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2016 Can Am Spyder Review: Which Model Is Right for You?

Written by Michael Bauer

If you're considering a three wheeled motorcycle, the Can Am Spyder is a long-time rider favorite. Learn more about the new 2016 Spyder models.spyder-fam-f3.jpg

Why Buy a 3 Wheel Motorcycle?

By adding a second wheel to the front, Can Am was able to create a machine that combines the open-aired feeling of a motorcycle with increased stability. First debuting in 2008, the Can Am Spyder was the first three wheel motorcycle on the market and made an immediate impression. Jay Leno famously purchased the first Spyder off the assembly line and the 100,000 Can Am Spyder was sold in 2015!

With its Y-frame design, the Spyder is more stable than a two wheel motorcycle. Can-Am was also able to give the Spyder capabilities that most motorcycles don’t have—such as anti-lock brakes and traction- and stability-control systems.

The Spyder comes standard with stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system and electronic brake distribution (EBDS). The EBDS is a foot-operated, hydraulic system that ensure that braking power is applied as needed to all three wheels to help make braking safer on different surfaces. The Spyder also comes with electric-assisted steering to make turning easier, and a reverse gear for parking.

An easy-to-ride machine, the Can Am Spyder is a great first bike for those who have never ridden or for those who don't feel comfortable with a heavy bike. 

Let's take a closer look at the different models available for 2016:

2016 Can Am Spyder F3 Review

The F3 sits low like a cruiser, but since it rides on three wheels and not two, there’s a performance payoff to the low center of gravity; it invites more aggressive riding and added confidence of control from its feeling of sitting closer to the axles.
- Cycle World

spyder-fam-f3-01.jpgThis cruiser is designed specifically for riding comfort, with a unique UFit system that allows you to adjust the foot pegs and the handlebars to make the bike fit your body. First debuting in 2015, the Can Am Spyder F3 received the prestigious Red Dot Award for high product design quality.

The Steel Black Metallic Can Am Spyder F3 features a Rotax 1330 ACE in-line three-cylinder engine for plenty of power while getting good gas mileage – up to 252 miles at 62 mph before you have to fill the 7.1-gallon tank. The engine has 115 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 96 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.

A semi-automatic or a manual six-speed transmission provides the power from the engine to the wheels. Additionally, the F3 features a high-performance Brembo braking system and Fox Podium shocks.

The Can Am Spyder F3-S, unveiled at the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, makes riding even easier with the addition of cruise control. Available in Pearl White, Red Solid Gloss and Pure Magnesium Metallic with a red frame, the Spyder F3-S features LED lights on the refined front fender, deep black high-gloss front wheels, and a distinctive black suede seat with red stitching.

If you plan to travel on your motorcycle, the Can Am Spyder F3-T includes hard side luggage compartments with 21 gallons of cargo space. It has a built-in hitch so you can expand the hauling capacity even further with the Freedom Trailer, which is large enough for two golf bags.

The F3-T also increases long-distance comfort with SACHS big-bore shocks, black perforated seats, and a convenience console with a glove box, tinted windshield and integrated mirrors.  It is available in Pearl White, Steel Black Metallic, Pure Magnesium Metallic with a Red Frame and Intense Red Pearl.

The Can Am Spyder F3 Limited adds a radio with four speakers and a USB port, so you can customize music for long rides. This model also features foot boards and heated grips for the rider, a special “Limited” seat, and trim and chrome accents. It can be purchased in Pearl White, Steel Black Metallic and Intense Red Pearl.

2016 Can Am Spyder RT Review

Everything a touring rider and passenger want: creature comforts, strong acceleration, long fuel range and a smooth ride.
- Can Am

spyder-fam-rt.jpg

The 2016 Can Am Spyder RT is designed for ultimate touring comfort and features a high-torque Rotax 1330 ACE engine, an in-line three-cylinder engine with outstanding throttle response and roll-on acceleration. Its efficient engine gets up to 252 miles on a single tank of gas. Riders can choose a semi-automatic or manual six-speed transmission with reverse.

The RT comes with a Steel Black Metallic finish and features 41 gallons of cargo space, a seat with lumbar support, passenger backrest, AM/FM audio system with a USB port and heated rider handgrips.

The Can Am Spyder RT-S adds 12-spoke carbon black front wheels; an adjustable rear suspension to make riding more comfortable for both one or two riders, heated passenger handgrips for cold weather riding, fog lights and LED accent lights to increase visibility on the road. The optional upgrade to the SE6 transmission also comes with rider foot boards. Available in Pearl White, Orbital Blue and Intense Red Pearl, the RT-S features a two-tone black and charcoal seat. 

If black is your color, the Can Am Spyder RT-S Special Series stands out with a Triple Black Satin finish. This 2016 Spyder carries its intense black color throughout with a tinted, electric-adjust short windshield, 12-spoke Black Chrome front wheels and premium fenders that feature LED light pipes for increased visibility. 

Those looking for more color options will like the Can Am Spyder RT Limited, which is available in Pearl White, Steel Black Metallic, Orbital Blue and Intense Red Pearl. This premium three wheeled motorcycle also comes with an embroidered Limited seat, 12-spoke chrome front wheels, a Garmin Zumo 660 GPS and a rolling travel bag that fits in the front storage compartment to make overnight stops easy. 

2016 Can Am Spyder RS Review

spyder-fam-rs.jpgIf you prefer a sport riding position, the Can Am Spyder RS is the perfect model for you. Enjoy cornering and acceleration with the V-twin engine and sport-tuned suspension. The front suspension includes double A-arms with an anti-roll bar and gas-charged Fox Podium shocks with 5.1 inches of travel. The rear suspension features a swing arm and SACHS shocks with 6 inches of travel. The windshield's low profile design contributes to the bike's sporty look.

The Steel Black Metallic Spyder RS features a Rotax 998 c V-twin engine that makes 100 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 80 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm -- more than enough for excellent acceleration. The electronic throttle lets you have instant response. A manual five-speed transmission with reverse and smooth shifts ensures quick and smooth acceleration. This setup provides the RS model with excellent gas mileage.

Additionally, the Spyder RS comes with electronically controlled power steering and a digitally encoded security system to help protect the bike from theft. Instrumentation includes a digital speedometer, odometer and tachometer; hour and trip meters; temperature; gear position; electronic fuel gauge; engine lights and a clock.

The 2016 Can Am Spyder RS-S adds a sport-tuned vehicle stability system, cruise control, a premium color digital gauge and a choice of a semi-automatic or the five-speed manual transmission. The RS-S is available in Steel Black Metallic with optional accents in Magma Red.

Can Am Spyder Accessories: Essentials for a Better Ride

Whether you just bought a new Can Am Spyder or you have one that’s a couple years old, you may want to pick up some of these useful Can Am Spyder accessories for your next road trip.

spyder-cover.jpgLight Travel Cover: When you’re out on the road, it’s not always easy to find a covered spot for your bike. The light travel cover is light and small enough to pack with your gear, and protects the windshield, seat and handlebar area if you have to park your bike out in the open overnight.

spyder-travel-bag.jpgSpyder Rolling Travel Bag: This bag features an extendable handle and fits in the front storage compartment with or without the trunk liner. It make stopping for the night easy—just pull out the bag and roll into the hotel. It’s just as easy to pack up in the morning when you can't wait to get back on the road.

spyder-handle.jpgTri Axis Adjustable Handlebar: This adjustable handlebar reduces riding fatigue by letting you choose the right width, height and forward position for your body. The Tri Axis Adjustable Handlebar system is easy to adjust with an Allen key and it uses your existing production comodo, hand grips, clutch and electrical cables. The adjustable handlebar mounts on the stock steering column. A GPS support for this handlebar is sold separately.

Looking for a Three Wheeled Motorcycle?

If you're looking for a new bike that's easy and fun to ride, the Can Am Spyder is a time-tested favorite among motorcyclists. Stop by Tousley Motorsports, an official Can Am dealer, to check out the new 2016 models.


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Michael Bauer

Michael Bauer

At Tousley Motorsports since 2010, Michael spends most of his time cruising around on his vintage 1974 Honda CB360T. But when he wants to have fun, he jumps on his Kawasaki KX65 sports bike. A fisherman at heart, Michael especially loves the challenge of catching fish during the winter. He also enjoys spending time outdoors on his Ski-Doo MXZ 609 and two Sea-Doo RXP.

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