First Ride: 2008 Can Am Spyder SE5 Automatic
I politely panned the 2008 Can Am Spyder when I reviewed it almost a year ago. What I had just ridden through the canyons of Southern California was not nearly as quick or agile as a motorcycle, nor as stable as a sports car. So when the Spyder's manufacturer asked me to try a SE5 edition (that features a five-speed semi-automatic gearbox), I was prepared to truly hate it. I predicted to myself that by taking the clutch away, the trike would loose what little appeal it possessed for me.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
Precisely because the Spyder is not hardcore road hardware, the manu-matic gearbox fits its personality perfectly. Dropping the clutch removes any pretenses of serious performance, so when you swing your leg over the saddle, you're not expecting to be able to run with the Ninjas or CBRs. This puts the rider in a better mindset to enjoy the Can Am for what it is.
(Click through the post to continue reading this review.)
The 700-pound snow-mo-jet-ski-cycle receives 106 horsepower from its liter V-twin. This modest but adequate juice runs through a sequential-manual gearbox controlled by a combination of electronics and hydraulics. A snowmobile-like centrifugal clutch disengages the engine from the gearbox when the engine is in first gear at idle rpm, then spools up to provide slippage for smooth launches. The system works effortlessly. Electronics tied into the engine management system blip the throttle on downshifts. These occur automatically (based on several effective algorithms) or manually (triggered by the bar-mounted shift toggle). Upshifts must be rider triggered and are most often smooth, but can be made seamless with a bit of practice.
Bosch stability control tightly controls the V-twin's power, but BRP (the Spyder's manufacturer who also manufacturers Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo products) leaves riders enough freedom to lay down great patches of rubber from the wide, square-shouldered rear tire. The system quickly dials down the power as soon as any yaw is detected. Full ABS is also part of the Bosch package.
These electronic safety nets add an extra measure of security for Spyder riders, who will likely appreciate the fact that this vehicle is fundamentally more stable than a motorcycle. Spending five days running the roads of South East Michigan revealed the trike's most endearing character trait; it couldn't care less about pavement changes or potholes. When riding a motorcycle, one must be obsessively vigilant about road imperfections or risk a wipe out. Because of the Spyder's wide stance and compliant front suspension, the trike simply drives over everything like a car, leaving the rider more brain space to enjoy his position in the saddle.
The Spyder's performance grows on you after a few days behind the bars. Your muscles begin to anticipate their assignments and the riding gets easier. As you experience different riding scenarios (open roads, back roads, rush hour), the brilliance of the automatic gearbox sinks in. Like other character traits of the $15,499 Spyder, the transmission makes every ride easier, and sometimes, easier is just plain better.
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Comments
Jason Salcido
If they just lowered the price this would be a brilliant alternative a car for gas saving commuting or errands. In a sunny region it would be a blast, and I bet it's easy to park too. Everyone I know says not to get a motorcycle because of the danger, I agree with that. A moped is good too but those are all over the place.
Ducati Minor
I'm not with the fear of motorcycles as a danger, but the Can Am and three-wheelers like it have to break down the price barrier holding them back from widespread use.
James Perspective
The comments so far have mentioned the price being high, but I would challenge anyone to find a two seater sports car with this performance for this price. I expect that the price is significantly lower than anything else like it. Motorcycles would be the exception, but this vehicle does have more mechanicals than a cycle with three wheels and things like ABS and stability control. I applaud the effort to make the price reasonable already.
Mena
I don't think the market is sports car buyers though. I think the market is people that want a motorcycle as a commuter but don't want a motorcycle. And $15k would be price that's a little steep.
Anonymous
Still recovering (four weeks) from dropping my Suzuki C50 in an emergency stop in heavy traffic. Lucky I didn't get run over lying on the pavement. Broken ribs are a convincing argument to find something more stable. If I had been riding a Spyder I would have stopped easily with ABS, upright and without incident. I loved my Suzuki but I can't even look at it now. I'm too young to die and I'm 70 years old. I think the Spyder will be the ticket for a lot of guys like me (and girls) who want the thrill of open-air cruising but for whom riding is not about the thrill of looking death in the eye and surviving this time. Sign me up. In another month or so I'll be able to pick up one of my grandkids, sleep in a bed, breath deeply, and straddle a three wheeler. Ron in Texas.
Anonymous
Bought a Spyder in April 2008, fist ride the temp got down to oc degrees. Thought I would never thaw out. To date I have only acomplished putting 9500 km on the spyder. Great all around machine for me,kept my 650 Burgman just in case, only had it out a couple times to keep the battery charged. At 70 years young I love my Spyder.
SGT Billco
I picked up a 2008 Can Am SE5 six weeks ago. I was not sure how I would adapt since I have been riding street bikes since 1983. After about twenty minutes to acclimate to not having a front brake, and no clutch, I was able to get on the freeway with confidence; even traveling thru road construction with ease. It only got better from there. The Spyder has very good acceleration, I can merge with traffic and it holds it own two up at freeway speeds for extended distances. In six weeks I have racked up over 2,540 miles due to my daily commute and pure love for being on the open road. (Thank goodness I have such a patient and loving wife) This Can Am Spyder is not a motorcycle, and it will not replace my other bikes (I currently also have a HD Crossbones, and a Victory 8 Ball) and it is not a car or jeep; it is in a world all it's own, but I think this world will get lots of company when more people experience this ride.
I do have a habit of not leaving things stock, this is no exception. I try to make sure it is a modification that helps, instead of just being change for the sake of change, and I have done the following:
1) Replace the exhaust with the Hindle performance exhaust: It is lighter, more HP, and less prone to the passenger melting their shoes on the can.
2) Replace the handle bars with Kewl Metal bars that raise the grips 5": The sport bike position hurt my wrists, and I could do the 5" rise without modifying the cables or lines. Being more upright relieved the neck pain from holding my head up and back to see out my full face helmet.
3) Replaced the seat with a Corbin custom. The stock seat has a crown to it, and a backrest option for only the passenger: The new seat is more form fitting, so me and my wife feel more secure, and I have backrests for both positions. This helps me, but mostly gives my wife a positive riding position to compensate for the lateral forces we experience around quick corners. The stock seat backrest requires a special bracket, so the cost between the two isn't that far off. Getting the Corbin seat also allowed my next mod:
4) I added a No Magic Neon LED center brake light that fits between the two rear brake lights, looks stock, and almost doubles the illumination for running and brake lights. People who followed me reported a huge difference. (More light is safer!!) That lead me to the next mod:
5) I added the Can Am fog light kit. Having those two lower outside lights in addition to the turret lights really was an improvement for night driving, with the sides of the road lighting up. It also helps add daylight visibility, and the light pattern gets drivers attention helping them to realize I am not a car way down the road. I will upgrade to the High output HID light kit later, but as a interm fix, the fog lights can't be beat.
6) I replaced the windscreen with a Bee's aircraft Co windscreen which is 4 inches wider and 8 inches taller than the stock. This really helps improve the ride, as the slipstream goes over my head (I am 5'7") instead of hitting me in the chest. This is a luxury, but oh so nice of one.
7) The next mod was to add Kewl metal highway pegs, with the bracket that bolts to the motor so it can support a riders full weight, not just the foot. These allow the legs and knees to flex a little, and if needed I can use my heel to operate the brake so I still have control.
8) The final mod was to get 2" mirror extensions. These keep me from just looking at my knuckles, and help tremendously with the rear view behind me. These also went in quickly and easily with no modification to the stock wiring.
Well, plenty of other sites and reviews will sing the praises of the ABS, VSS, and all the other computer nanny's that make this cutting edge technology, I can say that for 99% of the time the are transparent, and so subtle you forget they are there... But when that 1% situation pops into your lane at 70 mph because they are talking on a cell phone, I can testify that had I been on two wheels and did not have these electronic wizards I would probably not be writing this review.
All I can say is: If you love the open air feeling, want a safer ride, are ok with being a little bit spoiled, then definitely look into getting one.
Can Am......Great job guys!
JACK BEEVER
hey sgt. billco,
i just read your comments on the can-am se-5,great stuff! However i was reading some comments on a can-am enthusiast site and there were alot of complaints about the se-5 getting stuck in reverse or in various gears while they were driving in traffic. I'm really excited about purchasing a spyder but these comments have giving me concerns. Have you ever had any bad experiences w/ yours or have you heard of this? Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jack Beever
Port Saint Lucie,Fl.
beephin2000@yahoo.com
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