Test: Can-am Spyder ST-S Roadster

There are very few cars these days that generate the same interest, curiosity, approval and enthusiasm among the general public we meet on and along the roads as this Can-am.

But Spyder did not appear yesterday, but for several years now. In a short time, he has developed a circle of fans, much like those who drive Harley-Davidson, for example: they have money (a lot), the desire to meet and long trips together, they ride quite straight (we mean that in time you will not meet hunters on steep slopes in turns) and they both love individuality or better yet, ride a very “personalized” motorcycle or tricycle.

We've certainly mentioned this before, so don't be offended if we point out again this time that this Can-am is the best example of bringing the world on four and one on two wheels together. Gives a lot of pleasure from the motorcycle when driving safely (ESP, TC, ABS). And no, if you don't win him over to your side, Bosch's cutting-edge technology won't let him do it. If it had gone further, it would have become a very serious competitor for all the big touring bikes.

This is the case in its category where it most accurately compares to tarmac snowmobiles. If you've ever driven one, know that driving a Spyder is very similar in many ways. And we don't blame the Canadians for that, because they stay true to their home traditions and staples - snowmobiles and quads.

The ST-S badge on the yellow hornet stands for sportiness and it really lacks sharpness. While we complained about two other touring models lacking cornering sharpness, things are different with the ST-S. He shoots the plane faster from a turn, and also goes through a turn much faster. Safety aids are set to activate only when driving very hard or at excessive speeds and to correct driver exaggerations.

That's why the Spyder ST-S requires you to keep a firm grip on the handlebars and get stuck behind the side of the handlebar in an inside-knee bend. You can certainly drive very calmly and travel on it, but this roadster is designed for dynamic driving. Shifting with the sequential gearbox and at full throttle is pure racing pleasure as the ignition switch keeps the throttle lever fully open at all times and upshifts produce a loud shift from the Akrapovic exhaust pipe. How to listen to superbike racing car, pure adrenaline! Only consumption is a little less impressive, as it rises sharply above 130 km/h, otherwise the average test was eight to ten liters, which is a lot for a 998 cc two-cylinder engine.

Fortunately, the Brembo brakes (with these characteristics) are not from the lowest bunk, so they grip three brake discs at incredible speeds and bring the Spyder to a stop surprisingly quickly. With a slightly sportier driving position, allowing for forward gear shifting, we also easily traced its performance through the body.

In addition to a comfortable seat and despite its pronounced sportiness, it also boasts very good wind protection, which, even in light rain, lets rain drops past the driver and passenger if they are traveling at a speed of just over 80 km / h.

If the Spyder seduces you, we must warn you that not only does it take care of the dry jacket when you ride it in the rain, but unfortunately it also dries your wallet a little. You get the basic one for 21.600 € 24, and the price of a slightly better equipped one quickly rises to 27 or even XNUMX thousand €. At Ski & Sea you can always take a test drive as they know how to handle it, so you can even see if a roadster is right for you. If ET were back on earth, he would probably rather ride a Spyder than a BMX bike. "Pasture" together, alien!

Text: Petr Kavčič, photo: Primož Ûrman

• Basic data

  Sales: Ski and sea

  Base model price: 21.600 €

  Test model cost: 24.600 €

• Technical information

  engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 998 cm3, liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injection

  Power: 74,5 kW (100 km) at 7.500 rpm

  Torque: 108 Nm at 5.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: 5-speed sequential with reverse gear

  Frame: steel

  brakes: two coils in the front, one coil in the back

  Suspension: front double A-rails, 151mm travel, rear single shock with swing arm, 152mm travel

  Tires: front 2x 165/55 R15, rear 225/50 R15

  Growth: 737 mm

  Fuel tank: 25

  Wheelbase: 1.711 mm

  Weight: 392 kg

We praise and reproach

appearance

safety

acceleration, torque

the sound of a sports engine (Akrapovič)

comfort, wind protection

large trunk

price

turn signal on / off switch

thirst for dynamic driving

loud and coarse gear (when shifting into first and reverse gear)