RE: Can-Am Ryker: Ridden

RE: Can-Am Ryker: Ridden

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Discussion

AC43

11,493 posts

209 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
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Blackpuddin said:
Dan Trent said:
AC43 said:
Looks like the tech has moved on a bit over the last 40 or so years.

And that is ... extraordinary? The wrong way round? Both of the above?

Thanks for sharing though. I think!

Dan
Ah yes, the Stimson Scorcher vomit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77ati9Uj2zc
LOL. When I was 17 I had a third share in one of these. The only car I've driven that could do stoppies.


Pumpsmynads

268 posts

157 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
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Pointless and embarrassing. Only Kenny Powers need apply.

NITO

1,093 posts

207 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
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Well I’m a biker as is my wife and we bought a pair of Can Am Spyders back in 2014 with the 1330 ACE triple engine. They were fantastic fun. They offer 85% of the biking experience but hugely more practical.

Plenty of storage, supremely comfortable, electronically adjustable screen, you don’t need protective clothing which makes it easy to just jump on in whatever you’re wearing without gimping up, you can’t lose your footing and drop one, pillions are cosetted by all the built in luggage making it arguably safer for kids, they are way more visible to other road users and no chance of losing the front on hard braking or slippy conditions. They’re rapid from a car user perspective with 0-60 in around 4.x seconds and stable at triple figures.

I have to say I really enjoyed mine. It didn’t take long to master the handling, my only gripe was there wasn’t enough rear slip angle at the rear allowable before the tc cut in to ruin the fun, I understand the reasons why, but it would have been nice to be able to buy a sport module for the more enthusiastic users, that said, by all accounts it did still allow some decent slip, I just would have liked more, probably why the rear tyre was shot in less than 2k miles, that in itself is quite an addictive trait of these and is the best way to corner, steering from the rear. The TC can get a little unsettled when really pressing on as it lifts the inside front which triggers abs and such like, that’s disconcerting when it happens the first time but you soon learn to ride around the electronics and make very swift progress. I believe I was very much in a minority with that riding style, but don’t believe that these can’t cover ground very quickly and be hugely entertaining at the same time while also offering a great everyday experience.

I understand those bikers who say its the worse of all worlds etc, but I disagree with that, in many respects the practicalities outweigh the missing bike element.

Many bikers would turn their nose up and not nod, although many to my pleasant surprise still nodded. I guess its like a Goldwing/Harley type thing, you won’t be filtering but if you don’t like filtering anyway it’s fine. At the end of the day, if i can appreciate it as a biker, then surely car users would appreciate it all the more. It’s great to have the choice, this new Ryker is cheap and accessible compared to the Spyder, I wish them luck. The owners groups are huge in the US with many being accessorised and the like and more owners are appearing here in the UK. Check the Facebook page if interested.

The owner stereotype is pretty broad, older couples who dont need to worry about dropping their Goldwing, refreshingly lots of women of all ages, those wanting to enjoy the experience with younger kids in better relative safety than 2 wheels, casual riders who don’t want to don all the gear and cruise around happily in shorts and t-shirt or without helmet if they want, no license issues, space for shopping or whatever, camping, all sorts of versatile and you could park up without worrying that it would get knocked over or stolen in 30 seconds.

We sold ours as the kids were no longer bothered about going out for rides, we all had Sena intercoms and had great fun for a couple of years. She bought a convertible and I went for another bike. Sometimes I have to admit I kind of miss it, I would have liked to have done far more longer distance touring with it. I commuted to work a lot with it, in all weathers (just carried some waterproof over trousers in the frunk = front trunk) they were easy to clean, powerful Brembo stoppers all round and a glorious sounding Rotax triple with a nice dollop of torque mated to push button sequential gearchange and reverse gear. The screen gave weather/wind protection if wanted, or fresh air depending on the position, heated grips, power steering, stereo, abs and lots more.

I think they need to offer longer warranties, 2 years standard is meagre, they ought to offer 3 or 4 years, especially at the price. Every now and then they offer 4 years on special run out model deals.

BlackPrince

1,271 posts

170 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
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NITO said:
Well I’m a biker as is my wife and we bought a pair of Can Am Spyders back in 2014 with the 1330 ACE triple engine. They were fantastic fun. They offer 85% of the biking experience but hugely more practical.


I think they need to offer longer warranties, 2 years standard is meagre, they ought to offer 3 or 4 years, especially at the price. Every now and then they offer 4 years on special run out model deals.
hear hear!

I'm a biker and in Toronto a few years ago when they were launched, I test rode one around a car park for about an hour. The one I had was the F3 which has a hand clutch and foot gearshift like a normal bike. My mate who has never ridden a bike rode the automatic. He thought it was fun, as did I. It definitely takes some getting used to, as I would instinctively put my left foot down when I stopped, and you cannot countersteer of course.

I'd get one if I won EuroMillions though - this, a Yamaha Niken, Ural sidecar rig, and a Morgan 3 wheeler to fill out the 3 wheeled section of my garage.

If I had to pick just one 3 wheeler I think I'd get a Ural 2WD.

These Can Am Spyders are actually quite popular among chavvy types in N America who like to cruise around city centres posing with their tribal tattoos in groups which include 2 wheeled motorbikes

marcom44

45 posts

105 months

Friday 29th March 2019
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They are quite popular in NZ where the roads are pretty st, and not much traffic but in UK I can see no point in there trikes. I had a three wheeler when I was 4 as I could not ride a two wheeler.
I can see they might sell a few but to a true petrolhead there can be no appeal or can there......I want to 4 again lol

Gemaeden

291 posts

116 months

Friday 29th March 2019
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So why doesn't someone building a narrow car or enclosed trike that can lane split. Then I could have the safety of a car and the freedom of a bike.

FestivAli

1,092 posts

239 months

Saturday 30th March 2019
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Krikkit said:
Baldchap said:
So it's a slow bike that can't filter, has lackluster performance and has more than two wheels.

It's a car. But one you still get wet and cold in and you die in an accident.

As a biker I don't understand these things. All the negatives of both with the benefits of neither.

I'd have a go. But I'd imagine it's a worse bike than a bike and a worse car than a car.
Yep, agreed!

All the negatives, none of the positives. Waste of money.
I've been riding motorcycles for the last 10 years (2x GSF500s, a CBR600F4i and now a MT-03) and I think these things are cool! I don't see them as an alternative to a motorbike though, I see them as an alternative to something small and sporty like an MX-5 (I have one of those as well as my MT-03). They look silly which cheers me up the same way something like a Lamborghini does. So long as a vehicle is fun who cares if its not practical (assuming you also have something that meets those needs if req)

warch

2,941 posts

155 months

Saturday 30th March 2019
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Gemaeden said:
So why doesn't someone building a narrow car or enclosed trike that can lane split. Then I could have the safety of a car and the freedom of a bike.
I don't think it would be narrow enough, even some bikes are too wide to filter, especially if fitted with side panniers.

C0ffin D0dger

3,440 posts

146 months

Tuesday 2nd April 2019
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I know this thing isn't it but I'm of the view that if we really do want to reduce emissions etc. on the road the first thing to target has to be the commute. Loads of cars on the road with one occupier.

If I could drive something like this into work but it had a roof / weather protection, returned a decent MPG (or electric with a decent range), was inexpensive compared to a car and I felt safe on the road in it then I be happy to sign up. The last point, safety, is the real stumbling block. I know its unrealistic but if we had dedicated lanes on motorways / trunk roads for single seat commuter "cars" to keep such things away from HGVs and other big vehicles then that could make a huge difference.

It's a interesting concept but as discussed I think for the UK is the worst of both worlds.

Steoz

1 posts

34 months

Monday 12th July 2021
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Hi i bought a riker rally ,its totaly diferent to a motorcycle yes ,i dont know about cars never owned one ,i bought the trike as my hands and feet are getting arthritic and being twist and go and having just a foot brake it fitted my needs ,first point it is as safe as the idiot riding it point 2 it has presence on the road people see you ,3 and most important its fast enough to be real fun its a blast i love it ,it will spin the rear tyre up in all gears and takes of like a missile ,now this is only my opinion ,but i have 40 years riding every thing from a dt125lc ,to a fireblade and pound for pound its up there

smithyithy

7,258 posts

119 months

Monday 12th July 2021
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Similar to road legal quads, coming soon to an urban estate near you... laugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yoc0OFhpsQ

Quattromaster

2,910 posts

205 months

Wednesday 10th November 2021
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Had my 900 Ryker almost a week now, and it really is like nothing else I’ve ever ridden.

I have an incomplete spinal injury, so for me this is the closest I can get to feeling the wind in my hair again.




rodericb

6,772 posts

127 months

Wednesday 10th November 2021
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Quattromaster said:
Had my 900 Ryker almost a week now, and it really is like nothing else I’ve ever ridden.

I have an incomplete spinal injury, so for me this is the closest I can get to feeling the wind in my hair again.



This is what it's all about. Even the most hardened two-wheeler would enthusiastically support a three-wheeler like this, in this application.

mellowman

352 posts

249 months

Thursday 11th November 2021
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I have a Ryker Rally, having spent 40 years riding motorcycles.

They are amazing fun, a real go cart experience, with serious accelerative punch and very practical.

Like many like-minded folk, I bought one when disability ended my motorcycling days and it's been wonderful to still enjoy that wind in the hair feeling.

They don't lean of course, but they're still fun in the twisties. They have a few flaws - the ride can be a little harsh as the standard suspension set up is poor, especially on rough roads. The steering is not power assisted so low speed cornering requires a bit of effort. And the engine can be a little busy when making full use of the CVT transmission.

The attention they get is amazing. Everywhere I go folk stop me to ask what it is - the last one said it looked like something out of Judge Dredd!

paulrockliffe

15,718 posts

228 months

Thursday 11th November 2021
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My local garage is a dealer for this bizarrely. Bizarre as in they take up a lot of space and I can't imagine they've ever sold one out here in the middle of nowhere.

Anyway, I really like them as a concept, all the stuff about EVs and climate change etc, put a cage around this so it's warm, it's 20% of the weight of a car, would be fun to drive, engine or electric motor you'll be running lower emissions than the EVs on sale given where the electricity comes from. Maybe add a 4th wheel at the back, I don't know, but as concept for affordable low-emissions transport it's closer to the right ball-park than anything else.

But £12k. That's a pretty big stumbling block! I guess if they sold a million a year globally the economies of scale would half that, then it could be interesting.

My basic dream is we all race electric go-karts to get around, like a real-life Super Mario game.

Quattromaster

2,910 posts

205 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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paulrockliffe said:
My basic dream is we all race electric go-karts to get around, like a real-life Super Mario game.
Super Mario you say, there’s a Ryker for that. LOL.


gareth_r

5,740 posts

238 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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I was wandering around the Cotswolds on the bike today.

Actually saw a Can-Am Spyder!

biggbn

23,446 posts

221 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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Quattromaster said:
Had my 900 Ryker almost a week now, and it really is like nothing else I’ve ever ridden.

I have an incomplete spinal injury, so for me this is the closest I can get to feeling the wind in my hair again.



I really fancy one of these!! Sadly my house does not have a garage and I suspect these would still be easy to nick from on street parking.

Speed addicted

5,576 posts

228 months

Saturday 13th November 2021
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NITO said:
Well I’m a biker as is my wife and we bought a pair of Can Am Spyders back in 2014 with the 1330 ACE triple engine. They were fantastic fun. They offer 85% of the biking experience but hugely more practical.


I understand those bikers who say its the worse of all worlds etc, but I disagree with that, in many respects the practicalities outweigh the missing bike element.
.
I’m one of the bikers that just doesn’t get it.
You say that you don’t need to gear up, but surely falling off one or hitting a car would still cause much the same injuries?
I can go out on the triumph wearing jeans and a t-shirt plus a helmet if I feel like it too.

How is it more practical than a bike? Doesn’t it have much the same luggage capability as anything with panniers and a top box?

I agree with the previous poster that they offer the downsides of both bikes and cars without giving the ultimate thrills that the bikes do or the practicalities of cars.

Essentially I like leaning, and filtering otherwise I just take the car.