2021 Can-Am Ryker First Look Preview

We’ve got to give it Can-Am and its parent company, BRP. Its on-road three-wheelers have opened the riding door for lots of folks who otherwise might not have considered getting behind a set of handlebars. Particularly since launching its entry-level Ryker line in 2018. According to BRP, 54 percent of Ryker riders are completely new to the industry; 36 percent are female; 55 percent are under the age of 55; and 48 percent of Ryker riders come from “diverse communities.” Manufacturers these days put a lot of effort into initiatives and models designed to expand the riding population, and it seems that BRP has found a winning formula in this regard.

“We believe that the open road should be open to all,” Josée Perreault, SVP of Can-Am OnRoad at BRP, said in a company press release. “Those aren’t just words. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced rider or a rookie, what your ethnic background is, or if you’re a man or a woman. Everyone should be able to experience the incredible fun and freedom of riding. Our vehicles and our approach are centered in that, which is why we continue to outpace other well-known, iconic brands.”

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What makes the Ryker so appealing? The stability of three planted wheels, automatic transmission, and a beginning MSRP of $8,799 for the 600cc Rotax twin for starters. And in 2021, the Ryker will have more accessories and personalization options for riders to choose from.

There will be three base platforms available in 2021: the aforementioned 600cc version, a Ryker with a 900cc Rotax triple ($10,199), and a Ryker Rally Edition ($11,499), which features a number of electronics and creature-comfort upgrades.

The base-model, single-seat Ryker is available with either the Rotax 600 ACE twin or Rotax 900 ACE triple. The 600 puts out 50 hp at 7,300 rpm and 36.7 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. The 900 offers up 82 hp at 8,000 rpm and 58.3 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm.

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The two models share many features however, including the Automatic CVT transmission with reverse, double wishbone Sachs front suspension, and preload adjustable Sachs shocks. Both have dual 270mm discs with two-piston Nissin calipers at the front and a single 220m disc, single-piston caliper at the rear. Other nice touches like a parking brake, 5.3-gallon fuel capacity, five-spoke carbon black aluminum wheels, and 4.5-inch digital display are also standard on both models.

As for electronics, the 600 and 900 come with ABS, traction control, stability control, hill-hold control, and anti-theft systems. The 900 also offers two ride modes, Eco and Sport. There’s also 1.9 gallons of carrying capacity in the glove box and two USB ports.

Plus, you get 22 color and graphics options to choose from.

The Ryker Rally has all the amenities of the 900 and then some. It’s got a KYB suspension set up with preload adjustment at the front along with preload and compression adjustment options at the rear. Its reinforced rims are wrapped in more aggressively treaded tires. Other touches include a reinforced front grille, skid plate, hand guards, and a Max Mount tailsection that allows for riders to pack more cargo. There’s also Rally ride mode that allows for more rear wheel drift.

If you’re new to riding and want to know where to start with a Can-Am Ryker, you have options too. There’s a Women’s Mentorship Program available, as well as a Can-Am Rider Education Program.