Bike Question - Can Am Spyder

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 07/19/2016 at 13:57 • Filed to: None

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So I was reading !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! of the new Can-Am Spyder and a thought occurred to me: is this thing well received with the touring set? and if so...why not?

Obviously there is a fundamental loss of character going from 2 wheels (bad) to 3 wheels (moderate?) but most of the people on touring bikes I know couldn’t canyon carve if they wanted to because their bikes are so heavily laden. The point of a heavy touring bike, it seems to me, would be to be able to comfortably cover vast distances with the full open air experience, and to be able to take enough with you to be at least a little comfortable.

In that vein, shouldn’t a 3 wheeled bike that doesn’t require 2 people to lift up if it falls over, doesn’t kill you if you hit a slick patch and allows you to carry more weight while allowing you to have a more comfortable seating position seem ideal?

They say they’ve sold 100,000 of these so it seems like there is certainly a market for them, but there is also a helluva lot of hate too. I dunno, seems like its no more shameful to be seen on this

As it is to be seen on this

What do you think? I wouldn’t buy one, but I don’t really have interest in this kind of thing but I have to wonder why all the hate?

Also, I think an off road version of the spyder would be rad. A little more clearance, a meaty rear tire and some skids and you would have an excellent ADV...ur...trike.

CB > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:02

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They seem to sell pretty well up here. I was driving to Montreal with my girlfriend and saw at least 50 going in the other direction in a group. Yeah, I occasionally make fun of them, but you know what? If someone enjoys it and manages to join a community of others who enjoy the same thing, that’s pretty damn good.

Party-vi > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:05

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It’s a snowmobile with wheels instead of skis, ergo it is stupid.

Can-Ams are trikes for people that don’t like Harleys.

HammerheadFistpunch > Party-vi 07/19/2016 at 14:07

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So...a roadmobile?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:13

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Coming from a still budding motorcyclist, here’s my take. The can-am riders want to be lumped into the motorcycle club but the motorcycle club labels them as cars. And it’s not without reason - can ams don’t lean, they don’t steer the same way, they have a very large footprint, they are quite expensive (relative to performance and abilities of similar motorcycles), and they are kinda aimed at “people who want a motorcycle but are too old, feeble, or scared to ride”. At least those touring motorcycles still require the rider(s) to be active participants in the process. Personally, seeing grandpa in an 80's goldwing with faded brown paint making time down the freeway is still kinda badass.

I’m sure the owners like them a lot. But a part of me wants to ask them why they don’t just get a miata and remove the windshield. Cause that vehicle would be not much bigger, get similar gas mileage, be cheaper, and handle better all while providing wind in your helmet thrills. Then again, I don’t see the point of people who “ride” trikes with trailers. SO take that for what it is. It might just be a marmite sort of vehicle. Some swear by it. Others will retch at the sight of it.

bob and john > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:13

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oh yea its more shameful. a gold wing can carver corners like you would not believe *seriously...fast time at deals gap is held by a gold wing. no I dont quite understand it either, but I’ve seen the guy ride. it moves.


all the disadvantages of a car (wide, heavy, needs a full parking spot) and all of the disadvatages of a bike (not cafe, no roof, etc etc)

the ONLY reason someone should have one of these is if they simply cant hold a regular bike up at lights (missing a leg or some other physical condition) *EDIT: 2 reasons: its your ride in the winter months and you have snow tires on it

everyone else riding them are just pansies pretending to be hardasses.

Twism > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:15

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In Quebec (where it is build by Can-Am), we don’t need a full bike license to drive the Spyder, just a special 12-hours course.

They are super popular for this very reason: lots of people buy them so they can ride something cool on the weekend, but don’t want to spend more than a grand and lose a year on various courses and licenses.

You see those going 10 km under the limit all weekend during the summer.

Xyl0c41n3 > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:18

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Inb4 all the “that’s not a bike” comments....

Oh....

Shit.

N/m. Carry on!

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:24

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I saw a bunch of them on my way from STL to Springfield, MO the other day. My biggest annoyance with them is that the people who ride them don’t know how to drive.

HammerheadFistpunch > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 07/19/2016 at 14:24

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With the idea of heavy bike riding surging (hello adv bikes) seems like something that can tour well and gives you that outside sensation would be a hit. There is a lot of stigma though

HammerheadFistpunch > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch 07/19/2016 at 14:25

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Could be worse...They could be in their Lexus rx

Xyl0c41n3 > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:28

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On a more serious note, I know they (and regular trikes) get a lot of hate, but I think they serve a valuable purpose in the bike world. I know people who have balance issues who ride trikes versus bikes. And let’s face it, people’s reaction times, vision, balance and reflexes deteriorate somewhat as they age. A man (or woman) who could shred corners at 21 years old might not be able to do that at 71 years old.

Most of the men I’ve seen riding Spyders or other trikes are lifelong riders who have become less able to ride two-wheeled bikes.

Then there was the woman I interviewed a few months back who rode 2-up with her husband for years. She didn’t feel comfortable enough by herself on two-wheels, but a Harley trike was just her style. Now they road trip side by side and the trike’s cargo space makes things a little easier.

I think it all boils down to what gets said any other time there’s an “X sucks! And if you like X, then you suck!” conversation on Oppo (Fiesta sedan, Sebring convertible, or autotragic, anyone?): if you like it and it's not hurting anyone, then you do you. Fuck the haters.

Nonster > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:29

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I think the majority of the hate revolves around the fact that they’re kind of the worst of both worlds.

I think for the aging or injured rider that can’t reasonably handle a motorcycle safely anymore its a reasonable alternative that gets you back into some of the riding experience. I think thats the primary market for them, old folks.

But to answer the question, I don’t disrespect anyone who rides one, I don’t get it but to each their own, but I hold a goldwing or full dresser harley in a higher regard.

HammerheadFistpunch > Xyl0c41n3 07/19/2016 at 14:30

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My policy has always been that the only people who care about what I drive besides me are other people...and nuts to those guys.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:30

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I have seen them on the road in person, they looked ridiculous. Seems like a good idea but in person, silly.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:31

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Eh, I think it’s less disconcerting when a car cuts you off with inches to spare. If you hit a Lexus there’s some damage, you hit a CanAm they’re roadkill.

HammerheadFistpunch > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/19/2016 at 14:31

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meh, Looks don’t bother me. but I’m a function over form kinda guy

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:32

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The two wheels up front that lean seem like a better solution.

McMike > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:34

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Ctl+F ....“bike”.....replace all..... “trike”

Thing’s got three wheels, man. :)

Trikes like these are for new riders who lack the confidence to take on two wheels. Sure, they are also for those who eventually loose the confidence to stay on two wheels (age/disability/etc), but I don’t think it’s very many.

My father-in-law struggled with removable trike kits for the last 10 years that he could put on when he was touring with his wife. He could handle keeping the bike upright when he came to a stop when it was just him, but was was afraid that his knees might not be able to anymore when he had a passenger/luggage.

He would never get one of these CanAms because he spent his entire life on a motorcycle. His stable three wheels would have to be in the form of a motorcycle, not a snowmobile.

After struggling with the kits, he went full factory trike (HD TriGlide). He would love to still be on two wheels, but he just can’t do it anymore. The two of them want to continue riding, and this is what’s required now.

I don’t think anyone has ever traded in a bike for a trike because they thought it would be more fun.

HammerheadFistpunch > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch 07/19/2016 at 14:35

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I look at it from the other side of the coin. getting him with an RX? its going to end badly for all involved, Getting hit with a trike? Well...they are goners.

HammerheadFistpunch > McMike 07/19/2016 at 14:38

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More fun? no of course not, but im looking at it from a purely numbers view point - More wheels = more weight more safely. Sure, you give up corner carving but you get (more or less) the rest of the motorcycle experience and you wont have a heart attack trying to pick up a bike thats fallen over.

I guess what spurred this for me is the startling frequency I hear of ride ending injuries with ADV bikes just because it “fell over”. At a point, you are just carrying too much weight to effectively and safely tour.

Monkey B > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:40

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I see the purpose for these, and being a rider I don’t harbor any ill towards anyone who would ride one. They take the same risk I do to get the same, albeit somewhat different, experience. I could see myself riding one when I’m older if I couldn’t physically or safely handle a motorcycle at low speeds or stopped. But I don’t think you need to have a physical handicap to consider one either and there are more reasons than I care to type as to why they are worth consideration to ride....the main one being it’s fun.

The motorcycle community, as bonding a community as it can be, is full of judgmental assholes.

Rico > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:41

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For the price I’d rather have a Polaris Slingshot.

bob and john > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:43

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depends ont he lay out. 2 wheels in the front? yes, its good.

2 wheels in the back is so unstable...I saw a couple flip a goldwing trike at 30MPH when i was in NC. the lady didnt make it. 30. miles. per hour. on a corner that had a “suggested” of 25 and I could hit at 55.

TheRealBicycleBuck > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:44

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Someone in my office building rides one, so I’ve seen it up close. Although I’ve not driven one, it just seems to miss the mark. Other than the seating position and controls, it really isn’t a motorcycle. That fundamental ability to lean into the corners is just gone.

However, it is much better than a rear-wheeled trike conversion. My wife’s uncle bought one so his wife could ride with him. He quit riding it because he couldn’t get used to turning without leaning.

HammerheadFistpunch > bob and john 07/19/2016 at 14:46

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oh, no question...which is why its strange to me that trikes like the Harley are popular at all with the existence of this thing...insufficient chrome?

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Rico 07/19/2016 at 14:48

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This!

HammerheadFistpunch > McMike 07/19/2016 at 14:49

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Perhaps I should have said (biker question)

bob and john > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:50

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the harley trike started out as a kit to put on the bike (easier to change the rear end then it is to redesign the steering) after a while harley saw the popularity and offered it OEM. and once it was 2 wheels in the back, well, you know how opposed to change harley ppl are.

HammerheadFistpunch > bob and john 07/19/2016 at 14:52

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Also how completely resistant common sense, but that’s no shock.

McMike > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:54

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Still has “bi” prefix, which refers to the number 2

It’s OK to call them “trikers” without it being insultng. It’s accurate. :)

HammerheadFistpunch > McMike 07/19/2016 at 14:55

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What I meant was that I have a question for bikers about trikes.

bob and john > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:57

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also, “fell over” is what they tell you.

what ACTUALLY happened is a totally different story usually involving whisky throttle and a badly timed rut/dune

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:57

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The only Trike I’m interested in is a street legal XR650L trike!

HammerheadFistpunch > bob and john 07/19/2016 at 14:58

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Well I’ve been watching a lot of ADV bike shows lately, and have seen personally the “falling over” which usually involves trying to go up a loose hill, stalling out and then falling over and getting hurt. On my last trip, this EXACT thing happened right before my uncle’s eyes and yup...their trip was over and they turned back to the LONG drive home to Oregon.

McMike > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 14:59

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Oh. Yeah. That works.

HammerheadFistpunch > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 07/19/2016 at 15:00

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There are easier ways to kill yourself...but not many.

bob and john > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 15:01

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yea, and that would happen on a 250 dirtbike just as easy. its a problem with the loose nut that connects the handle bars and the seat. (or footpegs in this case)

HammerheadFistpunch > bob and john 07/19/2016 at 15:04

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I think you are being critical on this one, many of the riders I see getting hurt are extremely experienced riders. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are, a bike is more likely to hurt you than something that doesn’t need your help to stay upright.

yamahog > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 15:05

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The local DoB chapter has a bunch of them. It’s ideal for older/shorter/ disabled folks, especially if they’re new to riding and planning on going 2up for long distances. All the touring amenities, even reverse, which I’m totally jealous of (I’m too short to duckwalk the R6... I have to literally get off and walk it).

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 15:06

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My mom and her partner tour a lot. She rides a BMW 1100RT and he rides a purple Harley. She said that when they are too old to ride 2 wheels they are going to buy a “convertible”. While Ken has ridden the Can-Am he is a died in the wool Harley guy so his opinion of Can-Am’s is like OPPO’s opinion about crysler sebrings PT cruisers and the Nissan Murano cross cabriolet.

I don’t ride, but what I gather is that their philosophy is that you ride safely and drive defensively so you don’t crash.

HammerheadFistpunch > yamahog 07/19/2016 at 15:07

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See, I think long distance 2up or heavy touring would be this things bag. If I was crossing the country and wanted the open air experience, I would certainly consider one, and I consider myself pretty handy on two wheels.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > bob and john 07/19/2016 at 15:07

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Yeah, they like what I don’t like!! They do what I don’t do!!!

THOSE PANSIES!!!

bob and john > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 07/19/2016 at 15:11

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if you dont have a medical condition the physically prevents you from holding a bike up, and you dont really have an excuse for one of these.

EI: you dont have the balls. Pansies.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > bob and john 07/19/2016 at 15:15

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Let the hate flow though you...

You should insult them for no reason some more. That will make you really cool!!

bob and john > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 07/19/2016 at 15:16

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hang on, I have my book full of insults around here somewhere. let me go find it :D

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 15:32

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Well, to give you an idea. The base model costs 15k at minimum. Most models will retail for 20k or more. My Fiesta ST was 23k out the door. Throwing 20k at motorcycles gets you damn near anything. That is a LOT of money for a toy, especially one that is as oddball as the can-am.

Tekamul > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 15:51

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Just buy a convertible.

You don’t get the same sensations as on a bike without the leaning or lightness. But you have to wear a helmet and yell your conversations.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > HammerheadFistpunch 07/19/2016 at 15:54

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I’ve seen one being ridden with snow tires before. I’d certainly rather ride one of those year-round than a regular adv bike

HammerheadFistpunch > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 07/19/2016 at 15:55

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truth, if you are choosing to be miserable, might as well be safe.