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Can-Am Spyder: Another definition!

Greg H.

Greg H.

New member
I mentioned in the 'slow' thread about my feelings on the performance of the Spyder. Right! It ain't slow, folks! Now; here's my definition of what I think the Spyder is maybe better defined as, rather than a trike (although 'tri' does mean '3' :)), or a bike. My friends just love to call it a bike! :D Anyway; forget that!

To me; after 1,100 miles, and 10 days of ownership, here's my definition:

The Can-Am Spyder is a Sports Car (Spyder = convertible/no top/roadster (get it?)) that drives (or rides) like a motorcycle.

Let's face it. The handle bars, engine system (including transmission), gauges, and seat, are about the only things the Spyder shares with a regular motorcycle. The front end is essentially that of a sports car. The wheels, and tires are certainly not from a motorcycle. The chassis is a completely new design. No other vehicle shares it.

Can-Am calls it what it is: Spyder 'GS' Roadster.

('GS' = Grand Sport)

And, yes; it is :b2b:
 
Sorry, I'm an old hot rodder from way back when. A roadster to me is a 32 Ford highboy. Can't get my fossilized old brain to change gears now. I will admit that the feel of the Spyder is more sports car than anything. When I first rode it, I was trying to cement in my mind what it reminded me of. Then it hit me...my old Austin Healy bugeye Sprite. Very similar feel and road reaction. The similarity ends there. For one, the Spyder is faster. It certainly has a motorcycle feel to it when it is ridden, and I should know, I have had dozens, and own 23 right now. ATV or snowmobile like steering sensation. Very much a mixed bag. I think people will just simply have to add "Spyder" to their list of definitions. It is like nothing else out there.
-Scotty
 
Rest of both worlds.

Greg H. said:
The Can-Am Spyder is a Sports Car (Spyder = convertible/no top/roadster (get it?)) that drives (or rides) like a motorcycle.
Can-Am calls it what it is: Spyder 'GS' Roadster.

('GS' = Grand Sport)

And, yes; it is :b2b:
Click to expand...

Since I am a longtime "Biker" more than a "Sports Car Enthusiast" I consider it an Advanced Stability Sport Touring TrYke. I have mentioneed that I came off a mellow Sport Tourer (Honda Pacific Coast, 800cc V2).

I would loved Honda to have made a version based on the new DN-01 driveline and ST-1300 styling. I believe the good points would have been just as good and there would have been better handling of the little irritants. Would have our owner's package. good touring windscreen, AND free membership to the Honda Rider's Club!
 
One thing we can all agree on - there's just nothing like the Can-Am Spyder!

Below is a photo of the now out of production S1 Roadster by Superformance. I was lucky enough to drive one of these owned by a local resident. Only 56 were built. Production ended in 2004. As many of you will attest, the S1 is a homage to the Lotus Super 7. When I ride my Spyder, I am very much reminded of that drive in the S1.

S1_FrontQuarter.jpg


Apparently; Jim Price, and the team at Superformance felt that their Cobra 427 replica (MKIII), Daytona Coupe, and Ford GT replicas keep them busy enough. :) And, the demand may not have been there for the S1.
NancysToy said:
Sorry, I'm an old hot rodder from way back when. A roadster to me is a 32 Ford highboy. Can't get my fossilized old brain to change gears now. I will admit that the feel of the Spyder is more sports car than anything. When I first rode it, I was trying to cement in my mind what it reminded me of. Then it hit me...my old Austin Healy bugeye Sprite. Very similar feel and road reaction. The similarity ends there. For one, the Spyder is faster. It certainly has a motorcycle feel to it when it is ridden, and I should know, I have had dozens, and own 23 right now. ATV or snowmobile like steering sensation. Very much a mixed bag. I think people will just simply have to add "Spyder" to their list of definitions. It is like nothing else out there.
-Scotty
Click to expand...

Good post, Scotty! And, I would like to see a list of your (23) bikes, too! That's amazing! :)
 
Last edited:
Greg H. said:
I mentioned in the 'slow' thread about my feelings on the performance of the Spyder. Right! It ain't slow, folks! Now; here's my definition of what I think the Spyder is maybe better defined as, rather than a trike (although 'tri' does mean '3' :)), or a bike. My friends just love to call it a bike! :D Anyway; forget that!

To me; after 1,100 miles, and 10 days of ownership, here's my definition:

The Can-Am Spyder is a Sports Car (Spyder = convertible/no top/roadster (get it?)) that drives (or rides) like a motorcycle.

Let's face it. The handle bars, engine system (including transmission), gauges, and seat, are about the only things the Spyder shares with a regular motorcycle. The front end is essentially that of a sports car. The wheels, and tires are certainly not from a motorcycle. The chassis is a completely new design. No other vehicle shares it.

Can-Am calls it what it is: Spyder 'GS' Roadster.

('GS' = Grand Sport)

And, yes; it is :b2b:
Click to expand...


My definition would be a Snow Machine with wheels!:thumbup:


And you are correct, it is :b2b:
 
WidowMaker said:
My definition would be a Snow Machine with wheels!:thumbup:


And you are correct, it is :b2b:
Click to expand...

Indeed; you have to think about snowmobiles (snow machine), and ATVs, as well. Certainly! :D I have never been on a snowmobile. Funny thing is; until 2 years ago, I had never ridden an ATV. And, it was only that one time. But; when cornering at speed on the Spyder, that all comes to mind. Of course, we all know Bombardier's history. :D
 
I repeat an earlier comparison from 20 years ago. When BRP introduced the Sea Doo, stand up Jet Ski riders could not describe the sit down experience except to say it was weird and not very sporting. The sit down models did not respond to rider input in the same fashion and the prospect of "high siding" was unacceptable. The Spyder is not a motorcycle other than it is registered, licensed and subject to motorcycle safety laws and the controls operate the same. For those who ever rode a Jet Ski and moved to a Sea Doo, I think you understand the move from two wheels to three wheels better. You gain stability, but lose some of the rider input that you are used to. That doesn't make it better or worse, it just makes it different.
 
BRPjunkie said:
I repeat an earlier comparison from 20 years ago. When BRP introduced the Sea Doo, stand up Jet Ski riders could not describe the sit down experience except to say it was weird and not very sporting. The sit down models did not respond to rider input in the same fashion and the prospect of "high siding" was unacceptable. The Spyder is not a motorcycle other than it is registered, licensed and subject to motorcycle safety laws and the controls operate the same. For those who ever rode a Jet Ski and moved to a Sea Doo, I think you understand the move from two wheels to three wheels better. You gain stability, but lose some of the rider input that you are used to. That doesn't make it better or worse, it just makes it different.
Click to expand...


:clap::clap::clap::clap: You hit the bulls eye dead center !!
 
So I'm not the only one!

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one having a hard time coming up with the "proper" description of my Spydie. I, too, think of roadster as my old two seater Austin Healy (o.k. I'm old) or my current two seater BMW Z-4 (may be old but I still like the cute toys and between the convertible and helmets on bikes I always have a great reason for having a bad hair day :cheers:). On the other hand, I don't think it's fair to lump it in with the traditional trikes. So I've been running these by my husband, who's a really :firstplace: tolerant guy) - I think a new word is in order and based on BRP's promos I think either "moadster" or "rotorcycle" (roadster/motorcycle) should be considered :joke:.
Obviously I have too much time on my hands and not much in my brain.
 
'What is it ? I'm asked all the time. Then they say "well it's not really a motorcyle". It makes for good conversation but to me it's a sport tryke (a motorcycle with 3 wheels, count'em). I've not driven any of the other things mentioned here so I can't compare it to anything else. But really it's whatever you want it to be. Don't worry, be happy. :2thumbs::2thumbs:
 
A while back I made a post refering to my :spyder: as a "Roadmobile".

I come from a back ground of both dirt bikes and snowmobiles from early in my childhood and after riding :spyder: for a short time it hit me that it is VERY much the same as riding a snowmobile. Much more so than a bike.

So....

I still refer to it as my "Roadmobile":D
 
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