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The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

Can Am Spyder Details

By Paul Crowe

Can-Am Spyder

The Can-Am Spyder official website is live and it’s very well done. Loads of information to answer most all of your questions which is a good thing since they are introducing a new type of vehicle.

A few highlights:

  • VSS – Vehicle Stabilization System, developed with Bosch which helps maintain vehicle control.
  • Brakes are activated by the right foot pedal which distributes braking to all wheels, minimizing nose dive.
  • Rotax 998cc V-twin, 106 hp, 77 foot pounds of torque.
  • 5 speed transmission with reverse
  • Exhaust meets CARB, EPA and Euro2 emission standards.
  • 44L of enclosed front storage space plus a rear luggage rack is available
  • There will be a demo tour which allows you to try the Spyder for yourself. There’s no point in trying to cover everything here, you really should just visit the website and see what it’s all about.

    This is a very well developed vehicle with a lot of standard features and a lot of options and my personal feeling is it will be a hit. If other companies are not already working on something like this, you can bet they’ll be watching closely to see what happens. I can envision a wide range of market segments where this will do well. Check it out then come back and tell us what you think.

    Link: Can-Am website

    Related: Can-Am Spyder 3 Wheeler

    Posted on February 10, 2007 Filed Under: Motor Vehicles, Motorcycle Business, Three Wheel Vehicles


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    Comments

    1. John Bonanno says

      February 10, 2007 at 11:23 am

      I like the idea. I’m not totally in love with the design, i feel it should be more like the Aprilia shown a while back, riding a motorcycle to me is about leaning into turns and feeling at one with the machine, i haven’t riden the Can Am but it seems seating position is high and with no lean i would feel as if i was about to high side. Make it longer if needed to get engine out from under to get the seating lower and let it lean it to turns. Anyone listening Suzuki? Honda? Yamaha? Kawasaki? I bet most of the big firms will wait to see how this is recepted before they bring one to market. Time will only tell. I will pass on this.

    2. Chris Kraft says

      February 10, 2007 at 3:25 pm

      I watched the demo video. The thing is pretty cool but they never really answered the one question I had which is why. Why would someone who already rides motorcycles be interested in owning one of these?

      I appreciate the fact that they are experimenting and trying new things but, for me at least, I see no compelling reason to buy this over a motorcycle from another manufacture.

    3. chris says

      February 10, 2007 at 4:45 pm

      went to their website. pretty nice stuff. i didn’t have a very good opinion of this when i first saw it, but i’m coming around. i think if you look at it like less of a motorcycle, and more like the worlds lightest, least comfort focused sports car, you’ll get the idea.

    4. Alejandro Martinez says

      February 10, 2007 at 7:02 pm

      Everyone can criticise it for not being exactly what they want, and so can I, but lets be real and give them props for developing a really cool vehicle that isn’t like the rest. Two wheels is old news. The reverse trike layout is superior in performance, or at least has the potential to be superior in performance. Volkswagen chickened out and put their tails between their legs. I respect the guts this company has to get their product out there. If this catches on, other companies will soon follow with their own versions and that makes it better for all of us.

    5. coho says

      February 11, 2007 at 12:05 am

      It doesn’t lean.

      It doesn’t lean because it’s not a motorcycle.

      I think I like it because it’s not a motorcycle OR a car, it’s something else. We need more something else.

      PS. Why would any non-rider buy a $21K Miata or a $50K TRex if they could have one of these for $14K?
      Besides, if they’re out in the elements wearing a helmet, maybe when they get back into their Accord or Explorer they’ll be more aware of the other non-cars on the road. Like you and me.

      Maybe they’ll even get the yearn to drag a peg and come fully over to the dark side.

    6. F451 says

      February 11, 2007 at 1:44 am

      Basic physics will tell you that because it doesn’t lean you will be fighting forces that are less an issue if it were to lean. You can actually see that in the flash movies at the site. Hwy not use the laws of physics to the Spyder’s advantage? Anyone who ridden a trike will tell you the ride is very different from a motorcycle and takes some getting used to.

      Mystery Designs has a triek converson called the Tiltster: http://www.mysterydesigns.com/tomahawk.htm

    7. kneeslider says

      February 11, 2007 at 9:49 am

      I think criticisms based on not tilting or not something that will convert motorcyclists, miss the mark. Think beyond current riders and think new buyers trying this out. As coho mentions above, it brings the open air experience to more people which has a lot of positives.

      Think about a whole new option to those who might otherwise only see big touring trikes as a choice. Some folks who need a trike for various reasons, disabilities, etc. could ride this and have a lot of fun.

      Think about the ATV or snowmobile crowd that might find this an appealing way to get on the road.

      Think about extending your riding season into weather when the road conditions make motorcycles a bad choice. You could probably fit all weather tires on this.

      Think, too, about a lot of motorcyclists that just might find it to be a really cool looking machine and try it out because they just simply like it.

      Riding a trike doesn’t make you less pure as a motorcyclist, it just gives you more options and another way to have fun. I really think this will be the first of many trikes. As Alejandro said, Volkswagen got cold feet and left the field open to others. If this does well, I wonder if VW will rethink their GX3 concept and bring it out.

    8. Chris Buchanan says

      February 11, 2007 at 10:56 am

      I think the concept is awesome and it may be just the right time for such a vehicle. I sincerely hope this is a first of a new breed of commercially available “inverted” trikes!

      Although I do not prefer the frontal styling and I think the tilting concept would be preferable, there has to be a market for this vehicle. I also agree if the spyder proves to be successful then the it will simply have paved the way for the rest of the world to follow and improve this concept which so many have come to truly respect.

      I applaud their philosophy, and can’t wait for a test ride….

      The only thing I don’t understand is where are all the custom inverted tilting three wheel vehicles, built from cannibalized sport bikes in backyard garages?

      If the Piaggio MP3 was derived from a hayabusa instead of a scooter… how many of us would want a test ride?

    9. sfan says

      February 11, 2007 at 12:34 pm

      F451 (Fahrenheit 451? : ) Says: “Basic physics will tell you that because it doesn’t lean you will be fighting forces that are less an issue if it were to lean.” I believe this to be a true but potentially misleading statement if it is interpreted as implying that leaning = better cornering physics. The physical forces and solutions to fight them are indeed very different for a cornering motorcycle and a non-tilting 3+ wheeled vehicle. However, in terms of ultimate cornering performance, it is my understanding that the physics of a non-tilting wheel arrangement suggest higher potential cornering performance limits (contact patch, better leverage of gravity, lower center of gravity). If this was not the case then I suggest we would have seen plenty of high performance tilt-wheel automobile designs over the years. Thoughts?

    10. zipidachimp says

      February 11, 2007 at 5:54 pm

      just the thing for aging boomers looking for new thrills, but a native fear of motorcycles! shame!
      bombardier sure ain’t dumb, proved they studied demographics!
      even I’d grab a used one in 5 years, when I’m 68! haha! shame on me!

    11. element paintball says

      February 16, 2007 at 5:16 pm

      Perhaps I’m older than I though I was. I am actually seriously considering purchase of one of the Spyders when they become available in Illinois… and I’m 26. I’ll freely admit that I’m not in love with the little black bump that houses the guages, lights, windscreen, etc, but with a little modification (read: a LOT of modification and custom body work), i think these could be turned into a closed cockpit street demon. Ditch the passenger seat. move the rider back and give them a more inclided position. ditch the bump and extend the “hood” into a seamless windscreen/roof/back window that tapers into the extended tail section. extend the rear swingarm a bit, throw on a bigger, fatter tire. ditch the cute 998 for a busa motor and then you’ve got yourself a trike to die for (and probably on).

    12. steve harns says

      February 16, 2007 at 10:25 pm

      I applaud Bombardier’s willingness to bring this concept to market. A safer, well engineered vehicle with ABS and stability controls at just over CDN$18K is a great deal for the touring community. I’ve viewed early concept artists renderings and the final Spyder production version lacks the “wow” factor for me with the initial two colours offered. The Japanese manufacturers will no doubt release more dramatic styled offerings in about 2-3 years. Limiting the sale release to the public in late 2007 is going to hurt Can-Am’s initial sales and leaves additional opportunity for other competitors planning a Spring 2008 release. Maybe this will be the ticket for those dealers suffering the decline in snowmobile sales. Innovate or die – Bombardier has guts!

    13. The Hawk says

      February 23, 2007 at 9:53 am

      Im just the guy they are targeting. Im 47 years old and recently got into ATV’s and snowmobiles. I have a convertible but, not sure I want to purchase a motorcycle. However, when I saw this.. I thought. this is cool!. It looks rider friendly and leads a novice to believe anyone could ride it. When the tour comes to my town, Im going to look at it. If, I like it. Im going to get one.

    14. orlando101 says

      February 26, 2007 at 12:21 pm

      I saw the Spyder this past weekend, at a local dealer promo. I must say I like it alot! However I would like to see a touring version, with saddle bags and a small tour pack, and possibly a radio. Also I was not crazy about the seating/riding position, (kind of leaning foward like a sport bike) but this could be fixed with some pullback handle bars.

    15. Nic says

      February 26, 2007 at 3:35 pm

      Being only 27 I beleave that Can-Am has hit a homerun with the SPYDER roadster when I was 10 years old i was drawing pic’s of a trik that was backwards I was a member of local motorcycle club that runs the riding cources in my area and was told I was a fool for dreaming such a DUMB idea of a bike but after reserching the Can-Am SPYDER they all are eating there words now I personaly can not wait tell this bike makes it to my area so i can ride it and posibly buy one for my self or my wife

    16. Greg says

      March 4, 2007 at 10:41 am

      I like the design, it looks modern and sleek. I think that it will find a place for people that would like to ride and have the open road feeling, but might not be able to. Take for example the older folk, that are riding three wheeled Gold Wings and Hogs. It might find a place for people that have some disabilities, and a whole new crowd that wants a unique new product. No doubt it will find and create a whole new market, and I hope it makes it. On the other hand it is not a bike, but who cares! I saw a TV flick on it, and it sounds like it will handle well with its suspension designs….we will see.

    17. Scott says

      March 14, 2007 at 9:46 am

      I just saw this for the first time in the new issue of Men’s Health. I think it’s a great idea, something I could sell my wife on. I live in rural Maine and although I am an experienced rider and “motorcycle guy” the last bike I bought was in North Carolina in 1997. Up here the 2-wheeled riding season is too short, the roads too poorly maintained, the animals too big, and the tourists too numerous for me too even consider having a bike. All of this means that, at 44, I’m not the risktaker I used to be. Instead I have a Mitsubishi Spyder to satisfy my open air cravings and for drives down the coast and in the mountains. Rather than follow through with my planned upgrade to a Vette, I would gladly trade the car for one of these – it is like an edgier sports car/safer sportbike combination that looks like it would be an intriguing option for a guy like me.

    18. bluedogz says

      March 27, 2007 at 10:17 am

      I can’t guess who ELSE Bombardier might sell this to, but it’s quite a solution for me. I lost an arm in a roadracing crash, and have been relegated to 4 wheels ever since. This is a far better solution than some cobbled-together trike. The Spyder seems to be an excellent platform to build from. Oh, and I’d like the touring setup too, but some hard bags and an ipod should do.

    19. Miles says

      April 2, 2007 at 9:25 am

      A very cool concept and kudos to BRP for having the cajones to bring it to market. I’ll definitely take a look when it’s available in my area. Since I’m primarliy a sportbike rider I’d prefer a hand lever activated braking system which I believe would translate into a better (read more agressive and precisely controllable) “motorcycle-like” experience than the foot lever being used now. Just a thought, but maybe a factory conversion kit could be offered in the future.

    20. Jay says

      April 13, 2007 at 7:28 pm

      Me being 20 years old and riding my motorcycle for a two years, I would buy one in an instant. My girlfriend never wants to ride with me because she is too scared, and I think this would be a great way to spend more time with her.

    21. Dan says

      April 14, 2007 at 10:15 am

      I ordered this bike the second I saw a picture of it and saw the website! I’m 24 and think that any age would be interested in this bike! I got my Piaggio MP3 deposit back. The 998cc Spyder compared to the 250cc MP3 is just too vast. Plus if I want to ride a motorcycle, my dad is close by with a few bikes.

      To agree with the guy who posted above me. My parents being close by and my mother worring about me riding on my dad’s bikes, they both agree on the Can-Am Spyder because of it’s 3 wheels! Great Success! (Borat)

    22. Bob says

      April 15, 2007 at 8:04 pm

      …just inspected and sat on…but did not test drive (yet) a Spyder at a local South Florida show.

      As a motorcycle rider, just let me say it is not a motorcycle, period.

      …not intending to sound like a ‘master of the obvious’ here, it’s just that since the Spyder’s been in every ‘Motorcycle’ magazine lately, someone may nonchalantly take it to a be a ‘cycle’ of sorts.

      Well, maybe a ‘reverse trike’ (as previously mentioned), some hunters might think of it as a ‘3 wheeled ATV’… however the ancestral connection to the ‘snowmobile’ is lost on most Floridians.

      Anyway, it looks cool, kinda makes you want to jump on it and just go somewhere. Then, I started thinking what would I use it for…commuting to work in Florida’s daily thunderstorms; going for a loaf of bread? There is enough room in the trunk for a weeks groceries so, yes, to that at least.

      Then, I realized you don’t buy something like a Can-Am Spyder for practical reasons, you just get one because…
      …because I’d like to drive it to my summer camp in Vermont (speaking of ancestral roots)…and once there drive it ‘up’ the grass covered ski slopes for some summertime fun.

      Oh, are you listening Bombardier…build off road ‘Summer Spyder Amusement Centers’ and they will come…gotta think global warming, you know, less snow, blah, blah and blah-blah.

      Anyway, looking forward to demo driving one in two weeks. Should be fun. Let’s see I can make Vermont in 35 hours….put the maps in my helmet liner…..turn cell phone off…..don’t worry about leaning…

    23. Jeff Cleveland says

      April 26, 2007 at 8:21 am

      This thing is sweet! I was surfing the net one night when I came across the new Spyder, the next day I went to me local dealer. Living in Vt. I found out that my dealer wouldn’t be able to get one for another two years due to Can-ams production targeting. With a few phone calls we found a dealer in Ma. who has some comming in. I’m proud to say one of those is mine. Becomming paralized in a motorcycle accident years ago, this is what I’ve been waiting for. I’ve looked at trikes of all kinds, and nothing has caught my attention like this has. Had to have one. To bad it won’t be here until fall.

    24. Tom Sanor says

      May 14, 2007 at 10:41 pm

      First seeing a Spyder, after about 10 minutes of scrutiny I was hooked! I’ve been dreaming of constructing a 3-wheeler like this for years – – even collected some of the parts. But the Can Am is better than I could ever build. I got my first mo’cycle 46 years ago. I currently have 3, a Ducati, a Honda, and a Yamaha. I wouldn’t give up 2-wheelers, but I want this 3-wheeler in the worst way. Many say a “real motorcyclist” wouldn’t want one, but they are wrong. It is just another way to have a good time. To me, it is the best example out there of a PERSONAL VEHICLE, and I can ride it in weather conditions and on slippery surfaces that I think twice about on a bike. No more fear of finding gravel or sand in the middle of a turn. I’m going to have to go to another state to buy one. Bombardier has started an exciting trend in Personal Transportation – – just wait and see!

    25. Racer Herbie says

      July 3, 2007 at 10:15 pm

      I test drove one. Some will like it, and some will hate it. I have a 2004 Ski Doo Rev 600 SDI and the Spyder has a lot of handling characteristics like it. If you love snowmobiling you will love it. I was surprised on how stable the platform was. I jerked it this way and that way and it didn’t once do anything to give me the creeps. I ran it up to 110mph 🙂 and it was very stable. The impressive thing was the ride. Smooth as silk. Ride was better than 80% of the cars out there. Worth the coin if you ask me. I am going to wait a year and order one.

    26. Larry G says

      July 10, 2007 at 12:18 pm

      I think the Can-Am Spyder will be a hit. It’s different, it’s cool and looks like a lot of fun. I was just imagining myself with a group of friends touring the States or the european Alps on these vehicles. That would be an amazing experience. I’m only 28 and I own a sports bike and I can see myself riding the Spyder. Even though it doesnt have the same feel of a sports bike, I like the idea of a safer riding experience while enjoying the open road.
      I’ve already booked my demo in Aug at an Ontario dealership.

    27. Dave N. says

      July 20, 2007 at 9:37 am

      I’ve been riding motorcycles for 45 years and do most of my riding with my wife on the back. Now that I’m 60 I’ve noticed that the bike with both of us on is getting a little heavy. I saw the spyder on line and after reading the road tests decided to buy one. I put my money down In July 2007 and hope to be riding around the lakes in Minneapolis Minnesota in April 2008. I will keep my Yamaha Warrior for riding alone, and the Spyder will be for the two of us. I think a lot of us old guys will buy these and It’s nice to see that some of the young guy’s also like the Spyder.

    28. wahooligan says

      July 22, 2007 at 1:05 pm

      I can hardly wait. I did all my research, put down my deposit, and made room in the garage. The nearest dealer is 8 hrs. away and I plan fly there and ride it all the way home. Me? 33, 6′ 4″, 225lbs., shaved head, tattoos, jeans and tee shirt wearing power lineman. Won’t my Harley friends be impressed by this? Ha Ha… L.I.G.A.F.

    29. Mike Nichols says

      July 26, 2007 at 11:41 pm

      I’ve been contemplating looking at this machine in person, only because I have a small fear of saying, “yes I’ll take one”. I made my first expensive purchase two years ago this fall of an 05 Triumph Rocket III and love the bike with a passion, but the idea of sitting on three wheels with most of the machines parts in your frontal view is intriguing. I’m 34, 5’11 and weigh in at 150 pounds. I am one of those guys who likes toys and who likes things that are invaribly different, although believing that this bike will be a big hit I don’t think it will be all that different a few years down the road. I’m also one of those guys that thinks it’s crazy to drive an F350 down the road unless it’s full of people and pulling a trailer full of horses, but we all can do our own thing which makes living in the US that much more worth while. I fill with exictement when I think of passing any type of vehicle on the road with this new machine and hope that others will follow. I don’t think anyone will lose on this idea. If you build it they will come, if many get on the boat, then we will save in more ways than one and help our planet at the same time. KUDOS…

    30. wahooligan says

      July 28, 2007 at 8:08 am

      Hey Mike, the Rocket III is a beautiful machine, I bet you do love it. Your post confused me for about 1/2 a second this morning, as I am just wakeing up. You see my real name is Mike Nicholls.

    31. Brian says

      August 12, 2007 at 11:07 pm

      I feel in love with the spyder the second I saw the pic in the magazine. I made some phone calls, then I made some more phone calls and it sounds like a hit. I am extremely leary of buying a machine sight unseen, but my deposit is down and I pick mine up in Cali mid September…. Hopefully.

    32. Matt says

      October 18, 2007 at 12:43 am

      I would love to have a spyder parked next to my 07 Gixxer 750 and other supe’d vehicles. I was checking it out yesterday and while I was there one guy bought one.I think they will do well in the market.

    33. Scott says

      October 27, 2007 at 11:12 pm

      I rode the Spyder twice, I loved it, I was actually considering buying one, But after the second ride, I had my son on the back and he told me that he felt like he was going to fall off, I would have bought the optional backrest for the Spyder, But ii is a $1500.00 option, and you also need a rack with the rest which is another $1500.00. That totally changed my mind about wanting one, I cannot see being ripped off for $3000.00 for a few pieces of metal.

      Thanks BRP for the Spyder, But no thanks.

    34. Jerry Williams says

      October 31, 2007 at 6:33 pm

      I drove one on a saturday. The and said it was cool and different but not enough to give up my 05 FJR1300. I started to research them and became moor interested. Decided to ride again at biketoberfest. Loved it traded my FJR and buying a silver and black one. Won’t get it till January. I think the wait will be worth it.

    35. Debby says

      November 10, 2007 at 6:24 pm

      Living in Illinois, there are no dealers here (yet). Some friends and I drove up to Kenosha, WI from the windy city. We test drove the Spyder and were very excited. All of us being seasoned riders we were aware of the no lean, no tip. It was an experience that we will never forget. The test ride took some getting used to. Some of us tested the Spyder several times.

      The tryke is innovative and different. I would never give up my two wheels for 3, evvvverrrr!! But I’m sure my two wheeler won’t mind sharing the space in my garage next spring when I pick up MY SPYDER. Can’t wait to trick it out….

    36. James Bowman says

      December 13, 2007 at 3:00 am

      Well I was a motorcycle rider from 16 years old, but now I have not owned a bike for many years. I am 40 with 4 children and a conservative wife who would probably never get on a bike. She might very well ride on a spyder. That it could get me back and forth to work at 35mpg and is reasonable priced makes me determined to at least test one out.

      Like everyone else if it leaned I would be all the more pleased yet no where else can I find any fault in its well thought out and implimented design. If I get one and in a few years when the tilting model is produced I will trade mine in ;o]. As much as I have enjoyed cycling in the past I have 4 kids to think of not just myself and this seems enough safer to really make me go hmmmm.

    37. Jack Backman says

      December 22, 2007 at 7:28 pm

      I would be inerested to know where the nearest dealer is. I would like to see the Spyder in person and possibly buy one.

    38. Steve Voege says

      December 23, 2007 at 8:30 pm

      Interesting Vehicle…

      Now…goto http://www.flytheroad.com and checkout the

      VentureOne…WoW!!!

    39. Robert Ransom says

      April 10, 2008 at 10:12 am

      I personally have never owned a bike, being at the age of 39 I have always had the mentality that I prefer 4 wheels under me. Well, after years of quading & 4 wheeling in my trucks, I was searching for a trike for my father whom is partially disabled. I happen to see one of these vehicles on the road the other day and I thought that this could be the way to go, so, I did some searches and came across the Can-Am Spyder. All I can say is “WOW, this is a nice approach to the trike set-up. Even I would be interested in this. So, being that I am in Arizona (there is a dealership here), I am going to look into this a bit more and see how they measure up to the standard trikes.

      If this works out I may even talk my dad into one – lol.

      I think this design will be a hit for those wanting more stability and the open air feel, regardless of being current auto or cycle drivers/riders.

    40. Hogwild says

      April 22, 2008 at 2:08 am

      This is an awesome example of engineering innovation and excellence. This is a perfect machine for many handicapped riders who love to ride but know longer feel comfortable on two wheels. I was almost worm food from a multi-trauma bike wreck in late June ’07. I recovered from most of my injuries, but am left with a permanent injury to my right leg. I need to use a cane to walk any great distance. My Fatboy has been repaired, but I feel uncomfortable, both mentally and physically, when it comes to riding it. The retail price for the Can-Am Spyder is $15,495! Heck, most big Harleys cost more than the Spyder! I doubt you will to find a better deal on a new 3-wheeled vehicle, such as Lehman trikes and the sort.

    41. Hogwild says

      April 22, 2008 at 3:00 am

      Jay Leno demos the Spyder on his “Jay’s Garage” website. He is in a video clip with the CEO of Bombadier. As a matter of fact, Jay owns the very 1st production Spyder. Must be nice to be Jay, eh?! I bet Jay’s got one heck of a long chin strap on his helmets. Anyone who does’nt think the Can-Am Spyder can perform, will be pleasantly surprised. A couple of weeks before I crashed my Fatboy, I was at Laconia Bike Week (Laconia, NH). A couple of miles before I arrived in Laconia, two Spyders flew by me. I was going between 75 – 80 MPH (don’t tell my wife!). These guys must have been going at least 100 – 110 MPH (don’t tell their wives!). They were demostrating the inverted trikes at bike week. They are VERY cool! The Spyder turned the heads of many a hog rider, including myself! These babies put out 105 HP!

    42. Tlee says

      April 24, 2008 at 10:55 pm

      I am 62, used to ride and loved it, but…old age, bad knees and arthritis have fairly well removed me from the open air riding I so used to enjoy. This changes things. It is NOT a converter bike, it was designed from the ground up with ME and my bad knees in mind, THANKS.

    43. Gabe says

      April 29, 2008 at 10:15 pm

      Rode a Harley for over 12 years and loved it. At 70 years old I figured my riding days were over. Tested the spider and was sold. Great bike at a great price. Thanks guys.

    44. Carrie says

      May 13, 2008 at 4:06 pm

      I love this thing. It looks awesome. I’m 35 year old female and I just got my bike license last year. Just came home with my new Ninja 500 last weekend. All my girlfriends love the idea of riding, but without having spent their teens on dirtbikes like our male counter-parts, the idea of actually driving rather than sitting on the back makes them pretty nervous. Learning to ride on the street is a little less forgiving than the back fields. I totally agree with the fella who said this will make a new experience more accessable to more people. Simply by taking the instability that is inherent to a bike out of the equation will open the opportunity up to so many more people. Sure, you’re not going to get your knee down in the corners, but, I’m still a few weeks away from that anyway 😉
      It’s like a whole new thing– just like the differences that you get with all the different rides- motorcross, sport biking, sports car, cruising, four-wheeling and now this. Now all I’ve got to figure out is how to get to try one out!!!

    45. Newman Dalton says

      June 13, 2008 at 4:12 pm

      I want one of these. I hope Honda, and Suzuki take notice of this concept. I think a little competition will yield cooler designs and lower prices. Also… I don’t want a motorcycle. They are inately unstable, and yo can’t carry anything on them. Gas prices have me taking second look though. Now that I know I can go to the grocery store, relax at a stop light, and hit the reverse gear, I am taking a third look. Now my question is, cooler look, cheaper price and how do I sell my suv without the wife noticing?
      Newman Dalton
      Seattle WA

    46. Randy says

      June 16, 2008 at 8:19 am

      It does not matter why they produced this. Go RIDE it. I did at bike week this year with 4 long time motorcyclist friends. We ALL stated that it was the most fun ride we had ever had. We all have owned and ridden bikes for over at least 20 years apiece. The thing is so fun fun fun. I am currently trying to talk my wife into getting one so I can ride it for myself! Even if you don’t desire one, find a demo ride and go try one out.

    47. Darrell says

      June 26, 2008 at 7:42 pm

      I’ve had one for 6 days now. Enough time to develop some impressions – not enough time to really know the machine. I rode cycles eons ago so I didn’t have to unlearn cycle habits.
      My comfort level is very high riding this vehicle and the mechanics are pretty intuitive (when I think of amusement park rides like the Octopus), that is, centrifugal force gets your attention! The auto correcting logic makes the engine stutter in tight turns and, so far, the logic has brought the wheels back down when lifted. Non banked road curves are ‘sporty’ on this machine and it does want to steer into road dips. Wind also impacts steering a lot.
      On the positive side it is sheer FUN to ride it. Power and acceleration is not a problem, comfortable ride, comfortable position (at least for me – I’m 6’4″ 235) and incredible stopping power.
      From my viewpoint comparisons to sports cars are totally invalid. I agree more with comparisons to snowmobiles and ATV’s.
      I did not really want a motorcycle again. I was waiting for this machine without knowing it and when I saw one on the road I knew I HAD to have one. The cool factor is off the charts. It’s a gas pig but I didn’t buy it for fuel savings.
      This is now my primary transportation and already it feels … mundane when I have to drive my car. That won’t be too much of a problem for me though since I live and drive in the Phoenix area 🙂
      My Harley riding friends don’t snob me and metric riders are very curious about it.

    48. Mike says

      July 11, 2008 at 7:11 pm

      I saw it on the road for the first time yesterday. I grew up in northern Mn, now live in Tx. One thing I’ve always miss is my snowmobile. I’m very intererested to try one out and see if it feels the same. If it does I would purchase one.

    49. Dave says

      July 25, 2008 at 2:17 pm

      As someone who has been in a wheelchair for 8 years… I for one am thrilled to learn about the spyder. I can not wait to ride again. I just need to figure out a way to load my chair onto it.

    50. Yellowbird says

      January 31, 2009 at 9:40 pm

      WOW WOW WOW!!! As a 54 year old female of the shorter type (5’4″) this is the best thing in the wolrd. I purchased the automatic version of the Spyder, and I truly love it. Once I saw this, I knew I had to have it. By,the way, maybe the bike doesn’t lean, but you still do! This is a extremely comfortable bike since you never have to put your feet on the ground. It looks terrifc, handles fantastically, and rides like a dream. If you are looking for a trike/bike with a little attitude, and you aren’t ready for a goldwing trike, this ones for you! Enjoy the ride and think outside the box!!

    51. mjojob says

      July 10, 2009 at 11:51 am

      I test drove one. I love it! I have a beautiful Harley but I can’t ride it anymore because of damage done to my joints by rheumatoid arthritis. I CAN ride the Spyder SE5! Soon as I sell the Harley, I will own a Spyder. I miss the open road and the wind in my face.

    52. Carl says

      August 22, 2009 at 1:13 am

      Why?????
      I would much rather have a Harley but my wife has a “Death wish” on two wheels.
      The first ride on a Spyder she screamed and shook but eventially is starting to settle down.
      I’m even getting use to the ride–at 60yrs. it feels pretty comfortable and the car drivers seem to be a lot worse than before.
      We’ll at least give it a year before I give up on the wife and three wheels.

    53. Stu says

      August 24, 2009 at 8:14 pm

      Hey Guys this is just what I was looking for. After having a stroke three years ago I had to sell my bike, couldn’t ride it anymore not stable enough. This Spyder I could ride, I miss my bike.

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