All you have to worry about are the upshifts. If you can drive any of those things, after a few minutes of orientation to the Spyder’s controls you (or your mom) will be ready for your first lap around an empty parking lot - especially if you spring for the optional semi-automatic transmission ($1,500), which removes the complication of a hand clutch and foot shifter in favor of a marvelous, near-idiot-proof electronic paddle shifter. The Spyder is a high-performance sport “something-else” vehicle, neither car nor bike nor ATV. But adding two wheels and a racecar style suspension up front doesn’t make the backward trike ride or handle like a motorcycle - at all. Sure, it has handle-bar steering, motorcycle-like controls, a single rear wheel and a V-twin engine that’s a close sibling to one used in race bikes. The first thing you have to understand about BRP’s Can-Am Spyder is that it isn’t a motorcycle with three wheels. It’s not like getting a motorcycle license automatically makes you a safe rider, any more than getting a driver’s license on your 16th birthday makes you a safe driver. The physical skills and balance required to earn a motorcycle certification are almost meaningless on the Spyder, so why require a rider to prove basic operational competence on two wheels before climbing aboard this three-wheeler? Long answer: Despite my reluctance to climb aboard the Spyder with a newbie, I actually think California and Delaware are on the right side of logic by not mandating a motorcycle license to operate one on public roads. ![]() And I sure wouldn’t bet my life on it by riding as a passenger with someone who wasn’t already an accomplished biker. Short answer: Sure, a new rider could handle the Can-Am Spyder, but I wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone. Could a person with no prior motorcycle experience safely ride the Spyder? As an experienced rider, what were your impressions? ![]() KickingTires: The Can-Am Spyder requires a motorcycle license for operation in most states. Motorcycle experience: 20+ years, 50,000+ miles.We wanted to know if the three-wheeler vehicle would impress them and how it compares with riding a traditional bike. We asked two riders - one with a considerable amount of experience and one who’s just starting out - to test the new Can-Am Spyder model. I can’t find anything that would tell any past stories (where it was sold, previous owners or where it was ridden).While reviews lots of, well, cars, we also have a few experts of the two-wheeled variety. So just freaking go for it! BICYCLE HISTORY: I’m guessing 4-6 hours of total work! In total.īETTER/Best: Anything in addition to what’s listed above, is all up to your personal style and flair. ![]() It wouldn’t hurt to replace the cables and housing. The chain could certainly be oiled or replaced. Every bearing will need deep cleaning and new grease. ADOPTION FEE: $69 (and we’ll throw in a $31 BBP gift cert to help with used parts) RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:īASIC: You could likely ride it as is, but with $31 BBP gift cert covering most everything needed and some new grease, you’ll be cruising a lot smoother. PRESERVATION BICYCLE NUMBER #23 MAKE: Sears MODEL: Spyder YEAR/AGE: 1969 (The year the Beatles cut their final album, Abbey Road, and we landed on the moon). This could be a little piece of your own history that you pass on to future generations. This could be a fun project for you and your family. This could be your intro into the joy of bicycle maintenance, tinkering, and restoration. We realize that people can fall into a tight spot, situations can change, and at some point people will part ways with these bikes (that’s ok, please do what you need to do), but if it is your sole intention is make money off of the Preservation Bike Program, you are invited to not participate.Įveryone else, please jump in. They parted bikes out and sold them on ebay or flipped them for some quick and easy cash. On more than one occasion in 2020, individuals took advantage of the program. Many newbies have created beautiful bikes. Don’t let bicycle mechanic experience scare you away from participating. We’ll do our best to offer a little bit of everything (sizes, shapes, conditions, eras), and we’ll be here to help you throughout your restoration journey. What a beautiful story! In 2021, we will feature 12 Preservation Bikes, one each month. We hope that they will be ridden, loved, and passed on to generations to come. ![]() Our hope, goal, and intention with our Preservation Bike Society (PBS) is to create new life for bikes that deserve it. *Quick preface before we jump into a new year of BBP Preservation Bikes …
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