Auto Review :: 2008 Can-Am Spyder

Three-wheeler bridges the gap between car and motorcycle

In 1933, the famous architect, Buckminster Fuller, invented the Dymaxion Car: a three-wheeled vehicle with thirty mile-per-gallon fuel economy. It could hold up to eleven passengers, and had a top speed of ninety miles-per-hour.

All of Fuller’s designs were based on the triangle: the strongest, most stable form in nature. Unlike a tricycle, the Dymaxion car had two wheels in front and one in the rear. It could do a U-turn in its own length.

Power came from a Ford V8 engine, that was mounted in the rear, along with the steering gear. Putting the steering gear in back was Bucky’s only mistake: it made the Dymaxion car unstable in motion. When an accident at the 1933 Chicago world’s fair killed the driver, investors walked away from the project.

Bucky done right

The Can-Am Spyder is an open-air alternative to traditional motorcycles, that copies Bucky’s reverse-tricycle concept. But unlike the Dymaxion car, both the Spyder’s engine and steering gear are in front. The Spyder is also shorter: almost as wide as it is long, and as a result, quite stable.

Its Y architecture and central powerplant give the Can-Am Spyder front-to-rear weight balance similar to a car. The center of gravity is in the middle, with slightly more weight in front than in the rear.

Due to its rear-wheel drive configuration, the back wheel will want to fishtail during hard acceleration. A standard traction control system automatically cuts engine power when the Spyder reaches a certain degree of yaw, to keep it moving in a straight line.

A vehicle stability control system prevents the Spyder from rolling, by applying the brakes to prevent either of the front wheels from lifting. Antilock brakes on all three wheels keep the disc brakes from locking up during a hard stop.

V-twin power

Power comes from a V-twin, two cylinder engine rated at 106 horsepower. The engine is liquid rather than air-cooled: a much more reliable set-up for people riding the three-wheeler in extreme hot temperatures.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard. Buyers can opt for an automatic transmission instead, adding about two thousand dollars to the Spyder's MSRP.

The Spyder weighs just under 700 pounds dry: about a quarter the weight of a small car. Its light curb weight gives the three-wheeler a positive power-to-weight ratio, which is obvious as soon as the rider gooses the throttle.

Seventy foot-pounds of torque gets seven hundred pounds of bike up to speed in a hurry. Zero-to-sixty is 4.5 seconds, about the same as an Audi R8.

Smooth, stable ride

The Can-Am Spyder's cushy seat holds a driver and rear passenger. The vehicle comes with two grab bars for the rear passenger: buyers can add an optional backrest.

I wasn’t sure how well the Spyder would corner compared to a conventional motorcycle, due to Y-architecture and fat front tires. The experience is certainly different, since the three-wheeler won’t lean into a turn.

The fact that the chassis remains flat gives the Spyder more of a quad feel, with the inside wheel wanting to lift. Fortunately, a front roll bar and the stability control system prevent this from happening.

The Spyder doesn't have a front brake lever like a traditional motorcycle: a single brake pedal does the whole job. But the disc brakes stop the Spyder in a firm, linear fashion without excessive dive or grabbing.

A double A-arm suspension in front and swing-arm with monotube shock in the rear produces a smooth ride that's light years ahead of most quads I've driven.

Ground clearance is 4.5-inches: a low center of gravity enhances the vehicle’s stability and high speed performance.

A fun alternative for the daily commute

It’s three-wheel configuration makes the Spyder much easier to ride in traffic than a traditional bike. The rider doesn’t have to walk the bike when traffic slows to a crawl during rush-hour.

It's unique architecture allowed designers to incorporate a small dashboard in place of gauges: it includes a tachometer, speedometer, and a LCD screen with a fuel gauge, ambient temperature readout, clock, and gear indicator.

Our webmaster, Ben Nowacky, liked the trunk in front: big enough to stash a small duffel or computer bag.

Because the seat is lower than the handlebars, the rider sits relatively upright. Ben found this more comfortable on a long ride than the typical sport bike setup, where the seat and handlebars are at the same height.

Like any open-air vehicle, the Spyder adds a visceral element to motoring that outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate. Driving is no longer about getting from point to point: it becomes a tapestry of sights, sounds and smells that traditional closed vehicles shut out.

From the makers of Sea-Doo

The Can-Am Spyder is produced by Bonbardier Recreational Products, Inc: the same company that owns Sea-Doo and Ski-Doo. Pricing for the Spyder begins at $15,499. 

Optional xenon headlamps make the Spyder more visible at night: an important safety feature for a vehicle of its kind. All models come with a two-year factory warranty.

For more information on the Can-Am Spyder, including area dealers, log onto www.can-am.brp.com.

2008 Can-Am Spyder

Likes: A more stable alternative to traditional motorcycles, the Can-Am Spyder will appeal to buyers who are looking for a way to transition out of automobiles.

Dislikes: Cost. At $15,499, the Spyder is a very expensive garage toy for the weekend warrior. To justify its cost, most buyers will need to use it as daily transportation, much like a second car.

Quick facts:

Make: Can-Am, a Division of Bombardier Recreational Products
Model: Spyder roadster
Year: 2008
Base price: $15,499
As tested: N/A
Horsepower: 106 Hp @ 8500 rpm
Torque: 77 lbs.-ft. @ 6250 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: 4.5 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Traction control: Standard
Vehicle stability control with rollover mitigation: Standard
Fuel economy: 35 mpg
Comments: An available automatic transmission adds about $2000 to the MSRP.

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