Can Am...

[Big Rig]

My wife just completed a two day riders course for 3 wheeled vehicles. She has been kicking around the idea of riding her own machine for a couple of years now.

The course was run by NJ and they rode Can Am Spiders.

My question to you all,  does anyone have a Spider or Ryker?? Would like your thoughts on your experience with these machines. New versus used??? These are not Honda's and anything thoughts on reliability.

[cookiedough]

I'd get a used one of either one since tons out there, but if can splurge, skip the 998cc spyder and up to the 1300cc (or around there) but will cost you more since newer and better.   Do not know enough about the Ryker but both look cool to ride SOLO ONLY.    I thought riding the 998cc spyder was a pooch but will keep up I guess?    BEST thing to do is ride them all and see what she likes best and what bests fits her body/riding style.

[sheets]

Been looking at the Spyder. Was ready to pull the proverbial trigger on a F3 back in May of this year. About that time the plague got serious. With limited travel and lodging I put the acquisition on the back burner. Will see what `21 brings, virus wise.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?136573-Spyder-Noob-Asks-For-Buying-Advice

[Ghostrdr]

Recently purchased a 2012 Spyder RTs SM5. First I will say it is not a motorcycle, after that it is an alternative to a trike. As stated above, the 1300 motor is a better choice but the 998 is not bad. You just have to rev it. The redline is 9k. BRP is not responsive to owners and good dealers are few and far between. The stock Kenda tires are junk and the 998 burns oil. BRP says 1 quart in 1k miles is ok. Other than the expense of all parts and service, $200 to change oil at a dealer, the machine is an acceptable ride.

[NautiBrit]

I've owned 3 Spyders since 2008 and loved them all. As stated, skip the 998cc motor and look for a used 1330, either an RT or F-3, depending on the style your wife prefers. Look for one with an extended warranty, or a less than 2 year old model that you can add the warranty to.

It is not a motorcycle, but it is far safer than a regular trike, whether factory or after market. It can take from 500 to 1000 miles to really get to know a Spyder, but the peace of mind and security it gives may be what your wife would enjoy. Check out Spyderlovers.com for used machines, they have a good selection most of the time.

[cookiedough]

I can vouch for Can Am not standing behind their products.  I had a brand new 90cc  youth ATV I bought in 2008 for my kid at the time age 7 or so.  I had it one year and less than 500 miles.  Yah, it only had a 6 month warranty but only been out about 8 times firing it up on ATV trail rides is all that 1st summer, plus not like we drove it 5 of those 12  months of ownership since was winter and in storage in WI.  I changed oil on it next spring and called for 1.2 quarts and I ONLY put in .90 quart since was full EXACT same level since could see the oil level in the filler plug  EXACT same level as it was prior.   Can Am dealer claimed oil was overfilled blew a seal leaking oil and NOT covered.  I said BS I put in .90 qts. not 1.2 qts. and was EXACT same oil level.  If it was overfilled which doubt it was,  at most 1 ounce, if that even.  Dealer said sorry, Can Am will not warranty it so ended up with 150 bill to replace the seal.  Told Can Am dealer never buying another Can Am because dealer network and Can Am does not do the right thing and stand behind their products.  Can Am is from Canada and I guess they do not like United States?     I even called Can Am directly and they told me they have to rely on their Can Am dealers to determine the cause of the oil seepage.