Can-Am Spyder Newbie Taking Test Drive & Asking for Advice

[Dherring386]

I am in the process of test driving the Can-Am Spyder and Harley Tri-Glide. When test driving the Can-Am, the bike would seem to twitch from left to right. I was told by the dealer to expect this and to ride the bike for at least 20 minutes. I am not used to trikes and was wondering if others converting from 2 to 3 wheels have noticed this twitch? The other issue was the Spyder had a transmission fault prior to leaving the parking lot. I shifted gears and the error went away. The dealer has excellent ratings and has been recommend by others.

If I'm honest, riding on 3 wheels was an entirely different experience. Almost unnerving going around turns. Once I began to rethink cornering, things seemed to much more enjoyable. My passenger really enjoyed the Spyder

Thanks to everyone for all your support and assistance

 

[Gorilla]

The Spyder has assisted steering so it's a little more sensitive. That is just an adaption thing. Trikes are great just take your time and get what you like. Dealers are important unless you are a Do It Yourself.

 

[geol]

I have owned a bunch of trikes (all Goldwing conversions) and a Spyder (2010 Spyder RT) and I think you buy and get used to whichever you choose. Neither seemed odd to me once I stopped leaning into turns .

 

[Notgrownup]

Completely different animals. The feel on all 3 styles is sort of mind boggling when you try them all in the same day. Not leaning is the biggest part. It’s going to come down to personal feel of what you want. Myself, I didn’t particularly like the Spyder, I like the traditional front end style. If you can rent one of each for a day for each style it would give you a better sense of what to expect , a test ride I believe isn’t enough.

 

[Big Juice]

I have had both, a converted 1900 V-twin and an F3-Limited Spyder. I put 30K on my converted trike and I now have 60K on my Spyder. My usual description of my two rides, my converted trike was my Cadillac, and my Spyder is my Corvette. My Spyder hasn't left me on the side of the road in 60K miles, but my conventional in the 30K miles left me stranded in Alabama for a week waiting for parts. My thoughts are, you "ride" a conventional trike, you "drive" a Spyder. I love my Spyder as it fits who I am, you need to choose what fits YOU!

 

[Notgrownup]

I have friends in our riding club who had Spypers that loved them and others who couldn’t wait to trade them in. Personal choice. Same with any other riding toy.

 

[Dherring386]

Should I be concerned about the fact that the bike had a transmission error or that the backup camera wasn't operating correctly on the test drive?

 

[Notgrownup]

Should I be concerned about the fact that the bike had a transmission error or that the backup camera wasn't operating correctly on the test drive?

Depends who is selling it. If it’s a dealer, I would ask for either a discount or a repair. Might be minor.

 

[Dherring386]

Depends who is selling it. If it’s a dealer, I would ask for either a discount or a repair. Might be minor.

It's a dealer. They are going to review the unit before selling.

 

[14TG]

It's a dealer. They are going to review the unit before selling.

That would certainly be best.
Have the dealer fix any issues before taking possession.
Plus you have documentation from them.

 

[pwhoever]

If this is from a dealer, I honestly wouldnt buy it without it being 100%. I would make sure to get it in writing that they will fix the issues.

Years ago when shopping for a used pickup, I test drove one on a dealer lot and noticed that the AC wasn't pumping out cold air and there was some slop in the steering wheel. It was only a few years old but out of warranty. I got them to agree to fixing the problems and write it in the contract. I'm guessing the salesman figured it would be a cheap fix like recharging the AC. I'm glad I did because it ended needed a new intermediate shaft for the steering and to fix the AC, they ended up having to pull the dash and replace some components. Between the steering shaft and the AC work, it would have cost me over $1500. Because it was written in the contract, it cost me nothing.

 

[Notgrownup]

CYA with paper, always

 

[Papa Zook]

Should I be concerned about the fact that the bike had a transmission error or that the backup camera wasn't operating correctly on the test drive?

Yes.
Also, if you are uncomfortable with the twitchy handling of the Can-Am Spyder, don't buy one. I never got comfortable, and personally, I wouldn't own one for that reason. It's all about what feels right to you.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

I can only comment about the Spyder since I've never been on a conventional trike.
The twitchyness is mostly due to improper operator input. You have to use a more relaxed grip on the Spyder on the highway or most non curved roads, where less input is required, and the chassis and suspension isn't being loaded. In the curves on mountain roads ive never felt it. When in that environment the Spyder is more planted.

Unfortunately most people that go for a short test ride will never master this in that time frame. I was a bit skeptical, but after 300-500 miles I figured it out. Now I absolutely love how it handles on any road. I can't wait to hit the twisty's.

I do know that the Spyder can handle more than what I'm comfortable with trying, but I continue to push it, and always come back amazed at the performance this thing is capable of. I still ride on 2 wheels occasionally, but I'll grab the keys to my Spyder before the 2 wheeler any day. As A former HD guy , I miss the brand as far as aftermarket and dealer support, as well as the interactions with other HD owners. I like to tinker so the HD brand offers unlimited access to this. With the cam am there's really not much of this. Very few real upgrades, and almost no performance upgrades.

That being said the Spyder is a purpose built machine. Its not an afterthought or kit. Its electronic package is superb and well integrated. I find it works quite well. On my F3S you can actually turn all off the nanny stuff if you prefer.
Even after 2 years of ownership and 12,000 miles under my belt I'm still amazed at the engineering that went into this machine. As a lifelong mechanic and tech I can really appreciate it.

I'd like to ride an HD Trike someday to compare, but it would have to be more like a long weekend, because if it's anything like the spyder as far as a learning curve goes, I think that would be necessary for a decent evaluation. I'm pretty sure though from what I know about my Spyder and being around HD trikes in the mountain roads, I'd probably pick the Spyder. I also think my decision is based on how I ride , which is aggressive ( sporty), and I'm a 100% solo rider.

 

[geol]

I never felt a twitchy feeling on my Spyder RT. My issue what that 2010 was the first year for that touring model and it was heavier than previous models and the suspension wasn't up to the extra weight. I changed shock springs and put a heavy sway bar on and it helped. The lean of that 2010 was initially unnerving. The other thing was the 900cc buzzy engine. Felt like a dirt bike. I would like to try the newer RTs with better suspension and the 3 cylinder to compare. Only thing about the engineering was the Kenda rear tire. A purpose built tire with no competition and it seemed to wear a bit quickly. Hopefully someone made a different rear tire for the Spyder to compete with the Kenda.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

I ride a trike due to a fused left ankle, 2 metal knees, and several back fractures. Don't trust myself in situations that are awkward while trying to balance 800 lbs while on 2 wheels.

However I decided to try a trike. I went to HD 1st cuz I knew about them, have owned & ridden them, rebuilt them and the whole enchilada . But the price of them was way to much. I went to the can am dealership to look at spyders. All they had were the big ones (touring models) which i dont do, and also I prefer a naked bike or as close as I can get to one. Dont mean to offend anybody but the only Spyders I Iike or would own is the F3, or F3S.

The only other trikes they had were Rykers, and i didn't really like them. They had my bike still in a crate. A leftover from 2022. This was June 2023. Anyway I took a brochure home to study, and decided sight unseen to buy it. Talk about a leap of faith. No test ride no nothing. Anyway 30 days later I went to the dealership to pick it up. The owner showed me the controls, and a few tips. Got on the Spyder and it was pouring down rain. What a way to start. I only had a 15 mile ride home, but I was mostly impressed by the way it handled the wet road. It was a no brainer. I felt very confident on it. Only to become totally Enamored on its capabilities later on.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Just a side note. On my ride yesterday, while taking a break at the Shady Valley country store there were 2 Rykers parked there. I didn't find the riders to talk with, but both bikes were well worn, and dang near purpose built for carving up the twisty's. They both had intake and exhaust mods, and really just a few farkles here and there. The rear tires were worn from drifting i suspect. They were mostly black older models, and looked fun as Hell. I bet I'd have a hard time keeping pace with one of them machines.

 

[Papa Zook]

Just a side note. On my ride yesterday, while taking a break at the Shady Valley country store there were 2 Rykers parked there. I didn't find the riders to talk with, but both bikes were well worn, and dang near purpose built for carving up the twisty's. They both had intake and exhaust mods, and really just a few farkles here and there. The rear tires were worn from drifting i suspect. They were mostly black older models, and looked fun as Hell. I bet I'd have a hard time keeping pace with one of them machines.

"purpose built"

 

[geol]

Just a side note. On my ride yesterday, while taking a break at the Shady Valley country store there were 2 Rykers parked there. I didn't find the riders to talk with, but both bikes were well worn, and dang near purpose built for carving up the twisty's. They both had intake and exhaust mods, and really just a few farkles here and there. The rear tires were worn from drifting i suspect. They were mostly black older models, and looked fun as Hell. I bet I'd have a hard time keeping pace with one of them machines.

Did Kenda ever have any competition from another tire manufacturer? Forgot to mention the one thing the Spyder had wayyyyy over my GL1800... the reverse gear would allow you to back out as fast as you like rather than putter along backwards which is scary in a parking lot where every driver in Texas is looking to put a notch on his belt. The Can-Am Spyder has a real reverse and you can pull out backwards at 75 mph if you like (not sure on actual speed of course).

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Did Kenda ever have any competition from another tire manufacturer?

Lots of them. Most people are using car tires front and rear.
I only got 5500 miles out of the rear Kendra. I've got 7000 miles on the General Altimax and I see no wear yet.
I also replaced the front Kendra out of round pieces of garbage . I put 175-15 Vredestein on. They are superb.
I guess the newer Kenda knines are supposed to be ok.
Still a lot of dealerships won't mount a car tire on a Spyder. Weird because the Spyders wheels are the same as a car wheel. J- Type. No difference.
Since I replaced mine the handling got better.

 

[geol]

Lots of them. Most people are using car tires front and rear.
I only got 5500 miles out of the rear Kendra. I've got 7000 miles on the General Altimax and I see no wear yet.
I also replaced the front Kendra out of round pieces of garbage . I put 175-15 Vredestein on. They are superb.
I guess the newer Kenda knines are supposed to be ok.
Still a lot of dealerships won't mount a car tire on a Spyder. Weird because the Spyders wheels are the same as a car wheel. J- Type. No difference.
Since I replaced mine the handling got better.

That's good news. I had to replace a Kenda fairly quickly (low miles and I ride like an old man) and it was expensive.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

That's good news. I had to replace a Kenda fairly quickly (low miles and I ride like an old man) and it was expensive.

If you go to my thread ( new car tires) you'll see what I, and many others have done.