Can-Am SPYDER RS, Operator'S Manual, Page: 65 / 147

STREET STRATEGIES
SM5 Model
When shifting gears while turning, be
careful not to release the clutch lever
too fast. Adjust throttle as you release
the clutch lever to match engine and
vehicle speed in a smooth shift. Re-
leasing the clutch too quickly or us-
ing too much throttle may cause the
rear wheel to lose traction and start
skidding, potentially causing loss of
control. The Traction Control System
(TCS) will detect the onset of wheel
spin and reduce the power transmitted
to the rear wheel. This intervention is
intended to allow the rear wheel to re-
gain traction and allow you to correct
the unwanted oversteering to keep
your vehicle on the intended turning
radius.
Curves
Because the Spyder roadster is nar-
rower than a car, you can move from
side to side in the lane in curves to
straighten your path of travel. But the
Spyder roadster is wider than a mo-
torcycle, so less lateral movement is
possible, and it is important to make
sure that your front tires do not leave
the lane.
For typical curves, an outside, inside,
outside path is best.
1
1
2
rmo2008-001-063_a
PATH FOR TYPICAL CURVES
1. Outside
2. Inside (at the apex)
Hills
Select an appropriate gear for the in-
cline. Going up hills, a lower gear can
help maintain enough power. Going
down hills, a lower gear can provide
engine braking to control your speed.
SM5 Model
To start while on an incline, hold the
vehicle in place with the brake until
you move the clutch lever into the fric-
tion zone. Then smoothly release the
brake as you release the clutch lever
and apply throttle.
SE5 Model
When stopped, the SE5 model can
roll regardless of what gear it is in.
The SE5 model centrifugal clutch is
always disengaged when the vehi-
cle is stopped, so the transmission
will not hold the vehicle in place. Hold
the brake pedal when stopped on an
incline. To start while on an incline,
hold the brake pedal as you increase
throttle. Release the brake pedal as
you feel the clutch engage (at about
1800 RPM).
Night Riding
In addition to using your lights and sig-
nals to be seen by other motorists,
consider your own ability to see at
night. Use high beams when appro-
priate. Avoid overriding your headlight
(riding so fast that you can’t see as far
as your stopping distance). You can
also use other vehicles headlights to
see the road ahead.
Do not use tinted or colored visors
or lenses at night, and be particularly
careful that your visor does not have
scratches or smudges.
Group Riding
Ride single file only. Never share
lanes, even with a motorcycle.
When riding with motorcycles, main-
tain proper following distance from
the motorcycle in front of you, even
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SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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