The 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS – also known as the 2008 BRP Can-Am Spyder Roadster – is a sport-touring three-wheeled motorcycle that Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) released for the 2008 model year. The bike is notable for its all-wheel terrain vehicle (ATV)-like chassis, in addition to its three-wheel drivetrain set-up. The vehicle is named for its racing pretensions, similar to the automobile roadster (two-seat sport-oriented car). The 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS is the second model year for the nameplate; BRP started production in 2007.
There are two versions of the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS Roadster: the SE5 and the SM5. The former model is named after its semi-automatic transmission, which has a sequential shift ability of 1-2-3-4-5 and 5-4-3-2-1. A paddle shifter comes with the transmission for up- and down-shifting. The latter model is named after its five-speed manual gearbox. This bike comes with a one-down-four-up configuration with reverse, a manual transmission with a left-hand-actuated clutch, and a left-foot-actuated shifter.
Each 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS has a four-stroke two-cylinder V-shaped Rotax® engine (V-twin), with four valves on each cylinder. It generates 106 horsepower at 8,500 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 77 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 RPM. The engine displaces at 998 cubic centimeters, and has a bore and stroke of 3.82 by 2.68 inches. A liquid cooler on the engine cools it down to prevent overheating and consequent malfunction.
The 2008 Cam-Am Spyder GS is available in three finishes: Full Moon, Millennium Yellow, Roadster Red. Each bike comes with halogen headlights for exterior lighting; rear spoiler and fenders for aerodynamic look and feel; rearview mirrors for greater visibility; exhaust guard for protection from exhaust heat; and helmet and glove box/dash storage. Digital instrumentation on the Spyder includes a clock, tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, and temperature warning and fuel level indicators. The one-piece vinyl seat is big enough for two people: the driver and a passenger. Drum brakes in the front and at the rear provide better braking than the traditional, regular front-disc rear-drum layout. Each 2008 Spyder rides on a 14-inch wheel in the front and a pair of 15-inch ones at the back: all made of aluminum and fitted with tubeless tires.
The 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS Roadster is a comparatively huge motorcycle. It measures around 105 inches in length, around 59 inches in width and around 45 inches in height, with a wheelbase of around 68 inches. The seat on the bike is set at a height of 29 inches. At $16,999, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is higher for the SE5 version of the 2008 Can-Am Spyder; the MSRP is $15,499 for the SM5 model.