Can Am Spyder?

[Turbolader]

I will start this out saying yes, it's not a bike, and no it's not a car either. I did a quick cursory search and didn't find anything "spyder" is a bad term and "can" or "am" don't work well too....so if this has already been discussed and you know of the thread, please forgive my repost...

I would prefer a T-Rex or Scorpion P6, but they are way to expensive. I like the idea of the trike because I am afraid of others' ability to see me (RIP my Uncle killed, on a bike, by a drunk driver) -- I'm figuring it is a bit more visible than a normal bike. I also like the fact that it qualifies for the HOV lane where I live, so it is actually a (somewhat) practical toy.

Stuff we care about:

Weight: 700 pounds
HP: 106 @8500 r/min
TQ: 77
Redline: 10k r/min
0-60mph: 4.5s
Top Speed: ~110mph
MPG: 30-35
Engine Displacement: 990cc V-Twin


Anybody ever rent/try/buy one? Likes? Don't Likes? Seems like the biggest thing experienced riders don't like is the lack of leaning when turning. I am a non-rider, so this wouldn't affect me since I've never rode before.

Looks like used ones can be snagged for about $12500, which is rather steep for me, when looking at other touring bikes/trikes is actually pretty reasonable. The engine is a Rotax engine (Used by Aprilla bikes as well) and is supposed to be pretty reliable, some people have over 100k miles on theirs already.

[Silver-Bolt]

Definately ride one before you buy. I am 30+ years on two wheels on the road. I was intrigued by the Spyder so I arranged through a friend (son in law to the dealer) for an extended test ride. The first few miles were down right scarey. I have ridden quads, snowmobiles, etc so I am familiar with the dynamics. At least I thought I was. It is like nothing I have ridden in the past. Very hard to describe. After about 10-15 easy miles I started to get the feel of it. I did a total of 250 miles but never felt 100% comfortable with the handling. Not sure I could get comfortable with that setup. As far as quality goes, very good. Fit and finish were excellent. The Rotax motor is a detuned version that Aprilia uses in their sport bikes. The motor is bullet proof and requires very little maintinence. Not saying it was bad, just not for me. Try one.

[Turbolader]

^^ Thanks for the reply. Everything I've read says the same thing...One review said it felt like riding a cross between a jet-ski and a snowmobile, but with asphalt under you.

There is a place where I live where you can actually rent them. I'm definitely thinking about doing that. I live in one of the two states where you don't need a "M" endorsement on your license to operate one on public streets. (I'm not so sure that's a smart thing...but, I don't have one, so I guess it works for me...)

My father used to be into powered parachutes, and they used a Rotax engine. I don't remember which one, but it impressed me that it was reliable enough for aviation use.