Can-Am Makes the Spyder They Should Have Been Making All Along

By Chris Chase

Jul 7, 2016

Cool Stuff / Fun Stuff / Pop Culture

Summary

New sport mode makes for a drift-happy Spyder.

Canada's Bombardier Recreational Products has announced the 2017 line-up of its Can-Am Spyder motortrike, and the nanny controls that have ruined the Spyder are finally released. This year's sport-oriented F3-S trim gets a sport mode that turns the Spyder into a three-wheeled drift machine.

In theory, any other Spyder model -- they all share a three-cylinder engine making 115 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual or semi-automatic transmission -- is capable of spinning its single rear wheel, but this year's F3-S is the first in which the traction and stability control systems can be dialed back to allow for, in Can-Am's words, "controlled rear tire spins," as demonstrated here:

Another new addition to the 2017 line is a Daytona 500 trim available on the F3-S that brings "race-inspired" graphics, sport grille, gloss black front wheels, drag bar and gauge cluster spoiler. Standard F3-S kit includes cruise control, LED front fender lights, embossed suede seat and a custom riding position.

In Canada, the Spyder F3-S is a $23,999 ride which, by our estimation, makes it the one of the least-expensive ways to get tail-happy in a new vehicle in Canada.

Meet the Author

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.