Can-Am Spyder: When the motor dream comes in threes

They say the world stands on three things, but right now, I’m sitting on the Spyder — a three-wheeled vehicle made by Can-Am. It’s not exactly a motorcycle, not a topless roadster, nor an ATV, but the experience it offers pulls elements from all of them.

I’ve ridden three-wheelers before with two front wheels (like the Peugeot Metropolis 400), but the Spyder is bigger and more stable. There’s no fear of it tipping over — or onto you. With its armchair-like seat, massive multimedia screen upfront, and a tall adjustable windshield, it almost feels like a car.

“Almost” is a word that often comes up with these machines. A car has a steering wheel, not handlebars. You don’t see the road beneath you in a car, even a convertible. With your arms stretched forward holding wide handlebars and your legs comfortably spread on the generous footrests, for a moment you might feel like you're riding a Honda Gold Wing. Except the Gold Wing’s width is about 90 cm, while the Spyder stretches to about 1.5 meters — nearly a car.

You also get used to steering this “bike” with the electric-assist handlebars. There’s no “counter-steering” or leaning the vehicle — the feel is more like an ATV. All you need is to look far ahead and guide the vehicle in that direction, even if there's a fleeting fear it won’t make it.

It’s comforting to know the vehicle is equipped with top-notch electronic systems to support anyone who goes a bit too far — like a Stability Control System (SCS), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS, Hill Hold Control (HHC), and more.

The Spyder was launched in Israel in four versions: F3S, F3-Limited, RT Limited, and RT Sea to Sky. All are powered by a 1330 cc Rotax engine delivering 115 hp. All versions feature a roadster-style front end with a hood bearing the BRP logo and dual air intakes that add to the aggressive look. The front includes a windshield (standard in the F3-Limited, RT Limited, and RT Sea to Sky) and dual headlights (halogen on the F3S, LED on the others).

Storage capacity varies by model, reaching up to 177 liters in the premium versions. Prices range from NIS 200,000 for the entry-level F3S to NIS 300,000 for the luxurious Spyder RT Sea to Sky.

As someone who holds a license to ride all two-wheelers (Class A) but spends most of the year driving a car (and teaching driving too), I approached this test from more of a driver’s perspective than that of an experienced biker.

In some countries, even drivers with a standard B license can hop on a Spyder or its little sibling, the Ryker, and cruise up roads like the one to Mont Blanc on the French border. In Israel, however, the Transportation Ministry requires a high-level Class A license to ride these because their power exceeds 47 hp.

If you're over 21 and have held a Class A1 license for a year, all that stands between you and riding one of these is 8 driving lessons and a practical test. Without an A1 license, you’ll need to complete 15 lessons, pass a test, and wait about another year to qualify for the higher-level Class A.

Is that a justified requirement? Some operational instruction is certainly needed, like learning how to start the vehicle, use the “parking” button, or engage reverse gear. Beyond that, it’s user-friendly — like the gear up/down buttons (and if you forget to downshift, the gearbox will do it for you).

Even drivers who’ve never been on two wheels can handle these vehicles. They won’t fall over, they won’t tip — as long as you're driving sensibly, just like in a car. After all, a driving student can immediately, after getting their license, jump into a large commercial vehicle (up to 3.5 tons) or a new rear-wheel-drive Chinese EV with hundreds of horsepower. So it’s unclear why these three-wheelers need stricter rules.

One requirement that is completely justified, however, is wearing a helmet. While it’s more stable than a motorcycle, even a minor crash can send your head crashing into the pavement.

Can-Am also presented the Ryker to us — another strange-looking three-wheeler, but smaller and lighter, giving the rider a closer connection to the machine. It’s not as luxurious or refined as the Spyder but more rugged and youthful, with a 900 cc engine producing 82 hp. There’s no need to shift gears — the steering is direct and unassisted. The engine is weaker, and the Ryker is less suited to long high-speed cruises and more at home on twisty roads.

The Ryker is offered in three versions aimed at providing a personalized riding experience: Ryker, Ryker Sport, and Ryker Rally. All share a 900 cc Rotax engine producing 82 hp.

The base version includes, as standard, a drive mode selector (Eco and Sport), front LED lighting, adjustable footrests and brake pedal, a tool-free adjustable handlebar, a phone storage compartment, and more. Even the base model comes with a wide range of safety and anti-theft systems.

From there, the more advanced models only get better in equipment, performance, and comfort. For example, the Rally — the top-tier Ryker — offers two riding modes: Normal and Rally Mode, the latter allowing for sporty drifting. The base Ryker is priced at NIS 110,000, while the Ryker Rally tops out at NIS 140,000.

To my surprise, the Ryker turned out to be the vehicle where being a non-rider isn’t a disadvantage. The low seating position, lack of gear shifting, and direct steering make it easy to handle even for someone who doesn’t ride motorcycles daily. Still, a driver used to closed vehicles who accelerates to highway speeds will feel the full blast of wind on their head and helmet — a slightly disturbing taste of the biker's wild world.

But isn’t that part of the experience?

There’s no doubt — sitting in a closed, insulated car is vastly different from riding an exposed vehicle, constantly vulnerable to the elements. Seeing the asphalt whiz beneath you, gripping the handlebars, braving the cold with bulky clothing and safety gear — these are the “costs” every biker knows and willingly pays.

But we didn’t come to these unique machines for practicality or efficiency. And though they’re impressively comfortable, you’ll likely feel safer and more relaxed in any car (even one not particularly known for its safety).

Some of us seek thrills, connection to nature, and the air. We want to be seen and feel special. Maybe we’ll buy a sporty open-top roadster, or hop on an adventure bike and ride into the sunset.

True, unlike two-wheelers, these won’t let you weave through traffic or bypass congestion. But there’s no doubt your chances of making it home safely are significantly better.