Many people are touting the safety features of the Can-Am Spyder and why said features make the Spyder a safer alternative to the motorcycle. While it is true that the three wheeled layout of the Spyder will prevent such perennial motorcycling risks as the high side, low slide, and washing out the rear tire, the greatest threats motorcyclists share remains a threat to anyone on a Spyder.
While the Spyder’s stability control system and anti-lock brakes go a long way towards offering the Spyder rider sport-car like braking performance, one must still acknowledge that collisions do and will continue to happen. All the technology in the world won’t prevent you from being hit by a animal, flying debris, or, worst of all, another vehicle.
When that happens, and these days “when” seems a more appropriate term than “if”, the Spyder rider will be just as susceptible to injury as any other motorcycle rider. Given that fact, Spyder riders are best advised to consider wearing as much protective clothing as they can. The following items should be considered essential:
Helmet - Most likely a helmet will be required to be worn in most states, but beyond the law, Spyder riders should embrace helmets as the essential safety item. Given the stable platform that a Spyder is, impacts are the most likely reason for a Spyder rider to be separated from their vehicle. protecting the head is the single best thing a rider can do.
Boots - Ankle injuries are very common in all types of vehicular impacts, and a broken ankle can lead to complication and reduced ability to walk for sometime or even forever. Protecting one’s ankles should be prime consideration. An over-the-ankle boot should be worn any time the Spyder is ridden.
Gloves - Your hands are very exposed on the Spyder, and during an impact the chance of laceration goes up exponentially. As are hand are the most versatile and important tool we have in everyday life, taking this minor precaution is well advised.
Besides the previously mentioned safety items, the following should be considered to improve the riding experience and safety of the Spyder rider.
Long pants and/or shirts - Being exposed to the world on a Spyder, many things can occur. Bugs and debris kicked up by other vehicles can impact anywhere on the Spyder rider, and fully covered skin is the first line of defense.
Leather - Though the risk of falling off a Spyder and sliding is greatly diminished, the chance remains that, upon collision, a Spyder rider could be thrown and slide some distance across varied terrain before stopping. Leather is like a second skin; it scrapes off for you. Though it can be hot, there are plenty of perforated motorcycle specific leather garments available.
Ballistic nylon - An alternative to leather, ballistic nylon is extremely tough, and allows a variety of venting options.
Armor - Motorcycle specific garments, both leather and ballistic nylon, often come with foam and plastic armor protected shoulders, backs, and elbows, among other places. If leather or ballistic nylon isn’t your thing, some manufactures offer undergarments replete with armor, which can be worn under most regular clothing.
No mix of safety equipment is guaranteed to prevent injury, but ask any motorcyclist that has been involved in an accident, and they will tell you any bit helps. Protect yourself as best you can by using all the equipment available to you.
