BRP Tilting CanAm Spyder Patent Revealed

While the world gets ready to welcome the hybrid CanAm Spyder, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) also seems to have further plans in mind. Recent patent documents reveal a three-wheeled vehicle equipped with a tilting mechanism. This means BRP is planning to launch a CanAm Spyder that is able to lean just like a regular two-weheeled motorcycle in the near future.

As a fresh reminder, we’ll tell you that current CanAm vehicles from BRP turn in the direction of the handlebars. However, the tilting mechanism will require countersteering, a maneuver that is frequently performed by motorcycle riders.

The patent-pending tilting system by BRP is assisted by an actuator motor that will lean the vehicle into a turn. The actuator is controlled by electronics that monitor the vehicle’s speed, lean angle, steering torque and lateral acceleration. At low speeds, the system prevents the vehicle from leaning too far, or even at all, but at higher speeds, the system allows for steeper lean angles.

The electronic control unit can also be configured with different riding modes allowing the rider to select the degree of lean assistance. The actuator also keeps the vehicle upright at a stop unlike the tilting Piaggio MP3 which requires the rider to put his feet down or press a tilt lock button.

Meanwhile, visitors of the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows across the United States can take a look at the hybrid CanAm Spyder prototype. The vehicle will be equipped with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and the Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) engine, aiming to be 50% more fuel-efficient than the current CanAm Spyder roadster.