We drove: Can-Am Spyder F3
When BRP, a renowned Canadian manufacturer of airplanes, snowmobiles, sports boats, jet skis and quads, pondered a decade ago about what to offer the road transport market, they came to a simple but important conclusion. They decided that it was better than trying to reinvent a new motorcycle to try something that was as close to their rich snowmobile heritage as possible. Thus was born the first Spyder, which is actually a road version of a snowmobile, of course heavily redesigned for road riding.
The driving position is very similar to that of a snowmobile, instead of two skis cutting the snow, the vehicle is steered by a pair of wheels. The tires are, of course, similar to car tires, as unlike the Spyder motorcycles, it does not lean in corners. Thus, cornering, acceleration and braking are very similar to a snowmobile. An engine located in the front widened section in front of the driver drives the rear wheel via a toothed belt.
So if you've ever ridden a snowmobile, you can imagine what it's like to ride a Spyder. Then you also know how fast the snowmobile accelerates when you press the gas pedal all the way!?
Well, everything is very similar here, but unfortunately, the Spyder does not cope with such sharp acceleration (the sled accelerates from 0 to 100, like a WRC race car). Spyder F3, powered by a 1330cc three-cylinder engine. Cm and a capacity of 115 "horsepower", will accelerate to 130 kilometers per hour in less than five seconds, and you will pass XNUMX and add a good two seconds. And we just got to the end of the second gear!
But a very high top speed is not where the Spyder excels. When it reaches speeds over 150 kilometers per hour, it begins to blow so hard that any desire to break speed records quickly subsides. In fact, the real pleasure is driving at speeds from 60 to 120 kilometers per hour, when he shoots from one turn to another, like a catapult. We can talk about driving comfort at speeds up to a hundred kilometers per hour, for something more, you have to hold on tightly to the steering wheel, tighten your abdominal muscles and lean forward in a more aerodynamic position. But it's like if you want to go over a hundred miles an hour in a helicopter. Of course, you can drive at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, but there is no real pleasure.
Namely, it offers the fun of a twisty road where you will laugh from ear to ear under the helmet when, as you accelerate out of a corner, your butt is swept away quite easily and above all in a controlled manner. That, of course, raises the question of whether Can-Am will be preparing an even sportier version or various programs for the safety electronics, as we know, for example, in some prestigious motorcycle or sports car brands. The pleasure of sliding the rear is great, so you need less control over the electronics. But since safety is paramount, this is still a taboo topic for Can-Am. But we have to understand them, because it would be enough if a single Spyder flipped in a corner and we already branded it dangerous. Here, Canadians believe in the philosophy that prevention is better than cure. Thus, despite all the skeptics and skeptics, we could not flip the Spyder even on the kart track, where we first tested it to refresh our memory and sharpen our senses in environmental management. We managed to raise the inner wheel about 10-15 inches, which really only adds to the appeal of the ride, and that's about it.
The good news is that with the steering wheel aligned, you can illuminate the rear tire very nicely, leaving a mark on the asphalt and a cloud of smoke when accelerating hard. It is only necessary to make sure that the handlebars are always aligned, because when the rear end turns, the safety equipment will immediately turn off the ignition or even brake the wheels. A real rocket dragster!
So from the automotive world, they used traction control, ABS and stability control (similar to ESP). The gearbox is also a little automotive, that is, semi-automatic, that is, the driver quickly and accurately shifts six gears by pressing a button on the left side of the steering wheel. You also need to use button selection to scroll down, but if you are lazy this technique will help you on its own. The Spyder F3 is also available with the classic gearbox we know from motorcycles, with the clutch lever on the left side of course. Motorcyclists will not notice the front brake lever for the first few kilometers, so it is very important that you slowly and safely learn the most essential parking basics before your first ride. For braking, only the foot pedal on the right side is available, which transmits the braking force to all three wheels. Which wheels brake harder is determined by the electronics, which adapts to the current road conditions and transfers more braking force to the bike with the greatest grip.
In Mallorca, where the first test runs took place, we tested different quality asphalt as well as a wet road. There has never been a moment when the Spyder could be accused of anything in terms of safety.
Therefore, it is not surprising that its popularity is growing rapidly. For anyone looking for sporty acceleration, a sense of freedom, and exploring the surroundings like a motorcyclist, but at the same time maximum safety, this is a great alternative. A motorcycle exam is not required to ride the Spyder, a safety helmet is mandatory.
However, we highly recommend a short introductory course for both motorists and motorcyclists planning to drive the F3. The representative of Slovenia (Ski & Sea) will be happy to help you travel safely and with pleasure on the roads.
