Touring on three wheels is a totally different experience from that of a two-wheeler, and touring with two of the three wheels in front is even more so. There’s a sizeable group of enthusiasts out there who can testify to the Can-Am Spyder’s attraction.

Read about the new sub-$10k 2019 Can-Am Ryker here.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
The F3 Limited is a big, touring-ready luxo-cruiser.

I got my first taste of it last Christmas on a long, cold road trip and have to admit I see the appeal. Weight, balancing and weather take a backseat to enjoying the ride, with bonus points to the Can-Am for not requiring a clutch or shift lever.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
For 2018, Can-Am has updated its touring models with a new full-color display and integration with its own infotainment app, BRP Connect. Photos by Kevin Wing.

Jenny’s Gear
Helmet:
Arai Signet-X
Jacket: Scorpion Maia
Pants: AGV Sport
Boots: Tourmaster Trinity

Advertisement

In fact, as turnkey three-wheeled roadster solutions the Spyder lineup is hard to beat, and at a base price of $28,399 even the top-of-the-cruiser-touring-line F3 Limited comes in under most, if not all, trike conversion kits once you factor in the cost of installation.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
Can-Am’s UFit system allows dealers to customize floorboard and handlebar position for the rider.

The Spyder also benefits from a slew of rider aids and stability systems that are designed to keep all three wheels securely on terra firma, plus the higher-spec models like the F3 Limited include luxuries like self-leveling rear air suspension and heated rider and passenger grips.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
When active, BRP Connect display takes up the right half of the 7.8-inch screen.

The 2018 touring models (F3-T, F3 Limited, RT and RT Limited) now sport a new 7.8-inch, full-color LCD display that integrates with Can-Am/BRP’s smartphone app, BRP Connect.

The app works in a similar way to Apple CarPlay; connect your phone to the Spyder via Bluetooth and plug it into the compartment on the dash, and you can make/receive calls (using your Bluetooth helmet system), view texts or listen to music on your phone.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
Newly redesigned switchgear includes a joystick control for easy navigation of settings and BRP Connect apps. Up-/downshift index finger/thumb paddles are easy to reach.

Additionally, you can connect other apps, such as Rever, Pandora, Genius Maps and AccuWeather to BRP Connect, expanding access to those apps’ functions directly through the Spyder’s joystick control and LCD display.

Navigation is intuitive but basic and time-consuming, best done at a stop, but as long as you’re not the rider version of a channel-flipper you’ll likely find what you need and stick with it.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
Trim packages are available in Chrome or Dark (shown).

Other than the new display and revised handlebar controls that include the new joystick feature, the F3 Limited is unchanged from the 2017 model I rode last Christmas. The 1,330cc Rotax in-line triple is good for a claimed 115 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for high-speed passing, freeway on-ramps and beating SUV-driving soccer moms off the line.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
Can-Am says the trunk will hold two full-face helmets, but fit is very tight.

Once accustomed to the somewhat darty steering, comfort prevails, with a supportive saddle and full floorboards for rider and passenger, excellent suspension that soaks up the worst city pavement and washboard dirt roads with equal aplomb and a customizable rider handlebar/floorboard position via Can-Am’s UFit system. You won’t get complaints about cargo space either, with 138 liters of stuff-swallowing capacity.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
Comfortable, supportive rider and passenger seats go the extra mile. Heated passenger grips have their own control.

With a price that’s comparable to other class-leading touring two-wheelers, Can-Am’s F3 Limited is a lot of luxury and functionality for the money. If having a third wheel sounds like a plus, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not giving one a hard look.

Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited
2018 Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited.

2018 Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited Specs

Base Price: $28,399
Website: can-am.brp.com
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled transverse in-line triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
Displacement: 1,330cc
Bore x Stroke: 84.0 x 80.0mm
Transmission: SE6 6-speed semi-automatic
Final Drive: Belt
Wheelbase: 67.3 in.
Seat Height: 26.6 in.
Claimed Dry Weight: 988 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 7.1 gals., last 1.2 gals. warning light on
MPG: 91 PON min./37.5 avg.

Previous article2019 Can-Am Ryker – First Look Review
Next article2018 KTM 390 Duke – Review

1 COMMENT

  1. My first bike is a 2016 F3-T and I absolutely love it!! I always have a smile on my face while riding a when I get off of it. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to ride but for what ever reason 2 wheels are not the best choice. I am a woman of 67 years and can’t pull in the gear and clutch levers of the average bike (arthritis in a few fingers). No problem on my F3-T its a semi automatic (paddle shifters). I highly suggest taking the MSF course for 3 wheelers, Can Am has outfitted the program with the different models. I had to park it in the garage for the winter but come spring I’ll hit the road.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here