Can-Am Spyder (merged) threadfest...

[RedRocket]

I see quite a few of them on the roads here in SoCal.
They seem to attract more than just old men too.

[Pincushion]

I love my 08 Spyder GS SE5.
My Wife and I just rode from San Diego to Hollister and back home along the coast. Had a great time.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5496273_n.jpg

[nevgriff64]

Thought i'd bump this thread and ask if anyone has some more up to date feedback on these machines. I'm seriously considering buying one and would love to hear from inmates that have/had experiences with them.

What are they like towing trailers?

[redflasher]

I'm retired so I have way too much time on my hands. I just read all 31 pages of this Can Am Spyder thread. I was interested in the pros and cons of the various posts and especially the naysayers. I've been riding for 55 years and don't plan to hang up my helmet anytime soon. I've owned 2 and 3 wheelers(hacks) in the past but time and age marches on.

I bought a 2012 Can Am Spyder RT(touring version) 6 weeks ago and I like it more every day. It goes like stink, stops on a dime(almost) and competes well on the super slab as well as urban traffic.

It's expensive I guess. $26K after taxes and prep. I doubt I could do much maintenance other than an oil change. But, at age 69, I don't like doing much maintenance anymore. This machine is complicated also. Computer controlled for sure. But long intervals between service and the relative short riding season here in Minnesota shoud be fairly easy on my pocketbook.

So, if you're riding 2 or 3 and we pull up side by side at the red light-don't look down your nose at me. I'm having fun my own way. ... Might just buy the RS version for around town trips.

[nevgriff64]

Originally Posted by redflasher

I'm retired so I have way too much time on my hands. I just read all 31 pages of this Can Am Spyder thread. I was interested in the pros and cons of the various posts and especially the naysayers. I've been riding for 55 years and don't plan to hang up my helmet anytime soon. I've owned 2 and 3 wheelers(hacks) in the past but time and age marches on.

I bought a 2012 Can Am Spyder RT(touring version) 6 weeks ago and I like it more every day. It goes like stink, stops on a dime(almost) and competes well on the super slab as well as urban traffic.

It's expensive I guess. $26K after taxes and prep. I doubt I could do much maintenance other than an oil change. But, at age 69, I don't like doing much maintenance anymore. This machine is complicated also. Computer controlled for sure. But long intervals between service and the relative short riding season here in Minnesota shoud be fairly easy on my pocketbook.

So, if you're riding 2 or 3 and we pull up side by side at the red light-don't look down your nose at me. I'm having fun my own way. ... Might just buy the RS version for around town trips.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, redflasher.

Have you thought about towing a trailer or know of anyone that does?

I like this setup myself.

[Prmurat]

I just came back from some vacations on mine, 10 days 3000 miles (stopped a couple of days here and there). We were two up and never needed more space to pack our belongings... So no trailer for us! We had a couple of problems on the washboard to Chaco Canyon: vibrations got the best of a fender stay and of the windshield adjusting rod... But: we have been trying to go there 5 times and every time the rangers told us the road was not suitable for a big HD... The RT is the most comfortable "bike" I ever owned: 600 miles a day ride leave you relaxed and aching for more.... But... It is not a bike!!

[redflasher]

Originally Posted by nevgriff64

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, redflasher.

Have you thought about towing a trailer or know of anyone that does?

I like this setup myself.

I'm thinking of the trailer right now. On sale at $1000 off the regular price takes it down to $2900. Problem is hitch is almost $500 and the labor to istall hitch is almost another $500. The Spyder has to be partially disassembled to install the hitch. We usually travel pretty light so maybe the trailer is over doing it.

[PirateJohn]

Originally Posted by Bombazo

The idea of riding to Panama 2-up on a fairly unique vehicle excites me but right now my better judgement is slowly killing the dream.
The ground clearance only slightly troubles me. I have no doubt that there would be times between here and there where it would be an issue, bt it's an issue that can be overcome.
What can't be overcome is the inability to do roadside troubleshooting of larger problems since the Spyder is very much computer controlled and the diagnostic software is only found at a dealer. Mexico seems to have several dealers but nothing south of Cancun.
Right now I think is is an adventure vehicle for domestic highways only.

One of the dirty little secrets of Mexico is that you can ride from city to city in many places on toll roads that rival US Interstate highways. However, I have seen some rural bridges that are open in the center and you couldn't cross with the three wheel layout of a Spyder.

With that said I have seen a Spyder or two in Mexico. I saw one in the flesh at a rally in Reynosa and remember seeing a photo of a Mexican entertainer who was a little person riding one in what looked like the DF.

[GREY.HOUND]

Don't know if it's been posted here or not, but all the information you could want can be found on this forum right here: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/index.php

[vabuckaroo68]

Curious if anyone is doing any gravel road on their Spyder? It would be cool to see a dual sport version running BFG All Terrains or something similar. And a bit more travel.

[Prmurat]

Originally Posted by vabuckaroo68

Curious if anyone is doing any gravel road on their Spyder? It would be cool to see a dual sport version running BFG All Terrains or something similar. And a bit more travel.

And an HUGE bashing plate... I've gone on gravel roads with mine...Always afraid to crack the crankcase!! and dirt roads vibration are not nice to a few parts (check my previous post)

[vabuckaroo68]

Just sent an email to Can Am requesting an ADV model Spyder. Basicly a Spyder with longer coil-overs, modified UCA's and LCA's, skid plate and all terrain tires.
It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.
They can dub it the ADV model
Put this on the back....

[Barnone]

Originally Posted by PirateJohn

One of the dirty little secrets of Mexico is that you can ride from city to city in many places on toll roads that rival US Interstate highways. However, I have seen some rural bridges that are open in the center and you couldn't cross with the three wheel layout of a Spyder.

With that said I have seen a Spyder or two in Mexico. I saw one in the flesh at a rally in Reynosa and remember seeing a photo of a Mexican entertainer who was a little person riding one in what looked like the DF.

I ridden a lot in Mexico over the years starting in 1967 with a ride down to Belize and I rode down to the Panama Canal in 1997 and never saw a bridge that was open in the center. Not saying that they don't exist but I've never seen one.

[jamajo]

I live on a gravel road, and ride on many others. The problem is that gravel/dirt roads rarely, if ever, have three tracks. So you've either got your drive wheel or your front steering wheels on something less than ideal for running at any kind of speed at all. I'm not sure any set up would take care of that problem. Might as well stick with 2 or 4 wheels.

[WhicheverAnyWayCan]

Originally Posted by redflasher

I'm thinking of the trailer right now. On sale at $1000 off the regular price takes it down to $2900. Problem is hitch is almost $500 and the labor to istall hitch is almost another $500. The Spyder has to be partially disassembled to install the hitch. We usually travel pretty light so maybe the trailer is over doing it.

No, you can install the hitch yourself. I had hitch on my Spyder but I end up selling my Spyder because at the time I thought I was expecting. Turned out to be false alarm.

Originally Posted by vabuckaroo68

Curious if anyone is doing any gravel road on their Spyder? It would be cool to see a dual sport version running BFG All Terrains or something similar. And a bit more travel.

Yes I have and I do not recommend doing that! When I hit the washboard, the computer system was going haywire especially the VSS. Next day, Spyder died down on me I had to call the nearest BRP dealer and they sent two technicals over to look at the Spyder, popped laptop to the computer and run a test.. turned out that the battery got loose and cause some kind of screw-up so they unhook the battery, reset the system, and hook battery back on.. everything online and good to go. No charge! Warranty coverage. Thank god! I would not recommend attempting it off-road especially on a very bad washboard.