2013 Can-Am Spyder Roadsters Demo Ride: The Roadsters are not Motorcycles

It is easy to notice that there are more Spyder Roadsters out on the roads and in the media than there have been in the past. Since 2008, when the three- wheeler was introduced, sales have steadily increased. Since there isn't anything like it, Can-Am runs a travelling demo-tour to give riders and non- riders the opportunity to mount the saddle and "feel a new kind of thrill" for themselves.

After getting an invitation to take part in a road ride with the Spyder Roadster model of my choosing I signed up online and arrived at The Boardwalk Place in Toronto with my motorcycle riding gear even though I was not going to be riding a motorcycle.

The experience started by filling out a demo release form on an iPad that addressed liability and the fact that the vehicle is not a motorcycle and needs to be operated differently. Next, we watched an upbeat, but serious video highlighting the standard safety features and stressed that the Roadster is not a motorcycle.

After picking up a helmet, its over to a pylon-circuit that participants without a motorcycle licence can use. This is also the test track riders must navigate without any errors to take a Spyder out on the road. At this point I realized the Spyder was not a motorcycle.

I chose Can'Am's new model to the Spyder Roadster family, the 2013 ST-S Roadster for my demo ride. In every sense the model represents the middle ground between the luxurious touring RT model and the sporty RS model.

The Ride

I couldn't disengage the electronic parking brake so the bike continuously beeped at me. I'm not sure why the RT and ST models have an electronic parking brake but I am sure I think it is stupid and too finicky. If a butterfly were to land on the switch while the bike was running it would activate or deactivate your parking brake. I ensured I was riding the ST with a manual transmission. The clutch was smooth, engaged far but stalling it was not a concern and three wheels takes away all fear of wheelies.

It was fun to ride, drive, steer. I am not sure what the action is but I'm sure that counter-steering will get you killed. The steering is smooth and easy to turn even when doing so dry. On the road the road, the handling is more than impressive, the roadster name is fitting because it is as responsive as a sports car. Weaving is easy but the vehicle does not lean and it introduces the rider to yet another new feeling, lateral G-forces. During turns at speed you are pushed towards the outside of the turn and if the pavement is uneven bumps can be jerky and unnerving if you don't have a firm grip.

Positioning the bike in the lane takes some thought as well. If you dodge a pothole the chances of you centre aligned back wheel catching it are very high. It made for a bumpier ride than I expected.

The demo ride didn't allow us to really open the Spyder up and see what it is capable of but the 998cc Rotax engine provided a ton of acceleration. The fastest I got up to was about 85km (in a 60) so the ride didn't give me that new kind of thrill Can-Am promised. For now, I will say the Spyders are best suited to the open road and smooth turns.

Do I still want one?

I am no longer certain. Even though my quick ride was more learning and thinking than enjoyment, I imagine with practice I can focus on pushing the machine to kick in those safety features the ads rave about. Perhaps at that point, I can enjoy the ride more. That being said, this will never replace your motorcycle unless you are an older or disabled rider so if I were to buy one I would have to consider the feasibility of owning this and a motorcycle. With MSRP ranging from 17K to 30K new and the used ones running the price of many new bikes it is very hard to say.

Somehow BRP, Can-Am's parent company, has managed to build an industry within an industry and sales continue to increase each year so many consumers out there are thrilled with Spyder. Consumer appeal is growing, however this journalist needs more time with the scorned three-wheeler before it can be added to the wish list.

The Can-Am Spyder Roadster Tour continues at different locations throughout Ontario and Quebec until July 21.

The date listed above represent the next demo ride date. Times are based on registered participants. Register at: 2013 Spyder Roadster Demo Ride