BIKES: BRP Can-Am Spyder: The Sled for the Road

Maybe it's the Ski-Dooish look, but my impression of the Spyder is that it's a purpose built sled for the road.

Kevin Krefting | Posted May 11, 2009 Charlotte, NC

Radical and fun, the Spyder is fast and stable! (Photo: SPEED)

It was 8:00pm Friday night, the walls of my cubical were caving in around me. I needed to escape, and an easy commute in the luxury SUV with the heated seats, GPS, and satellite radio wasn't going to do it. I didn't need to be lulled into believing the torture I'd endured through the week was somehow worth the high definition televisions, washing machines, luxury sports sedans, iPhones, and Dyson vacuum cleaners. I chose something else.

I've owned the sports cars, done the track days and race schools, and rallied across Europe. I loved the freedom of the open cockpit formula racers and the idea of mounting two wheels, unhindered, was appealing. I got myself signed up at a local school and had my motorcycle license shortly after, but my eyes were open. I'd participated in enough performance schools to know seat time was critical in becoming comfortable with a vehicle and responding to the inevitable emergencies. I was not comfortable hitting the roads and highways on two wheels with the cell phone soccer moms and the crackberry pros as a new rider.

Leap forward six months and I have the opportunity to test the three-wheeled BRP Can-Am Spyder. I jump at the chance. I request a manual transmission and pick up the backwards trike from Lake Norman Powersports, just north of Charlotte. My initial impression is how aggressive it looks in person. I can tell you right off, the Can-Am Spyder is a big, confidence-inspiring machine with two 165/65R14 tires up front and one fat 225/50R15 tire in the back – creating the machines trademark Y-architecture. Powered by the liquid-cooled BRP-Rotax 990 cc v-twin producing 106 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque, weighing in at a stocky 699 lbs., and geared for fun. I'm committed to riding the Can-Am as my primary transportation - back and forth to work, the grocery store, and a little fun!

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