Can-Am Spyder

[RhadamYgg]

In NJ, it's a motorcycle.

If I have a legally registered one in NJ, they can't stop me at the border.

There are other three wheelers, so why is MD having a problem?

In Maryland, a three wheeler is defined in the law as "having two wheels in the rear." The Spyder has two front wheels and a single rear, so it doesn't fall within any licensing/registration guideline currently on the books in Maryland.

Oh, and by the way. Those Maryland Can Am "dealers" have had their allocation of Spyders re-alloted to other states because they cannot be registered/tagged in MD at this time.

I'm not arguing that it seems stupid. I'm just stating the regs as I understand them. The state may not be able to stop you at the border. But it isn't inconceivable for a State Trooper to tell you you needed to find a different method of getting back home, if you were stopped for something on your Spyder. Just like Virginia can give you a ticket if they catch you using a Radar Detector in the state.

P

Well, it depends on the cop, too, I suppose. I got pulled over in Florida when I was helping a friend move with my pickup. I bought it new and in NJ - a rear bumper is not required - so in NJ Toyota charged extra for a rear bumper. A cost which I could not afford the extra $400.

So, I got pulled over in Florida. Because in Florida a rear bumper is required.

Actually, let's be clear - I was helping my friend move to Florida so my truck was fully loaded (with a cover over the back) and the cop was probably checking to see if we were doing something illegal.

He mentioned if I was moving to Florida that I'd need to get a rear bumper - because it is required by Florida (after checking what we had under the cover). Then he let us go on our way.

But I'm not sure how it will work if the entire vehicle is illegal in the state.

RhadamYgg

[Gunslinger]

I think they're kick azz. Not 20K worth of kick azz but I'd drive the wheels off that thing if I had one. What's wrong with your car?
You mentioned the mileage of the Fit. Guy at work just bought a Smart car and I was amazed when he told me they are only rated at about 36 MPG. I don't know how a car that small isn't getting something like 50-60 MPG range.

[ceemes]

The Can Am Spyder is what happens when you leave your bike and snow mobile unattended for an extended period of time in your garage. They get lonely and seek solace together........nine months later, out pops their illegitimate child, the Spyder.

[RhadamYgg]

I think they're kick azz. Not 20K worth of kick azz but I'd drive the wheels off that thing if I had one. What's wrong with your car?
You mentioned the mileage of the Fit. Guy at work just bought a Smart car and I was amazed when he told me they are only rated at about 36 MPG. I don't know how a car that small isn't getting something like 50-60 MPG range.

It is just very disturbing that we don't have a fleet of 40+ mpg cars on the roads given that I owned one in 1992. One of my buddies who is spending some time in Europe indicate that on some cars - removing a part (don't know what) actually improved mpg.

Oh, I feel just so mundane in my car. I bought my current car under the mistaken impression that my wife would drive it (therefore skipped getting a stick shift).

She's driven it maybe 10 times in the past 7 years. I was in to getting a sports car with a 6 speed transmission, but then I got the motorcycle and I'm happier with the idea of the Can-Am spyder - even in poor weather conditions.

Of course, it probably isn't a tomorrow proposition, probably in a couple years - especially if people are bidding up the prices.

RhadamYgg

[RhadamYgg]

The Can Am Spyder is what happens when you leave your bike and snow mobile unattended for an extended period of time in your garage. They get lonely and seek solace together........nine months later, out pops their illegitimate child, the Spyder.

hehe - There is so much crap in my garage I'd hate to see what came out of it if they mated.

Probably some kind of people eating machine.

RhadamYgg

[Gummiente]

hehe - There is so much "crumb" in my garage I'd hate to see what came out of it if they mated.

Dammit, now you've got me worried... there's a Softail, a Road Glide, an Ural and a lawnmower in my garage.

[storysunfolding]

It is just very disturbing that we don't have a fleet of 40+ mpg cars on the roads given that I owned one in 1992.

That's because people haven't wanted efficiency over the last ten years, they want power, and luxury.

[jstark47]

They are reportedly flying out of the stores here in NJ. Local dealership (same place where Brackstone bought his Shiver) has sold 35 of them since the beginning of April. The appeal must be pretty broad - I have a 62-year-old female co-worker who's interested ('tho she has previous experience with snowmobiles and jetski's, so power sports are not new to her...)

[Scoutmedic]

I did a test ride on the Spyder and it was a blast. My wife and I are trying to decide on the next bike and it's in the running. The MPG is actually closer to 35. I know that some states have licensed it as a car. California and Delaware among them. In Pennsylvania, it falls under the motorcycle category.

It has a lot of computer controlling including: Stability, Traction, ABS. It also has Power steering and the steering learns/adjusts to your style of driving (And it really did. The ride was better after I was on it for 10 to 15 miles). Some of the other guys I ride with have been on it and a couple tried seriously to get it on two wheels. It won't let you. I talked with the sales manager about this as well. He tried to do the same and couldn't. He said it "shuts down if it has to in order to prevent major instability". When I inquired further, he said that it used the brakes and throttle to bring you back under control.

The riding position for the driver is more of a sport bike but, you can get handle bar risers to adjust it to either a sport touring or standard position. The position wasn't uncomortable but definitely not what I'm used to from my cruiser. I'm not sure I'd like it for long distance riding. But, that's where the risers come in.

Before you can start it, you have to acknowledge that you read the safety information that is tucked away between the windshield and the LCD information screen. You do this my pressing the mode button by the screen or on the handlebar. The LCD has several options depending on your preference. The LCD information screen was easy to navigate while moving by using the button located on the back of the left handlebar. The parking brake is released like an emergency brake on some vehicles. You depress it further to allow it to snap back up. The brake needs adjusted three times during the life of the machine according to the sales manager. The one on the demo wasn't working correctly. It wasn't activating. To engage reverse, you put it in first, flip a lever with your right hand and shift down. The reverse worked well and was more than fast enough without any engine screaming.

The ride was fun. It handled corners well and was easy to control. It only has a foot brake so that took some getting used to as well as steering instead of leaning to corner. I felt there was plenty of room on the seat to move around and find a comfortable position. The control buttons were the same as a motorcycle. It handled everything I threw at it with ease. I took corners faster than posted but not as fast as I do on my bike. I only took it up to 80 mph and it reached that speed with ease.

It has plenty of storage in the front trunk. A local Gold Wing rider said that it has almost as much storage as his bike. You can also purchase saddle bags for it for additional storage.

One major problem I noticed was the attention it attracts. While riding, I had a car cross over the center line and partially into my lane because they were staring so intently. And anytime I stopped, I had people gathering around to ask questions and look at it.

Guess that's my size-up of the Spyder so far. I'm sure I'm going to ride it (and other bikes) again before we make our decision.

Stay Safe Out There!

[storysunfolding]

That's interesting about it not being able to get up onto three wheels. We've started getting them in trike/sidecar classes and we've had no problems getting a front wheel up in our exercises:shock: . I had the same experience on my test ride of one of the dealers units. We took it through a notorious set of local twisties and in keeping up with some sportbikes I repeatedly had the inside tire lift. A wiser man would have slowed down...