of you know the Spyder Line is still a money loser for BRP.
1.) BRP is spending the money to create these events at the local dealer. They have trained Spyder specialists at the event, they bring in refreshments, and as many as 4 spyders, Local Spyder enthusiasts to conduct the rydes and get people excited about spyders, and the dealers don't even promote the events. Web site info is provided but rarely used by the dealers to promote the event. They just don't get it. BTW my wife and I have sold spyders in every event that we have attended (5 on one weekend) actually my wife does the majority of the selling. Again with very little support from the dealer
Folks there is a real chance these machines will go away BRP is not a Non-Profit organization. BRP is trying hard to make this work. Something is coming down the line. I have no idea what it might be. I just know that whenever I ask about what is coming down the line they start to look like the cat that ate the canary. In 2016 while sitting with the EVP for Design and Innovation, he asked what the Spyder line needed. One thing that was unanimous, in our opinion, was the Spyder needed an entry level model. We could see that this year.
Anyone . . . ANYONE, that emphasizes a HIGH price of a Can Am as being the "sales" problem has never "shopped" for a trike.
Check out the out-the-door price of a Harley UltraTrike, THEN tell me about the "high" price of a Can Am Spyder. Sorry, but I give this ZERO credibility! AJ
Or a goldwing, or a fully-outfitted touring bike from bmw, etc. Spyder isn't aiming for the low end of the market; there is a huge existing market of enthusiasts who can and will pay more for a sophisticated unique machine.
Let's face it, none of us will ever be able to sell our Spyders for what we would want to get for them. Especially the '13 RT's, which you can't give away. But, the same holds true for just about any car, truck, motorcycle, etc. As soon as the salesman hands you the keys, the vehicle has depreciated by an average of 30%. If you paid $30k for a car five years ago, and wanted to sell it today for $25k, there is no way you would ever get that. So, you're stuck with it until you decide that, well, maybe $12k is good enough. Point is, you never get back what you put into any vehicle,
You are right on about the "resale" value of our toys. If you buy them for that, you will be sorely disappointed. I have not made a single extra $ on any motorcycle, car, or boat since I started in the mid 60's. I have had a lot of fun playing with the latest and greatest though. Would I do it again? About 75% yes.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Hi we live on Vancouver Island BC. A few years ago you would be lucky to see a Spyder when you drove up or down the island. The only way you can basically go. This summer it is not uncommon to see 3 or 4 Spyders every time we go out. The one local dealer
with 2 locations cannot keep used bikes in stock. Yes even 998's fly out of the buildings. Plus remember this is Canada where
we pay much more than you do in the states for comparable items. So maybe it is demographics as far as sales. Also just a comment about California and Spyders. Many times when I read a article about California and trikes the author does not like them
because you cannot lane split with a trike. Just my opinon which does not mean much. Bob
Most likely that is because you don't understand all that has gone into the design of this truly unique vehicle. Way beyond what Harley has put into their trikes. The features that make this vehicle safe are truly unique and can't be compared to any other vehicle.
I agree and is the reason I bought one. I tested a 2017 Harley FreeWheeler that rode ok but lacked the semi-auto tranny, power steering, ABS and traction Control. It also lacked the U-Fit that made my bike form-fitting. My Spyder was also a lot cheaper BUT I still don't feel my Spyder was worth the bucks I paid, but as I said......it sits in my garage so I bit the bullet and bought it.
It is available to ryde and it will ryde for days at a time. We managed to put 8000 miles on our two spyders on just two trips! one Iron Butt, and a trip from California to Valcourt and back. You know the more miles you put on them the more they are worth what you paid for them. There is no value I can put on what I have seen in over 50000 miles of Spyder ryding.
White 2013 Spyder RT Limited. BajaRon Swaybar, Custom Dynamic Third Brake Light. Ultimate Custom Black and White seat with driver and passenger back rest. Gloryder Led Wheel lights.Custom Dynamics Led Bright sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright sides.
2016 F3 Limited Intense Red Pearl. Lidlox, BRP Driver Back Rest, BRP Passenger Back Rest,Fog Lights, GPS, Signature Light! Custom Dynamics LED Bright Sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright Sides.
Dwight, you know who I mean.
It wasn't the Spyders or the Seadoos or Skidoos.
They were a combined dealership that also sold a lot of lawn tractors and powered lawn equipment.
The incursion of Home Depot, Lowes and Tractor Supply killed the lawn business, and they couldn't keep the shop open with just the powersports.
If it ain't broke, don't break it.
IBA #47122
2020 RT Limited Asphalt Grey
Originally Posted by oldguyinCT
White 2013 Spyder RT Limited. BajaRon Swaybar, Custom Dynamic Third Brake Light. Ultimate Custom Black and White seat with driver and passenger back rest. Gloryder Led Wheel lights.Custom Dynamics Led Bright sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright sides.
