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Testing the 2020 Ryker 900 in “Family and Friends” Mode
I’ve been a motorcyclist for almost six years.
To own a motorcycle is to appreciate the efficiency, the feeling of freedom and the joy it brings. There’s nothing better than being able to travel all over Quebec on a motorcycle. Being in control, feeling the wind on you, enjoying the beautiful days and the breathtaking landscapes: in my opinion, that is true happiness!
Between motorcyclists, we respect each other. This is important because riding a motorcycle means mastering a specific technique and having knowledge of this type of riding.
However, when motorcyclists come across Spyder or Ryker riders on the road, it seems there is a certain ambivalence. Indeed, I’ve participated in a discussion about whether one should wave to those who drive such vehicles. Should they be considered motorcyclists?
I didn’t really have any interest in these machines…
I had never tried a three-wheeler before. Still, I saluted the Spyder or Ryker drivers I saw on the road. I thought these machines looked fairly fun to ride; they require seven hours of training. However, I must admit that I didn’t really have any interest in these machines.
Then came the day when Chicks And Machines and Can-Am On Road teamed up. I was asked to test drive the 2020 Ryker 900. Part of me was overjoyed to finally get a chance to test this three-wheeler that I so frequently came across on the road.
I was finally going to get some answers about the driving style and the reliability of a Ryker, but especially about the pleasure of driving this machine!
When someone asks me to do something, I go all the way, and without limits. I have to try everything! It’s too hard for me to say no anyway; I would miss so many great opportunities. And even now, I’m ecstatic that I was chosen to test the Ryker 900!
The Ryker is a lot of fun!
When it comes to driving the Ryker, I can think of only one word to describe it: surprising. It very different from riding a motorcycle. It truly feels like riding an ATV or a snowmobile.
It’s incredibly fun because you can go anywhere! Forget about reverse steering! When you’re in curves or even in a straight line, it’s completely different. I have to admit: I wasn’t disappointed. Quite the contrary!
I like to go on the road with my three favorite passengers: my two boys, aged 7 and 11, to whom I want to pass on my passion for engines and especially motorcycles, and my best friend who loves motorcycles but has a big fear of riding one. I asked them to become my one-day test drive passengers in order to get their opinion on the Ryker.
Backseat family!
On a motorcycle, there’s always a bit of fear when a passenger is involved. With the Ryker, that fear is inexistant. The Ryker has three wheels, which makes it more stable. When the person behind the driver moves around, it has no impact on the driving and stopping. To be perfectly honest, I have never felt any discomfort or difficulty handling the machine with a passenger behind me.
A little tip for small children: I make my 7-year-old boy wear the extra safety harness for small children. He is therefore attached to me when we ride.
My boys’ opinions were unanimous. They loved it. They asked me every day to go for a ride. For those who suspected it, yes… there was some quibbling between brothers to determine who would board the Ryker first. We had no choice, Dad had to follow in the car so that the boys could alternate.
As a mom who wants to pass on the passion of motor sports to my boys, I believe that this experience made their interest in machines explode!!! Mommy’s little heart is rejoicing!
My boys were conquered by the Ryker, and my best friend was, too. She simply loved it. She found the passenger seat to be surprisingly comfortable, and enjoyed the backrest. She even started asking me more technical questions and inquiring about the monetary aspects.
For her, the Ryker is a safer and more reliable option. On a motorcycle, she doesn’t feel stable and confident. This is the case with more people than you think. The Ryker, which provides incredible stability on the road, won her over because she felt more in control.
Fun is more fun when it is shared!
I had a wonderful time with the Ryker. I went for long rides without any hassle. Thanks to the side case, I was able to carry a lot more things than necessary. The neat USB port in the front compartment allowed me to keep my cell phone charged, and thus extend my outings.
The handling on the road is superb. I have to admit that at first, I was a little scared when I turned corners. I always had the impression that the outside wheel was going to lift, so I adapted my driving to feel safer. Of course, it’s not the same driving style as the motorcycle and it doesn’t take the curves in the same way.
More on the Ryker here:
Enough With the Ryker-Related Prejudice!
I love my motorcycle; nothing will replace it. But the option of having a Ryker as well is really interesting to me: it’s reliable, really fun to ride, and enables me to plan outings with my family. There’s a more relaxed sensation that appeals to me, without taking away from the pleasure of driving. When I was on the road with one of my boys behind me, several people approached us, because they were curious. The comment that came back most often was:
“Wow! You’re lucky, it’s great to share this as a family.”
They were right. Being able to share this feeling of freedom and being able to go anywhere is what I appreciated the most.
