Why the Ryker feels "Fast"

[Rogue Hawk]

When I looked at the specs and saw some 0-60 numbers, my thought was, well, it's like a big old HD as far as performance. But it "feels" fast. The only thing I can think of is because it's so low to the ground, more like an Ariel Atom that a sport bike. I look down and my foot is very close to the ground. Now, I am coming off of owning a Ninja 1000, which on paper slays the Ryker (120 hp and 516 lbs wet). It is noticeably slower than the Ninja, but not as much as I expected. I am pleased about this because I like spirited riding. What are your thoughts?

 

[ARtraveler]

Low to the ground can make the experience "seem" faster. Same with side car passengers.

 

[KC61]

. What are your thoughts?

600 or 900? Big difference in performance, 32 HP to be exact. 82 HP is more than most stock HD's put out.

 

[Rogue Hawk]

I have the 900

 

[Groot]

Power to weight ratios for Ryker and Spyder are similar, so 0-60 times should be similar as well – around 5 seconds depending on riders weight. Due to CVT traying all the time to stay in the optimal torque range, roll-on/mid speed acceleration also is and feels fast. Max speed runs out around 102 mph due to cvt gearing set-up. Low seating definitely adds to speed drama

 

[Aufgeblassen47]

It feels fast because it is so low to the ground! Once had a 1972 Honda 600 air cooled 2 cylinder that had 10" cylinder (car) that had 10" wheels that was so low to the ground that you felt like you were in a go kart. So driving seemed much faster than it was.

 

[Aufgeblassen47]

Plus, the engine is so very noisy, making it feel fast too.

 

[Tslepebull]

I'm not sure I have seen credible 0-60 times for either US Ryker model. Martin the Vlogger did one but it was a euro spec model. Getting the rear tire to hook up is part of the problem for a time run.

 

[Aufgeblassen47]

I'm not sure I have seen credible 0-60 times for either US Ryker model. Martin the Vlogger did one but it was a euro spec model. Getting the rear tire to hook up is part of the problem for a time run.

Yeah, a fatass person (like me) might do better than a light weight w/little weight on rear tire!

 

[thechamp73]

I took my ryker to 110....put it in Rally mode and the speed limiter turns off.

 

[BajaRon]

Low to the ground and engine noise may add to the perception of speed. But I think the main contributor is the CVT which keeps the engine at peek HP at all times during full throttle. The way it pulls right from the start and just keeps pulling all the way up gives a seat of the pants sensation of 'Fast'.

 

[KC61]

The 900 is a Rocket that's for sure.

 

[JAS POWER]

If my memory serves me right I recall a Can-Am promotional video that they put out with one of their engineers who work on the Ryker talking about the seating position and or low center of gravity and the effects it has for the rider.

I also have to say BajaRon is also onto something with the CVT clutching thought :agree: because snowmobiles have the same CVT clutch and even a slow sled seems fast for the most part.

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

I test rode and purchased a Rally today. I thought it felt about as quick as my 998 RS. It felt quick but I wouldn't call it fast or a rocket personally. I do agree being lower to the ground makes it feel faster. Its a nice bike. Small, handles great, good ergos.....its quick but I do wish it was a bit quicker. I thought it was quiet compared to my RS. Really quiet actually. It was smooth, no belt vibration. I won't miss that from the RS.

 

[jcthorne]

They do 'feel' fast. Just don't pick on F3s....especially modified ones. There is a considerable difference in 'actual' performance. Multiple bike lengths in simple acceleration pulls. Oddly the F3 also seems to launch quicker from a standing start due to better traction but I have no idea why. Perhaps less initial torque to break the tire loose.

 

[BajaRon]

I test rode and purchased a Rally today. I thought it felt about as quick as my 998 RS. It felt quick but I wouldn't call it fast or a rocket personally. I do agree being lower to the ground makes it feel faster. Its a nice bike. Small, handles great, good ergos.....its quick but I do wish it was a bit quicker. I thought it was quiet compared to my RS. Really quiet actually. It was smooth, no belt vibration. I won't miss that from the RS.

It is a rare person (or vehicle) that the owner does not wish it were faster.

 

[Aufgeblassen47]

It is a rare person (or vehicle) that the owner does not wish it were faster.

I doubt that with considerable seriousness. It is about the ride, not how fast you can possibly get there!!!

 

[KC61]

I doubt that with considerable seriousness. It is about the ride, not how fast you can possibly get there!!!

Tell that to John Force and when he quits laughing let me know what he says.

 

[Aufgeblassen47]

Tell that to John Force and when he quits laughing let me know what he says.

Not worried about a one-off, possible trying to make up for anatomical shortfalls. The bottom line is the faster you go, the shorter the ride, hence less total enjoyment time.

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

Not worried about a one-off, possible trying to make up for anatomical shortfalls. The bottom line is the faster you go, the shorter the ride, hence less total enjoyment time.[/QUOTE


Depends on what you enjoy. Some like a long steady ride that lasts all day. Some like to get out of work and feel the rush of corner to corner power for an hour before they get home.