Comfortable and different
When you first sit astride a Spyder, both the seat and driving position prove surprisingly comfortable. The driving position is similar to that of a standard sport bike, and no part of the body is strained. The small windshield enhances the Spyder's look but offers very little protection against the elements. Luckily, the rest of the body, much larger than a traditional motorcycle's, deflects a large part of the wind away from the driver. Contrary to some other experimental trikes, the Spyder does not lean into curves. The driving experience is a physical one and not very instinctive: it requires some getting used to. It handles very well in the city, especially at slower speeds and during parking manoeuvres. On country roads at normal speeds, the Spyder is easy to drive and its unshakable stability offers a welcome sense of security. On the highway, the faster you go, the more stable it seems, making it oh-so-easy to speed!

When you first sit astride a Spyder, both the seat and driving position prove surprisingly comfortable.

Things get a little trickier when we try to push the Spyder in corners. That's when it handles like a snowmobile or an ATV, where the driver needs to lean a little to corner properly. Once you get good and used to that, this beast becomes quite fun to drive on twisty roads. On slippery roads (dirt and gravel), the Spyder is much safer and easier to manoeuvre than a motorcycle, thanks to its three wheels and VSS safety system.

Designed in collaboration with Bosch and featuring advanced manoeuvrability and control technology, this system ensures worry-free driving and allows the driver to concentrate on the fun factor. It's virtually impossible to lose control in normal driving conditions. At the slightest hint of skidding, the ignition is shut off and the stability control system kicks in. Which can be a bit frustrating to seasoned motorcycle, snowmobile and ATV drivers, but is extremely reassuring to newbies or those coming back to the motorcycle world, BRP's alleged target market. The VSS system includes an ABS system, a traction control system and a stability control system, a unique combination in the motorcycle industry.

Not quite a motorcycle
While some of the controls, such as the clutch lever on the left and twist grip throttle on the right, are borrowed from the motorcycle sphere, the braking system, activated solely by the right foot just like a car's, will require some getting used to, especially if you're a hardcore biker. If you're transitioning from a car, you'll be delighted by the array of controls.

Some of the controls will require some getting used to, especially if you're a hardcore biker.