The 3 wheel Can-Am Spyder is difficult to categorize: is it a motorbike or a car? Either way, it’s a vehicle. Reaction to this new mode of transport has been fairly positive, although it does appear to be more of recreational vehicle rather than a daily work horse with which to carry out shopping, or take Aunt Edna to the chiropodist.
In terms of the innards, it looks more like a motorbike than a car. It is powered by an engine that was originally designed only for the Aprilla RSV1000 superbike, and which in its original motorbike form could deliver an impressive 137bhp. Deposited in a Cam-Am Spyder however, that’s reduced to 105bhp in order to improve torque at lower revs. The RSV also donates its gearbox, adding to the notion that this vehicle is more of the motorcycle world than the car world.
The driver (or rider) sits in a position that has more in common with a motorbike, too, and you get handle bars instead of a steering wheel. In common with most 3 wheel vehicles in the UK, you can drive it with either a motorcycle or a car licence.
Reliability is likely to be very good, as Can-Am is owned by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), which has a reputation for building tough vehicles like snowmobiles.
If you trial this after riding motorbikes, then it might be underwhelming. But from a car driver’s perspective it is actually a pretty thrilling ride. The only really tricky part is working out whether you need a car or a motorbike breakdown cover service!