Last Update: 29 December 2023
If you have been here before, you know what an avid motorcyclist I am. You might also know how open I am to all forms of wheeled motorcycles. With that in mind, I trust it comes as no surprise that I was up for twisting the throttle on the Can-Am Ryker! I’ve already tested the Spyder a few years back on our Cayuga racetrack. But when jumping on the Ryker, I could see the differences immediately – this was the “sport” – as in sportbike version of the Spyder! Right from first throttle twist, the fun was on. I was impressed at how sharply it turned and handled downtown streets, the highway, the rain, and the corners. Not for one moment did the Ryker leave me uninterested!
Motorcycle riders tend to compare all motorized vehicles- those with less than four-wheels – to that of a classic motorcycle. The Can-Am Ryker is a motorcycle of sorts but sits at an interesting crossroads. It offers that feeling of open-air freedom associated with a motorcycle but at the same time the ease of use of an automobile. And as I have said when testing other three-wheelers, it’s similar but it is not a motorcycle – super fun, but distinctly – something else.
Can-Am Ryker History
The Ryker stems off from the original Can-Am Spyder which has been part of the three-wheeler scene for a while. It was first launched in February 2007 by Canada’s BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) headquartered in Quebec. By October 2007, approximately 2,500 units had been sold. By May 2009, 12,500 Spyders (9,932 of them sold in the United States) had been manufactured. And about 21 percent of its sales are to women. In addition, some 27 percent of Spyder owners have never previously owned a motorcycle! The design of both the Spyder and smaller Ryker hints at BRP’s history in snowmobiles.
Three-Wheeler
Unlike traditional three-wheeled motorcycles such as the well-known Harley-Davidson trike, the Ryker’s two wheels are upfront, outset on a double-wishbone suspension with a solo rear wheel to deliver power. If I needed to compare it to something, I would say it feels like a high-powered go-kart. You have the same “out there” ride experience and the sensation of power. I would go as far as saying it is one of the most innovative vehicles I’ve ridden in a while – thanks to it’s handling and its cunning features.
And for those not into motorbikes, the Ryker means no need to put feet down at stop lights – it is untippable at a standstill.
Twist and Go
The Can-Am Ryker’s automatic CVT transmission delivers easy twist-and-go operation – no manual shifting, or clutch control needed. Like all the scooters I’ve tested also with CVT transmissions, this allows you to keep your mind on the road and more attention to the adventure around you.
How Does It Work?
The Ryker’s lay out is just as a traditional motorcycle with handlebars up front, fuel tank in the middle, seat in the rear. But of course, you’ve got a wide two-wheeled front end. There is plenty of room when you climb on board with a good fit and feeling of secured seating. As said, it is an automatic operation (CVT transmission). No clutch levers and all braking is done by foot pedal.
Ryker has some innovative features. It has easily adjustable handlebars that you can unlock, reposition, and simply reclasp in place. The same goes for its foot pegs which can be moved forward (for longer legs) and moved back for shorter reach – or as I preferred, a more “sitting in” position. These adjustments are done without tools!
Then we have the “clip” type key to turn it all on. Unlike a traditional vehicle which uses the usual key and cylinder, the Ryker uses Can-Am’s electronic key technology which comes from the company’s side-by-side and jet ski range.
So, you clip the key onto its mount, then you go through a rather specific starting procedure. First activate the brakes (foot on brake), roll the throttle forward to activate start, then press the start button. This all for safety to ensure when you do twist the throttle, the brake is on and you’re not going anywhere. And if you forget something it will not start.
The Ryker has a parking brake. It is foot-operated gear selector so to speak used with your left toe to put it forward position or to put it in reverse. Yes, reverse is handy on one of these units.
There are no real adjustments for the front suspension but there’s a preload adjustable shock for your rear.
How Does It Ride?
Like anything the more seat time you get, the more acquainted you become with your machine. I found getting use to the Ryker easy and straightforward.
Steering the Ryker more is certainly more physical – but easy for anyone to do. And I felt it’s important to have hands on the handlebars always. The steering is no longer about gyroscopic inertia, like riding a motorcycle sidecar, the steering requires a conscious input from the rider. Steering at speed occurs by pulling on the inside bar and leaning with it in the direction of the turn. And, of course, the quicker the speed you’re travelling, the more input is needed to keep the machine on course. Same goes for tight city turns and higher speed highway ramps or corners. It’s when you are in mid-corner powering on to drive out of the exit that its more obvious the steering loads up.
In a straight line it can feel jumpy at times- you’ll have feedback to the handlebars from the road. You can both see and feel the front two shocks working independently of each other. This occurs especially on rougher surfaces or within your lane where there might be a bump or uneven surface in the right tire track and the left tire track is smooth. In this case, you’ll feel the front-end dip to the right as you’re riding with two front wheels. There’s nothing to be concerned about (like off-roading or motocross where road feedback is natural) with but it is best to keep your hand on the grips, always.
Equally, there’s more attention required to the road surface when travelling along in the sense of “three’s” – three tires. Be mindful that the middle of your lane, where the back tire will travel needs your attention on some road surfaces. Just simply being aware that the front two tires are driving over each side of the lane where the rear is dead on contacting the centre.
When cornering you need to lean with the Ryker to the inside of the corner. If you miscalculate speed in the corner or turns, the Ryker’s stability control makes sure you don’t lift a wheel or flip the machine. The steering is quick and steers everywhere you point it.
Ryker Key Features
Tool-less adjustability: “On the fly” re-positional foot pegs and brake pedal can be set according to your build and your riding style. The handlebars work the same.
Greener Footprint: The Can-Am Ryker is designed and engineered to be eco-friendly, so you get a more affordable vehicle with outstanding quality and a greener footprint.
Maintenance-free: The Ryker incorporates robust, reliable driveshaft technology engineered for your smoothest maintenance-free ride possible.
Favourite Features
The Ryker is packed with rider assist features. It has traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Plus, its Vehicle Stability System results in a safe, fun and confident ride experience.
• Stability Control System TCS Traction Control System.
• ABS Anti-lock Braking System.
• Anti-theft system Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.™)
• HHC Hill Hold Control (you will not roll back when on a hill.
• Front and rear brakes actuated by the same foot pedal.
• Adjustable ergonomics.
• Eco Mode and Sport Mode.
• Great for passengers (The pillion seat mount, pad and pull-down pillion footrests are not standard with the Ryker 900 so you’ll need to add on for an additional fee.)
• Innovative fuel cap located in front of the handlebar. Cover slides open to expose filler. The only downside here for me is there is no lock. Anyone can open it in your absence. However, it is smartly hidden.
• The bodywork has a wide scope of options for personalisation – in fact, as Can-Am boasts – thousands- of options. The main method is via coloured side panels, front and rear spoilers, and clip-on wheel inserts. Can-Am frequently releases a limited-edition colour. The result is, change your mood – change your colour!
• Reverse gear.
• 1-year BRP limited warranty with 1-year roadside assistance
Ryker Model Portfolio
There are three models available, a twin-cylinder Ryker 600 and 900 and the Rally Edition.
Do You Need A Motorcycle Licence?
Yes you will need a motorcycle licence as the Ryker (and Spyder) models are licenced as a motorcycle and helmet laws apply as they do for all motorcyclists.
Every new rider should complete a rider education course in order to become familiar with Can-Am On-Road products and learn the basics in a friendly/safe environment.
Ryker Gallery
Photo Credit: Mondo Lulu
Pricing
The Ryker comes in the 900cc I tested here, and the 600cc.
Pricing: MSRP Starting at: Starting at $11,099 *Transportation and preparation not included.
Summing up The Ryker
The Ryker’s very nature makes it attractive to all types of road users – from thrill-seekers to those riders seeking stability. You’ll achieve the freedom that motorcycling offers and the individuality that invariably comes with it. The Ryker certainly doesn’t fly under the radar. It attracts a lot of attention, interest, and curiosity. Everywhere I went, motorcyclists, motorists, and by-standers were intrigued.
There will be challenges with parking and home storage as it needs as much width as your car. The same goes for parking in the city.
The VSS Vehicle Stability System that uses a variety of technologies to monitor the vehicle are super features which keep any rider confident on the road.
For touring, you’ll need to sort out some cargo options. There is a small compartment on the Ryker with room only for a few essentials. And this doesn’t lock.
The Ryker is fun and affordable! It’s packed with modern features, is easy to maintain and will provide kilometres of fun – city, country or on long distance rides. Plus you can customise its colours to suit your style. Just don’t expect not to be noticed – and actually, that’s not a bad thing at all!
Visit the CAN-AM RYKER website for more details and to find a DEALER new you.
Specifications
Dimensions:
• Seat height 23.5 in. (597 mm)
• Ground clearance 4.0 in. (102 mm)
• Dry weight 616 lb (280 kg)
• Fuel capacity (20 L) 5.28 gal Fuel Type Premium unleaded
Performance:
• Claimed maximum power: 77hp @ 7100 rpm
• Claimed maximum torque: 75Nm / 56 ft/lbs @ 6300 rpm
Chassis and Running Gear
• Frame: Steel, Y-frame
• Front suspension: Wishbone type with twin-tube non-adjustable shocks
• Rear suspension: Twin-tube shock, adjustable for preload
• Front brakes: 2 x 270mm discs with twin-piston callipers, with ABS & park brake
• Rear brake: 220mm disc, single-piston calliper
• Tires: Kenda; Front: 145/60R16 (66T) Rear: 205/45R16 (77T)
Engine:
• Type: Rotax 900 Ace inline-3
• Capacity: 899cc
• Engine management: EFI
Transmission:
• Type: CVT
• Final drive: Shaft
• Clutch: Not applicable
Dimensions and Capacities
• Claimed weight: 280kg (dry)
• Seat height: 599mm
• Wheelbase: 1709mm
• Fuel capacity: 20L
• Measured fuel consumption: 5.2L/100km
Miscellaneous:
• Colour: Black + Shock Yellow; customisable.
• Test bike supplied by: BRP Canada.
• Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres.
Can-Am / BRP Canada is a proud supporter of International Female Ride Day
