Proponents of motorcycling will argue that two wheels are better than four. So where does that leave the Can-Am Spyder, a three-wheeled love-child between a motorbike and a motorcar?
Looking like nothing else on the road, this vehicle combines the best of both a two-wheeler (bike) and a four-wheeler (car) – you get the assurance and stability of a car, with the wind-in-your-face freedom of a bike. Or, if you’re a cynic, this vehicle combines the worst of both modes of transport – being stuck in traffic, unprotected against the weather, and you cannot lean into corners like Valentino Rossi.
The Spyder model tested here is the ST Limited, which is halfway between the touring-oriented RT model and the sportier RS model. It comes equipped as standard with detachable hard panniers and a manually adjustable windscreen to combat suicidal bugs on long motorway journeys. In motorcycle-speak, it’s classified as a sports tourer.
As such, it comes with heated grips, cruise control, a 12-volt power outlet, on-board radio with iPod integration, and a Garmin GPS with Bluetooth. All these features make life on the road more comfortable for the rider.
The Spyder is powered by a 100bhp, 998cc Rotax V-twin engine that started life in an Aprilia superbike. The motor is mated to a semi-automatic 5-speed gearbox you control with levers on the handlebar. Braking is done solely via a foot-operated brake on the right footrest.
Other than said minor discrepancies, the riding position feels very much like a conventional motorcycle’s. Get going, though (after a somewhat tedious starting procedure), and any similarities to the Can-Am’s two-wheeled cousin end there.
The sensation is, like the Spyder’s styling, out of this world. I spend the first few minutes fighting the urge to lean the machine into corners, but as soon as I accept that steering is the only way to prevent myself ploughing head-first into a stationary object, it becomes second nature. I can then start to exploit and enjoy the unique experience.
The steering becomes more direct the faster I go, with minimal inputs resulting in lighting-quick directional changes. Because of this, it doesn’t carve out a line through a corner as naturally and progressively as a car or a bike, but boy, it’s fun and rewarding trying to wrestle it round.
The fact that I’m forced to prone and lean into the bend – to avoid getting thrown in the opposite direction because of physics – simply adds to the laugh-out-loud thrills.
To stop the rider from crossing the line (and going over the top, literally), the Spyder is equipped with a sophisticated Bosch stability system, more commonly used on passenger cars.
Full-throttle exploits on corner exits see mechanical gizmos work their magic on the ignition and brakes to cut power and regain composure, should your confidence overtake your riding talent. This, together with the added stability of two “training wheels” up-front, gives the Spyder an air of invincibility on the go.
Despite its hefty 392kg dry weight, the Spyder is no slouch in a straight line. It manages zero to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, which is as quick as the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG hot hatch. And this is achieved without the fear of burning your clutch or flipping your machine like a regular bike off the lights.
But be prepared for frequent visits to the redline. Peak horsepower and peak torque only come in at 7500rpm and 5000rpm respectively, so while the fly-by-wire throttle and power delivery are smooth and glitch-free, it doesn’t feel all that immediate at the low end. Still, with its deep, throaty exhaust note, revving the V-twin powerplant isn’t a bad thing.
The Spyder’s ride quality is a standout. I’ve never driven a Rolls-Royce, but I can imagine this is what it feels like – plush, controlled and exceptionally comfortable. This giant “insect” flattens road imperfections like no other motorcycle, or a small car, for that matter.
But there are downsides to this car/bike marriage. The most obvious one is, like a car, you fall prey to traffic congestion, but unlike being in a car, you’re exposed to the elements. I could live with (can’t believe I’m saying this) not getting my knee down in a corner, but mustering the patience to sit in a traffic jam watching bikes whizz past could be a deal breaker for some.
Another downside is the price. At almost $54,000, the Can-Am Spyder remains an expensive alternative for bikers looking for something a little left-field.
If you think a convertible could help resolve a mid-life crisis but you cannot justify today’s ridiculous car prices, this intriguing three-wheeler could be for you. Whether you’re coming from a motorbike or a motorcar is irrelevant, because either way, the Can-Am is an absolute blast to ride/drive.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 998cc, 8-valves, V-twin
MAX POWER 100bhp at 7500rpm
MAX TORQUE 108Nm at 5000rpm
GEARBOX 5-speed semi-automatic
0-100KM/H 4.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 180km/h
CONSUMPTION 16.7km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE
$53,590
