What's Wrong with the Ryker?

[Rob Rodriguez]

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

Everyone will have a different opinion on this but I have to say I just don't agree with you on this. I'm not saying your wrong, just saying I don't agree. My opinion is based on a Spyder RS and it looks like you are riding an F3 so that may be why our opinions differ?

I have both a 2012 Spyder RS and a 2019 Ryker Rally. There are roads in my area that are both twisty and rough. Really rough in a car, worse on a bike. Some of these roads are on regular routes I ride and I have ridden both the RS and the Ryker over these roads and sometimes on the same day. I can say with 100% surety that the RS offers a smoother more comfortable ride over this terrain. I can also say with 100% surety both the RS and the Ryker "handle" the terrain the same. Handle meaning, the line they hold, the steering input and feedback, the controlability. They are both able to handle the terrain with equal ability at the same speeds. While the RS does provide a more comfy ride I have the same level of confidence in the handling of both bikes. I have never experienced the tire hopping/lifting, tire sliding and traction loss that you describe on either bike. Yes, with the Ryker in Sport or Rally mode I can break the rear tire lose and slide the back around but it has to be an intentional act. It doesn't just randomly happen because I encounter a rough road.

 

[KC61]

I would say if you own a Spyder and then ride a Ryker I would expect the reviews to be biased and I'm sure the Spyder is a fine machine. But then again, lots of people hate the Spyder's. All a matter of opinion. However, a lot of folks are on 3 wheels for the first time and the Ryker works well. I will say this, the Rally in my opinion is a steal of a deal compared to the other's with the upgrades you get. I knew immediately when I rode the 900 and then the Rally which one I was buying. Another tid bit is the upgraded sway bar is a big upgrade for handling, completed mine this weekend. The Baja Ron swaybar would be a very good option too and easier to install. And I really don't think the targeted audience for the Ryker is present Spyder owner's. Why in the world would you buy a Ryker if you already own a Spyder, makes no sense.

 

[poli]

And I really don't think the targeted audience for the Ryker is present Spyder owner's. Why in the world would you buy a Ryker if you already own a Spyder, makes no sense.

As it is always being stated -- the Spyder and Ryker are two different animals. I use the Spyder for long trips with all its comfort and storage ability. I bought the Ryker to replace my dual sport. It is used exclusively on dirt back roads. They both fit specific needs. While the Ryker is certainly capable of long distance, I personally wouldn't want to. And I certainly wouldn't take the Spyder some of the places I go with the Ryker. I need the light weight, shaft drive and the 'all terrain' tires of the Rally in the mud, gravel, slick red clay after a good rain and deep sand that I regularly ride with the Rally. While I agree with you that BRP did not target "older Spyder owners", I believe they represent a large number of buyers.

 

[Sarge707]

I Love the Ryker and F3- I'm riding the F3 100 miles of backroads today and Ryker same roads tomorrow and they both do the same route and corner at the same speed BUT the F3 does it much more comfortably and the Ryker does it more intense with you really wrapped up in the ride- More like a Real bike. I always ride local so they both do the job great BUT if your heavy into touring Many miles a day you would be better off with the F3.

 

[Azbronco]

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.

I was thinking the same, only Honda. If you only ever ride Goldwings and you think a new Rebel will be the same thing, you’ll be really disappointed. Sounds like the rant was from someone that wanted a Spyder for under $10k and was upset that it’s not.

 

[McRuss]

Thank you for your opinion, you are certainly welcome to it. But I believe the majority of us who post here like our Rykers. And though they are made by Can Am and have the same three wheel configuration, they are NOT Spyders. The Slingshot has the same three wheel configuration but it is not a Spyder or a Ryker. I for one am pleased with my Rally, does just what I want it to do. I disagree that the CVT is dated (and CVT with a driveshaft is innovative in my book) and though they can be twitchy (Ron's sway bar fixes most of that!), I don't see it as any more unsafe than any of my thirty some two wheelers were.

So now that we have both your opinion and mine, I suggest we go our separate and happy ways.

 

[MDLNB]

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

I have wanted a reverse trike for a long time. I have owned three Harley Davisons and some other brand bikes, but I have been waiting for Harley to produce the reverse trike they have a patent on. It looks very much like the Ryker but they only produced the prototype. I am past my two wheel days, with bad knees and now need two operations on my clutch hand. I have looked at Can Am spiders but in my opinion, it's like sitting in a convertible car, NOT a motorcycle. I want the feeling of riding a motorcycle but the stability of the three wheels. Two wheels in the back doesn't get it. It's not as safe as the CanAm. I took a test ride on the Ryker to see if I would hate it and I did not. I found out why all those guys on Youtube that were test riding Rkyers, were giggling like school girls. It has power and it has the feeling of being on a two wheeler. I do not feel like I am in a topless car and I do not feel the bulk that I felt on the CanAm. Of course, my wife wanted me to get a spider, all tricked out with fancy extras, but I just want to ride and remember why I enjoyed riding a two wheeler in several countries of the world. My Harley is for sale and I am currently personalizing my Ryker. The ONLY complaint I have is that it is a bit too small to run both of us around safely. We exceed the recommended weight limit and I do not want to bottom out. That is the ONLY complaint, and that is my personal problem, not CanAm's. For the money, Ryker is fantastic. I have no doubt at all that next year the prices will likely double. After all, they are selling out as fast as they stock them at the dealers'.
Don't get me wrong, I am not dissing the Spider. I don't like big Harley baggers either. I am glad that I bought the Ryker, and no I have not put enough mileage on it yet to give an expert opinion.

 

[Markubis]

Are you referring to the Slingshot being more like a car?
Because if so, you are correct but the Slingshot is not made by can am.

Can am DOES make two types of trikes though. The Spyder, which is more refined and the Ryker, which is more stripped down.

 

[007james]

So is my Chevy! I just bought a Red Camaro 2 SS with 455 H.P. and every conceivable option on it available, including Sun Roof, GPS and Navigation, Heads Up Information Display, Magnetic Drive, Auto Tranny with Manual Override Paddle shift, leather seats, 9 speaker Bose Stereo System, Cruise Control, and too much more to even remember. I can tell you, taking a cruise with my Camaro with the Dual Mode Exhausts in Track Mode, sounding like a Stock Car on the Drag Strip, then getting on my 2016 Spyder RT Limited that cost almost the same money, is comparable to being awake or asleep! The car was a Demonstrator with only 1700 miles on it. I paid a little more for it than I paid for my new 2012 Spyder RT Limited when I bought it in 2012.

,

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

 

[ARtraveler]

Let's go back to the subject at hand. :lecturef_smilie:

 

[Ladyjfrancis]

Totally agree with everything you said especially the OEM parts. Oil changes too expenses as well as 12000 miles service on bike if you did not purchase the maintenance plan.

 

[SportsterDoc]

Yes, there is room for improvement on the Ryker, but a number of disparaging remarks within this thread are unwarranted.

I have cruised at steady speeds of 80 mph, comfortably.

Traveled over 1100 miles in less than a week.

Exceeded 100 mph several times.

After replacing the stock shocks with 400 mm full length spring shocks, it does quite well doing three-wheel drifts around traffic circles without the rear end fish-tailing and handled very rough roads quite well.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?136365-2020-Ryker-6-000-mile-review

Suggesting that a Ryker rider might want to "upgrade", is like asking a Sportster rider if he wants to "upgrade" to a Road King (I have ridden my son-in-laws).

Or if a Miata driver wants to upgrade to a Buick (no offense to anyone with a Buick, as I have previously owned one...and it served well for a bi-weekly 600-mile commute).

I have no criticism of Honda Gold Wings, but my preference was my 2014 (out of the crate in 2017) Honda CB 1100...which I would not have sold after 12,000 miles in 10 months had an eye issue not developed...which thankfully self-corrected.

After being on a motorcycle since 1963, yes, I found it took some getting used to... about 300 miles in one week doubled my comfort level. After 1,000 miles in the first month, I learned that leaning to the inside of the turn was not necessary... just press my knee into the tank area on the inside of the turn for 45 mph turns at 60 mph.

This was my third purchase from a Can-Am / Yamaha dealership. The deal was done over the phone with the owner and I took a 10 mile test ride before purchasing. I was aware of the RPMs and noise level before the purchase. I was also aware of the 12,000 mile CVT belt change interval.

The concerns and negatives in my 6,000 mi review absolutely do not lessen the fun factor of the Ryker...especially on mountain roads!

 

[Greven]

I can second what SportsterDoc says.
I've made quite a few trips cruising at 80-90 MPH most of the time for up to 3 hours. Very comfy and stable. Please note that I run stock Rally suspension, Stock sway bar, and stock Kenda tires. With some upgrades Im sure it can get even more planted, but I really have no complaints on the handling at high speeds or twisty roads.
The only time the bike wanders a bit is when the road is bad and have deep detents/tracks. Over time I've gotten used to it, and simply position the rear tire in the deep track, and it isnt a problem

I have never quite understood the complaints about noise, at lower speeds the Rotax 900 does have a nice engine sound, and at high speeds the wind noise is 99% of what you hear anyways. But sure, expectations can differ, My only experience is a Yamaha XT600 with a slipon system, and that was LOUD! So from my perspective the Ryker is allmost too quiet.

 

[Stache]

The concerns and negatives in my 6,000 mi review absolutely do not lessen the fun factor of the Ryker...especially on mountain roads!

Very much agreed. My wife’s 900 has GREATLY improved her enjoyment of riding. Her previous machine, VStar 650, caused her some anxiety in slow speed manoeuvre, starting and stopping. After her 650 took a few unintentional naps she almost stopped riding at all. I bought a 20 RTL bc my knees didn’t like holding up my 850lb Venture. After she drove the RTL she said “I want the smaller one”, so we bought her the Ryker.

She’s gone from max 20x30 km rides on the 650 to our first 1200km weekend tour on the Ryker, with discussion of a future 9000km cross-Canada and return trip.

Her only negatives about the Ryker were the lack of parking brake lock (should in my opinion) be a standard feature, which I’m having added in the spring when I get it serviced, and she missed the floorboards her 650 had. (purchase from lamonster fixed that lack) She loves the “twist and go” CVT.

To each their own. When we go touring my RTL can carry all the junk she wants to bring, with a little room left for my stuff. The combo suits us well.

 

[chris56]

maybe just a misunderstanding if a Spyder-Ryder asks - "whats wrong with a Ryker" ..

we used since 2008 a GS & an RT for more than 40.000 miles - now we have more time (retired) and plan longer tours & wanted something faster/better handling/durable/easier to repair ..

16.000 miles now - most 2up - not one real problem ! best three-wheeler they ever built ..would not change back ..

P.S.
would someone take a Spyder for roads like these ??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6ZFTlNZPk4&t=13s

 

[SportsterDoc]

...easier to repair...

Spark plug change was NOT difficult

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...0-Removing-glove-box-and-changing-spark-plugs

Components/sensors mostly straightforward

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?133990-Component-sensor-part-number-amp-location

Servicing NOT complicated

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?132220-Maintenance-photos

 

[Vincef329]

Really enjoying my 2020 rally. I think BRP should have installed the key lock.
My rally also seems to have a rare case of really stubborn water spots on the ruby black panels. Don’t think it’s any kind of defect or something BRP missed but it’s there none the less. I’ll be calling the dealer and asking for a replacement this week.
I understand most everything else.

 

[KID Ryker]

maybe just a misunderstanding if a Spyder-Ryder asks - "whats wrong with a Ryker" ..

we used since 2008 a GS & an RT for more than 40.000 miles - now we have more time (retired) and plan longer tours & wanted something faster/better handling/durable/easier to repair ..

16.000 miles now - most 2up - not one real problem ! best three-wheeler they ever built ..would not change back ..

P.S.
would someone take a Spyder for roads like these ??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6ZFTlNZPk4&t=13s

went from a 2016 F3-T to a 2019 Ryker 900 ace would not go back.

 

[gkamer]

My Ryker 900 ACE was the first three wheeled vehicle I ever rode. Never rode 2 wheeled vehicles. Took it for a little 30 minute test ride around the dealership neighborhood. Went back the next day and brought it. Rode it 60 miles home on the internet at 70+ mph, no worries. I've ridden it all over eastern Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana. Been loving it ever since.

 

[jvclarke]

I guess you rode the virtual Ryker on the internet. hyea: