News (For events see Events page)

The " SPYDER EXPERIENCE" was held in Tasmania in the Launceston cbd on the weekend of April 9 th,10th and 11th. We thought the day was way better than Hobart last year, better organised and a very relaxed but organised atmosphere. The fact that the RT.’s and the RS’s were there together also made it a far more enjoyable day.

I took my daughter Zoe for the pillion ride and she really did enjoy the experience on the RT Techno with the stereo on. The break in the ride half way out was welcoming, to discuss and ask questions of the well informed BRP staff present. Not even a little drizzle spoilt the day for us. When we arrived back, Allan from Lingers Motorcycles in Cooee, kindly offered his RT demo to us for another ride, with my wife Cheree, for half an hour around the Launceston region. Thank you Allan. From the line up for each session while we were there would indicate that Saturday’s session was a success. The only criticism/question that I have is why did BRP choose the city as a base for the “ Spyder Experience”? I would have thought where the crew stayed for the weekend at Archers Manor would have been a far better venue/base! Close to the highway etc etc. Thank you again BRP A fantastic day. We will most definitely have out RT Techno by mid year. John Tasmania

Hi Martin my bike is finally finished and im going for my licence this week.You can put the pic on the website if you like. Cheers Anthony (wheelchair sydney) For any other wheelchair users have a look at this web site as they do conversions on Spyders just for you - http://www.pmeautoconversions.com.au/solutions/moreproducts/can-am-spyder-roadster-kit- There are some amazing images of Anthiony's "Transformer" themed Spyder - check out his helmet too!

Hi Martin, I was browsing the Aust. SpyderRyders website with interest so I have attached some photos of my 2008 SE5 Spyder. It is fitted with the Two Brothers dual carbon fibre exhaust system which I think looks good and sounds awesome. It also has the Two Brothers juice box and sports filter. These additions have added some very noticeable extra horsepower. I reside in Glen Alpine, NSW ( next door to Campbelltown). Garry Kusters

Welcome new Spyder Ryders- Bruce and Trish (above) Newcastle NSW and Tony (right) Kootingal NSW.

I guess this is one way to get the annoying blast of hot air off of your right leg! Spotted amongst the 326 Spyders that recently gathered at Magog, Quebec, Canada.

Seen at the LA Transformers premier.

"SpyderTalk staffers were honored that we were asked to help judge the "best custom" contest and the deserving winner, a nicely crafted Formula 1 look-a-like, took home a $1000 BRP gift certificate." see the post at http://www.spydertalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10371 Personally I am really not sure about this one. Obviously the guards are fixed ....hmmmmm.

A Spyder tour of the Gold Coast but no Spyder?

-Talk to Todd bookings@spyderryder.com.au. He does a range of tours from the Springbrook rain forrest to Byron Bay and he supplies the Spyders SE5. www.spyderryder.com.au (now I know who had the .com.au domain so I had to go to .net.au!)

Try Spyder rides on the Gold Coast The BRP team were on the Gold Coast today (31/07/09) giving people the chance to test ride. My friend David is seen here being tempted by "the dark side". To find out where and when you can register to try the Can-Am Spyder roadster, visit: www.spyderexperience.com. Sprinwood Suzuki confirmed they are doing the steering patch software upgrades now. This software patch upgrades and number of issues including steering so talk to your dealer ASAP.

Pete Paris sends me this photo of his magnificent Red Spyder

Pete says " A summary of my se5, Chad w/screen ,4”risers,sway bar, corbin duel seats with back rests, mirror extensions, givi bags and brackets, spyder air filter , exhaust pipes wrapped, ground wire installed and running boards." Re running boasrds " Allan Doorman lent me his templates which I changed slightly. They were made from 60x6mm flat alum bar. The foot plates cut from 6mm plate. All the cost after fitting was around $200.00. The foot brake was another issue again a bracket of the same  material was made for around $40.00. They definitely make the ride more comfortable on the long stretches. I didn’t change the foot brake for I feel more in contact with my foot on the peg especially in the turns."

Allan's mods and breakages

Allan says - "got rid of box trailer light for reverse & numberplate new LED lite plus LED bolts for plate cleaned up back guard,redback is a sticker till airbrush design is settled also new hand grips(take out heaps of vibrations).picked it up 21-4-2008 done 24,200KLMS,real squeaky brakes for a couple of weeks tilI I backed off parkbrake a couple of turns,services are pretty expensive,20,000KLMS ($800) brake fail light started coming on,almost impossible to see fluid level(should be green)must have been left low also screw missing from knee pad(replacment posted)added small amount of brake fluid,the light has stayed off rear tyre is just hanging on,wearing in centre first, I think next tyre might try  at 24PSI instead of 27 PSI. had a vibrating instrument cowelling but mate has helped heaps we fixed it.we still love it "

"I just broke lower of two rear guard supports on right hand side,snapped on way to work 5.15am(bumpy road),will change route to highway, also horn has died, " "break started from where grommet to protect cables is located, but appears to have cut plastic sleeve surrounding brake line ,going on appearance of brown stain where cut is, may need new brake line as well, have sent photos to Brisans at Broadmeadow will let you know what happens"

"Trumpy" Bob's top box

With the last shipment from Canada we brought over a top rack for the Industries 7 Givi racks system for Bob in Tassy. He says he is all set now to go to the Ulysses AGM in Sydney (March) . Looks pretty good to me. Plenty of storage space now.

Martin,
Thought you might be interested in the replacement rear indicators for the Spyder.  Apparently, there is only one part No for the rear indicators (part No. 710001290), so it looks at the moment that if you want on of the large ones as fitted to Australian Spyders, they are not available yet.  The small ones though are ideal with the Givi side cases.  I have attached some photos for comparison. 
Trumpybob

Our Austrian friend Chris Lindner is looking at improving the front of his Spyder.

Do you like the new look? It took me a while to realise where the spoiler came from- another Rotax engined machine as below. Apparently Rotax have just produced their six millionth motor!

Garry Solomon managed a great paint match for his Givi bags and BRP backrest.

Spyder SE5 Test Ride- John Rose

Today, Gary Solomon and I had an early opportunity to test ride the Spyder SE5.
The ADR approval for the SE5 was finalised early this week, allowing a demonstrator to be registered and available for demo.

On arrival at Prorider in Sydney this morning, we waited impatiently while registration was finalised and number plates were fitted.
Alan from Prorider, tried bravely to stem our impatience while final preparation was undertaken.

Gary, in his usual debonair manner, said “John can have the first ride” while gritting his teeth and thinking” hurry up and get back so I can have a go”

Now to the important part:  Impressions

John’s and Gary’s Impressions
With some wrongly pre-conceived ideas about this unique machine, I climbed into the saddle and listened to Alan give us his wisdom on how well the concept worked. And to our astonishment, it actually worked far better than all Alan said and all that we had read.
As Alan told us, the first thing you must remember is that this is NOT an automatic gearbox, but an electronically controlled manual.
Starting off, I rode the brake, for fear of jerking when the machine engaged first gear.  After the few starts, realised I could forget this, the take off is definitely smooth as silk.
Driving down the highway, up-shifting by the + button, I naturally backed off the throttle at each shift point.  Wrong, just keep the throttle open, press the button and it shifts smoothly without surging.
This machine is very quick; I would honestly say quicker than the manual.  Off the mark, no lag at all and always in the right gear.
Up-shifts are realistically always manual (the computer will initiate an up-shift if you redline, but who normally does this) and undertaken when you would normally sense it was necessary.  The only difference being they are always smooth as and fast.
Down shifts can be undertaken in a similar fashion, but when occupied with traffic conditions, can be left to the computer and will occur when revs drop to approximately 2500rpm.  These also are very smooth with only a noticeable surge in the 3rd to 2nd shift and a mild clunk when going into first.

Things to remember:

• Forget about the clutch lever
• When you turn the machine off it goes into Neutral, so using the parking brake is a must.
• If you try to shift down at the same time as the computer, it may result in shifting down 2 gears.
• Watch your speed, it is very deceptive.

 Problems

• Getting Gary off the machine so others could try it.

Recommendations
We would both thoroughly recommend the SE5 to all and definitely encourage you to test ride it.
Both of us have one on order; Gary’s a red unit for delivery mid November and John’s a silver one due for delivery next week.

regards,
John Rose

Scoop thanks to Chris in Austria (8km from the Rotax factory)

..hi martin Met some test-drivers from rotax.. They now test a dunlop for the back - exact the same profile like the chinese one I also spoke about my wishlist-where Im not happy with my spyder (8.500km) Much better agressive brakes ( maybe more power to the front) Mirrors - Better sound- Frontfenders like there First Test model (spoiler..) Better position of all the switches for lights and so What they said - most problem is the POSITION of the brake-pedal .. If you know what I mean So maybe you also do a Wishlist.. :: they are not allowed to speak about the knew monster in there factory Will keep you informed

News on the Rotax engine (thanks to Cookie)

Hello to all! My name is Mischa Zimmermann and I am the Rotax expert and key account representative for North America. I am basically the liaison between the Austrians and the Canadians for engine analysis and research and development. Rotax designs and builds all types of engines from the trusted 277 single cylinder two-stroke to the mighty 255HP three inline supercharged inter-cooled 1503 HO Sea-Doo monster. Our engine portfolio is incredibly diversified and flexible. Other than the BRP line up of Products (Ski-Doo / Sea-Doo / Sport boats and Can-Am) we have quite a name in the world class motorcycle business with top end customers like BMW, Aprillia and now the latest addition of the 1125 for BUELL Motorcycles. We even have a full ultralight and light aircraft engine line up on top of the powersports portfolio.

Particularly for the Spyder, we chose the 990 engine because it is a proven high performance package. It is forged through racing for utmost durability and performance. It is light weight, compact and reliable – a riders dream! The V structure gives an incredible punch at low torque, slim packaging in the vehicle and a very good power-to-weight ratio. The V990 has a distinctive sound – no other V2 has in the market. You can recognize it with your eyes closed from a distance. Subtle, yet powerful and imperative. She tells you she packs enough ponies to give you lots of fun!

Now the technical stuff. The Spyder engine is a rather unique 60° angle structure and features a fully balanced high output V2 with 997.6ccm displacement, 4 valves per cylinder and fuel injection (EFI). – It links directly to the Spyder 5-speed manual sequential or 5-speed sequential semi-automatic transmission with a full mechanical reverse gear – just like on your car. The concept was adapted to the Spyder because of already mentioned attributes – slim packaging, power to weight, performance and proven durability.

The technology surrounding Spyder’s engine starts at the very base – the materials. The 990 engine features a lot of materials and heat treatment technologies which I am actually not allowed to speak about! Since we are a world leader in so many powersport segments a lot is at stake for us. But I can say that if you align all we did in the development of this specific power pack and the many hard tests we did, you could fill a book worth reading! This power pack was originally concepted for the Super Bike market and race circuits, so therefore materials were chosen which could withstand the high loads for extended periods of time.

The design of the engine is what makes Spyder’s 990 engine different from other Rotax engines found in motorcycles like BWM and Aprilla. The 990 is a V- structure while the BMW is an in-line, parallel structure. The V990 features rotating counter balancer shafts – if you know what these are! – while the BMW 804 engine features a different balancing concept via balancing rod. The BUELL engine is a similar engine type. V-structure still, but with a different displacement. The 1125 packs a lot of V-990 genes in its design.

In the end, the team at Rotax has pulled together a state of the art and unique engine designed precisely for your Spyder. Enjoy riding!

-Mischa Zimmermann

From Alan in the Whitsunday's Hi Martin, I think your doing a fantastic job and am recommending riders to you. I also have h/b risers and they do make riding so much easier. I have added Corbins Saddles to the system and takes away more or the lean and keeps you up right, very comfortable. I also to an Elite camper trailer which I bought for the Spyder to tow, and a towbar from Mels Monster Garage so I could fit my Givi 35 panniers and racks. the tow bar is great.The tow bar puts no preasure on your suspension. In the new year I am very interested in the C.H.A.D  adjustable screen, so I will contact you, Alan. *Note- be aware these towbars that attach to the swinging arm are the subject of much discussion on the US forums - most people going for the frame mounted ones. Martin

Yes its grand final day in the Bennett household. It looks like Allan & Karen have somewhat divided loyaties though. Spyder is #996

Debbie & I took delivery of our Spyder on 08.04.08 from Prorider NSW and we absolutely love it.

In April 2006 whilst riding from work I was the victim of a hit & run. As a result I lost my left leg above the knee. I have riden bikes all my life and when I first read about the Spyder I knew it was for me. I could not wait for the SE5 to arrive so I came up with an idea to ride a manual transmission. See photo attached. I made up an extra long gear shifter for my riding boot and have not looked back since. Only problem is the constant arguments with Deb on who drives/rides, a simple flick of my double sided coin sorts that out. Debbie & I have registered and will ride the Steven Walter Foundation Snowy Ride, and would like to know if any other Spyder Ryder's are involved? If so please pass on our contact details. Phil and Debbie e-mail, philhamblyn2@bigpond.com.au

From John Rose-

Spyder SE5 has arrived in Australia

Can-am are waiting on their ADR approvals before releasing them to fulfil current orders and sale. This is expected to be within one month

Chris and Andrea from Austria sent me this shot showing their rack and Givi bags. "Greetings from Austria...after 25 years we did our yu-trip from austria to italy (lignano) over all the moutains ..very very nice" * Note - Chris lives anbout 8km away from the Rotax factory.

Hagsy at willowbank raceway , 13.44 sec ¼ mile

Adjustments to Hindle exhaust to take out the "bark" Hi Martin, Forwarded are some pics of the baffle i made to take the 'bark' out of the Hindle exhaust. It fits between the header pipe and the Hindle exhaust - this way it can be removed and modified further without much trouble. Basically the baffle was made out of acoustic material with 30% flow, made into a cone and tack welded to a flange ring which fits into the Hindle. The baffle was made 95mm long with the ring (66.5mm O/D and 50mm I/D) at 20mm from larger end of cone. The smaller opening ended up @ 37mm which in area is larger than the exits combined on the original muffler and twice the size of the free flow area at exit end of Hindle. I tried to flare the intake end as large as i could - it ended up larger than the bend pipe of the muffler (about 57mm). It has resulted in probably a 10-20% reduction in noise level and it seems to have improved the low to midrange performance - it is running smoother! I may make a smaller one and see what difference can be achieved. Anyhow, i'm happy with it at the moment! Cheers Ken

Fron Janelle at Linders Motorcycles Burnie Tasmania

This is a photo of a menu. We were asked by some spyder customers to have dinner at their home. This was the menu for the night, which we thought was pretty cool. This couple that had us for dinner purchased the first spyder here in Tassie.
Cheers
Janelle - Lingers Motorcycles

Janelle from Tassy sent in these pictures of their number plates.

Hi Martin,

I took my bike to the Laverda Concours last Sunday under the Story Bridge. I was only going to display it, but ended up entering it in the 'Outfits' class because the entry fee goes to a children's charity.

There were some impressive machinery there and the Spyder drew some attention and questions. Mine wasn't the only Spyder there as Mike & Lee from Donnybrook brought along their silver one.
It was a good day for an outdoor show and here are some pics.

Cheers
Ken

The following may be of interest to Victorians. In Vic, the Spyder is registered as a car (even though you need a motorcycle licence to drive it!) . The standard car plates (ordinary or slim-line) are horrible in that thay are far too wide. On a trip from Melbourne to Townsville, my plate broke into 3. I'd already ordered a "Bicycle Rack Plate" prior to my trip at a cost of $26. Reading between the lines, I figured that these plates were legal and look much better. I've spoken to a cop about them and she'd be surprised if anyone noticed the difference as the letters are the same size as on normal bike plates.

The plates actually have BIKE RACK written on them. When I went to paint over with a bit of white touch-up duco, it acted as a solvent rather than paint over.

Brian (dicko)
Sunbury, Vic