Can-Am spyder gs 2008 Manual

® AND THE BRP LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. OR ITS AFFILIATES.
©2007 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN CANADA.
219 000 536 CA
OPERATORS GUIDE, SPYDER GS / ENGLISH
GUIDE DU CONDUCTEUR, SPYDER GS / ANGLAIS
FAIT AU / MADE IN CANADA U/M:PC
219 000 536
Includes
Safety, Vehicle
and Maintenance Information
Roadster
Operators
Guide
SPYDE
TM
GS
Learn how the Spyder roadster is different.
Read this operators guide and watch the safety video.
Complete a training course (if available), practice and become proficient with the controls.
Consult local laws - license requirements vary by location.
Keep this guide in the front storage compartment.
WARNING
WARNING
The Spyder roadster is a different type of vehicle-
it requires special skills and knowledge.
Learn how the Spyder roadster is different.
Read this operators guide and watch the safety video.
Complete a training course (if available), practice,
become proficient with the controls, and get a proper
license.
Refer to the Safety Card before riding.
lways wear a helmet and riding gear.
ith this type of vehicle, riders are exposed to more
road risks than in a car. Even skilled operators can be
struck by other vehicles or lose control. This vehicle
wil not protect you in a crash.
Handling limits and road Conditions.
The Vehicle Stability System (VSS) cannot stop you
from losing control, flipping over, or falling off if you
exceed this vehicles limits. Know the limits for different
road conditions. Do not ride on ice, snow, or off road.
Avoid puddles and running water. This type of vehicle
can hydroplane on water and slip on gravel, dirt and
sand covered roads. If you must go through these
road conditions, slow down.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
© Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

HOW TO USE THIS OPERATOR’S GUIDE
Know Before You Go
For your safety and the safety of pas-
sengers and bystanders, read the fol-
lowing sections before you operate
the Spyder roadster:
–GENERAL PRECAUTIONS (p.6)
–CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND
BASIC PROCEDURES (p.9)
–SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
(p.27)
–PRE-RIDE INSPECTION (p.65).
Experienced motorcyclists should pay
special attention to WHAT’S DIFFER-
ENT ABOUT THE SPYDER ROAD-
STER (p.28).
In this Operator’s Guide, the word
motorcycle typically refers to a
two-wheeled motorcycle.
Keep this Operator’s Guide in the front
storage compartment so that you can
refer to it for things such as mainte-
nance, troubleshooting and instructing
others.
Finding Safety Information
Read the entire GENERAL PRECAU-
TIONS (p.6) and SAFE OPERATING IN-
STRUCTIONS (p.27) sections to learn
how to reduce the risk of you, passen-
gers or bystanders being hurt or killed.
In addition, certain messages in other
sections are highlighted as follows:
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazard
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE Indicates an instruction
which, if not followed, could severe-
ly damage vehicle components or
other property.
Driving Environment
This Operator’s Guide was written in
North America in a right-lane driving
environment. Please adapt your ap-
plication of these maneuvers to your
jurisdiction and rules of the road.
Refer to Other Sources of
Information
In addition to reading this Operator’s
Guide, you should read the Safety
Card on the vehicle (see also p. 59) and
watch the safety video.
If possible, take a training class
that is specifically designed for the
Spyder roadster. Check our website
at www.can-am.brp.com for more
information about upcoming training
classes availability. If you can’t take a
training class specifically designed for
the Spyder roadster, it is a good idea
to take a motorcycle training course,
since some of the skills required are
similar and information about man-
aging risk on the road is taught and
similarly applies to riding your Spyder
roadster.
Acknowledgment
BRP wishes to thank the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation (MSF) for giving per-
mission to BRP to use some of MSF’s
material related to street motorcycle
safety found in this Operator’s Guide.
The MSF is an internationally recog-
nized not for profit foundation and is
supported by motorcycle manufac-
turers. It provides training, tools and
partnerships to the motorcycle safe-
ty community. Visit its website at
www.msf-usa.org.
______________________ 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOWTOUSETHISOPERATOR’SGUIDE........................................ 1
KnowBeforeYou Go............................................................. 1
FindingSafetyInformation ...................................................... 1
Driving Environment............................................................. 1
RefertoOtherSourcesofInformation ......................................... 1
Acknowledgment ................................................................ 1
GENERALPRECAUTIONS.......................................................... 6
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ............................................. 6
Avoid Gasoline Fires and OtherHazards ....................................... 6
Avoid BurnsfromHotParts ..................................................... 6
AccessoriesandModifications ................................................. 6
CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND BASIC PROCEDURES
OPERATING DURINGBREAK-IN ................................................. 10
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS ..................................................... 11
PrimaryControls ................................................................ 11
SecondaryControls............................................................. 14
Multifunction GaugeCluster ................................................... 16
BASICPROCEDURES .............................................................. 20
Starting and Stopping the Engine .............................................. 20
Adjusting Mirrors................................................................ 21
Locking theHandleBars........................................................ 21
OpeningtheFrontStorageCompartment .................................... 21
OpeningtheSeat................................................................ 22
Fueling ........................................................................... 22
OperatinginReverse ........................................................... 23
Adjusting Suspension........................................................... 23
License PlateInstallation....................................................... 25
SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT’SDIFFERENTABOUTTHE SPYDERROADSTER...................... 28
Stability .......................................................................... 28
Response to Road Conditions.. ................................................ 28
BrakePedal...................................................................... 28
Parking Brake.................................................................... 28
Steering.......................................................................... 28
Width............................................................................. 29
Reverse.......................................................................... 29
Driver’sLicense andLocalLaws............................................... 29
DRIVINGAIDTECHNOLOGIES................................................... 30
Vehicle Stability System (VSS) ................................................. 30
ElectronicBrakeDistribution(EBD) ........................................... 31
DynamicPowerSteering(DPS)................................................ 31
2_______________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNDERSTANDINGRISKON THEROAD ........................................ 32
TypeofVehicle .................................................................. 32
Operator SkillsandJudgment.................................................. 32
RiderCondition.................................................................. 32
VehicleCondition................................................................ 33
Road and Weather Conditions ................................................. 33
RIDINGGEAR ....................................................................... 34
Helmets.......................................................................... 34
OtherRiding Gear............................................................... 34
REQUIREDRIDINGSKILLSANDPRACTICEEXERCISES..................... 37
Choosing a Practice Area ....................................................... 37
PreparingtoRide................................................................ 38
RidingPosture................................................................... 38
PracticeExercises .............................................................. 38
Developing Advanced RidingSkills............................................ 45
STREETSTRATEGIES.............................................................. 47
PlanYourTrip .................................................................... 47
DefensiveRiding................................................................ 47
BeingVisible..................................................................... 48
Lane Position.................................................................... 49
CommonRiding Situations..................................................... 49
Road Conditions and Hazards .................................................. 52
On-Road Emergencies ......................................................... 53
TireFailure ....................................................................... 53
CARRYING A PASSENGER OR CARGO ......................................... 54
WeightLimits.................................................................... 54
Operatingwith Extra Weight................................................... 54
CarryingaPassenger ........................................................... 54
WheretoStoreCargo........................................................... 55
NoTowing ....................................................................... 55
KNOWLEDGE SELF-TEST......................................................... 56
Questionnaire ................................................................... 56
Answers ......................................................................... 58
SAFETYINFORMATION ONTHEVEHICLE ..................................... 59
HangTag......................................................................... 59
SafetyCard ...................................................................... 59
Labels ............................................................................ 60
REPORTINGSAFETYDEFECTS .................................................. 63
PRE-RIDE INSPECTION
PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST.............................................................. 66
______________________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRANSPORTING AND STORING
TRANSPORTING THESPYDER ROADSTER.................................... 68
STORINGTHESPYDERROADSTER............................................. 70
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE ...................................................... 72
MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES .................................................. 76
ToolKit ........................................................................... 76
BodyPanels ..................................................................... 76
Tires .............................................................................. 79
DriveBelt ........................................................................ 80
Engine OilandCoolant.......................................................... 82
Brakes............................................................................ 85
Battery ........................................................................... 86
ClutchFluid LevelVerification.................................................. 87
HeadlightsAiming .............................................................. 88
VehicleCare ..................................................................... 89
ROAD SIDE REPAIRS
PROBLEMS.......................................................................... 92
CannotShiftIntoFirstGear..................................................... 92
LostKeys ........................................................................ 92
FlatTire........................................................................... 92
DeadBattery..................................................................... 92
ElectricalAccessoriesFailure.................................................. 93
LightFailure...................................................................... 95
Engine DoesNot Start........................................................ 100
MESSAGESINMULTIFUNCTIONGAUGE CLUSTER....................... 101
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VEHICLEIDENTIFICATION ...................................................... 104
Vehicle Identification Number. ............................................... 104
Engine IdentificationNumber................................................ 104
EPACompliance Label(USA) ................................................ 104
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 105
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY – USA AND CANADA: 2008 CAN-AM™ SPYDER™
ROADSTER ........................................................................ 112
4_______________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY OUTSIDE USA AND CANADA: 2008 CAN-AMTM
SPYDERTM ROADSTER .......................................................... 116
CALIFORNIAEMISSIONCONTROLWARRANTYSTATEMENT ........... 121
PRIVACY OBLIGATION/DISCLAIMER ......................................... 122
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 123
______________________ 5

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing car-
bon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confu-
sion and eventually death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas that may be present
even if you do not see or smell any en-
gine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can collect rapidly, and you
can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can linger for hours
or days in enclosed or poorly ventilated
areas. If you experience any symp-
toms of carbon monoxide poisoning,
leave the area immediately, get fresh
air and seek medical treatment.
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide:
– Never run the vehicle in poorly ven-
tilated or partially enclosed areas
such as garages, carports or barns.
Even if you try to ventilate engine
exhaust with fans or open windows
and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.
– Never run the vehicle outdoors
where engine exhaust can be drawn
into a building through openings
such as windows and doors.
Avoid Gasoline Fires and
Other Hazards
Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive. Fuel vapors can
spread and be ignited by a spark or
flame many feet away from the en-
gine. To reduce the risk of fire or explo-
sion, follow these instructions:
– Refuel outdoors in a well ventilated
area away from flames, sparks, any-
one smoking and other sources of
ignition.
– Never add fuel with engine running.
– Never top off the fuel tank. Leave
some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.
– Wipeupanyspilledfuel.
– Never start or operate the engine
with the fuel cap removed.
– Use only an approved red gasoline
container to store fuel.
– Do not carry gasoline containers in
the front storage compartment or
anywhere else on the vehicle.
Gasoline is poisonous and can cause
injury or death.
– Never siphon gasoline by mouth.
– If you swallow gasoline, get any in
your eye or inhale gasoline vapor,
see your doctor immediately.
If gasoline spills on you, wash with
soap and water and change your
clothes.
Avoid Burns from Hot Parts
The exhaust system and engine be-
come hot during operation. Avoid con-
tact during and shortly after operation
to avoid burns.
Accessories and
Modifications
Do not make unauthorized modifica-
tions, or use attachments or acces-
sories that are not approved by BRP.
Since these changes have not been
tested by BRP, they may increase the
risk of crashes on the road or injuries,
and they can make the vehicle illegal
for use on the road.
Unlike most motorcycles, the Spyder
roadster is equipped with a Vehicle Sta-
bility System (VSS), which is calibrated
for the vehicle’s normal configuration.
VSS may not function properly if the
vehicle is modified, such as changing
weight distribution, wheelbase, tires,
suspension or steering.
6_______________________

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
See your authorized Can-Am roadster
dealer for available accessories for
your vehicle.
______________________ 7

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
8_______________________

CONTROLS,
INSTRUMENTS
AND BASIC
PROCEDURES
T
______________________ 9

OPERATING DURING BREAK-IN
A break-in period of 1 000 km (625 mi)
is required for the vehicle.
Duringthefirst300km(186mi),avoid
hard braking.
WARNING
New brakes and tires do not op-
erate at their maximum efficiency
until they are worn in. Braking,
steering and VSS (p.30) perfor-
mance may be reduced, so use
extra caution.
Brakes and tires take about 300 km
(186 mi) of riding with frequent
braking and steering to wear in.
For riding with infrequent braking
and steering, allow extra time to
wear in the brakes and tires.
During the first 1 000 km (625 mi):
– Avoid full throttle acceleration.
– Avoid prolonged riding.
– If the cooling fan operates continu-
ously during stop and go traffic, pull
over and shut off the engine to let it
cool off or speed up to let air cool off
the engine.
After the break-in period, your vehicle
should be inspected by an authorized
Can-Am roadster dealer as per the
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (p.72).
NOTE: The break-in inspection is per-
formed at the expense of the vehicle
owner.
10 ______________________

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
Many controls are similar to the controls of a motorcycle, but some controls are dif-
ferent. It is important to know the location and operation of all controls, and to de-
velop and practice smooth and coordinated use of them. See REQUIRED RIDING
SKILLS AND PRACTICE EXERCISES (p.37).
Primary Controls
4
1
5
3
6
2
1
rmo2008-001-013_a
1) Handlebars
Grip the handlebars with both hands.
Steer the handlebars in the direction
you want to go.
2) Throttle
The throttle is the right handgrip, and
it controls engine speed. To increase
engine speed, roll the throttle toward
you.
rmo2008-001-007_a
TO INCREASE SPEED
_____________________ 11

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
To decrease engine speed, roll the
throttle away from you.
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TO DECREASE SPEED
The throttle is spring loaded and should
return to idle when you release your
grip.
3) Clutch Lever
The clutch lever is in front of the left
handgrip. The clutch controls the
transmission of power from the en-
gine to the rear wheel. The lever is
squeezed in to disengage power and
eased out to engage power.
Refer to 2) LEARNING THE FRICTION
ZONE AND BASIC HANDLING (p.38)
for detailed instructions.
Position Adjustment
The position of the clutch lever can be
adjusted as follows:
1. Hold the clutch lever forward.
2. Turn the adjuster dial to the desired
position.
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CLUTCH LEVER ADJUSTMENT
1. Clutch lever
2. Adjuster dial
4) Gearshift Lever
The gearshift lever is in front of the left
footrest.
The gear pattern is Reverse-1-Neutral-
2-3-4-5.
rmo2008-001-009_a
Lift up or press down fully to move se-
quentially from one gear to the next.
When the lever is released, it returns
to center where the mechanism resets
for the next shift up or down. Neutral
(N) is selected by either a half lift from
first gear or a half press from second
gear. Refer to 8) SHIFTING (p.43) for
detailed instructions.
To shift into reverse, refer to SHIFTING
INTO REVERSE (p. 23) for detailed in-
structions.
5) Brake Pedal
The brake pedal is in front of the right
footrest. Press it down to operate.
This pedal brakes all three wheels.
rmo2008-001-008_a
1. Brake pedal
2. Footpeg
6) Parking Brake Pedal
The parking brake pedal is behind the
operator’s left footpeg. With the vehi-
cle stopped, press it down firmly until it
12 ______________________

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
locks to apply the parking brake. Firm-
ly press the pedal down a second time
to release the parking brake.
rmo2008-001-079_a
1. Parking brake pedal
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1. Engaging/disengaging parking brake pedal
WARNING
Do not use the parking brake to
slow or stop the vehicle; you could
lose control, spin, tip or roll over.
Warn passenger not to touch it
with their left foot.
Operate the parking brake pedal only
while seated on the stopped vehicle.
_____________________ 13

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
Secondary Controls
85
9
3
4 26 7 1
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1Ignition switch 6 Turn signal button
2 Engine start button 7Horn button
3 Engine stop switch 8 Reverse interlock lever
4Hazard warning switch 9 Headlights override button
5Headlights switch
1) Ignition Switch
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IGNITION SWITCH
1. OFF
2. ON
3. Front storage compartment opening
4. Seat opening/Fuel tank access
5. Steering lock position
The ignition switch is located in the
center of the handlebars. It controls:
– engine ignition
– seat opening mechanism to access:
• fuel tank cap
• fuses
• brake fluid reservoirs
• battery terminals.
– front storage compartment opening
mechanism
– steering-lock mechanism.
NOTICE If the key does not turn
easily, do not force it. Pull it out and
reinsert.
14 ______________________

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
WARNING
If you turn the ignition switch to
OFF, it shuts off the engine and
all the electrical systems includ-
ing the VSS (p.30), EBD (p.31) and
DPS (p.31). If you do this while the
vehicle is moving, you could lose
control and crash.
NOTE: You should receive two keys
with your vehicle. Each key con-
tains a computer chip specifically pre-
programmed to start your vehicle.
Store the spare key in a safe place be-
cause you must have your spare key
to have another one made by an autho-
rized Can-Am roadster dealer.
2) Engine Start Button
The engine start button is near the right
handgrip.
3) Engine Stop Switch
The engine stop switch is near the
right handgrip. It has two positions and
must be set to the run position before
you can start the engine. It allows you
to stop the engine anytime without re-
moving your hand from the handlebar.
4) Hazard Warning Switch
The hazard warning switch is near
the right handgrip. Push the button
to the left to turn on the hazard warn-
ing lights.
5) Headlights Switch
The switch is near the left handgrip,
and is used to select high or low beam
for the headlight. The headlights au-
tomatically turn on when the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
To select high beams, push the switch
to the front position. To select low
beams, push the switch to the down
position.
To flash the high beams, push the
switch down, then release it. The high
beams will stay on as long as you hold
down the switch.
rmo2008-001-061_a
1. High beams
2. Low beams
3. Flash high beams
6) Turn Signal Button
The turn signal button is located near
the left handgrip. It turns off automat-
ically after a normal turn, but you may
have to turn it off manually after a shal-
low turn or lane change.
To turn the signal off, press the button
in.
Turn signals will automatically turn off
after 30 seconds while the vehicle is
moving.
7) Horn Button
The horn button is located near the left
handgrip.
8) Reverse Interlock Lever
The reverse interlock lever is located in
front of the left handgrip. Pull it toward
youwithyourrighthandtoallowshift-
ing into reverse. Refer to OPERATING
IN REVERSE (p.23) for detailed instruc-
tions.
WARNING
Do not use the reverse interlock
lever while riding forward. You
could lose control.
The hazard warning lights flash when
thevehicleisinreve
rse.
_____________________ 15

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
9) Headlight Override
There is a headlight override button on
the front of the right handgrip. Push
and hold the headlight override button
to operate the high beams. This but-
ton will light the high beams even if the
ignition switch is in the OFF position.
The button can be used to light up in-
side the front storage compartment.
The high beams will reflect on the
inside of compartment lid when it is
opened.
Multifunction Gauge Cluster
The multifunction gauge cluster includes gauges (speedometer, tachometer, en-
gine temperature, fuel level), indicator lamps and a user selectable digital display.
Description
rmo2008-001-050_a
1) Analog Speedometer
Measures vehicle speed in kilometers or miles per hour. To change units, refer to
SETTING METRIC/IMPERIAL UNITS (p.19).
2) MODE (M) Button
Pressing the MODE (M) button will scroll through the functions of the secondary
digital display.
3) SET (S) Button
Pressing the SET (S) button will scroll through the functions of the main digital dis-
play.
4) Analog Tachometer (RPM)
Measures engine revolutions per minute (RPM). Multiply by 1000 to obtain actual
revolutions.
16 ______________________

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
5) Indicator Lamps
Indicator lamps will inform you of various conditions or problems.
An indicator lamp can flash alone or in combination with another lamp.
The digital display provides a brief description for some of the conditions or prob-
lems indicated by lamps.
The following table lists the indicator lamps during normal operation. For prob-
lematic conditions, refer to MESSAGES IN MULTIFUNCTION GAUGE CLUSTER
(p.101).
INDICATOR LAMP(S) MAIN DIGITAL
DISPLAY
DESCRIPTION
All indicator
lamps On None
All indicator lamps are activated
when ignition switch is set to ON
and the engine is not started.
!On PARK BRAKE Parking brake engaged.
NOn None Gearbox in neutral position.
RFlashing None Gearbox in reverse position.
On None Headlights in the HIGH beam
position.
Flashing None VSS intervention occurs.
Flashing None Turn signal or hazard warning
lights flashing.
6) Main Digital Display
Displays several real time useful informations to the rider.
For display function informations, refer to MAIN DISPLAY FUNCTIONS (p.18).
Important information messages can also be displayed, refer to MESSAGES IN
MULTIFUNCTION GAUGE CLUSTER (p.101).
7) Fuel Level
Bar gauge that continuously indicates the amount of fuel left in the fuel tank.
8) Secondary Digital Display
Displays several real time useful informations to the rider. For display function in-
formations, refer to SECONDARY DISPLAY FUNCTIONS (p.18).
9) Gearbox Positions
Displays the selected gearbox position.
_____________________ 17

CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
The gearbox positions are: R (reverse), 1, N (neutral), 2, 3, 4, 5.
10) Engine Temperature
Bar gauge that continuously indicates the engine coolant temperature.
11) Digital Speedometer
In addition of the analog type speedometer, vehicle speed can also be indicated via
this display.
Speed can be displayed in kilometers (Km/h) or miles (MPH) per hour. To change
units, refer to SETTING METRIC/IMPERIAL UNITS (p.19).
Startup and Shutdown
Any time the ignition switch is set to ON after having been in the OFF position for
five minutes or more, the main digital display will scroll the following message:
– BEFORE OPERATING READ THE SAFETY CARD ABOVE THEN PRESS _M_
BUTTON.
NOTE: Acknowledge this message to allow engine starting.
Digital Display Information
WARNING
Do not adjust the display while riding. You could lose control.
Main Display Functions
Pressing the SET (S) button will scroll through the different functions.
FUNCTION SEQUENCE INFORMATION DISPLAYED
Outside temperature XX C° (Celsius)
XX F° (Fahrenheit)
Tachometer (Revolutions per minutes) XXXX RPM
Secondary Display Functions
Pressing the MODE (M) button will scroll through the different functions.
FUNCTION SEQUENCE INFORMATION DISPLAYED
Clock XX:XX (24:00 time base)
XX:XX A or P (12:00 AM/PM time base)
Cumulative distance odometer XXXXX.X Km or mi
Trip distance – odometer A (TRIP A) XXXXX.X Km or mi
Trip distance – odometer B (TRIP B) XXXXX.X Km or mi
Trip time chronometer (HrTRIP) XXXXX.X
Engine time chronometer (Hr) XXXXX.X
To reset any trip functions, push and hold the MODE (M) button for three seconds.
18 ______________________