Video Can-Am Spyder Roadsters
Speculation appears to be paying off as Can-Am is boasting 2011 market share for the company’s enigmatic Spyder to be greater than that of Victory’s cruiser line-up. Harley-Davidson need not be concerned, but Can-Am’s ability to surpass Victory, no matter how minimal the margin,is notable when considering the short time frame of the Spyder’s availability. Further evidence of the Spyder’s appeal is our first review of the Spyder back in 2007 that remains one of our most popular reviews and videos.
Can-Am followed the initial launch of the 2008 Spyder RS with the more luxurious RT in 2010. From those two models exists a choice of six iterations (RS, RS-S, RT, RT Audio & Convenience, RT-S, RT Limited) ranging in price from $16,500 for the base RS to $28,900 for the RT Limited. For 2012 Cam-Am is taking a breather with minimal upgrades/changes (see below) to the next year’s models, but if we’re to believe comments from Can-Am, the five-year outlook of future Spyder models promises more ground-breaking, technological advancements.
A recent day spent aboard every model in the 2012 Spyder line-up provided clarity and insight into what the variety of Spyder models offer – the most obvious being the stark difference between the luxurious RTs and the more brute appeal of the RSs.
New For 2012:
RS models for 2012 receive a new amber-colored LCD display meant to improve night-time contrast and a new Steel Black Metallic color choice, while Pearl White Metallic returns for another year.
New gas-charged Fox shocks are the big news for the front of the RS-S. The anodized aluminum shocks with carbon-black colored springs are 33% lighter than those on the base model RS, boast improved compression and rebound damping and feature preload adjustability. Handlebars and footpegs also receive the carbon-black treatment. A new multi-function display with better nighttime contrast also adorns the RS-S models, while Neutron Green/Satin Black and Can-Am Red/Satin Black bring new color choices to the RS-S line-up.
All 2012 RT models receive a new amber-colored, multi-function dot-matrix display and come in a variety of new colors (except the base model RT). The RT Audio & Convenience model’s new color is Quantum Blue Metallic, as is the 2012 RT-S which also features a Dark Mist Gray front wheel colorization.
The 2012 RT Limited receives a little more treatment with new chrome mirrors, heat shield and exhaust tip, and aluminum six-spoke chrome front wheels. The new color for the Limited is Bronze Metallic with the option of an embroidered tan or black seat.
RS vs RT
With its upright riding position, extensive fairing protection and plethora of optional luxury amenities, the RT makes a great case for inclusion with touring heavyweights such as Honda’s Gold Wing or BMW’s K1600GTL. Endowed with 155 liters of storage space (complete with semi-rigid, wheeled, travel bags for the Limited) the RT, in fact, boasts more storage capacity than Honda’s GL.
At a claimed 929 lbs dry the RT outweighs the 699-pound claimed dry weight of the RS by 230 lbs. The additional heft affects the RT’s handling, but it’s not nearly as detrimental as it would be if these were two-wheel motorcycles. Built upon the same basic frame architecture, and considering how much stability the two front wheels provide, it’s possible to charge a corner with almost equal abandon – charge being the operative word.
December showers can leave our beloved SoCal canyon roads peppered with gravel on the blind side of corners, forcing motorcycles to approach with timid entry speeds, but the Spyder needn¹t worry about such impediments. With three points of contact the Spyder raises confidence by diminishing the possibility of an untimely get-off.
Owning the confidence-inspiring handling manners of the RT, the RS experience is one of visceral appeal much like that of a two-wheel motorcycle. Not only is the riding position sporty and the fairing coverage minimal, the RS isn’t equipped with the noise-deadening airbox shroud or extra engine covers that come on the RT, allowing its rider to hear and feel more of what’s happening with 998cc Rotax V-Twin.
Can-Am followed the initial launch of the 2008 Spyder RS with the more luxurious RT in 2010. From those two models exists a choice of six iterations (RS, RS-S, RT, RT Audio & Convenience, RT-S, RT Limited) ranging in price from $16,500 for the base RS to $28,900 for the RT Limited. For 2012 Cam-Am is taking a breather with minimal upgrades/changes (see below) to the next year’s models, but if we’re to believe comments from Can-Am, the five-year outlook of future Spyder models promises more ground-breaking, technological advancements.
A recent day spent aboard every model in the 2012 Spyder line-up provided clarity and insight into what the variety of Spyder models offer – the most obvious being the stark difference between the luxurious RTs and the more brute appeal of the RSs.
New For 2012:
RS models for 2012 receive a new amber-colored LCD display meant to improve night-time contrast and a new Steel Black Metallic color choice, while Pearl White Metallic returns for another year.
New gas-charged Fox shocks are the big news for the front of the RS-S. The anodized aluminum shocks with carbon-black colored springs are 33% lighter than those on the base model RS, boast improved compression and rebound damping and feature preload adjustability. Handlebars and footpegs also receive the carbon-black treatment. A new multi-function display with better nighttime contrast also adorns the RS-S models, while Neutron Green/Satin Black and Can-Am Red/Satin Black bring new color choices to the RS-S line-up.
All 2012 RT models receive a new amber-colored, multi-function dot-matrix display and come in a variety of new colors (except the base model RT). The RT Audio & Convenience model’s new color is Quantum Blue Metallic, as is the 2012 RT-S which also features a Dark Mist Gray front wheel colorization.
The 2012 RT Limited receives a little more treatment with new chrome mirrors, heat shield and exhaust tip, and aluminum six-spoke chrome front wheels. The new color for the Limited is Bronze Metallic with the option of an embroidered tan or black seat.
RS vs RT
With its upright riding position, extensive fairing protection and plethora of optional luxury amenities, the RT makes a great case for inclusion with touring heavyweights such as Honda’s Gold Wing or BMW’s K1600GTL. Endowed with 155 liters of storage space (complete with semi-rigid, wheeled, travel bags for the Limited) the RT, in fact, boasts more storage capacity than Honda’s GL.
At a claimed 929 lbs dry the RT outweighs the 699-pound claimed dry weight of the RS by 230 lbs. The additional heft affects the RT’s handling, but it’s not nearly as detrimental as it would be if these were two-wheel motorcycles. Built upon the same basic frame architecture, and considering how much stability the two front wheels provide, it’s possible to charge a corner with almost equal abandon – charge being the operative word.
December showers can leave our beloved SoCal canyon roads peppered with gravel on the blind side of corners, forcing motorcycles to approach with timid entry speeds, but the Spyder needn¹t worry about such impediments. With three points of contact the Spyder raises confidence by diminishing the possibility of an untimely get-off.
Owning the confidence-inspiring handling manners of the RT, the RS experience is one of visceral appeal much like that of a two-wheel motorcycle. Not only is the riding position sporty and the fairing coverage minimal, the RS isn’t equipped with the noise-deadening airbox shroud or extra engine covers that come on the RT, allowing its rider to hear and feel more of what’s happening with 998cc Rotax V-Twin.
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