Ride Jones

Upon seeing Bombardier’s 2008 Can-Am Spyder, I realized that I can finally pursue a motorcycle license and not feel that I’ll be endangering myself - at least for city driving. The Spyder, pictured above, is neither car nor motorcycle, but depending on the country you live in, you’ll need a driver’s license for one or the other. Up here in Canada, where Bombardier was founded, we need a motorcycle license. In the U.S., most states where it’s being offered require just a regular car driver’s license.

The vehicle, whose first production model was delivered to Jay Leno, is relatively affordable (US$15-16.5K). It might look odd with its two front wheels and a single back wheel - sort of a reverse trike - but to me it looks like a thing of beauty. And safety. I’m thinking of the streetcar tracks in Toronto and how less likely the Spyder is to get trapped in them than a motorcycle, thanks to very wide tires.

Details:

5-speed manual transmission, or add a clutchless thumb-shift.
Approx. 700 pounds.
Uses a BRP-Rotax 990 engine, 106 hp @ 8500 rpm.
0-60 in 4.5s
Top speed: 110 mph
Power steering with computer-controlled hydraulic power.
Space for two helmets.
Bosch stabilization system, antilock brakes.

The only problem is, the Spyder is sold out through this spring. Oh, that and the fact that I need to get a motorcycle license, and the only two schools nearby have often had a waiting list of a year or two. Now excuse me while I work my ass off to save money for my shiny charcoal Spyder.