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2010 Can-Am Spyder RT
It was a test ride of the original, pre-production Can-Am Spyder that got me back into motorcycling a few years ago, after a long hiatus. So, it’s nice to see Can-Am isn’t just standing still when it comes to updating the trike. Indeed, for 2010, they’ve taken a big step forward.
2010 Can-Am Spyder RT
In addition to the Roadster, and the semi-automatic-trannied SE5, Can-Am has an all-new RT touring model for 2010. The Spyder RT has, in addition to the big trunk up front, a touring trunk with passenger backrest and full saddlebags in the rear, as well. They’ve also completely revamped the lighting, making this tadpole trike almost impossible to miss, with 4 headlights, running lights, etc.
It also has an optional trailer package–color-matched–with 22 ft3 of storage.
That’s a lot of storage.
The RT will come in three versions: a silver base model with a manual transmission, And Audio & Convenience version in silver or blue, with your choice of transmissions, or the RT-S, shown here, which has all the goodies, and a special paint job and styling.
With all the extra gear, Can-Am has also re-tuned the engine to offer more torque and a bit less horsepower, with the Rotax 991cc V-twin putting out 80 lb-ft. @ 5500 RPM, and 100 hp @ 7500 RPM.
No price has been mentioned yet, but we’ll probably learn that at the formal rollout in Quebec on 9-10 September.
Motorcycle-USA has more details.
Norton NRV588 at Bonneville
Norton NRV588 at Bonneville
Norton motorcycles has finally gotten an update online about their attempt at a land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Actually, it’s more than one update. They did a data dump of the last four days, pretty much all at once. So far, it appears that they are pleased with their progress towards a record.
As we suspect, with only a mile run-in, Stuart is still accelerating as he hits the front line – indeed, he’s still accelerating as he throttles back at the end of the measured mile!
Alan Cathcart brings yet more glad tidings back with him from the organiser’s trailer, where he’s picked up our print-out.
160.31mph for the flying kilometre!! We’ve actually cracked 160 on only the second run!!!
The maths suggest that we entered the mile at around 150, and exited at about 170, so there would seem to be a-ways to go yet!!
The bike is still running well, no problems of any sort need to be fixed, the tyres are still perfect, so we finish up the day with a photo-shoot to record the event, before washing off all the salt and returning the beast to the South Bay trailer.
So, Stuart Garner, Norton’s CEO, hit 160MPH on his second run. But, now is time to get serious, since they need to hit 175MPH to qualify. It seems they’re off to a good start, though.
By the way, Confederate is there, too, trying to set a record on their new P120 Fighter Combat.
AMA is Concerned about Health Care Reform
This isn’t a political blog at all, but I couldn’t help noticing that even the American Motorcyclist Association is now getting involved in the ongoing debate about health care reform. The AMA feels that a government-run system may discriminate against motorcyclists by denying coverage to motorcyclists who are hurt while riding.
There is precedent for us to be concerned with regarding any health care legislation coming from Washington. For example in 1996, Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that was intended to ensure non-discrimination in health coverage in the group market. However, when it came to implementing the law, the Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service and the Health Care Financing Administration – now the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – issued a rule allowing insurers to deny health benefits for an otherwise covered injury that results from certain types of recreational activities, such as skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling or motorcycling. Even though the AMA has fought this discriminatory rule with legislation, this indicates what could happen if a new health care bill is implemented by bureaucrats in Washington using biased data.
And not only are they expressing their concern, they want you to express yours, too, and the link above also has an editable email message you can send of to your Senator or representative straight from the AMA web site.