I'm New - Questions on The Can-Am Spyder

[groundeffect]

Hello there.

I'm new to the forum. I have a couple years of riding experience (5000km off-road in dirt and on trails) and 20,000km of pavement riding - all on a dual purpose motorcycle.



Anyways, I am thirty years old and I'm interested in the Can-Am Spyder for the following reasons:

1. Three wheels - two up front and one at the rear - Providing little chance of a lay down, stable control and an awesome ride.

2. Good storage space - hard case panniers, even on the sports version RS?, and trunk up front.

3. Good controls (ABS, traction control, etc...)

4. More space for a passenger for longer rides vs a dual purpose motorcycle - From what I can tell, even the sports version, the RS.





Why I'm discouraged from purchasing a Can-Am Spyder:

1. Seems they are fairly new, and like many new things, there are a good bit of problems that I've read about (e.g. steering issues, brakes, etc…). All safety related. However, having said that, it is good to hear that BRP are coming up with updates and working to make things right for their customers.

2. The price. Wow. Its costly. I'm not interested in the




My Plan:
My plan is to save over the 12 months for a good sized down payment with the hopes of getting a Can-Am Spyder 2010 sports version (RS?) in late fall of 2010, just as the 2011 models are coming on line - hope to get a deal on the 2010. One year from today.





My Questions:
1. Since cost is a factor for me, yet I do want to do some long tours from time to time (say 1000-3000km at a time), sometimes with a passenger, can the RS sports (lower cost version, the RS?) handle side bags and perhaps fit a trailer accessories?



2. If I do purchase one, it will be my 'car', my only vehicle. Currently I ride my dual-sport motorcycle (Yamaha XT250) as my only vehicle, everywhere and for all purposes (commuting, mini-tours, groceries and adventure riding in the country side, gravel roads etc…).



3. How does the Can-Am Spyder Sports version, handle on gravel and dirt back roads? I know the traction control seems to be good, however, I would like to travel on dirt roads and explore some of the back side of the country - nothing too bumper or rocky, just fairly groomed gravel/dirt roads. CAn the Can-Am Spyder Sports version RS handle this type of road?


4. I carryout all of my own maintenance on my Yamaha XT250 dual purpose motorcycle now, and I'm VERY interested in doing the same with a Can-Am Spyder, if I get one. Is self maintenance on these machines difficult? I have a 400pc tool set I use for around my house and on my motorcycle... a good few big wrenches in the box I don't use yet... will that be adequate for work on the Can-Am Spyder?




I apologize for the lengthy post. I've been reading a lot about the Spyder lately, but thought I'd come to the experienced experts on this site who know the ins/outs of the Spyder, to help answer my questions.

thank you all in advance, that reply.
Cheers and thanks for your time.

 

[jsmiley]

On the cost aspects, you could look at second hand. Due to the recession and unemployment rates there are many a good deal to be had out there for used spyders still under warranty. I saved big money that way and have seen spyders listed all the way down to $9k with less than 2k miles. I have seen reports from others of prices around $7k.

If you go that route you can check out the service history from the dealer the current owner uses. Unfortunately from what I have been told BRP is not using a centralized database for service visits, so you pretty much have to talk to the dealer to see if it has been serviced. The dealer can lookup with BRP to see if the recalls and warranty work that has been done, so you can avoid that headache.

Ideal situation you can get a used unit at significantly reduced cost still under warranty and/or extended BEST warranty with all recalls completed. Problem solved.

 

[DynamoBT]

Something to consider is the low ground clearance. 4" I believe. And the Spyder is not that good on dirt and gravel. It really is meant for paved roads. Handles rain well. Not snow or ice. Though there are some here like tatt2r who are ryding in NH right now. I believe the Spyder is his only vehicle now too. I'm sure those who use the Spyder as their daily commuter will chime in.

 

[Dragonrider]

You can get a new '09 for less than $14K - about the price of a new Raider. Used, I've recently seen prices for a low miles '08 hit $8k.

While the Rotax drivetrain is well proven, you're correct in that the Spyder configuration is new - personally, I opted for new and a 5 yr warranty.

Once you get past the fact that you have to remove the tupperware to do almost anything at all, servicing isn't bad, if you have reasonable skills and a service manual, it's as easy as most Hondas or Yammers.

The most important consideration is the wheel configuration - a standard trike is unstable if not ridden properly (special classes are available), however, the Spyder is almost bulletproof regarding ryding style.... one can, in fact, just sit on it (like a car), and get where ever you want to go, but a little proper body english adds to the fun factor.

I am lucky to be able to have lots of transportation choices (2 cars, 1 truck, 1 Valk, 1 Spyder), so it's not my only ryde.

If you do some simple searches, you will find more information than you really want on this terrific site.. :spyder2: welcome

 

[groundeffect]

Thank you for the replies, everyone.


jsmiley:I have thought about a second hand model. At any rate, I'm still saving for 8-12 months before I purchase. Just wanted to start doing some foot work now and see how the models progress the next year. Thank you.

DynamoBT: Thanks for the note, I'm happy to hear it handles well in the rain.



Dragonrider: The 5-yr warranty sounds like a good option. Glad hear at home servicing is possible. However, I've read/heard about the need for computer upgrades to it's fireware and its' 'brain' and control system. Is that something ONLY a dealer can do, or is is possible with at home personal computers?




I like the idea of leaning into the turns on the Can-Am. Is that what you guys recommend to increase the fun factor, but also to get better control in corners?


Any other only-one-vehicle-Spyder owners out there that can comment?


Thank you for your time.

 

[WackyDan]

My Questions:
1. Since cost is a factor for me, yet I do want to do some long tours from time to time (say 1000-3000km at a time), sometimes with a passenger, can the RS sports (lower cost version, the RS?) handle side bags and perhaps fit a trailer accessories?

Buy used. While you can save $$ on a left over 09 or 10 when you buy, you can get a great deal on a used one still under warranty. Many SPyders were bought as novelties and don't have much mileage on them. That said, I bought an 08 leftover new in crate. You may also want to look at buying a dealer demo... Typically low mileage and sold with same warranty options as new.

2. If I do purchase one, it will be my 'car', my only vehicle. Currently I ride my dual-sport motorcycle (Yamaha XT250) as my only vehicle, everywhere and for all purposes (commuting, mini-tours, groceries and adventure riding in the country side, gravel roads etc…).

I take mine everywhere. It is a great grocery getter. Been on a few gravel roads, and it handled them quite well compared to a two wheel street bike. AS someone else mentioned, ground clearance is not as good as a bike.

3. How does the Can-Am Spyder Sports version, handle on gravel and dirt back roads? I know the traction control seems to be good, however, I would like to travel on dirt roads and explore some of the back side of the country - nothing too bumper or rocky, just fairly groomed gravel/dirt roads. CAn the Can-Am Spyder Sports version RS handle this type of road?

Like I mentioned above... It handles well on gravel, but it is not an off road bike. Really is no difference here that you can compare between the RS and the RT. The design principle is the same.

4. I carryout all of my own maintenance on my Yamaha XT250 dual purpose motorcycle now, and I'm VERY interested in doing the same with a Can-Am Spyder, if I get one. Is self maintenance on these machines difficult? I have a 400pc tool set I use for around my house and on my motorcycle... a good few big wrenches in the box I don't use yet... will that be adequate for work on the Can-Am Spyder?

Many here including myself maintain their spyders. Oil changes, plugs, belt tension are all possible to do yourself with a bit of practice and these forums.

I've had my Spyder since April 30th of this year and have only had one issue, a bad oil sending unit. I could still ride it, but had the dealer fix it. Those sending units are known to go bad and I knew that before it happened thanks to these forums. Just find a good dealer with a good service department, and you will be happy with your purchase.

 

[musicarcade]

....I like the idea of leaning into the turns on the Can-Am. Is that what you guys recommend to increase the fun factor, but also to get better control in corners?

Good advice from Nick in another thread:

* disclaimer *
* I am not a safety instructor *
* the following is just one man's opinion from 1k feet*
* if you want to try this stuff, please first go to a parking lot *

I have kind of made up my own style on handling the turns and it has worked out great for me. It's not going to be easy to explain but I tried to carry over some knowledge from aggressive riding on two wheels. The biggest lesson I ever learned on a sport bike was that I needed to move my whole body and shift my weight. For me the same theory still comes on the Spyder.

Although I'm not getting as many tickets as I used to, I still tend to push it a little more than normal. I also have paranoia that leeds to me to believe that I must be prepared for when the sh&t hits the fan and I need to make some serious moves, real fast. I'm a commuter and not a day goes by without some drama that forces me to get out of a lane and or quickly alter my course. I'm also forced to deal with three types of traffic. Near home its rural/suburb, then I get on tight parkway traffic and finally the really tight traffic in NYC. The tight parkway traffic is the one that really keeps all my senses on high alert. We move very fast in a tight pack on some serious curves. (Saw Mill Parkway if you're from the area. I ride the north end all the way to the south end) It feels like a Nascar race cause we are all within a foot of each other and all breaking the law by at least 15mph.

I'll do my best to describe it here and will use right turns on all the examples. With that being said, this is what works for me;

Arms and Hands
Reading a book from Lee Parks and other classes that I attended in the past taught me to keep one arm limber and make one the power arm. The best way to grasp that concept is to take right turns with your left hand removed from the bar. It forces you to focus on that right arm only. On the Spyder when taking a right turn, I first bring my elbow in towards my body and pull the grip towards my chest. Stay away from pulling with the right and pushing with the left at the same time cause it will throw your body out of position. My turns are always focused on pulling, never pushing. If you push, your weight will be placed on a course that will work against you when you reach higher speeds and g-forces. Yes, pushing works great in the driveway, but if you go pushing at 65mph in to a turn marked for 35mph, you're not going to be properly balanced.

Torso
When taking a right turn I'll shift my torso to the right side to shift more body weight for counter balance. The best way to describe it is that I hang my right butt cheek of the edge and only my left butt cheek is on the seat. The more extreme the turn, the more I go. But the key is to not lean out like on 2 wheels. I keep my head up high. It's important not to lean to maintain the strength of pulling on the bar and in case you need to modify the course back to the left. The more extreme the turn the more that I aim myself forward and to the right. Although my left arm is limber I need to be ready to alter my course, so that if I suddenly need to go left, the puling on the left bar will assist in shifting my torso to the left side instantly.

Legs and feet
When taking a right turn, as my torso shifts to the right and I'm pulling the bar towards me. I'll drop my knee forward towards the side panel that goes over the fan. In heavy turns my knee will press on to it. Meanwhile I'm placing serious pressure on my left foot down on the peg to fight the g-force that wants to pull me out of that position. (on 2 wheels, I would actually be laying all that foot force on to my right foot)

Head
I keep my head up and looking to where I need to go, but always straight, never leaned over. I find that this keeps me more properly orientated.



It's funny to see this post as I just spent a solid 30 minutes or so describing this to a friend today and he mentioned how I should try to make a video of it.... Maybe if time allows it, I'll squeeze one in.

 

[NancysToy]

welcome Some of your questions werew answered, but here are my two cents worth.

My Questions:
1. Since cost is a factor for me, yet I do want to do some long tours from time to time (say 1000-3000km at a time), sometimes with a passenger, can the RS sports (lower cost version, the RS?) handle side bags and perhaps fit a trailer accessories?

Several versions of side bags, both soft and hard. Do a search on this forum. Most common hard bags are Givi V-35, with either BRP, Industries 7, or Givi mounts, or the Corbin bags. Topcase mounts for Givi case available from Givi and Kewlmetal. Other options, too. We have the BRP bags, and love them...only version with quickly removable racks. RS is not rated for trailer use, but many tow regularly. The new BRP hitch for the RT-S model is thought to fit the RS, too. Fitting a hitch with hard bags is difficult. Corbin makes one compatible with their bags, or a swingarm hitch like the new BRP RT-S hitch will be necessary, unless you modify another hitch or build one yourself.

2. If I do purchase one, it will be my 'car', my only vehicle. Currently I ride my dual-sport motorcycle (Yamaha XT250) as my only vehicle, everywhere and for all purposes (commuting, mini-tours, groceries and adventure riding in the country side, gravel roads etc…).

Tough to do in your climate, and probably even more difficult than with your dual-sport. Won't fall over, but you will fight the traction control a lot in the slippery stuff. Nick Caro rides all the time in the north, though, as does SethO. It can be done. Good touring vehicle, although cramped without modifications, the trunk can haul your groceries. Lots of folks here with over 25,000 miles now, and a few over 50,000.

3. How does the Can-Am Spyder Sports version, handle on gravel and dirt back roads? I know the traction control seems to be good, however, I would like to travel on dirt roads and explore some of the back side of the country - nothing too bumper or rocky, just fairly groomed gravel/dirt roads. CAn the Can-Am Spyder Sports version RS handle this type of road?

As to the gravel roads, it is marginal. Low ground clearance, three tracks (hard to avoid ruts and potholes), and the traction control will make some unimproved roads a struggle, especially in the mud.

4. I carryout all of my own maintenance on my Yamaha XT250 dual purpose motorcycle now, and I'm VERY interested in doing the same with a Can-Am Spyder, if I get one. Is self maintenance on these machines difficult? I have a 400pc tool set I use for around my house and on my motorcycle... a good few big wrenches in the box I don't use yet... will that be adequate for work on the Can-Am Spyder?

Lots of people here do most of their own maintenance. Good shop manual available. You will need a dealer for anything that requires a connection to BUDS. Like all motorcycles, there are some specialty tools that you may not have available for extensive maintenance, but a good metric toolbox will get you through the routine stuff. Overall, you will find parts and service for the Spyder to be on the high end of the cost scale, and their maintenance schedule very conservative, similar to BMW.

 

[truck 85]

gravel roads

About the gravel roads I have a long gravel driveway and the only problem i have had is rocks in the belt have to go fairly slow and smooth and it not bad just cant hot rod with takes some of the fun out of it.

not gospel just my two cents

 

[groundeffect]

Guys, thanks for the replies.



NancysToy: That is some great information on side bags, nice! I think the hard bags would be nice.

musicarcade: Those are some great words on body riding position. I've read it a couple of times now.


Truck: An good point on the rocks in the belt.



Have you guys had any belts go with normal use, or use on gravel?

thanks

 

[SpyderSteve]

groundeffect, you didn't post where your from in canada, but do not forget that the prices you been quoted here are in us funds. also check insurance rates, i am in ontario the best i found was $ 1400.00 for a 2009 se5, i am 50 with perfect record. not complaining everything is expensive up here. 2009 se5 no problems 8k very happy :spyder2: owner

 

[groundeffect]

qstick: thanks for your post. Yes, I see the prices in US, yep. I got a quote the other day for a model here, RS I think, but not sure, it was about 20k. Canadian.

Happy to hear that you have 8k and no issues. Great!
Cheers.
PS I'm in Newfoundland.

groundeffect, you didn't post where your from in canada, but do not forget that the prices you been quoted here are in us funds. also check insurance rates, i am in ontario the best i found was $ 1400.00 for a 2009 se5, i am 50 with perfect record. not complaining everything is expensive up here. 2009 se5 no problems 8k very happy :spyder2: owner

 

[SpyderSteve]

good price, i paid 20k for my se5 very happy :spyder2: owner

 

[SpyderGirl]

welcome As others have said there are used units available out there that are probably more within your price range that may have some accessories already installed.

The Spyder replaced my Porsche 944 as a primary source of transportation. I have the Corbin saddlebags installed as well as installed a rear trunk for more storage options. I also have a trailer hitch which I use to pull a cargo trailer and a dirt bike trailer. I also have considered getting a different top for my cargo trailer if I ever needed to take one or more of my dogs anywhere. I use the Spyder for everything. I've even used it to pick up lumber at Home Depot once (boy the looks I got!!).

The Spyder is a very versatile machine. You'll enjoy making it truly yours as I know we all have. :2thumbs:


23K miles and counting...........

 

[groundeffect]

Thanks, everyone.

Spydergirl, thanks so much for your notes!

That is what I plan to do. As mentioned, I have a motorcycle for my only vehicle. I'm in Newfoundland so we get a good bit of snow in the cold season - winter is from Dec - March usually. So I hope to get a Spyder to be my only vehicle and travel sometimes when the roads are clean in winters, but take the bus when there is no other way.


I love the idea of having a spyder for my only vehicle and it is so fitting that is has a good rear seat for a passenger, a front trunk, option for sidebags and option for a trailer hitch.


As mentioned in this post earlier, I'm researching the Spyder a lot and saving for one, possibly for this time next year (Nov-Dec of 2010).


Yes, it seems a used machine may be a good way to go, if I can't find a good price on a new/demo 2010 model late next year.



I have to say it really seems to be what I'm looking for to suit my life and what I'm need. I have read a lot about the problems that have come up with the 08 and 09 spyders. I'm surprised the issues are mostly safety related, such as the steering problems. I only hope these problems are now fixed and updated on the current Spyders out there and they are not an issue with the 2010 and future models.

Ride safe everyone.

Thank you all again so much for your informative and kind replies.
Cheers.

 

[SpyderGirl]

I have to say it really seems to be what I'm looking for to suit my life and what I'm need. I have read a lot about the problems that have come up with the 08 and 09 spyders. I'm surprised the issues are mostly safety related, such as the steering problems. I only hope these problems are now fixed and updated on the current Spyders out there and they are not an issue with the 2010 and future models.

I think it's pretty safe to say that by the time you're ready to make your purchase most, if not all, of the concerns/issues/problems will be worked out. I have one of the very first production models and mine has pretty much been trouble free. *knock on wood*

Maybe you need a snowmobile AND a Spyder. :doorag:

 

[groundeffect]

thanks Spydergirl.

Maybe you need a snowmobile AND a Spyder.

haha.

 

[SpyderGirl]

thanks Spydergirl.

haha.

:roflblack: I'm sure there are plenty others who will agree with me. Maybe you can find a way to convert the Spyder to a snowmobile for the winter. :doorag:

 

[groundeffect]

That could be. But if I get a spyder next fall or early next winter, in 2010, I'd like to spend the winter doing small things on it, maybe a little bit of paint or something, just to slightly customize it, etc... I'd also would spend the next winter reading through the service manual in order to get up to speed on how to maintain the machine.

But, thanks for the idea!


I don't or have never owned an ATV or snowmobile.... Does the Spyder ride like one?


Cheers.

 

[SpyderGirl]

That could be. But if I get a spyder next fall or early next winter, in 2010, I'd like to spend the winter doing small things on it, maybe a little bit of paint or something, just to slightly customize it, etc... I'd also would spend the next winter reading through the service manual in order to get up to speed on how to maintain the machine.

But, thanks for the idea!


I don't or have never owned an ATV or snowmobile.... Does the Spyder ride like one?

I've never ridden a snowmobile, but I have ridden an ATV. I hear it's very similar to riding either. Maybe someone who rides snowmobiles can comment. I think of the Spyder as a really fast ATV for the street, others compare it to a snowmobile.