BRP Can-Am Spyder Roadster
Manufacturer | Bombardier Recreational Products |
---|---|
Production | September 2007— |
Class | Sport-touring/roadster |
Engine | BRP-Rotax 990 V-Twin EFI |
Power | 106 HP @ 8500 RPM |
Torque | 77 lb-ft @ 6250 RPM |
Transmission |
5-speed manual with reverse 5-Speed Sequential Electronic with Reverse |
Suspension |
Front: 144mm double A-arm with anti-roll bar Rear: swing-arm - 145mm monoshock |
Brakes |
BRP foot-actuated, fully integrated hydraulic 3-wheel braking system Front: 4 piston calipers with 10.2 in × 0.25 in (259.1 mm × 6.4 mm) disc Rear: Single-piston caliper with 10.2 in × 0.25 in (259.1 mm × 6.4 mm) disc |
Tires |
Front: KR21 165/65R14 on 14x5 rim Rear: KR21 255/50R15 on 15x7 rim Cast aluminum wheels |
Wheelbase | 68 in (1,700 mm) |
Weight |
699 lb (317 kg) (dry) |
The Can-Am Spyder ("Spyder") is a three-wheeled motorcycle manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products.[1] The vehicle has a single rear drive wheel and two wheels in front for steering, similar in layout to a modern snowmobile. The Spyder uses an ATV-like chassis. The manufacturer refers to it as a "roadster," but in technical terms it is more of what has been traditionally called a trike. The Spyder was officially launched in February 2007.[2]
Sales
By October 2007, approximately 2,500 units had been sold.[3] By May 2009, 12,500 Spyders (9,932 of them sold in the United States) had been manufactured.[4] Approximately 21 percent of its sales are to women.[5] In addition, some 27 percent of Spyder owners have never previously owned a motorcycle.[6]
Features
The Spyder has traction and stability control, and antilock brakes.[7] In most US states the Spyder is licensed as a motorcycle. In California and Delaware only a regular driver's license is required—however, helmet laws apply in California as they do for all motorcyclists.
There is a luggage space under a "hood" at the front of the vehicle (known by riders as the "frunk") in addition to a rear trunk. Saddle bags,[8] top boxes and other accessories for the Spyder are also in existence.
The Spyder also has front and rear brakes which are both actuated by the same foot pedal, a reverse gear, power steering and an optional electric shift (clutchless) transmission.[9]
Models
There are four different types of Spyder.
The Spyder RS series is a sports version. The styling and seat position is more like a conventional sport bike
The Spyder ST series is a sports-touring hybrid version, with an upright seat and removable saddlebags. This could be compared to a Sport touring motorcycle
The Spyder RT series is a touring version, with integrated saddlebags and top case. This could be compared to a Touring motorcycle
The Spyder F3 series is a "sport-cruising" version, with feet-forward upright seating, and a 1300 cc engine. This could be compared to a Cruiser (motorcycle).
All four types sport the front trunk, or "frunk".
Types of transmission
Spyder SM5 The SM5 is a manual 5-speed transmission with the standard motorcycle left-foot-actuated shifter and left-hand-actuated clutch. It is a one-down-four-up system with real reverse.[7]
Spyder SE5 The SE5 is a semi-automatic transmission, which shifts sequentially 1-2-3-4-5 and 5-4-3-2-1. There is no foot shifter. Instead, a paddle-shifter located below the left hand-grip is used to up-shift and down-shift. Simply use your thumb to push the paddle forward to up-shift, and use your index finger to pull the paddle backward to down-shift. Note the Spyder's computer will automatically down-shift for you when the engine speed drops below 2,500 RPM. To engage Reverse, pull the paddle backward and press the R (Reverse) button.[10]
Reliability
BRP has recalled 9,932 of the 2008 and 2009 Can-Am Spyder for steering adjustments.[11]
In September 2013, a recall was announced for 2013 RT and ST models due to a possible fire hazard.
Specifications and options
Specifications of the RT, RS, and ST models:
Package | SM5 Transmission | SE5 Transmission |
---|---|---|
Frame/Platform | Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) | Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) |
Suspension Front | 144 mm | 144 mm |
Double A-Arm with Anti-Roll bar | Double A-Arm with Anti-Roll bar | |
Power Steering | Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) | Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) |
VSS | ABS, TCS and SCS engineered with Bosch | ABS, TCS and SCS engineered with Bosch |
Transmission | 5 Speed Manual with Reverse | 5 Speed Sequential Electronic with Reverse |
Drive Train | Kevlar reinforced drive belt 28/79 final drive ratio | Kevlar reinforced drive belt 28/79 final drive ratio |
Instrumentation | Dual Analog and LCD | Dual Analog and LCD |
Engine | BRP-Rotax 990 V-Twin EFI | BRP-Rotax 990 V-Twin EFI |
106 HP @ 8500 RPM 77 lb-ft @ 6250 RPM |
106 HP @ 8500 RPM 77 lb-ft @ 6250 RPM | |
2-into-1 exhaust system | 2-into-1 exhaust system |
References
- ↑ "Can-Am Roadster". en-us.spyder.brp.com. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ↑ "More Than 350 Can-Am Spyder Owners Attend Inaugural Homecoming Event In Valcourt Quebec". aviationtoday.com. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
- ↑ "Tricycles for adults target safety-conscious". usatoday.com. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
- ↑ "Nearly 10,000 Can Am Spyders recalled over faulty steering". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
- ↑ "REVIEW: Can-Am Spyder RS-S". womenridersnow.com. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
- ↑ Taylor III, Alex (2012-07-30). "Three-wheeled bikes for big boys". http://money.cnn.com. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "2008 Can-Am Spyder GS Roadster SM5". motorcycle-usa.com. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
- ↑ "May 1, 2009 Spyder Announcements THE R-35 RIGID SADDLEBAG KIT". spyder.brp.com. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
- ↑ "First Drive: 2008 BRP Can-Am Spyder - Previews". Car and Driver. February 2007.
- ↑ "2009 Can-Am Spyder SE5 First Ride". motorcycle-usa.com. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
- ↑ "Recalls Summary". odi.nhtsa.dot.gov. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Can-Am Spyder. |