Any videos on how to operate a Can Am Spyder?

[studiopeg]

I am going to rent a Spyder (automatic) next week. I rode a Spyder last year at Americade for a few hours, was great! But of course I've forgotten all the controls.

I've been riding motorcycles for 30 years.

I searched YouTube but didn't find any videos on the specifics of shifting, paddle operation, etc. Anyone know where I can view one before I rent?

Yes of course I am going to ask for a full overview before I drive it home. I just want a heads up.

I'm renting to take my 85 year old dad for a ride to fulfill his dream of daughter and father riding together!

Thanks!

Peg

 

[ARtraveler]

I am going to rent a Spyder (automatic) next week. I rode a Spyder last year at Americade for a few hours, was great! But of course I've forgotten all the controls.

I've been riding motorcycles for 30 years.

I searched YouTube but didn't find any videos on the specifics of shifting, paddle operation, etc. Anyone know where I can view one before I rent?

Yes of course I am going to ask for a full overview before I drive it home. I just want a heads up.

I'm renting to take my 85 year old dad for a ride to fulfill his dream of daughter and father riding together!

Thanks!

Peg

A refresher course by the renting dealer should be done before they turn you loose. Carrying a passenger is also an extra responsibility. Many accidents happen when people are unfamiliar with a particular vehicle. Most people on here state that there is a learning curve of about 500 miles before they feel totally comfortable with the :spyder2:.

Just a few things to think about.

 

[studiopeg]

A refresher course by the renting dealer should be done before they turn you loose. Carrying a passenger is also an extra responsibility. Many accidents happen when people are unfamiliar with a particular vehicle. Most people on here state that there is a learning curve of about 500 miles before they feel totally comfortable with the :spyder2:.

Just a few things to think about.

goodness I intend to take him around the block and around town. I've had people on the back of my Harley for years. You're not being helpful. If you know of any videos please share, that's all I asked

 

[figmotoday]

I am going to rent a Spyder (automatic) next week. I rode a Spyder last year at Americade for a few hours, was great! But of course I've forgotten all the controls.

I've been riding motorcycles for 30 years.

I searched YouTube but didn't find any videos on the specifics of shifting, paddle operation, etc. Anyone know where I can view one before I rent?

Yes of course I am going to ask for a full overview before I drive it home. I just want a heads up.

I'm renting to take my 85 year old dad for a ride to fulfill his dream of daughter and father riding together!

Thanks!

Peg

Below is a link to a BRP overview & training video. This video came on a DVD with my spyder.

 

[ARtraveler]

goodness I intend to take him around the block and around town. I've had people on the back of my Harley for years. You're not being helpful. If you know of any videos please share, that's all I asked

Dealers should have access to the training video that is included with each owners manual. You may find it helpful in handling the Spyder. Controls are not shown in the "training" video.

I also have driven motorcycles since 1964 (51 years). I was not comfortable driving the Spyder until I had almost 1000 miles under my belt.

Sorry if you took my advice the wrong way. I just don't want someone to have a bad experience. Most likely, you will be just fine with your rental. I am sure your rental dealer knows what they are doing.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

QUICK COURSE

Except for the difference in the physical controls....just drive it like a car with handlebars and you should be fine .....The day I rode my first Spyder ( and then traded my GW that day for it ).....That's exactly what the Dealer told me to do and I had zero problems...............Mike ....PS I would watch the video as suggested......:yes::yes::yes:

 

[figmotoday]

Can Am videos

Hi Peg,

For your question below.

"specifics of shifting, paddle operation, etc. Anyone know where I can view one before I rent?"

The above video includes training on "specifcs of shifting, paddle operation, etc." for both semi-automatic and manual transmissions. The control trainings are in various sections of this video, so you'll need to search do a little searching if you are not up for watching the entire video.

 

[AY4B]

The location of the controls are not an issue, There is nothing easier than driving a spyder. The only thing is for your body to relax and take control. With each ride, it gets easier and easier. Just enjoy and ride within your own abilities.

 

[Chupaca]

Relax. .!!

you have many years under your belt and I can't imagine you have forgotten much. Having ryden for a few hours already it will take from the door to the drive way to remember.:roflblack:nojoke I picked mine up the day I saw it and rode it home having never been on one before. You will find some videos but a little parking lot fun will do you...:thumbup:

 

[CapNCrunch]

ONE WORD OF CAUTION!

I am going to rent a Spyder (automatic) next week. I rode a Spyder last year at Americade for a few hours, was great! But of course I've forgotten all the controls.

I've been riding motorcycles for 30 years.

I searched YouTube but didn't find any videos on the specifics of shifting, paddle operation, etc. Anyone know where I can view one before I rent?

Yes of course I am going to ask for a full overview before I drive it home. I just want a heads up.

I'm renting to take my 85 year old dad for a ride to fulfill his dream of daughter and father riding together!

Thanks!

Peg

You should practice panic stops on your new Spyder automatic. After 30 years of two-wheelers your mind will direct your left hand to the CLUTCH LEVER. NOT GOOD!!
PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE!!
CapNCrunch : =)

 

[studiopeg]

Below is a link to a BRP overview & training video. This video came on a DVD with my spyder.

THANKS!!!!!

 

[wiredgeorge]

I took a test drive at a South Texas dealership near Devine TX about 5 years ago and all my years riding a bike fought with what I should have been doing and I decided the test drive was enough. I subsequently bought a couple of conventional trikes and learned how to steer with the bars and not counter-steer. and when I took another test ride on a Spyder, it was totally familiar except no brake lever on the handlebar. That didn't take long to relearn. I have been riding and raced extensively from the late 60s to the mid-80s so I can ride a bike but I think ingrained habits make picking up riding a Spyder a tad of a challenge. Before running around with your passenger, give yourself 100 miles on back roads at low speeds with little traffic. Make sure the Spyder's suspension is set up correctly before canyon carving as it does make a BIG difference on this vehicle.

 

[studiopeg]

I did extremely well on my first ride on the Can Am - one hour ride over twisties and no problems transitioning from a conventional bike to a Can Am. I have been blessed with extremely wonderful hand eye coordination. Other areas are lacking tho

Anyway, the Cam Am dealer called me to say that the Can Am's transmission went out and it will be weeks before it's repaired.

Oh well

 

[Bob Denman]

Glad to hear that the transition seems to be easy for you... :thumbup: