Like many people, the project of one day owning a motorcycle has been brewing in my head for several years. This year, I decided to sign up for a driving course for a three-wheeled motorcycle like the Can-Am Spyder and Ryker and enter the world of motorcycling. Maybe in the future, I will make the jump to a two-wheeler.
I know, I know, many will say it’s not a motorcycle, but I ask them to open their horizons a little. To please them, I’ll say I’m a [motorcycle rider] instead of a motorcyclist.
So, for the moment I chose this kind of vehicle for several reasons, among which are the fact that it looks a lot like a snowmobile and that I am a maniac at this winter sport. But also, that this course (class 6E) is affordable and takes only 7 hours to complete.
The aspect of feeling safe and not having to put my feet on the ground to stay on my feet also played a role.
License
So, to drive a 3-wheeled motorcycle, you must hold a valid class 5 driver’s license AND obtain a 3-wheeled motorcycle license (class 6E).
Costs
The three-wheeler course cost me 300$ plus taxes with the BRP Can-Am promo, but normally it’s 400$ plus taxes. (Thanks, BRP Can-Am)
The addition of the class 6E on a class 5 license is $17.10.
To register such a vehicle is $272.84 annually.
Insurance costs vary from person to person, just as they do for cars, so I’d rather let you check for yourself.
Which Vehicle to Choose
When it comes to three-wheeled motorcycles, it’s very limited compared to the vast choice of two-wheeled motorcycles. We have the Can-Am Spyder and Ryker as choices since the T-Rex and Slingshot do not fit in this category, because, for those, our class 5 allows us to ride them.
So, before making a choice, we have to think about the number of kilometres we want to cover, the comfort, the amenities, the engine power and also the budget we have.
As for me, I evaluated my needs and a Ryker Can-Am with a 900 ace engine would do the trick. However, as with any vehicle, there is an entry-level, a mid-range and an upper-range, as well as a wide range of options and accessories. I’ll probably do an article on that in the future.
For now, I haven’t made up my mind about the latter, but I’m leaning a bit toward the Can-Am Ryker Rally Edition. (I love its white wheels)
Buy New or Not
Another question I’ve been asking myself is: do I buy a new vehicle or not?
There seem to be some good used cars on the market, but it seems that some individuals are still thinking about the covid tax. On the other hand, interest rates for RVs purchased from a private individual are higher at banks, so no choice but to go to a dealer https://can-am.brp.com/. Usually, they have better rates. At that point, I will compare what is the most advantageous and the guarantees that are offered to me.
Protective Clothing
As far as protective clothing is concerned, I easily found the answer to my questions on this subject on the SAAQ website. As it would be too long to put it here. Visit this link.
Quebec Motorcycle Federation
You can also find a lot of information on the site https://www.fmq.ca/ on various subjects related to motorcycles. I invite you to go and see it. You can become a member and take advantage of member benefits.
Concluding Remarks
No need to tell you that I am really looking forward to sharing the road with you and I hope that my article gave you enough information and will help you choose if, like me, you are thinking about getting into the motorcycle world too. I will certainly come back to you when I will have done my first rides. See you soon and have a good ride!
