The 2008 BRP Can-Am Spyder: So, Who Is The Target Audience Here? The Centrum Silver Crowd?
With the Can-Am Spyder, BRP [Bombardier Recreational Products] has successfully produced a vehicle that no one under the age of 60 could conceivably want. Horrified by its lack of a single track layout, the motorcycling community refuses to claim it as one of their own, but with it’s 3-wheel layout and significant lack of a steering wheel, we don’t really know what else to refer to it as. BRP themselves artfully dodge this same problem by constantly referring to it as “the Y factor”, an allusion to the shape of its wheelbase, but we still aren’t completely sure as to what exactly this thing is.
The brochure claims the Can-Am Spyder is the asphalt version of the ATV-experience, which leads us to ask: why they hell would you want to four-wheel [or three-wheel, as the case may be] on a completely flat surface? And isn’t a motorcycle already considered the “asphalt version” of the ATV anyway? Oy, we need a drink.
The engine is a 998 cc Rotax 990 V-Twin DOHC 4 and features a max horsepower and torque output of 106-hp and 77 lb-ft, respectively. A 5-speed gearbox connected to a final belt drive delivers power to the rear wheel while independent floating dual axles in the front eliminate the lean-to-steer feature found in traditional motorcycles. Still attempting to mimic the lighting-response handling of a motorcycle though, a light yet sturdy steel center beam helps provide for a low center of gravity and increased performance. As a nod to their safety-conscious potential clientele, all 3 of the Spyder’s wheels feature ABS disc brakes while 4 separate Electronic Control Units [ECU] monitor wheel slippage, engine performance, and digitally encoded security information.
I have one of these and have had nothing but positive comments from any riders on two wheels that I have encountered (and as I’ve been to Myrtle Beach and Laconia Bike weeks I have encountered quite a few!), so I’m not quite sure what “motorcycling community” you are referring to. Also, is there a problem with the “Centrum Silver Crowd”? While I am only 50 myself, my husband and I have a lot more fun than most 30 year olds I know! By the way, he has a V-Max; is that “motorcyle” enough for you?
Words by Sue on August 20, 2008 at 7:12 am | #
i buy one today….. funally… I recive it in one week. Hasta la vista.
Words by igor on August 20, 2008 at 2:17 pm | #
Not sure “motorcycle crowd” either. My son who lives and breaths Harley is excited that finally his mother can enjoy the open road on a Spyder. I have always enjoyed riding, but this allows me the freedom of the road on my own. I tried a class with 2 wheels, but was unable to complete the course. However, I can take the road test at DMV on a Spyder, so who needs to drop a 2 wheel bike. Don’t knock it. Great for anyone who is afraid of the 2 wheel experience. Ride any bike with good sense and be safe.
Words by Belinda on August 22, 2008 at 2:52 pm | #
What motorcycle crowd are you from. Out of all the people I have talked to while riding, only a few speed freaks werent totaly positive. And they will probable be providing organ donations soon, so I don’t count there vote anyway. I got my red spyder 3 weeks ago, and last week I sold my 1500CC cruiser. My sport bike is next, since there is no longer any need for it. I have ridden for more than 20 years and I love riding my spyder more than anything I have owned thus far. I just drive my RX8 only in bad weather now. And to describe my demographic, I am young, thin, and athletic. Not afraid of the 2 wheel experience.
Words by Chris on October 1, 2008 at 5:11 pm | #