2012 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Review
When it’s time to go all out, it’s time for the Spyder RT Limited. This luxury version of our three-wheeled roadster comes equipped with a Vehicle Stability System, cruise control and semi-automatic transmission, along with a host of technology upgrades and added convenience features. There are also two exclusive color options and chrome accents. On this ride, the only thing optional is returning home.
BRP has traditionally and successfully launched luxurious "limited" models in many segments of the powersports market. For 2012, the Spyder RT Limited roadster is even more magnificent with its new exclusive upgrades. The Spyder RT Limited starts with a Spyder RT-S platform and improves upon it with an integrated GPS system, two exclusive colors, four travel bags, travel cover, chrome accents and a specially embroidered seat. However, with its Rotax V-Twin engine, proprietary SST chassis, precision handling and unmatched comfort, the Spyder RT Limited roadster is much more than just an elegant façade.
Three wheels. Endless possibilities.
The Can-Am roadster’s distinctive Y-shaped footprint certainly catches the eye. But its trademark stance also provides stability and control, inspiring a whole new kind of ride. Accelerate with authority. Corner with confidence. Reinvent your ride.
Technologies like a car. That’s where the similarities end. Anti-lock brakes. Stability control system. Cruise control. A clutchless
semi-automatic transmission. When you incorporate these familiar technologies into a vehicle that is like nothing else on the road, everything changes. In the case of the Can-Am roadster, the result is an open-air riding experience that is instantly accessible and exponentially exhilarating.
A Movement of Thousands.
Whether it’s on the touring-ready Spyder® RT or the sporty Spyder RS, hitting the open road is easier and more exciting than ever. It’s why thousands of riders have already discovered the Can-Am roadster. Ride solo. With a partner. Or together with other riders.
Get your lice nse on a Can-Am roadster .
In most states and provinces, you can use your Can-Am roadster to pass a road test and get your riding endorsement quickly. You’ll see you have every reason to get behind the wheels. Brought to you by BRP. A trusted name in adventure. For over 60 years, we have brought cutting-edge design and technology to the powersports world. From Ski-Doo snowmobiles to Sea-Doo watercraft and boats, to Can-Am ATVs and side-by-sides, to Evinrudeoutboards and more.
The Can-Am roadster delivers the same level of performance, innovation and excitement as its predecessors.
2012 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Key Features
Added Features over Spyder RT -S
- Handlebar-mounted Garmin Zumo 660 color touchscreen GPS, integrated into vehicle electronics system and Bluetooth
- New aluminum six-spoke chrome wheels
- New chrome accents: Mirrors, exhaust tip and heat shield
- 4 Semi-rigid travel bags for side, front and rear cargo compartments
- Pearl White color (returns for 2012) with black embroidered seat
- New Lava Bronze Metallic color with new tan embroidered seat
- Travel cover
What's new for 2012?
- New amber-colored multi-function Dot-matrix display
- New Lava Bronze Metallic color scheme with embroidered Tan seat
- New aluminum six-spoke chrome front wheels
- New chrome accents: mirrors, heat shield and exhaust tip
Dot-matrix Display:
- New amber multi-function Dot-matrix display coloration for improved contrast at night
Available colors:
- Pearl White with black seat color (incl. passenger backrest and driver lumbar rest support)
- New Lava Bronze Metallic with new tan seat color (incl. passenger backrest and driver lumbar rest support)
2012 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Features and Benefits
- 998cc Rotax V-Twin engine calibrated for touring
- 41 US Gal. (155L) of storage
- Vehicle Stability System
- Adjustable electronic windshield
- Multi-function dot-matrix color gauge
- Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.)
- Heated rider grips
- Cruise Control
- Ultra comfort saddle with lumbar support and integrated passenger backrest
- Chrome wheels /trims - Give your Spyder RT Limited a unique, upscale look with chrome wheels, exhaust tip, heat shield and mirrors.
- Limited -Edition Seat and Color S - Exclusive colors with embroidered seats add an extra touch of class and refinement.
- Travel Cover - A practical, fitted cover to protect your Spyder RT Limited during those rare times it’s not in use.
- Semi -Rigid Travel Bags - Four removable travel bags are a perfect fit for your belongings. And they’re easy to carry once you reach your destination.
- GPS - Integrated Garmin Zumo‡ 660 GPS. Easy-read, 4.3" touch screen and Bluetooth‡ wireless technology.
- Handlebar-mounted Garmin Zumo 660 color touchscreen GPS, integrated into vehicle electronics system and Bluetooth
- New aluminum six-spoke chrome wheels
- New chrome accents: Mirrors, exhaust tip and heat shield
- 4 Semi-rigid travel bags for side, front and rear cargo compartments
- Pearl White color (returns for 2012) with black embroidered seat
- New Lava Bronze Metallic color with new tan embroidered seat
- Travel cover
ULTRA COMFORT TOURING SADDLE
Premium saddle featuring passenger backrest and driver lumbar support for maximum comfort during extended journeys.
Entertainment System
AM/FM audio system with iPod compatibility, weather band and optional satellite radio.
Heated Handgri ps
Thermal grips for the rider are standard on all Spyder RT models. Heated passenger handgrips also available.*
155 Liters (41 gal .) of Cargo Space
Lockable, watertight front storage with 44 liters (12 gal.) of space plus two side compartments, one rear and a glove box.
Electric Windshield
Adjustable-on-the-fly windshield for comfort whether it’s a hot or cool day.
Vehicle Stability System
The Y™ architecture of the Can-Am roadster allows it to host an innovative and unique stability system. Developed in partnership
with BOSCH† and inspired by automotive technologies, the system integrates ABS, traction control and stability control functions for an incredibly confident ride.
STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM
The stability control assesses your intended direction via the handlebar and determines the vehicle’s appropriate response. The system individually brakes the wheels and/or reduces excess engine torque until control is regained.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
Sensors monitor the rotation of all three wheels. If any of the wheels is at risk of locking, ABS reduces brake pressure on it. This intervention repeats in rapid succession and can be performed independently on each wheel, allowing for maximum braking performance.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Whenever the Traction Control System detects excessive rear wheel spin (e.g., in slippery conditions), it reduces engine torque by regulating engine ignition and fuel injection. This enables the roadster to accelerate with minimal corrective input from the rider.
DYNAMIC POWER STEERING
The electronically controlled power steering system provides the rider with a varying assist when turning the handlebars. The amount of assistance varies with the speed of the vehicle to adjust the steering input effort to a comfortable level.
Transmission Options
SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
No clutch lever. No foot shifter. The Can-Am roadster’s semi-automatic 5-speed transmission uses convenient paddle shifting, a feature typically associated with sports cars. The paddle shift makes for faster, smoother shifting, which means you can get the adrenaline pumping as quickly as you please. Simply apply pressure with your left thumb to shift up and use your forefinger to downshift. It also features reverse for increased maneuverability.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Fluid motion stems from the smooth, 5-speed gearbox created specifically for the Can-Am roadster. It also features reverse for increased maneuverability.
Optimum Security
The Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.™) helps protect the Can-Am roadster from theft or other unauthorized use. The vehicle will not start unless the rider uses the correctly coded electronic key.
Proven Rotax Engine
998cc V-twin Rotax engine - Over the past 50 years, more than 6 million Rotax® engines have been built, powering the world’s most impressive on- and off-road machines. Every Can-Am roadster is equipped with a 998cc V-Twin Rotax engine calibrated for sport or touring riding. Touring engines offer cruise control and electronic throttle control.
USA Specifications
US MSRP Price: $28,899 USD
ENGINE
Manufacturer BRP-Rotax®
Type 998cc Rotax V-twin engine calibrated for touring
Bore & stroke 3.82 in. x 2.68 in. (97 mm x 68 mm)
Injection Multi-point EFI system with 2 in. (51 mm) throttle body
Power 100 hp (71 KW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque 80 lb.-ft. (108 Nm) @ 5000 RPM
Transmissions 5-speed manual (SM5) with reverse
Magneto 650 watts
Starter Electric
Battery 12 volts / 21 amps/hour, sealed maintenance-free
CHASSIS
Frame SST Spyder
Front suspension Double A-arm with anti-roll bar
Front suspension travel 5.9 in. (151 mm)
Rear suspension Swing-arm with pneumatic adjustable preload
Rear suspension travel 5.7 in. (145 mm)
Brake type Foot-activated, hydraulic 3-wheel braking system
Front brakes 4-piston calipers with (250 mm x 6 mm) discs
Rear brake Single-piston sliding pins caliper with (250 mm x 6 mm) disc
EBD Electronic Brake Distribution
Parking brake Electro-mechanical
Front tires 165 / 65 R14
Rear tire 225 / 50 R15
Front wheels 6-spoke Aluminum Metallic Silver 14 x 5 in. (355 mm x 127 mm)
Rear wheel Aluminum Metallic Silver 15 x 7 in. (381 mm x 178 mm)
SAFETY & SECURITY
VSS Vehicle Stability System
SCS Stability Control System
TCS Traction Control System
ABS Anti-lock Braking System
DESS Digitally Encoded Security System
DPS Dynamic Power Steering
DIMENSIONS
L x W x H 105 x 61.9 x 58 in. (2,667 x 1,572 x 1,473 mm)
Wheelbase 67.2 in. (1,708 mm)
Seat height 30.4 in. (772 mm)
Ground clearance 4.5 in. (115 mm)
Dry weight 929 lb. (421 kg)
Total storage capacity 41 US gal. (155 L)
Maximum vehicle load 525 lb. (240 kg)
Fuel capacity 6.6 US gal. (25 L)
FEATURES
Instrumentation Multi-function color dot-matrix/analog gauge: digital speedometer,
tachometer, odometer, trip & hour meters, gear position,
temperature, engine lights, electronic fuel gauge, clock
Lighting 2 halogen headlamps (60W)
Windshield Touring: electric adjustment
Wind deflectors 2 driver wind deflectors
Cruise control Electronic
Heated grips Heated rider handlebar grips, High/Low/Off
Touring saddle Ultra comfortable with lumbar support and passenger backrest
Passenger floorboard Manually adjustable
Passenger armrests Standard on all Spyder RT models
RECC Roadster Electronic Command Center
Power outlet 12V lighter type, in rear cargo area
Trailer lock Barrel for RT-622 trailer (Trailer optional)
Warranty 2 years
Transmission available SM5 – 5-speed manual with reverse
Color
Pure Magnesium Metallic
Canadian Specifications
Canada MSRP Price: $31,999 CDN
ENGINE
Manufacturer BRP-Rotax®
Type 998cc Rotax V-twin engine calibrated for touring
Bore & stroke 3.82 in. x 2.68 in. (97 mm x 68 mm)
Injection Multi-point EFI system with 2 in. (51 mm) throttle body
Power 100 hp (71 KW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque 80 lb.-ft. (108 Nm) @ 5000 RPM
Transmissions 5-speed manual (SM5) with reverse
Magneto 650 watts
Starter Electric
Battery 12 volts / 21 amps/hour, sealed maintenance-free
CHASSIS
Frame SST Spyder
Front suspension Double A-arm with anti-roll bar
Front suspension travel 5.9 in. (151 mm)
Rear suspension Swing-arm with pneumatic adjustable preload
Rear suspension travel 5.7 in. (145 mm)
Brake type Foot-activated, hydraulic 3-wheel braking system
Front brakes 4-piston calipers with (250 mm x 6 mm) discs
Rear brake Single-piston sliding pins caliper with (250 mm x 6 mm) disc
EBD Electronic Brake Distribution
Parking brake Electro-mechanical
Front tires 165 / 65 R14
Rear tire 225 / 50 R15
Front wheels 6-spoke Aluminum Metallic Silver 14 x 5 in. (355 mm x 127 mm)
Rear wheel Aluminum Metallic Silver 15 x 7 in. (381 mm x 178 mm)
SAFETY & SECURITY
VSS Vehicle Stability System
SCS Stability Control System
TCS Traction Control System
ABS Anti-lock Braking System
DESS Digitally Encoded Security System
DPS Dynamic Power Steering
DIMENSIONS
L x W x H 105 x 61.9 x 58 in. (2,667 x 1,572 x 1,473 mm)
Wheelbase 67.2 in. (1,708 mm)
Seat height 30.4 in. (772 mm)
Ground clearance 4.5 in. (115 mm)
Dry weight 929 lb. (421 kg)
Total storage capacity 41 US gal. (155 L)
Maximum vehicle load 525 lb. (240 kg)
Fuel capacity 6.6 US gal. (25 L)
FEATURES
Instrumentation Multi-function color dot-matrix/analog gauge: digital speedometer,
tachometer, odometer, trip & hour meters, gear position,
temperature, engine lights, electronic fuel gauge, clock
Lighting 2 halogen headlamps (60W)
Windshield Touring: electric adjustment
Wind deflectors 2 driver wind deflectors
Cruise control Electronic
Heated grips Heated rider handlebar grips, High/Low/Off
Touring saddle Ultra comfortable with lumbar support and passenger backrest
Passenger floorboard Manually adjustable
Passenger armrests Standard on all Spyder RT models
RECC Roadster Electronic Command Center
Power outlet 12V lighter type, in rear cargo area
Trailer lock Barrel for RT-622 trailer (Trailer optional)
Warranty 2 years
Transmission available SM5 – 5-speed manual with reverse
Colour
Pure Magnesium Metallic
The compact engine enabled shorter wheelbase and longer swingarm at the same time to improve racetrack performance.
