Can-Am’s lineup of 3-wheeled Spyders has condensed over the years to a handful of large, powerful, top-spec – and therefore expensive – models. In an effort to recapture the younger market, or simply those who have a hard time stomaching a $20k-plus Spyder, Can-Am has announced two new models under the new Ryker family name, and they start at just $8,499.
All we’ve got to go on for the moment are photos and brochures, but the new Ryker looks small, aggressively futuristic and stripped down to the bare essentials. The standard model has a low solo saddle perched over a single-sided swingarm that also houses the driveshaft, with the rider wrapped forward around the hulking engine compartment.
Read about our winter cross-country trip aboard a Spyder F3 Limited here.
Given its price point, we expected the feature list to be abbreviated compared to the higher-end Spyder models, but most of the important stuff is still there. All Rykers come with a CVT automatic transmission with reverse, Can-Am’s Vehicle Stability System (VSS) with ABS, traction control and stability control, a UFit custom fitting system that is user-adjustable with no tools or extra parts required, a double wishbone front suspension with Sachs twin-tube coil-over shocks and a single rear shock, a 4.5-inch digital display, a Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.), Hill Hold Control, front fenders with integrated LEDs, and dual USB ports.
The standard Ryker comes with a choice of three Classic color options, Intense Black, Adrenaline Red and Yellow Shock. Buyers can upgrade to other color and graphic options and swappable parts include the sides, hood, wheels, fly screen and rear spoiler.
In fact, between the color options and Can-Am’s accessories, there are apparently more than 75,000 combinations available.
The Ryker can be equipped with one of two engines, the Rotax 600 ACE parallel-twin with a claimed peak of 47 horsepower and 35 lb-ft of torque, or the Rotax 900 ACE with 77 horsepower and 56 lb-ft of torque.
In a first for Can-Am, and something I’ve been wishing for ever since I first rode a Spyder, the Ryker will also be available in a Rally Edition designed for tackling dirt roads. All Ryker Rally Edition models are powered by the Rotax 900 ACE engine and also feature hand guards, a skid plate, extra radiator protection, reinforced wheels shod with special dirt-worthy tires, one inch of additional suspension travel, KYB HPG suspension with front preload adjustment and a rear shock with remote reservoir, 4-position compression damping and preload adjustment, a special Rally seat with extra foam cushioning, a MAX Mount rear rack and a special Rally Mode traction control setting for dirty fun drifting.
Pricing starts at $8,499 for a standard Ryker powered by the Rotax 600 ACE, with the upgraded Rotax 900 ACE-powered Ryker priced at $9,999. The Rally Edition (which comes standard with the 900) is $10,999.
Accessories include a MAX Mount rear rack, passenger seat, saddlebags, FOX Performance Series front suspension, auxiliary lights, an adjustable windscreen, a top case and a foldable passenger backrest.
We’ll get our chance to actually ride the new Ryker next week, on September 19, so look for more details and a riding review shortly!
