Did Can-Am Miss a Chance for some good ink?

[2Gunns]

remember BRP markets these as a roadster and not a trike

I've never understood that.... if I had not been into motorcycles (and in the market for a Roadster) I would have bought a Miata !

Saying that, I understand BRP not wanting to be in this mix. I'm not sure the mag would have put enough "time in the saddle" to give the Spyder a fair comparison. As has been mentioned many times, it is different.

And if they did spend much time on one.... it would not have fair to the HD or Wing :2thumbs:

 

[ARtraveler]

I would like to clarify what IMO are a couple of issues. I really suggest going on line or purchasing a January issue of MCN to read the article. The descriptions of the H-D and the Wing were very accurate and right on.
IMO, a comparison of two distinct versions of three wheelers in one mix would have been great for consumers. Yes, they are different. I'm sure the article would have brought out those differences--just like it did between the two bikes it did test. The differences are what is great--not everyone is going to like each version---that is why there is choice out there. This gives potential customers more information. I have never bought a bike based on a magazine article, and have never discounted one based on an article either--but have appreciated the information given in the articles. They did test the early model of the Spyder (glitches & all) and I did not let that stop me from ordering one of the first ones, sight and test drive unseen and undone. I knew there would be glitches and problems in pre-production models, but I did appreciate the information. Consumers are very smart and savvy and can read between the lines.
IMO--I still think BRP did miss an excellent opportunity to get information about their product out into the hands of the motorcycling public. An earlier post mentioned the testers might destroy the unit in testing. I dont think that would happen---but if they did---it would be a cheap $20,000 (invoice cost?) or so for advertising. The TV ads had to cost $100's of thousands of $ and they did not reach a specialty targeted audience--they got everyone--interested in cycles or not. I guess Im trying to say they would have got more bang for their buck on getting information out to the public.

 

[boborgera]

Fred Rau wrote a full page in MCN, And mentioned motorcycle's he owned, And also about 150 that he had ridden , some coast to coast.
But Never mentioned the Spyder. I guess that says that BRP doesn't want comparison testing of their Spyder.:dontknow:

 

[docdoru]

:agree: with both points of view, BUT....BRP, please do not let an RS or RT to be ryde in a comparison test by a non-Spyder owner (many miles under his/her belt is a must). :lecturef_smilie::gaah:

 

[bullant12]

Their RT review was pretty good...hyea:

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/2009DecSpyderRT.pdf

 

[musicarcade]

It's my opinion that BRP declined due to the negative response they received when Consumer Reports did a review when the Spyder first came out. The riders had no experience on a Spyder and just a few hours (it seemed to me) to try it out. The Spyder takes some ryding to truly appreciate it and feel safe. Perhaps current reviewers would have a much better understanding of the Spyders' capabilities, but maybe not:dontknow:.

Also, perhaps ( although i doubt it) they don't feel they need to take a chance w/ a negative review as they are meeting their capacity in production and sales...

 

[2Gunns]

I would like to see what a follow-up review MCN would give the RT. Perhaps BRP could give them a long term ryde. I know RoadRunner mag likes to do 6 month to a year reviews and in my humble opinion, those reviews are the ones I concider just.

I love my RT and it's the best purchase I ever made, I doubt it would fail to impress any ryder.

http://www.roadrunner.travel/article-6754.php
(RoadRunner Jan. '10 review of the RT)

 

[bullant12]

It's my opinion that BRP declined due to the negative response they received when Consumer Reports did a review when the Spyder first came out. The riders had no experience on a Spyder and just a few hours (it seemed to me) to try it out. The Spyder takes some ryding to truly appreciate it and feel safe. Perhaps current reviewers would have a much better understanding of the Spyders' capabilities, but maybe not:dontknow:.

Also, perhaps ( although i doubt it) they don't feel they need to take a chance w/ a negative review as they are meeting their capacity in production and sales...

I take careful consideration of CR (I'm a subscriber) when it comes to automobiles and most products like appliances and cellphones. However, I do not follow their computer ratings seriously because as an IT Specialist, I do not agree with their testing protocols. By saying this, I would not agree with their motorcycle reviews (particularly the Spyder) because they do not use the right testing protocols. Besides, they do not do comparison testing of motorcycles as thorough as they do autos, so I would not even consider their review on the Spyder a true CR test.

 

[boborgera]

It's my opinion that BRP declined due to the negative response they received when Consumer Reports did a review when the Spyder first came out. The riders had no experience on a Spyder and just a few hours (it seemed to me) to try it out. .

:dontknow:
Are you sure it was Consumer Reports that did the test?
They buy all the vehicles they test , they don't use factory loners.
Besides they couldn't tell a Motorcycle from a Yugo, Let alone be able to ride one.:gaah:
Don't you know Motorcycle's are not safe!!:roflblack:

 

[NancysToy]

Don't you know Motorcycle's are not safe!!:roflblack:

.....nor are baby cribs, automobiles, canned foods, TVs, or a variety of other things we have been warned about. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[ARtraveler]

The magazine we have been referring to is Motorcycle Consumer News---not Consumer Reports. MCN is focused on motorcycling only. CR is more general--but a very good magazine. Hope that clears up any misunderstanding.

 

[SpyderFun]

.....nor are baby cribs, automobiles, canned foods, TVs, or a variety of other things we have been warned about. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

Don't forget to add women to that list! LMAO
:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Studybaker Bob]

Did CAN AM spyder miss a chance for good ink

If I rembmber correctly, BRP invited some editors & writers up, VIP style, to test their brand new RT, on some of the road tests a few of the brand new RT's broke down and had to be trailered back to their facilities.
Motorcycle Consumer News, as we all know is a very honest and through test magazine and do not accept adverising dollars so are not obligated to anybody. They pin pointed all of the good and not so good highlights of the new RT.
Sometimes the truth hurts.
It would not have been comparing apples to oranges. It would have been comparing three wheelers to three wheelers.
I think that the CAN AM Spyer RT Touring would have scored very, very high in Motorcycle Consumer News comparison article, if it didn't bread down. They could have scored a gold metal.

 

[boborgera]

• I think that the CAN AM Spyer RT Touring would have scored very, very high in Motorcycle Consumer News comparison article, if it didn't bread down. They could have scored a gold metal.

Like My Old Man use to say;
And if the Dog didn't stop to take a pee, he would have caught the Cat.

 

[Tonga]

I wouldn't want anyone to test drive my RT without my Elkas, thats for sure !!! I can't imagine a trike turning as quicky as my RT with the Elka front end.