Spyder family grows and may add motorcycles

While Can-Am has dropped the base model RS and RSS three-wheel Spyder roadsters from their 2017 line-up, the F3 range has expanded with the release of two new models – F3 LTD and F3 Daytona 500 Edition.

This comes as BRP is reported to be considering also making motorcycles as it did in the 1970s when it was called Bombardier and made two-stroke off-road bikes, says spokesman Sylvain Morissette.

“We are in an ongoing process of evaluating the market, looking at different possibilities, trends. Motorcycles could be an option as we’ve done in the past,” he says.

Canadian ATV and watersports company Bombardier Recreational Products began making Spyder roadsters in 2007 and added the Can-Am Spyder F3 models in 2015 with the base Spyder F3 and the Spyder F3-S. In 2016 it added the Spyder F3-T and now comes the F3 LTD and Daytona special.

The F3 LTD comes with an optional top box that fits two full-face helmets and includes an integrated passenger backrest. They say it can be removed in about 10 minutes to turn the tourer into a bagger.

Comfort and convenience features include automatic self-adjusting air suspension, heated grips and footboards and a six-speaker audio system.

The 2017 Can-Am Spyder F3-S now comes with SPORT Mode, while the new Daytona 500 Edition, based on their turbo concept, adds a mono seat cowl, instrument spoiler, drag bars, six-spoke high-gloss black front wheels and race graphics, including black stripes and a Daytona 500 Logo. It comes in yellow with a yellow frame.

Australian pricing is not yet confirmed, however in the US, F3 prices have been cut by almost 15% compared with the 2016 range.

BRP says that is important to new riders as approximately one-third of F3 owners are first-time riders.

Can-Am Australia spokesman Brian Manning tells us some 2017 models have already started to ship to Australia, but the new F3 Limited is due to start arriving in the first quarter of 2017.

Australian 2017 range (2016 prices in brackets)

• RT SM6STD ($31,490)
• RT S SE6S ($39,999)
• RT LTD SE6LTD ($41,990)
• F3 SM6STD ($25,790)
• F3 S SE6S ($28,890)
• F3 T SE6T ($29,990)
• F3 Special Series SE6S-SPE
• F3 LTD SE6LTD

(SM6 stands for six-speed manual transmission and SE6 is an electronic semi-automatic six-speed gearbox with reverse.)

All models are powered by the Rotax 1330 ACE in-line three-cylinder engine delivering 85kW and 130Nm of torque and belt-driven.

They come with Vehicle Stability System with ABS, traction control, stability control and Brembo brakes.