I went from a 2 wheel to the Spyder and the learning curve lasted for all of 3 miles.....Most difficult part of the learning curve which lasted a bit longer was reaching for the front brake lever and it not being there. The comfort of the Spyder is unsurpassed. Without a doubt THE MOST COMFORTABLE bike I have ever ridden and have been riding for close to 50 years.
I have a 2016 Spyder RTS which I bought new. I thought this guy was excellent in his appraisal. I have been riding all different motorcycles over a span of 50 years. This was a brand new experience for me with a 3-wheeler. I found all your observations dead on for an unexperienced Can-Am rider. A hint on cornering, I'd lean into it just for the comfort and security feeling. To navigate a turn the easiest, I started out using a "push/pull " method. On a right turn pull the right grip and push the left. Just the other way around for a left hand turn. Also it helps to "power" a bit out of the turn. Give that a try.
We bought our 2021 CamAm Spyder this last September and love it! It is fun we really enjoy it.we had a indian roadmaster that we traded for the spyder. We loved the indian but it was time to get a safer bike. Paul loved his indian but life changes we had to get the spyder . We are planning on traveling to my Rushmore next year.
The only item I thought needed a change was the brake pedal. As you said, you have to lift your foot up and over. I prefer the pedal right under my foot as time to operate is less.
Moved home in late 2018 to help my dad take care of my mom. I’m fortunate that I retired from the military at 40! Anyway, dad had just bought his 18 RTL, white even. I’d never ridden a motorcycle bc I got blown up in Iraq & have balance issues. Been in atv/utv’s all my life tho. Anyway, dad says take a test drive. Ended up getting my license the next day & put over 900 miles on I’ve that weekend! Now I own dads spyder and bought a 2020 Harley CVO, then traded that this year for a 2023 tri-glide. He’s always been a Harley guy, but even he says the tri-glide doesn’t beat a spyder in any category.
I'm on my second spyder rt limited, nothing else will do. FANTASTIC MACHINES!!! It's great for 2 up riding also, my wife rides with me a lot more then any other machine I have had and she loves driving it also.
Great job on the video. I am looking to purchase this exact bike and you have made me even more excited to purchase. Thank you for being so informative.
Like others it almost looked like you were putting that left wheel over the center line, that was something my brother dealt with for a while. Until I kept barking at him about it over the Sena....😀
I enjoyed your first hand riding review. Very descriptive. I appreciated that a lot! Wouldve maybe liked to had seen a walk around first but still wonderful job. There is not a full automatic version??
As a owner of 2016 Spyder (RTS) I found his review spot on. He was not too technical for someone looking for general info. I live-in Wisconsin so I would liken the driving more snowmobile like. I have found leaning around a turn means nothing to the bike. I am 6'4" and 270 lbs. I wish there was a way to get more leg room. I also am thinking about the u-fit for the handlebars. I find when I am in a parking lot turning right into a parking stall, I can't hit the brake at the same time because turning the handle bar and trying to hit the brake at the same time does not afford enough leg clearance. if I were 5'10" it would be just fine.
This thing would be great for touring and if you're looking for something other than a two wheel motorcycle. Lots of storage, comfortable, and I found it super easy to use.
So when you are slowing down, making a turn or just coming to a stop, does it down shift automatically or are you manually down shifting? Also, Nice review.
Yes old habits die hard but if you close the throttle the bike will automatically down shift as you are coming to lights or an intersection. This is a good feature to have when you are new to the bike and you are trying to mange the gears as well as work the brakes which are all linked by a single foot pedal. Once you get used to the system you can down shift by yourself but I think the beauty of the "semi auto" transmission is that it does the job for you. You still have to upshift by using your thumb. A good machine to ride but it takes a different set of riding skills to a 2 wheel bike. No leaning and of course no counter steering and a whole lot of safety features ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control etc will keep the bike on the road and stable.
Hopefully someone can help you, I’m not sure. In the US you need a special three wheel endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement on your license. Anyone know about the UK?
I'm sorry but I don't understand how putting a GoPro on and riding a bike and just giving your view of the ride without any walk around and introduction of the machine itself. How about showing the bike and then going through all the features (storage, switch gear, special features etc) and then taking it for a ride. We don't need to know "turning up here"! I think everyone will figure that out as long as you don't hit a pole and stay on the blacktop. "The seat is insanely comfortable", what's that mean? If you ride a Goldwing and you say that compared to a GW it's better and how or you ride a cruiser etc. Maybe put some facts on the screen like engine configuration, CC's, HP/Torque, wet weight, type of brakes, transmission etc. The bike is what is interesting, not your rambling comments.
Thanks for your opinion and passion. There are hundreds of videos on UA-cam all with different styles, points of view, and ways of conveying information. Rather than duplicate much of what is readily available, I give my opinion on the things that matter to me when I’m looking to purchase.Constructive feedback is always welcome and will be taken into consideration for future projects.. Good day sir or ma’am!
I have to agree a little with VMX. I enjoyed the video and your comments, but a 60 second walk around to start would really help set the stage, doesn't have to be in depth as other reviews. Maybe even comment on what you expect after a visual inspection vs on the ride.
I went from a 2 wheel to the Spyder and the learning curve lasted for all of 3 miles.....Most difficult part of the learning curve which lasted a bit longer was reaching for the front brake lever and it not being there. The comfort of the Spyder is unsurpassed. Without a doubt THE MOST COMFORTABLE bike I have ever ridden and have been riding for close to 50 years.
Gonna go demo one tomorrow. I like the description of a ATV and motorcycle having a baby. Also, you sound like an airline pilot, lol
Enjoyed your evaluation. I also have a 2018 RTL and your descriptions of how it felt to you are right on great bike.
Great review! I just bought this exact bike and had a lot of the same observations.
i will tell you that iam 70 y/o and bought a2016 rt and ride it as much can ,very comfy.oh yeah this is my first bike @68y/o .
Great vid! you've got a voice made for reviews! kept waiting to hear you say "flight attendants please be seated for departure..."
I'm planning on buying one next year. Looking forward to the experience. I have never ridden one, only two wheels.
I have a 2016 Spyder RTS which I bought new. I thought this guy was excellent in his appraisal. I have been riding all different motorcycles over a span of 50 years. This was a brand new experience for me with a 3-wheeler. I found all your observations dead on for an unexperienced Can-Am rider. A hint on cornering, I'd lean into it just for the comfort and security feeling. To navigate a turn the easiest, I started out using a "push/pull " method. On a right turn pull the right grip and push the left. Just the other way around for a left hand turn. Also it helps to "power" a bit out of the turn. Give that a try.
We bought our 2021 CamAm Spyder this last September and love it! It is fun we really enjoy it.we had a indian roadmaster that we traded for the spyder. We loved the indian but it was time to get a safer bike. Paul loved his indian but life changes we had to get the spyder . We are planning on traveling to my Rushmore next year.
That is awesome!
Good review! I would love to see a review of the 2018 F3 Limited from you.
The only item I thought needed a change was the brake pedal. As you said, you have to lift your foot up and over. I prefer the pedal right under my foot as time to operate is less.
Moved home in late 2018 to help my dad take care of my mom. I’m fortunate that I retired from the military at 40! Anyway, dad had just bought his 18 RTL, white even. I’d never ridden a motorcycle bc I got blown up in Iraq & have balance issues. Been in atv/utv’s all my life tho. Anyway, dad says take a test drive. Ended up getting my license the next day & put over 900 miles on I’ve that weekend! Now I own dads spyder and bought a 2020 Harley CVO, then traded that this year for a 2023 tri-glide. He’s always been a Harley guy, but even he says the tri-glide doesn’t beat a spyder in any category.
I'm on my second spyder rt limited, nothing else will do. FANTASTIC MACHINES!!! It's great for 2 up riding also, my wife rides with me a lot more then any other machine I have had and she loves driving it also.
So are they trust worthy enough to get one used? Like a 2015 16? I'll be a total rookie,never rode a motorbike of any kind.
Van Admore are they reliable?? Like honda goldwing reliable? Cross country riding reliable?
Great job on the video. I am looking to purchase this exact bike and you have made me even more excited to purchase. Thank you for being so informative.
Really nice review i enjoyed it 😀 😊
Nice video. Been thinking about one of these or a Ryker 900 for this next season. Gotta test ride one.
You should check out the F3 series, too.. little more sporty and they have the limited and touring versions, as well!
Thanks for the heads up Tucci Ed, I'll check it out next time they have a test drive event.
The F3-S is the one.
I put a deposit on a 22 RT Limited BUT recently took a Harley freewheeler out and I'm torn on what to do.. both were awesome
Like others it almost looked like you were putting that left wheel over the center line, that was something my brother dealt with for a while.
Until I kept barking at him about it over the Sena....😀
Just got mine a week ago I love it
I enjoyed your first hand riding review. Very descriptive. I appreciated that a lot! Wouldve maybe liked to had seen a walk around first but still wonderful job. There is not a full automatic version??
Thank you and great feedback, I’ll integrate that in the future. No, there’s not a full automatic, but this thing felt pretty close to full automatic.
MotoTravelUSA Thank you for your response!
As a owner of 2016 Spyder (RTS) I found his review spot on. He was not too technical for someone looking for general info. I live-in Wisconsin so I would liken the driving more snowmobile like. I have found leaning around a turn means nothing to the bike. I am 6'4" and 270 lbs. I wish there was a way to get more leg room. I also am thinking about the u-fit for the handlebars. I find when I am in a parking lot turning right into a parking stall, I can't hit the brake at the same time because turning the handle bar and trying to hit the brake at the same time does not afford enough leg clearance. if I were 5'10" it would be just fine.
roger bradley cant u put foot pegs on it?
Awesome! I want one!
This thing would be great for touring and if you're looking for something other than a two wheel motorcycle. Lots of storage, comfortable, and I found it super easy to use.
Have a look at the Can-Am Ryker as well. 600 cc and 900 cc automatics. Physically a lot smaller than this and a lot cheaper.
Thanks for the review!!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching
Great Review.
Thank you and thanks for watching.
Great review, thank you!
If only I could afford one...
So when you are slowing down, making a turn or just coming to a stop, does it down shift automatically or are you manually down shifting? Also, Nice review.
Downshifts automatically, or you can downshift manually if you want.
I was told in class they downshift automatically.
I liked your video
Did you get a chance to try the audio? I hear it automatically adjusts with speed?
No, I didn’t get a chance to try the audio. That sounds like a cool feature though.
It’s not that great. I have the 18 rt limited and it’s great to ride but coming from a cross country tour the audio is no comparison.
The RTs have speed adjusted volume for the radio. You can go into the settings and adjust how much additional volume you want based on speed.
You keep crossing the centre line. You need to watch that!
They all do that - I hug the center line on narrow roads. I move over when cars are coming.
I noticed you were twisting off the throttle when changing gears at the end of the review. Old habits die hard.
Yes old habits die hard but if you close the throttle the bike will automatically down shift as you are coming to lights or an intersection. This is a good feature to have when you are new to the bike and you are trying to mange the gears as well as work the brakes which are all linked by a single foot pedal. Once you get used to the system you can down shift by yourself but I think the beauty of the "semi auto" transmission is that it does the job for you. You still have to upshift by using your thumb. A good machine to ride but it takes a different set of riding skills to a 2 wheel bike. No leaning and of course no counter steering and a whole lot of safety features ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control etc will keep the bike on the road and stable.
I am car drive in uk do in mead difrent lliense for it as driven for 1971 please let me know as I like theme
Hopefully someone can help you, I’m not sure. In the US you need a special three wheel endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement on your license. Anyone know about the UK?
I'm sorry but I don't understand how putting a GoPro on and riding a bike and just giving your view of the ride without any walk around and introduction of the machine itself. How about showing the bike and then going through all the features (storage, switch gear, special features etc) and then taking it for a ride. We don't need to know "turning up here"! I think everyone will figure that out as long as you don't hit a pole and stay on the blacktop. "The seat is insanely comfortable", what's that mean? If you ride a Goldwing and you say that compared to a GW it's better and how or you ride a cruiser etc. Maybe put some facts on the screen like engine configuration, CC's, HP/Torque, wet weight, type of brakes, transmission etc. The bike is what is interesting, not your rambling comments.
Thanks for your opinion and passion. There are hundreds of videos on UA-cam all with different styles, points of view, and ways of conveying information. Rather than duplicate much of what is readily available, I give my opinion on the things that matter to me when I’m looking to purchase.Constructive feedback is always welcome and will be taken into consideration for future projects.. Good day sir or ma’am!
I have to agree a little with VMX. I enjoyed the video and your comments, but a 60 second walk around to start would really help set the stage, doesn't have to be in depth as other reviews. Maybe even comment on what you expect after a visual inspection vs on the ride.