Can Am?

[John Luciano]

Ben if you have been changing these tires than I guess this guy was shooting off his mouth . This was about 3 years ago . Said something about removing the tire from the rim, and the tire size. I will try getting to the bottom of the story. I don't like telling tales out of school and if I did say something out of line I sure do apologize ,

 

[BlueTrinity]

You know Ben, that raises another interesting point that I hadn't thought about.

I certainly am not a physicist, but I understand centrifugal force well enough to know that it's the rear end going out from under you on a turn that causes the skid. It is that rationale that led Corvette designers to put wider tires on the rear to add surface contact and increase grip in a turn.

Isn't then similarly logical that two wheels in the rear will provide more grip than one and therefore, a much safer high speed turn?

 

[ben721364]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>BlueTrinity</strong>
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<div class="message"><font color="black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">You know Ben, that raises another interesting point that I hadn't thought about. </span></font><br />
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<font color="black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">I certainly am not a physicist, but I understand centrifugal force well enough to know that it's the rear end going out from under you on a turn that causes the skid. It is that rationale that led Corvette designers to put wider tires on the rear to add surface contact and increase grip in a turn.</span></font><br />
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<font color="black"><span style="font-family: Verdana">Isn't then similarly logical that two wheels in the rear will provide more grip than one and therefore, a much safer high speed turn?</span></font></div>

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</div>Sometimes wider tires are used to mask suspension flaws. On a dry smooth surface, wider tires can provide more grip, all things equal. The converse is also true. Wide tires are more (much more) prone to hydroplane. Since the front of the vehicle is used to steer, all things equal and comparing trikes only, a 2F/1R design is a better place to start. Rwemember the problems with 1F/2R ATVs a few years ago? I oversimplified 'cause I'm simple...

 

[ben721364]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>John Luciano</strong>
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<div class="message">Ben if you have been changing these tires than I guess this guy was shooting off his mouth . This was about 3 years ago . Said something about removing the tire from the rim, and the tire size. I will try getting to the bottom of the story. I don't like telling tales out of school and if I did say something out of line I sure do apologize ,</div>

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</div>John,<br />
I haven't changed tires on a Spyder. I'm just asking? What is different about the tires/wheels that make 'secret equipment' necessary? The tire size is common with some automobiles as is the tread design and cord body configuration. Thanks for the help.

 

[John Luciano]

I went on the Spyder board . They won't let me ask. Anyway I noticed people talking about putting car tires on and about it changing computer setting so I guess the guy 3 years a go was blowing smoke. Sorry for the bad info I was only passing on what I heard.

 

[ben721364]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>John Luciano</strong><br />
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<div class="message">I went on the Spyder board . They won't let me ask. Anyway I noticed people talking about putting car tires on and about it changing computer setting so I guess the guy 3 years a go was blowing smoke. Sorry for the bad info I was only passing on what I heard.</div><br />
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</div>Thanks for clearing that up John. As I mentioned earlier, I had a Grinnall Scorpion 111 which had/has a BMW K bike drivetrain. The rear wheel is an automobile wheel with a special offset and bolt hole alignment to allow it to be mounted on the BMW hub. Other than that, it is the same as any other 'mag type' automobile wheel and tires are mounted in the same manner as on a automobile wheel. Any tire shop can do it. The 205/50x15&quot; is not a really common size but there are a few different options, including a couple run flats for those who like those expensive, noisy things! <br /><br />
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If a Spyder touring variant is introduced, I will be very interested.<br />
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there are some who tour on Spyders but I don't think the current version is something I would want to take off cross-country on.

It is a nice piece of work though, in my opinion.

 

[John Luciano]

I saw one last year with the Corbin bags and other accessories, Might make a neat tourer for the sport bike people . I like my WING.

 

[spiritdream]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>ben721364</strong>
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<div class="message">I felt the same as you with respect to "conventional" 1F/2R trikes until I was encouraged to test ride one at an BMW m/c rally. A 20 mile test ride changed my outlook toward trikes completely. The newer ones are nothing like the old H-D 'meter maid' trikes...</div>

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</div>Sorry for the confusion - I was referring to the Can Am trike. I'm fine with the 1F/2R trikes (Suzuki/Lehman here! <img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" />), I just can't get used to the looks of the reverse trikes, and the one time I sat on the CanAm myself, I just knew it wouldn't be a comfortable ride for me....too "sport bikish", as others have noted. As I said, just my personal opinions on what works <u>for me</u>! I prefer sitting straight up - the forward lean would kill my back!!

 

[ben721364]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>spiritdream</strong>
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<div class="message">Sorry for the confusion - I was referring to the Can Am trike. I'm fine with the 1F/2R trikes (Suzuki/Lehman here! <img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" />), I just can't get used to the looks of the reverse trikes, and the one time I sat on the CanAm myself, I just knew it wouldn't be a comfortable ride for me....too "sport bikish", as others have noted. As I said, just my personal opinions on what works <u>for me</u>! I prefer sitting straight up - the forward lean would kill my back!!</div>

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</div>To each his own! Personally, I think that all other things equal, 2F/1R trikes are more stable than 1F/2R trikes. <br />
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It appears that Can Am has addressed the 'sport-bike ergos with the touring model.

 

[Dwight]

Take a look at the new RT-S model Spyder. Looks like it has everything necessary for a full on touring rig. I test rode the original Spyder about a year ago and liked it. It's more of a sport bike. In a follow up survey I told them I'd be more inclined to purchase a touring or sport touring model. Well, now they have one, we like it! We're heading down to the dealers sometime in early Nov. to look one over. They are getting a demo unit and will call us when they have it. I could see one of these in my garage!<br />
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Dwight

 

[Ozarkryder]

Checked out the touring version of the Spyder at Bikes, Blues and BBQ last month in Fayetteville. Gloria liked it a lot. She said it had very comfortable seating, nice upright riding position and she liked the semi-automatic transmission. Can Am raised the front to give more room in the front trunk, added a set of saddle bags and a rear trunk. Seems to have more storage than our 1500 'Wing. There would be one in the garage if the 'Wing wasn't paid for, and we had $28,000 USD (minus trade for a 1995 GW1500SE MotorTrike)

Looks to be a capable touring platform, but I think it would be behind our current ride for the distance trips we take now. We would have to add an intercom, radio, CB (I am surprised at how handy a CB is while touring) extra power points, and the power of a 1500cc engine. We pull a Bunkhouse camper - wondering if the Spyder's frame and motor could handle it.
Would be interesting to try!

 

[Gorilla]

ozarkrider some very valid points to keep what you have. I hope to demo one soon just to see how it rides. I rode the orginal and like it except for the pitched forward position.

 

[Trikers]

Here is a pic of the new touring version RT-S,
looks quite comfy...

 

[Papa Zook]

I still have trouble liking the way they look. I guess that's why there's chocolate and vanilla...

 

[Mikethetrike]

My previous trike prior to my Goldwing was a Can Am Spider, It is a great machine, very fast 0-60 on 4.5sec with a top speed of around 120.
I had it for a year and did over 6000 miles on it, it handled well and all the computer wizardry keeps you out of trouble but somehow it did not satisfy my main objective and that is to tour with many hours in the saddle. The tank range was about 150 miles max but I had to stop well before this due to the riding position.

Still it was great fun but both the wife and I prefer the wing as it is so comfy, just miss the performance.....

 

[ben721364]

Thanks for an interesting post. I am beginning to think of going in the opposite direction now that the RT models are available with touring accommodations. I would prefer greater fuel range (than 150 miles) but that's about the same as GL1800 based trikes without auxiliary fuel tanks.

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

Have you guys read any reviews on the touring model? I read one that said that they don't have any power. If I remember correctly, it was because it is on the same engine size and the regular cam-am. I am writing this without rechecking, so I may be mistaken.

 

[spiritdream]

Found one review - they didn't sound too impressed. I'm not crazy about the Spyder to begin with - cannot get used to how it looks, no matter how I try - and I dislike the looks of the touring model even more.

But that's my own personal taste- as long as a person is happy with what they're riding, that's all that matters!! As they say, it's not what you ride, it's that you ride. :yes:

 

[ben721364]

Have you guys read any reviews on the touring model? I read one that said that they don't have any power. If I remember correctly, it was because it is on the same engine size and the regular cam-am. I am writing this without rechecking, so I may be mistaken.

I'm working from memory as well. My recollection is that the engine is tuned a bit differently to produce more low end torque. This it could use. That said, given the weight differential between the Can Am RT and the average GL1800 [and other] based 1F/2R trike, the power to weight ratio appears to be comparable. I know a couple people who have toured extensively on the original Can Am roadsters towing trailers who aren't complaining.

 

[Dwight]

Try this: BLOG.SPYDERFRED.COM

This is Fred Rau, he has a demo unit equipped with the factory trailer option. He rode it home (from Quebec I think) to CA with his wife and 250lbs of baggage in the trailer. According to him lack of power wasn't a problem. I suspect it's power to weight ratio is better than the one I have on my Tri-Glide. I'm thinking we will probably own one of these when we head out to Nova Scotia next June.

PS: nice to see a thread on the Spyder RT-S without someone bashing it.

Dwight