If you’re considering stepping into the world of three-wheeled motorcycles, you’ve likely come across two popular options: the Can-Am Spyder and the Can-Am Ryker. Both models have their own unique appeal, offering stability, thrill, and a bit of a rebellious spirit. But what sets them apart? Having spent plenty of time riding a Spyder myself, I’ve come to appreciate its unique advantages, especially after years on two wheels. Here, we’ll look at the main differences between Spyders and Rykers, from handling and customization to power and comfort, to help you find which ride fits your style and needs.

Style and Purpose: Two Different Experiences on Three Wheels

At first glance, the Spyder and Ryker seem like cousins, but they were designed for two different types of riders. If you’re into long, smooth rides with a focus on stability and luxury, the Spyder might be your match. This is a machine that feels like it was built to cruise scenic highways, giving you the freedom to ride all day comfortably. On the other hand, the Ryker takes a sportier approach. It’s built lower to the ground, lightweight, and geared toward a more adventurous, playful ride.

Think of it like choosing between a classic, powerful sedan and a sporty convertible—each is fun in its own right, but the vibe is different. The Spyder’s design caters to long-distance comfort, ideal for tours and hours on the road. The Ryker is about ease, speed, and agility, perfect for zipping through town or tackling curvier backroads.

Power and Performance: Which Engine Suits You?

The Spyder and Ryker offer different engine options to match their distinct riding styles. Can-Am Spyders are powered by Rotax 1330cc engines, providing ample power for smooth acceleration and high speeds. This engine makes it perfect for riders who crave a bit of muscle and want to take on long journeys without breaking a sweat. As someone who’s clocked in plenty of miles on my Spyder RT, I can say that the power on those winding roads gives you just the right amount of thrill without feeling out of control.

The Ryker, however, comes with a choice of two engines: a 600cc or a 900cc Rotax engine. While these engines may be smaller than the Spyder’s, they pack plenty of punch, especially for the Ryker’s lighter frame. The 600cc is perfect for new riders or those looking for a more laid-back city ride, while the 900cc gives experienced riders that extra boost. It’s nimble, quick, and makes the Ryker feel like a zippy little machine. The Ryker’s power is all about fun without the extra weight, making it a great choice for those who love an agile, sporty ride.

Handling and Stability: Both Bikes Shine, But Differently

Three wheels on the road may feel unfamiliar at first if you’re coming from a two-wheeled background, but both the Spyder and Ryker handle beautifully in their own ways. With a Spyder, you get the stability and control needed for long, smooth rides. The larger size and touring capabilities make the Spyder a dream for those who crave road trips, with advanced stability systems that keep you grounded even on uneven terrain. The Spyder’s wider stance and weight also make it a stable machine, even for riders new to the three-wheel experience.

The Ryker, on the other hand, is lower to the ground and feels lighter and more compact. With its automatic twist-and-go transmission and easy handling, it’s accessible even for new riders. Taking a Ryker out feels like riding a go-kart; it’s low, quick, and easy to maneuver. It’s perfect for urban streets, quick turns, and the thrill of weaving around traffic. But don’t be fooled—it can hold its own on back roads, making it a blast for twisty, scenic routes.

Customization and Accessories: Make It Your Own

One of the most exciting aspects of owning a Can-Am Spyder or Ryker is the ability to make it uniquely yours. Both models offer a variety of ways to customize, but each has its own approach and selection of accessories tailored to different types of riders. Whether you want to deck out your ride for touring adventures or add flair for city cruising, the Spyder and Ryker give you plenty of options to create a bike that fits your style, comfort needs, and riding goals.

Customization with the Ryker: Built for Personal Expression

The Can-Am Ryker is designed for ultimate personalization. It’s essentially a blank canvas, with easily swappable parts and a wide range of color panels, grips, seats, and more. With its modular design, the Ryker makes it easy to mix and match accessories without needing advanced tools or a mechanic. If you’re the kind of rider who likes to change things up depending on your mood or the season, the Ryker’s customization options will suit you perfectly.

The Ryker’s color panels, for example, allow you to change the look of your bike on a whim. Want a bold, neon look one day and a sleek, dark style the next? Just swap out the panels, and you’ve got a fresh, new appearance in no time. This feature appeals to riders who enjoy adding a splash of personality to their rides and like to keep things fresh. With additional options like handguards, different footrest styles, and rally-inspired tires, the Ryker can be as sporty or rugged as you want.

Another standout accessory for the Ryker is the Max Mount, a modular attachment system that lets you add different luggage and passenger accessories. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or need to carry extra gear, the Max Mount gives you flexibility. It’s a simple but powerful way to adapt your Ryker for short trips, day-long rides, or even an impromptu camping outing.

Customization with the Spyder: Touring Essentials and Comfort

The Can-Am Spyder takes a slightly different approach to customization. It’s built with long-distance riders in mind, so the accessories focus more on comfort, convenience, and touring features. While the Spyder may not offer the same level of cosmetic modularity as the Ryker, it makes up for it with accessories that enhance the riding experience for those who enjoy the open road.

One of the most popular accessories for Spyder riders is additional storage. The Spyder RT, for example, is known for its large capacity and comes with built-in compartments. But if you’re a serious tourer, you can add even more storage with optional saddlebags, top cases, and cargo racks. This is ideal for those cross-country trips where you want to be prepared without feeling weighed down by extra luggage. The added storage options make the Spyder an ideal choice for anyone who dreams of loading up and setting out on extended road trips.

Comfort-focused accessories are also a major draw for Spyder owners. With options like backrests, upgraded seats, and heated grips, you can make long rides even more enjoyable. After hours on the road, you’ll appreciate these additions that reduce fatigue and add a layer of luxury. One popular upgrade among Spyder riders is the adjustable backrest, which provides lower back support, crucial for those longer treks. If you’ve spent hours riding without back support, you’ll immediately notice the difference in comfort.

Performance and Protection Add-Ons

Both the Spyder and Ryker offer performance-oriented add-ons and protection accessories that cater to specific riding styles and needs. For instance, the Ryker can be outfitted with Rally Edition features like skid plates, brush guards, and rally tires that enhance durability and traction on rugged trails. If you’re the type who likes to explore off the beaten path, these accessories will make your Ryker more suited for adventure.

Spyder riders also have performance upgrade options, although they lean more towards enhancing stability and touring capabilities than off-road exploration. One common upgrade is the addition of sway bars, which provide a smoother, more stable ride by reducing body roll on curvier roads. For those who often find themselves on hilly or winding routes, sway bars can make a significant difference in handling and overall comfort.

Protective gear is another shared focus for both models. You can add wind deflectors, handguards, and covers to shield your ride from the elements and prevent wear and tear. These accessories aren’t just practical; they also add a touch of style and ruggedness, ensuring that your Spyder or Ryker stands up to the rigors of the road and looks good doing it.

Customization for Two-Up Riding: Bringing a Passenger Along

Both the Spyder and Ryker offer options for two-up riding, but with some differences. The Spyder is naturally geared toward two-person journeys, with models like the RT offering spacious passenger seating, grab handles, and even an optional backrest for passenger comfort. If you enjoy sharing your adventures with a friend or partner, the Spyder provides a more refined experience for two.

The Ryker can also accommodate a passenger with the Max Mount and a passenger seat add-on. While it’s not as spacious as the Spyder, it’s a quick and easy way to transform your Ryker into a two-up ride when needed. This flexibility is ideal for riders who might not always plan to ride with a passenger but want the option when the opportunity arises.

Finding Your Style with Can-Am’s Accessories

Ultimately, both the Spyder and Ryker give you plenty of ways to make your ride feel like an extension of yourself. The Ryker shines for its playful, highly customizable approach, perfect for riders who enjoy changing up their ride's look and style frequently. The Spyder, meanwhile, offers comfort and convenience accessories that make it an unbeatable choice for those who value long-haul comfort and performance stability. Whether you’re all about high-adrenaline street riding or leisurely touring through scenic routes, Can-Am has created a range of accessories to make your ride more personal, comfortable, and fun.

Comfort and Long-Distance Riding: Spyder’s Clear Advantage

When it comes to comfort, especially on long-distance journeys, the Can-Am Spyder shines. Designed with the touring enthusiast in mind, the Spyder has an ergonomic build and features that prioritize comfort. This model offers a ride experience that feels more like gliding on a plush, open-air sofa than gripping a motorcycle.

For starters, the Spyder’s seating is engineered for hours of continuous riding. The seats are wider and more cushioned than what you’ll find on the Ryker, offering ample support for your back and legs. There’s a noticeable difference in how relaxed you feel after a few hours on the Spyder compared to the Ryker, which is more minimalistic in its approach. For riders who, like me, transitioned from traditional motorcycles, the added support is a revelation—no more aching backs or sore legs after a long day on the road.

The RT model, often called the “Touring King” of the Can-Am lineup, takes things even further with its extra features specifically geared toward long-haul comfort. It’s equipped with an adjustable windshield, which might seem like a minor detail but makes a huge difference on those breezy or chilly rides. The windshield can be adjusted to block wind and minimize drag, reducing rider fatigue. When I first started riding the Spyder, I couldn’t believe how much a simple windshield adjustment could keep me comfortable, even on rougher or hillier stretches of road.

Another major factor is the Spyder’s suspension system. The Spyder RT, for example, is built with high-quality shocks that absorb much of the road’s vibrations. When you’re rolling over potholes, gravel, or uneven surfaces, the Spyder’s suspension absorbs the impact, keeping the ride smooth and steady. It’s especially noticeable on rural roads or highways, where conditions can be unpredictable.

Then there’s the storage—an absolute game-changer for anyone considering a long trip. The Spyder RT comes with ample storage, including front and rear compartments that can hold everything from extra gear to picnic supplies. For someone who loves to plan day-long excursions, this kind of storage means fewer stops and more time on the road. Plus, the built-in storage means you’re not strapped down with a heavy backpack, which not only reduces strain but also keeps you more balanced.

For those brisk early morning rides or chillier evenings, the Spyder also offers optional heated grips and seats. When I switched to three wheels, I was initially skeptical about investing in these comfort features. But as someone who loves riding no matter the season, I quickly realized their value. Heated grips can make the difference between a shivering slog and a pleasant journey, particularly if you’re riding in cooler climates or during early spring or late fall.

Beyond physical comfort, the Spyder’s stability systems contribute to a more relaxed mental state on long rides. Equipped with a Vehicle Stability System (VSS) that includes traction and stability control, the Spyder helps manage turns, curves, and road surfaces that might feel challenging on a two-wheeled bike. This feature adds a layer of confidence, especially if you’re navigating through hills, twisty roads, or unexpected terrain shifts. For someone like me, who initially worried about the hilly backroads of Southeast Ohio, the Spyder’s stability control made all the difference.

In comparison, the Ryker’s comfort is optimized for shorter, spirited rides. Its minimalist seating and lack of touring-focused amenities are great for zipping around town or taking on twisty backroads. However, on a multi-hour ride, you might find yourself wishing for the cushioned, supportive seat and all-day comfort that the Spyder offers. The Ryker’s strengths lie in its agility and quick handling, but for long-distance comfort, the Spyder is the clear champion.

Street Iron Gear’s Can-Am Soy Candle Collection: A Gift for the True Can-Am Enthusiast

For those who appreciate the ride but also want a bit of Can-Am in their daily life, our collection of Can-Am Spyder and Ryker-themed soy candles is the perfect gift. These soy candles offer a longer, cleaner burn than typical candles and come in several popular scents. They’re a great way to bring a bit of your favorite ride indoors, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one who shares your passion for the open road.