Can-Am has updated their Spyder RT trike, with the biggest upgrade coming in the engine department. The three-wheeled tourer now has a three-cylinder motor.
The 1330 cc inline triple has EFI and electronic throttle control. It puts out 115 hp at 7250 rpm, and 96 ft-lb of torque at 5000 rpm. There’s also a new six-speed transmission (also with reverse). The motor has a 12:1 compression ratio, and they claim it has 40 per cent more torque at the low end, along with a “seductive sound.” Aural satisfaction, indeed!
Thanks to that revised transmission (with hydraulic clutch activation), the RT is supposed to cruise at around 3000 rpm; at a constant speed of 100 kph, the 26-litre tank is supposed to be good for a 406-km range. The transmission is available as either a manual, or a semi-automatic.
The new RT should be especially interesting for travelers who don’t want to worry about maintenance mid-trip. The new motor doesn’t require any valve adjustments, and oil changes are only required every 15,000 km.
Braking comes from twin 270 mm discs up front (Brembo four-piston fixed caliper) and a single 270 mm disc in back (fixed Brembo single-piston floating caliper).
Other changes to the machine include a revised bodywork and changes to the cooling system (the radiators have been moved in front of the vehicle’s forward A-arms, the new system has twice the cooling capacity of the old RT, and the rad fans have a reverse mode that blows hot air away from the rider). The trike has electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, power steering and an AM/FM audio system that’s iPod-compatible.
The trike has 155 litres of storage capacity, and weighs 459 kg dry. It has a 181 kg touring capacity if you want to tow a trailer. Front and rear rims are 15-inchers, made from aluminum.
These changes are only for the Spyder RT; the other models in the lineup will retain their liquid-cooled V-twin motor.
The company also announced on the weekend that they’re working with the Indian government to import their vehicles into that country. It’ll be interesting to see how that works out, as India’s high import taxes have meant some manufacturers are working on in-country production facilities. Could a made-in-India Spyder be around the corner?
I see at least one of these every day. When I did my tour of the US this year I saw 3 or 4 a day. Its not for me (yet) but I’d guess it would be much preferable to a trike conversion.
Made for geezers like me…my wife keeps asking about these Can-Ams she sees here on Vancouver Island