Can-Am Spyder Roadster review

It combines the open air exhilaration of two-wheeled transport with the stability of four, but it's not a motorbike and it's not a convertible sportscar. In fact, direct comparisons with anything else on the highway are largely useless because there's simply nothing out there like the Can-Am Spyder Roadster.

Around a decade since BRP first began to explore the idea for totally a new breed of three-wheeled road going conveyance and four years since the styling was finalized, the world wide roll-out of the Spyder is now in full swing.

We've followed the development of the Can-AmSpyder Roadster with interest in recent years with its unique Y-architecture and undeniably sharp looks proving an immediate hit with Gizmag readers, but in case you missed some of our previous coverage , here's a quick run-down.

History and development Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is a global company based in Quebec, Canada with a history that's littered with big innovations including the pioneering Ski-Doo snowmobile, the first sit down jet ski (Sea-Do) and the first two-up ATV. The Spyder Roadster, which shares the Can-Am brand with the company's ATV range, was officially launched in February 2007.

At a glance The stock standard reaction from those who encounter the Spyder for the first time is simply: "What the hell is that?" Eye-catching is an understatement, and few vehicles in our experience have attracted the level of attention on the street that the Spyder does - particularly when traveling in a six-strong procession. The two-at-the-front Y-architecture is the clear reason for this wow factor, but it's backed up by slick styling (particularly in profile) and stand-out paintwork (yellow or "Full Moon" silver).

On-board most of the most of the controls will be familiar to motorcyclists with a few notable exceptions - there's no front brake lever, with all three disk brakes controlled simultaneously by the right foot pedal, and the "hand brake" sits behind the left foot peg. There's also an additional lever on the left grip which controls the fully geared reverse. Apart from that indicators, horn, lights, electric-start and ignition controls are all where bikers would expect to find them. The instrument panel layout is simple and effective with a digital readout (for which different modes can be set (time/trip etc) flanked on either side by a taco and speed gauge of the traditional dial variety.

Another big departure from a motorcycle is the storage space. This comes in the form of a 44 liter (max 16kg) "trunk" at the front of the vehicle. A top box can be added but the design doesn't accommodate panniers.

Engine and drivetrain The Spyder's low center of gravity Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) steel frame surrounds its Rotax 990cc, liquid cooled V-Twin engine that puts out 106hp at 8500rpm and peak torque of around 104Nm at 6250rpm. Rotax engines have been proven over a period of 80 years (BRP purchased the company in the 70's) in which they have produced about 350 different types of engines totaling around 6 million all told. Credits include the Aprilia 1000R sportsbike and the Helicon V-Twin specified by Buell for its 1125R and designed in collaboration with BRP-Rotax.

The five-speed gear box also has a transmission based reverse (as opposed to electronic reverse drive systems found on the Honda Goldwing and other large touring motorcycles) and the final drive uses a carbon reinforced belt set at a 28/79 ratio.

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