A personal note to Jeff down at American Marine Sports: Thanks for all your time and patience!
After seeing a couple of Can-Am Spyders out on the road by my work, I couldn’t wait to find out more. As soon as I got home I got on the Internet and quickly figured out what it was I saw, and withing a few minutes I had determined, much to my excitement, that not only was the Spyder an actual production machine, but that I had an opportunity to get to ride one myself. I discovered that a local dealer was going to have them available for demonstration rides with a few weeks time. I eagerly awaited the day I would go down there while telling everyone that would listen about my new find.
A few days before the scheduled event, I decided to call and see if there was anything special I needed. Boy am I glad I did that. Turns out the schedule online isn’t written in stone, and so I found out that in order to ensure I got a chance to ride I’d best get down there that day. So I explained to my co-workers I had something I HAD to do, called up my wife, and within an hour I was on my way to the dealership. Now let me tell you a little about the dealership I went to. I have to admit I was a little tentative about the whole thing when I pulled up and at first all I could see were boats. The dealership’s name, American Marine Sports, says it all. But then I saw them, two Can-Am Spyders, sitting out front, waiting for me. American Marine Sports is an authorized Sea-Doo dealer, among other brands, and Sea-Doo being a part of the BRP family, it made sense that they would also be the Can-Am dealer. There I met a salesman by the name of Jeff, a great guy that took the time to answer all my questions and even went so far as to assist my wife in letting her sitting on the Spyder and teaching her how to operate the clutch; my wife actually got to drive it in the parking lot, though all of about five feet.
I, on the other hand, was much luckier. I got to take the Spyder out on a full-fledged street test. After going over the operation of the Spyder, including some of its unique features, and signing my life away in case of accident or act of God, I threw on my motorcycling gear and off went Jeff and I down the street.
Coming from a motorcycling background, my first impressions were mixed. It didn’t steer like I was used to. I really wanted a front brake lever. I was uneasy with the side force going through a corner. I kept pressing the horn when trying to turn on the turn signal. But I liked the immediate feeling of stability. The Spyder felt big, but that didn’t translate into bad. In fact, I think it felt good. And I was impressed with the pick up, I clearly recall looking down at the speedometer and realizing with great surprise that I was about 20 mph faster than I thought I was going. I loved the looks everyone gave. It seemed no one had a clue what we were riding, but they all wanted to know. And there was even room for some embarrassment as well. When pulling up to a stop sign, Jeff leaned over and politely reminded me that I didn’t have to put my feet down at a stop. Oh well, old habits and all.
Returning to the dealership, I got to check out the reverse gear, and that was really cool. Funny the things you latch on to like that. The highlight of the day was seeing my wife sitting at the controls. Finally there was a vehicle which embodied our mutual enjoyment of motorcycling, but that we both could feel comfortable letting the other one ride. The smile on my wife’s face almost sold me right then and there.
I think the Spyder is a brilliant new concept, and a great addition to any garage. I can see our family using it for a variety of tasks. From taking a picnic out somewhere, to running a quick errand, to commuting to work, to just plain old having fun carving down a windy canyon road.
If you get a chance to try one of these, even if you think you might not like it, take the chance. You’ll love the Spyder. You’ll hate knowing you can’t live without one.
Thanks again to the good folks down at American Marine Sports. When it comes time, I’ll see you with my deposit.
