What's Wrong with the Ryker?

[mrNewt]

So there is no room to criticize the Ryker in the Ryker forums!?
Is all roses and cakes... and biased opinions?

The guy offered his honest opinion, in a well put manner and not disrespectful from my opinion, no need to get defensive. Doesn't mean your object on 3 wheels is less worthy to you.
Learn to accept critiques gracefully guys... nothing wrong with that.

 

[ARtraveler]

The title of this post is "what is wrong with the Ryker."

Everything, has it's downside. An honest opinion about the subject is welcome. Heck, there are even one or two out there that do not like the Spyder lineup either.

We can keep it friendly. Opinions are fine. Infighting between others will get the comment deleted or the thread closed.

Both things happened yesterday. Keep it nice.

 

[dklehman]

For the record my Chevy is as nice as a Mercedes.

 

[KC61]

I went into the Ryker test drive with the same attitude as the OP, what's wrong with it. I was happily surprised that it was a whole lot more machine than I thought it would be. Is it a Spyder, probably not, but I have never owned one of those. Maybe next time but for the money this is hands down a bargain. Is it twitchy at speed, hell yeah it is. I have the Sway bar in hand to install, hopefully that will solve some of it. That must have been a heck of a test ride, all day, really?

 

[IdleUp]

The ryker isnt meant to be a spyder. I think thats your problem. you cant really compare the two. youre complaining that your chevy isnt as nice as your mercedes.

Of course its a Spyder, it's supposed to be an entry level 3 wheeler like the Spyder without the bells and whistles to introduce BRP's concept to the 2 wheel community. Just because BRP gives it a different name, does not change the concept, the Ryker is 100% Spyder concept and design, except BRP cut every conceivable corner to compete with $10K 2 wheel bikes market. In doing so, they are selling a poorly designed terrible handling bike with a dated drive train, geared totally wrong and most important "Unsafe to Drive?

In any case, the Ryker will hurt the companies good name and reputation.

Mike

 

[ARtraveler]

:bbq: :bbq: :bbq:

 

[poli]

Thank you for your opinion.

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

Owning both a 2012 RS and a 2019 Ryker Rally. I know what its like to own a "Spyder" and a "Ryker". I'm not going to go into a real in depth statement here but I think its worth saying some things.

My RS Spyder is physically a larger machine than the Ryker. The Spyder rides more comfortably than a Ryker. No question about that. The roads in my area are a mess of potholes and broken pavement. The Ryker ride is OK but it doesn't match the RS for comfort. Some of that could be because of seating position?

Handling I see no difference between the Sypder and Ryker. They both handle great. On the RS you get more of a feeling of flying off because you sit up higher (which doesn't bother me) but other than than that feeling I don't see how anyone could say one handles better than the other.

Power wise. The RS has more top end speed and I think the RS is a bit quicker than the Ryker. Not that the Ryker is terrible in the power department. It's got good power. I typically ride between 50 and 90 and both bikes pull this range nicely. The RS is a bit nicer in passing because you can drop a gear and punch it but I've passed plenty of vehicles with the Ryker without issue. Honestly in my opinion both bikes could use a little more quickness.

As far as quality of machine I don't think either one winds. They are both a huge pile of plastic. That could be good or bad depending on how you look at it but overall I'd say the quality of each machine is about the same. I hate the belt vibration on RS and I hate the clunk of the driveshaft on the Ryker. Different designs....same level of quality. Note the driveshaft clunk id not related to the CVT. It's related to the gearbox. It's specifically designed to clunk the way it does. Pull up the schematic on the Ryker gearbox and a Ski-Doo chain case you will see the difference right away.

He's the real deal though. People buying a Ryker don't want a Spyder. If they did they would have one already. Hell I'm a Spyder owner and I don't want a Spyder. Why? Cause the RT and the F3 are not bikes I would even consider buying. They are not for me and not even close to worth the price BRP is asking for them. I just thought my RS would be my last Spyder because its not made anymore and BRP offers nothing in the Spyder line to replace it. But the Ryker however is a pretty damn good replacement for the RS. It's smaller, lighter. sportier than the RT or F3 and its fairly stripped down and bare bones on features and perks. It's just what I'm looking for.

I have friends that I have been trying to get to buy a Spyder for years so we can ride. They have no interest. Now that I have the Ryker they are asking all sorts of questions and looking at purchasing a 2020 model. For whatever reasons they like the Ryker where they never liked the Spyder.

My dealer has sold 12 Rykers this year. How many Spyders has he sold? NONE. Not one, ZERO. He only sold 2-3 RT's a year anyway and the occasional F3. People are coming in looking to buy. He has people that were thinking RT now switching and going with 2 Rykers so they both can drive.

The Ryker is the new bare bones performance line for BRP. This is what a lot of people want. An affordable bike they can take out at night after work or on the weekend and have fun with.

Personally I'd like to see a more performance minded model in the future (more power, better suspension options). I fully expect it to happen. The days of the F3 are numbered in my opinion. The F3#has now become the old RS(s).

 

[Zoot]

To use a Harley comparison, the RT is an Electra Glide while the Ryker is a Sportster. If you want a Sporty, the Electra Glide is too big and unwieldy. If you want a 'Glide, the Sporty is too small and spartan. Both of them have their fans. One is not better than the other. Choose the one that you want to ride.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

Like they say..."Opinions are like A$$holes, Everybody's got one"...It's all good. I've riden my wife's Ryker a few times, and personally, I prefer the weight and handling of our RT. She on the other hand prefers the nimble easy handling weight of the Ryker. We both love our ride, and in the end, that's all that matters. The OP wanted to know what is wrong with the Ryker. What's right or wrong is all in the eyes of the rider. Ride it, ya either like it or not, but don't try to convince us who is right or wrong.

 

[prplhays]

IMO what's right and what's wrong with the Ryker

What's right: Low-low price, low weight, low seat height, parking brake, reverse, stability control, traction control, antilock brakes, no splash back fuel filler, adjustable handlebars, adjustable foot pegs, adjustable foot brake, handy little glove box, two USB ports. The stock seat is surprisingly comfortable. I won't be switching it out as I have done on all my previous motorcycles.

What's wrong: Not a lot. Yes, it does have plastic body panels but these panels help keep the weight and the price down, and I have no complaints with how mine fit. I don't care for the beeping sound when you go into reverse. It's annoying. No separate ECO and Sport modes for the 600. Laser align should be done as part of the initial sale make ready. Then if the Ryker is twitchy, a slight toe in will probably reduce or eliminate this, at least it did on my Ryker.

Easy Wish list that should come stock on all Rykers: Hazard flashers, locking parking brake, locking gas cap, a helmet lock. All four of these items together can't cost BRP that much to include as standard equipment on all Rykers.

Not so easy wish list that would require some Ryker redesign: Narrower front track. The swing arm is massive so a less hefty swing arm. Less massive muffler/catalytic converter. Yes, I'm all about weight savings. Nerf bars and front skid plate options which would require some structural attachment points. Less clunk in the drive line. Lug nut wheel attachment instead of a single wheel nut.

 

[MDLNB]

My big plus is: WHERE else are you going to get a trike for under $20K? For the money, this thing is great! Although, I have hardly begun to put mileage on it. Of course, among the bikes I have ridden in other countries is kick start thumpers from the 60's. The Ryker is a blank canvas waiting to be personalized. To be honest with you, I never wanted a Spider because I felt like I was in a convertible car. Just my opinion. The Ryker gives me the feeling that I am still on a bike. And that is what I want. Due to physical limitations, I can't enjoy a two wheeler anymore.

 

[IdleUp]

IMO what's right and what's wrong with the Ryker

Not so easy wish list that would require some Ryker redesign: Narrower front track. The swing arm is massive so a less hefty swing arm. Less massive muffler/catalytic converter. Yes, I'm all about weight savings. Nerf bars and front skid plate options which would require some structural attachment points. Less clunk in the drive line. Lug nut wheel attachment instead of a single wheel nut.

Thanks for your comments but you're way off with your wish for a narrower track, if anything the Ryker needs to be wider. The Ryker has a terrible suspension system so the tires are seldom on the ground in anything less than a perfect road surface. During curves, over-steer is constantly lifting the tire causing it to lose track.

Ryker's biggest poor handling problem is the result over sensitive steering because BRP deleted the electric steering unit.

Secondly, you don't want to lighten the Ryker any more than it is. It's already 400 lbs lighter than a Spyder. Being light is another problem because there is insufficient weight on the front tires to keep them on the ground which results in the front end sliding after any road imperfection. This same problem of being too light results in a traction problem in the rear as well, which causes the back end to shift during even moderate acceleration in a turn.

If anything a heavier rider or adding weight will improve the Ryker's handling!

Regards Mike

 

[Jaxfann]

Excellent post!

 

[Jaxfann]

Excellent post!

Refers to prplhays post!

 

[Jaxfann]

Thanks for your comments but you're way off with your wish for a narrower track, if anything the Ryker needs to be wider. The Ryker has a terrible suspension system so the tires are seldom on the ground in anything less than a perfect road surface. During curves, over-steer is constantly lifting the tire causing it to lose track.

Ryker's biggest poor handling problem is the result over sensitive steering because BRP deleted the electric steering unit.

Secondly, you don't want to lighten the Ryker any more than it is. It's already 400 lbs lighter than a Spyder. Being light is another problem because there is insufficient weight on the front tires to keep them on the ground which results in the front end sliding after any road imperfection. This same problem of being too light results in a traction problem in the rear as well, which causes the back end to shift during even moderate acceleration in a turn.

If anything a heavier rider or adding weight will improve the Ryker's handling!

Regards Mike

IdleUp - with all due respect I don't know where you are coming from. You have a beautiful Spyder (thanks for the pretty pics)

However - I have ridden bikes all my life and have wanted a Can Am for a long time but did not want to shell out 20 grand plus for my needs which are not for long distance touring in ultimate comfort.

My needs were met with a fine piece of equipment - the Ryker - that I could buy "out the door" for under 10 grand.

I have put on only 1k miles so far - my 600 runs and handles really well - no lifting of front wheels on cornering etc etc - it is a safe and fun machine and is INCREDIBLE value for money. Why do you insist on comparing a 20k machine with a 10k machine (comparing a Benz with a Honda Accord?) - the Ryker is far closer to the Spyder than the latter comparison actually!

 

[KC61]

Lots of opinions from people that don't even own one

 

[Jaxfann]

Lots of opinions from people that don't even own one

Maybe not owned one but have ridden both!

 

[IdleUp]

IdleUp - with all due respect I don't know where you are coming from. You have a beautiful Spyder (thanks for the pretty pics)

However - I have ridden bikes all my life and have wanted a Can Am for a long time but did not want to shell out 20 grand plus for my needs which are not for long distance touring in ultimate comfort.

My needs were met with a fine piece of equipment - the Ryker - that I could buy "out the door" for under 10 grand.

I have put on only 1k miles so far - my 600 runs and handles really well - no lifting of front wheels on cornering etc etc - it is a safe and fun machine and is INCREDIBLE value for money. Why do you insist on comparing a 20k machine with a 10k machine (comparing a Benz with a Honda Accord?) - the Ryker is far closer to the Spyder than the latter comparison actually!

Jax, Sorry if I offended you - I'm not trying to find fault or de-value the Ryker, just shed some light that it has a some faults. The only thing that matters is that you're happy!

Enjoy your ride - Mike

 

[IdleUp]

Lots of opinions from people that don't even own one

After you ride a Spyder for 5-10 years like a lot of guys on this forum, you don't have to buy a Ryker to find its faults. In 15-20 minutes of my 3 hour ride, on some not so smooth windy roads, I immediately noted some problems.

It's not a rocket science motorcycle, it basically a stripped down Spyder missing a good suspension system, a computer aided steering system and a good 6 speed transmission.

In any case, it will bring you from point A to B and can be a blast to ride!

Regards Mike