Can-Am SPYDER RS, Operator'S Manual, Page: 53 / 147

REQUIRED RIDING SKILLS AND PRACTICE EXERCISES
Practice Exercises
(SE5 Model)
1) Revving the Engine and Using the
Engine Stop Switch
Purpose
– Become familiar with the operation
of the twist throttle.
– Become familiar with the sound of
the engine at different RPMs. This
will help you to know when to up-
shift and downshift based on the
engine sound.
– Become familiar with using the en-
gine stop switch.
Directions
– Start with the vehicle in NEUTRAL,
the parking brake engaged, and your
right foot on the brake pedal. Check
the multifunction gauge cluster to
be sure you are in NEUTRAL — if
you are in first gear, the roadster will
try to start moving when you apply
the throttle.
– Watch the tachometer and apply
throttle (twist by lowering your
wrist) a few times to raise the RPM
to no more than 4000. Practice
applying the throttle gently and
smoothly, holding it steady at about
3000 RPM, and releasing it. As long
as the transmission is in neutral the
power will not transfer to the rear
wheel.
– Use the engine stop switch to cut
all power to the vehicle. Press the
switch with your right thumb while
keeping your hand on the handgrip.
Tips for Additional Practice
– Practice pressing the engine stop
switch without looking at it.
2) Starting, Stopping and Basic
Handling
Purpose
If you feel like you are losing control
while doing these exercises, release
the throttle to stop accelerating and
apply the brake as needed to slow
down. You can also use the engine
stop switch to cut power entirely.
– Learn throttle control and how to get
the vehicle moving.
– Become familiar with low speed de-
celeration and braking.
2a) Apply and Immediately Release
Throttle
Directions
At first, you will only use the throttle for
a moment at a time, then release it and
coast.
– Start the engine and release the
parking brake.
– With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the transmission into first gear
by pressing the gear selector for-
ward.
– Release the brake.
– Slowly apply throttle until the ve-
hicle starts to creep forward. As
soon as you start moving release
the throttle and coast, then press
the brake to stop. Repeat to the end
of the straightaway.
– To turn around at the end of the
straightaway, stop, turn the han-
dlebar all the way to the right, then
briefly apply and release the throt-
tle, and coast through the turn. You
may need to briefly apply the throt-
tle more than once to complete the
turn. Stop when you are in line with
the straightaway in the opposite di-
rection.
– Continue with this part of the exer-
cise until you are comfortable with
applying and releasing the throttle.
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SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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