On the way to work a couple weeks ago…
Crossed paths with two riders from Canada– John and Doug. Had a nice chat about riding, their trip and the Can-am Spyder Touring machine. Definitely an interesting ride. John refers to it as “an open-air sportscar”. After sitting on it a bit I could see his point. His third Can-am I seem to remember and he’s loving them. For those times he needs the motorcycle experience there’s a Suzuki VStrom in the stable.
Both rode down from Ontario and where making a big loop through New York and Pennsylvania. When asked how they liked riding in Pennsylvania they indicated a love for the twisting, winding roads we have — a remarkable difference from the North-South-East-West road grids where they’re from.
I’m sure they’re home by now. Hope they had a fine trip.
I see Spyders here in the Denver area once in a while, did you ask how they do on snow?
It is rare that you see a motorbike in the snow up here (rare as in almost never). Bicycles you see all the time – I ride all winter with studded tires and have a more secure trip with that rig than I do a car with snow tires.
But motorbikes of any kind are not to be found around here on the roads in winter. They may be in other parts of the province though.
Check out our many mobility scooters and electric mobility scooters.
Charlie6 (Dom): Didn’t bring it up but he did say it has traction control. If you weren’t worried about messing up the machine with grit and grime it might be ok. You could put a nice big snow tire on the back.
Chris Underwood: Same here save for a few college students who use their scooters or motorcycles far into the cold weather to do the few miles to campus. Out on the road away from town though I seldom ever see a motorcycle.
Brandon Walsh: I”m not ready to be looking at those kinds of scooters yet. But someday I can see myself riding one in the snow…
Great to meet you that day in State College, Steve. Doug and I both recall our conversation quite well and with fondness. It would be a pleasure to meet up with you again one day.
I find your writing style to be hugely identifiable in many ways; as for photography, you post some fascinating pictures. I particularly liked the Vespa at night…lights on…lighting up the rural countryside.
By the way, the Spyder is horrid in the snow…no traction at all. I expect that even with a snow tire, it’d be poor. Wet pavement is awesome; snow and ice: no.
John: Glad you stopped by to comment and give a little insight on the winter performance of the Spyder. Since we’ve talked I’ve educated a few people about it NOT being a trike!
Hopefully somewhere down the road we’ll cross paths again. Say hello to Doug and keep riding safe!