Wife wants Can Am Spyder

[hdxbones]

Originally Posted by pargenz

And I certainly don't want any computer taking over throttle and braking.

ummmm, isn't that an Ultra in your sig?...............

[tdkkart]

Originally Posted by hdxbones

ummmm, isn't that an Ultra in your sig?...............

What he's talking about is the Spyder's throttle and braking taking over when the rider tries doing something stupid, or getting a bit too "sporty".
Example, if you try cranking a corner too hard, hard enough that it's gonna get up on 2 wheels, the computer will take control and slow you down.
Traction control, if you try doing a donut or a burnout the computer will fix your "mistake".
There are apparently ways around this "feature", especially on the manual trans models.

[jeff]

Originally Posted by hdxbones

ummmm, isn't that an Ultra in your sig?...............

I thought the same thing lol. I now some guys who now how to ride the spiders and when you learn how to make them handle they are amazing. Just taking a test ride is not giving them proper credit. I will get one when two wheels is no longer my thing.

[hdxbones]

Originally Posted by jeff

I thought the same thing lol. I now some guys who now how to ride the spiders and when you learn how to make them handle they are amazing. Just taking a test ride is not giving them proper credit. I will get one when two wheels is no longer my thing.

As I posted earlier in this thread, I bought one for the wife back in 08, when they first came out. She rode the heck out of it until some degenerative neck trouble got in the way. I also logged quite a few miles on it as well. After a few miles, you get a feel for the way it handles, and it will impress when pushed really hard. Aftermarket Elka shocks and a sway bar make a big difference. The 1000cc water cooled V-twin redlines at 10,000 rpm, and it pulls all the way to it. It runs best from 6,000 up, and the throttle response is incredible up there, especially in the twisty stuff, 3rd and 4th gears......

What's known as the 'nanny', does cut engine power and apply selective braking to keep you from rolling the thing over when you get in over your head. Which isn't hard for a rookie to do....... Once you get used to it, it's fairly easy to learn how to use it to your advantage, setting up for corners and taking them harder than you thought possible, letting the system tell you you're right on the edge......

The system will also save your ass during hydroplaning or emergency braking too......

It won't however, let you spin donuts, (and even that can be defeated)but I know for a fact that you can burn through three gears of a smoke show as long as you keep the handlebars straight.....

[Illiniroads]

Originally Posted by hdxbones

As I posted earlier in this thread, I bought one for the wife back in 08, when they first came out. She rode the heck out of it until some degenerative neck trouble got in the way. I also logged quite a few miles on it as well. After a few miles, you get a feel for the way it handles, and it will impress when pushed really hard. Aftermarket Elka shocks and a sway bar make a big difference. The 1000cc water cooled V-twin redlines at 10,000 rpm, and it pulls all the way to it. It runs best from 6,000 up, and the throttle response is incredible up there, especially in the twisty stuff, 3rd and 4th gears......

What's known as the 'nanny', does cut engine power and apply selective braking to keep you from rolling the thing over when you get in over your head. Which isn't hard for a rookie to do....... Once you get used to it, it's fairly easy to learn how to use it to your advantage, setting up for corners and taking them harder than you thought possible, letting the system tell you you're right on the edge......

The system will also save your ass during hydroplaning or emergency braking too......

It won't however, let you spin donuts, (and even that can be defeated)but I know for a fact that you can burn through three gears of a smoke show as long as you keep the handlebars straight.....

Great write-up and right on the mark. The bike has v-rod smoothness and power. A lot more stable than the trikes (two wheels in back) and a lot more forgiving.

[pargenz]

Originally Posted by hdxbones

ummmm, isn't that an Ultra in your sig?...............

Sure is. It's a motorcycle. Not a Can-Am whatever.
It has ABS, if that's what you're referring to. Nothing like the nanny on the Can-Am.

Automatic transmission (or semi-auto)? Really? I think Honda has a couple in their lineup with what they call dual-clutch transmissions. No thank you.

To each their own. Definitely not for me.

If/when I get too old for 2 wheels, I'll get a ragtop sports car.

[Illiniroads]

Once upon a time there was this fugly bike that had the fairing mounted to the frame and no weight on the forks. Nobody wanted it because it "wasn't a real bike" The front end resembled a shark...lol.

[pargenz]

While some people (the unwashed masses) didn't, or still don't, like the looks of the Roadie, it is, and always has been, a motorcycle.
Beauty is skin deep... ugly goes clear down to the bone.

[HarleyLance]

Originally Posted by Illiniroads

Well I created a monster. A three legged one! Traded the V-Rod in for the Can Am. The bike is fast and smooth. A little corky. I relate it to a jet ski or ATV. Now I can't keep the wife off it and she is leaving me behind in the straight-a-ways. Damn.

Congrats on the purchase - the gold and black looks awesome!

[hdxbones]

Originally Posted by pargenz

Automatic transmission (or semi-auto)? Really? I think Honda has a couple in their lineup with what they call dual-clutch transmissions. No thank you.

Not an automatic. In addition to the standard 5 speed manual shift tranny, they do have an electronic shift option. It uses a centrifugal lock up clutch, and a thumb operated paddle shifter to select gears. Same transmission. Those that have them say they shift lightning fast, you can hold the throttle WFO, and shift at the rev limiter.......