BRP Can-Am Spyder Roadster
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The Can-Am Spyder (“Spyder”) is a three-wheeled motorcycle with a single rear drive wheel and two wheels in front for steering, similar in layout to a modern snowmobile. The Spyder uses an ATV-like chassis. The manufacturer refers to it as a “roadster,” but in technical terms it is more of what has been traditionally called a trike.
Corporate ownership
BRP Can-Am Spyder is manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP), a privately held powersports manufacturer headquartered in Valcourt, Quebec Canada. BRP’s portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude outboard motors, Can-Am all-terrain vehicles and roadsters, and Rotax engines and karts.
Vehicle history
2006
- In December 2006, the first spy photo of the Can-Am Spyder was published online. The vehicle was spotted near Deal’s Gap, NC on the “Tail of the Dragon” route.
2007
- On February 9, 2007, the Sypder was officially launched by BRP dealers, customers and media.
- In September, the first full-production Spyder from the assembly line in Valcourt, Québec was made.
- In October, Spyder serial number 001 was delivered to Jay Leno at Leno’s garage in Burbank, Calif.
Features
The Spyder has traction and stability control, and antilock brakes. In most US states the Spyder is licensed as a motorcycle. In California and Delaware only a regular driver’s license is required—however, helmet laws apply in California as they do for all motorcyclists.
There is a luggage space under a “hood” at the front of the vehicle. Saddle bags, top boxes and other accessories for the Spyder are also in existence.
The Spyder also has front and rear brakes which are both actuated by the same foot pedal, a true reverse gear, power steering and an optional electric shift transmission.
Models
Spyder SM5 The SM5 is a manual 5-speed transmission with the standard motorcycle left-foot-actuated shifter and left-hand-actuated clutch. It is a one-down-four-up system with real reverse.
Spyder SE5 The SE5 is a semi-automatic transmission, which shifts sequentially 1-2-3-4-5 and 5-4-3-2-1. There is no foot shifter. Instead, a paddle-shifter located below the left hand-grip is used to up-shift and down-shift. Simply use your thumb to push the paddle forward to up-shift, and use your index finger to pull the paddle backward to down-shift. Note the Spyder’s computer will automatically down-shift for you when the engine speed drops below 2,500 RPM. To engage Reverse, pull the paddle backward and press the R (Reverse) button.
Specifications and options
Reliability
BRP has recalled 9,932 of the 2008 and 2009 Can-Am Spyder for steering adjustments.
Source : Wikipedia