This summer, Niagara College welcomed six new and unique motorcycles to their fleet – three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder and Can-Am Ryker bikes – for exclusive and specialized motor tricycle courses, a special addition to their lineup of motorcycle training courses.
“Niagara College is excited to add three-wheel training to our motorcycle course roster,” said Bob Sagon-King, supervising chief instructor of the Motorcycle Training program. “The Ryker and the Spyder are entry-level bikes. They’re seen as less intimidating and more intuitive than two-wheel motorcycles while still offering an open air experience.”
Registration is now open for the two-hour Try a Spyder/Ryker introductory course, and will open in early August for the 10-hour Rider Training Motor-Tricycle licencing course offered by NC’s Part-Time Studies. Both Ryker and Spyder models offer a stable ride, with two wheels in the front and one wheel centered in the rear. Riders sit high on the Spyder and low on the Ryker. Classes are offered weekday evenings and weekends from August to the end of October at the Welland Campus.
Your journey starts now. Get your license → t.co/TcujFC2rx8 pic.twitter.com/hw0qbdMqT2
— Can-Am On-Road (@CanAmOnRoad) April 4, 2018
The new course offerings were made possible by the College’s partnership with Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), makers of these unique bikes, and local dealer Rev’s Full Throttle in Welland, who loaned the bikes to the College. Rev’s Full Throttle is offering a $75 gift card to the first 25 people to register for the two-hour introductory course.
Students can expect small class sizes – no more than five per course – and fantastic instruction by Sagon-King and his team of experienced instructors who are certified with the Canada Safety Council.
“Our instructors are passionate about teaching and committed to safety. Our courses have a great reputation in Niagara thanks in large part to our exceptional instructors,” said Joanne Bakker, NC’s associate dean, Workforce Development.
The two-hour introductory course offers participants a chance to try the unique three-wheeled bike. “It’s simply a ‘come on in’ where we show you some basic controls and you’ll get to actually ride the bike in the parking lot and get a feel for what it’s like. No licensing required, but no licensing at the end of the program,” explained Sagon-King. The fee for the course is $75.
Students in the 10-hour licensing course will graduate with a modified M2(M) license for three-wheeled motorcycles. The course is about half the length – and half the price – of the Motorcycle Basic Rider Training licensing course. The reason? “Straight physics,” said Sagon-King. “The fact that it is more stable than a motorcycle and has automatic transmission, whereas all motorcycles have manual transmission which impacts how quickly students learn.” Through a promotion with BRP, the Motor-Tricycle Rider Training licensing course is on offer for $199.
An M1 license is the students’ responsibility and a requirement of the Ministry of Transportation prior to taking any of the motorcycle licensing courses. An M1 can be obtained at a Drive Test centre (the closest one is located at 285 Bunting Road in St. Catharines). An M1 license is not required for the two-hour introductory course.
All courses require proper riding gear, including an MTO-approved helmet, denim jeans or heavy pants, a heavy-weight long-sleeved, non-synthetic jacket, and heavy-duty leather boots with a heel that completely cover your ankle.
For more information and to register, visit NC’s Motorcycle Training website.
