Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Can-Am Spyder

[johngenx]

I've only ridden the really old GW full dressers but back then they were shockingly agile.  And made good power - great passing ability.  The boxer fours were amazing engines - the naked GWs were great bikes to ride.

[rrocket]

I've only ridden the really old GW full dressers but back then they were shockingly agile.  And made good power - great passing ability.  The boxer fours were amazing engines - the naked GWs were great bikes to ride.

Never tried one of the flat sixes?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Haven't tried one, but if I was after a parade float on two wheels, it's pretty tough to beat a Goldwing.

having taken a Goldwing on a test drive a number of years ago, i can assure you it isn't a parade float on two wheels...in fact, of all the bikes i've riden over the years, it was the surprising one i've ever driven...i was expecting a land barge whose mass would far exceed my strength/capability as a rider (i'm 5'11" and about 150 lbs)...while the bike is a decent size, it feels hundreds of pounds less than it is, had the smoothest engine i've ever experienced in a bike (BMW's new 6 may be similar), the fattest torque/power band and the handling was actually impressive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

I didn't word that properly. I haven't tried a Spyder, but I have ridden an 1800 Goldwing, and I agree. It hides its size very, very well, and is about as comfortable as you can get on two wheels.

[johngenx]

Never tried one of the flat sixes?

No, just the fours - by the time the sixes came along I was into riding other things if I could.

[rrocket]

Haven't tried one, but if I was after a parade float on two wheels, it's pretty tough to beat a Goldwing.

having taken a Goldwing on a test drive a number of years ago, i can assure you it isn't a parade float on two wheels...in fact, of all the bikes i've riden over the years, it was the surprising one i've ever driven...i was expecting a land barge whose mass would far exceed my strength/capability as a rider (i'm 5'11" and about 150 lbs)...while the bike is a decent size, it feels hundreds of pounds less than it is, had the smoothest engine i've ever experienced in a bike (BMW's new 6 may be similar), the fattest torque/power band and the handling was actually impressive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

I didn't word that properly. I haven't tried a Spyder, but I have ridden an 1800 Goldwing, and I agree. It hides its size very, very well, and is about as comfortable as you can get on two wheels.

I tired one that had reverse.  No joke.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I tired one that had reverse.  No joke.

It's been a few years, but I think the one I tried had an electric reverse.

A friend of mine had a K1200LT that had reverse on it too. That bike seemed quite a bit more top heavy than the GW. I didn't find a huge difference in handling, but the GW was more comfortable.

Now I just need $30k for a bike. 

[rrocket]

I tired one that had reverse.  No joke.

It's been a few years, but I think the one I tried had an electric reverse.

A friend of mine had a K1200LT that had reverse on it too. That bike seemed quite a bit more top heavy than the GW. I didn't find a huge difference in handling, but the GW was more comfortable.

Now I just need $30k for a bike. 

To me, the bike that strikes a wonderful balance was the FJR1300.  What a nice bike!

[johngenx]

The secret to the GW I rode back when we had to dodge dinosaurs was the fuel tank was located low - combined with the boxer - really kept the CG low for such a large bike.

[johngenx]

To me, the bike that strikes a wonderful balance was the FJR1300.  What a nice bike!

OH!!  Great bike!!  Large enough to be comfy, tons of power, a super "all around bike."

[rrocket]

The secret to the GW I rode back when we had to dodge dinosaurs was the fuel tank was located low - combined with the boxer - really kept the CG low for such a large bike.

Yea...seat is VERY low.  Even short people can flat foot them.

[WRX_Pilot]

I appreciate that this is a way for people who couldn't normally ride, to do so, but why must it be so neutered?  It's like all the damn lawyers got together after the product was finished and said... NOPE

Sometimes the romper room safety of our society is just no fun...

[rrocket]

I appreciate that this is a way for people who couldn't normally ride, to do so, but why must it be so neutered? It's like all the damn lawyers got together after the product was finished and said... NOPE

Read the first part of your question for the answer.   

[johngenx]

It's because the chassis on those things is inherently unstable and stupid - so the only way they're able to avoid being sued daily is with nannies galore.

[dirtyjeffer]

I didn't word that properly. I haven't tried a Spyder, but I have ridden an 1800 Goldwing, and I agree. It hides its size very, very well, and is about as comfortable as you can get on two wheels.

ah, understood now...and yes, for a bike that i had low expectations for, i came away "getting it"...i get why people buy them...one of the most fantastic bikes i've ever ridden.

and if you like the bike, but don't need all the touring stuff and would rather save the cash, you can get the Valkyrie or the F6B for much less...the Valkyrie is now on sale for $18k:  http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/valkyrie

the F6B is an in-between for $21k:  http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/gold_wing_F6B/2014

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I didn't word that properly. I haven't tried a Spyder, but I have ridden an 1800 Goldwing, and I agree. It hides its size very, very well, and is about as comfortable as you can get on two wheels.

ah, understood now...and yes, for a bike that i had low expectations for, i came away "getting it"...i get why people buy them...one of the most fantastic bikes i've ever ridden.

and if you like the bike, but don't need all the touring stuff and would rather save the cash, you can get the Valkyrie or the F6B for much less...the Valkyrie is now on sale for $18k:  http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/valkyrie

the F6B is an in-between for $21k:  http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/gold_wing_F6B/2014

Same here. I didn't get them either. I had tried an HD Electraglide and didn't care for it very much. The GW was a revelation.

That F6B is very cool.

[johngenx]

I tried an Electra Glide Classic, disliked it intensely.

http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,80387.msg814683.html#msg814683

[paul246]

I didn't word that properly. I haven't tried a Spyder, but I have ridden an 1800 Goldwing, and I agree. It hides its size very, very well, and is about as comfortable as you can get on two wheels.

ah, understood now...and yes, for a bike that i had low expectations for, i came away "getting it"...i get why people buy them...one of the most fantastic bikes i've ever ridden.

and if you like the bike, but don't need all the touring stuff and would rather save the cash, you can get the Valkyrie or the F6B for much less...the Valkyrie is now on sale for $18k:  http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/valkyrie

the F6B is an in-between for $21k:  http://motorcycle.honda.ca/touring/gold_wing_F6B/2014

I owned an original Valkyrie for 5 years, fantastic bike. Recently test rode the new Valkyrie, all I can say is WOW!!!

[Guy]

To me, the bike that strikes a wonderful balance was the FJR1300.  What a nice bike!

Agreed, I bought one the year they came out in 2003. A magnificient engine on that bike, tons of torque across the RPM range. Aerodynamics were so so on the first generation however, lots of buffeting for the passenger. Also a very hot bike to ride in hot weather. I understand they fixed that a few years later.

[tazcubed]

Yeah I think if I'm hell bent on a 3 wheeled road vehicle I'd definitely go for the Polaris Slingshot instead.  I've heard that the Spyder is nuetered by the electric nannies (stability/traction control), where as the Slingshot lets you have a bit more fun.

WOW! that is one cool machine! reminds me Atom

I still don't get the point of 3 wheels....either 2 or 4. Again, if you can't because of a physical handicap, then that is completely different, but if you are fully able, why buy such a compromised vehicle??

I would have thought it was a compromised option. That said, that Robin, or whatever that is, in the brief video is rolled intentionally given the ramp that moves as it comes down the roadway. For some people, 3 wheels at least gets them out and in the fresh air. Personally, I like the idea of minimalism, but with kids just can't see buying any of this. Perhaps when the kids fly the coup.

[Rupert]

A three wheel vehicle pretty well has a good chance of running a wheel over every bump in the road.