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 New member Jason from California now over here, read about his experience… scary stuff, get your recall done. Thanks Jason....

It is very important to get the steering recall done!  Before I left the States, I decided to take a trip up the California coast.  I had always wanted to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.  Well knew about the steering recall before I left, so I dropped my bike off at a Can-Am dealership.  They told me that the recall did not affect my bike, so I went on my trip.  I took a friend along, she rode on the rear.  It was a fabulous trip.  The ocean was beautiful.  I had the oppertunity to ride on the edge of towering cliffs hanging over the ocean shore.  Very nice.  Well one night we were coming back to the hotel from a outing to a redwood park.  It was late, dark, and foggy.  I was heading down the highway going about 75 when I entered a left curve.  I pulled left, but the steering was extremely hard.  I had to pull very hard, and as i pulled, the power steering kicked it.  I was pulling so hard when the power steering kicked it that the bike jerked into the left lane and went up on two wheels.  I regained control and my heart was beating 1000 miles an hour.  I almost flipped the bike at 75 mph!  I could have killed myself and my passenger!  My girl on the back thought I was falling asleep and began smacking me:-)  There was no place to stop, so I continued on weary of the steering.  The power steering kicked in and out about six more times before I could get off the highway. 

     When I stopped, I turned the bike off, restarted it, and moved the handlebar left and right as far as it would go several times.  I did not experience the problem again.  The following day I took the bike to a different Can-Am dealersihp.  They told me that the recall DID affect my Spyder and reprogrammed it on the spot.  It took less that 20 minutes.  They told me that ALL Spyders need to have the power steering recall completed.  So, if you have not had your power steering reprogrammed, you need to get it done.  The powersteering problem is intermittent, and you will have no way of knowing when it will kick in.  I was lucky I didn't roll my Spyder on the highway, I dont know if I would have been that lucky a second time."

Latest News 10 Jan 09 : New Members welcome, Spyder Web Blog.

"Roketa I don't think so" pink legwarmers would be a must

http://www.roketa.com/product/2610/0/47108.shtml

What do you Spyder Owners think, send a blog keep it clean !!!!

Thanks again to all at Australian Spyder Ryders and all who provided content on this page.

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.

My (Martin) Spyder has a Queensland plate 05PDR - If you read the 5 as an S its SPDR. Perhaps a little subtle but it was a "cheap" alternative.

Steve in Brisbane has two Queensland plates for sale ROTAX and CANAM. If you are interested ring him on 0422 294 103

Our story: (see photos in the Gallery pages)

We went to the Melbourne motor Cycle show in October 2007 to have a look at the Spyder after hearing news on the grape vine that the Spyder was
going to be released in February 2008.
We spent at least an hour having a good look at the Can-Am stand at the show, fell in love with the whole concept.
As soon as we got back to Tasmania we contacted  Lingers motor cycles, our local dealer and put a deposit on a yellow one.
After a long but patient wait, we finally took delivery of our Spyder the first week of April 2008.
Accessories so far: Backrest, custom screen,Micron slip on with custom made polished mandrel bent mid pipe.

John & Cheree, Devonport Tasmania

See Johns video on Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jq-XDlylcQ

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