In the course of researching articles, scouring reviews, perusing forums, and talking with people, all in order to bring you the most complete and useful information available, I’ve noticed a growing and disconcerting trend; Many in the motorcycling community are violently rejecting the Spyder as not being a motorcycle. And though I haven’t come across the same in the sport car community, I figure it is just a matter of time, as in truth the Spyder shares much less in common with a sports car than with a motorcycle.
The problem arises in the fact that, in the absence of more appropriate terms, the media and journalism communities are alternately referring to the Spyder as just that, a three wheeled motorcycle, or a three wheeled sports car. That is the problem with revolutionary ideas. People want to classify something by understood and long existing paradigms. The Spyder does not fit into the motorcycle mold easily. Though it shares some physical characteristics with a motorcycle, namely the use of a handle bar, controls similar to that of a motorcycle, and tandem, saddle-type seating, it differs from a motorcycle in the most important area, that of operation. The Spyder does not lean into corners, as does a motorcycle, nor does the Spyder require counter steering, a technique vital to operating a motorcycle. Many other arguments against the comparison have been made, such as the large size restricting maneuverability and parking options, and that the Spyder is too wide to be used to lane split, though that argument is mainly limited to California.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Spyder is even harder to classify as a sports car. It is quick to accelerate, handles well, is packed with performance equipment, such as anti-lock brakes, and its diminutive size (compared to a car) and openness does evoke a vague comparison to a small, two seat, convertible roadster. But the shape of the Spyder, its seat and seating arrangement, and controls are all too radically different to sustain the comparison.
The Spyder is something new. It is revolutionary. And being revolutionary the channels usually used by merely evolutionary concepts doesn’t exist. Many people interested in, or who would be interested in, the Spyder, have gravitated towards similar niches, such as motorcycling, or sports cars, but may do so only because a vehicle such as the Spyder did not exist. Now that the Spyder is here, the infrastructure for discussion and information must be built for it. That is the purpose of this website. Some will inevitably argue that the Spyder is not revolutionary, that it has all been tried before, in one manner or another. While it may be true that the Spyder builds upon existing principles, and that others have created three wheeled motorcycles before, and even models utilizing the two wheels up front and another wheel in the back, nothing like the Spyder has existed to date. The Spyder represents a synthesis of modern technology in a platform that couldn’t be successful prior to the availability of the technology utilized within.
Beyond that, and of most important in this author’s opinion, is that this is the first time the concept has been taken past a critical point. Instead of being a concept vehicle that only teased enthusiasts, or a one-off creation of a garage shop visionary, The Spyder enjoys the backing of a major player in the sport vehicle market. The weight Can Am brings to bear ensures the capacity for mass production, quality control, and registerabililty in all jurisdictions.
The concept is so revolutionary that I believe Can-Am may not with any certainty be able to predict the demographics that will drive sales and interest in this new vehicle field. For that reason alone Can-Am should be recognized for having the foresight and fortitude to take a chance on the Spyder. I am personally excited to see how the market will develop and what new and innovative ways Spyder owners will use their Spyders. In time I anticipate a strong and vibrant Spyder community, where those that appreciate this type of vehicle can gather and share their experiences. And, of course, motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts will be invited too.
