Test Riding with FG: The Can-Am Spyder

[ranmar850]

A guy in a group ride pulled up on one at Yuna just after they were released--was heard to complain that he was getting everyone's stones in the face

[R160]

perfect for a two up tour across oz, better than a gold wing i reckon, bit of engine work and decent muffler would make it hum, great customisation potential., I reckon a race series with lowered stripped out versions would be a hoot :-)

[R160]

something like this

[Fastgirl]

If you could only ride/drive one vehicle for a year, and only had the choice between something like a GPX or the Can-Am, which one would you choose?

Just to further answer this question. The Can-Am isnt going to teach you much in the way of road craft. You wont learn much in the way of using your body to ride it. If your a learner rider I would stick to two wheels, plus the Can-Am is a 1000cc bike...so you would have to be a R class licence holder.

[evilmart]

FG... will you be doing/have you considered comparison reviews??

I have been reading 600cc reviews.. and alot of the mags/websites seem to be afraid to say anything bad about a bike. It would be nice if you could compare a few different bikes, and honest opinion (sans ego) would be appreciated by quite a few people I think

[Fastgirl]

Sure. Good idea actually.

[Cone Cat]

Good review!

I Seriously am thinking about one of these, if I ever get the time to get my R class. Perhaps because I'm in my 40's (much older than FG!) that something like the Can am appeals because of the ease, upright seating and hell yeah on the touring capacity. I assumed it could pull a trailer. It's got a gold wing beat as a tourer and it's cheaper and probably much easier to ride. Plus's for me. I'll just keep the CBF for filtering my way to work.

26kay would be for the base model? Any idea how much extra the panniers are?
I'm pretty sure I know which store you picked it up from. I spotted it from across the road at the shopping centre.

[Fastgirl]

Sorry Audible, no idea on costs of the panniers. And yes you could pull a small customised trailer for touring no problems at all. Another thing you would have to do is get a bigger.or get one made is a bigger windsheild. The small one they had on the one I rode did nothing to buffer the wind. As for the price...the only price he gave me was 26k for the one i test rode...in future I will make sure I ask for a bit or information in regards to extra features and costs involved.

[evilmart]

Sure. Good idea actually.

May I request the Z750 versus the Street Triple R 675??

Very similar in price, and close in capacity.. neither really 'fit' with the 600's... so there seems to be no review directly comparing them.

[TonyF]

I am now a CAN-AM SE5 owner, I supose I would be classed in the older bracket (60) and have had two wheelers for about 47 years plus a couple of bikes with sidecars. Now that I have changed the CAN-AM exhaust to the sports pipe its quicker by far, and not being able to lane split has saved my licence more than once. It will be a pitty to be the owner of the first crushed CAN-AM. Love it.....

[Arwon]

Welldone Tony, by all accounts they fit the design they were created for. enjoy

[Magilla]

They do look fantastic for touring.

I would like to get one, one day...

[Zaffira]

I'm sure you had fun doing this FG, but for the record thanks for the effort of the written report. I'll be looking forward to seeing more. BTW...are you looking for a career change as a "stig" maybe?

[Fastgirl]

BTW...are you looking for a career change as a "stig" maybe?

In my dreams Zaffira...to get paid to drive/thrash vehicles? yeah... if you know of someone looking to pay me to do it...let me know

[Lolly]

Thats a fantastic review FG. I think if you incorporate some of the comments posted from other riders, additional info (eg costs, class of vehicle etc), change 'of' to 'off' you should then submit it to the motorcycle mags (and cars for that matter given its a bit of a hybrid) around the world. Happy to help with the editing if you like.

[Ty the Great!]

Awesome review FG! Woo!

I'd be curious to read a review from you riding some ducatis. I've only ever ridden mine and I love reading up on 'em. haha anyways awesome work and look forward to your next adventure!

[Weego]

Good effort FG,
I've looked sideways out of the corner of my eye at these things on more than one occasion, trying to make up my mind wether or not the weird was cool.
Nice to get a write up from a rider who's not scared to call a spade a spade.
Keep 'em coming.