2010 Can-Am Spyder RT First Look

BRP Adds Touring Model to its Can-Am Spyder Roadster Line-up

Can-Am shook up the three-wheeled motorcycle world two years ago with the introduction of its Spyder Roadster. Not only did it have a different wheel arrangement than the standard trike with its two-front, single-rear arrangement, but its angular, aerodynamic bodywork and Rotax V-Twin engine gave it an aggressive sportbike-like attitude. Last year, the big news out of the Bombardier Recreational Products’ (BRP) camp was the introduction of its Spyder SE5 model with a semi-automatic transmission that shifts using your thumb and forefinger, ala the Yamaha FJR1300AE. For 2010, Can-Am continues to innovate with the design of its popular roadster and is releasing a full-fledged touring edition of its three-wheeled phenomenon called the 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT. 
 
The new Can-Am Spyder roadster touring model’s front end features angular bodywork similar to its predecessors, with a few subtle changes. The nose is scooped out more, and its lighting system has been revamped, including new headlights and larger mirror-mounted turn signals. The front windscreen is also taller than before and is electronically adjustable. But the rear end is totally reworked. It features two hard saddlebags that integrate cleanly into the bodywork. The bags have a purported cargo area of 26 liters each (6.87 US gal.) to go along with a stylish topcase that adds 43 liters (11.36 gal.) more of storage. Integrated into the front of the topcase is a comfy-looking passenger saddle and backrest. The passenger accommodations include a set of floorboards, while the driver seat now comes with a lumbar rest. The new bodywork does come at the expense of added weight, as the 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT’s claimed dry weight is 230 lbs heavier than last year (699 to 929 lbs). Total vehicle load allowed is up 85 lbs from last year, too, for a maximum capacity of 525 lbs.

But that’s not all the surprises BRP has in store. Can-Am received plenty of requests to convert the Spyder Roadster into a full-scale tourer, so it developed a new trailer to complete the 2010 Spyder RT traveling package. In what is being billed as an industry-first, the optional RT622 trailer package provides an additional 622 liters (22 cu. ft) of storage. The trailer’s towing capacity is said to be 400 lbs and the system is compatible with the Spyder’s complex three-tiered vehicle stability system. It appears that the lid lifts up for easy packing, it’s color-matched to the RT, has large, highly-visible taillights, and an aerodynamic design to cut down on drag.
 
“The introduction of the Can-Am Spyder RT now provides options for sport and touring enthusiasts alike,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager, International division. “BRP’s superior design and innovation continues to deliver paradigm-shifting vehicles that push the envelope, and the RT model is no exception. The new platform goes well with what touring riders demand and there is no doubt in my mind the Can-Am Spyder RT is going to forever change the touring motorcycle category.”

The 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT will still source a variation of the Rotax V-Twin found in Aprilia sportbikes, a liquid-cooled, 998cc V-Twin with multi-port, electronically fuel-injected 57mm throttle bodies. The Spyder RT’s Rotax 991 engine has been retuned to handle the demands of the additional weight of the touring package and a passenger, with three lb-ft more torque coming on at 750 rpm lower in the powerband. To go along with more grunt down low, its gasses will be squeezed at a higher compression ratio of 12.2:1 compared to last year’s 10.8:1. But peak horsepower has been trimmed down, with its top numbers ringing in at six ponies less and coming on 1000 rpm earlier in the rev range. (Claimed 2009 Max Output 106 hp @ 8500rpm - 2010 Max Output 100 hp @ 7500rpm)
















The 2010 Can-Am road tourer is available in three versions. The 2010 RT comes in one color, Full Moon Silver, and has a manual transmission. The 2010 RT Audio & Convenience version is offered in Orbital Blue and Full Moon Silver and comes with a choice of gear boxes, either a manual tranny or the semi-automatic SE5 version. The RT-S has a special Timeless Black paint job that isn’t available in the other models and comes with a choice of transmissions as well. The Premier Edition Spyder RT-S roadsters can be pre-ordered with deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Besides that, the song remains pretty much the same for the remainder of the Spyder’s specifications. The Spyder RT will continue to feature the three-part, BOSCH-engineered Vehicle Stability System (VSS) incorporated in its forebears, including traction and stability control systems and ABS. And those who want to roll on a more sport-oriented version need not fret because Can-Am is also offering the 2010 Spyder RS (roadster sport) that has the streamlined appeal of the original.
 
“The Can-Am Spyder RS is already a resounding market success, although, clearly, its full growth potential is only beginning to materialize,” said Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, Can-Am Division and After Sales Operations (CAS).

The Spyder RT roadster will be available for test runs at authorized Can-Am Spyder dealerships this fall. The three-wheeler extraordinaire has been embraced by more than 50 countries to date, according to Can-Am. No price has yet been listed, but the 2009 Spyder stickered for $16,199, while the SE5 version sold for $17,699. Keep an eye out for a first ride review soon on the new touring three-wheeler as Motorcycle USA’s Road Editor, Adam Waheed, will be attending the official press introduction in Quebec on Sept. 9-10.