2017 Can-Am Spyder F3 and RT – First Look Review

2017 Can Am Spyder F3-S Daytona 500 Edition
2017 Can Am Spyder F3-S Daytona 500 Edition

Having built more than 100,000 Can-Am Spyders since the first model was introduced for 2008, BRP’s unique, state-of-the-art three-wheelers have clearly been a hit. Can-Am’s Spyder offerings now include the sporty RS, sport-touring ST, touring RT and cruiser F3 model families.

Read our 2016 Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited road test review

BRP has just announced part of its 2017 Can-Am Spyder lineup, with more to follow in August. The most exciting news is a new Sport Mode for the Can-Am Spyder F3-S, which allows the rider to perform controlled rear-wheel drifts while maintaining vehicle stability. When Sport Mode is activated, the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off but the Stability Control System (SCS) remains engaged. Previously Spyders allowed slow-speed, straight-line rolling burnouts even with TCS in its always-on mode, but now riders will be able to unleash more of the sporting potential of the liquid-cooled, 1,330cc Rotax ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency) in-line triple, which makes a claimed 115 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque.

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All other features of the Spyder F3-S return, including a 6-speed manual (SM6) transmission or optional 6-speed semi-automatic transmission (SE6), reverse, belt final drive, Eco mode, cruise control, dynamic power steering, UFit custom ergonomic system (adjustable footpeg and handlebar positions), Vehicle Stability System (with ABS, TCS and SCS), gas-charged Fox Podium front shocks and an anti-theft system.

The 2017 Can-Am Spyder F3-S has a base price of $21,249 and will be available in Pure Magnesium Metallic with a Circuit Yellow frame or Oxford Blue Metallic. The Spyder F3-S will also be offered in a special Daytona 500 Edition ($22,249), with race-inspired graphics and styling including black stripes and Daytona 500 logo, gauge spoiler, super sport front grill, mono seat cowl, drag style handlebar and 6-spoke, Deep Black High Gloss front wheels.

2017 Can Am Spyder F3-T in Intense Red Pearl
2017 Can Am Spyder F3-T in Intense Red Pearl

Returning unchanged for 2017 is the Can-Am Spyder F3-T touring model, which features integrated saddlebags, an upper fairing console with a windshield, audio system and glove box, compatibility with Can-Am’s optional Freedom trailer and more. Pricing for the F3-T starts at $24,099 and it will be available in Pure Magnesium Metallic, Intense Red Pearl, Monolith Black Satin or Pearl White. Details about other F3 models, such as the base F3, F3 Limited and F3 Special Series, have not been announced.

Also returning for 2017 is Can-Am’s top-of-the-line touring models, the RT, RT-S and RT Limited. Powered by the Rotax 1330 ACE triple and including most of the features listed above, RT models have an integrated passenger backrest with a trunk and speakers, electrically adjustable windscreen, self-leveling air suspension, heated grips and much more. The RT will be available in Pearl White only starting at $23,449.

2017 Can Am Spyder RT Limited in Champagne Metallic
2017 Can Am Spyder RT Limited in Champagne Metallic

The RT-S, which includes the SE6 transmission, automatic rear air suspension adjustment, rider floorboards, heated passenger grips, fog lights, LED accent lights and more, will be available in Champagne Metallic, Orbital Blue Metallic or Pearl White, starting at $28,499.

And then there’s the king of luxury touring, the RT Limited, which adds a Garmin zūmo 590 GPS, special signatures, chrome accents and wheels, and a front cargo roller bag. It will be available in Champagne Metallic, Orbital Blue Metallic or Pearl White, starting at $31,049.

 

32 COMMENTS

    • From the article: “BRP has just announced part of its 2017 Can-Am Spyder lineup, with more to follow in August.”

    • Tom, while they may not be your ride of choice, they ARE in fact, motorcycles. They are no “bikes” but they are motorcycles. They have allowed many of us to get back in the wind when our bodies have begun to fail us. An intelligent person would live by the motto: “It doesn’t matter what you ride, as long as you do ride.”

      • You’re absolutely right Dan. I am a disabled Veteran, I also ride with the American Legion Riders (ALR). The Can-Am Spyder has everything I need to enjoy my rides with the ALR. The majority of the people I ride with ride Harley-Davidsons. Just because I don’t ride a Harley doesn’t mean I can’t have fun.

        • 266 Club Members can’t be wrong! … and most of us still have use of our bodies and our mojo.

          -Maryland Spyder Web
          (www.marylandspyderweb.com)

          • Anyone who says a CanAm Spyder is a motorcycle is not a motorcyclist. They do not ride like a motorcycle, feel like a motorcycle, handle like a motorcycle, and are in many ways are not even a trike. What they are is a snowmobile on wheels. I absolutely hated my 2016 Can-Am Spyder F3-S; it followed grooves in the road, veered from side to side, and despite three alignments was no fun to ride. I sympathize with those that either want or need three wheels; buy a two-wheels-in-the-back trike; it is much more of a motorcycle than a CanAm Spyder. Harley and GoldWing trikes at least feel like a motorcycle (until the road gets curvey). BTW, I sold my F3 three weeks after purchase with a $10,000 loss just to get rid of the damn thing.

  1. Can’t wait to get a can am f3. Great trike . I rode one only once but loved it. You can just enjoy the ride. It’s too bad a lot of clownshoes. Out there can’t get past the two in front concept. It’s so much more stable in and out of the turns then a traditional trike. Great machine. And all haters can bite me!

  2. I have spyder f3 .I came from a full dress bike.i stopped riding ,because of damaged left leg .I love to ride.it was different ,but I really like now .very. safe and.stable.my wife enjoys riding on it.iam thankfull that can make great handling and ride bike .oh.let me tell you very fast.bike.love it

  3. There seems to be some ‘wind’ in here that opines that a “real” motorcycle must counter-steer, and/or must have its wheels in certain positions to be a “real” motorcycle. There is such an epoch expansion of the Spyder riding community, that it has been merged and welcomed my the great majority of motorcycle enthusiasts, whether as a curiosity or a viable alternative to a current ride. This is not to promote Spyder-dom over our two-wheel bros and sisters, but note that no one in the Can Am Spyder community ever diss’es anyone else’s ride. It is only some splendid anachronisms amongst us who by virtue of being unable to adapt, learn or accept change, must disparage others riding communities. In my club, we have been joined on wonderful rides by all manner of adventure tourers, baggers and cruisers, as well as an occasional conventional trike, even a Goldwing Prowler (oops, I guess that Wing is no longer a motorcycle; it’s two wheels are on the front). Funny that we don’t stand around grousing this dialoge when mixing with people who really ride and who really appreciate the camaraderie of the open road.

  4. I loved riding 2 wheel motorcycles until an old man that failed to see me took off almost all of my leg above the knee with his front bumper while turning left. I miss riding a traditional motorcycle especially on hairpin curves, so much fun. Sadly, I can nolonger ride a 2 wheel and I am grateful to be able to ride a Can-Am Spyder RTSE. I do not like trikes with the wheels on back. They are a 2 wheel motorcycle turned into a 3 wheel using a kit. They are very dangerouse around corners and curves and have flipped onto people killing them. The 2 wheels in the front is much safer and more stable. The early Spyders were not as nice to ride, however since the introduction of the 1330cc and tweets to the suspension and shocks, it is a very nice ride. If you have any riding skill learned on a 2 wheel bike you will be able to handle the Spyder with Excellant efficiency. I am proud to be a member of The Motor Maids, WITW and The Chrome Divas. These organizations do not judge what type of motorcycle their members ride, they only care that you ride. To those that would say a Spyder isn’t a legitimate motorcycle, perhaps they also feel that only a Model-T is truly a car. Grow up, it’s 2017 and times are changing, man went to the moon in the 1960’s, now we will send one to Mars by 2020, that’s called progress.

    • Thank you for your comments, Donna. We are considering buying 2016 Spyder RT Limited. We had to sell our beloved Harley because my husband became disabled. We both had reservations about a Can Am but tried a friends. We just want to enjoy riding again and this was the answer for us.

  5. Recently purchased F3-S 2015 Spyder, due to like the stability of the Trike. I am in excellent shape and want to stay that way, therefore prefer the spyder over the motorcycle. I think a person should ride whatever they like. If you like 2 wheels, or 3 wheels, then ride what you like.

  6. I test rode a a 2015 Spyder Limited with my wife on the back, we had gone to the dealer to trade our Goldwing ABS.. I started off on the CanAm and was freaked out by the steering. I didn’t feel comfortable since I have only ridden two wheelers for 50 years… I wobbled all over the place and my wife thought she would fall off.. My question is to those that switched to the Can Am from a two wheeler, how long did it take to get used to not counter steering?

    • Hi, I don’t have nearly as much 2 wheel experience as you (only 10 years) but i do ride and currently have a 2 wheeled bike but that being said I test rode 3 different can ams last night – litterally. They are amazing machines and certainly one I would consider. I picked up the steering pretty quickly personally. I did go for the clutch once or twice on a semiautomatic model but as you know…. lol. Anyway my advice would be to test ride it without her on the back. Do circles and straightaways if the dealership has the allowance for this in their lot. I think this great helped me before venturing to the roadways. I only spent about 5 – 10 mins in the lot doing this and running through the gears as much as i could. Also I tried an RSS model and 2 RT limited models- totally different birds. Really different rides.

  7. I ride my RTS since becoming diabetic and can no longer feel my feet. I wanted another bike and tried my son’s but I just wasn’t comfortable. The Can Am is a joy to ride, stable, responsive, and to those bikers who say you don’t lean into the curves I suggest you take one into a good steep curve at speed and try to stay up straight, that thing will throw you off. Mine will go 0-60-0 in about 150 yards, I do it most every day pulling out of my work onto a 4-lane highway, then making a quick left on the way home. All the speed and fun a 50 something needs.

  8. I have to admit I am one who could never get my head wrapped around 3 wheels. Been on 2 wheels for over 50 years and just couldn’t consider it. At 70 years old and with bad knees and wobbly balance, I sold my big adventure bike and watched the new owner ride away 3 days ago. You know, a motor cycle enthusiast develops an itch if unable to ride, and that itch can only be scratched by twisting the right wrist. So, at the urging of my wife, we are exploring a Spyder. Friends have assured me they are the safest 3 wheeler out there. To our fellow riders that can’t stand the thought of a Spyder, I can only say that, if you live long enough, you will someday see things differently.

  9. To Dave

    Just because you personally don’t like the Spyder does not change what it is what it can do it enjoy mini bring to so many personal choice.

    I have owned over 150 metric and American motorcycles in 50 years. The most unreliable hands down are the old Harley’s and the old AMF .

    Honda will always bring you home regardless of the year model.

    Since 2008 Can-am Spyder has become one of the most popular fastest growing motorcycles in the world.
    You took a $10,000 loss 30 days if that ate a big fat fib .
    You are entitled to your opinions as I am mine. Your rants lead me to my opinion your an idiot.

    • The possibility exists that Dave just couldn’t ride a Spyder. I know it took me about 500 miles before I felt I was going to run off the road at every curve – I had to change my “two-wheel brain” into one that was comfortable with something different. Some people are so set in their ways, they just can’t come to terms with something new.

  10. Hi, looking at RT Limited Spyders. Have just recently commenced recovery after being cut off whilst doing 100 kmh on a 2015 H-D FLHTK. Resulting knee damage and bike write off. Any advice for a 51 yr old who has been riding road bikes for 36 years

  11. At 83, my strength just isn’t what it used to be. A couple of years ago I let my motorcycle fall over and broke my ankle. Now half my family was saying that I had no business riding a bike; the other half said: “Leave him alone.” A 2010 second-hand Spyder was my compromise. Now after 40-something years on 2-wheelers, they are what I prefer. It did take me about a year to get accustomed to the Spyder. It felt like I was about to fly off in fast turns. But Can-Am advised to lean as you would on a 2-wheeler – and that works! I’ve always done my own maintenance, and the Spyder certainly requires more effort. But that’s OK. I can ride!

  12. it makes no difference what you ride be grateful that you’re outside and enjoying doing it …. my husband was hit head on by a drunk driver texting January 2016 . he was on his two wheel Motorcycle motorcycle I was on my Can Am. It saved my life as I had to go into a ditch pretty fast to get out of her way and she proceeded to kill him in front of me … it took me a year to get back on a motorcycle and yes the
    Can Am is considered a motorcycle and since have traded in for a 2017 RT He died doing something he loved and all the people that are constantly saying ugly things about peoples rides ….. it’s just so sad I am merely grateful that I am still alive and can get out no matter what I’m on .

    • So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband Fran. I have been riding for a long long time (first vehicle I owned was a Ducati 160) and plan to keep riding something with two or three wheels until I an run over or simply can’t. Keep the wind in your face and the sun at your back!

  13. Hi all, have read all the above with hysterical laughter at times at the comments that we’re all entitled – well I’m a 72 yr old pensioner here in Australia, ticker problems, not as active as I was 30 years ago, have had all sorts of bikes over those years and was recently introduced to 3 wheels. Due to my partner’s disability problems with MS and her trouble with getting on 2 wheels, I now have a 1700cc Kawasaki Vulcan Yoyager “Trike” as such which I feel quite comfortable with the handling and stability. However since then, a close friend dropped over his Spyder so my partner could hop on and see if there was any difference – suffice to say she came back with a smile resembling a cat in a fish shop! So it appears that a Spyder is on the Xmas list. Yes, we have that same “Hey Bro, thats not a motorcycle” yelled at us over here in Oz, but quite frankly, who gives a rats bum! They certainly have come a long way and for the elderly or disabled are worth a gander… and that’s what I think!

  14. I have been riding cycles since 1967. Got off my Harley due to back arthritis in 2011. Been on Goldwing trike since then. Test rode a SPYDER RT the other day with my wife. Much better ride, only took a few minutes to adjust to it. Took some curves above the speed limit. Handles great. I believe next season we will be trading the Wing.

  15. Snow mobile on wheel?…..damn that sounds good to me …..gonna give the 2017 a shot !!!!…thanks the in input everyone. liked it or not ?…I appreciate you. I’ve NEVER rode either 2 or 3 wheels , so 3 three sounds like a good starter…..I think we all first learned on a trike as kids right?….and I remember the transition to 2 wheels…scary as hell but guess what?….PRACTICE MADE PERFECT…….THANKS ALL

  16. Well, I have been riding Two wheelers since I was 15 and I’m now 72, am picking up my first tree in the next week. Quite frankly, I cannot wait. We have a big following here in NZ, and after all the blab and videos, I am convinced it’s what my wife and I are going to enjoy touring NZ on.

  17. Just bought my first Can-Am F3 Limited I have been riding for 62 years and this is the best bike I have ever had after approximately 50 bikes Love it

  18. Larry
    I rode 2 wheelers since 1964 starting with a BSA 600 iron barrel, then a Honda Elsinore 250, a Honda silver wing. 2009 Honda VTX all for a total of over 200K miles The VTX crapped out one cold morning on a left turn and left me in the middle of a intersection pinned. At 72 was not strong enough to free myself but others helped. Mama Said sell the bike so I did and got a 2013 that week. Found out very quickly that the 3 wheels because of spacing (less than car or big trucks) will follow the road grooves but if you let the bike float like riding a dirt bike on gravel or rocks it will stay on the road and you can learn to relax as you ride and enjoy the ride. Have no problem riding up to N, Idaho from S. Idaho (3-400mi.) in an easy day and not feel worn out. Am 82 and still love to ride, Peripheral Neuropathy that causes both lower legs to be numb + feet do not stop me from being able to control the bike on long trips or in town as a daily driver. If you want to keep riding do not hesitate on giving a “Trike” a try.

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