New Wheels!

 

Yes, that's me and the new Ryker on our first unpaved outing since picking it up at the dealer on the last day of August.  I know, it took me THAT long to post some pictures?!  In my defense, it's been quite a busy month of four-wheel travel and out-of-state guests.  In fact, my parents and sister were visiting from Oklahoma when it finally came in.  Dad took me across town in his rental car to sign the papers, watch me saddle up for the first time, and follow me home.

Often called a "reverse trike," the lone powered wheel is in the rear, connected to the 900cc three-cylinder engine with a fully enclosed drive shaft.  That tire is as wide as a car's!  In this photo, you can also see the white coils of the single adjustable shock, between the bottom of the seat and that enormous aluminum swingarm.

Up front, there are no hand controls other than the twist-grip throttle (and a few buttons, of course).  The transmission is "continuously variable," like a snowmobile's, so there is no clutch lever or gear shift.  The only foot control is a brake pedal above the right peg.  It squeezes the disks on all three wheels at once.  Convenience features include a lever for engaging reverse - and cruise control!  I've ordered a windshield that should arrive in a couple of days.

Besides the old "too busy" excuse, another reason I am just now getting around to showing off my new steed is that Ryker is finally sporting its full tri-color livery!  The white, yellow, and orange panels on the sides of the cowling and the similar accent on the hood were not included when I originally took delivery.  There are many styles available for these pieces, and I had to special order the ones I wanted.  These harken back to the original dirt bikes Can-Am produced and raced in the 1970s.  1972 was their first year, in fact - and mine as well!

Of course, the orange reminds me of Ural, and of my KTMs before that.  And you may have noticed I found a way to attach the leather cross-bar pad that was a custom-made gift from my dear friend Rich, back in Tillamook.  I'm nothing if not traditional.  Well, as traditional as one can get with a future-inspired, armored bug looking, 80-some horsepower backwards tricycle!