Road Conditions And Hazards - Can-Am Spyder RT Operator's Manual

STREET STRATEGIES
if they are riding to one side of the
lane. In curves, do not try to follow
the path of motorcycles. Motorcycles
can move farther to the edges of the
lane in curves – if you follow them ex-
actly, your front wheel can leave the
lane. Motorcycles may be able to take
curves faster than the Spyder roadster.
Do not try to match their speed.
rmo2008-001-045_a
GROUP RIDING POSITION
1. Center of lane
2. Distance of 2 sec.
Particularly on curvy roads, Spyder
roadster riders might become tired
sooner than motorcyclists. Do not
push yourself to keep up with motor-
cycles; stop if you are tired.
Road Conditions and
Hazards
Ice, Snow and Slush
Do not ride on ice, snow or slush. Even
with VSS, there will not be enough
traction to maintain control on these
slippery surfaces. The Spyder road-
ster is more likely than a car to spin out
of control in slippery surfaces.
Gravel, Dirt and Sand
On gravel, dirt, or sand-covered roads,
use extra caution and reduce your
speed, particularly for curves. These
surfaces do not provide as much trac-
tion as paved surfaces and you can
lose control, even with VSS.
Wet Pavement and Puddles
There is normally enough traction to
maintain control on pavement that is
moist or wet, as long as there is not
a layer of water on top of the pave-
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84 SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ment (like a puddle or flowing water on
the road). As with other vehicles, the
Spyder roadster can hydroplane if you
drive too fast over water that has accu-
mulated on the road, but hydroplaning
occurs at lower speeds than with most
cars or motorcycles. You are more
likely to hydroplane in deeper water.
Watch for splashing or spraying when
other vehicles go through water as an
indicator of depth.
When hydroplaning occurs, one or
more wheels rise up on a layer of wa-
ter, losing contact with the road. If this
happens to the rear wheel, you may
feel it slide sideways. Hydroplaning
wheels do not have the traction nec-
essary to control the vehicle. You can
lose control and spin out, and the VSS
cannot keep you in control.
Avoid large water puddles or water
streams, and slow down or pull off the
road during heavy rains. If you must
pass through water, slow down as
much as possible before you reach it.
After passing through water, test your
brakes. Apply them several times if
necessary to let friction dry the brake
pads.
Properly maintained tires reduce the
risk of hydroplaning. Always maintain
recommended tire pressure:
– Front:
Nominal: 103 kPa (15 PSI)
Min.: 89 kPa (13 PSI)
Max.: 117 kPa (17 PSI)
– Rear:
Nominal: 193 kPa (28 PSI)
Min.: 179 kPa (26 PSI)
Max.: 207 kPa (30 PSI)
NOTE: The pressure difference be-
tween the left and right side tire should
not exceed 3.4 kPa (.5 PSI).
Immediately replace any tire that
shows the maximum tread wear in-
dicator (p. 120) to minimize risk of hy-
droplaning.
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