“The fun never stops.” Thats what the Can-Am reps kept repeating when introducing us to the new Ryker. Yes, it’s their official slogan, but it also suggests they know a thing or two about the joy of riding. The question most dealerships and all manufacturers are trying to answer is: “Where does the fun start?” With new riders’ concerns about safety, cost, ease of use, fit, maintenance, and training, there are more than a few hurdles to jump over when becoming a motorcyclist and shopping for that first bike. The situation begs, how do we make motorcycling truly accessible to everyone?
Like a bulldozer (albeit a graceful one if that paints a prettier picture), Can-Am has—in one fell swoop—cleared the hurdles off the track with the Ryker, creating a new machine suited to tackle most challenges new riders face.
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I imagine this product opening a direct pathway to the motorcycling community to those who would have never considered riding before the Ryker came along. Some might call that a game-changer.
Traditional Hurdles, Be Gone
Balance/Stability
With three wheels, the Ryker is self-balancing. For new riders just learning, this completely removes the fear of dropping the machine as well as having to pick it back up after a fall. The weight and height of the bike is no longer a factor because you don’t hold the machine up with your legs at any point, not even to go backwards in tight situations, because the Ryker has a reverse drive.
Safety
Naturally, when stability is guaranteed, safety increases. Fear of falling or dropping your bike is a non-issue with the Ryker. This machine is also incredibly easy to control, which will make new and hesitant learners gain confidence quickly so they can start having fun.
The Bosch VSS brings to the table a combination of anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. When mistakes are made, the electronics can momentarily take the reins in seamless fashion.
Automatic Transmission
Just twist and go, it really is that simple! No clutch, no shift lever, no confusion about proper gear choice, and no whisky throttle. Roll on to speed up. Roll off to slow down. It doesnt get any less complicated.
The simplicity of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is quite beautiful and will serve to ease a first-timer into the world of three-wheeled riding at a comfortable pace. Anyone who has driven an automatic vehicle will immediately understand how the throttle works without the initial frustration of a friction zone, watching engine RPMs, or stalling.
Simple Controls
With only three controls—throttle, foot brake, and handlebar—the brain is working less on multi-tasking (one of the largest hurdles for all new riders) and more on what the ride feels like, which translates to more of that “thrill” thing we know and love.
Adjustability
The struggle to find a machine that fits your body and keeps you comfortable while riding is over. Game-changing innovation allows both foot pegs to be repositioned forward and backward with an incredible span of more than nine inches. The brake pedal moves with the foot peg, making it an easy change on the fly. Even more, the angle of the brake pedal is easily adjustable to fit any riding style and foot size.
The handlebars can be adjusted to slide towards or away from the rider, changing both the reach and sitting position based on the rider’s personal measurements.
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All three adjustments listed above can be done without tools in a matter of seconds and require no help or excessive strength. The Ryker can be dramatically changed in less than a minute, so finding the perfect fit is easier than on any other production motorcycle.
Affordability
The Ryker 600 starts at $8,499 (the 900 starts at $9,999 and Rally Edition is $10,999). As if that number doesn’t already blow most new vehicle prices out of the water, Can-Am is introducing an industry first—an OEM leasing program, available at all Can-Am dealerships in late 2018. With a 4-year lease, payments can be as low as just $149 per month—what you might pay for cable.
Maintenance
Without getting too technical, the maintenance-free driveshaft of the Ryker keeps costs low with virtually no need for any mechanical know-how.
The computer also learns riding style, takes damage assessments, and tells the rider exactly when it is time for maintenance—something usually only more expensive motorcycles do.
Versatility
With several electronic ride modes based on fuel consumption needs, road surface and preferred riding style, the Ryker 900 and 900 Rally Edition can take on a different personality based on your current idea of a good time.
Customizability
You’ll have your choice of colors and configuration of colors, clip-on accessories, and even performance upgrades, with most add-ons having the option to be installed at home without the need for extra labor expenses.
Can-Am suggests there are over 75,000 different configurations, so no Ryker will be the same. You can build your bike at the dealership on a touch-screen TV, or even use the new Ryker Ride Builder app (currently for IOS only) for a 3-D augmented reality view of what your dream machine will look like. Give it a try, it’s a ton of fun!
Nothing Is Real Until It Is Experienced
This all looks good on paper, yes. Beyond all of the technical aspects of the bike listed above, what remains is the experience it gives those who take a chance and try it for themselves.
Riding the Ryker 900 models through the canyons of Malibu and the surface streets of Los Angeles I got a good idea of how it compares to both riding a motorcycle and driving a car.
The first aspect that stood out during my test ride was that it is much smaller and lower to the ground than expected. The Ryker is lighter than Can-Am’s three-wheeled Spyder by nearly 300 pounds. With this in mind, I expected the Ryker to come across as quick and nimble, and that’s exactly what I got. The power of the 3 cylinder 900cc engine did not disappoint, and it is surprisingly zippy even compared to my personal sport motorcycles. I did not get a chance to ride the 2 cylinder 600cc base model, but can imagine it being even more user-friendly for brand new riders.
The sensation while at speed and in corners is similar to a race style go-kart because of the low seat height and wide stance. Having just one wheel in the rear makes the Ryker look more like a motorcycle than a car, especially when following an entire group around hairpin turns! Even so, I would feel more inclined to take it easy, reduce my speed, and enjoy the views the next time I get a chance to hit the canyons on a Ryker.
I had a chance to relax a little on the surface streets. I was stuck in traffic, but I wasn’t sitting inside a box, and that made all the difference.
As a two-wheeled enthusiast for nearly my entire life, I can’t deny how easy it was to fall in love with something so non-traditional. The Ryker is not a motorcycle (although a motorcycle license is required to legally operate one). However, at the end of the day when the test ride was over, I didn’t want to stop. That says it all right there.
While you can legally operate a trike with a motorcycle endorsement, specific training for three wheeled machines is becoming more accessible. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a BRC three-wheel course and Can-Am’s own rider education program will be available at 150 locations across the USA by the end of 2018.
Can-Am is in the process of scheduling a demo tour across the USA in 2019. I highly encourage you to take the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Bring a few of your non-riding friends with you just for fun, and you might just finish the weekend with a couple of new riding buddies!
Despite being different than a two-wheeled motorcycle, the Ryker can be a game-changer for potential new enthusiasts as a gateway into the on-road powersports lifestyle. The Ryker is sexy, cool, fast, and very fun to ride. Lest we forget, isn’t that what this obsession is all about?
Specs At A Glance: 2019 Can-Am Ryker
Displacement: Rotax 600 ACE in-line 2-cylinder / Rotax 900 ACE in-line 3-cylinder
Seat Height: 23.6 inches / 23.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.28 gallons
Dry Weight: 594 pounds / 616 pounds
Colors: Carbon Black, Intense Black, Liquid Steel, Immortal White, Heritage White, Adrenaline Red, Midnight Red, Orange Blaze, Yellow Shock, Electric Yellow, Haze Blue, Army Green
Price: Starts at $8,499
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I have a Ryker Rally. I rode as a passenger on a two-wheeled motorcycle for many years and I’ve taken both the two- and three-wheel classes. I broke my right ankle very badly 18 months ago and breaking it again would be disastrous. It’d gotten to the point that I didn’t want to be a passenger on the Harleys or Indian that my husband rides. Just recently, my husband’s Harley slid on gravel and almost went down on a piece of plastic on the road. The Ryker has me in the wind riding on my own and I’m loving it!
Thanks so much for the great article. I am 59, just got my endorsement, and for me the Ryker is a no brainer. I have never learned to ride a motorcycle and know that learning to use a clutch would take me years.I recently went to a BMW rally riding two-up. At this rally there were three women riding the larger Can-Am trikes. What I learned from these women was they had medical issues and were not able to ride two wheels any longer. I have been told by men that people who ride trikes do so because they can’t ride on two wheels. I proudly said well that’s me.At my age I don’t want to wait to ride or wait for a man to take me on a ride. I have already signed up for a class to see if I can handle the Ryker. I am super excited to ride on my own also the cost is doable for a person on a fixed income.
I recently purchased my Ryker Rally after a year and a half of doing my due diligence to learn to ride my Honda Rebel. I am a petite woman at 90 pounds, 4 feet, 11 inches. I struggled big time. I even took the safety drivers course and had my Rebel fitted with reduced reach clutch but I never got ‘comfortable’ even riding in our secluded neighborhood much less on a busy Chicago road.My husband who is an avid rider was so supportive but understood as he would tell me, “If you’re that terrified, you have no business riding. We will find you a bike are comfortable on.” So I continue riding as a passenger with him on his Indian. This past winter/early spring I was introduced to the Ryker Rally and it was love a first sight and test ride. Growing up riding three and four wheelers made this a natural fit for me. I was out of the gate on signing day and put 25 miles going home. I have the confidence on this trike that I desperately wanted on my Honda. I am Loving the experience of being a Ryker owner. It doesn’t matter if has two wheels or three, it all about being safe and having a fun ride. You do you and keep on riding.
I don’t quite understand why the Can-Am should be a good first “motorcycle” for beginner riders. The handling is completely different, even much more physical, and really has nothing to do with motorcycling. Riding a Can-Am is not developing skills that would be transferable to riding a motorcycle, so there is no advantage to starting with it as a first step to get into motorcycling. It’s its own class of a vehicle, more similar to an ATV or snowmobile. So it would make more sense to call it an alternative to a motorcycle but not a good first beginner bike.
I have a friend who got scared by his Indian Roadmaster due to its large footprint and heavy weight, so he migrated to a trike. Mind you, he didn’t have a crash or mishap, he was afraid of his new Indian bagger. I call him a chickens___. It’s one thing to make a choice, but if it’s because you are afraid, it’s your fear making the choice. I don’t really feel the same way about him as I used to. I try to face my fears, not run away from them. Once you start running, it’s hard to stop. I understand motorcycle publications writing about trikes, but I am not in favor of it. Why don’t they start their own magazine.
There’s no shame in choosing a trike over a motorcycle. In fact, plenty of people own a motorcycle and a trike. Like this article describes, trike riders share many of the same joys two-wheeled motorcyclists enjoy and each type of vehicle has its own unique advantages. It’s possible that your friend simply doesn’t feel physically able to hold up a large two-wheeled motorcycle. Fear can overtake people to the point where they feel their life is in jeopardy. I understand your point, but also try not to judge anyone for making their own assessment on how far they are willing to push their own comfort level and personal risk.Two wheels or three… we are all riders who love the experience of the open road.
I ride a Can-Am RS-S (4 years, 37,000 miles (the gold one), and I love it. Not sure I would call it a “non-motorcycle,” but he is my baby. He is actually my third Spyder, moving to three wheels in 2007, due to medical issues.I am impatiently waiting for the Ryker to come out so my husband and I can test ride them. I want to get one for him so we can ride together.
Just to clarify, a motorcycle license is not required in all states to operate a Ryker. Check your state’s regulations or go to http://www.can-am.brp.com to see what you need to ride one. I had the opportunity to test ride one and it was a blast!
I’m a former H-D trike owner and now have a 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT. I met Brittany when we helped her with some demo rides in SoCal last year. I love my RT mostly for all the storage it affords when going out for days at a time. But I might just test out this Ryker for something a bit more fun and feisty. Hey, I’ve got room for two!
I can’t wait for the MSF course, hopefully next spring, to have the chance to ride this vehicle. Folks are correct in saying that this is not a traditional motorcycle but it looks like it comes close to being a motorcycle. I ride two wheels but one day I know that I won’t be able to. This vehicle may be an inexpensive and just as fun option. Thank you for the review of the test ride. It’s been said before: “it’s all the same wind” and “ride your own ride” which in this case could refer to your choice of vehicles.
Thanks for the review, this could be the prefect way to get my sister out there with me. She seems to be leaning more towards three wheels.
Thanks so much for the review. I’ve wanted a motorcycle for years but because I have a weak right leg and semi stiff ankle I knew it would never happen. The Can-Am gives me something to seriously think about. For May, this is as close to a motorcycle that some us can get. Two wheels, three wheels, who cares. It’s all about being one with nature. Awesome. Again ladies, thanks bunches.
I don’t own a Ryker, but I do own a Spyder. I have to say, I love it. I sold my Harley because it sat in the garage most of the time because I chose the Can-Am more and more.Everyone has their own opinion about the Can-Ams, and I respect that. Just don’t try to get me to change my mind. I was intimidated to ride with the group I ride with when I first got my Can-Am. They all are die-hard Harley riders. But, I was pleasantly surprised with the curiosity they showed, and the encouragement they gave me. It truly is not what you ride, it is that you ride.Bottom line, I loved my two wheels, but I’m getting older and thanks to a drunk driver I am unable to confidently hold up the two wheels any longer, even after surgery. And I have so much fun on the Can-Am.Thank you for stepping out of the two wheel zone and shining light on this fun little ride.
Hi. I usually very much enjoy this publication’s articles but I don’t see this one being relevant to motorcyclists given that this vehicle is not a motorcycle! A trike may be more close to a motorcycle than the Can-Am, which has two wheels in the front and other non-motorcycle characteristics. As much as some people might find it fun to ride, don’t be fooled, it’s not the same! Automatic transmission and reverse? Definitely not a motorcycle, sorry!
Hi May. Thanks for your input.While many people will agree with you about whether or not the three-wheeled Can-Am can be called a motorcycle, there are arguments for both sides of this topic.More and more two-wheeled motorcycles are coming out with automatic transmissions and reverse drives, such as the new Honda Gold Wing we reviewed here. So those features alone don’t qualify what a motorcycle is.I’m not quite sure why you think a trike with one wheel in front and two in back is more like a motorcycle than the opposite configuration. Both types of trikes require a different way of handling them to corner.But in any case, we are not claiming the Can-Am is just like riding a motorcycle. In fact, Brittany does a pretty good job at explaining what the Can-Am does well versus riding a two-wheeled motorcycle. And for those who are considering motorcycling for the first time, tipping a toe into the water on something as unintimidating such as the Ryker may be just the right vehicle to start with.