The original Can-Am Spyder first came out in 2007 — the year I got my driver’s license. I’ve been curious since I started noticing these unorthodox machines on the streets. The fact that it’s neither a car nor a motorcycle made it inherently interesting to me. The styling is odd (it got a glow-up in 2020, but it’s still funny-looking), its proportions are unusual, and overall, it looks just plain weird.
So, I was grateful that Can-Am allowed me to test out a Spyder RT Sea-To-Sky for a few weeks. My curiosity about what it’s like to ride is now satisfied, but a new curiosity has replaced it: why would anyone buy one of these?
1. It’s Not a Motorcycle
I don’t know anybody who owns one of these things, but a friend of a friend does. The friend between us told me he likes it because it feels “more stable” than his old Harley. I dispute this claim. The Spyder RT feels less stable than a touring motorcycle despite having more wheels.
When riding a motorcycle with just two wheels, a pretty narrow patch of tires connects you to the road, even on a big touring bike. As any motorcyclist knows, being in the saddle of a bike makes you more aware of road imperfections than driving a car. When you notice part of the road is extra smooth, you can aim your bike there for a smoother ride. If there’s a noticeable bump or obstacle, it’s easy to dodge.
This strategy doesn’t work with the Can-Am Spyder RT. With two wheels up front and one behind you, avoiding rough roads is much harder. On a choppy road, you feel it through three wheels instead of just two. Plus, you perch atop this goofy thing, farther away from the road than you would be on a normal bike. It makes for a jarring ride, sometimes to the point that the vehicle is difficult to control.
2. It’s Not Fun to Drive Fast
Fast cars and motorcycles are fun to drive fast. Slow cars and motorcycles are also fun to drive fast.
The Can-Am Spyder RT is not fun to drive fast.
There’s a particular state highway that winds through the north woods of Wisconsin that I like to use as a fun proving ground for press cars and motorcycles. Since I’ve ridden this road on several motorcycles, from single-cylinder squirts to hulking V-twin monsters, I was excited to take the Can-Am up there to see how it compares. The Spyder RT already doesn’t like turning at any speed, so it fought when I tried to turn it at high speeds and have some fun.
Let me explain the weird sensation of turning the Can-Am Spyder RT. You can’t just turn the handlebar without adjusting your body; physics kicks in and tries to throw you off the seat. So, to compensate, you have to lean into the turn like you would on a motorcycle. However, it feels very unnatural to perform this maneuver because the vehicle does not lean with you.
I never quite got used to this. I got to the end of the road, and when I turned around to ride home, I rode in a much more relaxed fashion because it felt too weird to lean into high-speed turns without the Spyder leaning with me.
Its straight-line performance is just okay. Its 1.3-liter Rotax inline-3 engine (rated at 115 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque) has its work cut out, motivating this machine with a dry weight of 1,021 pounds. The power was sufficient when my 10-year-old daughter was in the passenger seat, but I could see the engine getting tired with the weight of two adults and a full complement of stuff in its many storage compartments. I wouldn’t call the Spyder underpowered, but it’s also not fast enough to deliver much excitement.
Then there’s the quirky transmission. Can-Am calls it a “semi-automatic” 6-speed. It gave me one of the oddest shifting experiences I’ve ever had. You have to upshift manually, but it automatically downshifts. When I say “manually,” I mean pushing a button with your left thumb that’s a little too close to the horn button. More than once, I accidentally honked while trying to upshift. However, when you’re slowing down, it’ll downshift by itself. You have the option of downshifting manually. This system worked well enough, but like so many things about this 3-wheeler, it was weird and hard to get used to.
3. No Nav?!
Can-Am’s website says you can “explore new routes and live more thrills with the new Can-Am Spyder RT.” Hopefully, you won’t need directions on those new routes because this thing that calls itself “the pinnacle of luxury touring” does not have native navigation. The website also says it has Apple CarPlay, but with an important asterisk that says, “This feature will be available soon.” The BRP dealer told me it’s coming as an over-the-air (OTA) update, but they don’t know when.
If you’re long-distance touring with a Can-Am Spyder, be prepared to mount a Garmin or a phone somewhere if you want navigation. I don’t have a smartphone, so I’m pretty reliant on onboard navigation systems, and I was disappointed that it isn’t even an option on the Spyder.
Now, I own a touring bike without navigation (a 1983 Honda Gold Wing), and maybe it sounds like I’m asking too much. However, it’s not 1983 anymore. Many touring motorcycles from Harley-Davidson, Indian, Honda, BMW, and others offer factory navigation; some have Apple CarPlay. You can also get nav on the Polaris Slingshot, another quirky 3-wheeler. This feature is a must for a touring machine at this price in 2024, regardless of how many wheels it has.
4. More Expensive Than a Miata
With a starting price of $32,999, the range-topping Can-Am Spyder RT Sea-To-Sky is higher than two of the three trims of the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. Maybe that’s an apples-and-oranges comparison, but they’re both 2-seaters intended for open-air fun and take up more space in the garage than a motorcycle. I get that the Can-Am delivers a different experience, but is it a better experience than a more traditional convertible with four wheels?
If we want to keep playing the comparison game, the Honda Gold Wing starts at $24,700 ($28,700 for the Tour model), the Polaris Slingshot starts at $21,999, and America’s favorite touring bike, the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, starts at $25,999. This fancy Spyder RT Sea-To-Sky model is bloody expensive for what it is. The base Spyder RT without the rear trunk starts at $26,599, which I still think is a little rich.
I applaud Can-Am for having a fleshed-out lineup of 3-wheelers that start at under $10k in the form of the smaller Ryker. The Ryker is the first mate of the Spyder, and it’s essentially a snowmobile with wheels and a license plate. There’s also the stripped-down Spyder F3 starting in the low-$20,000 range.
5. Storage for days
You might be wondering if I liked anything about the Spyder. Surely, it has to do something well? I like that it has a ton of storage, by motorcycle standards. This capability is one advantage that the Spyder has over normal motorcycles.
According to Can-Am, the Spyder RT Sea-To-Sky has 47 gallons of storage capacity. That equals 6.2 cubic feet, over 20% more than the 4.9 cubic feet of trunk space in the 2024 Miata. In addition to the saddlebags and rear trunk, this thing has a frunk with enough space for a full-face helmet. That’s pretty nice since it frees up your other three trunks for stuff while your helmet still gets indoor storage.
The Wrap
Sometimes, I’ll drive something and walk away with the impression that I don’t particularly like it, but I get why some people would. For example, I’m not a truck guy, but it’s not hard to understand the appeal of the Ford F-150 Raptor.
With the Can-Am Spyder RT, I cannot figure out who it is for or think of anyone I’d recommend it to. The riding experience is awkward. It’s low-tech for a touring vehicle, and it’s not cheap. Want a modern, high-tech touring machine that’s more fun than a car but still comfy? Get a Honda Gold Wing (personal bias notwithstanding). Can you benefit from the conveniences of four wheels and a roof? The Mazda MX-5 Miata is an obvious choice. For some reason, do you insist on an odd number of wheels? The Polaris Slingshot is more fun, and car-like controls and seating make more sense for a 3-wheeler. Except maybe storage space, I can’t think of any category where the Can-Am Spyder does anything better than its would-be rivals.
But, to each their own. Get one if you like it, and try to have more fun than I did.
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I disagree wholeheartedly with this review. I agree it’s weird, you will never be one of the cool kids on this goofy thing. I’m on my third one. First one had 27000 miles on it when I got t-boned and it was totaled. 2nd one was almost 60000 and I decided to trade it in on one with CarPlay. The new one only has 10000 so far, so I have just shy of 100K experience on these, so I feel pretty qualified to comment. I rode 2 wheels for 17 years and my knees couldn’t really tour any more with something heavy. Can-Am was the best thing I bought. It will go through the twisties fast, you just need to crouch and lean. And compared to the two in back trikes, handles way better (I tested both) better on gravel or parked on an incline. Snow in the high elevations of the Rockies, not ideal, but more stable that the 2 wheel friends I was with. I’m not fighting wind sending me sideways through the Dakotas. As for navigation, most people I know have a smart phone and helmet on bluetooth. With CarPlay I can now see my maps on the dash, but mostly just need the voice telling me when to turn, I don’t need the visual unless it’s in a city and their are multiple lanes. And for dodging potholes, you figure out that sweet spot that’s just inside the front tire and outside the rear pretty quick. I don’t think this reviewer really had an open mind or a long enough ride to shift his mental gear from two wheels to three. Try riding a traditional trike configuration then revisit the Spyder, and I think he’d be more open minded once he had something other than a 2 wheel motorcycle to compare to.
I’m 66 and have RA that got bad enough that I dropped my 2 wheeler several time s. Usually turning around at slow speed…my legs just quit on me without warning. My wife was with me a few times. Three years ago I decided to either quit riding after 50 years of biking or get a 3 wheeler. There was a HD, and a Goldwing at the dealer. I drove several blocks on each then salesman asked if I ever rode “one of those” pointing at that odd looking Spyder. Of course I hadn’t but I ain’t afraid! After riding it with my wife around awhile my wife gave it a thumbs up and I agreed. I still keep and ride a 2 wheeler but since I ain’t a thrill seeking kid and not exactly in my prime and my wife and I love to ride, the Spyder gets lots of miles.
The transition from two wheels to the Can Am was hard. But an old military injury prevents me from riding a 2 wheeler. I tried all the trikes and as odd as the Cam Am looks and rides, it was the best choice. Just my opinion.
I bought a brand new 2020 Can Am RT, and I love everything about it!! It is extremely stable, and sorry sir, but it IS a motorcycle!! Hands down, it has all the power I need, it is fun to drive fast, and I have had zero complaints! I have learned how to maneuver to miss potholes and the like. It is smooth as a pen!! Feels like riding on a cloud and so easy to drive! It is definitely a luxury ride and turns every head as well!!
I have to say that at first I had buyers remorse because it was rather pricey, but it has more than made up for the price. It is so enjoyable and does not disappoint.
You seem to have been expecting a two wheel motorcycle experience from a 3 wheeler. Now of your riding comparisons where against other 3 wheeler just pricing on the Slingshot. They make different bikes for different riders. It also takes time and experience to learn a the skills to be comfortable on a new and especially different vehicle. The Cam-Am have economy, touring, and sport driving the rider to change to take advantage of different roads and driving experiences. You evidently didn’t know about this available option.
I have a 2014 Can Am ST-S and I love it. I have never had an issue riding it. I had never driven a bike and got it at 62. Only took a a week to get used to driving it and now I ride all the time. Been on several road trips, no issues. Well, one. Just a word of advice, in heavy downpours, they will hydroplane. Found out the hardway when it hit highwater and shot left. Would have been a bad day if the car I was meeting were closer. But, it was coming a downpour and we were trying to get to shelter. Raining hard enough to cause a fog. No shelter in site.
You are right on a few points you make, as for who-ridden motorcycles for over 50 years due to recent accident I can’t wrestle or hold bike up. So spyder fits my needs better than convertible. As far as turns just go with the flow- haven’t flipped yet !!
I have been riding canams for 8 years now and I ride it fast. I keep up with my husband on his BMW motorcycle just fine on the twisties. It took me two summers to get good at riding my canam in the Colorado moutains. It isn’t something you get good at in one ride. This is my 2nd canam. The first one I had had a v twin engine and had issues with the exhaust hurting your leg. I love my rt. I have had it for 4 years now. I am not surprised that a 2 wheel rider wouldn’t like it as it will never handle the same as a 2 wheel bike. As for safety, I hit a tight hair pin at 65 mph and downshifted and came out of it just fine. These machines are hard to roll. I started riding on my own at age 60. It wasn’t a good idea to think I would get good at riding a 2 wheeler at my age. I also have a friend with health conditions who was no longer safe riding his gold wing and he really liked his canam. If I had been riding a 2 wheeler for years I would get an Indian. No way a gold wing. My husband’s BMW is a nice bike too that out handles many other bikes. Bottom line here – you need to learn how to handle a canam.
Someone stated they have 30 or 35,000 miles on an Rt something…My first sport bike was a Honda cbr600 f4i and I put almost 150,000 miles.Digital display and took pictures just before and after of my odometer turned to 00000000….my mechanic said he thinks I could of sold it with the 15,000 new miles after the odometer reset.i kept it but can’t get it to run.wiring harness is what I was told.
Like some of the others, I’ve ridden for several decades and I’ve got a decade on my 2014 ST Limited. It’s got it’s up sides and down sides, but I’m surprised about the NAV in the new bikes. Mine came stock with a Garman NAV system that was integrated into the sound system. I guess they expect everything to be integrated into the helmet now. It definitely turns different, that’s true. Until you figure out your specific body mechanics, it’s a shoulder workout. I’ve got almost 100k miles and my biggest complaints are the tires. The rear only lasts as long as the 9300 mile service interval and the fronts are good for 3 of them.
Like some of the others, I’ve ridden for several decades and I’ve got a decade on my 2014 ST Limited. It’s got it’s up sides and down sides, but I’m surprised about the NAV in the new bikes. Mine came stock with a Garman NAV system that was integrated into the sound system. I guess they expect everything to be integrated into the helmet now. It definitely turns different, that’s true. Until you figure out your specific body mechanics, it’s a shoulder workout. I’ve got almost 100k miles and my biggest complaints are the tires. The rear only lasts as long as the 9300 mile service interval and the fronts are good for 3 of them.
I have a bad kickstand knee . And I’m sick of pulling in a clutch a million time in the city. And balance a rider that’s looking all around and no need to drag my two wheel bike out of and uphill parking place, Cause my can-am has reverse! I’m 70 years young ( how old is the auther) and I have a two wheel bike for crazy riding but love my can am PS . My two wheel bike has a higher center of gravity than my can-am AND if it starts raining , I pull out a tarp from storage compartment and pulling over me ,my rider and the trike while I’m sitting on it !
My motto is any bike that runs is a good bike . Ya buy a vehicle to fit your needs NOT JUST BECAUSE ITS A HARLEY!. the author talks like a Harley owner !
I totally disagree! NYST SAYS IT IS A MOTORCYCLE. I ride with various groups on the highways for long distances. I GO FAST! AND GUESS WHAT? I CAN TURN CORNERS AT 50 MPH TOO!
I could go on about my 2022 RTL for hours she pages. I’ve read better reviews so I’ll lean on that.
To each his own is true. My husband and I both rode varying models of Harleys in our life span. After an injury to my ankle I no longer felt safe on 2 wheels, I was afraid of coming to a stop & my ankle giving out on me. My husband began to have decreased ability to raise his leg to straddle his bike (Getting older & a body of a mechanic has taken its toll). I’ve had snowmobiles for just a bit longer than the bike so I have experience in all seasons of riding. Now, on to the Can Am sea to sky…I am in love with this motorcycle! We traded both our Harley’s in for this 3 wheeled motorcycle, best decision we ever made! I must admit, I have more miles driving it than he does, I ride it to work, get groceries & just because. We ride together and yes, I sometimes am the driver and he the passenger! I’ve found that rides very similar to the snowmobile & I guess I’m just more comfortable driving it. I do agree with you that the shifter, turn signals & radio volume buttons are too close to the horn button!! Lol
I have ridden thousands and thousands more miles on two wheels and got to the point where I needed to go to three. My 2018 RT6 is the best bike I have ever owned I now have 31,000 miles on it. I do not agree with most of the complaints from the author on this article.
Interesting article and while an opinion is to be respected it doesn’t mean the author is correct. I’ve owned and ridden more motorcycles than most and have been blessed to ride all the contiguous U.S. and Canada.
Without a doubt the Can Am Spyder is a motorcycle as you sit ON IT and not in it. I’ve taken it on journeys all over and found it to be comfortable and reliable. I do wish they had a stronger dealer network and their BRP navigation is extremely lacking.
Still I give the Can Am Spyder high marks as a good motorcycle!
I to have ridden Harleys, Hondas, Kawasaki. All two wheels. After our accident looked 3 wheelers from Hartley
Honda and CanAm and the Spyder won hands down. You can buy the best Spyder for halve the cost of a Triglide and have all the bells and whistles you have to add to a Triglide or wing. My only biggest complaint is so few CaAm dealers are equipped to work on Spyder. Maybe more further east but in Texas it’s hard to find a good dealership that can work on them and not charge so much
So, the guy that rides an ’83 Goldwing and doesn’t own a smart phone is evaluating a modern day trike and whining about the lack of high tech navigation? Sure…ok. I actually RIDE a modern day Goldwing and have ridden bikes for half a century. While the author says he knows of nothing that the Can Am does better than a motorcycle, I can think of one thing…. it’s harder to fall off a Can Am on a slick section of mountain road…
I agree with the earlier comments. When you ride a RT coming a 2 wheel motorcycle it takes 250 to 400 miles of riding before it feels easy to ride (assuming you use all the common Spyder cornering hints).
After reading this article I feel that the writer missed the mark on why many people buy Can Am’s. I am 83 and have owned and ridden two wheel bikes for 65 yrs. Both on and off road. I have ridden thousands of miles but after having had cancer twice, both knees replaced and back surgery I had to make a choice, quit riding my Harley Road King or go to three wheels if I wanted to stay in the wind. I looked at all of my options, Harley, Honda and Can Am and I bought a new 2019 RTL because it was the best value for the money and had more features. The author is quoting prices for 2 wheel bikes. Try to buy a Honda or Harley trike and both will by 50K new. I payed half of that for the RTL. I agree that 2 wheel bikes were more fun on curves but when your health fails you have to make a choice weather to quite riding or go to 3 wheels. I plan to keep in the wind as long as God let’s me!
I was an early adopter of a Can AM Spyder in 2011 – I’ve owned 4 now. At 40 now I own the F3-L since I didn’t need as much of the storage the RT Offered. I don’t think the author took into consideration that although you need a motorcycle license to drive in most places the Spyder isn’t trying to be a motorcycle it’s a unique ride all on its own. I think more similar to an ATV or Snowmobile. Most go to this bike when they are no longer able to ride two wheels safely but others just want the safety the Spyder offers over a two wheel bike. When you go to three wheels you only have so many options for a Trike – and after test riding Harley Trikes, Honda Trikes, side car bikes, etc .. I’ll take the Spyder every time. Let me also state for clarity I’m Paraplegic and the Spyder has enabled me to ride even after my injury. The Semi Auto Shift and a Aftermarket Hand Brake by ISCI Ride has allowed me to keep riding safely and not miss out on doing something I love.
Riding 2 wheelers for 40 years, at 78 the weight of the Goldwing was getting to be too much. Two tipovers within two weeks convinced me that I needed to go to a lighter bike or 3 wheels. Thirty seconds on the Spyder convinced me that this was the way to go. Most of motorcycle riding is not on twisty roads, and when riding straight down a road the experience on the Spyder is virtually the same as on a two wheel motorcycle. The amenities are great (the windscreen on the Spyder is more effective than the massive one I had on the Goldwing), and the quirky transmission is a pleasure to use, giving control similar to a manual without the effort of constantly squeezing a clutch lever. And despite what the author of the reveiw says, the Spyder is far more stable in its 3 wheel configuration than any 2 wheeler. When the smooth asphalt suddenly turns to gravel, or dirt, the Spyder is unfazed. Gone is the feeling of terror when riding two up and the asphalt turns to loose gravel as it felt on the Goldwing. I have not regretted the switch from the Goldwing to the Spyder for a moment in the three years that I have riding the Spyder. But I also keep a little single cylinder Royal Enfield Hunter 350 in the garage for when I feel the need to have the two wheel experience.
As an old 2 wheel rider (for many years), it took me a bit to get comfortable on my 21 F3L, but after that first ?? 500 miles, I’ve never looked back to 2 wheels.
It has the get up and go (after adding a Pedal Commander to reduce the lag) and upgraded the (anti) sway bar. I’ve have taken this cross country and am pushing 60k on my trike.
99% of the people who write bad articles, have only test drove and/or ridding less than 100 miles. They/you simply didn’t give the change over from 2 to 3, a chance.
I just recently bought a can am spyder rt. I have ridden harley,goldwings,dirt bikes etc. There are lots of things I like about my new ride. Just FYI I’m 58 years young.
The Critic Is a young man. At his age I would pretty much agree However when I turned 80 I knew I had to give up two wheels and was Not ready to give up the enjoyment of Riding in the wind. It’s Not as fun as two wheels but much safer. It also works well for women and small men who can not deal with 600+ pounds.
Like the others, I think this is a juvenile review, both from a technical perspective and writing style. I’ve owned 18 motorcycles since 1971, including a gold wing. This bike (motorcycle seat, handlebars and no roof) has extended my riding well beyond the years of riding a two wheeler.
I had no problem downloading the Apple CarPlay update to my 2024 Spyder RT Sea-to-Sky using my wireless home network, and as long as you have an Apple iPhone plugged into the glove box USB port, and have paired a helmet headset over Bluetooth it works very well. The interface is almost identical to the Apple CarPlay in my 2023 Honda Ridgeline.
I agree with some of the other comments, that the author clearly has a biased view.
Having never rode a bike of any type previously, and no clue how to do a manual transmission (nor desire to learn how), this was an obvious choice for me. I bought a 2021 S2S last year never having rode it or even having a license. Took a class, got my license. In the first 13 months since owning it, I have driven it over 10,000 miles, all on road trips. This 61 y/o female newby loves it! There, now you found someone who it’s perfect for.
Just cause you don’t like it doesn’t mean many others enjoy the heck out of it including former GW and Harley riders. Seems to me you looked for things you dislike and then blew it up here. I know many happy riders. You should stick to 2 wheels enjoy your ride and quit thrashing this community and their rides. I generally disagree with almost every point. And I have 10k experience on Ryker and Spyder combined.
I disagree with this review. It is ridiculous by comment. I’ve ridden motorcycles for 40 years, and now own an RT. They are way more stable and safer than any motorcycle. There is less mental fatigue when riding, though one must always be attentive. They are fun, reliable and easy to maintain. Don’t miss the motorcycles anymore. Give me a break. To each his own.
Having owned a Spyder for three years, and ridden over 30,000 miles, I disagree with almost every single thing that this article says. It’s written from a two wheel riders perspective only. He seems to have a prejudice against three wheels, whether he realizes it or not. This article should be viewed with that in mind.