View Poll Results: Is the Can-Am Spyder a motorcycle?
Plain and simple, YES it is.
2
1.79%
YES and NO; it's a new kind of motorcycle.
10
8.93%
NO, it's not a motorcycle; it's something else.
82
73.21%
I don't care.
18
16.07%
Voters: 112. You may not vote on this poll
New Can-Am Spyder is NOT a motorcycle
04-27-2011, 03:28 PM
#31
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Edwards AFB, CA
Posts: 491
Like 95% of the fellow riders on this forum have said, these are NOT motorcycles. If there was a handicap plate on them then BRAVO, Im glad your still out there getting your enjoyment and not let your dissability keep you down. BUT since I havnt seen any with that plate or sticker then obviously you dont have the mental, balance, or physical means to ride a motorcycle so please get off the road and OUT OF THE CARPOOL LANE! okay, I feel better now.
04-28-2011, 03:49 PM
#32
Member
Squid
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 65
Some people LOVE their snowmobiles. Their snowmobiles for on the road during the summer. Why are so many people upset about them? besides the legal issues (esp. getting a motorcycle endorsement, which concerns me as apparently it does many others) their just another vehicle.
What's the issue with the person next to you if their driving a motorcycle, ATV, SUV, sports car, sedan, 18 wheeler, or any other vehicle? As long as their driving sanely, why not?
Sorry for talking like a hippie, but I just don't get all the rage.
What's the issue with the person next to you if their driving a motorcycle, ATV, SUV, sports car, sedan, 18 wheeler, or any other vehicle? As long as their driving sanely, why not?
Sorry for talking like a hippie, but I just don't get all the rage.
05-01-2011, 02:37 PM
#33
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 442
Interesting arguments ALL. I have a close friend who owns one (here in Vegas), he believes it's a MC, but he is smart enough to recognize that it does not ride like one. He took his MSF course on a two-wheeler. He said "man those were hard to ride, but my Spyder is easy". He actually thinks my SHawk is dangerous.
Maybe states should require MSF courses instead of testing, unless you're an experienced rider, testing on a bike you've owned a while? Just my 2 cents.....
Maybe states should require MSF courses instead of testing, unless you're an experienced rider, testing on a bike you've owned a while? Just my 2 cents.....
04-20-2012, 05:03 AM
#36
Junior Member
Squid
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3
Threatened???
I am a Spyder RT-S owner...I love this bike...I can't believe the "snobs" in the "motorcycle world" on here...your comments are so childish and hardly what I would expect from the motorcycle community. Alot of it sounds like jealousy cause you can't afford one...What difference should it make to you if people choose to ride something different from what you ride???? Just because a person decides to buy one of these cool new bikes doesn't automatically make them NOT ABLE to ride a 2 wheel motorcycle! People I know have various reasons they ride a Spyder...like me, some have one just because they want to. Wow...why in the world should there be such a "stink" over whether someone chooses to ride a trike or a 2 wheeler!!??? Get over it!!! Get off your high horses and don't worry about it! What's wrong...do you feel threatened in some way??? How ridiculous...usually if someone has a problem with what someone else is doing it's out of jealousy or just plain bullying...QUIT WHINING YOU BUNCH OF BABIES!
04-20-2012, 05:21 AM
#37
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 320
I am a Spyder RT-S owner...I love this bike...I can't believe the "snobs" in the "motorcycle world" on here...your comments are so childish and hardly what I would expect from the motorcycle community. Alot of it sounds like jealousy cause you can't afford one...What difference should it make to you if people choose to ride something different from what you ride???? Just because a person decides to buy one of these cool new bikes doesn't automatically make them NOT ABLE to ride a 2 wheel motorcycle! People I know have various reasons they ride a Spyder...like me, some have one just because they want to. Wow...why in the world should there be such a "stink" over whether someone chooses to ride a trike or a 2 wheeler!!??? Get over it!!! Get off your high horses and don't worry about it! What's wrong...do you feel threatened in some way??? How ridiculous...usually if someone has a problem with what someone else is doing it's out of jealousy or just plain bullying...QUIT WHINING YOU BUNCH OF BABIES!
I don't care if people ride Spyders, but the question was whether they should be considered a motorcycle, and marketed as one. I think it's dangerous that someone could get their motorcycle license on one of these, because it's very different than a two-wheeled motorcycle.
Like someone else said earlier, I'd rather someone ride a Spyder than drive a car. At least it's raising awareness of alternative modes of transportation. But calling it a motorcycle is a stretch . . .
Welcome to the forum!
04-20-2012, 07:03 AM
#39
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: South of Live Free or Die & North of Family Guy
Posts: 1,456
We did quit whining. About a year ago, actually.
I don't care if people ride Spyders, but the question was whether they should be considered a motorcycle, and marketed as one. I think it's dangerous that someone could get their motorcycle license on one of these, because it's very different than a two-wheeled motorcycle.
Like someone else said earlier, I'd rather someone ride a Spyder than drive a car. At least it's raising awareness of alternative modes of transportation. But calling it a motorcycle is a stretch . . .
Welcome to the forum!
I don't care if people ride Spyders, but the question was whether they should be considered a motorcycle, and marketed as one. I think it's dangerous that someone could get their motorcycle license on one of these, because it's very different than a two-wheeled motorcycle.
Like someone else said earlier, I'd rather someone ride a Spyder than drive a car. At least it's raising awareness of alternative modes of transportation. But calling it a motorcycle is a stretch . . .
Welcome to the forum!
Last edited by NHSH; 04-20-2012 at 07:10 AM.
04-20-2012, 09:03 AM
#40
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 344
hey man,
if you were disabled from an accident or disease, would you rather be in a cage? or on one of those things?
I don't see them as motorcycles either, but I could see myself getting one if I couldn't ride for some reason.
if you were disabled from an accident or disease, would you rather be in a cage? or on one of those things?
I don't see them as motorcycles either, but I could see myself getting one if I couldn't ride for some reason.
04-20-2012, 10:33 AM
#41
Junior Member
Squid
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3
well...lets define motorcycle...when we were kids we rode bicycles and tricycles but both were called bikes. A motorcycle is a motorized cycle. the number of wheels helps determine what we call them: trikes, bikes, quads, etc...but all are "motor" cycles. For those of you who feel the need to cut on people who choose to ride trikes for whatever reason, cause in some way you obviously think you are superior...I tell you from experience because I can ride a 2, 3, or 4 wheeled bike...they all require a certain level of skill to ride safely. In some ways the 2 wheeler is easier to ride and in some ways the 3 is easier. For instance...I find it much easier to take a turn on a 2 wheeled bike than a trike. Trikes DO NOT negotiate the turns as easy as a 2 wheel. Unless you've ridden one you wouldn't know. But, what makes the difference ??? They all are great machines and a blast to ride...so...go ride your bikes...ooops...motorcycles...uh ..er...trikes...or whatever...you get the point...I hope!
04-20-2012, 10:42 AM
#42
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 344
well...lets define motorcycle...when we were kids we rode bicycles and tricycles but both were called bikes. A motorcycle is a motorized cycle. the number of wheels helps determine what we call them: trikes, bikes, quads, etc...but all are "motor" cycles. For those of you who feel the need to cut on people who choose to ride trikes for whatever reason, cause in some way you obviously think you are superior...I tell you from experience because I can ride a 2, 3, or 4 wheeled bike...they all require a certain level of skill to ride safely. In some ways the 2 wheeler is easier to ride and in some ways the 3 is easier. For instance...I find it much easier to take a turn on a 2 wheeled bike than a trike. Trikes DO NOT negotiate the turns as easy as a 2 wheel. Unless you've ridden one you wouldn't know. But, what makes the difference ??? They all are great machines and a blast to ride...so...go ride your bikes...ooops...motorcycles...uh ..er...trikes...or whatever...you get the point...I hope!
does it lean to turn? no? not a motorcycle...I don't know about snobbery, I guess some of the posts here are pretty harsh...but why classify your machine as something it isn't? just ride/drive/operate it and have fun...
when/if I get older and disability forces me to get one (because again: I'd rather have one of these than some stupid SUV or car) I won't wave to guys on two wheels, I'll wave to other 3 wheelers...
Last edited by blamecanada; 04-20-2012 at 10:47 AM.
04-20-2012, 12:18 PM
#44
Retired- but not tired!
SuperBike
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 1,478
I don't care if people ride Spyders, but the question was whether they should be considered a motorcycle, and marketed as one. I think it's dangerous that someone could get their motorcycle license on one of these, because it's very different than a two-wheeled motorcycle
04-20-2012, 12:49 PM
#45
Senior Member
SuperSport
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 700
By definition sure its a motorized cycle, but not a motorcycle. Google motorcycle and see what pops up and how many wheels they have. a sedan and a pickup are both automobiles. They both work the same, both have an engine and four wheels,but you wouldn't call a sedan a truck or a truck a car would you?
They do look like a blast to ride though and look pretty comfortable. They're not carving machines, more like a touring trike. I think you should have to get your m1 to operate one as it works the same as a motorcycle.
They do look like a blast to ride though and look pretty comfortable. They're not carving machines, more like a touring trike. I think you should have to get your m1 to operate one as it works the same as a motorcycle.
04-20-2012, 01:10 PM
#46
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 344
And as for snobbery...you've just proved the point perfectly...THANKS!
04-20-2012, 02:39 PM
#47
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: South of Live Free or Die & North of Family Guy
Posts: 1,456
By definition sure its a motorized cycle, but not a motorcycle. Google motorcycle and see what pops up and how many wheels they have. a sedan and a pickup are both automobiles. They both work the same, both have an engine and four wheels,but you wouldn't call a sedan a truck or a truck a car would you?
They do look like a blast to ride though and look pretty comfortable. They're not carving machines, more like a touring trike. I think you should have to get your m1 to operate one as it works the same as a motorcycle.
They do look like a blast to ride though and look pretty comfortable. They're not carving machines, more like a touring trike. I think you should have to get your m1 to operate one as it works the same as a motorcycle.
All over Asia, Middle East and some parts of Africa there is a clear definition for a 3 wheel vehicle, a Rickshaw or as in Thailand they call it took took
I suggest to call these vehicles something other than a motorcycle, Rickshaw works fine for me The point again is that the word motorcycle doe's not define how many wheels you have, but the common understanding is that a motorcycle consist of bi-cycle with a motor.
The argument is not about liking the vehicle or not, it is a 3 wheel vehicle! Thus it should be given a different description.
As for the licensing it is a whole other discussion and could be the reason why it's called motorcycle in the first place, the problem is that any biker can ride a trike, but not every driver will be able to ride it! So how do you exactly license this???
I believe it is easier and safer to put that vehicle under motorcycle license than anything else available, that is the core of the issue here in my understanding.
I can tell you one thing for sure, if someone waves to me with a friendly gesture, I will wave back the same way, I don't care what you choose to ride as long as you give me the same respect as any other vehicle!
05-20-2012, 12:48 AM
#48
jet wrench
Back Marker
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: cowtown, CA
Posts: 175
well...lets define motorcycle...when we were kids we rode bicycles and tricycles but both were called bikes. A motorcycle is a motorized cycle. the number of wheels helps determine what we call them: trikes, bikes, quads, etc...but all are "motor" cycles. For those of you who feel the need to cut on people who choose to ride trikes for whatever reason, cause in some way you obviously think you are superior...I tell you from experience because I can ride a 2, 3, or 4 wheeled bike...they all require a certain level of skill to ride safely. In some ways the 2 wheeler is easier to ride and in some ways the 3 is easier. For instance...I find it much easier to take a turn on a 2 wheeled bike than a trike. Trikes DO NOT negotiate the turns as easy as a 2 wheel. Unless you've ridden one you wouldn't know. But, what makes the difference ??? They all are great machines and a blast to ride...so...go ride your bikes...ooops...motorcycles...uh ..er...trikes...or whatever...you get the point...I hope!
I just feel bad for you guy's stuck in traffic with the rest of the cages on a 90+deg day, when I get to keep moving thru stopped traffic...
Enjoy what you ride...
I'd hate to be parked in the heat of summer...
05-20-2012, 02:01 AM
#49
Junior Member
Squid
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 15
in fl theres a seprate 3 wheeled motorcycle class that you have to pass to be able to ride a spyder. befor i ever road a motorcycle i thought i wanted to have one then my first bike was a 09 hyosung gt250r road it a lil bit befor i took the test i knew theres no way i would be happy with more than 2 wheels. sold that bike then got a 02 superhawk. i think they are a type of motorcycle just not for me. and cruisers are nice but again not for me. i like speed and how they ride
05-20-2012, 04:13 AM
#50
Senior Member
MotoGP
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: altoona, pa
Posts: 2,934
I'm the only one who voted yes plain and simple. i knew I was weird. ha
leaning is what i like about motorcycles and if that ain't there, i doubt i'd have one.
That said, i never heard this conversation about side hacks, esp pre-spyder. Harley patented a 3-wheeler that leaned like the piaggio but never put it on the market. They're all motorcycles to me but not for me. However, wesll might be. I test rode a Piaggio in the rain and it was a gas.
http://wesllcorp.com/
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/h...ke-prototypes/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_axQ...eature=related
leaning is what i like about motorcycles and if that ain't there, i doubt i'd have one.
That said, i never heard this conversation about side hacks, esp pre-spyder. Harley patented a 3-wheeler that leaned like the piaggio but never put it on the market. They're all motorcycles to me but not for me. However, wesll might be. I test rode a Piaggio in the rain and it was a gas.
http://wesllcorp.com/
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/h...ke-prototypes/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_axQ...eature=related
Last edited by nath981; 05-20-2012 at 04:47 AM.
05-20-2012, 04:45 AM
#51
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 395
Guy on my street bought one. Within 5 days it was gone with a zx14 in the garage. If you want one fine. I'll give the bike salute to you even. But taking the riders test on the big Hawk is so different than the spyder. It's cheating plain and simple. We can settle this once and for all.... lets hit the twisties and see if you can keep up with me. I'll be the guy leaning over with my knees dragging if you can see me that far ahead....
05-20-2012, 11:45 PM
#53
Slacker
Superstock
Superstock
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 489
According to the California DMV website :
NOTE: Three wheeled motorcycles or a motorcycle with a side car require only a Class C driver license. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §12804.9
I would have not expected this to be true.
Legally, three wheeled motorcycle type vehicles are classified as motorcycles, but don't call it a bike! That is short for BI-cycle, which means 2 wheels.
That said, I would like to try out a Spyder. It just looks like another fun experience. And I have seen several of them triking around the city. I always give them a wave.
NOTE: Three wheeled motorcycles or a motorcycle with a side car require only a Class C driver license. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §12804.9
I would have not expected this to be true.
Legally, three wheeled motorcycle type vehicles are classified as motorcycles, but don't call it a bike! That is short for BI-cycle, which means 2 wheels.
That said, I would like to try out a Spyder. It just looks like another fun experience. And I have seen several of them triking around the city. I always give them a wave.
05-21-2012, 09:12 AM
#54
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Brooklyn, CT
Posts: 287
No way in hell should you be allowed to take a rider's test on one of these. Make a new classification and issue a license for it, but it's basically like telling someone to go ride a 4-wheeler for the test and saying, "OK now you can ride any motorcycle.
05-28-2012, 09:08 PM
#55
Member
Squid
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 95
I voted no, it's not. By definition it is because it's a "cycle" with a motor on it. It's just not a bicycle with a motor on it. It's a tricycle with a motor on it. Good for drifting though. 
You mean this?
Last edited by kickerfox; 05-28-2012 at 09:11 PM.
05-30-2012, 07:25 PM
#58
Senior Member
Superstock
Superstock
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 321
Personally, this is the only problem that I have with these. I don't think I would own one, but it's kind of cool in a way; like having an ATV (or ATC) for the street.
No way in hell should you be allowed to take a rider's test on one of these. Make a new classification and issue a license for it, but it's basically like telling someone to go ride a 4-wheeler for the test and saying, "OK now you can ride any motorcycle.
No way in hell should you be allowed to take a rider's test on one of these. Make a new classification and issue a license for it, but it's basically like telling someone to go ride a 4-wheeler for the test and saying, "OK now you can ride any motorcycle.
While you can't fall over on one of these you can fall off. I would bet they're not that easy to handle.
05-30-2012, 07:37 PM
#59
MandownMertech
Superstock
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Sacramento / NorcaL
Posts: 289
if the traction control system let you slide the rear out instead of cutting power if you get a little fast in a turn. the thing just bucks like crazy.
powerful? NO not at all.
the wheels they choose look nerdy and lame.
I do like the random snowmobile/water craft look that they have. and if you plan on touring the country and don't care about shredding some curves it's gotta be easy to just put hundreds upon hundreds of miles a day in the saddle on one.
powerful? NO not at all.
the wheels they choose look nerdy and lame.
I do like the random snowmobile/water craft look that they have. and if you plan on touring the country and don't care about shredding some curves it's gotta be easy to just put hundreds upon hundreds of miles a day in the saddle on one.
05-30-2012, 07:39 PM
#60
Member
Squid
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 95
