OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Can-Am Ryker Rally

BY PATRICK LAMBIE PHOTOS BY REBECCA LAMBIE

Standing in front of the counter at Calgary’s Basecamp Motorsports with the key fob for a shiny new Can-Am Ryker Rally in hand, I found myself once again asking: “and you’re sure it’s okay to take it off-road?” It’s not that I have ever been shy to push the limits of any vehicle, regardless of the number of wheels, but when picking up a press loaner that you have previously only experienced on asphalt surfaces it is always better to be safe than sorry.

With assurances in place that the Rally edition of Can-Am’s Ryker lineup was not only designed and created with off-pavement forays in mind, but that improvements on this latest version included an upgraded suspension package designed to further its capabilities when the going gets tough, it was time to head out to the parking lot and check out my ride for the day.

I am not sure if I will ever get used to the look and feel of Can-Am’s unique three-wheeled “motorcycles.” Most accurately described as a snowmobile on wheels – which makes perfect sense given the heritage of parent company BRP and their development of the Ski-Doo snowmobile brand – the first hour or so is always spent trying to forget everything you know about riding a motorcycle. There is no leaning or countersteering, lines and lane position are dictated by the outrigger-like front wheels and where motorcycles offer immediate response to rider inputs, the move to two wheels in front is accompanied by understeer that will often leave you wondering if you are going to make the corner.

Now please don’t get me wrong, starting with the introduction of the Spyder in 2007, Can-Am has built a loyal following while introducing many new riders to the world of motosports and offering older motorcyclists a platform to continue riding when physical limitations begin to make two-wheeled pursuits undesirable. With the unveiling of the Ryker in 2019, Can-Am further expanded their reach with the urban-focused offering and accessible price point. Along the way, the manufacturer has continued to focus on building their brand through the creation of new riders with a variety of training programs including specific initiatives designed for women.

In addition to being a stripped down version of the Can-Am’s flagship Spyder models, with lower weight distribution and, in my opinion, better handling characteristics, the Ryker lineup also features the Rally model, reputed to be capable of gravel roads and other less-than-perfect surfaces.

Standing apart from its siblings (in addition to the base and Rally trims, the Ryker Sport is a third option), the Ryker Rally model ships standard with a front push bar, large air intake with pre-filter, hand guards and an integrated LED lightbar in the front hood. Closer inspection reveals additional off-road focused attributes including an aluminum skid plate, A-arm protectors on the front end and large non-slip footpegs.

Sitting noticeably higher than the other Rykers thanks to the remote-adjustable KYB HPG shocks which have been upgraded from the previous model to include an additional inch of suspension travel (185 mm front and 179 mm rear), the Ryker Rally still retains a very accessible seat height of 676 mm (26.6 in). Positioned directly behind the seat, the Max Mount system, which is included as standard equipment, accommodates the installation of various accessories including a passenger seat or the multitude of cases and racks available to work with the LinQ mounting system.

Ditching the spoke cast rims of the Ryker and Ryker Sport models, the Rally version opts for stronger aluminum rally-inspired rims shod with more aggressive rubber manufactured by Kenda specifically for the Ryker Rally. Rounding out the Rally’s features, an Akrapovic exhaust exits in front of the open side of the single-sided swingarm providing both a visual and auditory statement.

Prior to firing up the Ryker, I took a moment to get comfortable. Thanks to Can-Am’s proprietary and easy-to-use UFit system, a moment is literally all that it takes to reposition and secure the footpegs, brake pedal and handlebar to the rider’s preference. Reaching forward to engage the reverse gear with your left foot involves a substantial stretch for my 30-inch inseam, but the ability to back out a parking spot makes manoeuvring the Ryker a piece of cake.

Thanks to the use of a CVT transmission, the Ryker is truly a twist-and-go proposition with rider inputs being limited to controlling the throttle, stopping through application of the single brake pedal and steering.

Out on the street, grabbing a handful of throttle, the three-cylinder 899 cc Rotax ACE engine immediately impresses. With 82 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 58 ft-lb of torque at 6,500 rpm, the performance of this engine is notably superior to the 600 cc twin-cylinder powerplant in the base model that we originally tested in 2019.

Leaving the confines of the city behind and travelling along the highway, the Ryker Rally holds a 110 km/h pace with ease. Turing on the standard equipped cruise control and enjoying the smooth air pocket created by the optional windscreen on our test ride, it becomes easy to imagine taking the Ryker Rally on a weekend adventure encompassing hundreds of kilometres.

Abandoning the main highway in favour of a narrow twisting road provided a chance to push the Ryker hard into some paved corners. While the aforementioned understeer is present, the Ryker’s geometry removes much of the top-heavy feel of the Spyder. Coming into corners, the ABS brake setup with 270 mm discs in front and a 220 mm disc at the rear, is highly effective in slowing the 303 kg (668 lb) Ryker Rally. Accelerating out of the corner, the characteristic triple torque is evident as it pulls solidly towards exit points.

Of course, this day started with the objective of experiencing the Ryker Rally once it left the pavement behind, so it was time to see what it would do out on the gravel fire roads in Alberta’s Kananaskis Provincial Park. A quick photo stop to grab some beauty shots prior to getting our test ride covered in dust and dirt, and we were off.

Engaging the namesake Rally mode (exclusive to this model) releases the rear wheel from the clutches of the ABS and traction control systems allowing the Ryker to slide and drift around corners. Tearing up the gravel roads, the handling of the Ryker becomes more reminiscent of a snowmobile than ever. It also becomes increasingly addictive, drifting nearly sideways through loose-packed corners at a pace that would have made Ken Block proud but still feeling in control, the only thing on your mind is how quickly you can get to the next corner and how much further you can push it.

While there are many who will forever remain committed to life on two wheels, for those looking to try something different, be it of necessity or simple curiosity, the Ryker Rally offers a truly unique combination of on- and off-road capacity. With the comfort and utility to carry you on weekend trips or an evening cruise around town as well as a surprising capacity to eat up miles of gravel roads, the Ryker Rally is the most flexible vehicle in Can-Am’s on-road lineup.

A starting MSRP of $17,499 for 2023 positions the Ryker a full $6,000 above the entry level model, reflecting the cost of the premium suspension, off-road features and other upgrades. Yes, it is a significant price point, but three-wheeled enthusiasts looking for a true all-round performer with unique style and capabilities may find themselves making an addition to their garage occupancy. But don’t worry, with 19 available colour schemes you should have no problem matching your existing vehicle collection. IM