Two weeks ago I picked up my Can Am Spyder GS Roadster from Higgins Power Sports in Barre, MA and trailered it back to CT. A few hours later it was registered at the Department of Motor Vehicle and I was out for my first test drive... in the driveway. Getting used to the friction zone on the clutch took a few minutes, as it's been a while since being on a motorcycle. However, unlike a motorcycle, one immediately realizes the Roadster's footprint commands a presence on the road; 5 feet wide and just under 9 feet long.
The handlebars are engraved with Premiere Edition No. 2475, an official demarcation, denoting one of the first 2500 sold in North America. Jay Leno received Spyder No. 01 and you can see it featured in a video at Jay Leno's Garage.
I've found the Roadster is happiest when shifting between 5000-6000 RPM, holding true to its sport-bike muscle via its Rotax 990 engine. The sport car-like front-end really grips the road, as advertised, and provides a unique level of comfort and stability - not to mention enhancing the thrill on winding roadways. I haven't tested the acceleration from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, as the bike is still breaking in, but I did experience its power while accelerating onto the Merritt Parkway. Glancing down at the speedometer, while at the top of the on ramp, the Roady was comfortably merging in at 70 MPH with very little effort on the throttle.
A very cool way to relax.