2022 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Review | MC Commute

Can-Am surprised the powersports world with the introduction of its original Spyder trike 15 years ago. Featuring two steering wheels up front and a belt-powered rear drive, the Spyder is designed for powersport riders seeking something different. The 2022 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited ($27,499) is positioned as a luxury-touring three-wheeled motorcycle. Think a cross between a convertible-style automobile and a cruiser-style streetbike.

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Editor’s note: We have reported on the Spyder RT’s technical improvements in the 2020 Can-Am Spyder RT First Look Preview and 2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Sea-to-Sky First Look Preview write-ups. Legal restrictions and vehicle classification vary from state to state. Review your state’s local laws before operating this vehicle on public roads. In California, the Spyder is defined as a three-wheel motorcycle. Operators need a standard Class C driver’s license and a DOT-labeled helmet.

Swing a leg into the cockpit and you’ll be impressed with its posh accommodations for rider and passenger. The seats are broad, thick, and well supported. The Spyder RT is inherently stable at a standstill so there’s no kickstand. An electronically actuated parking brake prevents the 1,000-plus-pound RT from rolling away. Twist the good ol’ fashioned mechanical key and the unit powers on.

Next hit the mode button (confirming that you have read the safety information at boot up), flip the ignition switch to “on,” press the right-hand-side-mounted foot brake (linked to all three brake calipers), press the starter button, and the 1,330cc inline-three fires to life. A six-speed semi-automatic transmission does away with a conventional clutch lever.

Instead the rider notches the gearbox into each cog with a pair of buttons on the switch gear. Curiously, there is no automatic upshift mode. However, the vehicle automatically downshifts as it slows. Shift actuation is a tad slow and we’d like to see Can-Am add a fully automatic setting.

The Rotax-manufactured inline-three is a huge improvement in terms of acceleration, smoothness, sound, and overall character versus the old RSV1000-based V-twin on the original model. Throttle response is responsive, but not overly so, and it’s easy to get a feel for the powerband. We do wish Can-Am would integrate greater adjustability, with the ability to modify throttle response and ABS level based on rider preference.

Although engine power is soft off the bottom, we appreciate the strong midrange torque which helps Spyder riders pass slower traffic and tackle steep inclines. Top-end power rush is nothing to write home about, but that’s OK based on how plump midrange torque is.

There’s a hint of engine vibration at a highway cruising pace (3,200 rpm in top gear) but it isn’t excessive. Fuel mileage-wise, we measured 33 mpg which nets a range of around 231 miles based on the 7-gallon capacity of the fuel cell. One gripe: Can-Am asks its owners to run premium fuel. However the engine doesn’t offer the caliber of performance typically associated with premium gas (Honda’s Gold Wing for example, runs on standard 87-octane).

The Spyder impresses with its low speed maneuverability, especially for a vehicle of its size. Although classified as a motorcycle, the Spyder feels nothing like it. Instead it feels like a cross between an ATV and a sit-down personal watercraft.

Electronic power steering ensures light and responsive steering, and the Spyder RT is always ready to turn—perhaps too much so. One gripe: The front wheels constantly hunt for low spots in the road. This in turn necessitates constant handlebar input to keep the RT tracking where you want it to go. It’s acceptable when riding within the posted speed limit. Outside of that though, the Spyder feels nervous.

Photography: Joseph Agustin
Video/edit: Adam Waheed

Motorcycle Gear Worn

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR
Jacket: REV'IT! Tornado 3
Gloves: REV'IT! Sand 3
Pant: REV'IT! Jackson SK
Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air

[brucearena]

Mr Waheed is always on spot in his very technical and in-depth reviews. Even having no experience with this type of vehicle, I also find it stupid that a fully automatic transmission/mode isn't available.
I have a hard time making the case for this kind of vehicle, maybe it makes sense for physically impaired riders who still want to have a motorcycle-like experience.

[VanGoWanderlust]

After 30 years of motorcycles, I just switched to this bike because of a knee injury that prevents me from being able to put weight on my left leg. I put 4, 000 miles on my first month, insanely comfortable and puts absolutely no stress on my knees. This will definitely extend my riding years, hopefully by another 30 years. Love it.

[davidhoward]

I ride a 2021 RT, and I've been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. I routinely ride my RT at 80 + mph and have not noticed the "wandering" you talk about in the video. A twisty section through a local State Park, where the speed limit is 50, I routinely go through at 70 and the bike feels totally solid doing it. At age 79 I gave up the leaning aspect of 2 wheeling, accepting the steering of the 3 wheeler, but feel that the trade off in terms of stability, handling on less than pristine surfaces (like gravel or dirt) and no longer even thinking about tipping over at a stop while riding 2 up on a Goldwing, is totally worth it.

[robertpolo]

All the negative comments are expected, I once thought the same. Road Harleys most my life, riding a Road King now at 67 years old, thinking differently now. Being 67 makes it a little more difficult 2 up on 2 wheels, also being 67, I don't give 2 shits about what anyone else thinks, may buy one.

[ReplayFanatic]

I broke my hip and riding my harley is not a reality. So I sold it for one of these. It rides like i'm on a cloud. I can ride it 6 hours and not be exhausted like I did on my harley.

[bombaya]

When a Goldwing and a snowmobile love each other very much....

[robotusername]

Not my cup of tea, but I appreciate the review to learn more about them, and I respect those who want to ride even if the configuration is strange to the rest of us. Rode for 30 years, then not for 16 years while raising kids, got back into riding last year and thank the good Lord I did. What an absolute blast it is to ride again. At 61 I feel lucky I'm still on two wheels but if three enables more people to experience the joy I'm all for it. I wave.

[whiskeyshots]

I think you're missing the real market for this. Imagine that you're 70 with bad knees and don't have the strength to hold up a Harley or Goldwing anymore. Would you buy this then?

[mrkizzy]

I always enjoy a good critique. I live in Wisconsin and its "Harley" country. Hell, on my block there are at least 6. My neighbor and his wife both ride. The guy across the street also. They invite me from time to time to ride. I took the Harley riding course. Nothing but great things. I love the the (Trike Life) I just traded in my 2018 for 2022 (Sea to Sky). (3 Can Am's) For me its the experience, I accept all the shots. Its about what and where you find the value. I encourage all to be safe and have fun out there. My only wish is up north more months to ride.

[jwright]

People complain about the price, but any other similarly equipped touring bike will cost considerably more. Top of the line Goldwings are near $34K, and Harleys and Indians are near $40K. And it cannot compare directly to a conventional motorcycle, just as a Rolls Royce doesn't compare to a Corvette. A Rolls isn't made for high speed performance, and neither is this.. It is more comparable to the $45K Trike conversions, or the $50K Harley TriGlide(which I don't hear anyone declaring that it is not a motorcycle), whose forte is cruising, with a luggage capacity nearly double that of ANY touring bike, as well as much greater stability, especially on bad or wet roads, virtually eliminating the risk of a spill from a loss of traction.
I would agree that it is not a high performance bike, but like other three-wheeled motorcycles, it meets the needs of the market it is is intended for, at a much lower price point.

[joeblow]

Not my cup of tea, but I refuse to be a hater.
I'd rather have one of these than a Harley trike.

[-tj]

I have an F3-S. Much lighter than this and much quicker. I also ride two-wheelers. I have three bikes. There is nothing wrong with riding a Spyder.

[CraigSmith]

Not my cup of tea, but I have a friend with one arm and he rides one. He had the throttle converted to a thumb throttle and moved it to the left side. There are definitely people who would love to ride two wheels, but for one reason or another just can't do it. Not a Slingshot fan either, but if you want one them more power too you. If you don't like them just don't get one and quit bitching about someone who does. Live and let live.

[hankfrankly]

Good review. Your unique style of speech made me listen more intently. I'm 75. Have nerve damage in my back and can hardly feel my legs. Still riding my '92 Electra glide, but getting difficult. Am considering a spider. I also don't care how you shift, talk or walk. Just the facts. I'm here to get an education. Read all the comments. Live and let live was the best one.

[kristenpierce]

I actually have two Can Am Spyders, the RT Limited and the F3S. Both can and ARE designed to go over 100 mph. You can "rush around" on it if you want. 😃

[garywireman]

I enjoyed your review. I have a few comments. I assume you are a experienced two wheel rider. What I learned when I got my CamAm RT is to not hold the handlebars so tight on the highway. When you hold them too tight that's what makes the bike move side to side. I cruise 75-80 all day and it is smooth.

[its_bigbklyn]

He’s killing that bike. Lol. Shift up man. Shift UP. 😂😂😂😂

[Therealcalmrican]

I like up shifting. I also like the fact that I can hold gear and bring the rpm’s up while curving. This is the total opposite of a 2 wheeler. That’s why it’s fun in its own unique way. And it is so damn comfortable! I’m placing my order soon! Nice review. Thanks for showing love to these wonderful machines. You got to own one to fully appreciate them.

[johnd]

We had a 2013 RT with the 990 two cylinder engine and a 2017 RT with the 1330 engine. They were equally fast and comfortable. Handling on Can Am products can be problematic. Our 2013 tended to wander while the 2017 was stable. The BajaRon company made an upgraded sway bar that improved handling. The 2021 Ryker 600 we have now tracks straight an arrow although some report wandering and have to upgrade the sway bar and end links. The Spyder is for comfort within the limits of the law.. The Ryker is much sportier and fun though not a speed demon either. The Ryker has a CVT so no need to shift.

[mr.efellington]

I read some of the comments I agree 100% he's a complainer for one it's a thumb shift you just push the button when the shift light comes on. There no clutch to worry about for changing gears. You don't have front and rear brakes to worry about even stopping and it's easy to ride. I have a 2016 Can-Am Spyder RTS which I got in February 2017 I've only road 9, 200 miles the longest being 3, 100 miles I was out for a whole month and love it. I still love the ride of a traditional two wheel motorcycle also with the clutch hand and foot brake. But for long rides my Can-Am Spyder RTS is the bomb.