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So at this years Washington DC Motorcycle show, I ended up spending quite a bit of time at the Can-Am "tent".
Being from the "motorcycling enthusiast" community, I often hear lots of "It ain't a motorcycle!" comments from people. And while I agree that it's not, I don't see how it matters. Personally, I think that once you let go of that feeling that you have of what you think it is, and what it actually is, you'll like it more.
But I digress... I ended up picking up a brochure, mostly for my parents, who currently ride a GL1800 Goldwing. They're both getting up there in age (60's), and were at one time, thinking of "triking out" their Goldwing. When I saw this years Can-Am's... specifically the RT... it clicked that this might be a good alternative, as my parents seem to be open to "3-wheeled acceptance" as I am.
Unfortunately, probably due to Can-Am's uber-powerful marketing team, I've found myself pondering the thought of buying the RT model. I've been riding for... I dunno... 15 years I guess... and like the idea of a larger vehicle for longer distance touring and traveling. My current bike is NOT made for such enjoyment.
That being said, I have listed below a few questions I have. Feel free to be honest and up front about anything. I know that the views here might be slightly biased, but I swear I'm not with the internet police, and I won't start a blog about how terrible the Spyder is.
1. What kind of mileage/range can I expect with the RT?
2. Is there a "must-do" maintenance schedule associated with these vehicles? Or is it pretty flexible, like your average vehicle? (i.e. Oil change MUST be done at 3,000 miles or the engine WILL explode)
3. Can most maintenance be done by the rider? Things such as oil change, tire change, drive-train, brakes, valve adjustment, etc.
4. What are some common mods on the RT? Seems like I see quite a bit about the swaybar, floorboards, and 3rd brake light. Anything else that's kind of "must do"? Something that is popularly viewed as something Can-Am should have done in the factory?
5. What's this DPS recall I keep reading about?
6. Is the stock gearing on the vehicle able to move you around well enough? I know with motorcycles, in particular Ducati's, they're geared VERY high, while some manufacturers gear bikes so low you can't even ride on the Interstates safely.
7. Speaking of highway riding, if I do pick one up, or my parents do, how does the RT perform on the highway? Is it more stable than your run-of-the-mill touring motorcycle (LT, GL, etc.), or is it about the same?
8. Finally, does anyone know of a dealer in the mid-Atlantic area that offers demo/test rides? I've never done anything except sit on an RT, and would really like to move one around before dropping money on one.
Thanks in advance for any info you can offer. I look forward to the more "creative" responses I've seen to similar questions on this site.
Being from the "motorcycling enthusiast" community, I often hear lots of "It ain't a motorcycle!" comments from people. And while I agree that it's not, I don't see how it matters. Personally, I think that once you let go of that feeling that you have of what you think it is, and what it actually is, you'll like it more.
But I digress... I ended up picking up a brochure, mostly for my parents, who currently ride a GL1800 Goldwing. They're both getting up there in age (60's), and were at one time, thinking of "triking out" their Goldwing. When I saw this years Can-Am's... specifically the RT... it clicked that this might be a good alternative, as my parents seem to be open to "3-wheeled acceptance" as I am.
Unfortunately, probably due to Can-Am's uber-powerful marketing team, I've found myself pondering the thought of buying the RT model. I've been riding for... I dunno... 15 years I guess... and like the idea of a larger vehicle for longer distance touring and traveling. My current bike is NOT made for such enjoyment.
That being said, I have listed below a few questions I have. Feel free to be honest and up front about anything. I know that the views here might be slightly biased, but I swear I'm not with the internet police, and I won't start a blog about how terrible the Spyder is.
1. What kind of mileage/range can I expect with the RT?
2. Is there a "must-do" maintenance schedule associated with these vehicles? Or is it pretty flexible, like your average vehicle? (i.e. Oil change MUST be done at 3,000 miles or the engine WILL explode)
3. Can most maintenance be done by the rider? Things such as oil change, tire change, drive-train, brakes, valve adjustment, etc.
4. What are some common mods on the RT? Seems like I see quite a bit about the swaybar, floorboards, and 3rd brake light. Anything else that's kind of "must do"? Something that is popularly viewed as something Can-Am should have done in the factory?
5. What's this DPS recall I keep reading about?
6. Is the stock gearing on the vehicle able to move you around well enough? I know with motorcycles, in particular Ducati's, they're geared VERY high, while some manufacturers gear bikes so low you can't even ride on the Interstates safely.
7. Speaking of highway riding, if I do pick one up, or my parents do, how does the RT perform on the highway? Is it more stable than your run-of-the-mill touring motorcycle (LT, GL, etc.), or is it about the same?
8. Finally, does anyone know of a dealer in the mid-Atlantic area that offers demo/test rides? I've never done anything except sit on an RT, and would really like to move one around before dropping money on one.
Thanks in advance for any info you can offer. I look forward to the more "creative" responses I've seen to similar questions on this site.
