Spyder Roadster FAQ

Whether taking a test drive or pre-purchasing a Can-Am Spyder, you'll need to know your local licence and registration requirements. Visit the “Licence requirements” section in the “Showroom” menu for all the answers. For more general questions, check out the Can-Am Spyder FAQs.

Questions

Answers

Who manufacturers the BRP Can-Am Spyder roadster?
BRP (Bombardier Recreation Products), the same company that makes Can-Am ATVs and side-by-sides, Sea-Doo watercrafts and boats, Ski-Doo snowmobiles and Evinrude outboard engines. BRP also owns Rotax® engines. To find out more about BRP, please visit our corporate Website.
Where is the Spyder roadster manufactured?
Spyder roadsters are built in BRP's main production facilities in Valcourt, Québec, Canada.
Where are they sold?
The Spyder roadster is sold at BRP dealerships across the globe. Visit our local Website dealer/distributor to find your nearest official dealership.
How long has the Spyder roadster been in existence?
The Spyder roadster was introduced in February 2007.
Is the Can-Am roadster a motorcycle?
The Spyder roadster is classified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a three-wheeled motorcycle but BRP feels the term roadster fits best because the Spyder roadster gives owners the performance of a motorcycle and much of the peace of mind of a convertible sports car.
Is there anything that compares to the Spyder roadster?
You cannot compare the Spyder roadster to anything on the road – it provides an open-road riding experience like nobody has seen or experienced before.
Why does the Spyder roadster have three-wheels and not two?
While initially concepting the roadster, BRP briefly looked at going the traditional route in line with other powersport companies. Ultimately, though, BRP wanted to stay strong to its core value, opting for designing a paradigm-shifting vehicle that makes a true statement.
Why did BRP spell Spyder with a Y?
Spyder is spelled with a Y because of its “Y-architecture” of two wheels in the front and one in the back.
Do you need a motorcycle licence to ride a Spyder roadster?
Most jurisdictions in Europe at the exception of Greece require a valid car licence to operate the Can-Am™ Spyder™ Roadster. In other countries and especially in North America, some juridictions require a valid motorcycle or three-wheel licence. We invite you to contact your local authorities to obtain the licence and vehicle registration information that applies to you.
Do people need to wear a helmet to ride a Spyder roadster?
Helmet requirements are the same as standard motorcycles and vary by location. While helmet laws aren’t universal, BRP recommends everybody wear a helmet while riding a Spyder roadster.
Does the Spyder roadster meet EPA / CARB / EU / etc. regulations?
Yes. The Spyder roadster meets or exceeds all environmental regulations, including the stricter CARB standards.
Can you ride a Spyder roadster in the HOV lane?
Yes. The Spyder roadster is classified as a three-wheeled motorcycle and follows state motorcycle laws.
Does the Spyder roadster offer a stable ride?
The Spyder Spyder roadster is stable. The Can-Am roadster has a unique Y-architecture with three-wheels (2+1) that provides stability at rest and in motion. The Can-Am roadster also comes standard with a Vehicle Stability System (VSS™) that includes ABS, Traction Control, and Stability Control.
Does BRP offer a warranty for the Spyder roadster?
The Spyder roadster comes standard with a two-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
How does the Spyder roadster turn?
The Spyder roadster turns much like a Can-Am ATV, Sea-Doo personal watercraft or Ski-Doo snowmobile. You have to steer the Spyder roadster through the turn. There is no counter steering or leaning through the turn – like you would with a motorcycle. The Spyder roadster features DPS (Dynamic Power Steering) to provide steering assistance according to speed and user input.
What are the transmission options for the Spyder roadster?
The Spyder roadster has two different transmission options. There is the Sequential Manual 5-Speed (SM5), which has a traditional 5-speed manual transmission plus reverse. The other option is the Sequential Electronic 5-Speed (SE5), which has a semi-automatic 5-speed transmission with reverse.
Does the Spyder roadster also go off road?
No – the Spyder roadster is only designed for on-road riding.