• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Meaning of Spyder

R

Ride Master

New member
Since I can remember, the term "Spyder" has been used to describe a roadster (See below) Even the RT is called a Spyder Roadster.

I am on my second RT. How did the reference to a much disliked insect (Spider) become associated with the RT?

I see the obvious spelling similarity but why is it customary to put images of spiders and spider webs on these great Trykes?

Don't get mad at me because I am just curious.




 
That's actually a good question...

Since Spyder isn't unique to the Can-Am Roadster, and you rarely see webs, or bugs on the 4-wheeled versions (unless in a field), I'm not sure how Spyder got hooked to Spider...

I do however think it's neat that this is the Spyderweb, and Lamont is the WebMaster... Nice play on words!!!:2thumbs:
 
Ride Master said:
Since I can remember, the term "Spyder" has been used to describe a roadster (See below) Even the RT is called a Spyder Roadster.

I am on my second RT. How did the reference to a much disliked insect (Spider) become associated with the RT?

I see the obvious spelling similarity but why is it customary to put images of spiders and spider webs on these great Trykes?

Don't get mad at me because I am just curious.




Click to expand...


i have 3 spyders
2008 gs
2009 phantom
2003 toyota mr2 spyder roadster

i'd really like to have a SUPERSNAKE
 
I guess for the same reason they give their Spyders Cutesy names whats up with that, I mean the Spyder is a Roadster not a Boat or a WW2 Bomber. :roflblack:
 
Mine being Red, my fishing buddies call it the Lobster..... it does kind of look like one.....
 
Ride Master said:
Since I can remember, the term "Spyder" has been used to describe a roadster (See below) Even the RT is called a Spyder Roadster.

I am on my second RT. How did the reference to a much disliked insect (Spider) become associated with the RT?

I see the obvious spelling similarity but why is it customary to put images of spiders and spider webs on these great Trykes?

Don't get mad at me because I am just curious.




Click to expand...

I think many made the connection simply because of the sound.. "Spyder" vs. "Spider". I even see people misspell it out here from time to time. I personally can't stand the "Spider" connection and related farkles... but to each his/her own.......

You are correct in that BRP was thinking along the lines of a Spyder Roadster (the official name) when they came up with it.
 
I would say that the spelling SpYder has to do with the "Y" factor that BRP refers to in their information about the Spyder Roadster's. I do not think they intended it to be related to the arachnid (spider).
 
Spyders... Roadsters... :thumbup:
I don't get the whole arachnid thing; but then I'm not hard-wired with any affinity at all for those dirty eight-legged :cus: :opps:
 

Attachments

  • Porsche 550.jpg
    Porsche 550.jpg
    27.2 KB · Views: 79
  • 03-11-2012 009.jpg
    03-11-2012 009.jpg
    96.2 KB · Views: 61
Exactly what is a Spyder?
​
As with other automotive terms, the term​
derives from horse-drawn carriages. A “spider”was a lighter version of a phaeton, having narrower,spindly wheels and two-seat accommodation.The name implied an extremely rudimentarytop mechanism originating from a small two-seathorse-cart with a folding sunshade made of fourbows; with its black cloth top and exposed sidesfor air circulation it resembledan eight-legged spider.This termwas subsequently applied toautomobiles. Alternatively, anative Italian who has had noEnglish influence in the pronunciationwould pronounce “spyder”or “spider” as speeder.Thusa car labeled by an Italian carmanufacturer as “Spyder” or“Spider” is intended to be simplya “speeder” or a sports car. [1]​
If a Spyder was intendedto be a smaller, sportier versionof a car, then as appliedto three-wheeled vehicles itmust certainly indicate asmaller and sportier versionof a trike—but that’s notexactly the whole story. BRPclaims the Spyder is a blend ofsports car and motorcycleand a vehicle that makes one an “instantexpert.” While that may be overstating the​
case, our test ride proved their point.

http://archives.wingworldmag.com/august2007/WingWorld-Aug2007-Web.pdf
 
Well. that's quite an interesting entymological insight into the SpYder's etymology. :shocked:


... and I'd rather it be called a Spyder than a trike (smacks of kiddie tricycles). Could be worse, could have been called a road-doo (from Can Am's Ski-doo and Sea-doo history)
 
Last edited:
Jerbear said:
Exactly what is a Spyder?
​
As with other automotive terms, the term​
derives from horse-drawn carriages. A “spider”was a lighter version of a phaeton, having narrower,spindly wheels and two-seat accommodation.The name implied an extremely rudimentarytop mechanism originating from a small two-seathorse-cart with a folding sunshade made of fourbows; with its black cloth top and exposed sidesfor air circulation it resembledan eight-legged spider.This termwas subsequently applied toautomobiles. Alternatively, anative Italian who has had noEnglish influence in the pronunciationwould pronounce “spyder”or “spider” as speeder.Thusa car labeled by an Italian carmanufacturer as “Spyder” or“Spider” is intended to be simplya “speeder” or a sports car. [1]​
If a Spyder was intendedto be a smaller, sportier versionof a car, then as appliedto three-wheeled vehicles itmust certainly indicate asmaller and sportier versionof a trike—but that’s notexactly the whole story. BRPclaims the Spyder is a blend ofsports car and motorcycleand a vehicle that makes one an “instantexpert.” While that may be overstating the​
case, our test ride proved their point.

http://archives.wingworldmag.com/august2007/WingWorld-Aug2007-Web.pdf
Click to expand...

Well done Jer, Thanks for the history!
 
Spyders?

Does that mean we have to join the "Black Widders" ???

(Reference to "Every Which Way But Loose" movie)
 
Firefly said:
I think many made the connection simply because of the sound.. "Spyder" vs. "Spider". I even see people misspell it out here from time to time. I personally can't stand the "Spider" connection and related farkles... but to each his/her own.......

You are correct in that BRP was thinking along the lines of a Spyder Roadster (the official name) when they came up with it.
Click to expand...

:agree:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Fjrwillie
Are the Upper and Lower Air Deflectors worth having on a 2023 Spyder?
Replies
7
Views
1K
CRJames
C
I
What are these 'extra wires' hanging out the back of my Spyder?? Your Thoughts?
Replies
6
Views
905
Deanna777
Deanna777
O
Anyone know of a Rear Rack compatible with F3S Pillion Backrest?
Replies
13
Views
616
Outtomunch
O
F
White knuckle test ride - can I learn to like this? Buy newish or older/cheaper?
2 3
Replies
42
Views
6K
mickimause
M
RideOn
My Spyder journey - Harley RoadKing to Spyder RT
Replies
9
Views
1K
spyderladyf3
spyderladyf3
Back
Top