2013 Can-Am Spyders – First Look Sharpened reflexes and a new model.

December 6, 2012 By Steven L. Thompson 38 Comments

Five years after production of Can-Am’s “Y-factor” Spyder roadsters began, the Canadian company has
made significant changes to the model lineup as well as to the chassis and suspensions of its three-wheelers.

Most attention among those interested in the three-wheeler world is focused on the new “ST” (Sport
Touring) model, slotted midway between the turn-key-touring RT and the sportier (and much lighter) RS.
But for 2013, all Spyders benefit from larger wheels and tires and new, stiffened chassis. According to Can-Am, the result is better handling for all Spyders, compared with previous models. Considering that the long-term 2010 Spyder RT-S Cycle World tested delivered handling performance in slalom and skid-pad tests that are more in the minivan zone than the motorcycle or sports-car zones, improvements were clearly in order.

The new ST model, which has a more comfortable riding position than the RS, along with touring features
and wind/weather protection midway between the RS and RT, indicates that Can-Am knows that a
substantial number of would-be buyers wanted something between the luxury-touring RT and the relatively
lean and mean RS.

Rumors continue to circulate of new competition for Can-Am in the road-going three-wheeler market. If
those rumors are based in facts, BRP had additional reasons to give its Spyders better handling. We will test an ST soon to determine just how much better than the 2010 RT-S it might be dynamically.

Prices for the 2013 Spyders range from a low of $16,999 for the RS to $18,899 for the ST and $29,899 for
the RT Limited.

2013 Can-Am Spyder ST-S - studio overhead view

2013 Can-Am Spyder ST-S - studio right-side view

2013 Can-Am Spyder ST Limited - studio right 3/4 view

2013 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited - studio right 3/4 view

2013 Can-Am Spyder RS-S - studio right 3/4 view

2013 Can-Am Spyder RS - handlebars/gauges

Compare Street Bikes

Filed Under: First Looks, Touring/Sport-Touring Tagged With: 2013 motorcycles, Can-Am, Spyder, Spyder RS, Spyder RS-S, Spyder RT, Spyder RT Limited, Spyder ST Limited, Spyder ST-S

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

There’s nothing they can do to significantly improve the handling of this vehicle. Motorcycles handle well with a high Cg because they can lean. This can’t lean.

If you want to create a reverse trike that handles well, the driver has to sit in it, not atop it. This handles like a minivan because it’s balanced like one.

Steven L. Thompson

Actually, Fred, if you review what we at Cycle World have been writing about Can-Am Spyders since the first GS/RS review I did four years ago, you’d see that we encountered many other potential Spyder rider-buyers than those you dismiss as “balance-imparied old people and timid new riders”. Our experience with these in the real world is that a substantial number of lifetime riders are interested, some for reasons of disability (like me) but others for their own reasons. Obviously, looking for maximum dynamic capability with three wheels isn’t what draws people to the BRP products, and if you’ll review my car-v-bike story in the August ’77 Car and Driver, you’ll see, again, why physics favors four wheels over two or three in the sidebar to the story written by LJK Setright. Presumably you know that already, of course, given your observation about in-v-on the vehicle. More to the point in these and other comments whenever we run anything about Can-Am or other three-wheelers, it’s too bad that the disdainful attitude displayed by so many (mainly young) motorcyclists toward these machines and their riders manifests as it does. Anyone who chooses to encounter the world of the public highway with helmets and handlebars these days, on any number of wheels, lives life more as we do on “real” motorcycles than do the millions in their steel boxes padded with airbags. Surely that decision alone ought to garner them some respect from the knee-draggers and baggers–but of course it will not until they grow wiser. If they survive.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

“More to the point in these and other comments whenever we run anything about Can-Am or other three-wheelers, it’s too bad that the disdainful attitude displayed by so many (mainly young) motorcyclists toward these machines and their riders manifests as it does.”

At 51, and having been riding since the age of 12, I’m hardly a youngster.

I will grant that Can-Am Spyders may appeal to some people outside of the “balance-impaired old people and timid new riders” target market at which Can-Am has set its sights. But 27% of Spyder buyers have never owned a motorcycle before. MotorcycleUSA writes that the Spyder represents “a viable, sporty option for the aging motorcycle demographic.” Chaz Rice, a spokesman for Bombardier Recreational Products, which makes the Can-Am brands, said Spyders are attracting first-time bikers who had never owned a motorcycle but always thought they would look good on one. “They are people who say, ‘I’ve always wanted to experience that motorcycle lifestyle but I never wanted to own a motorcycle,’ ” Mr. Rice said.

So let’s not pretend that I made up some unfair characterization that has nothing to do with reality.

“Surely that decision alone ought to garner them some respect from the knee-draggers and baggers–but of course it will not until they grow wiser. If they survive.”

A motorcyclist’s best survival tools are experience, skill, reflexes, balance, and a nimble vehicle. Tippy trikes piloted by the inexperienced newcomers and aging riders who no longer feel competent on motorcycles don’t sound like a recipe for survival.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Adam-Bruce-Winther/654290404 Adam Bruce Winther

Maybe some of us like the way it looks. Doesn’t make me new or timid. You made generalizations about the riders. Steven made generalizations about riders too but he didn’t call you young. You decided to be lumped into the generalization. Real tired of the motorcycle police deciding what makes a true rider.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

No, I didn’t make generalizations. I made observations about the target audiences — based on statements from the company that makes the vehicle and statements made by a mainstream online publication’s review of the vehicle. I even allowed that not all of the owners would fit into the target audiences.

As to whether he intended to imply that i was young, and thus inexperienced, I believe he did. You believe he didn’t. No harm was done by me setting the record straight.

As to a “true rider,” that’s a term that you fabricated and are now trying to attribute to me. I never said anything about being a “true rider.” I really don’t care about being part of some group or whether you consider yourself part of some group. I commented on the unfortunate handling of the vehicle and the kind of dangerous riders that it is attracting.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

i don’t think you are a true rider. i think you are a pu –y. i bet you have no wife, girl friend or friends. if you have a wife, i bet she is a hag. i can’t think of anyone who would want to spend time with you. what kind of bike do you really have?
is it a 350 cc honda?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

The laws of physics favor a 4 wheeler. The new Corvette can pull a full 1g in the turns. A Corvette can smoke most bikes.However, a high performance airplane can perform anything a bike can do and better so let’s hear it for pilots who have the real balls doing spins, loops, dives, etc, compared to “brave bikers” leaning into turns. If you want to compare vehicles, a high performance airplane has them all beat. Fred, you can lean into a turn. Good boy.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

What are you blathering on about now? What do Corvettes and airplanes have to do with motorcycles?

Now you’re talking about men who “have the real balls” and “brave bikers.” Perhaps it’s time to get out that Village People album you have set aside for when you get into these moods. Play “Macho Man” a few times and maybe you’ll feel better.

I can do far more than “lean into a turn.” I can ride motorcycles with a level of skill and talent that you never had and now never will. And that’s just killing you.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

Some bike riders have sustained injuries and they can’t ride 2 wheelers anymore. If they still want the open air experience, what is wrong with a 3 wheeler. You don’t have to be old to have injuries that prevent you from riding a 2 wheeler. I rode 2 wheelers for 20 years and I’m not old or balance impaired. I had serious injuries on my bike and I’m lucky to walk so I may look into a Can-Am. Your comments are narrow and insensitive. The owner of a local Harley dealer is in her 80′s and rides a Harley Trike. What is wrong with that. Some day you may be in the same position. Would you rather give up riding altogether?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

“The owner of a local Harley dealer is in her 80′s and rides a Harley Trike. What is wrong with that.”

There are other people on the road. There are kids crossing the road. Do you want an 80 year old woman on a Harley trike trying to avoid hitting you, your wife, or your child as you are out for a bike ride or walking the family pet? Heavy steering with no power assist for her age-weakened muscles. No power ABS brakes. Diminished eyesight. Slower reflexes. That’s a recipe for carnage.

“Some day you may be in the same position. Would you rather give up riding altogether?”

I hope that I have the sense to hang up my helmet when my reflexes, muscles, balance, eyesight, and/or hearing make me a danger to myself or others. And if I lack the ability to recognize when it’s time to quit riding, I hope that I have loved ones that will tell me it’s time.

Wilko

What an attitude, cant see you being around much longer, so i should stop worrying about 3 wheels and the people who ride them, trouble is with opinions they are like arseholes every ones got one!!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

Yeah, I’ve got such a horrible attitude to suggest that an 80 year old woman who can’t even keep a Sportster upright might want to reconsider her decision to ride a Harley trike on public roads.

It’s not my attitude you don’t like. What you really don’t like is reality — that there comes a time when you no longer have the ability to safely ride a bike, regardless of whether it has two wheels or three.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

you don’t know her. so don’t judge her.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

She will be sky diving in April from Pocono Harley Davididson. Why don’t you join her if you have any balls.? I’ll let you know when it s.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

Make a video of you dare devil riding and put it on u-tube with proof that it is you with wheelies, motocross jumps, and if you can gain access to a race track lets see you be clocked at over 150mph. you are probably sport bike rider who is a menace on the highway.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

I never claimed to do “dare devil riding.” I ride well and within my abilities, which is why I, unlike you, can still ride a motorcycle. At 51 years old, I know my limits and I no longer ride competitively off-road. Nor do I ride recklessly on the road (but any time you want to compare chicken strips on tires, just let me know Evel Knievel).

You’ve crippled yourself to the point of needing to ride a giant version of a Rascal mobility scooter and now you’re bitter and lashing out those of us who rode responsibly and well? I’d expect that from some 18 year old kid, but a man of your age should have learned from his (many) mistakes.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Adam-Bruce-Winther/654290404 Adam Bruce Winther

So a disabled vet (me) that would see the benefits of a spyder are below you? You think it’s funny to talk smack about those who might need the “rascal” bike? I guess I was not responsible in the military and got hurt, eh? I deserve to be looked down on by people who need to feel superior on their 2 wheeled motorized bike? Get over yourself.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

Stop trying to inject yourself into this conversation so that you can play the victim.

I was not replying to you. I was replying to someone who said he was injured on a bike. Now he’s lashing out at me daring me to film myself doing stupid things on my bike. His injuries, and my response to him, have nothing to do with you or your injuries.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

You re a big bag of wind and not relavent. I won’t waste any more time on someone so narrow minded.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

I didn’t say anything about injured veterans. I was talking to someone who said he was crippled from motorcycle accidents and then was telling me that I should post video of myself doing “dare devil riding.” That’s got nothing to do with you, so move along and quit trying to pretend I said anything about veterans injured in the line of duty.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

I’m healed and well and ready to start riding my Harley Screamin’ Eagle starting in April. I’ve had accidents that were not my fault and I’m sure you have but won’t admit. You think you know it all.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Fred-Maxwell/1307740682 Fred Maxwell

I had one on August 31 when a driver turned left in front of my 2010 Ural Solo sT. Two broken ribs, broken clavicle, and rib connective tissue injuries, as well as some minor road rash. He was charged with the accident based on reports from witnesses.

So I just proved you wrong again.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

i doubt you corner your bike like a pro. you probably lean a ittle. the can-am lowers cg by engine deign and it lays flat compared to most bikes. it weight about 800 ilbs compared to a rider of aveage weight of say 175 whose cg is lower mid section. The cg is not that high like you say and the bike has stability conrol. Anyway, the Can-AM may not corner like a 2 wheeler but for bikers who have had injuries that may prevent them from riding a 2 wheeler, the Can-Am is a choice. your comments were short sighted and insensitive. I don’t believe you ever approach .9 g in your turns. if so post a video with proofthat it’s .9 g and it’s really you.

Hap Gilrucker

3-wheeled contraption that could never do what a motorcycle does, like leaning, splitting traffic, squeezing into tight parking places, getting incredible gas mileage, wheelies….you get the picture.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

what about staying alive? is that important to you Hap Gulker? how about falling down? i’m sure you’ve done it.

Tim

I rode Harleys for 25 years and wanted something differnt. I’m now on my second RT Spyder and I love it. Traded my Harley with side car for 2010 RT and then that for 2012 RT. Won’t ride anything else. Tim
Hans Klinkingbeard

Please email this article on tricycles in 2038….when I’m 80 years old.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

you will be dead by then, sorry. i’m psyscic

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ed-Mlodzienski/1408560929 Ed Mlodzienski

i rode a harley, now due to injuries i may have to switch to a 3 wheeler. i’m a biker and i do what i want. i don’t listen to fools.
bagelbites

I don’t know what all the arguments are about because I’m not interested. What I do know is that I like these things. If I ever need to switch to a 3-wheeled motorbike, I’d likely go this route over the H-D trikes. I just hope they’ll categorize these as something other than motorcycles for insurance purposes since people who might not be as skilled at riding may be crashing these things like crazy. We have enough newbies on 600cc sport bikes jacking up insurance already.

bagelbites

Further research makes these Can-Am Spyders look less than reliable. Perhaps I would just go with a Ural.

Richard Joash Tan

Ural is a motorcycle with sidecar, so I am sticking with the Spyder

http://www.facebook.com/david.landis.3388 David Landis

Can we each just step back a bit? The argument has nothing to do with one, two, three, four, eighteen wheels! The joy is the ride, if you are too bigoted to allow others enjoy their ride… I think you are very small! I enjoy bikes, sport cars, trucks, trike’s, and am very interested in the Can Am! I won’t ride a bull but respect those that make that choice… I would not ride Bronks; but respect those that do… I respect all above and am disappointed with anyone that has chosen a position counter to this arbitrary weak position! If Christ was a Redneck… You would get a Gibs slap up-side the back of your head!! (NCIS) Get over it! It’s not about one is better than the other… It’s a matter of where each of us find our level of comfort and release in different driving conditions… Each of us need to respect our choice oce driving/riding release!!

DD
For those that don’t know me…
I’m Deputy Dave…
For those that do know me…
I’m still Deputy Dave!

Richard Joash Tan

I sure respect that, because when I was a kid, I am having difficulty in riding a bicycle due to my weight and I do not know how to ride a bike. But the Spyder had changed my life since grade 7 in elementary school. Now, this is my opportunity to buy a Can-Am Spyder RT Limited in years time.

GeoffCee

Balance impaired and oldish – yup, that fits! Following a brain-stem stroke I was left with impaired balance, putting an end to 55 years of biking. Then along came a Spyder, the RT, on which we blew a large chunk of our rainy-day money. Two years on we are not embarrassed to take our summer hols with biker touring groups, the RT’s handling and Rotax 998cc engine keeps our place in the line. Until we meet wall-to-wall traffic, at which point we become the central focus of a lot of slack-jawed car drivers. Like being a celebrity but without the dosh! Love it.

MIke

I guess this is as good a place to stick my two cents in as anyplace else. I think that this argument is nuts. I have been riding bikes for over 40 years. I am 70 years old and I just retired from teaching MSF classes. I took an advanced motorcycle class a year ago and found that I could do what the young kids claim they can do and I ride a 2004 Goldwing and I’m 70. I am presently getting a RT Limited. I have bad knees from when I was in the military and they are finely getting to the point were I do not feel comfortable having to put a foot down or getting the bike off the side stand. I do not want to stop riding. Un like the 80 year old on the trike I am in fine shape and I hope that I am still in the saddle when I get to 80. Knocking on wood I have yet to have an accident. I have lots of close calls but because of my experience in defensive riding I was able to keep out of an accident unlike the young kids that like the front wheel off the ground at 50 mph. If you ride like a fool you are just looking for an accident. It is just a matter of time. As an MSF instructor we like to teach the proper way to ride and how to avoid that crash. I am in hopes that no one has one. When on two or three wheels you have to ride a lot more defensive to avoid others on the rode who drive like fools.
Enjoy the ride no matter on two or three wheels and ride safe.

http://www.facebook.com/rdale.word R Dale Word

I’m would be ashamed to think some people might associate me with motorcycles if they were to read this crap. I got a motorcycle license at age 15 and at 56 I’m still riding, my dad still rides at 77. We have had every make and model over the years so we surely count as “real” riders and I’m seriously looking at the spyder. I want the sporty model though, I want it ride more like the 4 wheelers I ride in the pasture and woods. I don’t want another goldwing, got that. To me its just another new thing to try. I snow ski and always wondered about boarding so I tried it too. Not even the sport both have distinct pro’s and con’s. Why not just enjoy what you want without running down the other guys for wanting to try something new? I’m up for a new experience.
JacqueT.

So much antagonism … sad, time to grow up. I’m a 60 year old woman, have a cruiser, a dual sport, and a UTV and I’m about to add a Spyder STS Limited to my “stable” of riding machines. I also spent many years riding ATVs and Jet Ski’s. I ride any and every chance I get because I enjoy it. I’m not really worried about what anyone else chooses to ride. To each her own … Just ride safe, responsibiy and enjoy the ride no matter what your choice.