Driving Aid Technologies; Vehicle Stability System (Vss) - Can-Am spyder gs 2008 Operator's Manual

DRIVING AID TECHNOLOGIES

Vehicle Stability System
(VSS)
The Spyder roadster is equipped with
a Vehicle Stability System (VSS). VSS
can help you control the direction of
the vehicle and reduce the risk of tip-
ping or rolling over in some situations.
VSS consists of:
– an Antilock Braking System (ABS)
that helps maintain steering control
during hard braking by preventing
the wheels from locking.
– a Traction Control System (TCS)
that helps prevent the rear wheel
from slipping. The TCS will limit rear
wheel spin only if you turn the han-
dlebars (steer out of straight line) or
if vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h
(31 MPH).
– a Stability Control System (SCS)
is designed to limit the power driv-
ing the rear tire and to brake individ-
ual wheels, which reduces the risk
of losing control of the vehicle or
rolling over.
Limitations
VSS cannot help you maintain control
in all situations.
Surfaces With Poor Traction
If your tires lose traction with the road
surface you may lose control of the ve-
hicle, even with VSS.
If the paved road surface is covered
or partially covered with ice, snow
or slush, there is not enough traction
available to maintain control of the ve-
hicle, even with VSS. Do not operate
on snow, ice or slush.
Like other on- road vehicles, this ve-
hicle can hydroplane on water (lose
traction on a layer of water). If you ride
too fast into a layer of water, such as
a large puddle or flowing water on the
road, the vehicle can lose traction and
spin out, and the VSS cannot keep you
in control. Avoid large water puddles
or water streams, and slow down or
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30 SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
pull off the road during heavy rains. If
you must pass through water, slow
down as much as possible before you
reach it.
Reduce speed on surfaces with poor
traction, like mud, sand, gravel or wet
pavement. The Spyder roadster is not
for off-road operation. Always operate
the vehicle on maintained roadways.
Do not use the vehicle on any other ter-
rain.
Tires
The VSS on the vehicle has been cal-
ibrated to perform best with a tire of
a specific size, material and tread pat-
tern. Replacing your tires with ones
not approved by BRP can cause the
VSS to be ineffective.
Use only BRP recommended tires,
which can be ordered only from an au-
thorized Can-Am roadster dealer.
Proper tire inflation pressure and tread
condition are important for maintaining
traction, especially on loose or wet sur-
faces.
See TIRES (p.79).
Hard Turns
The VSS does not control or limit steer-
ing input – it cannot keep you from
turning too sharply. Large and rapid
steering handlebar movements can
cause the vehicle to go out of control,
spin, tip or roll over.
Engine Braking
The VSS does not control engine brak-
ing (slowing the vehicle by downshift-
ing). If you shift into too low a gear
when you are at high speed, the rear
tire can skid and you can lose control,
spin, tip or roll over, particularly in a
curve.
Excess Speed
The VSS does not control the vehicle's
speed, except when SCS intervenes
during a turn. VSS does not prevent
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