Autoblog

Polaris patent reveals three-wheeled side-by-side "Slingshot"

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:01:00 EST

It seems as though recreational vehicle maker Polaris is taking steps toward the production of quite an interesting, three-wheeled vehicle. Documents filed with the US Patent Office have revealed schematics for a Polaris "reverse trike" - that's two wheels in front and one in back - with seating for a driver and a passenger. According to the logo dug up by The Kneeslider, this buddy bike might eventually be called the Polaris Slingshot.

When the patent plans are broken down, it appears as though Polaris may have a legitimately scary competitor for other players in this recreational niche, including the Campagnia T-Rex, Can-Am Spyder (which is admittedly not a side-by-side) and the Morgan 3 Wheeler.

The Slingshot plans call out a longitudinally oriented, 2.4-liter General Motors-sourced powerplant with a manual transmision, though we're told both hybrid and fully electric power could work as well. The single rear wheel will be the driven one, powered via a belt drive rather than a shaft. Steering is by way of a wheel, rather than handlebars.

The Kneeslider doesn't have any information regarding the timing, or even absolute production intent, for the Slingshot, but seems to believe that Polaris is more likely than not to carry the project forward from here. Our fingers are crossed.

Polaris patent reveals three-wheeled side-by-side "Slingshot" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bombardier issues two Can-Am Spyder recalls over fire risks

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Motorcycle

Bombardier has issued two separate recalls for various models of its Can-Am Spyder. The first is for 2008-2009 GS and 2010 RS models. The fuel vapor canister vent hose in the engine compartment can leak, with accumulated fuel vapor a potential fire concern due to its proximity to the ignition. A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates the recall, which affects 9,600 Spyders, is expected to begin next month, at which time owners can take their Spyders to their dealers for a fix free of charge.

The second recall covers 2008-2009 GS, 2009-2012 RS and 2010-2012 RT trikes. The models affected by the recall - 33,700 units in all - could have fuel caps that fail to fit properly onto their filler necks, which could also leak fuel vapors. The recall is also expected to begin next month, and Bombardier will send owners a new fuel cap. Two bulletins below from NHTSA below have all the details.

Continue reading Bombardier issues two Can-Am Spyder recalls over fire risks

Bombardier issues two Can-Am Spyder recalls over fire risks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bombardier recalls 3,200 Can-Am Spyder RT trikes over brake failure fears

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Motorcycle, Specialty

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a bulletin for the recall of the 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT to rectify an issue with its brakes. A pin in the brake pedal connecting rod on 3,259 units potentially affected could come loose; if that happens, total loss of braking is possible.

Bombardier Recreational Products, maker of the three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder, is notifying owners. Dealers will replace the pins in question free of charge. Scroll down for the official word and more information from NHTSA.

Continue reading Bombardier recalls 3,200 Can-Am Spyder RT trikes over brake failure fears

Bombardier recalls 3,200 Can-Am Spyder RT trikes over brake failure fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First motorcycle taxi service headed for Los Angeles and New York

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Work, Honda, Motorcycle

Bombardier Can-Am Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an effort to help on-the-go business types navigate the chronically gridlocked streets of New York City and Los Angeles, Moto Limos Club is starting the first motorcycle taxi service on these shores. Similar taxi services have been navigating Europe's busiest cities for years, but the idea appears to be brand-spanking new in the States.

The club will feature a fleet of 15 examples of the 2012 Honda Goldwing - available with or without a trailer - along with an undisclosed number of Bombardier Can Am Spyder trikes (shown above) if the prospect of a two-wheeled taxi scares you. For safety's sake, the new taxi service is reportedly only hiring riders with 15 or more years of professional experience.

Since the club is aimed at businesspeople, passengers will be provided a Bluetooth-equipped helmet for conference calls on the go. When the weather turns nasty, Moto Limos Club has all-weather gear to fit over your fancy duds and keep them high and dry, and when it's freezing, the club promises to provide passengers with a thick blanket to keep the chill at bay.

Moto Limos Club opens up shop next month in Los Angeles and New York City. Memberships range from $125 to $250 to start, and bike rentals are a maximum of $90 an hour for the Goldwing. That may seem steep, but sitting in time burns up valuable minutes and dollars. Besides, with lane splitting legal in Los Angeles, a bike taxi might get you to that boardroom session when the black and yellow livery options are stuck in traffic. Check out more about Moto Limos Club here.

Gallery: Can-Am Spyder

[Source: Moto Limos Club via Motorbiker]

First motorcycle taxi service headed for Los Angeles and New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can-Am Spyder Hybrid reportedly under development at Canadian university

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Motorcycle, Canada

As compact as it is (in comparison to a car, anyway), the Can-Am Spyder doesn't guzzle much fuel. But that won't stop some from being lured by the tree-hugging credentials of a "hybrid" badge.

The trike - which is closer in form to a motorbike with an extra wheel, as opposed to a car missing one - is forming the basis for a new project being undertaken at the University of Sherbrooke. A joint effort between the institute of higher learning in the Canadian province of Quebec (where the Can-Am is built) and its producers at Bombardier Recreational Products, the four-year endeavor is focused on developing a hybrid drivetrain for the Spyder. Over its course, the team of 30 researchers plan on producing three successive prototypes in the aim of reducing the vehicle's carbon emissions by 50% while increasing fuel efficiency by the same.

To get there, the Canadian federal government has awarded the team a $6.2 million grant (the Canadian and American dollars hovering around par these days) from the Automotive Partnership Canada fund, with Bombardier kicking in an additional $5.1 million for a total budget of $11.3 million. That's a whole lot of loonies to give an overgrown motorbike a bigger alternator, so hopefully some innovative technology comes from the endeavor.

[Source: CanadianDriver]

Can-Am Spyder Hybrid reportedly under development at Canadian university originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can-Am recalls Spyder trikes over stall risk

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Motorcycle

Can-Am Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Any time a vehicle manufacturer begins pushing the boundaries of technology, there are bound to be teething issues. Such is the case with the Can-Am Spyder, which is available with a semi-automatic transmission in addition to the standard hand-operated clutch and foot-operated shifter arrangement.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some 2010 models equipped with the optional semi-automatic transmission can potentially stall out when rolling to a stop as the clutch fails to disengage. If this happens and the Spyder is still in gear, it may be difficult or impossible to restart or push the vehicle off the road as the transmission locks the rear wheel.

Bombardier, makers of the Can-Am Spyder, is currently working to repair the vehicles at no cost to the owners. Check out the details of the recall after the break, along with information on how to contact Bombardier with questions.

Gallery: Can-Am Spyder

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Can-Am recalls Spyder trikes over stall risk

Can-Am recalls Spyder trikes over stall risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goblinize your Can-Am Spyder, get strange looks

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle

We're having trouble coming up with an adequate set of adjectives to describe our opinions of the new Goblin WolfSpyder. On one hand, the idea of an enclosed three-wheeled vehicle that's capable of returning excellent fuel mileage and performance is intriguing. On the other hand, this is one incredibly ridiculous looking vehicle that offers little reason to justify its nearly $20,000 price tag (plus optional heat, air conditioning and overhead canopy) on top of the $15,449 Can-Am Spyder donor vehicle.

If you do happen to enjoy its cringe-inducing looks - complete with non-functional rear wing that Goblin claims "may improve visible appearance in traffic" - and you happen to think it's worth the asking price (seriously?), you can order the kit now and see it on your doorstep via the friendly neighborhood UPS man in 12-18 weeks.

[Source: Goblin Motors via Autoblog.nl]

Goblinize your Can-Am Spyder, get strange looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nearly 10,000 Can Am Spyders recalled over faulty steering

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Motorcycle

Can-Am Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

It shouldn't come as a surprise that a vehicle as innovative as the three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder would face a few teething problems within its first few years on the market. Unfortunately, one particular aspect of the machine's power steering system has reportedly caused at least three injuries, though none have so far been life threatening. To remedy the apparent defect, Can-Am has agreed to voluntarily recall some 12,500 Spyders (9,932 of them sold in the United States) that were manufactured between July 2007 and May 2009.

The recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which can be viewed here, seems a bit ambiguous on the actual cause or effect of the steering problem, saying only that "the operator of an involved vehicle may need to exert a force greater than expected to initiate the turning of the steering handlebar off centre in order to correct vehicle drift from a straight line path." Uh-huh. Company spokeswoman Johanne Denault shed a little more light on the problem when she told The Canadian Press, "The vehicle is not going to start zig zagging, it's only a small drift."

"Small drift" or not, owners of possibly affected units are urged to contact Bombardier Recreational Products at 1-866-767-0707 or see their local dealers for a free inspection and replacement of the affected bits. Kongsberg Inc., suppliers of the Spyder's power steering system, will reportedly pay for repairs. We've reached out to BRP to see if we could obtain a more thorough explanation of the problem or the intended solution, but we've not yet heard back.

Gallery: Can-Am Spyder

[Sources: NHTSA; The Canadian Press]

Nearly 10,000 Can Am Spyders recalled over faulty steering originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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