-
Home
-
Latest Headlines
-
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
-
Latest Headlines: NASCAR
-
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
-
Latest Headlines: Moto-Racing
-
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
New Models
BIKES: 2012 Can-Am Spyder Roadsters First Ride
For 2012, there are several variations of the two major versions offered, the Can-Am Spyder RS and the Can-Am Spyder RT Roadsters.
The 2012 Can-Am Spyder RT is the basic package but is offered in three variations, the Spyder RT Audio & Convenience, Spyder RT-S, and Spyder RT Limited. (Photo: MotorcycleUSA)
“This is not a motorcycle.”
I ruminate over this point BRP reps pounded into our heads while jumping on the saddle of the 2012 Can-Am Spyder Roadster for the very first time. After reaching for the brake lever that’s not there for the umpteenth time and after spending the afternoon pushing and pulling on the bars of the Can-Am Spyder, I’m beginning to realize what they mean. But the Roadster does possess attributes which appeal to motorcyclists and the sensation of riding exposed and unrestricted is there. Not to mention the 998cc Rotax V-Twin spools up nicely and can still lay down a slick patch of spent rubber when you rev it up.
We could regurgitate the Spyder’s bio, but changes to this unique three-wheeler in 2012 lean more toward aesthetics and rider amenities than performance as Can-Am continues to refine its machine. The major revision has been to the front suspension of the 2012 Spyder RSS Roadster that now features lighter Fox Racing Shox, which we’ll touch on later. Beyond that, the complex technology at the heart of this machine has already been expounded on. At its foundation is its Y-architecture and double A-arm design that allows Can-Am to run the two front, one rear wheel design. The Spyders still utilize Can-Am’s proprietary Surrounding Spar Technology frame that supports the Y-design and allows the Spyder’s center of gravity to remain low by mounting the engine behind the front wheels. The vehicle’s stability still relies heavily on its sophisticated Vehicle Stability System (VSS), the one developed with help from Bosch, that incorporates automotive-derived technologies such as anti-lock braking and traction and stability control systems to keep this thing planted, even when carrying plenty of speed into corners.
For 2012, there are several variations of the two major versions offered, the Can-Am Spyder RS and the Can-Am Spyder RT Roadsters. The 2012 RS is the sportier package aimed more at the solo rider with a slightly more aggressive riding position and less bodywork while the RT is a full-on luxury tourer. The 2012 Can-Am Spyder RT is the basic package but is offered in three variations, the Spyder RT Audio & Convenience, Spyder RT-S, and Spyder RT Limited. Add-ons run the gamut from more spit and polish to an improved sound system with iPod compatibility, AM / FM and (optional) satellite radio, handlebar-mounted push-button controls, adjustable rear air suspension, GPS navigation, LED lighting, and exclusive colors. For a more detailed account, be sure to check out our 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS/RT First Look article.
Coming from the push-a-button-and-go mentality of a motorcyclist, the starting procedure of the Spyder Roadster takes a little getting used to. After you turn the key on, a “Read Safety Card” message flashes across the digital display and riders must hit the “Mode” button to acknowledge you read the card, which comes on each Spyder tucked away at the top of the console. After depressing the brake pedal, you can finally thumb the electric start button, which is located on the right handlebar just like a motorcycle’s. To complicate matters for us, the mode buttons on the RS and RT are in different locations, too, which made our group of seasoned motorcyclists look dumber than fifth graders. The parking brake needs to be off, too, and its location also varies between the RS and RT. By the end of the day, the procedure became more routine, but at first it created a bit of confusion.
No sooner did we pull out of the parking lot of Hollywood’s Renaissance Hotel then we were jumping on the 101 freeway. With all three wheels translating road conditions to the rider, as much as I wanted to resist the analogy, my first experience on the 2012 Spyder RT Limited felt comparable to the sensation of riding a snowmobile. At highway speeds, it’s got a bit of the floating sensation of a snowmobile even though it’s stable. With the trike feeling like it’s wiggling around beneath you even in a straight line, motorcycle riders at first will have a tendency to try to oversteer, giving the bars too much input as it takes amazingly little effort to engage the Dynamic Power Steering (DPS). The system factors in steering angle and acceleration and getting accustomed to its nuances takes a little time. Once a motorcyclist re-conditions themselves and stops fighting the controls, it steers easily. Can-Am Spyder Specialist Kurt Otteson summed it best with his advice that “smooth is best” as far as corner entry and exit is concerned.
For the rest of this article visit MotocycleUSA.com
I ruminate over this point BRP reps pounded into our heads while jumping on the saddle of the 2012 Can-Am Spyder Roadster for the very first time. After reaching for the brake lever that’s not there for the umpteenth time and after spending the afternoon pushing and pulling on the bars of the Can-Am Spyder, I’m beginning to realize what they mean. But the Roadster does possess attributes which appeal to motorcyclists and the sensation of riding exposed and unrestricted is there. Not to mention the 998cc Rotax V-Twin spools up nicely and can still lay down a slick patch of spent rubber when you rev it up.
We could regurgitate the Spyder’s bio, but changes to this unique three-wheeler in 2012 lean more toward aesthetics and rider amenities than performance as Can-Am continues to refine its machine. The major revision has been to the front suspension of the 2012 Spyder RSS Roadster that now features lighter Fox Racing Shox, which we’ll touch on later. Beyond that, the complex technology at the heart of this machine has already been expounded on. At its foundation is its Y-architecture and double A-arm design that allows Can-Am to run the two front, one rear wheel design. The Spyders still utilize Can-Am’s proprietary Surrounding Spar Technology frame that supports the Y-design and allows the Spyder’s center of gravity to remain low by mounting the engine behind the front wheels. The vehicle’s stability still relies heavily on its sophisticated Vehicle Stability System (VSS), the one developed with help from Bosch, that incorporates automotive-derived technologies such as anti-lock braking and traction and stability control systems to keep this thing planted, even when carrying plenty of speed into corners.
For 2012, there are several variations of the two major versions offered, the Can-Am Spyder RS and the Can-Am Spyder RT Roadsters. The 2012 RS is the sportier package aimed more at the solo rider with a slightly more aggressive riding position and less bodywork while the RT is a full-on luxury tourer. The 2012 Can-Am Spyder RT is the basic package but is offered in three variations, the Spyder RT Audio & Convenience, Spyder RT-S, and Spyder RT Limited. Add-ons run the gamut from more spit and polish to an improved sound system with iPod compatibility, AM / FM and (optional) satellite radio, handlebar-mounted push-button controls, adjustable rear air suspension, GPS navigation, LED lighting, and exclusive colors. For a more detailed account, be sure to check out our 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS/RT First Look article.
Coming from the push-a-button-and-go mentality of a motorcyclist, the starting procedure of the Spyder Roadster takes a little getting used to. After you turn the key on, a “Read Safety Card” message flashes across the digital display and riders must hit the “Mode” button to acknowledge you read the card, which comes on each Spyder tucked away at the top of the console. After depressing the brake pedal, you can finally thumb the electric start button, which is located on the right handlebar just like a motorcycle’s. To complicate matters for us, the mode buttons on the RS and RT are in different locations, too, which made our group of seasoned motorcyclists look dumber than fifth graders. The parking brake needs to be off, too, and its location also varies between the RS and RT. By the end of the day, the procedure became more routine, but at first it created a bit of confusion.
No sooner did we pull out of the parking lot of Hollywood’s Renaissance Hotel then we were jumping on the 101 freeway. With all three wheels translating road conditions to the rider, as much as I wanted to resist the analogy, my first experience on the 2012 Spyder RT Limited felt comparable to the sensation of riding a snowmobile. At highway speeds, it’s got a bit of the floating sensation of a snowmobile even though it’s stable. With the trike feeling like it’s wiggling around beneath you even in a straight line, motorcycle riders at first will have a tendency to try to oversteer, giving the bars too much input as it takes amazingly little effort to engage the Dynamic Power Steering (DPS). The system factors in steering angle and acceleration and getting accustomed to its nuances takes a little time. Once a motorcyclist re-conditions themselves and stops fighting the controls, it steers easily. Can-Am Spyder Specialist Kurt Otteson summed it best with his advice that “smooth is best” as far as corner entry and exit is concerned.
For the rest of this article visit MotocycleUSA.com
2014 Star Motorcycles Bolt
LATEST HEADLINES: MOTORCYCLING
-
BIKES: 2014 Star Motorcycles Bolt
Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman rides the brand new Star Motorycles… -
BIKES: Neale Bayly Rides Peru Tests Eclectic Group Of Willing Participants…
Final original series produced under SPEED™ banner premieres… -
GEARBAG: The ICE Device
For $10, they send you five small capsules, 10 data forms, an ICE… -
BIKES: AMA Go Ride! Month Wraps Up
AMA Go Ride! Month in April 2013 concludes today after a month-long… -
BIKES: 2013 Honda CB1100 First Ride
Check it out as MotoUSA gives Honda's concoction of old and new-school… -
BIKES: Kawasaki Videos Win Four Awards At NY Festivals
Two Kawasaki promotional videos have been recognized as being among… -
BIKES: Organizational Changes For MAG Media Group
MAG Media Group (MMG), a division of Motorsport Aftermarket Group,… - More News
