Can-Am Spyder RT Limited

It may come as a surprise to you, but I was actually quite excited about picking up Can-Am’s new Spyder RT Limited. I had never ridden one before and because they are so unique I knew it would be a whole new experience – and as we all know a change is as good as a holiday.

They do cop a bit of stick from motorcyclists, but for people that may have lost the strength or confidence on a two-wheeled machine this gives them a great alternative to continue to ride. Or equally for someone who wants to clock up massive miles with his or her pillion in comfort.  

The 2014 Spyder Roadster range consists of three models: a performance orientated RS model, a sportstouring ST model and the fully optioned everything-but-the-kitchen-sink RT touring model – the latter being the test bike.

SPYDER FAMILY IN BIKE SHOWROOM

This is the second evolution of the Spyder range and, while it may look very similar to the out-going model, the Canadian maker BRP has performed quite a number of significant upgrades under the bodywork. The most notable upgrade is the use of a whole new and handsomely more powerful engine married to a six-speed transmission (up from five), as well as a new seat, more powerful alternator, upgraded Sachs shocks and a redesigned front for better heat management.  

The Spyder has now done away with its arguably underpowered 998cc Rotax built V-twin and is fitted with a 1330cc inline three-cylinder. Power has been boosted to a claimed 115hp and 130.1Nm (up from 100hp and 108Nm), but what really sets this engine above its predecessor is that it makes 40% per cent more low end torque.

The radiators have also been moved away from the occupants to ahead of the A-arm front suspension, and also feature fans that blow hot air away from the rider when traveling at slow speeds for added comfort.

Twist the throttle and there is quite a bit-of-get-up-and-go for a machine that has a claimed dry weight of 392kg. It pulls cleanly from extremely low in the rev range and makes power smoothly and evenly all the way to the very soft action rev-limiter just north of 8000rpm.  Thanks to the smooth firing of the triple there are no vibrations, while an ear-pleasing triple soundtrack emits from the relatively quiet exhaust - the optional Akrapovic pipe will fix that.

The six-speed semi-automatic gearbox (up from five) makes use of a paddle shifter on the left side of the handlebar. A push on the paddle with your thumb will see the Spyder slot into the next gear instantly with a sleek actuation that makes acceleration almost seamless. The gearbox will not change up automatically, but will change down automatically as you slow.

You also have the option of going down through the box yourself, and a pull on the paddle with your forefinger will select the lower gear. The engine also automatically blips the throttle to match the revs of the lower gear. Reverse is also fitted.

The new electronic adjustable-preload Sachs shocks feature a bigger piston diameter and better damping capacity.  The ride is extremely relaxing and bumps, whether small or large, are dealt with superbly. Once in the twisties however, the Spyder really comes into its own. It may get left behind in a straight line by most mid-sized bikes, but due to the Spyder’s super-wide front wheel track and sticky Kenda tyres it will reel in most two-wheeled bikes in the corners.

When cornering you really do throw everything you know about riding a two-wheeled bike out the window and ride it more like you would a quad-bike. Instead of counter-steering, you pull on the bars and lean into the corner while bracing your core muscles. The huge lateral G-forces are quite physical and does make the Spyder more tiring in the twisties than the relaxed riding position would suggest.

The stability control works a treat and when the inside wheel comes off the ground the power is cut and brakes applied to bring it back down. The dynamic power steering makes steering effortless and changes its level of assistance depending on the speed of the vehicle. The turning circle is quite tight and, as you can imagine, slow-speed manoeuvrability is easy as the three wheels do everything for you.     

All three brakes are linked and are controlled by your right foot only – so don’t go for the front brake like I kept doing at the start. Up front you have dual 270mm discs clamped by four-piston Brembo fixed calipers, while the rear 270mm disc is pinched by a Brembo single-piston floating caliper. Due to the large tyre footprint of the Spyder the braking is absolutely astonishing – enough to make you eyeballs land on your visor. The feel from the footbrake is good and, if you get yourself into trouble, just stand on it and let the anti-lock braking system do its thing.

With 155 litres of storage there is enough room for you to actively seek out unnecessary stuff to pack just to make use of the abundance of storage. The RT limited comes with a high quality overnight bag that fits under the bonnet. The radio is one of the best I have heard on a motorcycle and is crystal clear at full volume with no distortion. The adjustable electric windscreen offers great weather and wind protection, while the heated rider grips and heated pillion grab-handles keep your hands toasty warm.  

The cruise control is easy to operate and features 1km/h adjustable increments up and down as well as a resume option. Like on all cruise controls it will disconnect when brake pressure is applied, but will also disconnect if you do a sharp manoeuvre. The seat is mighty comfortable and the reach to the bars and footboards matched my 182cm frame perfectly. The large footboards also made it easy to stand up to stretch the legs on long distances. Satellite navigation is also standard on the RT Limited model.  

At $41,990 rideaway, it is quite a lot of money and I’m sure people will say ‘why don’t you just buy a car’, but I guarantee the people who buy a Can-Am already have a car. If you have lost the confidence or strength on a two-wheeled machine or unfortunately for whatever reason can’t ride them anymore the Can-Am Spyder range offers the perfect compromise. They allow you to continue to ride, but more importantly give you the confidence to enjoy a unique experience.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 115hp (85.8kW) at 7250rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 130.1Nm at 5000rpm
Economy: 6.9 litres/100km (measured)

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed semi-automatic with reverse
Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Front suspension: Double A-arm with anti-roll bar, 174mm travel
Rear suspension: Swingarm with pneumatic adjustable preload, 152mm travel
Front brakes: 270mm discs with four-piston fixed mounted Brembo calipers
Rear brake: 270mm disc with single-piston Brembo caliper
Tyres: Kenda -- 165/55-15 fronts, 225/50-15 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 392kg
Seat height: 115mm (to the floorboards)
Wheelbase: 1714mm
Storage capacity: 155 litres
Fuel capacity: 26 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $41,990
Colours: Silver
Bike supplied by: BRP Australia, www.brp.com/en-au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres