Getting on any motorcycle like the Can-Am Ryker can be intimidating at first. You may feel nervous even if it has three wheels, but that’s fine. But it’s actually much easier than you think to get started with the 2023 Cam-Am Ryker. We drove the Can-Am Spyder and Ryker to prove they’re two of the best motorcycles for beginners. 

Is the 2023 Cam-Am Ryker easy to ride? 

Yes, the 2023 Cam-Am Ryker and Spyder are two three-wheel motorcycles that make it very easy to get out in the open air for freedom on the road. We were invited to the International Female Ride Day. 

Some of the journalists were brand new, with their first time on a motorcycle getting to be during the 150-mile Pechanga and Temecula, California. It was my first time on a bike in years, but my previous experiences were on a Kawasaki Ninja and Harley Davidson on back country roads in the Carolinas. 

With a brief overview of how to operate the motorcycles, we were ready to adventure. The process of being prepared to leave the parking lot to travel on the interstate and explore curvy mountain roads only took a few minutes. 

1. The Ryker is easy to operate 

The 2023 Can-Am Ryker only has a few buttons on the handlebars, and the functions are clearly labeled. You have your ignition switch, start button, turn signals, horn, and LCD screen with your fuel economy and other driving information. 

The brake pedal is on the right side of the bike and functions exactly the brakes in cars. The parking brake is on the left side, and the Ryker will beep at you if you forget to engage it after cutting the power. Also, the throttle is on the right.

You can adjust the handlebars and foot pegs to accommodate your height as needed. Also, there is a small storage space in the front for your phone, wallet, water, or snacks. 

2. You can gradually accelerate 

We’ve all seen videos where someone pulls the throttle on a four-wheeler or motorcycle and pops a wheelie because they did it too fast. While the videos can be funny, they’re also a little concerning. The driver seems to be out of control. 

However, Can-Am motorcycles are much easier to control. You can gradually get up to speed at your own pace. The throttle isn’t very sensitive, but once you’re ready, you can take off to reach 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. But that’s only if you want to. 

The 2023 Cam-Am Spyder is a manual, and you use the paddle on the left of the handlebars to upshift as needed. It only takes a little practice to master smooth shifting. 

3. It’s easy to stop the Can-Am Ryker 

If you get a little nervous around a sharp curve or at higher speeds, don’t worry. You can quickly come to a stop. The brakes are extremely strong and confident for rapidly slowing down. Honestly, we wish the brakes in some of the large vehicles were that effective. 

Once you let off the throttle, the Ryker and Spyder start to slow down quickly. The Spyder automatically downshifts for you, making things more convenient. You can rest your foot on the brake pedal, and you only need to apply gentle pressure for the brakes to engage. 

These motorcycles are very agile with an excellent turning radius. You can easily pull over to the side of the road as needed. Stopping to take photos is easier than pulling over in a car. 

4. You won’t tip over 

The Can-Am three-wheel motorcycles are incredibly balanced. They don’t have a kickstand because they stay upright on their own. This way, you don’t have to lean over and put your foot on the ground at stop lights or stop signs. You can relax and sit pretty until the light turns green. 

Also, the motorcycles are stable around curves. You may feel somebody lean in your stomach initially, but that’s related to nerves. By the end of the day, we were comfortable taking curves at higher speeds. 

While there is a smidge of body roll, the bikes don’t lean from side to side around curves like traditional motorcycles. Your body doesn’t get closer to the ground. When you’re ready, you can lean with the Ryker or Spyder around twists and turns for a sportier experience. 

5. The Can-Am community is welcoming 

We got the experience to ride in a formation with a group of experienced female Can-Am Ryker and Spyder riders, and they were extremely helpful, caring, and welcoming. You don’t have to ride alone and can find riders in your area here. 

Despite wearing all the leather gear, having tattoos, and general badass attitudes, the ladies were very welcoming and comforting. All you needed to do was raise your hand, and someone would rush over to help. 

We rode in a formation which is the term for how a group of bikers rides. Two experienced riders drove in the front and started a staggering formation to block traffic from getting in between riders. 

The sweeper was in the back to make sure no one got lost. I actually got separated and didn’t even realize it until the sweeper helped me pull over and explained what happened. Another rider started following the wrong group and was successfully retrieved. 

Plus, the sweeper blocks traffic to ensure the group can turn out and stick together in busier areas. 

Any and all questions are welcome. For example, I asked why one rider had a sheepskin cover on her seat. It’s because it dissipates heat when it’s hot but provides warmth when it’s cold. 

Also, it was explained that layers are important because as your elevation changes, you might become hot or cold. Plus, it’s pretty interesting to learn why some riders prefer the Ryker to the Spyder. 

While stopping at various biker bars tucked away on country roads for bathroom and water breaks, we were greeted with welcoming smiles, and our three-wheel motorcycles were complimented. 

6. The Can-Am rides get super relaxing 

Once you’re comfortable on the 2023 Can-Am Ryker or Spyder, you really get to connect with nature for a relaxing and beautiful experience. Something clicks when you feel comfortable maintaining your speed and looking around at your feet and traffic. 

You get to see vast open fields, mountain valleys, lakes, farmland, and wildlife. I saw two coyotes, some deer, cows, and countless birds of prey. The air was so fresh, and while driving by orchards and wineries, the smell of flowers perfumed the air. 

The wind on your hands and face is refreshing, and the sunshine greets your skin with inviting warmth. You can really clear your mind while getting to take all that open road has to offer. You’ll quickly get comfortable in downtown city areas and on the interstate too. 

7. Getting started is easy 

You can quickly get everything you need for the 2023 Can-Am Spyder or Ryker at a local motorsport store. The staff is there to help by providing everything you need to get started. 

They will make sure you have a helmet that comfortably fits. For example, you should feel a little pressure on your cheeks, but it shouldn’t hurt anywhere. It will break in with use. They also show you how to correctly put your helmet on and off. 

You can get set up with the right riding jacket, but the CanAm really only requires a leather jacket to block the wind. We learned that leather gloves offer more protection, but vented gloves provide more airflow for heat relief. 

There are tons of different boots you can wear. Just make sure your ankles are covered. Also, You can ride in jeans, leather pants, chaps, or padded pants. Whatever makes you comfortable works. 

How are the Can-Am Ryker and Spyder different? 

We tested the 2023 Can-Am Ryker and 2023 Can-Am Spyder to get a feel for the brand-new models in the lineup. The Cam-Am Ryker starts at $8,999 and is a little smaller. It’s lighter, with less storage space and a smaller seat. 

However, it’s sportier with electronic stability control and feels a little more stable around sharp bends. Also, it features an automatic transmission, tool-free adjustment controls, an integral drive shaft, and a steel frame with recycled materials. 

It’s for the adventurous minimalists, and the available 900cc engine cranks out 82 hp. It has a top speed of 102 miles and feels very steady at 70 mph. 

The 2023 Cam-Am Spyder is larger with more storage space. Some models have enough room to store two helmets and can more easily accommodate two passengers. The larger seat is more comfortable for longer rides, but there is a little more body lean around curves. 

Plus, the Spyder has more convenient options, such as a heated seat, heated handlebars, a passenger backrest, an audio system, extra wind protection, an adjustable rear air suspension, and an anti-theft system. The Spyder generates 115 hp with a top speed of 127 mph.

Do you need a license for the Can-Am Ryker or Spyder?

Some states don’t require you to have a license for the Can-Am Ryker or Spyder, even on the interstate. So you may not have to worry about taking classes. But the educational programs are helpful. 

In some states, you only need to show you can proficiently maneuver your three-wheeler, which only takes a few hours to master. Check out the requirements for your state here. 

Overall, the Can-Am Ryker and Spyder make it easy to start adventuring in the wild. You get to connect with nature safely and confidently. They’re safer than motorcycles with two wheels and much easier to operate. 

If you can drive a four-wheeler, then you can drive a Can-Am. It’s the perfect solution for seniors, disabled folks, and beginners. Plus, it’s fun and comfortable with a welcoming and accepting community. We might tag along for another ride that celebrates veterans soon, so stay tuned.