Can-Am Ryker 600 2024 Review

Can-Am has just released its first ever learner approved three-wheeler. The new Ryker 600 is currently one of two learner approved three-wheelers on the market, rivalled only by the purpose built KYBURZ ‘DXP’ electric trike used by Australia Post.

Riding the Ryker 600 is a bizarre sensation. It’s powered by a 600cc 50hp Rotax parallel-twin engine mated quite unexpectedly to a fully automatic CVT, which has a useful and intuitive reverse gear. The Ryker sort of feels like a car, motorcycle and scooter thrown into a blender and pulverised to make a three-wheeled smoothie.

There is only one trim level for the Ryker 600, which will come with a 2-year warranty and set you back $19,899 before on-road costs. Can-Am offers a large variety of paintwork alongside a myriad of dealer-fitted options, including luggage racks and bags, touring screens, comfort seats and more.

The Ryker is smaller than you may expect, with a wheelbase of 1709mm. I was happy to see that the handlebars and footpegs were fully adjustable and easy to move. At 6.5ft, there was adequate space for me once the controls had been fully adjusted. The handlebars are quite barren, with no clutch lever, no front brake, no menu controls, no
headlight switch, just the bare essentials.

Can-Am is evidently big on safety, particularly for this learner model. The Ryker has excellent brakes, which try as I might, I couldn’t get to lock-up. It has a competent ABS system, traction-control (unfortunately not switchable), and a Vehicle Stability System (VSS), which works to ensure all three wheels are kept on the road.

The braking system on the Ryker is very good but it takes some getting used to. The foot brake pedal is linked, controlling the front and rear brakes simultaneously. It is quite a strange feeling jamming your right foot down on the brakes, and not being met with a wheel locking up followed by a crash.

One area where the Ryker will divide people is handling. Due to the three-wheel nature of the machine, the handling is an entirely unique experience that will be quite foreign to experienced two-wheel riders.

This is where I didn't quite gel with the Ryker. The handling is undeniably good, but ergonomically the rider is fighting to stay on. With no G-forces pulling me into the vehicle, and no seat belt holding me in place, I found myself working quite hard to stay on the seat through the twisties.

Turning the handlebar is quite a physical movement. There is no power steering and little mechanical advantage. You really start to feel the low speed turns in your arms as you push and pull on the handlebars.

That said, with more ride time, it would be possible to adapt to the Rykers odd handling dynamics and learn how to get the most out of the machine.

Elsewhere, the suspension is very firm, and you feel every bump on the road. This is particularly noticeable through the rear monoshock, which is unforgiving over bumps.

The other major downfall to the riding experience is the mirrors. The mirrors shake, vibrate and rattle to the point of being unusable. This is particularly noticeable whilst accelerating.

In summary, the Can-Am Ryker 600 is a good attempt at providing an alternative to motorcycles whilst retaining an open road feeling. It has go-kart-like handling, cool styling, and thoughtful design features, like the adjustable handlebars, reverse gear and VSS. On my wishlist is a little more horsepower, mirrors that don't shake, and more forgiving suspension.