Besides announcing a duo of electric motorcycles, iconic and traditionally off-road brand Can-Am has also announced updates to its extensive line of three-wheeled on-road offerings—including one variation that might be able to hustle down a fire road as well. Can-Am is a sub brand of Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products, which also operates Rotax, Alumaweld, Ski-Doo and other outdoor gear makers.
Can-Am’s tadpole-style trikes (two wheels in front driven by a single rear wheel) are popular sellers, especially the smaller Ryker versions. For many, the three-wheel form factor is in that sweet spot of traction security and a motorcycle experience. Can-Am offers three tiers and 11 model variations in total, ranging from the basic bare-bones 600cc twin-cylinder Ryker at $8,999 on up to the $30,999 Spyder RT Sea-to-Sky grand tourer powered by a 1.3-liter triple and festooned with Goldwing-level luxuries.
The Can-Am Stryker Rally can get dirty – on purpose. Photo: Can-Am
Between the two, Can-Am offers plenty of variations, from bagger-style models like the Spyder F3-T to the Ryker Rally (above), which caught our eye with its slightly taller suspension, more aggressive off-road capable tires mounted on sturdy wheels and the inclusion of… mudflaps. You’ve been warned.
The Ryker Rally probably isn’t going to appear at the next Dakar (but never say never), but it is interesting to see some ADV ideas cross over to this undeniably niche vehicle class. No complaints, though, and more than a few ADVrider staffers have said they’d be willing to give it a go in the dirt. The Ryker Rally goes for $13,899 and can be personalized with color panels as needed.
I’ve driven the Polaris Slingshot and even the electric Arcimoto FUV, which share similar layouts, and I’ve been surprised at how the two-wheels-in-front-one-in-back formula adds up to lots of cornering fun, if not some outright hooliganism given some space to spin up the rear rubber. But off road? It seems like it would be a handful.
What’s your take on the Can-Am tadpole trikes?
